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Tag: USA

  • ‘Nothing to worry about’ – FIFA boss assures fans of safety in Mexico ahead of World Cup

    ‘Nothing to worry about’ – FIFA boss assures fans of safety in Mexico ahead of World Cup

    This year’s global football tournament, FIFA World Cup, is set to be hosted in three countries, USA, Canada and Mexico.

    The tournament is scheduled to start in June and the first match will be played in Mexico, at the country’s historic Estadio Azteca.

    However, the recent unrest in Mexico, particularly in the capital by drug cartel members following the killing of one of their leaders, Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera has raised concerns about the safety of tourists, fans and even citizens during the games scheduled to be hosted in Mexico.

    At least 74 people were killed during the operation to capture him at a ranch near Guadalajara and subsequent clashes between the security forces and suspected cartel members.

    Only one was a civilian, according to the government, but residents and tourists alike were left scurrying for cover as cartel gunmen blocked roads in 20 of Mexico’s 32 states and torched vehicles and businesses.

    Responding to fans and stakeholders concerns, leader of the governing body of FIFA, Gianni Infantino explained that he is certain Mexico remains safe to host the game despite the chaos and unrest.

    “Very reassured, everything’s good. It’s going to be spectacular,” Infantino said in the Colombian city of Barranquilla.

    How many matches will be played in Mexico?

    Mexico will host a total of 13 matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. These games will be spread across three stadiums in three different cities. The legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City will stage five matches, including the prestigious opening game on June 11, 2026, where Mexico will play.

    The Estadio Akron in Guadalajara will host four matches, all of which are group stage fixtures. Similarly, the Estadio BBVA in Monterrey will also host four matches, again all in the group stage.

    This means Mexico City will see matches played five times, while Guadalajara and Monterrey will each stage four games.

    ‘No risk’ to football fans – Authorities say, but how about citizens, others

    “It feels like we’re in a war zone,” Javier Perez, a 41-year-old engineer, told AFP on Tuesday in the parking lot of a grocery store replete with burnt-out cars in the Jalisco tourist resort of Puerto Vallarta.

    The images of anarchy and violence were beamed around the world less than four months before the start of the World Cup, while FIFA on Monday refused to comment.

    However, Infantino’s optimism was not reflected by the Portuguese Football Federation, who cast doubt on whether their team would play a friendly on 29 March in Mexico City.

    The federation said it was “closely monitoring the delicate situation currently unfolding in Mexico.”

    It added that the safety of players, coaches and supporters was a top priority and security considerations would be the deciding factor.

    Mexico national team coach Javier Aguirre was more upbeat, declaring: “All is going ahead as planned.”

    Earlier, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum assured that there was “no risk” to World Cup fans and said the situation was “gradually returning to normal.”

    Meanwhile, the FIFA World Cup is set to see approximately five to ten million people in attendance, according to the president of the football governing body, Gianni Infantino.

    Speaking at a joint press briefing with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., on 17 November, he noted that the tournament is expected to attract millions of people across the three countries set to host the games next year.

    “Millions of fans will be coming. One of the things I’ve observed in America is that the stadiums here are really built for people to have fun, to enjoy, to spend time. They don’t just watch the game and leave — they stay for hours, and I think that’s exactly what we need. We need occasions that bring people together from all over the world.”

    The USA is giving priority access to fans, the Whitehouse has announced.

    People from all over the World will travel to support their countries. Consequently, the Whitehouse has announced that fans set to travel for the tournament to the USA will be given the FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (Pass), given that most of the matches will be played there.

    The FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) is a special visa‑interview scheduling program created by the U.S. government and FIFA for the 2026 World Cup. It gives ticket holders priority access to U.S. visa appointments, ensuring fans can travel to matches in North America despite existing visa backlogs.

    Speaking during a joint press briefing with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the White House in Washington, D.C., on 17 November, President Donald Trump mentioned that “I’ve directed my administration to do everything within their power to make the 2026 World Cup an unprecedented success.”

    Detailing how the ‘World’ will gain access into the US, the Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that,
    ticket-holders for the tournament, set for next June and July in the US, Canada and Mexico, will not be automatically granted a tourist visa.

    But foreign nationals with tickets to World Cup football matches could get an interview at an embassy or consulate within six to eight weeks of applying, Rubio said.

    “Your ticket is not a visa; it doesn’t guarantee admission to the US. We’re going to do the same vetting as anybody else would get. The only difference here is we’re moving them up in the queue,” the Secretary noted.

    The FIFA president also noted that “With this FIFA Pass, we can make sure that those who buy a ticket, who are legitimate football fans or soccer fans, can come and attend the World Cup in the best conditions, starting from getting their visa”.

    The announcement of priority visa appointments has been welcomed by many, including the US Travel Association, a tourism industry trade group. “The expedited process for FIFA ticket-holders adds needed efficiency without sacrificing security. This is the kind of practical action that strengthens security, increases capacity and cuts wait times, putting the U.S. on a stronger footing to welcome millions of visitors next year,” the group’s CEO, Geoff Freeman, said in a statement.

  • U.S. aggression UN inaction: The law and politics of why nothing happens

    U.S. aggression UN inaction: The law and politics of why nothing happens

    At the heart of the international world order is a simple yet powerful rule. No state is permitted to use force against another except in self-defence or with the explicit authorisation of the United Nations (UN) Security Council.

    Yet, for decades, the United States(US) has repeatedly violated this rule, often without meaningful consequences. The problem is not the absence of law, but the structural inability of the UN to enforce it against its most powerful members.

    This article interrogates the legal and political architecture that has systematically disabled the United Nations from effectively responding to aggression by the United States and, by extension, other permanent members of the Security Council.

    Prohibition of Aggression Article 2(4) of the UN Charter

    The UN Charter is unequivocal in prohibiting the use of force in the conduct of international relations. Article 2(4) of the Charter proscribes the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. Additionally, the Charter forbids member states from acting in any manner inconsistent with the United Nations’ overarching aim of achieving and sustaining international peace and security, irrespective of the form or justification advanced.

    The reference to the phrase “threat or use of force” extends beyond the actual employment of armed force, such as military invasions, aerial bombardments, or other combat operations. It also encompasses coercive conduct, including the demonstration or deployment of military capabilities, the massing of forces at land or maritime borders, or the issuance of ultimatums supported by military power, where such conduct is intended to compel another State or to interfere with its sovereign prerogatives. Use of force may manifest in attempts to seize territory, alter internationally recognised boundaries, occupy foreign territory, fragment an existing State, impose or remove governments, dictate political outcomes, or otherwise exercise control over another State’s internal or external affairs.

    Exception to Article 2(4) of the UN Charter

    The Charter recognises only two exceptions to Article 2(4). The first exemption, provided in Article 51, provides that states have the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence in the event of an armed attack, until the Security Council takes the steps necessary to restore peace and security.

    Second exemption, under Chapter VII, is that the Security Council may, in response to an armed attack or threats of attack, impose sanctions such as complete or partial interruption of economic relations and of rail, sea, air, postal, telegraphic, radio, and other means of communication, and the severance of diplomatic relations under Article 41 of the Charter.

    In instances where the Security Council considers the aforementioned measures inadequate, the Council may undertake action by air, sea, or land forces, including demonstrations, blockades, and other operations, by Members of the United Nations.

    Such sanctions or actions by the Security Council, per Article 27 of the Charter, must have the concurrence of all permanent members of the Security Council, namely the People’s Republic of China, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and Russia, also known as the P5. In other words, if a member of the P5 does not concur or vetoes such a decision, neither a sanction nor an armed action can be taken by the Security Council.

    In instances where the veto power of a member of the P5 is evoked to avoid sanctions or armed action on it or an ally, the General Assembly, under the 1950 General Assembly Resolution 377 A (V) also known as the “Uniting for Peace” Resolution, may convene an Emergency Special Session within 24 hours and recommend collective measures, including economic and diplomatic measures or, in extreme cases, recommend the use of armed force.

    This is, however, not an authorisation for the use of arms. These recommendations are politically persuasive but legally non-binding, and enforcement still depends on voluntary action by Member States.

    Outside these exceptions, unilateral military action is illegal.

    US Armed Attack on Venezuela

    The United States (US), on January 3, 2026, without the authorization from the United Nations, entered the airspace of Venezuela, launched an unprovoked attack on the country’s state security and subsequently captured Nicolas Maduro, essentially deposing him as President of Venezuela.

    Weeks before this attack, the US had closed Venezuelan airspace, enforced a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers entering or departing Venezuela, a step designed to limit the country’s oil exports.

    The development is the clearest example of a breach of all provisions under Article 2(4) in recent history. The US threatened and eventually used force to affect the territorial integrity and political independence, which was inconsistent with the spirit and letter of the UN Charter.

    Admittedly, the US has genuine national security concerns about the actions and inactions of Venezuela over the past few years. However, per the dictates of international law, such concerns should have been addressed through recognised legal means, without resorting to armed attack.

    Condemnation Without Enforcement: Structural Limits of UN Action

    The United Nations and its affiliated bodies, in response to the US attack on Venezuela, have issued a number of statements expressing concern and condemnation. Notwithstanding these pronouncements, no binding sanctions have been imposed, nor has any collective enforcement action been authorised against the United States.

    This outcome is largely attributable to the requirement for the concurrence of all P5 members on the adoption of substantive measures under Chapter VII of the Charter. Obviously, the US would veto any such sanction or action tabled by the Security Council.

    Moreover, while the “Uniting for Peace” framework provides a procedural avenue for the General Assembly to recommend collective measures when the Security Council is unable to act, its effectiveness remains inherently limited. The General Assembly’s recommendations, though politically significant, lack binding legal force and depend entirely on the voluntary cooperation of Member States for their implementation.

    The United Nations does not possess an independent enforcement capability and must rely on contributions of troops, financial resources, and logistical support from its members. In circumstances where the States whose cooperation is required are themselves implicated in, or closely aligned with, the conduct under scrutiny, the prospects for meaningful enforcement are correspondingly diminished.

    This reality underscores a persistent structural tension within the international system: the divergence between the legal obligations articulated in the UN Charter and the power, strategic interest, and political feasibility constraints on their implementation.

    Implication of Structural Defects in the UN Charter

    The aforementioned structural limitations inherent in the current collective security architecture raise profound concerns regarding the capacity of the international system to restrain or deter future acts of aggression by other permanent members of the Security Council.

    If a permanent member is able to employ armed force against another State while effectively insulating itself from collective accountability through the exercise of veto power, the normative authority of the United Nations Charter risks being progressively eroded.

    The long-term implications of this trajectory are deeply concerning. Persistent inability to respond effectively to acts of aggression by powerful States risks normalising the erosion of collective security and replacing it with a return to power-based international relations. This continued weakening of multilateral constraints increases the risk of broader confrontations with potentially global consequences.

    Absent meaningful reform or renewed political commitment to the Charter’s foundational principles, the international community may find itself confronting a gradual but consequential hollowing out of the United Nations’ authority.

    Until the structural asymmetry within the Security Council is addressed, whether through restraint in the use of the veto, institutional reform, or strengthened alternative mechanisms, the promise of collective security envisioned by the Charter and the assurance of lasting international peace and security will remain elusive.

    Conclusion

    This analysis demonstrates that the prohibition of aggression under the United Nations Charter is neither ambiguous nor aspirational; it is a clear and foundational rule of the post-war international legal order. The Charter establishes a comprehensive framework that permits the use of force only in narrowly defined circumstances, self-defence in response to an armed attack or collective action authorised by the Security Council. Outside these exceptions, unilateral military action is unlawful, irrespective of the strategic, political, or moral justifications advanced.

    The US armed attack on Venezuela, without substantial sanctions for the former, exposes a critical disjunction between the normative clarity of the Charter and the institutional realities of its enforcement. While the United Nations has articulated legal condemnation and expressed institutional concern, its capacity to translate legal norms into binding consequences has been fundamentally constrained by the structure of the Security Council, particularly the veto power of its permanent members. Where a permanent member is itself implicated, the mechanisms of collective security are rendered largely inoperative, and the promise of accountability is displaced by political stalemate.

    This structural limitation carries consequences that extend well beyond any single incident or State. The repeated inability to enforce the Charter’s prohibition on the use of force against the most powerful actors risks normalising selective compliance with international law.

    The future credibility of the United Nations as the central guarantor of international peace and security depends on confronting this structural imbalance.

    Whether through restraint in the exercise of the veto, institutional reform, strengthened accountability mechanisms, or renewed political commitment to the Charter’s core principles, meaningful steps are required to realign power with law.

    Without such efforts, the gap between legal obligation and political practice will continue to widen, undermining the collective security system and leaving the international community increasingly vulnerable to unilateral action, escalation, and instability.

    ABOUT THE WRITER

    Akua Serwaa Ampong is a Ghanaian lawyer with over eight years of professional experience. She holds a Master’s degree in Diplomatic Studies from the University of Oxford and a Master of Arts in Peace, Security and Intelligence Management from the University of Professional Studies, Accra.

    Her work lies at the intersection of law, strategy, and policy, with a particular focus on security governance, intelligence accountability, and the legal dimensions of international cooperation.

    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, and do not reflect those of The Independent Ghana

  • US no longer part of WHO, ends 78-year membership with health agency

    US no longer part of WHO, ends 78-year membership with health agency

    The US has officially severed ties with the World Health Organisation (WHO), drawing the curtains on the about 78-year-old commitment to the health agency.

    Their withdrawal follows Executive Order 14155, which formally initiated the process and was signed by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, just a few days after he assumed office.

    On several occasions, he had announced his intention to break away from WHO, citing its close links with China, as part of a broader policy of withdrawing from international organisations that, he argued, did not serve U.S. interests.

    As part of the rules governing the withdrawal from the health agency, a member is mandated to serve a year’s notice of intent to withdraw and last year, the White House began the process, which has officially been finalised.

    White House announced its withdrawal in a joint statement shared by the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., published Thursday. 

    “Today, the United States withdrew from the World Health Organisation (WHO), freeing itself from its constraints,” parts of the statement noted.

    According to the statement, the US president cited the organisation’s alleged “mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic” and “other global health crises” among reasons to quit the body.

    “This action responds to the WHO’s failures during the COVID‑19 pandemic and seeks to rectify the harm from those failures inflicted on the American people,” the statement added. It also said that US membership in the organisation required “unfairly onerous payments.”

    US leaving, but allegedly owes WHO

    Despite the USA’s withdrawal, the WHO claims that Washington owes more than $130 million to the global health agency, but there is uncertainty and disagreement over it. 

    Trump administration officials acknowledge that they haven’t finished working out some issues, such as lost access to data from other countries that could give America an early warning of a potential pandemic in the near future.

    Also, a WHO spokesperson has said that an engagement will be held concerning the US departure and other concerns addressed on how the health agency will operate without the global financier’s exit at the WHO’s executive board in February. 

    Following Trump’s announcement of his intention to exit the WHO, many health experts and other stakeholders urged him to reconsider, including most recently the WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

    Experts worry about weakened global health security

    The greatest among the concerns raised by stakeholders regarding US exit is the financialimpact it stands to have on the agency and that of US’ ability to deal with disease outbreak and potential global health crisis.

    The US has historically been the largest funder of the organisation. The specialised health agency is mandated to coordinate preparedness when it comes to disease outbreaks like mpox, Ebola and polio. 

    It also provides technical assistance to poorer countries, helps distribute scarce vaccines, and sets guidelines for hundreds of health conditions, including mental health and cancer.

    “I hope the US will reconsider and rejoin WHO,” Ghebreyesus said at a press briefing earlier this month. “Withdrawing from the WHO is a loss for the United States, and it’s a ‌loss for the ⁠rest of the world.”

  • Here are the winners of Ghana Music Awards USA

    Here are the winners of Ghana Music Awards USA

    The Ghana Music Awards USA 2025 held live live from the Claridge Hotel (ACX1 studios) Atlantic City, New Jersey on Saturday, the 16th of August 2025 was a glamorous

    It was a night of excitement which ended with the most anticipated Artiste of the Year spot awarded to gospel musician, Empress Gifty, amongst others.

    Asides the ultimate prize, here’s a list of the other 21 categories and the winners who occupied them.

    2025 GMAUS: Empress Gifty beats Black Sherif, King Promise, Stonebwoy to win Artiste of the Year

    -Gospel Artist of the Year (Ghana): Piesie Esther

    -Highlife Artiste of the Year (Ghana): Fameye

    -Highlife Song of the Year (Ghana): Aseda by King Paluta

    -Emerging Artist of the Year (Ghana): Blakid

    -Songwriter of the Year (Ghana): Kofi Kinaata

    -Gospel Song of the Year (Ghana): Empress Gifty

    USA Categories

    -Afro Pop Song of the Year (USA): Sugar by Elizha

    -AfroBeat/Afro Pop Artiste of the Year (USA): Jamin Beats

    -Gospel Song of the Year (USA): Hear My Cry by Ama Asare

    -Gospel Artist of the Year (USA): Royal Mama

    -Male Artist of the Year (USA): C Burn

    -Most Popular Artist of the Year (USA): Nii Addo

    -Rapper of the Year (USA): K Rocks

    -Diaspora Act of the Year: Samuel Sey

    -New Artist of the Year (USA): Brother Ishmael

    -Music Video of the Year (USA): Faithful by Gifty K.

    -Music Concert of the Year (USA): “Sherkinab Experience” by Becky Osei

    -Hiplife and Hip Pop Song of the Year (USA): “Superstar” by Emperor T Jigah

    -Hiplife Artiste of the Year (USA): Ade3f3 Kwakye

    -Highlife Song of the Year (USA): Dream Big by Jay Baba

    -Hiplife/ Hip Pop Artiste of the Year (USA): Nana NYC

    Meanwhile, the event brought together some of Ghana’s finest musicians, producers and key industry players from both home and the diaspora, who gathered to celebrate musical excellence and the ever growing influence of Ghanaian music on the global stage.

    The 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards took place on May 10 at the Grand Arena in Accra, and as expected, it was a night full of glamour and celebration.

    The event, which is one of the biggest on Ghana’s entertainment calendar, celebrates top musicians from different music styles.

    This year’s show featured exciting live performances, award presentations, and standout moments on the red carpet.

    Both well-known stars and up-and-coming talents walked away with some of the most respected awards in the industry.

    Below is the list of winners so far at the 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards:

    Unsung Artsite – Yaw Darling

    Best Hiplife Song of the Year – Bad feeling by Tulenkey

    Best Male Vocalist – Joe Mettle

    Best Female Vocal Performance – I Choose to Praise by Esther Godwyll

    Best Highlife Song of the Year – King Paluta

    Best Hip-hop Song of the Year – Holy Ghost by Kweku Smoke

    Collaboration of the Year – Lomo Lomo by KiDi featuring Black Sherif

    International Collaboration of the Year – Doing of the Lord by Diana Hamilton featuring Mercy Chinwo

    Best Afropop Song of the Year – Paris by King Promise

    Lifetime Achievement Award – Yaw Sarpong

    Best Traditional Gospel Song – Watch Me by Empress Gifty

    Best Afrobeat Song of the Year – Asylum by Olivetheboy

    Best Music Video – Jejereje by Stonebwoy directed by Banini

    Gospel Artiste of the Year – Joe Mettle

    Producer of the Year – Kendybeats and King Paluta

    Best Afrobeat/Afropop Artiste of the Year – King Promise

    Best Urban Contemporary Gospel Song of the Year – Defe Defe by Team Eternity

    Best New Artiste – Beeztrap

    Tulenkey ft. Beeztrap – Best Highlife song of the year

    Stonebwoy – Best Reggae/ Dancehall song of the year

    King Promise – Best Album EP of the Year

    King Paluta – Most popular song of the year

    Ayisi – Record of the year and audio engineer of the year

    King Promise – Artiste of the Year

  • Dada Joe Remix extradited to face romance scam charges in USA

    Dada Joe Remix extradited to face romance scam charges in USA

    Ghana’s nightlife mogul and alleged crypto kingpin, Nana Kojo Boateng, popularly known as “Dada Joe Remix,” has been extradited successfully to the United States to face romance scam charges.

    This was made known on the Embassy’s Facebook page on July 1, 2025, following a collaborative effort between the Embassy’s Diplomatic Security Service special agents and Ghanaian authorities who offered support to the FBI in the operation.

    Mr Boateng has been charged with leading a fraud ring that targeted Americans through deceptive romance and inheritance ploys, resulting in multimillion-dollar losses.

    Thus, he is in the USA now to face prosecution.

    A secret FBI operation last month led to the arrest of Dada Joe Remix.

    Sources said he was “scooped up Rambo-style” over his alleged involvement in fraudulent financial activities.

    Even though people have known him as a big player in the oil and gas business, rumors had it that he might have been involved in shady activities behind the scenes.

    Panic reportedly gripped Accra’s elite social circles since the news broke.

    Some prominent figures allegedly involved in cryptocurrency, forex trading, and high-end real estate have also allegedly gone into hiding.

    It will be recalled that in 2022, the Nigerian social media influencer Ramon Abbas, who called himself Ray Hushpuppi and flaunted a lavish lifestyle supported by laundering millions of dollars, was sentenced in Los Angeles to more than 11 years in federal prison.

    Ramon Abbas, 40, was also ordered by a federal judge to pay $1.7 million in restitution to two fraud victims, according to a statement from the United States Department of Justice.

    Abbas was “one of the most prolific money launderers in the world,” Don Alway, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles office, said in the statement.

    Prosecutors said Abbas and a Canadian man laundered money from various online crimes, including bank cyberheists and business email compromise, or BEC, a prolific crime in which crooks hack into email accounts, pretend to be someone they’re not, and fool victims into wiring money where it doesn’t belong.

    Abbas had more than two million Instagram followers before he was arrested in 2020 in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

    His social media posts showed him living a life of luxury, complete with private jets, ultra-expensive cars, and high-end clothes and watches.

    “I hope someday I will be inspiring more young people to join me on this path,” read one Instagram post by Abbas, who pleaded guilty in April 2021 to one count of conspiracy to engage in money laundering.

    Watch the video below:

    https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1EHYgxm8jR

  • US’ 10% import tax threatens Ghana’s trade balance, foreign exchange earnings, cedi stabilization

    US’ 10% import tax threatens Ghana’s trade balance, foreign exchange earnings, cedi stabilization

    The newly announced 10% import tax by U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to have significant implications for Ghana’s trade balance, foreign exchange earnings, and the stability of the cedi.

    This tariff, which targets Ghanaian goods entering the U.S., is part of a broader protectionist policy that also includes a 34% levy on Chinese imports and a 20% tariff on European Union goods.

    Announcing the tariffs from the White House Rose Garden, President Trump justified the move as a means to correct long-standing economic imbalances.

    “Our country has been looted, pillaged, raped, and plundered by other nations. Taxpayers have been ripped off for more than 50 years. But that will not happen anymore,” Trump declared, invoking the 1977 International Emergency Powers Act to bypass Congress and implement the tariffs unilaterally.

    The imposition of a 10% import tax on Ghanaian goods means that products shipped to the U.S. will become more expensive, potentially reducing demand as buyers seek cheaper alternatives from untaxed markets.

    This could lead to a decline in Ghanaian exports, weakening the country’s trade balance and affecting foreign exchange inflows.

    In 2023, Ghana exported $1.74 billion worth of goods to the U.S., with key commodities including crude petroleum ($1.23 billion), cocoa beans ($154 million), and cocoa paste ($68.7 million). Over the past five years, Ghana’s exports to the U.S. had grown at an annualized rate of 22.7%, rising from $625 million in 2018 to $1.74 billion in 2023.

    However, the newly imposed tariffs could disrupt this trajectory. With lower foreign exchange earnings, the Ghanaian cedi may come under renewed pressure.

    The currency had already depreciated by 5.3% in the first quarter of 2025, with the Bank of Ghana reporting an exchange rate of GH¢15.53 to the U.S. dollar in March 2025.

    Amid concerns over the impact of the tariff, Virginia Evelyn Palmer, the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, has sought to reassure Ghanaian businesses, highlighting the strength of the trade relationship between the two nations.

    “The life-saving programs are all to be continued. The new face of the partnership will maintain all of the life-saving programs. The U.S. and Ghana have a very warm, close relationship, as you all know, and that is founded on four pillars,” she stated.

    Ambassador Palmer also emphasized the continued importance of Ghana’s exports, particularly in gold and gas, and suggested that these commodities would remain competitive in global trade despite the tariff hikes.

    “We have the historical and cultural. Also, more than $3 billion in bilateral trade investment is one of the key pillars. There are also goods and services; gold coming from here, gas coming from here, and we have automobiles and pharmaceuticals coming from the United States. So, it is something that builds prosperity in all the countries. It is all to say that no matter what the changes in language and no matter the change in focus, Ghana is really an important part of the United States and we will continue to be so,” she added.

    Trump’s aggressive trade policies have already sparked backlash from major trading partners. While Canada and Mexico remain exempt under the USMCA trade deal, China is facing additional 34% tariffs, with an extra 20% penalty on goods related to fentanyl production.

    The European Union and other affected nations, including Ghana, are considering retaliatory measures, adding to growing economic uncertainty.
    Ghanaian exporters may need to diversify their markets, looking toward Europe, China, and ECOWAS countries to mitigate potential losses from the U.S. market.

    If the tariffs remain in place for an extended period, businesses reliant on U.S. trade may have to adjust supply chains, seek new buyers, or renegotiate trade agreements.

    Before the tariff announcement, Ghana’s trade balance had been showing positive signs. The country recorded a trade surplus of $1.64 billion in the first two months of 2025, equivalent to 1.9% of GDP.

    This surplus contributed to the buildup of foreign reserves, according to data from the Bank of Ghana.
    Total exports had grown 50% year-on-year, reaching $4.3 billion, driven largely by strong gold and cocoa exports.

    However, crude oil exports declined due to reduced production levels from Ghana’s three main operational oil fields. Imports also saw a 7.3% increase, reaching $2.7 billion.

    With the new 10% import tax in place, Ghana’s ability to sustain its trade surplus could be compromised.

  • ‘EB-5’ visa to be replaced as Trump announces $5M ‘gold card’ residency permit for investor immigrants

    ‘EB-5’ visa to be replaced as Trump announces $5M ‘gold card’ residency permit for investor immigrants

    U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled plans for a new “gold card” residency program, offering foreign investors a pathway to citizenship for $5 million.

    This high-value visa is set to replace the existing EB-5 immigrant investor program, which grants green cards to foreigners who create jobs in the U.S. Trump’s Commerce Secretary has criticized the EB-5 system, calling it flawed and rife with fraud.


    “You have a green card, this is a gold card,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office Tuesday. Permanent residents who are not citizens in the US are known as “green card” holders.

    “It’s going to give you green card privileges plus it’s going to be a route to (American) citizenship,” the president added.
    What is the EB-5 visa program and why is Trump ending it?

    Introduced in 1990, the EB-5 visa program allows foreign investors to obtain immediate green cards by investing approximately $1 million in a U.S. business that creates at least 10 jobs. This visa provides a direct path to citizenship, unlike other green card applicants who often face waiting periods ranging from several months to years.

    The program is limited to 10,000 visas annually, with 3,000 specifically allocated for investments in high-unemployment areas, according to the U.S. State Department.

    The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) describes the EB-5 visa as a tool designed to boost the American economy through job creation and foreign capital investment.

    However, Trump’s Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnick, has criticized the program, arguing that it is being misused and that the investment threshold is too low.

    “The EB-5 program … it was full of nonsense, make-believe and fraud, and it was a way to get a green card that was low-price. So the president said, rather than having this sort of ridiculous EB-5 program, we’re going to end the EB-5 program,” said Lutnick.

    In 2021, the US Government Accountability Office found that EB-5 visas carry significant fraud risks, particularly due to challenges in tracing the origins of applicants’ funds and potential perceptions of favouritism.

    “It’ll be people with money,” Trump said, without noting any job-creation requirements.

    However, all applicants will undergo thorough vetting to ensure they are “wonderful, world-class global citizens”, according to Lutnick.

    When asked if wealthy Russians could qualify, Trump replied, “Possibly. I know some Russian oligarchs who are very nice people.”

    TTrump’s proposed “gold card” visa program appears to have no set cap, with the former president suggesting that up to 10 million visas could be sold to help reduce the national deficit.

    This initiative comes as his administration continues its aggressive crackdown on undocumented immigrants, with Trump vowing to carry out mass deportations.

    Under the proposed plan, each visa would cost around $5 million. Trump announced that further details would be provided in two weeks when the program officially launches.

    Currently, green card holders—including those under the EB-5 program—must live as lawful permanent residents for five years before applying for U.S. citizenship. It remains unclear whether recipients of the new gold card visa will have a shorter waiting period.

    Golden visa programs are not unique to the U.S.; they exist in several countries, including the UK, Spain, and Greece. Some nations, such as Malta, Egypt, and Jordan, even grant citizenship directly in exchange for investment. The Caribbean is particularly competitive in this space, with Dominica, Grenada, and St. Kitts and Nevis offering passports for as little as $200,000 to $300,000.

    These schemes, however, are often criticized for attracting individuals involved in money laundering or fraud. They can also inflate real estate prices in major cities, leading to public backlash. Due to such concerns, countries like the UK, the Netherlands, and Greece have recently scaled back their golden visa programs.

    Trump’s proposal could face even greater scrutiny, especially if he bypasses Congress, which is responsible for setting citizenship requirements. While Congress previously approved the EB-5 visa, which Trump now plans to replace, he insists that his new program does not require legislative approval.

  • Ofori-Atta is receiving treament in the USA – Lawyers to OSP

    Ofori-Atta is receiving treament in the USA – Lawyers to OSP

    Legal representatives of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta have informed the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) that their client is currently undergoing medical treatment in the United States and is unable to honor an invitation for questioning.

    In a letter dated February 7, 2025, and sighted by The Independent Ghana, Mr. Ofori-Atta’s lawyers responded to the OSP’s February 5 directive, requesting that any in-person appearance be rescheduled to accommodate his medical treatment schedule.

    “Our client is receiving medical attention at Mayo Clinic in the USA, detailing his appointment and timelines suggestive of a post-March date when our client may be able to be in Ghana,” the letter stated.

    “We shall be grateful if any attendance in person required by your august office is fixed taking into account the medical report from his doctors,” it added.

    This response follows the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, declaring Mr. Ofori-Atta a fugitive during a press conference on Wednesday, February 12.

    The OSP has accused the former minister of allegedly causing financial loss to the state and is investigating suspected corruption linked to several contracts, including deals involving Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited, the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Electricity Company of Ghana, and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC). The probe also extends to the National Cathedral project and the Ministry of Health’s procurement of ambulances.

    Meanwhile, reports emerged that security personnel raided Mr. Ofori-Atta’s residence in Accra ahead of the OSP’s announcement. However, Kissi Agyebeng dismissed these claims, stating that his office had no involvement in such an operation.

  • You break into my house and you know you are getting shot – US Kamala Harris

    You break into my house and you know you are getting shot – US Kamala Harris

    US Vice-President Kamala Harris has spoken of her willingness to use her gun if an intruder entered her home.

    “If somebody breaks into my house, they’re getting shot,” she said in a jokey exchange during a livestreamed event in Michigan with host Oprah Winfrey on Thursday.

    After a laugh, the Democratic presidential nominee continued: “I probably shouldn’t have said that, but my staff will deal with that later.”

    Harris, who highlighted during the recent presidential debate that she was a gun-owner, went on to reiterate that she supported a ban on assault weapons.

    A firearm of that type was “literally designed to be a tool of war,” she told Winfrey. “It has no place on the streets of a civil society.”

    When questioned by Oprah Winfrey about whether she had been a gun owner “for a while,” Kamala Harris confirmed that she had.

    Harris emphasized her support for the Second Amendment, which guarantees the right to bear arms in the U.S. However, she also outlined her stance on banning assault weapons, pointing to the country’s ongoing issue with school shootings as a critical reason for the need for such restrictions.

    It was “bone-chilling” for a child to have to go through a drill for such an incident, Harris said. “It doesn’t have to be this way,” she added.

    After one of the most recent US mass shootings, a 14-year-old boy has been charged with murdering four people at a high school in Georgia.

    During Thursday’s event with Winfrey – who also spoke at last month’s Democratic National Convention – Harris was also questioned on topics including immigration and the economy.

    Celebrities including Jennifer Lopez featured in the session, which was watched by about 300,000 people.

    Harris’s gun ownership has been a matter of public record since 2019, when she said: “I own a gun for probably the reason a lot of people do – for personal safety. I was a career prosecutor.”

    Kamala Harris’s ownership of firearms gained widespread attention in the U.S. following her recent presidential debate with Republican contender Donald Trump.

    The 2024 showdown marked the first time the subject surfaced during the campaign.

    During the debate, Harris refuted Trump’s allegation that she intended to seize guns from all citizens if she were to become president.

    She clarified that both she and her vice-presidential candidate, Tim Walz—an avid hunter—were gun owners themselves.

  • Biden under growing pressure as opposition remain unswayed by news conference

    Biden under growing pressure as opposition remain unswayed by news conference

    Joe Biden’s recent press conference, where he reaffirmed his intention to continue his presidential campaign, has failed to quell dissent within his own party. Three Democratic leaders have now joined others in urging Biden to withdraw from the race.

    Calls for the 81-year-old to step aside have intensified since his uneven performance in a televised debate against Republican Donald Trump last month.

    During a lengthy briefing on Thursday night, Biden appeared more composed and articulate, but there were notable slip-ups. In one instance, he mistakenly referred to his vice president, Kamala Harris, as “Vice President Trump,” and earlier in the day at a NATO event, he initially referred to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky as “President Putin” before correcting himself.

    Despite his efforts, doubts persist about Biden’s candidature, compounded by potential defections in the coming days. Several donors, including actor George Clooney, have withdrawn their financial support, questioning his competence for another term.

    A Democratic fundraiser, speaking to the BBC, acknowledged Biden’s adequate performance at the conference but noted it wasn’t enough to sway sceptics within the party.

    Looking ahead, Biden faces relentless scrutiny at every public appearance. Any misstep is seized upon as evidence of his alleged inadequacy to run for re-election. Shortly after the press conference, Connecticut Congressman Jim Himes praised Biden’s public service record but urged him to step aside from the campaign.

    The strongest candidate to confront the “threat” posed by Trump, he wrote, was no longer Joe Biden.
    Illinois congressman Eric Sorensen also posted on social media that Mr Biden ran in 2020 “with the purpose of putting country over party. Today I am asking him to do that again”.



    California congressman Scott Peters was the third to speak out, saying the “stakes are high, and we are losing course”.
    They bring the tally of Democratic politicians calling on Mr Biden to go to 19.


    During the briefing, Biden insisted to reporters that he’s in the race to “complete the job”.

    “If I slow down and can’t get the job done, that’s a sign I shouldn’t be doing it,” he said. “But there’s no indication of that yet.”
    Many of his supporters in Congress came out immediately after the news conference to echo his belief that he is the best candidate.
    “We’ve got to stop the nitpicking and then focus on the work ahead. This guy has done it, he’s done it in the past,” said Democratic National Committee chairman Jaime Harrison.

    US allies have voiced their support for President Biden. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised Biden’s demeanour during their recent summit meeting, describing him as “very impressive.” French President Emmanuel Macron characterised Biden’s errors as minor slips of the tongue, emphasizing Biden’s command of issues.

    Meanwhile, former President Trump took a jab at Biden over his Kamala Harris gaffe, sarcastically commenting, “Great job, Joe!” on Truth Social.

  • Ghanaians chant “USA” after Ghana’s victory against CAR

    Ghanaians chant “USA” after Ghana’s victory against CAR

    Ghana’s second consecutive victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers ignited a frenzy at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

    Jordan Ayew’s stunning hat-trick led Ghana to a thrilling 4-3 win over the Central African Republic on Matchday 4, propelling the Black Stars to the top of Group I with 9 points and solidifying their position as a strong contender in the qualifiers.

    After the game, Ghanaian fans erupted in chants of “USA,” reflecting the excitement for the upcoming tournament.

    With FIFA announcing that the 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, there is a buzz among Ghanaians about the possibility of traveling to the US to support the national team.

    Many are gearing up to visit the US embassy to secure visas, eager to cheer for Ghana if they play in the United States.

    Ayew’s heroics propelled the Black Stars to the top of Group I with 9 points, establishing them as a formidable team in the qualifiers.

    The game started with Ayew converting a penalty in the 6th minute, setting the stage for an intense encounter. However, Louis Mafouta’s two goals in the 11th and 41st minutes put Ghana behind 2-1 at halftime.

    In the second half, Ghana regrouped and dominated, with Ayew’s powerful header in the 60th minute equalizing the score. Abdul Fatawu Issahaku’s well-executed goal in the 63rd minute gave Ghana the lead, and Ayew completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute to secure the win.

    Despite a late consolation goal from Louis Moufata in the 90th minute, Ghana maintained their composure to clinch a thrilling victory. The win puts them in a strong position for the next round of qualifiers in March 2025.

  • Trump requests judge to remove gag order following verdict

    Trump requests judge to remove gag order following verdict

    Attorneys representing former President Donald Trump have requested that the judge in his New York hush-money case lift the gag order now that the trial has ended.

    In a letter sent to Judge Juan Merchan on Monday, Trump’s legal team argued that the court’s previous concerns no longer warrant ongoing restrictions on Trump’s right to free speech.

    Last Thursday, Trump was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a payment intended to silence a pornographic actress who claims to have had a sexual encounter with him. The gag order, implemented on March 26, prohibited Trump from making public comments about witnesses, jurors, prosecutors, court staff, and their families.


    Trump lawyers Todd Blanche and Emil Bove wrote in the letter to the judge that Trump should enjoy “unrestrained campaign advocacy”.


    They say his case is “made even stronger” after his political opponent, US President Joe Biden, spoke publicly about the case.
    They add that Trump is currently unable to defend himself against “continued public attacks” by witnesses for the prosecution, like his ex-lawyer Michael Cohen and the porn star, Stormy Daniels.

    The letter also mentions that on June 27, Trump will take part in the first presidential debate against Joe Biden.
    Judge Merchan will sentence Trump on July 11, which is four days before he is formally nominated by the Republican Party for president.

    The judge has turned down his team’s several attempts in the past to have the gag order lifted.
    Judge Merchan threatened to put Trump in jail if he continued to break the gag order and fined him $10,000 (£7,800) during the trial.

    “The last thing I want to consider is jail,” Judge Merchan told him in court. “You are [the] former president and possibly the next president.”

    “Your continued willful violation of the court’s order…constitutes a direct attack…and will not be allowed to continue,” he said.The order still permits Trump to criticise District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who brought the case against Trump, and Judge Merchan.


    Prosecutors had argued that the gag order was needed to “protect the integrity of this criminal proceeding and avoid prejudice to the jury”.

    On Friday, Trump told reporters that he believed the gag order should have expired at the conclusion of the trial, and that his lawyers were seeking clarity from Judge Merchan.

    “I’m under a gag order, nasty gag order,” he said at Trump Tower after the verdict.
    Referring to Cohen, a star witness for the prosecution, he said: “I’m not allowed to use his name because of the gag order.”
    Also on Friday, Mr Biden referred to Trump as a “convicted felon”, telling reporters at the White House, “it’s literally driving him crazy.”

  • World awaits the White House’s comprehensive immigration decree

    World awaits the White House’s comprehensive immigration decree

    President Joe Biden is poised to issue a comprehensive new executive order from the White House targeting the influx of migrants at the US-Mexico border, possibly as soon as Tuesday.

    According to CBS, the order aims to expedite the deportation process for individuals entering the US unlawfully, bypassing asylum procedures once a daily threshold is reached.

    This measure is intended to enable border officials to manage and restrict migrant arrivals more effectively, as outlined by three unnamed sources familiar with the forthcoming order.

    Despite a significant decline in migrant arrivals this year, which some experts believe may not be sustainable, more than 6.4 million migrants have been intercepted crossing into the US illegally during Biden’s tenure—a historic high that has rendered him politically vulnerable as he seeks reelection.

    Reports from CBS and other US media outlets suggest that Biden is considering leveraging a 1952 law to limit access to the American asylum system.

    The law, known as 212(f), allows the US president to “suspend the entry” of foreigners if their arrival is “detrimental to the interests” of the country.

    The Trump administration previously employed the same regulation to implement immigration and travel bans from several predominantly Muslim nations and to deny asylum to migrants apprehended crossing into the US unlawfully, prompting allegations of racism.

    However, asylum processing at official ports of entry is anticipated to remain unaffected by the forthcoming order.

    Approximately 1,500 asylum seekers utilise the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) app, CBP One, to schedule appointments and undergo processing daily at these ports.

    Ahead of the president’s announcement, mayors from various border towns, such as Brownsville and Edinburg in Texas, were slated to attend the event in Washington.

    Democratic lawmakers have reportedly been briefed on the plan, though the proposal is expected to face legal challenges, either from immigration advocates or Republican-led states.

    A White House official informed the BBC on Friday that no definitive decisions had been reached regarding potential executive actions. Additionally, a White House spokesperson highlighted the failure of a bipartisan border security agreement earlier this year, citing opposition from Republicans in Congress.

    “While Congressional Republicans chose to stand in the way of additional border enforcement, President Biden will not stop fighting to deliver the resources that border and immigrational personnel need to secure our border,” the spokesperson said.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-t00HS85TcU

    “As we have said before, the administration continues to explore a series of policy options and we remain committed to taking action to address our broken immigration system,” the spokesperson added.

    Republicans have criticized President Biden’s border plan as a political tactic for the upcoming election year, arguing that existing US laws already address illegal immigration but are not adequately enforced by the Democratic administration.

    This critique emerges amid decreasing numbers of migrant detentions at the US-Mexico border. According to recent CBP statistics, approximately 179,000 migrant “encounters” were documented in April, a notable decrease compared to the historic high of 302,000 recorded in December.

    Both US and Mexican officials attribute this decline largely to increased enforcement efforts by Mexican authorities, although experts caution that these reductions may not be sustainable in the long term.

    The decline in migrant crossings at the US border coincides with a politically sensitive period for President Biden, as immigration emerges as a key electoral concern for many voters in the upcoming November presidential election.

    A Gallup poll conducted at the end of April revealed that 27% of Americans consider immigration the most pressing issue facing the country, surpassing concerns about the economy and inflation.

  • US lab distances itself from toxicology test on Mohbad

    US lab distances itself from toxicology test on Mohbad

    The National Medical Services Laboratories in Pennsylvania, USA, have refuted the Lagos State Government’s claim about the toxicology test conducted to ascertain the cause of death for singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad.

    This rebuttal from NMS Labs emerged amidst ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the musician’s passing.

    Before this development, public concern escalated following statements made by a pathologist in the Coroner’s Court on Wednesday, May 15.

    The pathologist had initially stated that an autopsy couldn’t establish Mohbad’s cause of death due to the state of his remains.

    Earlier reports indicated that in November 2023, O. Akinde, representing the state government, informed the Coroner’s Court about a crucial toxicology test conducted in the United States to determine the cause of Mohbad’s death.

    Backing up this information, Gbenga Omotoso, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, mentioned during a live phone call with Ahmad Isah on the Brekete Family online program in February 2024 that the toxicology test was carried out at NMS Labs in Pennsylvania, USA.

    Omotoso explained, “The matter is being handled by the state DNA and Forensic Centre, but they are doing skeletal services, and they have affiliate centres which are three.”

    He further added, “So, if there is an emergency like this one that we have, they will not say they cannot handle it. So, there are three of them in the US and the one handling this particular one is the NMS in Pennsylvania, USA.”

    Reports indicated that the test results arrived in Nigeria in April 2024 and were passed on to a pathologist for analysis.

  • Many Americans without electricity due to terrible weather conditions

    Many Americans without electricity due to terrible weather conditions

    Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms have left nearly 300,000 people across seven states without power as of Monday night, reports MyJoyOnline.

    Massive storms over the weekend resulted in at least 23 fatalities and widespread destruction throughout the central United States.

    Forecasters indicate that the highest weather risk has now shifted eastward, affecting a large area from Alabama to New York.

    Expect more thunderstorms, damaging wind gusts, hail, and flash flooding.

    Heavy rain is forecasted to impact the East Coast into Tuesday morning, including areas of New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

    This heavy rainfall poses a slight risk of severe thunderstorms forming in regions from the Northeast to the Southeast, added the agency.

    Additionally, severe thunderstorms might develop over Texas on Tuesday, with wind gusts potentially reaching 120 km/h or higher.

    Parts of the southern US will continue to experience scorching temperatures, with record or near-record highs expected.

    On Monday morning, over 120 million Americans were under severe weather warnings.

    Sunday marked the busiest day for severe weather in the US this year, with over 600 storm damage reports across 20 states. Tornadoes and strong winds reduced buildings to rubble, flipped vehicles, and brought down power lines.

    Meanwhile, lightning, thunder, and heavy rain forced the evacuation of around 125,000 spectators as Sunday’s Indianapolis 500 race was delayed by four hours.

    Fatalities from the storms were reported in multiple states: eight in Arkansas, seven in Texas, two in Oklahoma, and five in Kentucky. In Alabama, a 79-year-old woman was killed Monday morning when a tree fell on her house, local media reported.

    President Joe Biden spoke with the governors of the affected states and offered federal assistance.

    On Monday, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency after severe storms hit much of the state.

    “Last night many families and communities were not safe,” he said. “We had devastating storms that hit almost the entire state.”

    In Colorado, a lightning strike killed a farmer and 34 of his cows.

    In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott announced that over a third of the state’s counties were under a disaster declaration due to severe weather sweeping through the region.

    All seven deaths in the state were reported in Valley View, Cooke County, near the Oklahoma border, after a tornado struck a rural area close to a mobile home park.

    Among the victims were two children, aged two and five, along with three members of the same family.

    Footage from the scene revealed a filling station and rest stop almost entirely destroyed, with twisted metal debris scattered over damaged vehicles.

    These recent tornadoes follow another devastating one that hit a rural town in Iowa earlier in May, resulting in four fatalities.

    Government forecasters have also predicted an “extraordinary” 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, set to begin next month.

  • Accept our independence and stock threatening us – New Taiwan president to China

    Accept our independence and stock threatening us – New Taiwan president to China

    Taiwan’s newly inaugurated president William Lai has called on China to stop threatening the island and accept the existence of its democracy.

    He urged Beijing to replace confrontation with dialogue, shortly after being sworn in on Monday.
    He also said Taiwan would never back down in the face of intimidation from China, which has long claimed the island as its own.

    China responded by saying, “Taiwan independence is a dead end”.

    “Regardless of the pretext or the banner under which it is pursued, the push for Taiwan independence is destined to fail,” China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at the daily press briefing on Monday afternoon.

    Beijing holds a strong dislike for William Lai and his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), viewing them as pro-independence.

    Since Lai’s election win in January, China has intensified military incursions around Taiwan’s waters and airspace, raising fears of conflict.

    In his inauguration speech, Lai described these actions as the “greatest strategic challenge to global peace and stability.”

    Despite his firm stance, the 64-year-old Lai adhered closely to the approach of his predecessor, Tsai Ing-wen, known for her cautious but steady handling of relations with Beijing.

    Lai, a former doctor turned politician, won a three-way presidential race in January, securing an unprecedented third term for the DPP.

    He served as Tsai’s vice-president since 2020 and as her premier before that.

    In his earlier political career, Lai was known for his more radical pro-independence stance, earning Beijing’s ire and the label of “troublemaker.”

    Chinese state media even suggested he should be prosecuted for secession ahead of the polls.

    The Chinese government has yet to issue a statement on Lai’s inauguration.

    However, the Chinese embassy in the UK held a press briefing over the weekend, urging the UK government not to endorse the event.

    Earlier last week, a spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office warned that Taiwan’s new leader “must seriously” consider whether he seeks peaceful development or confrontation.


    And just as Mr Lai was being sworn in, China’s Commerce Ministry announced sanctions against several US companies “involved in arms sales to Taiwan”.


    But on Monday, Mr Lai struck a far more conciliatory note. He reiterated he would not do anything to change the status quo – an ambiguous diplomatic status, which doesn’t recognise Taiwan as a country despite its constitution and sovereign government. China insists on this and accuses major Taiwan allies such as the US of altering this delicate agreement by supporting the island.

    Vowing peace and stability, Mr Lai also said he would like to see a re-opening of exchanges across the Taiwan straits including Chinese tourist groups coming to Taiwan. But he said people on the island must not be under any illusion about the threat from China and that Taiwan must further strengthen its defences.

    This too was a continuation of Tsai’s policy. Taiwan’s former president believed that strengthening defence and earning the support of key allies such as the US and Japan was key to deterring China’s plans of invasion. Her biggest critics say this military investment risks provoking China, making Taiwan even more vulnerable.

    Nevertheless, yearly defence spending increased up to about $20bn (£16bn) under Ms Tsai, and Mr Lai has pledged even more funds. Taiwan has purchased new battle tanks, upgraded its fleet of F-16 fighter jets and bought new ones, and has built and launched a fleet of new missile ships to patrol the 100-mile Taiwan strait.

    Last September came the completion of what Ms Tsai considers the crowning achievement of her military program: Taiwan’s first indigenously developed submarine.


    President William Lai (C), First Lady Wu Mei-ju (L) and Vice-President Hsiao Bi-khim (R) dance after the inauguration
    Taiwan’s own allies are watching closely too, to see if his rhetoric is likely to aggravate tensions further. Mr Lai’s caution was also aimed at his American audience.

    His vice-president Hsiao Bi-Khim, widely believed to be Ms Tsai’s protege, is yet another source of assurance for Washington. The 52-year-old was born in Japan and mostly grew up in the US, where she also served as Taiwan’s representative for three years.


    Mr Lai also faces big challenges at home. Unemployment and cost of living cost the DPP the youth vote in January, and Taiwan’s economy is seen to be heavily dependent on its hugely successful semiconductor industry – it supplies more than half the world’s chips.


    And a divided parliament, where the DPP no longer has a majority, is likely to deny him a honeymoon period. The differences spilled into the spotlight over the weekend when lawmakers were caught brawling in parliament over proposed reforms. The bitter dispute and the protests that followed marred Mr Lai’s address.


    But how he deals with Beijing will be the biggest question that will determine his presidency, especially as both sides have had no formal communication since 2016.

    Lawyer Hsu Chih-ming who attended the inaugurations told BBC Chinese that Taiwan had fared quite well under Ms Tsai but added that there is a need to maintain “good communications” with China.

    “Lai said he was a ‘practical worker for Taiwan independence’. I hope he wouldn’t emphasise this too much and worsen cross-strait relations,” he said. “Otherwise all of us wouldn’t be able to escape if a war broke out.”

  • We will not be a part of this – US to Israel on retaliatory strikes on Iran

    We will not be a part of this – US to Israel on retaliatory strikes on Iran

    Senior administration officials have disclosed that the White House has cautioned Israel against engaging in retaliatory strikes on Iran, asserting that the US will not partake in such actions.

    The warning comes in the wake of Iran’s launch of over 300 drones and missiles at Israel overnight, purportedly in retaliation for an April 1 strike on its consulate in Syria. Despite the onslaught, Israeli, US, and allied forces managed to intercept nearly all incoming weapons before they could reach their intended targets.

    According to reports, President Joe Biden emphasised to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the importance of carefully considering and strategizing their response to this unprecedented attack, marking Iran’s first direct assault on Israel.

    The official added that the Biden administration believes Israel “got the best of it” in the exchange, which began when senior Iranian military commanders were killed at an Iranian consular building in Syria.

    US officials highlight that approximately 99% of the missiles, drones, and cruise missiles launched during Iran’s retaliatory operation were successfully shot down or intercepted, underscoring Israeli military superiority over Iran.

    Throughout the attack, US aircraft and naval vessels played a pivotal role in thwarting Iranian projectiles, with over 80 drones and at least six ballistic missiles neutralised by US aircraft, vessels, or air defence forces over Iraq.

    Additionally, US Central Command (Centcom) disclosed that seven drones and a ballistic missile were intercepted as they prepared for launch from Yemen, further illustrating the effectiveness of US defence capabilities in the region.

    A conversation took place between Mr Biden and Mr Netanyahu at a time “of heightened emotion” just after the attack, which included about 100 ballistic missiles simultaneously flying towards Israel.

    During the call, the two leaders had a discussion “about how to slow things down and think through things”, with Mr Biden emphasising that Israel has “gotten the best of it”.

    The official declined to say, however, whether the White House warned against a significant response, saying only that “it is a calculation the Israelis have to make”.

    Throughout a series of television appearances on US networks earlier in the day, national security spokesman John Kirby reiterated the US’s commitment to avoiding a broader conflict, stressing that this message has been communicated clearly to Israel and Iran through diplomatic channels.

    While affirming continued support for Israel’s defence, both Kirby and senior administration officials emphasised that the US will not participate in any Israeli response.

    This stance has drawn criticism from some US lawmakers and former officials across the political spectrum.

    Ohio Republican Representative Mike Turner, chair of the House intelligence committee, condemned Kirby’s remarks on de-escalation, asserting that they were misguided.

    “It is already escalating, and the administration needs to respond,” he said on NBC.

    And John Bolton, who served as national security adviser under President Donald Trump, said the US should join Israel if it chooses to launch a retaliatory attack on Iran’s nuclear programme.

    “I think it [Israel] can destroy or disable a very substantial part [of the programme], if not totally,” he told NewsNation. “Frankly, if Israel is prepared to go after Iran’s nuclear programme, the United States should proudly join them.”

    In the wake of Iran’s attack on Israel, Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, said that the body would “try again” to pass military aid for Israel.

    Previous attempts to send more aid to Israel have stalled amid Democratic calls that the aid package should also include assistance for Taiwan and Ukraine.

    Mick Mulroy, a former Deputy Secretary of Defence for the Middle East, told the BBC that aid for Israel should be passed “without delay.”

    “If it wasn’t for US security assistance, we could be facing a major regional war,” he said. “That supplement and the ones for Ukraine and Taiwan are in our national security interest. It is not charity. It’s part of the US national defence.”

  • Conjoined twin living in USA marries one man

    Conjoined twin living in USA marries one man

    Abby Hensel, one half of the conjoined twin duo who shares her life with sister Brittany, has recently tied the knot, according to public records.

    The 34-year-old women are fused together at the torso, with each controlling one side of their body. Now, it appears that one of them has found true love, as it emerged that Abby married Josh Bowling.

    Public records obtained by Today indicate that Abby and Josh, a nurse and United States Army veteran, were married in 2021.

    Pictures from the ceremony have surfaced on social media, showing Abby and Brittany dressed in a white wedding dress, standing alongside Josh in a grey suit, holding hands.

    The women also shared videos from the special day on their TikTok account, capturing moments of celebration with loved ones. Both women appeared to be all smiles as they celebrated the love between Abby and Josh.

    The couple resides in Minnesota, where the sisters work as fifth-grade teachers. Josh’s Facebook page indicates that the family enjoys activities such as nature hikes, indulging in ice cream, and partaking in snow tubing. His former Twitter profile hints at the presence of children in their lives: “Christian, Father, Husband, Veteran, and occasional gamer.”

    Abby and Brittany were born on March 7, 1990, in Minnesota, USA, and have overcome remarkable odds to lead fulfilling lives. They are classified as dicephalus conjoined twins, a rare form where both heads are situated side by side, sharing one torso.

    The women share a bloodstream and all organs below the waist. Abby commands their right arm and leg, while Brittany controls the left. With a steadfast determination to embrace life to the fullest, they pursued higher education and obtained separate degrees while attending university.

  • 100 times cheaper: Come and buy plots in USA; forget the myopic African leaders – US-based X user to Africans

    100 times cheaper: Come and buy plots in USA; forget the myopic African leaders – US-based X user to Africans

    A tweet from popular X user @WithAlvin__ captures a video featuring a man, purportedly Ghanaian, discussing a plot of land in the United States of America (USA), specifically Maryland.

    In the video, the man, dressed in a black round neck shirt, proudly displays a piece of land that he asserts he owns.

    He emphasises that the cost of this land is “100 times” cheaper than plots in Accra, Ghana, and Lagos.

    “He said, “So this peace of land behind me is somewhere in Maryland, USA, which is 100 times cheaper than some of the land we have in Accra, Ghana or even Lagos, Nigeria. Now the thing is, when I purchased this land, it was guaranteed that it is all mine.”

    Slamming African leaders over their indifferent posture in resolving litigation challenges, he advised that Africans consider investing in more affordable land in America and Europe to avoid what he describes as “no nonsense” challenges associated with land litigation.

    “There’s not going to be any litigation, no nonsense. So if I had purchased a similar plot of land in Accra, Ghana, there would be about 5 people who would come around and tell me they owed this land.

    If you are out there in Africa, in Ghana, or in Lagos, wherever there are land disputes, our leaders aren’t solving those problems; start looking to the west, Europe, the Americas; start looking out here; pull resources together if you are a group of friends; and start buying land here. Forget about the disputes down there, or leaders aren’t visionary, they don’t want to solve this problem,” he advised .

  • Flashback: Akufo-Addo rents private jet to U.S at a staggering cost of $18,000 per hour

    Flashback: Akufo-Addo rents private jet to U.S at a staggering cost of $18,000 per hour

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has once again ignited controversy after reportedly renting a private jet for his recent trip to the United States at a staggering cost of $18,000 per hour.

    The president had received praise earlier for opting to travel on a commercial flight to Dubai, abandoning his usual luxurious private jet.

    However, on his latest journey to the USA, he allegedly combined a commercial flight from Ghana with a high-cost private jet for the remainder of his trip in the US and later to London.

    North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa raised concerns, revealing that the Ghanaian taxpayer could be footing a bill of up to US$465,000 for luxury rental charges alone.

    This translates to approximately GHS3,505,515.49, adding to the significant expenses incurred by the president’s travels over time, amounting to at least GHS28.5 million since May last year.

    Ablakwa criticised the president’s actions, questioning the priorities of spending such vast amounts on extravagant travels while the country faces economic challenges and widespread hardships.

    He highlighted the contradiction between the government’s claims of cutting expenditures and the lavish spending on the president’s trips, including attending church services and tourism events abroad.

    The MP also pointed out the apparent hypocrisy in enforcing bans on ministerial international travels while the presidency engages in costly travel arrangements.

    The “meet-me-there-strategy” employed by President Akufo-Addo, where he appears to travel commercially but switches to chartered aircraft in transit, has been condemned as deceptive and a burden on taxpayers.

    Ablakwa pledged to continue exposing such practices and advocating for transparency and accountability in governance.

    The scrutiny on presidential expenditures and travel arrangements reflects ongoing concerns about fiscal responsibility and prudent use of public funds, especially in challenging economic times.

    Below is the full write up by Okudzeto Ablakwa

    Good evening, folks.

    I know many of you have been waiting keenly for our consistently unimpeachable and authoritative flight tracking details of President Akufo-Addo’s latest travel to the United States of America and the United Kingdom.

    As always, we appreciate your high interest, generous encouragement and most importantly your patriotic partnership in ensuring that there is greater transparency and accountability in the governance of our dear and only country.

    Unfortunately, I do not have good news for you. Our crusade to get the President to keep his promise of protecting the public purse and our resolve to end naked profligacy still requires more work.

    With the pretentious notion that the obnoxious E-Levy has been secured to rake in more revenue to finance his lavish indulgences, and after hurriedly granting a presidential assent of dubious validity, as President Akufo-Addo knows very well that 136 NPP MPs cannot purport to constitute a decision-making quorum; President Akufo-Addo is back to his old ways of Russian Oligarchic travels.

    After a momentary glimmer of hope when he was compelled to fly commercial to Dubai last month, many had thought his penchant for the egregious betrayal of the Ghanaian people by his obstinate dissipation of scarce taxes on his sybaritic lifestyle despite a hitherto loud promise to protect the public purse now belongs to the past. More so, considering his government’s public posture of massive expenditure cuts as a direct response to the current economic crisis.

    Apparently, we were merely deceived; President Akufo-Addo has for the umpteenth time ignored the precarious state of the Ghanaian economy and abandoned Ghana’s US$36million Presidential Jet in favour of his most cherished ultra-luxury toy — the LX-DIO which now rents for US18,000 an hour.

    It is clearly a helpless costly addiction that sadly, the Ghanaian taxpayer must pay for.

    The President’s latest misconduct appears to be the most deceptive thus far.

    His new “meet-me-there-strategy” is a well-hatched one to create the impression to Ghanaians back home that he’s indeed repented and is now committed to flying commercial only to catch up with his chartered aircraft in transit for the rest of his travels.

    So, President Akufo-Addo left Accra for Washington on Thursday 31st March 2022 at 11:52 pm aboard a United Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with call sign UAL997.

    Before the President landed at 6:40 am at the Dulles International Airport in Washington on the 1st of April, the ubiquitous luxury LX-DIO had landed at the same airport the previous day at 12:27 pm waiting for President Akufo-Addo.

    President Akufo-Addo couldn’t wait to fly his favourite US$18,000 an hour LX-DIO from Washington where he departed at 10:13am and arrived at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina at 11:22 am — a flight time of 01:09. It is important to acknowledge that there were more than a dozen available commercial flights with business class tickets not exceeding $700 in value.

    The President kept the LX-DIO with him as he addressed Bishop T.D. Jakes’ summit and then flew aboard the same extravagant jet yesterday the 2nd of April, 2022 at 9:28 am US time and arriving at the London Stansted Airport at 9:40 pm UK time. A flight time of some 7hours and 54minutes.

    At this point, it is unclear if the President will return to Ghana with the LX-DIO on Wednesday or if he would stick to the new deceptive strategy of being seen in the Ghanaian jurisdiction aboard commercial flights while hiding his elaborate chartered arrangements from the prying Ghanaian public.

    It is imperative to note that so far, the Ghanaian taxpayer must cough up an astronomical US$465,000 in luxury rental charges. At the current exchange, that is a scary GHS3,505,515.49.

    This will mean that since May last year, the Ghanaian taxpayer has spent at least GHS28.5million on President Akufo-Addo’s ostentatious travels.

    How duplicitous is that for a government that claims to be cutting expenditure drastically in the wake of widespread excruciating hardships and economic mismanagement, and yet our President has the conscience to spend a whopping 3.5million Ghana Cedis attending a church service and a fanciful tourism event in London?

    With this terrible example from the President by attending events at great cost to the taxpayer that cannot be classified as a priority, one wonders how the presidency can enforce its recent ban on ministerial international travels.

    Be assured, this latest “meet-me-there-strategy” shall be vigorously exposed and defeated.

    Our tracking continues; we shall keep you updated.

    For God and Country 🇬🇭 🙏🏽

  • Universities in USA that accept HND with or without WES evaluation

    Universities in USA that accept HND with or without WES evaluation

    1. Murray State University

    Murray State University (MSU) is a public university in Murray, Kentucky, USA. In addition to the main campus in Calloway County in southwestern Kentucky, Murray State operates extended campuses offering upper-level and graduate courses in Paducah, Hopkinsville, Madisonville, and Henderson.

    2. University of Louisville

    3. Kentucky State University

    4. University of North Carolina, Charlotte

    5. Vanderbilt University

    6. Tufts University

    7. Wesleyan University

    8. Lehigh University

    9. University of Wiscon

    10. Northern Illinois University

  • The braids magician; from engineering to a hair stylist – Mary ‘Sparrow’ making huge dollars in Bronx, USA

    The braids magician; from engineering to a hair stylist – Mary ‘Sparrow’ making huge dollars in Bronx, USA

    Mary ‘Sparrow’ Agyapong’s journey to success in the hair braiding industry in the United States of America had a challenging start.

    Upon her arrival in the United States several years ago, Mary ‘Sparrow’ Agyapong, eager to braid her hair, faced an unexpected obstacle as she struggled to find a suitable salon.

    During an exclusive interview with Doreen Abanema Abayaa in The Bronx, New York City, the 27-year-old revealed that she and her father were shocked when the braider they approached demanded $140 for the service.

    She further explained that even the discounted rate they received was higher because of her Ghanaian heritage.

    “When I first moved here, I went to get my hair braided and the lady was like, because we are Ghanaians, she was going to charge about $140, and my dad was surprised.

    So, I asked, ‘What if we are not Ghanaians? How much was it going to be?’ and she said more than $140,” she narrated.

    Without hesitation, Mary quickly instructed her father to gather the necessary tools for hair braiding, expressing her determination to take on the task herself.

    From that moment on, she recounted, her journey as a braider in The Bronx began.

    “So, I just told my dad, ‘Listen, just buy me the stuff; I’m going to start doing my own hair’. I started doing my own hair and started doing that of my friends; my mom joined me after some months and I started doing my mom’s hair. And now, look at me, I have my own business,” she told Doreen Abanema Abayaa.

    Mary now has a strong conviction about her craft: “When I touch your hair, you’re not going anywhere else; you’re staying because the magic happens here.”

    Mary also provided insights into the fulfilling nature of her work and how it has enriched her life.

    “Not to brag, but [I have over 500 clients]. I work from Monday to Saturday… I work on three to four clients a day, depending on the hair. Sometimes, two, one. Like I said, it depends on the hair.

    “I had an assistant who I was helping because she came from Ghana and needed support before she got into the system. So, I was helping her until she stood on her feet. So, she’s started school and it needs time so she stopped coming. I’m very fast when it comes to braiding; I braid really fast and sometimes, I let my friends help me if I have a lot of people,” she added.

    Asked what the biggest trick to being successful in the business is, Mary said it requires a lot of patience.

    “In this business, if you don’t have patience, you cannot deal with customers. Customers are always right; you have to know you are dealing with people.

    Everybody has their attitudes, mood swings and stuff, and in the morning, people can come in with bad attitudes, but what can you do but do something to cheer them up?” she stressed.

    Until she got into this business, Mary trained as an electronic engineer and hopes to be able to return to school when she has completed her building project.

  • Video: Hajia4Reall goes back to school after pleading guilty to fraud charges

    Video: Hajia4Reall goes back to school after pleading guilty to fraud charges

    Ghanaian socialite Mona Faiz Montrage, popularly known as Hajia4Reall, has emerged in a video circulating on the internet, showcasing her presence at Union County College in the USA.

    The video, shared by her personal blogger Ghhyper, captured Hajia4Reall actively engaged in her studies within a lecture hall, alongside a fellow student.

    Contrary to speculation, the accompanying caption boldly challenges critics, emphasizing Hajia4Reall’s unwavering commitment to her education despite facing legal challenges, including a five-year jail sentence related to a romance scam conviction.

    The footage aims to shed light on her determination to pursue academic endeavors amid the negativity surrounding her legal situation.

    Watch video below:

  • I lost 17 cars but my wife never allowed me use hers – Evangelist Edward Akwasi Boateng

    I lost 17 cars but my wife never allowed me use hers – Evangelist Edward Akwasi Boateng

    Ghanaian gospel musician, Evangelist Edward Akwasi Boateng, has revealed the reasons behind his divorce, despite sending his ex-wife to the United States of America.

    In a recent interview on the Hello Entertainment Review show with Dave Hammer, the ‘Makoma so ade’ hitmaker shared that his wife divorced him because he faced financial difficulties during their marriage.

    According to Evangelist Edward Akwasi Boateng, his ex-wife threatened to divorce him before her family finally returned his ‘Etiri nsa’ (dowry) about five years ago.

    He recounted losing several properties, including 17 cars, and how his former wife refused to let him use hers, leaving him to walk.

    Evangelist Edward also spoke about starving due to his inability to provide housekeeping money. He mentioned that his wife chose to feed outsiders while letting him go hungry.

    Despite efforts by many pastors, including Evangelist Akwasi Awuah and Pastor George Owusu Mensah, to reconcile the marriage, his ex-wife remained adamant.

    Evangelist Edward Akwasi Boateng, who has been single for the past five years, expressed his readiness to remarry. He stated that at age 53, he has prepared himself well for a second marriage.

  • Harvard celebrates Ghana’s Kente in documentary film

    Harvard celebrates Ghana’s Kente in documentary film

    Ghana’s rich cultural heritage took center stage with the debut of the groundbreaking documentary film, ‘The Importance of Kente to Ghanaians & Black Africans,’ at the esteemed Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

    Directed by acclaimed BBC journalist Amma Prempeh, the film explores the intricate artistry, cultural significance, and global impact of Kente cloth, a traditional Ghanaian textile steeped in deep historical roots.

    “Kente is more than just a cloth; it’s a living embodiment of our history, values, and aspirations,” said director Amma Prempeh.

    “This film is a tribute to the generations of weavers who have kept this tradition alive and a celebration of its continuous relevance in our globalized world.”

    The premiere, hosted by the Africa Caucus and Black Students Union, marked the beginning of Black History Month and capped off the “Africa Caucus Around the Fire Policy Series.”

    The documentary delves into the journey of Kente, tracing its transformation from a symbol of Ghanaian royalty to a potent global emblem of resistance and identity.

    It delves into various aspects such as its cultural significance, economic and social impact, and its pivotal position in global politics. Through the voices of weavers, historians, and cultural scholars, the film presents a rich tapestry of narratives, offering profound insights into the enduring legacy of Kente.

    After premiering in Ghana on August 26, 2023, at the Golden Eagle Cinema in Kumasi City Mall and later at the African Regent Hotel in Accra on September 10, 2023, this poignant documentary made its international debut at Harvard.

    This marks a significant milestone, as it extends the vibrant tapestry of Ghanaian culture to a global audience, stimulating conversations on identity, representation, and cultural interchange.

  • Family of popular US-based Ghanaian pastor frantically seeks 22-Year-Old son missing since Wednesday

    Family of popular US-based Ghanaian pastor frantically seeks 22-Year-Old son missing since Wednesday

    The 22-year-old son of a popular Ghanaian pastor based in the United States of America (USA), Reverend Maxwell Appiah who is the lead pastor at Revelation City Church in the USA, has gone missing. 

    The family’s distress has intensified as they make a public plea for assistance in locating their son, Darius Appiah.

    Darius Appiah was last seen on Wednesday, January 23, 2024, leaving work at 2:22 pm after placing an order for pickup. According to an official complaint filed with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, his phone was turned off approximately an hour later, complicating efforts to trace his whereabouts. Since then, there has been no contact with Darius, and his phone remains inactive.

    In a heartfelt plea shared on social media, Reverend Maxwell Appiah and his wife have called upon intercessors and watchmen to unite in prayer for the safe return of their son. The family is mobilizing a collective effort to amplify the search for Darius, urging the public to share the message widely.

    The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is actively involved in the investigation. Darius Appiah was last seen wearing a blue winter coat, blue jeans, and brown hiking boots. He is reported to be driving a dark green 2004 Lexus RX330 SUV with Virginia license plate VBT8217.

    The family is appealing to anyone with information about Darius’s whereabouts to contact the Sheriff’s Office promptly. They are also encouraging individuals with relevant connections or insights to come forward and aid in the search effort.

    This unsettling situation has prompted an outpouring of support from the community, with prayers and well-wishes flooding social media platforms. As the search intensifies, the Appiah family remains hopeful for Darius’s safe return and expresses gratitude for the collective efforts being made to reunite them with their missing loved one.

  • USA based Ghanaian shoots wife to death

    USA based Ghanaian shoots wife to death

    Ghanaian man named Daniel Okoe Lawson, aged 24, has been apprehended in the United States on charges of murdering his wife in Dumfries, Virginia.

    The victim, 24-year-old Desire Alexandria Buggs, was fatally shot and killed by Lawson.

    Lawson now faces charges of felony murder and other related offences in connection with this tragic incident.

    Police said in a statement…

    Murder Investigation: On January 6 at 5:04 p.m., officers responded to investigate a shooting that reportedly occurred in the area of Possum Point Rd. and Leonard St. in Dumfries (22026) earlier that day.

    Officers were initially called to an area hospital, where a 24-year-old woman was brought to the facility suffering from a gunshot wound and later died.

    The preliminary investigation revealed her husband, later identified as the accused, brought the victim to the hospital after the shooting occurred and provided detectives with an account of what led up to the shooting.

    While investigating the incident, additional information and the weapon believed to have been used during the shooting were turned over to the police. Further investigation revealed the accused was involved in the incident.

    Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Daniel Okoe LAWSON, was arrested.

    Detectives are continuing their investigation to determine what led up to the shooting and the shooting location.

    Anyone with information that could aid investigators in this investigation is asked to contact the police.

    The deceased was identified as Desire Alexandria BUGGS, 24, of Woodbridge

    This comes after another Ghanaian, Frederick Owusu Sakyi, was also arrested over the weekend for murdering his wife.

  • USA and UK thwart biggest Houthi attack in the Red Sea

    USA and UK thwart biggest Houthi attack in the Red Sea

    Navies from the UK and US stopped a big attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on ships in the Red Sea, according to the UK defence secretary.

    The US military said that a group supported by Iran sent out 18 drones and three missiles on Tuesday night.

    They were attacked and shot by jets from carriers and warships. No one got hurt or things broken.

    The Houthis have not said anything, but they have attacked merchant ships because of the fighting in the Gaza Strip.

    They have said, sometimes not true, that the ships were connected to Israel.

    Houthis are not listening after being told not to attack the Red Sea.
    What does attacks in the Red Sea mean for world trade.

    The US military said that there have been 26 attacks since November 19th.

    The US, UK, Germany, Italy, Australia, Japan and 10 other countries are telling the Houthis to stop their attacks right away. They say the attacks are against the law and are a danger to ships passing through the important waterway, where 15% of the world’s trade goes through.

    The allies have chosen not to attack areas in rebel-held north-west Yemen in response. However, the UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has warned that if the attacks keep happening, the Houthis will face the consequences.

    “We will do what’s necessary to keep innocent people safe and protect the world’s economy,” he said.

  • USA authorities deport Ghanaian woman over legal document infraction

    USA authorities deport Ghanaian woman over legal document infraction

    A Ghanaian woman known as Frimpongmaa has been repatriated from the United States of America (USA) after her roommate reported her to authorities for using someone else’s legal documents.

    According to Freda Afriyie, who shared the story on social media, Frimpongmaa had earned over $70,000 but was unable to access her money.

    In an effort to retrieve the funds from the document owner, she was accused of assault, leading to her reported arrest and subsequent investigation.

    Due to a lack of proper documentation for her stay in the USA, Frimpongmaa was processed for court and eventually deported to Ghana. Presently, she works as a dishwasher at a local eatery to sustain herself after the deportation.

  • WWC winners Spain claims top spot in FIFA rankings

    WWC winners Spain claims top spot in FIFA rankings

    The women’s World Cup champions, Spain, have attained the top spot in the FIFA rankings for the first time, surpassing the second-placed United States, as announced by the world governing body on Friday.

    This achievement makes Spain the fourth team to reach the summit of the rankings, following the U.S., Germany, and Sweden.

    Spain secured their ascent to the top after winning the World Cup final against England in August, moving up four spots to second. Their remarkable performances in the Women’s Nations League solidified their position.

    Having topped their group with five wins, including victories over Sweden, Spain qualified for the Nations League Finals in February, where they will face the Netherlands in the semifinals.

    The USWNT rose to second place in the rankings, with France in third. Both the U.S. and France also qualified for the Nations League Finals, facing Germany and each other in the semifinals, respectively.

    European champions England are in fourth place, while Sweden dropped to fifth after finishing third in their Nations League group.

    The rankings now include a record 192 nations, with the additions of the Central African Republic and Macau and the return of North Korea (ninth), American Samoa, Madagascar, and the Bahamas.

  • New bride killed by shark attack day after their wedding in Bahamas

    New bride killed by shark attack day after their wedding in Bahamas

    A woman was killed by a shark while she was paddleboarding in The Bahamas, just one day after she got married.

    The person, who was in her 40s and from Boston, USA, was attacked and killed by a wild animal in the ocean near a Sandals resort where she was staying on Monday.

    She got married on Sunday and was close to Cable Beach on New Providence Island when a shark attacked.

    The police said that she was with a family member, and both of them were saved by a lifeguard.

    The new bride got hurt badly on the right side of her body, including her hip and upper leg, said the police.

    The ambulance workers tried doing CPR on her, but she didn’t make it.

    An American woman was bitten and killed by a shark near a resort in the Bahamas, according to the police.

    Around 11:15am, the police were told that a woman from Boston, Massachusetts, USA, was attacked by a shark. This was said in a statement by the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

    Early reports say that a woman and a man in her family were paddleboarding behind a resort in western Providence, about three-quarters of a mile from the shore, when she was bitten by a shark.

    “A lifeguard saw what was happening, got in a rescue boat, brought the person and a family member to safety. ”

    Sgt Desiree Ferguson said: “We are very sorry for this sad situation. ”

    A spokesperson for Sandals Resorts said they are very sad that a guest died while paddleboarding almost a mile from the shore.

    We want to send our sympathy to the family and friends of the guest.

    “We are staying in touch with them and giving them as much help as we can during this hard time. ”

    While shark attacks that cause death are not usual in The Bahamas, there have been at least two reported recently.

    On November 21, a 47-year-old woman from Germany disappeared while diving in the waters near West End, Grand Bahama. She was last seen by a shark, according to the police.

    In September 2022, a 58-year-old woman from America died in a shark attack while swimming with her family in the waters of New Providence.

    A woman got really hurt when a shark bit her on the head while she was diving last month.

  • US court jails YouTuber who staged plane crash for six months

    US court jails YouTuber who staged plane crash for six months

    A YouTuber known for his daredevil stunts, who intentionally crashed his plane to generate more views for his channel and subsequently lied to investigators, has been sentenced to six months in jail after striking a plea deal, as announced by US authorities on Monday.

    The event, captured in a video titled “I crashed my airplane,” shows Trevor Jacob encountering apparent engine trouble while flying over southern California in November 2021.

    The dramatic footage, widely viewed on YouTube, depicts Jacob ejecting from the single-engine plane with a selfie stick in hand, parachuting into the dense vegetation of Los Padres National Forest.

    Cameras on the aircraft document its uncontrolled descent and eventual crash landing in the forest. Following the crash, Jacob, a former Olympic snowboarder, films himself hiking to the wreckage, expressing dismay at the vanished water supply but ensuring the recovery of the footage.

    Subsequently, investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) were initiated. Jacob, however, misled officials, claiming ignorance about the crash site location despite being ordered to preserve the wreckage.

    The plea deal resulted in a six-month jail sentence for the YouTuber, highlighting the consequences of his deceptive actions.

    “In fact, on December 10, 2021, Jacob and a friend flew by helicopter to the wreckage site,” the US District Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California said Monday. “There, Jacob used straps to secure the wreckage, which the helicopter lifted and carried to Rancho Sisquoc in Santa Barbara County, where it was loaded onto a trailer attached to Jacob’s pickup truck.”


    In an attempt to conceal evidence of the crash, the wreckage of the single-engine plane was dismantled into smaller fragments and disposed of in trash bins in and around Lompoc City Airport.

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), responsible for regulating aviation in the United States, revoked Jacob’s pilot’s license in April 2022.

    Facing increasing scrutiny from investigators, Jacob entered into a plea deal, acknowledging guilt for one count of destruction and concealment with the intent to obstruct a federal investigation.

    This agreement reflects the legal consequences arising from his actions in attempting to hide evidence related to the intentional plane crash.

    “Jacob lied to federal investigators when he submitted an aircraft accident incident report that falsely indicated that the aircraft experienced a full loss of power,” the US District Attorney’s Office said in a statement.


    “[Jacob] most likely committed this offence to generate social media and news coverage for himself and to obtain financial gain,” federal prosecutors said.

    “Nevertheless, this type of ‘daredevil’ conduct cannot be tolerated.” Jacob’s original video, along with several others he posted after the escapade, have now been removed from YouTube, but a copy can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41iOvFuKsyY


    Pilots and aviation experts have expressed significant criticism towards Jacob in the nearly two years since the video’s initial release. Numerous experts have highlighted Jacob’s failure to undertake basic measures to restart the seemingly troubled engine of his plane.

    Critics have also emphasised that Jacob had the option to safely glide the aircraft to a landing spot, raising questions about the necessity of ejecting from the plane.

    Furthermore, wearing a parachute during the operation of a small aircraft was deemed highly unusual by industry professionals, prompting additional scrutiny of Jacob’s

    The aviation community’s assessments underscore concerns about safety protocols and decision-making in the context of Jacob’s actions.

  • 70 Ghanaian refugees begin new life in USA after resettlement process

    70 Ghanaian refugees begin new life in USA after resettlement process

    Seventy refugees from Ghana have said their farewells to the country as they embark on a journey to the United States of America (USA).

    Media personality and Date Rush host, Giovani Caleb, shared this news, revealing that the refugees’ status changed after careful consideration of their individual cases for resettlement.

    The examination process adhered to established eligibility criteria.

    Caleb explained that the comprehensive process involved submitting the identified cases to U.S. authorities for further screening and processing.

    This meticulous approach aimed to ensure that each individual met the necessary requirements for successful resettlement in the United States.

    “70 refugees from Ghana ???????? last night departed to begin a new life in the USA. This brings an end to their status as refugees. After identifying their cases based on established eligibility criteria, the cases were submitted to the US for further screening and processing.

    “Resettlement is one of the 3 durable solutions next to voluntary repatriation and local integration,” he said in a Twitter post on November 30, 2023.

    For many years, Ghana has served as a refuge for numerous refugees.

    Which group of refugees comprise this team that recently departed Ghana for the United States is unclear, though.

  • Israeli-owned ship allegedly targeted by alleged Iranian drone – USA

    Israeli-owned ship allegedly targeted by alleged Iranian drone – USA


    A ship owned by Israel was attacked by a suspected Iranian drone, as per a US defense official.

    The ship was in the Indian Ocean when it was attacked by a triangle-shaped bomb-carrying aircraft called Shahed 136.

    The ship is called the CMA CGM Symi and it sails for Malta.

    “We are watching the situation carefully,” the official said. The leader did not say why the US military thought Iran did the attack.

    Al-Mayadeen, a TV channel that supports the Iranian-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah, first told about the event.

    The channel used sources that did not want to be named for the report, and later, Iranian media also reported about it.

    CMA CGM, a big shipping company from France, said to ask the owner of the Symi, Eastern Pacific Shipping, for answers to questions.

    That business is basically run by a very rich Israeli businessman named Idan Ofer.

    The event happened while there is a break in the fighting between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza strip.

    A message from Eastern Pacific said they know about claims that one of their container ships might have been attacked on Friday night.

    The boat is currently sailing as scheduled, according to the statement. ‘Everyone on the crew is okay. ’

    Last November, the oil tanker Pacific Zircon, which flies the Liberian flag, was damaged in a possible attack by Iran off the coast of Oman.

    Experts say that the Symi’s crew had been acting like they thought the ship was in danger lately.

    The ship’s tracker, which helps others see where it is, was turned off on Tuesday when it left the port in Dubai.

    Ships need to keep their AIS on for safety.

    However, workers will switch them off if it seems like they might be attacked.

    It had done the same thing before when it was traveling through the Red Sea near Yemen, where the Houthi rebels are from and supported by Iran.

    Iran’s representatives at the United Nations did not answer when the Associated Press asked them for a comment.

  • Homeless Ghanaian based in US cries for help after 30 years abroad

    Homeless Ghanaian based in US cries for help after 30 years abroad

    Life hasn’t turned out as expected for some Ghanaians who left their homeland in pursuit of a better life for themselves and their families.

    A Ghanaian man, who ventured to the United States of America (USA) nearly three decades ago with hopes of a brighter future, has now found himself begging on the streets to make ends meet.

    In a video that has gone viral, the man can be seen asking a fellow Ghanaian woman in a vehicle for assistance, explaining that he needs money to purchase a belt.

    “Please come and help me, I don’t have a place to sleep. And also, things are very difficult for me. I am not mad neither am I a wizard. I look like this because things are not going well.

    “I used to live at Kwawu but my village is Nkoranza-Akuma. I have been in America for more than 30 years. I was previously doing well but now things are really bad… I need money to buy a belt, please help me,” he told the woman in Twi.

    He went on to share that he had served as a soldier in the US army, but despite his past, he now finds himself with nothing.

    Touched by his plight, the woman gave him some dollar notes and pledged to return with further assistance.

  • Chris Hughton ‘disappointed’ by Black Stars’ second defeat to USA

    Chris Hughton ‘disappointed’ by Black Stars’ second defeat to USA

    Ghana’s head coach, Chris Hughton, has expressed his deep disappointment, emphasizing that nobody feels it more keenly than he does, following the Black Stars’ 4-0 loss to the United States in an international friendly.

    The four-time African champions conceded all four goals within just 39 minutes at the Geodis Park in Nashville during the early hours of Wednesday.

    Hughton, who had previously guided the national team to an impressive unbeaten streak of five games, has now faced consecutive defeats, first to Mexico and now to the US.

    During the post-match press conference, Hughton mentioned that poor performances such as the one against the USA can often serve as a catalyst for a winning streak.

    “I’ve also been involved in the game long enough to know that sometimes you go through what we regard as bad periods to come out better.

    “Sometimes the bad performances like today can be something that can kickstart something else or something that makes my mind up about the system we are playing. I understand that disappointment. I can tell you, nobody is more disappointed than I am.”

  • Black Stars concedes 3 goals in 12 minutes in USA friendly

    Black Stars concedes 3 goals in 12 minutes in USA friendly

    In a resounding international friendly match held on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, in Nashville, the United States handed Ghana a convincing defeat.

    The American team displayed their dominance right from the start, dismantling the Black Stars in the first half with four unanswered goals.

    The opening salvo came in the 10th minute when Giovanni Reyna capitalised on a poor clearance by the Black Stars and found the back of the net. Just nine minutes later, Christian Pulisic extended the lead to two from the penalty spot.

    Folarin Balogun then added a third on the 22nd-minute mark, culminating in the Americans scoring three goals in just 12 minutes.

    The final blow struck three minutes before halftime when Giovanni Reyna netted his second goal of the night from an indirect free-kick.

    This result marks a disappointing week for Chris Hughton’s team, as they have now conceded a total of six goals in less than seven days, following their earlier 2-0 defeat to Mexico in Charlotte.

    Chris Hughton fielded a starting XI that featured Abdul Manaf Nurudeen guarding the goalposts, with Inaki Williams and Jordan Ayew leading the attack.

    Jerome Opoku made his debut for the Black Stars, while Mohammed Kudus and captain Thomas Partey anchored the midfield.

    This exciting match took place at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee, showcasing the United States’ commanding performance against the Ghanaian team.

    See the starting XI below:

    Nurudeen Abdul Manaf

    Gideon Mensah

    Jerome Opoku

    Nicolas Opoku

    Alidu Seidu

    Edmund Addo

    Thomas Partey

    Joseph Painstil

    Jordan Ayew

    Kudus Mohammed

    Inaki Williams

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InYoetSeA1s
  • Partey accompanied to Black Star camp in US by Arsenal physio, Simon Murphy

    Partey accompanied to Black Star camp in US by Arsenal physio, Simon Murphy

    Thomas Partey and Arsenal physiotherapist Simon Murphy have traveled to Ghana’s training facility in America as the Black Stars get ready for friendlies against Mexico and the USA.

    On Thursday, Murphy was seen in training alongside Ghana’s in-house medical staff and Dr. Prince Pambo, the Black Stars’ team doctor.

    His presence is believed to be associated with monitoring Thomas Partey, who has recently recovered from a groin injury.

    Partey had been sidelined for six weeks between late August and early October, and he made his comeback as a substitute in Arsenal’s 1-0 victory against Manchester City the previous Sunday.

    This isn’t the first time that Murphy has accompanied Partey to the Ghana camp for international duty. In March 2022, the Arsenal physiotherapist also joined the midfielder for the World Cup playoffs against Nigeria.

    In the upcoming fixtures, Partey will take on the role of captain for Ghana, filling in for Andre Ayew.

    The Black Stars will face Mexico at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Saturday, October 14, and then take on the USA on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee.

  • 10 sure ways to get admissions in the USA with funding this year

    10 sure ways to get admissions in the USA with funding this year

    1. Make sure to have a draft of an Academic CV, SOP and LORs

    2. Get your Academic Transcript. Merge CV and Transcript in one PDF

    3. Please provide 4-5 research areas that are in alignment with your field of study. It’s important to note that some research interests may span across multiple academic departments. For example, material science can be a research interest for students in fields such as chemistry, physics, and polymer science.

    Similarly, gender studies and diversity can be subfields of study within various disciplines, including international relations, public administration, sociology, and political science

    4. Please conduct research to identify universities where professors specialise in your chosen research areas. For instance, you can use search engines like Google to search for ‘Professors in War Studies in US universities’ and compile a list of these professors. Additionally, you may explore social media platforms such as Twitter and LinkedIn to identify experts in your field of interest.

    5. Examine universities to identify institutions that offer programs with waived GRE and TOEFL requirements.

    6. Keep an eye out for virtual open houses, educational expos, and opportunities for application fee waivers.

    7. Apply to a broad spectrum of universities that offer programs aligned with your field of study or feature professors conducting research in your areas of interest.

    8. Be vigilant for publicly advertised academic positions and craft a compelling letter of intent. A strong letter of intent is founded on thorough research into the work conducted by the laboratory or research group associated with the job posting.

    9.You can often find numerous such opportunities posted on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more.

    10. Look out for universities in the cold regions of the USA. They usually have fewer applicants and, thus, less competition for you. Prime your CV for GRA/GTA/GA offers. These funding positions that waive tuition fees and pay stipends ranging from 18,000 to 26,000 USD are usually awarded to Graduate students who show capacity for Research, Teaching or Administrative duties.

  • Asamoah Gyan spotted mentoring budding footballers in USA

    Ghanaian football icon Asamoah Gyan made a special appearance at a youth training program in Florida, USA.

    Gyan took the opportunity to instruct young participants on fundamental football skills, helping them enhance their abilities and gain insights into the sport.

    This event was organized by the USL team Tampa Bay Rowdies and featured not only Gyan but also the 2022 USL Championship MVP, Leonardo Fernandes.

    After the training session, Gyan kindly signed autographs for the enthusiastic young participants.

    Gyan, accompanied by his manager and Executive Council member, Samuel Anim, visited the USA for personal business during this time.

    “Inspiring the next Generation. I spent precious time with the kids of Tampa Bay Rowdies in Tampa, Florida. Coaching Clinic, autograph session, and interactions,” wrote the ex-Ghana captain on social media.

    Asamoah Gyan announced his retirement in June 2023.

    He already holds a UEFA coaching license B and thus qualifies to begin a career path in coaching.

  • 40 US universities to storm Ghana from Sept. 14 for EducationUSA fairs

    40 US universities to storm Ghana from Sept. 14 for EducationUSA fairs

    The U.S. Embassy and EducationUSA are set to host more than 40 U.S. higher education institutions in Ghana this week.

    This initiative includes EducationUSA’s College Fairs scheduled for Thursday, September 14, in Kumasi, as well as Friday and Saturday, September 15–16, in Accra.

    These events will provide thousands of Ghanaian students with the chance to engage with admission representatives from various U.S. colleges and universities.

    “Ghana is a top sender of students to the United States—number 18 in the world for graduate degree programs. 

    “We are excited to welcome forty U.S. institutions to speak about educational opportunities ranging from undergraduate studies to doctorate degree programs for Ghanaian students and professionals,” said Counselor for Public Diplomacy Emily Fertik regarding the EducationUSA Fairs this week.

    The EducationUSA College Fair in Kumasi takes place on Thursday, September 14, at KNUST’s Great Hall, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for students interested in pursuing an undergraduate bachelor’s degree and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. for those interested in a graduate degree program. 

    In Accra at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, graduate programs will be featured on Friday, September 15 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, September 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. is dedicated to undergraduate programs.  Prospective students should register to attend in advance. 

    During the 2021-2022 academic year, more than 4,900 Ghanaian students studied in the United States, attending 700 colleges and universities in all 50 U.S. states, and earning more than $7 million in scholarships. 

    Throughout the year, EducationUSA advisers provide assistance and advice to Ghanaian students seeking opportunities in the United States. 

    EducationUSA has two advising centers in Ghana – in Accra and Kumasi. Virtual advising services are also available on the U.S. Embassy’s Facebook page.

    Admission is free. For more information on the events, including a list of participating schools, visit: https://bit.ly/EdUSA-Ghana

  • Check out these US based schools with just $30 application fee

    Check out these US based schools with just $30 application fee

    Universities in US with $30 Application fee


    1 Florida State University


    2 Florida A&M University


    3 Florida International University


    4 University of South Florida


    5 University of Florida


    6 Florida Atlantic University


    7 University of Central Florida


    8 University of West Florida

    9. University of North Florida


    10. Georgia Southern University
    (waiver available)


    11. Eastern Illinois University


    12.University of Tennessee Martin


    13. Lincoln University Missouri


    14. Arkansas State University


    15. University of West Alabama

  • USA-Canada: Explore some fully funded scholarships for MSc in Mathematics and Statistics

    USA-Canada: Explore some fully funded scholarships for MSc in Mathematics and Statistics

    For my Mathematics and Statistics Scholars, come closer, because this post is for you.
    The following Universities are offering a fully funded MSc in Mathematics and Statistics.

    NB: Canada (CA), USA (USA)


    ✅ Memorial University


    ✅ Queens University


    ✅ McGill University


    ✅ Simon Fraser University


    ✅ University of Alberta.


    ✅ University of Calgary.


    ✅ University of Georgia.🇺🇸


    ✅ University of Kentucky.🇺🇸


    ✅ University of Manitoba.🇨🇦


    ✅ Bowling Green State University.🇺🇸


    ✅ University of Alaska Fairbanks


    ✅ University of North Texas.


    ✅ University of Washington.🇺🇸


    ✅ University of Massachusetts.🇺🇸


  • Ghana-USA trade reaches historic high – US ambassador

    Ghana-USA trade reaches historic high – US ambassador


    The efforts undertaken by the governments of Ghana and the United States are anticipated to lead to an upsurge in trade volumes.

    In 2022, the trade in goods between Ghana and the United States of America reached an unprecedented peak of $3.7 billion, showcasing a favourable trade balance, as outlined in a fact sheet from the US Embassy in Accra.

    During that year, Ghana’s exports to the US totaled $2.7 billion, encompassing key commodities such as crude oil, cocoa (beans, paste, and butter), apparel, rubber, and cassava.

    Imports from the US stood at $1 billion in 2022, comprising significant items like automobiles, machinery, paper products, plastics, medical devices, fertiliser, and agricultural goods.

    Virginia E. Palmer, the US Ambassador to Ghana, stated that due to collaborative measures implemented by both the US Embassy and the Ghanaian government, trade volumes are projected to experience further growth in the forthcoming years.

    She emphasised that promising indicators point to substantial growth in various sectors, contributing to job opportunities in both Ghana and the United States, thereby fostering prosperity in both nations.

    “To give a straightforward answer, I would say trade volumes are expected to expand by billions. With US$3.7 billion in goods now, it is a lot,” she said when asked about Ghana-USA trade prospects.

    She spoke at the US – Ghana Business Expo held under the theme ‘Leveraging US trade relations for growth and prosperity’. The event took place in Accra.

    The Under-secretary of Commerce for International Trade of the United States of America, Marisa Lago, commenting on trade volumes between the two countries stated that: “Emerging from the pandemic, total USA-Ghana trade has been on an upward trajectory.

    “As our trade and investment relationship matures and continues to grow, we look forward to broadening the types of goods and services that we exchange; such as personal care products and apparel.”

    Ms. Lago urged participants to be open about challenges, as they are looking for opportunities as well as to identify inhibiting factors that hold businesses back from delivering greater trade and investment.

    Given the current global crises, she said, it is important to ensure that the business environment continues to support and foster entrepreneurship, innovation, investment, and trade.

    She mentioned that to further strengthen trade between both countries, she will hold discussions with counterparts in Ghana’s government and the private sector on how they can work together to achieve some shared objectives of improving the business environment and facilitating increased trade and investment.

    The Minister of Trade and Industry, Kobina Tahir Hammond, said the government has stepped up support for the private sector, both domestic and foreign, to enhance production and export capacity – particularly in the manufacturing sector, with notable opportunities for export into the US market.

    “We would like to see more export products from our shores into the US market, the most lucrative consumer market globally. We believe that this can be achieved through increased investment from the US, especially in respect of harnessing the considerable and largely untapped US market opportunities offered under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the Prosper Africa Initiative of the US government.”

    The objective of the 2023 US Ghana Business Expo is to establish a platform that facilitates the development of mutual trade partnerships and economic advancement between the United States and Ghana.

    The event brought together prominent figures within various industries, entrepreneurs, government representatives, and business executives from both countries. The purpose was to uncover potential prospects, share insights, and cultivate alliances.

  • Application fee a headache? Try these waiver codes to your dream grad school

    Application fee a headache? Try these waiver codes to your dream grad school

    Application Fee waiver codes for certain US Universities

    SCHOOL NAME : Iowa State University
    WAIVER CODE: UVMG924I234UG


    SCHOOL NAME: New York University
    WAIVER CODE: ADMREP


    SCHOOL NAME : University of Vermont
    WAIVER CODE: UVMG715E959ZU


    SCHOOL NAME : New Jersey Institute of Technology
    WAIVER CODE: GR22


    SCHOOL NAME : The University of Alabama
    WAIVER CODE: GIFW


    SCHOOL NAME : Western New England University
    WAIVER CODE: WNEVIP


    SCHOOL NAME : New York Institute of Technology
    WAIVER CODE: ADMREP


    SCHOOL NAME : NorthEastern University
    WAIVER CODE: COE2022


    SCHOOL NAME : Colorado State University Pueblo
    WAIVER CODE: AEG


    SCHOOL NAME : University of Illinois Springfield
    WAIVER CODE: No waiver code. App fee already waived fro international students.


    SCHOOL NAME : New Jersey Institute
    WAIVER CODE: GR22


    SCHOOL NAME : University of New Hampshire
    WAIVER CODE: PROF65


    SCHOOL NAME : NYU Tandon School of Engineering
    WAIVER CODE: TANDONBKLYN


    SCHOOL NAME : The George Washington University, School of Engineering and applied Science
    WAIVER CODE: EdUSSASouthAsia2021


    SCHOOL NAME : Eastern Michigan University
    WAIVER CODE: GRAD


    SCHOOL NAME : Kent State University
    WAIVER CODE: send a mail to mailto:jabdull1@kent.edu to receive an application fee waiver.


    SCHOOL NAME : University of Arlington
    WAIVER CODE: Send a mail to Mummy Lin: mailto:grad.recruit@uta.edu (mention her name in the mail and the event, which is Education USA Virtual fair 2021, and Mummy Lin will give you an application fee waiver).


    SCHOOL NAME : University of New Haven
    WAIVER CODE: Send a mail to mailto:rmaitra@newhaven.edu to get an application fee waiver.

  • Ghanaian boxer Mohammed Aryeetey downed by Mexico’s Velasquez in USA

    Ghanaian boxer Mohammed Aryeetey downed by Mexico’s Velasquez in USA

    Ghanaian boxer Mohammed Aryeetey suffered a loss by majority decision against Mexican boxer Andy Dominguez Velasquez in their 6-round flyweight bout held at the Sony Hall in New York City, USA.

    Aryeetey displayed a determined defence throughout the fight, as his Mexican opponent launched a vigorous assault right from the start of the match.

    Despite his aspirations for a knockout victory, Aryeetey found Velasquez to be a skillful and elusive opponent in the ring.

    Benefiting from the support of his home crowd, the Mexican boxer accrued more points during the bout, while Aryeetey tried to retaliate with significant punches.

    After six rounds of intense exchanges, the judges rendered their decision in favour of the Mexican fighter.

    Two judges scored the contest 58-56 in favour of the winner, while the third judge declared it a 57-57 draw.

    This defeat ends Mohammed Aryeetey’s undefeated streak since turning professional. The 20-year-old Ghanaian, who still holds tremendous potential, boasts an impressive record of seven wins and one defeat in a total of nine fights.

    Looking forward, Aryeetey is likely to strive for a swift comeback in the ring, determined to recover from his initial career setback.

  • Kojo Antwi pays a visit to Paisley Park

    Kojo Antwi pays a visit to Paisley Park

    In a Facebook post dated Sunday, July 30, 2023, Kojo Antwi, the renowned highlife and reggae artist, expressed his admiration for the American music legend, Prince.

    Antwi shared that he had the privilege of visiting Prince’s home-turned-museum, Paisley Park, located in Chanhassen, Minnesota, USA.

    Accompanying his post was a snapshot of Antwi captured within the museum’s ambiance, standing beside an elegant grand piano, while an imposing portrait of Prince adorned the backdrop to his left.

    Antwi elaborated on the illustrious history of Paisley Park, highlighting that luminaries like Madonna, Tevin Campbell, REM, and Lizzo had recorded and mixed albums within its walls.

    Fondly recalling his encounter with the late American singer-songwriter, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist Prince Rogers Nelson, Antwi reminisced about their meeting at the 2010 Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards.

    This was a significant year, as it marked the inception of the International Act category at the BET Awards, a category that aimed to honor global talents like Sade, Corinne Bailey-Rae, P-Square, M.I., K’naan, Dizzee Rascal, Hip Hop Pantsula, Chip, and Estelle.

    Antwi pointed out that this groundbreaking move by BET paved the way for the establishment of the African Act category by other esteemed award organizations.

    The Groovy hitmaker’s tribute serves as a testament to the enduring influence and cross-cultural impact of Prince’s musical legacy.

  • Police handcuff 11-year-old girl over prank kidnapping

    Police handcuff 11-year-old girl over prank kidnapping

    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.

  • Graduate assistantship, a sure way to secure funding for your graduate studies

    Graduate assistantship, a sure way to secure funding for your graduate studies

    Are you a graduate student seeking financial support while pursuing your advanced degree? Look no further! Let’s explore the realm of Graduate Assistantships and the valuable benefits they offer you.

    𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽?
    A graduate assistantship offers graduate students the opportunity to work on campus while pursuing their postgraduate studies.

    This position provides financial support through a stipend or salary and may also include benefits such as a tuition waiver.

    As a graduate assistant, you’ll take on diverse roles within the university, gaining valuable experience and contributing to the campus community.

    𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀
    Teaching Assistantship (TA): Assist faculty members in teaching undergraduate courses, lead discussions, grade assignments, and provide guidance to students.

    Research Assistantship (RA): Collaborate with faculty on research projects, contribute to data analysis, literature reviews, and research-related tasks.

    Administrative Assistantship: Work in administrative offices, helping with tasks like admissions, student affairs, event organization, and more.

    Benefits of a graduate assistantship:
    Financial support: Receive a stipend or salary to cover your living expenses, with some assistantships also offering a tuition waiver or reduction.

    Professional development: Gain hands-on experience in teaching, research, or administration, enhancing your skills and boosting your employability.

    Networking opportunities: Build connections with faculty members and fellow graduate students, creating valuable relationships for future career prospects or research collaborations.

    How to secure a graduate assistantship:

    Research opportunities: Check your university’s website, departmental boards, or connect with faculty members to find assistantship openings.

    Prepare application materials: Craft a compelling resume/CV, a statement of purpose, and secure strong letters of recommendation.

    Connect with faculty: Reach out to professors aligned with your research or teaching interests, express your interest, and inquire about assistantship opportunities.

    Nail the interview: If shortlisted, prepare for interviews by researching the department, understanding the role, and having thoughtful questions for the interviewer.

    Acceptance and negotiation: Review the terms and conditions of the assistantship offer and consider negotiating aspects like stipend, workload, or responsibilities in a professional manner.

    It’s wise to start your search early and explore different funding avenues, as the availability of assistantships can vary.

  • Kim Kardashian, David Beckham, others react with awe as Messi scores his first goal in USA

    Kim Kardashian, David Beckham, others react with awe as Messi scores his first goal in USA

    Lionel Messi’s awe-inspiring performance for his new team, Inter Miami, during a pre-season game, left Hollywood reality television star Kim Kardashian, tennis icon Serena Williams, and football legend David Beckham among the many celebrities who couldn’t contain their excitement.

    A viral video posted on Twitter by FCB Albiceleste captured the moment when these superstars recorded Messi’s stunning winning goal. They embraced each other, screaming with joy at the Argentine international’s brilliance.

    In his debut match with Inter Miami, Messi delivered a remarkable 94th-minute strike, securing a late lead and the eventual victory for his team. The World Cup winner displayed his exceptional skills by curling a free-kick over the wall and past the goalkeeper into the opponent’s net, prompting an exuberant celebration.

    The match against Liga MX side Cruz Azul concluded with Inter Miami emerging victorious with a scoreline of 2-1. The game took place at the DRV PNK Stadium.

    Messi’s move to Inter Miami came after a season with French Ligue 1 side Paris-Saint Germain (PSG), following his departure from Barcelona. His debut performance has undoubtedly impressed fans and fellow celebrities alike.