The youth insist that the allegation — suggesting Dr Bawumia once flew a rival chief to Bawku and imposed him on the people — is false and dangerous.

In a statement released on Thursday, September 5, 2025, MAYA said the claim was originally fabricated by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 election campaign for political gain.

“It is therefore disgraceful that Kennedy Agyapong and his spokesperson, who claim to have supported the NPP candidate in that election, are now shamelessly recycling the same propaganda against the very candidate they purportedly supported,” the group stated.

MAYA warned that such rhetoric was particularly irresponsible given the sensitivity of the Bawku chieftaincy issue.

“To recklessly twist facts for political capital is to play with the peace and security of our people. No serious leader should engage in such divisive conduct,” the statement cautioned.

The association expressed concern that while the NDC had since distanced itself from tribal politics, Mr Agyapong’s camp appeared intent on reviving the same approach.

It described this as an insult to both Bawku and the wider Mamprugu Kingdom, noting that the community had long endured the consequences of political interference in local conflicts.

The youth group has therefore demanded a full and unqualified retraction and apology from Mr Agyapong’s team to the people of Bawku and Mamprugu.

“Failure to heed this advice will compel us to declare Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign team persona non grata in our jurisdiction until such a retraction and apology is rendered,” the statement, signed by MAYA President Mr Seidu Awudu and Secretary Mr Abdul Majeed Bagura, concluded.

Source: Ernest Arhinful

The Bloomberg published a story titled “Ghana Cedi’s World-Beating Performance Upended by Imports Surge”. The story indicated that the Ghanaian currency, which had recently been performing well against the dollar, is now recording losses.

This, according to the story, was because of a surge in demand for dollars by companies paying for imports.

However, checks by Fact-check Ghana from Bloomberg indicate that the Ghana cedi is not the worst-performing currency in the world now.

According to Bloomberg, the year-to-date gains of the Ghana cedi, which was in June this year around 50% against the dollar, have indeed been reducing. The cedis’ gains waned through July and August.

Currently, according to Bloomberg’s currency ranker, the Ghana cedi has a net gain of 21.99% against the dollar. At 21.99%, the cedi is the second-best-performing currency in the world, after the Russian ruble.

Which currency is the worst-performing currency?

The worst-performing currency, according to Bloomberg’s currency ranker, is the Argentine Peso, which has a net loss of 24.33 against the dollar since January 2025. The Turkish lira and Ethiopian Birr follow with net losses of 14.11% and 10.66%, respectively.

The Ghana cedi is therefore not among the list of worst-performing currencies.

Fact-check Ghana has observed that Graphic Online edited its initial headline of the Ghana cedi being the world’s worst-performing currency to the worst-performing currency in the third quarter.

The Ghana cedi has indeed lost about 13% of its gains to the dollar, which is relatively the highest loss since July.

While it is true to say the cedi has relatively lost considerable value within the period of consideration, the currency is still among the highest-performing currencies at a net gain of 21.99% and cannot be counted among the worst-performing currencies in the world currently.

In conclusion, claims that the Ghana cedi is the worst-performing currency in the world now are completely false.

Source: FactcheckGhana

Speaking at the orientation programme for District Coordinators in the Western, Western North, and Central regions, held in Takoradi, Hon. Nelson emphasized the importance of roads in connecting communities, facilitating trade, and supporting social interaction.

He noted that the poor state of many roads in the region hampers development and underscored the need for strong collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the success of DRIP.

The Minister proposed that DRIP be used as a platform to train machine operators and technicians under the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) model.

This, he explained, would not only provide local-level expertise to sustain the programme but also create thousands of jobs for the youth.

He urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and Members of Parliament (MPs) to work closely together to maximize the programme’s benefits for communities.

Expressing gratitude to the National DRIP Coordinator and his team for choosing the Western Region to host the orientation, Hon. Nelson encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained in their districts.

He noted that working together would strengthen DRIP and make road networks more sustainable and supportive of national development.

The National DRIP Coordinator, Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, cautioned District Coordinators, especially those in illegal mining areas, against using the equipment for personal gain.

He stressed that government had invested heavily in purchasing the equipment and warned that anyone caught misusing it would face strict sanctions.

Several MMDCEs and MPs, including Alhassan Ibrahim (Wassa East), Sophia Aubyn (Mpohor-Fiase), Benedict Boadi (Jomoro), Peter Amponsah (Wassa Amenfi Central), Naana Ackom (Gomoa East), Hackman Kobina Aidoo (Gomoa Central), Frederick F. Faidoo, Esq. (STME), and Ismaeel Nana Asamoah (Ekumfi), participated in the two-day programme and pledged their support to ensure DRIP’s effective operations in their districts.

The orientation, themed “Strengthening DRIP for Sustainable Road Maintenance and National Development,” aimed to build capacity, share knowledge, and align national strategic goals with decentralized road improvement strategies.

With the support of regional leaders, the Western Region is poised to make significant strides in road development and maintenance, ultimately contributing to national growth.

Source: Rita Abrefi Agyemang

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]]> https://www.adomonline.com/mandelas-grandson-says-palestinians-plight-is-worse-than-apartheid/ Fri, 05 Sep 2025 11:31:37 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2575255 Nelson Mandela’s grandson has said Palestinians’ lives under Israeli occupation are worse than anything Black South Africans experienced under apartheid, and urged the global community to come to their aid.

Mandla Mandela, 51, spoke to Reuters on Wednesday evening at Johannesburg Airport, where he was boarding a flight to Tunisia to join a flotilla aiming to deliver food and humanitarian supplies to Gaza despite an Israeli naval blockade.

“Many of us who have visited the occupied territories in Palestine have only come back with one conclusion: that the Palestinians are experiencing a far worse form of apartheid than we ever experienced,” Mandela said.

“We believe that the global community has to continue supporting the Palestinians, just as they stood side-by-side with us.”

Israel rejects comparisons between the lives of Palestinians who have lived under occupation or economic blockade for more than half a century and the apartheid era in South Africa, when the Black majority was ruled by a repressive white minority government.

It has also defended its tight restriction of the supply of humanitarian and other goods to Gaza, saying it aims to stop weapons from reaching the militant group Hamas.

Starvation is widespread in the enclave, according to the World Food Programme, and an authoritative hunger monitor says a quarter of the population is suffering from famine.

Mandela is joining a group of 10 South African activists in the Global Sumud Flotilla, which includes dozens of boats and hundreds of people from 44 countries, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.

South Africa’s African National Congress said its mission “echoes our own struggle for liberation”.

Mandela emphasised that, when apartheid ended in 1994, it was after intense pressure and sanctions from other nations.

“They isolated apartheid South Africa and finally collapsed it. We believe that the time has come for that to be done for the Palestinians,” he said.

Source: Reuters

Then came the surprise. Between April and May the cedi shot up, strengthening from GH₵15.50 to GH₵10.30 in just five weeks.

From May through July and into early August it stayed stable again, hovering between GH₵10.3 and GH₵10.5. But by mid-August the tide had turned. In only three weeks, it has slipped to GH₵11.90, making it one of the worst-performing currencies in the third quarter of 2025.

External conditions have not changed much. In fact, they should still be in Ghana’s favour. Gold prices are at record highs, the U.S. dollar remains subdued, and the Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates soon—moves that normally support the cedi. The pressure is instead domestic.

Remittances, which are a critical source of foreign exchange, appear to have slowed. The earlier strength of the cedi distorted the incentive.

For instance, if someone abroad sent $100 in April, that converted into about GH¢1,550, enough to buy roughly 150 cement blocks. By May, the same $100 fetched just GH¢1,030, barely enough for 100 blocks.

With their dollars suddenly buying fewer goods in Ghana, many senders simply held back, betting that the cedi would weaken again. If it did, their transfers would convert into more cedis.

This pause in inflows removed a steady cushion of dollars from the market just as import demand was rising.

Imports have also surged because traders rushed to take advantage of the stronger cedi to stock up ahead of the festive season, adding to the pressure.

At the same time, there are signs the Bank of Ghana has cut back its dollar supply to the market.

Why scale back? The reasons are not fully clear, but there are strong clues.

The IMF had warned earlier this year that the Bank of Ghana was intervening too heavily after it injected about $1.4 billion into the market in the first quarter of 2025.

In response, the Bank pledged to introduce a formal framework for forex interventions by the end of September. The recent slowdown in interventions may be a trial run ahead of that policy rollout.

Another factor may be the wide gap between the interbank and forex market rates. While the cedi traded at around GH¢10.30 to the dollar on the interbank market, it was consistently between GH¢11 and GH¢12 at forex bureaus.

Allowing some depreciation on the official side may be a way to bring the two markets into alignment, since the parallel rate divergence was distorting the market.

Meanwhile, the Bank has also tightened its regulations: reminding businesses that pricing in dollars is illegal, enforcing declaration requirements for travelers, blocking firms from withdrawing foreign currency they never deposited, demanding stricter documentation before importers can access forex, and clamping down on remittance operators who sidestep regulations.

The cedi’s performance so far in 2025 has been remarkable, though the recent slip is a reminder of how fragile sentiment can be. Whether stability holds will depend less on global winds than on how firmly the Bank of Ghana sticks to its new playbook.

For now, with gold prices still hovering around $3,500 per ounce and foreign reserves above $11 billion, the Bank of Ghana has the firepower to steady the market.

Panic may be premature.

Source: Caleb Wuninti Ziblim, JoyNews Research | caleb.ziblim@myjoyonline.com 

He expressed worry that the health conditions of many of the IPDs, mostly children and nursing mothers, kept deteriorating, saying they needed the insurance cards to seek medical attention, calling for more humanitarian services for their upkeep too.

Nana Nangor II made the appeal in an interview with the media when Major (Rtd) Dr Joseph Bikankyi Kuyo, the Director General of National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) visited the community.

More than 800 IDPs, mostly women and children have fled their homes, taking shelter at some local communities in the Municipality, with Subinso Number Two hosting most of them.

Checks revealed that several others are also sheltered at Botenso, Nwoase and Nchiraa in the Municipality, since the clash erupted at Gbinyiri in the Salwa/Tuna/Kalba District of the Savannah region on Sunday, August 25, 2025.

Nana Nangor II said the IPDs required food aid, clothing, footwear, blankets and other consumables too.

Earlier, Maj (Rtd) Kuyo told the media that his visit was to assess the conditions of the IPDs and understand the situation better to determine the kind of assistance and interventions they needed.

He expressed the government’s appreciation to the chiefs and people of the area for their cooperation and assisting the IPDs, calling for more efforts to resolve the conflict and to bring lasting peace to Gbinyiri and its surrounding communities.

Maj (Rtd) Dr Kuyo was accompanied by Sheikh Ahmed Rufai Bolas, the Deputy Director General of NADMO in-charge of Technical Operations, Mrs Fati KIne-Lam, the Bono Regional Director of NADMO, Mr Suleiman Mohammed, the Wenchi Municipal Director NADMO.

Others were Superintendent George Kwakye, the Wenchi Municipal Police Commander and Madam Gloria Opoku Gyamfi, the Wenchi Municipal Chief Executive.

Source: GNA  

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The procedure, known as Mohs surgery, is commonly used to treat the most common forms of skin cancer.

The surgery comes just months after Biden, 82, revealed in May that he had been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. His team described the illness as aggressive but hormone-sensitive, meaning it is likely to respond to treatment.

A spokesperson did not immediately respond on Thursday to a request for comment on the surgery.

Biden previously had a skin lesion removed during a routine physical in 2023 while serving as president. That lesion was identified as basal cell carcinoma.

Biden’s physical health and mental acuity were frequent topics of scrutiny during his presidency. He abruptly ended his bid for re-election in July 2024, just weeks after a faltering debate performance against Donald Trump triggered widespread concern within the Democratic Party.

Biden was the oldest person ever elected president at the time of his 2020 victory. That record was surpassed last year when Trump, now 79, was elected president.

Since leaving office, Biden has kept a relatively low profile, making only a few public appearances. In April, he delivered a speech defending the Social Security Administration against proposed cuts from the Trump administration.

Source: Reuters

President John Dramani Mahama, on Monday, 1 September 2025, relieved Justice Torkornoo of her duties in line with Article 146(9) of the 1992 Constitution.

The decision, according to a statement from the Presidency, was based on the recommendation of a committee set up under Article 146(6) to investigate a petition brought by a citizen, Daniel Ofori.

The announcement, signed by the Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, explained that the President was constitutionally obliged to act on the committee’s findings. Her removal took immediate effect.

Reacting to the development during an interview on Channel One TV on Thursday, 4 September, Mr Umar argued that the step would enhance public trust in the judiciary and reinforce the principles of separation of powers.

“Far from undermining the judiciary, this is going to restore credibility to it. Ghanaians had lost faith in the institution, and the resetting agenda is now underway to rebuild confidence,” he remarked.

The Zabzugu legislator also linked judicial credibility to the country’s investment prospects.

“For any economy to thrive, there must be a reliable regulatory framework, and that begins with trust in the judiciary,” he added.

Source: MyJoyOnline.com  

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“I am outraged by this morning’s ICE raids in Cato and Fulton, where more than 40 adults were seized — including parents of at least a dozen children at risk of returning from school to an empty house,” Hochul said in a statement released by her office.

The Reuters Tariff Watch newsletter is your daily guide to the latest global trade and tariff news. Sign up here.

Under President Donald Trump, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has become the driving force of his sweeping crackdown on migrants, bolstered by record funding and new latitude to conduct raids.

Trump has said he wants to deport “the worst of the worst” criminals but ICE figures have shown a rise in non-criminals being picked up.

Migrant advocacy group Rural & Migrant Ministry said on Facebook that over 70 workers were arrested after an ICE raid at a nutrition bar factory, Nutrition Bar Confectioners, in the village of Cato.

The New York Times also put the figure of those who were detained at more than 70, citing witnesses. The newspaper said the raid at the nutrition bar factory appeared to be one of the biggest workplace raids in New York since Trump’s crackdown began after he took office.

“I’ve made it clear: New York will work with the federal government to secure our borders and deport violent criminals, but we will never stand for masked ICE agents separating families and abandoning children,” Hochul added.

Mark Schmidt, 70, the principal owner of Nutrition Bar Confectioners, was quoted as saying by the New York Times that all his workers had legal documentation to work in the United States and that the operation was “overkill.”

An ICE Homeland Security Investigations spokesperson was quoted as saying by media that the step was part of “court-authorised enforcement actions.”

“While we cannot comment further about this specific ongoing criminal investigation at this time, ICE HSI remains committed to protecting the rights of workers and upholding U.S. laws,” the spokesperson’s statement cited in Spectrum News 1, read.

Details about the raid in Fulton that Hocul mentioned were not immediately available, but the governor said such actions will not make New York safer.

“What they did was shatter hard-working families who are simply trying to build a life here,” the New York governor added.

Source: Reuters

Mark S Zuckerberg says his account has been disabled five times over the past eight years, and it has cost him thousands of dollars in lost business.

The Indiana bankruptcy attorney’s lawsuit states that he has been practising law for 38 years – ever since Mark E Zuckerberg, now one of the richest men in the world, was a toddler.

Meta said it had reinstated the lawyer’s account and was taking steps to prevent the mistake from recurring.

“It’s not funny,” Mr Zuckerberg told WTHR-TV in Indianapolis, Indiana. “Not when they take my money.”

The lawsuit, filed in Marion Superior Court, argues that Facebook parent company Meta is in breach of contract because he paid $11,000 (£8,200) for advertising that was improperly taken down.

“It’s like buying a billboard on the side of the highway, paying the people for the billboard and then they come and put a giant blanket over it and you don’t get the benefit of what you paid for,” he told WTHR.

Emails with Facebook that Mr Zuckerberg shared with local media indicate the company had accused him of not using his “authentic name”.

He said that he has submitted his photo ID, his credit cards, and multiple images of his face in order to prove his identity.

“I’m Mark Steven. And he’s Mark Elliot,” Mr Zuckerberg told WTHR.

His account was shut down in May and only restored after his lawsuit was filed.

In a statement, the company said it had “reinstated Mark Zuckerberg’s account, after finding it had been disabled in error”.

“We appreciate Mr Zuckerberg’s continued patience on this issue and are working to try and prevent this from happening in the future.”

Mr Zuckerberg, who specialises in bankruptcy law, started a website to track mix-ups over his name, including the time he was inadvertently sued by the state of Washington for abuse.

Source: BBC

The appeal comes amid rising levels of gender-based violence (GBV) and growing concern over systemic failures that continue to leave survivors vulnerable.

The call was made at a press briefing in Accra organised by the Renel Ghana Foundation in collaboration with SONGTABA, with support from the UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women.

The event brought together stakeholders, advocates, and survivors who shared firsthand accounts of the realities of domestic abuse in Ghana.

“We cannot let a law meant to protect lives remain a promise on paper,” said Nelson Richardson-Mandela, Executive Director of Renel Ghana Foundation.
“The Domestic Violence Act must become a living instrument—one that offers safety, dignity, and justice to every survivor.”

Drawing on data from the Gender Rights and Empowerment Project (G-REP) and other research, the Foundation presented a stark picture of the GBV crisis:

• The 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey reported intimate partner violence (IPV) prevalence rates of 53.4% in the Savannah Region and 44% in the Central Region.

• Over 1,000 elderly women in northern Ghana have been banished to so-called “witch camps.” A 2022 SONGTABA study found that 52.7% suffer from depression and 97% experience extremely low quality of life.

According to the Foundation, these figures highlight the devastating human cost of delayed action and chronic underinvestment in survivor services.

Despite the existence of Act 732, survivors of domestic violence continue to face major obstacles, including:

• Underfunded support systems: The Domestic Violence Victims Support Fund remains largely inactive, limiting access to healthcare, shelter, and legal aid.

• Institutional gaps: Police officers and social workers often lack trauma-informed training, while the Domestic Violence Management Board struggles with weak technical capacity and leadership.

• Lack of public awareness: Many frontline workers remain unaware of protective mechanisms such as protection orders.

• Cultural stigma: Patriarchal norms and fear of ostracism prevent many victims from reporting abuse.

Agnes Popolampo, a survivor of gender-based violence, encouraged others not to remain silent:
“Speaking out saved my life. I want others to know they are not alone.”

The Foundation also highlighted successes from the G-REP initiative, which is piloting one-stop support centers in districts such as Ada East, Ekumfi, Yendi, Gushegu, Nanumba, and East Mamprusi. These centers provide survivors with counseling, medical care, and legal aid in one location.

“We’ve seen clear evidence that this model works,” said researcher Benjamin Abaidoo.
“It shortens response time and ensures that survivors get comprehensive support without navigating multiple broken systems.”

Renel Ghana Foundation is therefore calling for bold and coordinated policy action to make the Domestic Violence Act fully functional. Their demands include:

1. Increasing budgetary allocation to the Domestic Violence Victims Support Fund.

2. Institutionalising continuous training for police, social workers, and the judiciary on survivor-centered approaches.

3. Strengthening oversight bodies like the Domestic Violence Management Board.

4. Scaling the one-stop center model nationwide.

5. Launching awareness campaigns to dismantle stigma and inform communities about legal protections.

“Every delay endangers another life,” Nelson Richardson-Mandela stressed.
“Survivors can no longer wait for the system to catch up. Parliament, ministries, local authorities, and civil society must act now—together.”

He added that while the law is a necessary foundation, it must be backed by political will, resources, and societal change to truly protect women and girls across Ghana.

The organisations behind the call urged all stakeholders to work collectively to turn the Domestic Violence Act from a legislative promise into a practical shield of protection and empowerment.

Source: Kodwo Mensah Aboroampa

The family members gathered at the Adabraka District Court on Thursday, September4, as the case against the suspects resumed.

Speaking to JoyNews, a relative of the deceased said preliminary checks during preparations for burial revealed that portions of the late officer’s body were unaccounted for.

“We cannot lay him to rest like this. We need his complete remains,” a family member said, urging investigators and the suspects to provide clarity and hand over any outstanding parts to the family.

According ot the family, the situation has deepened their grief and stalled funeral arrangements, urging authorities to provide a swift and transparent explanation to enable a dignified burial.

Meanwhile, the Adabraka District Court has adjourned the case to October 9, 2025.

At the hearing on Thursday, September 4, prosecutors informed the court that the Ghana Police Service needed more time and specialised gadgets to advance investigations.

They confirmed that a court order had been secured to facilitate the process and prayed that the suspects, Bright Aweh and Thomas Ziggah, remain in custody.

Counsel for the suspects, Gordon Aboagye, raised concerns over the conditions under which they are being held.

He argued that, in line with democratic principles, families of the suspects should be aware of their location to enable visitation.

He further appealed to the bereaved family to remain calm and allow the law to take its course. He commiserated with them for their loss.

The court urged members of the family of the late officer to remain respectful and patient, assuring them that justice would take its full course.

Stephen King Amoah, 38, was reported missing on July 3, 2025, after leaving home to meet a friend at Ashongman Estate.

His charred body was later discovered on July 9 at Abuom Junction, near Kwabenya, sparking a manhunt and an intensive police investigation.

Source: Jacqueline Ansomah Yeboah  

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Speaking on Tuesday night’s episode, she disclosed that she discovered her status only during antenatal care after becoming pregnant. According to her, her husband concealed his condition and later spread rumours that she had been promiscuous and had passed the virus to him. These claims led to her being ostracised by both her own family and her in-laws.

“I was shocked when I was told I had the virus. My husband never said anything. He told people I had been sleeping around and that I infected him. Now, no one comes close to me or my children,” she said through tears.

She explained that her three children, who are not HIV positive, have also suffered rejection. Once-supportive relatives have abandoned them, leaving the family to cope alone since her husband’s death.

“I’m a teacher, but the pain is too much. I became depressed, lost weight, lost my hair, and I couldn’t talk to anyone because of the lies he told. I cried all the time,” she recounted.

The woman added that she struggles to manage the disease due to financial constraints. She said her medication must be taken after a proper meal, but sometimes she goes without food and is forced to skip doses.

“Sometimes I don’t take the drugs because I haven’t eaten. The nurse told me I must take them to stay healthy, but it’s hard. I never imagined I’d be taking medicine for the rest of my life,” she said.

Public health expert Dr Vanessa Apea, who joined the discussion, stressed that HIV should not be viewed as a moral issue. “HIV is not about morality—it’s about health. Society has caged HIV in shame and judgment. But it is a chronic disease, not a communicable one in the way people think, and with proper medication, people can live long and healthy lives,” she said.

She condemned the stigma attached to HIV, noting that it continues to damage the lives of people already carrying the burden of the condition. She called for more education to challenge myths and reduce discrimination.

The woman ended her account with a plea for help, appealing for emotional, mental, and financial support for herself and her children, who are still in school. She urged the public to show compassion and to support efforts to fight the stigma surrounding HIV.

Individuals or organisations willing to assist can contact the producer of Let’s Talk via JoyPrime.

Let’s Talk airs every Tuesday at 9 pm on JoyPrime, providing a safe space for open discussions on emotional, physical, and mental health issues.

Source: Lois Ampea-Badu  

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At the hearing on Thursday, September 4, prosecutors informed the court that the Ghana Police Service needed more time and specialised gadgets to advance investigations.

They confirmed that a court order had been secured to facilitate the process and prayed that the suspects, Bright Aweh and Thomas Ziggah, remain in custody.

Counsel for the suspects, Gordon Aboagye, raised concerns over the conditions under which they are being held.

He argued that in line with democratic principles, families of the suspects should be aware of their location to enable visitation.

He further appealed to the bereaved family to remain calm and allow the law to take its course. He commiserated with them for their loss.

The court urged members of the family of the late officer to remain respectful and patient, assuring them that justice would take its full course.

Meanwhile, a dramatic scene unfolded at the court when the aunt of the late officer performed rituals, breaking eggs and invoking curses on those she believes are responsible for his death.

She reportedly said: “Anyone responsible for his death should also suffer the same fate. All your generation will suffer the same fate; the gods should deal ruthlessly with anyone responsible in his murder. The gods shouldn’t spare anyone involved.”

The case is now scheduled to continue on October 9, 2025.

Source: Myjoyonline

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Afoakwah said Mr. Akpaloo was picked up around 10:00 AM after EOCO officers reportedly visited his residence in Kumasi.

“When I heard about it, I immediately went to the EOCO office. By around 1 to 2 PM, my client was brought in, and I ensured that all legal processes were followed properly,” he explained.

The lawyer praised EOCO for their professionalism, adding, “The officers were very diplomatic in handling my client. I cannot say they violated any of his fundamental human rights. They treated him well throughout.”

Mr. Afoakwah also detailed the interrogation process, noting that the session ended around 8:00 PM; hence, his client could not be released.

“They kept him in custody overnight,” he said.

He further indicated that he will visit the EOCO office on Thursday morning to oversee arrangements for his client’s bail.

Though the specific reasons for Mr. Akpaloo’s arrest remain unclear, he is reportedly taken to Accra to assist investigators with ongoing inquiries.

EOCO has not yet issued an official statement on the matter.

Source: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy

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Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem on Thursday, Mr. Asenso-Boakye said the President’s remarks were misleading and unfair to the previous Nana Akufo-Addo-led administration.

“This is yet another unfortunate attempt to misrepresent well-established facts,” he said. “It is simply an effort to disgrace the Akufo-Addo government and take glory for himself.”

During his inspection of the ongoing project, President Mahama reportedly asked, “A loan was taken for the project, so why is the money finished and the road undone?”

But the former Roads and Highway Minister insisted the explanation was clear.

He explained that the Government of Ghana, under Akufo-Addo, secured a $200 million loan from Afreximbank, but this was only part of the financing plan.

“The Afreximbank facility was always intended to be a partial financing instrument,” he clarified. “The total cost of the 33 km dual carriageway project is $346.4 million, and the balance was expected to come from government budgetary allocations.”

He argued that President Mahama should have known this since the details were included in the official handing-over notes.

“Unless he has been wrongly briefed, he is fully aware of this arrangement,” the Bantama MP said.

Mr. Asenso-Boakye urged Ghanaians to focus on facts rather than politics.

“This is not the time to play politics with infrastructure,” he cautioned. “It is a time for facts, transparency, and steady progress geared towards the future and development of our beloved country, Ghana.”

Source: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy

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The event, held at Gomoa Fetteh, formed part of the traditional authority’s broader efforts to promote unity and open the land for massive developmental projects.

Among those sworn in were chiefs representing various tribes residing on Gomoa Fetteh land.

Queen Mother Upiibor Baada Mercyana Majotiba was also installed alongside Ubor Bekal Naamoi I to support the Konkomba community.

In his address, Nana Abor Atta II urged the newly enstooled chiefs and queen mothers to serve with humility and remain focused on bringing progress to the land.

“Let us champion development, unity, and mutual respect across all communities. As traditional leaders, your duty is to serve the people and promote peace,” he told Adom News.

Expressing gratitude, the newly enstooled Kasoa Gomoa Fetteh Konkomba Chief, Ubor Bekal Naamoi I, thanked Nana Abor Atta II and the Gomoa Traditional Council for the honor bestowed on him.

“I am truly grateful to Nana Abor Atta II and the entire Gomoa Fetteh stool for recognizing the Konkomba people. I want to urge the youth—especially Konkomba youth—to take their education seriously, respect their elders, and avoid wasting time on social media with irrelevant things that do not contribute to their future,” he said.

Also present at the ceremony was the Tema-Ashaiman Konkomba-Basaari Chief, Ubor Magal Kuunboln I, who spoke on behalf of Konkomba communities nationwide.

“The Gomoa Traditional Council can expect good things from our new chief. Ubor Bekal Naamoi I is dedicated to development, and we stand fully behind him to support this vision,” he assured.

The mass swearing-in ceremony marked a significant milestone for Gomoa Fetteh, reflecting growing inclusivity in traditional leadership and paving the way for tribal unity, youth empowerment, and community development.

Source: Jagri Boaz Binyinjom

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Portrait of a Lady, by Italian master Giuseppe Ghislandi, had been missing for 80 years before it was spotted last month on an estate agent’s website, where a photo showed it hanging in a house that had belonged to the daughter of a Nazi fugitive.

Patricia Kadgien’s late father, Friedrich, had been a top adviser to Hermann Goring, Adolf Hitler’s deputy, who plundered thousands of works from across Europe.

Prosecutors said the artwork had now been returned by the lawyer of Ms Kadgien, who was under house arrest after a search of her property initially failed to find the painting.

Ariel Bassano, an art expert who worked on the case, told reporters it was “in good condition for its age, as it dates from 1710”.

He valued it at “around $50,000”, according to the local La Capital Mar del Plata newspaper.

Prosecutors earlier said raids at other properties linked to the family had turned up other pieces that may have been stolen during the war.

Ms Kadgien and her husband had been ordered to remain under house arrest for three days starting Monday, local media reported. They were being questioned for obstructing the investigation to locate the painting, according to a judicial official quoted in local media.

The pair were expected to face a hearing on Thursday, where they would likely be charged with “concealment of theft in the context of genocide”, the official added.

The couple insist they are the rightful owners of the artwork, which they had inherited, according to Argentina’s La Nacion newspaper.

The lawyer for Ms Kadgien, Carlos Murias, told local newspaper La Capital that the pair would co-operate with the authorities.

Four other properties were searched in the hunt for the painting, the prosecutor’s office said.

During these searches, two paintings and a series of drawings and engravings from the 19th Century were found at the home of Ms Kadgien’s sister, La Capital reported, and would be analysed to determine if they were items stolen during the war.

The painting first spotted online, Portrait of a Lady, was among the collection of Amsterdam art dealer Jacques Goudstikker, much of which was forcibly sold by the Nazis after his death. It is listed on a database of art stolen by the Nazis.

Peter Schouten of the Dutch Algemeen Dagblad (AD) newspaper, which broke the initial story about the long-lost artwork’s reappearance, said there was evidence “the painting was removed shortly afterwards or after the media reports about it appeared”.

“There’s now a large rug with horses and some nature scenes hanging there, which police say looks like something else used to hang there.”

Some of the works owned by Goudstikker were recovered in Germany after the war, and put on display in Amsterdam as part of the Dutch national collection.

His sole-surviving heir, daughter-in-law Marei von Saher, said her family “aims to bring back every single artwork robbed from Jacques’ collection, and to restore his legacy”.

According to AD, she took possession of 202 pieces in 2006.

Source: BBC

The refinery’s 204,000 bpd Residue Fluidised Catalytic Cracking Unit (RFCCU) has been offline since around August 29, industry monitor IIR Energy said in a note on Tuesday.

The sources requested anonymity to discuss confidential information.

Dangote did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The massive Dangote refinery has sharply ramped up operations since it opened last year, reshaping global oil and fuel trade flows. The refinery’s first exports of gasoline to the United States are expected to reach New York later this month, data from ship tracking service Kpler showed.

However, the refinery has also struggled with frequent outages. The plant’s RFCCU was expected to run at lower rates through October after a string of issues earlier this year, Reuters reported in May.

The anticipated length of the current outage is weighing on gasoline availability in the Atlantic Basin, lifting U.S. refiners’ profit margins on the fuel, market sources said, despite the unofficial end of the U.S. summer driving season earlier this week.

The U.S. gasoline futures crack spread – the difference in the price of the fuel versus the price of crude oil – gained nearly 3% on Wednesday to the highest level since August 19. It had jumped more than 8% on Tuesday.

Source: Reuters

Preliminary results showed that Holness’ Jamaica Labour Party won at least 34 seats, while Mark Golding’s opposition People’s National Party secured at least 29 seats.

Golding conceded the election in a brief speech, saying he was disappointed in the outcome as he acknowledged the success of his opponent.

“This is not an easy speech to make,” he said.

Also participating in Wednesday’s general elections were the Jamaica Progressive Party, the United Independents’ Congress and nine independent candidates seeking a seat in various constituencies.

Official voter turnout was just 38.8%, only slightly higher than the turnout for the 2020 elections during the pandemic.

Source: AP

U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs sided with the Ivy League school, ruling the cuts amounted to illegal retaliation for Harvard’s rejection of White House demands for changes to its governance and policies.

The ruling delivers a significant victory to Harvard in its battle with the Trump administration, which also has sought to prevent the school from hosting foreign students and threatened to revoke its tax-exempt status.

The ruling reverses a series of funding freezes that later became outright cuts as the Trump administration escalated its fight with the nation’s wealthiest university.

If it stands, it promises to revive Harvard’s sprawling research operation and hundreds of projects that lost federal money.

Beyond the courthouse, the Trump administration and Harvard officials have been discussing a potential agreement that would end investigations and allow the university to regain access to federal funding.

President Donald Trump has said he wants Harvard to pay no less than $500 million, but no deal has materialised even as the administration has struck agreements with Columbia and Brown.

Harvard’s lawsuit accuses the Trump administration of waging a retaliation campaign against the university after it rejected a series of demands in an April 11 letter from a federal antisemitism task force.

The letter demanded sweeping changes related to campus protests, academics and admissions. It was meant to address government accusations that the university had become a hotbed of liberalism and tolerated anti-Jewish harassment on campus.

Harvard President Alan Garber pledged to fight antisemitism but said no government “should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue.”

Source: AP

“I was shocked. I didn’t even know such a thing existed,” she recalls. “All I knew was that my periods were irregular, sometimes 10 months out of 12, sometimes less. I didn’t think it was serious until the doctor told me.”

Evelyn’s story is far from unique. Health workers say many women in Ghana are living with PCOS without even knowing it.

What exactly is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is one of the most common hormonal disorders among women of reproductive age. Doctors describe it as a condition linked to abnormal hormonal levels and sometimes genetics, with mothers often passing it on to daughters.

PCOS usually develops in the teenage years or early twenties, but symptoms differ from person to person. Some women develop ovarian cysts, partially formed eggs that never mature due to hormonal imbalance, while others don’t. Contrary to myths, most of these cysts do not burst or require surgery; they are eventually reabsorbed into the body.

The silent symptoms

PCOS is often called a “silent” syndrome because many of its signs are dismissed as everyday issues. Doctors say the most common symptoms include:

• Irregular periods or long gaps between cycles
• Excess male hormones (androgens) leading to facial/body hair and thinning hair on the scalp
• Cysts in the ovaries seen through ultrasound
  In teenagers, it may show up as severe menstrual pain, prolonged bleeding, or persistent irregular cycles.

“Most young girls don’t even know what is normal and what isn’t,” explains Miss Juliana, Maternity In-Charge at Winneba Municipal Hospital. “By the time they realize something is wrong, the condition may have already affected their health and fertility.”

The Bigger Picture

PCOS doesn’t just affect periods. Doctors warn it can affect nearly every system in the body:

• Metabolic health: Increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease
• Reproductive health: Infertility, pregnancy complications, and higher risk of endometrial cancer
• Skin and hair: Dark skin patches, acne, and excess hair growth
• Mental health: Anxiety, depression, and disordered eating, often triggered by the emotional toll of reproductive challenges

The cost of care

Even when women suspect something is wrong, cost can be a barrier. At Trauma and Specialist Hospital, an ultrasound scan costs ₵60, while lab tests vary. Evelyn recalls doing a Fasting Blood Sugar (₵15) and HbA1c test (₵130) only after saving up.

“The doctor wanted me to do both a scan and lab test, but I couldn’t afford everything at once,” she says.

Raising awareness

Experts say that the biggest challenge with PCOS is not just treatment, it’s awareness. Many women only discover the syndrome when they struggle to conceive.

“We need to talk more about this condition,” Miss Juliana stresses. “Women should not wait until they want children before they start paying attention to their menstrual cycles and hormonal health.”

Advice for women

Health experts recommend that women:
•Visit a gynecologist regularly
•Track their menstrual cycles
•Watch for unusual symptoms such as prolonged bleeding or skin changes
•Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle
•Avoid self-medicating with contraceptive pills without medical advice

A silent struggle

For Evelyn, living with PCOS has been a lesson in self-awareness. “If I had known earlier, maybe I wouldn’t have ignored the signs,” she says. “Now I pay attention to my body, and I want other women to do the same.”

PCOS may not always be life-threatening, but its long-term effects can be devastating if ignored. With greater education and open conversations, more women can seek help early and manage the syndrome before it steals their peace of mind and their dreams of motherhood.

Source: Emmanuella Tettehki Samadji

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Mr. Baafi said, “We lost the Akwatia by-election because we couldn’t pay money; the NDC paid their way through. The MP-elect wasn’t even visible on the grounds, yet money played a central role in deciding votes.”

He expressed concern over the increasing influence of money in elections.

“Elections have become very dangerous, as people now resort to vote buying before they can win. That’s exactly what happened in Akwatia.”

Mr. Baafi explained that he and the NPP campaign team worked hard to engage voters.

“I was there for three weeks. We campaigned very well, engaged the voters, and the work we did was massive. Our party people were very involved and confident that the people would reward them.”

However, he alleged that the NDC’s strategy focused on monetary influence rather than voter engagement.

“The NDC candidate’s engagement and visibility were low, but even after voters accepted them and wanted to vote, they demanded money first. I have evidence to support this—some voters were only willing to vote after receiving payment.”

On claims that the loss was due to poor communication by the NPP candidate, Mr. Baafi disagreed.

“My candidate knows how to communicate effectively, so it was not a communications issue as speculated. I firmly believe that money ruled and decided the votes, which is why the NPP lost.”

The Electoral Commission’s certified results showed Bernard Bediako Baidoo of the NDC winning the by-election with 18,199 votes, while the NPP’s Kwame Asumadu polled 15,235 votes.

Source: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy

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Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Kodua explained that elections are about winning or losing, and the outcome in Akwatia was not unexpected given the constituency’s history.

“In every election, it is either you win or you lose. The Akwatia seat is a swing constituency, and whichever party wins does so by a very small margin,” he said.

He added that the NPP went into the by-election fully aware of the odds against them.

“For a party in government, the NDC campaigned mainly on development and told the people to vote for them based on that. That message helped them and influenced some parts of the constituency,” he explained.

Mr. Kodua noted that the 15,235 votes obtained by the NPP’s candidate showed the party remained strong in the constituency.

“The 15,000 votes we had prove that the NPP is still very strong in Akwatia. I am very happy with the performance of our candidate and the support we received. We will be watching closely to see if the NDC will indeed bring the development they promised,” he added.

He commended the NPP candidate, constituency executives, and party members for their hard work despite the loss, while expressing gratitude to God for a peaceful by-election.

“This by-election will not bring us down. I want to thank our candidate, our constituency executives, and all the bigwigs who came to support us. Above all, we thank God for a successful by-election,” Mr. Kodua said.

He insisted that the results were not a forecast of the 2028 elections.

“This by-election is not a reflection of what will happen in 2028. We knew it was going to be a very difficult election for us after the passing of our MP, Ernest Kumi, but the NPP has shown great strength,” he stressed.

The Electoral Commission’s certified results showed Bernard Bediako Baidoo of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) winning the by-election with 18,199 votes, while the NPP’s Kwame Asumadu polled 15,235 votes.

Source: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy

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In a statement, the union described the intervention as commendable but questioned the lack of transparency on the total tuition fee structure and how much students are now expected to pay under the new arrangement.

“We wish to know the total tuition fee amount before the 50% absorption and the agreed fee structure between government and principals of training institutions, to enable students and parents to plan appropriately,” the statement read.

UTNMG also called on government to clarify whether continuing students in levels 200 and 300 would benefit from the policy, stressing that equity required such relief measures to be extended fairly to all trainee nurses.

Beyond tuition, the union raised concerns over feeding fees, which currently stand at GHS 1,800 per semester. It urged government to absorb part of this cost to ease the financial burden on parents and guardians.

The statement further pressed government to grant financial clearance for the 2020 referral batch in the upcoming 2026 budget reading, noting that the group had “waited far too long for clarity on their placement.”

On the ongoing debate over the possible cancellation of the Nurse Assistant Preventive (NAP) and Nurse Assistant Clinical (NAC) programs, the union demanded that government publicly state its official position, arguing that the issue carried serious implications for students and the profession.

UTNMG also reminded authorities of allowance arrears owed to the 2024 batch of trainees currently undertaking national service, urging prompt payment.

Expressing frustration over the lack of dialogue, the union revealed that repeated attempts to engage the Ministry of Health had been unsuccessful.

“We therefore use this statement to renew our call on the Ministry and all relevant authorities to engage with us in good faith for the collective interest of trainee nurses and midwives across the country,” it added.

Source: Jagri Boaz Binyinjom

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US tariffs of 50% on goods from India, which includes a 25% penalty for Delhi’s refusal to stop buying oil from Russia, took effect last week.

India has not responded to Trump’s latest comment, but such a war of words over Russian oil has caused Delhi-Washington ties to hit an all-time low.

Trump’s comment coincides with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, where he met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Washington says Delhi has been indirectly funding Russia’s war in Ukraine.

“India buys most of its oil and military products from Russia, very little from the US,” Trump wrote, adding Delhi should have cut tariffs “years ago”.

Delhi has previously said that oil supply from Russia was vital to meet the energy needs of its vast population.

It has also called the tariffs “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable”.

Last week, the country’s commerce minister, Piyush Goyal, said India “will neither bow down nor ever appear weak” in its economic relationships with other countries.

He also said the country was ready to have a free-trade agreement with anyone who wanted it.

On Monday, Trump wrote: “What few people understand is that we do very little business with India, but they do a tremendous amount of business with us. In other words, they sell us massive amounts of goods, their biggest “client,” but we sell them very little – Until now a totally one sided relationship, and it has been for many decades.”

The US was, until recently, India’s largest trading partner, and the tariffs have sparked fears that exports and growth in the world’s fifth-largest economy could suffer.

At the SCO summit, Modi was seen shaking hands with Putin ahead of a meeting hosted by Xi.

The SCO, whose members include China, India, Iran, Pakistan and Russia, is seen as a challenge to Trump and US dominance on a global level.

Putin and Modi later spent 45 minutes inside the Russian leader’s car – after which Modi posted a picture of their journey alongside the compliment to Putin.

The Indian PM said he had an “insightful” exchange with Putin.

Source: BBC

The company, which is owned by India’s Tata Motors, said it took immediate action to lessen the impact of the hack and is working quickly to restart operations.

JLR’s retail business has also been badly hit at a traditionally popular time for consumers to take delivery of a new vehicle – but there is no evidence any customer data had been stolen, it said.

The attack began on Sunday as the latest batch of new registration plates became available on Monday, 1 September.

The BBC understands that the attack was detected while in progress, and the company shut down its IT systems in an effort to minimise any damage.

Workers at the company’s Halewood plant in Merseyside were told by email early on Monday morning not to come into work while others were sent home, as first reported by the Liverpool Echo.

The BBC understands the attack has also hit JLR’s other main UK manufacturing plant at Solihull, with staff there also sent home.

The company said: “We took immediate action to mitigate its impact by proactively shutting down our systems. We are now working at pace to restart our global applications in a controlled manner.”

It added: “At this stage there is no evidence any customer data has been stolen but our retail and production activities have been severely disrupted.”

It is not yet known who is responsible for the hack, but it follows crippling attacks on prominent UK retail businesses including Marks & Spencer and the Co-op.

In both cases, the hackers sought to extort money.

While JLR’s statement makes no mention of a cyber-attack, a separate filing by parent company Tata Motors to the Bombay Stock Exchange referred to an “IT security incidence” causing “global” issues.

The National Crime Agency said: “We are aware of an incident impacting Jaguar Land Rover and are working with partners to better understand its impact.”

In 2023, as part of an effort to “accelerate digital transformation across its business”, JLR signed a five-year, £800m deal with corporate stablemate Tata Consultancy Services to provide cybersecurity and a range of other IT services.

The halt in production is a fresh blow to the firm, which recently revealed a slump in profits attributed to an increase in costs caused by US tariffs.

The blaze, which reportedly started around midnight, spread rapidly before firefighters arrived to contain it, completely razing dozens of shops and leaving victims in despair.

Many traders said they had closed for the day and gone home to rest, only to be awakened by news that their shops and livelihoods had been consumed by the fire.

“We closed and went home thinking everything was safe, only to wake up and hear that our shops are gone. We’ve lost everything. There’s no hope left,” a distraught trader told Adom News, sobbing uncontrollably.

The timing of the tragedy has worsened the pain for many parents as the new school term is about to begin.

“School is reopening and I don’t know how I will pay my children’s fees or even feed them. Everything I had is gone,” another devastated woman cried out.

One of the affected traders revealed that over 100 bags of maize were lost to the inferno, in addition to several corn mill machines, sewing machines, food vending equipment, and other wares.

“I had stocked over 100 bags of maize just last week. Everything has been reduced to ashes. Some of us even took loans to run our businesses. We are finished,” she lamented.

The traders are calling on government, municipal authorities, philanthropists, and well-meaning Ghanaians to urgently come to their aid.

“We can’t survive this alone. We need support – any form of help – to start over. We are appealing to the President, NADMO, NGOs, and anyone who can support us,” one trader appealed.

An eyewitness who lives near the market recounted how the fire began and praised the efforts of the Ghana National Fire Service to prevent further spread.

“By the time the fire service came in, the fire had already consumed several shops. They did their best to stop it from spreading further, but the damage had already been done,” he explained.

Source: Jagri Boaz Binyinjom

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The remedies decided by District Judge Amit Mehta have emerged after a years-long court battle over Google’s dominance in online search.

The case centred around Google’s position as the default search engine on a range of its own products, such as Android and Chrome, as well as others made by the likes of Apple.

The US Department of Justice had demanded that Google sell Chrome – Tuesday’s decision means the tech giant can keep it, but it will be barred from having exclusive contracts and must share search data with rivals.

Google had proposed less drastic solutions, such as limiting its revenue-sharing agreements with firms like Apple to make its search engine the default on their devices and browsers.

On Tuesday, the company indicated that it viewed the ruling as a victory and said the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) probably contributed to the outcome.

“Today’s decision recognises how much the industry has changed through the advent of AI, which is giving people so many more ways to find information,” Google said in a statement after the ruling.

“This underlines what we’ve been saying since this case was filed in 2020: Competition is intense and people can easily choose the services they want,” the statement continued.

The tech giant had denied wrongdoing since charges were first filed against it in 2020, saying its market dominance is because its search engine is a superior product to others, and consumers simply prefer it to others.

Last year, Judge Mehta ruled that Google had used unfair methods to establish a monopoly over the online search market, actively working to maintain a level of dominance to the extent it broke US law.

But in his decision, Judge Mehta said a complete sell-off of Chrome was “a poor fit for this case”.

Google will also not have to sell off its Android operating system, which powers most of the world’s smartphones.

The company had argued that offloading parts of its operations, such as Android, would mean they would effectively stop working properly.

“Today’s remedy order agreed with the need to restore competition to the long-monopolised search market, and we are now weighing our options and thinking through whether the ordered relief goes far enough in serving that goal,” Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater wrote on X after the ruling.

Shares in Alphabet, Google’s parent company, jumped by more than 8% after the ruling.

Smartphone-makers such as Apple, Samsung and Motorola will also benefit.

Before the ruling, Google paid such firms billions of dollars to exclusively pre-load or promote the tech company’s products.

It was revealed at trial that Google paid more than $26bn for such deals with Apple, Mozilla and others in 2021.

Now, Google will not be allowed to enter into any exclusive contracts for Google Search, Chrome, Google Assistant or the Gemini app.

It means phone manufacturers will be free to pre-load or promote other search engines, browsers or AI assistants alongside Google’s.

Google will, however, be able to continue paying distributors for default placement.

Gene Munster, managing partner at Deepwater Asset Management, said the ruling was “good news for big tech”.

“Apple also gets a nice win because the ruling forces Google to renegotiate the search deal annually,” he said on X.

Judge Mehta’s ruling “doesn’t seem to be as draconian as the market was expecting,” said Melissa Otto, head of research at S&P Global Visible Alpha.

With Google’s search operation expected to generate close to $200bn this year, and tens of billions of that expected to go to distribution partners, it is a win-win for the major corporate players involved in the case, Ms Otto said.

But Google competitor DuckDuckGo said the order failed to “force the changes necessary to address Google’s illegal behaviour”.

“As a result, consumers will continue to suffer,” said DuckDuckGo founder and CEO Gabriel Weinberg.

The decision is not the end of the tech giant’s court battles.

Later this month, Google is scheduled to go to trial in a separate case brought by the Justice Department, where a judge found the company holds illegal monopolies in online advertising technology.

Source: BBC

The Trumps launched crypto firm World Liberty Financial in the middle of the presidential campaign last year, drawing questions about potential conflicts of interest as he became entangled in an industry he would be poised to regulate.

The company raised money by selling its eponymous digital tokens to investors, who were initially barred from selling.

But investors voted in July to allow early purchasers, not including founders like Trump family, to sell up to 20% of their holdings of the coin, which trades as WLFI.

As of Tuesday, WLFI was trading at around $0.22 on exchanges such as Binance and Coinbase, after sinking roughly 50% since the start of trading on Monday.

While the fall indicates tepid demand, the coin is still trading at a higher price than what many early buyers would have paid initially, putting them in line for profit.

“We’re setting a new standard for financial freedom; built on trust, speed, and U.S. values,” Eric Trump wrote on social media. “This is a huge moment for the future of money!”

According to financial disclosures, Trump himself holds roughly 15.75 billion WLFI tokens worth more than $3.4bn, making crypto the most significant source of his fortune.

The Trumps overall control just under a quarter of the roughly 100 billion WLFI coins that it created last year, giving them claim to holdings worth roughly $5bn, as of Tuesday’s prices.

Trump and his sons also get a cut of the revenues generated by coin sales, an arrangement that has already helped to bring in more than $500m, according to Reuters calculations.

That revenue got a boost last month after World Liberty Financial joined forces with another publicly traded firm that had raised $750m from investors to buy the cryptocurrency, a deal that puts World Liberty Financial in the unusual position of being both buyer and seller of the WLFI token.

Democrats have consistently raised alarm about Trump’s crypto dealings, arguing that World Liberty Financial and other coins he has backed are vehicles for corruption, conflict of interest and grift.

The Trump administration has just as consistently dismissed the criticism, even as the president has dramatically shifted the government’s posture toward the industry.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration’s policies were “driving innovation and economic opportunity for all Americans”.

“The media’s continued attempts to fabricate conflicts of interest are irresponsible and reinforce the public’s distrust in what they read,” Ms Leavitt said in a statement. “Neither the President nor his family have ever engaged, or will ever engage, in conflicts of interest.”

Token offerings, like the one from World Liberty Financial, faced intense scrutiny under the Biden administration, which argued that they were essentially a kind of stock sale and subject to existing rules governing publicly traded companies on issues such as conflicts of interest and disclosure.

Trump, who said during the campaign he wanted to make the US the “crypto capital of the world”, had vowed a more hands-off approach.

Last month, the Department of Justice disbanded its task force focused on crypto crimes.

Financial regulators have also explicitly disavowed the Biden administration’s guidance on securities.

“Despite what the SEC has said in the past, most crypto assets are not securities,” his top financial regulator, Paul Atkins, the head of the Securities and Exchange Commission, said in a speech in July.

“We need a regulatory framework for crypto asset securities that allows these products to flourish within American markets.”

Source: BBC

The new measure, unanimously voted through on Monday, imposes punishments of up to five years in jail, and has become part of a broader crackdown on same-sex relationships across the continent.

Justice Minister Edasso Rodrigue Bayala announced on state-run media that “the law provides for a prison sentence of between two and five years as well as fines”.

He added that foreign nationals caught breaking the law would also be deported.

The next step for the legislation is obtaining the signature of the country’s military leader, Capt Ibrahim Traoré, the Reuters news agency reports.

Capt Traoré seized power in 2022, after forcing another military ruler, Lt Col Paul-Henri Damiba, from office.

The Sahel nation had previously been among just 22 out of 54 African countries that allowed same-sex relations, which are punishable by death or lengthy prison terms in some states.

After gaining independence from France in 1960, Burkina Faso did not inherit anti-homosexuality laws, unlike Britain’s former colonies on the continent.

The country is socially conservative and religious, with less than 10% of people thought to not follow any faith at all.

Burkina Faso’s new law is in keeping with increasing crackdowns on LGBT relationships across the continent.

Last year, neighbouring Mali, an ally of Burkina Faso and also ruled by a junta, adopted legislation criminalising homosexuality.

There has been significant backlash and criticism against countries that have toughened their anti-gay stance in recent years, including from the World Bank, which had put in place a ban on loaning money to Uganda due to its anti-LBGT stance.

The ban has since been lifted.

Nigeria is also among the countries on the continent that have enacted laws banning homosexuality. Ghana’s parliament passed an anti-homosexuality bill last year, but the then-president did not sign it into law.

Of all the countries, Uganda adopted the toughest provisions, making what it describes as “aggravated homosexuality” a capital offence and imposing life sentences for consensual same-sex relations.

Source: BBC

The new platform offers a seamless and engaging shopping experience, featuring apparel that blends clean design, premium quality, and a distinctive modern aesthetic.

This launch underscores ASTR Clothing’s mission to redefine fashion for a new generation, transforming clothing into a true extension of personality and attitude.

“We created ASTR Clothing to inspire confidence and individuality,” said Anthony Shaw, Founder & Creative Director. “Our website is more than a storefront; it’s a creative space where style meets innovation, and we can connect directly with our community.”

The online store debuts with a versatile collection of exclusive designs and limited-edition pieces, tailored for both everyday wear and standout occasions.

Visitors can expect an intuitive interface, secure transactions, and a streamlined shopping experience.

ASTR Clothing invites fashion enthusiasts and trendsetters to explore its first collection and join a brand that champions originality and bold self-expression.

Shop Now: www.astrclothing.com

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Instagram: @Astr.Clothing
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The Electoral Commission’s certified results showed Bediako receiving 18,199 votes out of the total valid ballots cast.

His closest rival, Kwame Asumadu of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), garnered 15,235 votes, while Owusu Patrick of the Liberal Progressive Party (LPP) trailed with 82 votes. Of the total ballots cast, 33,819 were valid, and 303 were rejected.

The by-election was triggered by the death of Akwatia’s Member of Parliament, Ernest Kumi, earlier this year.

Campaigning in the run-up to the poll was intense, with both the NDC and NPP deploying significant resources and manpower in the constituency.

Voting took place across 119 polling stations on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, with polls officially closing at 5 p.m. Sorting and counting were conducted in the presence of party agents, security personnel, and independent observers.

Bediako’s victory sparked jubilant celebrations among NDC supporters, who filled the streets of Akwatia in song and dance.

Political analysts note that the result is significant, as Akwatia has historically been a swing constituency, alternating between the NPP and NDC. The NDC’s win is being seen as a major boost to the governing party’s confidence ahead of the 2028 general elections.

With this outcome, Bernard Bediako Baidoo becomes the new MP for Akwatia, pledging to continue the work of his predecessor while advancing the government’s development agenda in the constituency.

Source: AdomOnline

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Putin described Xi as a dear friend; Chinese state media said relations were exemplary. Russia is to increase supplies of gas to China, while Beijing will offer visa-free travel to Russians during a year-long trial.

Xi is also preparing to welcome North Korea’s Kim Jong Un in what appears to be a show of solidarity with both aggressors in the Ukraine war.

Xi will host China’s largest-ever military parade on Wednesday to mark the 80th anniversary of the surrender of the Japanese in China at the end of World War Two.

In May, Xi visited Moscow for Russia’s celebrations to mark the defeat of the Nazis.

Russia and North Korea rely on China to bolster their economies, and these meetings will allow the Chinese leader to signal the extent of his power and influence – at a time when Donald Trump is trying to do a deal with Putin to end the war in Ukraine.

All three will stand shoulder to shoulder on Wednesday as tens of thousands of troops march through the Chinese capital.

At the talks in the Great Hall of the People on Tuesday, Putin made no explicit reference to his war in Ukraine, saying only that he had discussed issues of common concern with his Chinese counterpart.

“Dear friend, both I and the entire Russian delegation are pleased to meet once again with our Chinese friends and colleagues,” Putin told Xi, according to a video published on the Kremlin’s official Telegram messaging app.

“Our close communication reflects the strategic nature of Russia-China relations, which are at an unprecedentedly high level,” he added.

“We were always together then, and we remain together now.”

Xi told Putin that “China-Russia relations have withstood the test of international changes” – adding that Beijing was willing to work with Moscow to “promote the construction of a more just and reasonable global governance system”.

This week’s meetings come at a time when Xi seeks to project Beijing’s power on the international stage – not just as the world’s second-largest economy, but also as a diplomatic heavyweight.

Xi has emphasised China’s role as a stable trading partner while US president Donald Trump’s tariffs have upended economic relationships around the world.

Now, while a deal with the Russian leader to end the war in Ukraine continues to elude Trump, Xi’s welcome of Putin to Beijing demonstrates their close ties.

The pair have previously touted their countries’ relationship as a “friendship with no limits”.

Russia hopes gas exports to China and other countries will replace revenue lost after Western sanctions were imposed over its Ukraine war.

Russian news agencies reported on Tuesday that once all projects are commissioned, the volume of pipeline gas supplies from Russia to China will amount to 106 billion cubic meters. That’s still far below what Russia sent to the European Union before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

China’s foreign ministry announced that it would extend month-long visa-free travel to Russian passport holders on a trial basis for a year, from 15 September.

Xi and Putin criticised Western governments at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin on Monday, while Putin defended Russia’s Ukraine offensive and blamed the West for triggering the conflict.

In an apparent veiled reference to the US, Xi urged SCO members to “oppose Cold War thinking, bloc confrontation and bullying behaviour”.

Putin said the summit – which was also attended by world leaders from India, Iran and Pakistan – had laid the foundations for a new system to replace “outdated Eurocentric and Euro-Atlantic models”.

North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un will also attend the military parade on Wednesday, in what will be a landmark visit, after crossing the border into China on his special train early on Tuesday.

It is Kim’s first multilateral international meeting. It is also the first time in decades that a North Korean leader will attend a Chinese military parade – the last time this happened was when Kim’s grandfather, the founder of North Korea Kim Il-Sung, attended in 1959.

Most Western leaders are not expected to show up at the parade, due to their opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has driven the sanctions against Putin’s regime.

Beijing, however, has not criticised Putin’s war. It has been accused by the US and its allies of aiding Russia’s war effort – which Beijing denies – through its supply of dual-use materials and purchases of Russian oil.

Kim has supplied both weapons and troops to the Russian invasion.

Source: BBC

The event, filled with gratitude and reflection, marked the formal conclusion of Rev. Osei-Owusu’s active pastoral duties after decades of spiritual leadership, education, and public service.

A Call to Humility and Servant Leadership

In his farewell address, Rev. Osei-Owusu urged national and community leaders—especially politicians—to embrace humility and servant leadership.
“Leadership is not about power; it’s about people,” he said. “The greatest among us must be the servant of all.”

His wife, Mrs. Lilian Osei-Owusu, also encouraged the youth to resist the urge for quick wealth.
“There is a time for everything. Don’t be in a hurry to get rich—be in a hurry to grow,” she advised.

A Legacy of Impact and Faithfulness

A commemorative documentary chronicled Rev. Osei-Owusu’s journey—from his humble beginnings to his rise as a respected preacher, educator, and mentor. It highlighted his profound impact on both the church and Ghana’s education system.

Rev. Jonathan Akwasi Etuah, Head Pastor of Tesano Baptist Church, described him as “a man of integrity, time-consciousness, and deep spiritual insight… not just a pastor, but a builder of people.”

Members of Cornerstone Baptist Church also expressed gratitude for the couple’s unwavering dedication and spiritual leadership.

His Christian Journey: From Catholic Roots to Baptist Ministry

Rev. Osei-Owusu’s walk with Christ began in 1977 at a Scripture Union rally at Kumasi Technical Institute. Over the years, he rose through leadership roles:

• SU President – Kumasi Anglican SHS (1979–1982)

• SU President – Wesley College (1984–1986)

• GHAFES President – UCC, Valco Hall (1993–1995)

• NUBS National Chairman (1994–1995)

• Ordained Deacon – Tesano Baptist Church (1999)

• Ordained Reverend Minister – Baptist Faith (2000)

He also served as Chaplain for the Ashanti Regional CHASS (2018–2020) and was actively involved in discipleship and mentoring through Living Seed Ghana.

Ministry at Tesano and Cornerstone Baptist Churches

Having joined Tesano Baptist Church in 1980, Rev. Osei-Owusu was baptized by the late Rev. E.T. Quartey. His ministry path included:

• Teen Sunday School Teacher (1982–1990s)

• Pastoral Assistant (1999–2007)

• Associate Pastor for Teens & Students (2007–2017)

• Head Pastor – Cornerstone Baptist Church, Dome Pillar 2 (until 2023)

Alongside other leaders, he co-pioneered the TBC Schools Ministry in 1999, impacting countless young people spiritually and academically.

Academic Excellence and Professional Life

Rev. Osei-Owusu’s educational achievements reflect his passion for learning and mentorship:

• BA Economics & Diploma in Education – UCC

• M.Ed. Educational Planning & Administration – UCC

• MA in Ministry – Ghana Baptist University College

• Diploma in Evangelism & Missions – St. Charles Baptist Church, Missouri, USA

• Postgraduate Diploma – Lindenwood University, USA (Fulbright Exchange)

His teaching career spanned Dzorwulu JHS, St. John’s Grammar, and Achimota School, where he served as Academic Counsellor, Head of Economics, Senior Housemaster, and Chaplaincy Support.

In 2017, he was appointed Headmaster of Kumasi Academy, retiring with distinction as a Deputy Director of Education with the Ghana Education Service (GES).

Among his many accolades:

• Overall Best Teacher, Achimota School (2002, 2007)

• Best Performing Headmaster, Ashanti Region (2020)

• Fulbright Teacher Exchange Scholar, USA (2005–2006)

• Founder, Hope for You Academy – a remedial school supporting struggling students

Shaping Policy and Building Leaders

Rev. Osei-Owusu played an active role in national education and leadership reforms, contributing to:

• JHS Implementation Conference (1987)

• Free SHS Implementation Workshop (2018)

• Lifeway Ministers Conferences

• Multiple teacher and leadership training programmes

Through these platforms, he mentored thousands of students and educators nationwide.

A Family Built on Faith and Service

He is married to Mrs. Lilian Osei-Owusu, his faithful ministry partner. Together, they have raised four biological sons and several adopted daughters.

Their home has been a source of refuge, mentorship, and Christian love for many.

Conclusion: A Life Well Lived

Rev. Sylvester Osei-Owusu’s story is not merely one of titles and achievements but of faith, humility, and purposeful service.

His legacy lives on through the lives he has touched—students, church members, fellow ministers, and generations of leaders shaped under his guidance.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:21

Source: Jagri Boaz Binyinjom

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He told The Daily Caller on Sunday that it would be “insulting” to ban them, and said his move would benefit smaller universities.

The president is reversing the hard line his administration has taken on this for months, as trade talks with China continue.

Some of his allies in the Maga wing of Trump’s Republican Party have expressed anger and confusion.

“I just don’t understand it for the life of me,” said Fox News host Laura Ingraham.

“Those are 600,000 spots that American kids won’t get.”

On X, Trump ally Laura Loomer wrote: “Nobody, I repeat nobody, wants 600,000 more Chinese ‘students’ aka Communist spies in the United States.”

Trump has defended that position by arguing that Chinese students bring money to the US economy and that denying them visas would weaken relations between the two countries.

“I have a very good relationship with [Chinese] President Xi. I think it’s very insulting to a country when you say you’re not going to take your students,” Trump told the Daily Caller, a right-wing news outlet.

“You know, I get along with China,” he added. “China’s paying us a lot of money right now. They’re paying us hundreds of millions of dollars.”

In May, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he would “aggressively” revoke Chinese visas, especially “those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields”.

The announcement came as relations between Washington and Beijing continued a downhill trend, prompted by a tit-for-tat trade war that was sparked by Trump’s tariffs. The two sides are currently in a tariffs truce.

The White House has said that those 600,000 student visas will be issued over the next two years, in line with numbers issued in previous years.

Trump told the Daily Caller he did not expect anything in return for allowing students into the country.

“No, I just think it’s, I think it’s, I think what we’re doing is the right thing to do,” he said. “It’s good to get along with countries, not bad, especially, you know, nuclear-powered countries.”

Source: BBC

Overseas travel to the U.S. fell 3.1% year-on-year in July to 19.2 million visitors, according to U.S. government data. It was the fifth month of decline this year, defying expectations that 2025 would see annual inbound visitors finally surpass the pre-pandemic level of 79.4 million.

The Reuters Tariff Watch newsletter is your daily guide to the latest global trade and tariff news. Sign up here.

The new visa fee, set to go into effect on October 1, adds a hurdle for travellers from non-visa waiver countries like Mexico, Argentina, India, Brazil and China.

The extra charge raises the total visa cost to $442, one of the highest visitor fees in the world, according to the U.S. Travel Association, a membership organisation.

“Any friction we add to the traveller experience is going to cut travel volumes by some amount,” said Gabe Rizzi, President of Altour, a global travel management company.

“As the summer ends, this will become a more pressing issue, and we’ll have to factor the fees into travel budgets and documentation.”

International visitor spending in the U.S. is projected to fall below $169 billion this year, down from $181 billion in 2024, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.

The visa fee reinforces a bleak perception of the U.S. under Trump, whose immigration policies, cuts to foreign aid and sweeping tariffs have eroded America’s appeal as a destination – even with major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Los Angeles 2028 Olympics on the horizon.

The Trump administration on Wednesday proposed government regulation that aims to tighten the duration of visas for students, cultural exchange visitors and members of the media.

In early August, the administration said the U.S. could require bonds of up to $15,000 for some tourist and business visas under a pilot program effective August 20 that will last for approximately a year, in an effort to crack down on visitors overstaying their visas.

Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics consultancy, forecast in December 2024 that overseas travel to the U.S. in 2025 would increase more than 10% year-over-year. Instead, it is on track to fall 3%, said Aran Ryan, director of industry studies at Tourism Economics.

“We see it as a sustained setback, and we anticipate much of it is in place throughout the administration,” Ryan said.

HARDEST HIT

The newest visa fee is likely to hit hardest in Central and South American countries that have been a rare bright spot for U.S. travel this year.

As of May, travel from Mexico to the U.S. was up nearly 14% in 2025, according to the National Travel and Tourism Office.

Arrivals from Argentina rose 20% and from Brazil 4.6% year-to-date. Overall, travel from Central America grew 3% and from South America 0.7%, compared with a decline of 2.3% from Western Europe.

In China, arrivals have remained muted since the pandemic, with July numbers still 53% below 2019 levels. The visa fee also threatens travel from India, where visits are down 2.4% so far this year, driven by a near 18% drop in students.

For some, the rise in fees will be absorbed as just another cost in an already expensive trip to the U.S.

“The U.S. has always been selective about its visitors. If your financial standing isn’t up to par, getting a visa is tough anyway,” said Su Shu, founder of Chinese firm Moment Travel in Chengdu.

As foreign visitors face higher entry fees, U.S. travellers worry about stricter requirements being imposed abroad, said James Kitchen, travel agent and owner of Seas 2 Day & Travel.

“Travellers have expressed concern around reciprocal fees that may be imposed in the coming months,” Kitchen said.

Source: Reuters

The internal message, dated August 18 and signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, told all embassies and consulates to refuse nonimmigrant visas to “all otherwise eligible Palestinian Authority passport holders” who are using that passport to apply for a visa.

The posts were instructed to do so “effective immediately.”

Nonimmigrant visas include a wide variety of visas, including those for students, professors, tourists, businesspeople and those seeking medical treatment.

The sweeping refusal policy, first reported by the New York Times, is among a slew of actions taken by the Trump administration to block Palestinians from coming to the United States.

On August 16, the State Department said that “all visitor visas for individuals from Gaza” were suspended pending a review. On Friday, the agency announced it was revoking and denying visas for members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Palestinian Authority (PA), including PA President Mahmoud Abbas, ahead of the United Nations General Assembly.

The restrictions come as a number of countries prepare to recognize a Palestinian state and the war in Gaza continues to rage.

In the diplomatic cable, the State Department said it was taking the action “to ensure that such applications have undergone necessary vetting and screening protocols to ensure the applicant’s identity and eligibility for a visa under U.S. law.”

“The Trump administration is taking concrete steps in compliance with U.S. law and our national security in regards to announced visa restrictions and revocations for PA passport holders,” a State Department spokesperson said. “Every visa decision is a national security decision, and the State Department is vetting and adjudicating visa decisions for PA passport holders accordingly.”

According to the cable, the refusal policy does not apply to Palestinians applying for immigrant visas or those applying for nonimmigrant visas using a different passport.

“This guidance does include visa applicants for diplomatic or official type visas and for individuals engaging in diplomatic and official travel purposes applying with Palestinian Authority passports,” it said. “While the Department has determined that the Palestinian Authority (PA) is a competent authority for passport issuing purposes … the United States does NOT recognise the PA as a ‘foreign government.’”

Source: CNN

But what of shedding those final strips of fabric and going nude? The birthday suit is, after all, the world’s oldest costume and one that never goes out of style.

The naturist movement emerged in Europe at the end of the 19th century and is now popular around the world. Globally, there are hundreds of clothing-optional beaches where it’s perfectly legal to drop your shorts and your inhibitions, and the number is growing.

Fans of naturism can now take nude cruises around the Caribbean or plan a naked wedding on an Italian island.

If you’re a newbie to nudity but are interested in knowing more, we have some tips on beach and resort etiquette from naturism experts with decades of unclothed experience. Here’s their dos and don’ts and what you should know before you go.

1. Do your research

“Naturism means different things to different people and the term is sometimes misused,” says Stéphane Deschênes, president of the International Naturist Federation (INF-FNI), the world’s only global naturism organisation. “So you have to understand what you’re looking for.”

There’s no single naturist ideology, but typically the lifestyle is about non-sexual social nudity in a family-friendly environment.

“Fortunately, naturism has always been very well organized,” says Deschênes. The INF-FNI aims to help people find consistency and reliability when choosing naturist resorts and has been doing so for more than 70 years.

2. Take the plunge

So you’ve arrived at your chosen beach or resort and you feel like everyone’s looking at you. They’re not.

“Nobody knows this is your first time,” says Ronna Krozy, a retired professor in her 80s who’s been a nudist for more than 30 years. In 2023, she showed CNN the ropes at Solair Recreation League, a family nudist resort and campground in Woodstock, Connecticut.

“In fact, it might be easier to go to somewhere with tons of people and just get on with it, or better yet, get everything off,” she says.

Like going into the water itself, sometimes it’s better just to dive straight in.

3. Keep your distance

Behave like you’re at a “church picnic,” says Krozy, who is also public relations chair at the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR), the leading naturist organisation in the United States.

“Don’t park your chair or your blanket too close to anybody,” she adds. “Anything that appears like sexual activity, like plastering your body against somebody else, is not allowed.”

And while nudists are known for packing light, there’s one item you should never be without.

“Always bring a towel with you to sit on, because that is for everybody’s hygiene.”

4. Don’t stare or take photos

Making eye contact? Starting up a friendly conversation? All this is more than welcome says Krozy. “Look people in the eye, because that might help you to figure out where to put your attention, and don’t gawk or stare because that is considered rude and impolite.”

Sunglasses are, of course, a common beach accessory – but don’t try hiding behind them to sneak a peek at your neighbors.

Taking pictures or videos without people’s permission is also a huge no-no.  Just because you lose your clothes doesn’t mean you should lose your manners.

It’s simply decent human conduct to not be “too aggressive” or “make people uncomfortable by not giving them enough space,” says Deschênes. “These are all sensible things to do in all situations.”

5. Don’t comment on people’s bodies

“You shouldn’t talk about anybody’s body, even if you think it’s a compliment,” says Krozy.

While we live in an increasingly open-minded society when it comes to displaying flesh, it’s a double-edged sword, says Deschênes. “In some ways, people are less shocked by the idea of nudity, but in another, that nudity has generally been hypersexualized and objectified.”

A common misperception, he says, is that “people often think naturism is about not wearing clothes. But that’s not the objective. That’s simply the tool that we use to achieve body acceptance.”

The happy upshot of this, he says, is that “it creates better relationships between people because they are more open and honest and true about who they are in themselves.”

Clothing isn’t just a protective covering, Deschênes says. “Mostly clothing is about rank and status and hiding who we are and trying to make ourselves look in a way that society tells us you’re supposed to be.”

6. Arousal isn’t the problem you think it is

Both Krozy and Deschênes say that one of the questions they’re most often asked is what happens if a man gets physically excited. The truth is, it doesn’t happen that often.

“It’s a great fear,” since Deschênes, “and it’s understandable since most men have spent their entire life connecting nudity and sex.”

However, the non-sexual nature of the environment in general means it’s a rare occurrence, he says, and also, “when you’re very nervous as a man, it doesn’t work very well.”

Krozy has this advice, however, for any guy who finds himself caught out: “Take your towel and cover yourself. Turn over in the sand. Run into the cold water.” If all else fails, focus on dull thoughts like “taking out your garbage.”

Likewise, a common question from women is what they should do if they’re on their period. The answer is that they should do whatever makes them feel most comfortable.

They can wear underwear if they prefer pads, they can use menstrual cups if that’s their style, or if they like tampons, they can use those too. “You know, if somebody sees the string, that’s okay,” says Deschênes. “Having a period is a normal part of life.”

7. Don’t get your alternative lifestyles confused

In our globalized, hyperconnected world, communities of like-minded people can find each other with greater ease than ever before, making it a golden age for alternative lifestyles. But don’t be tempted to think of discrete communities of naturists, nudists, polyamorists, ethical non-monogamists and fetish enthusiasts as one big bundle.

“We always get lumped in with the sexually liberated people and that’s never been who we are and still isn’t,” says Deschênes. “There’s nothing wrong with all those other communities – my only problem is when you mix them up. A friend of mine gave a really good analogy. He said, ‘You can play tennis, and you can play baseball, but you don’t try to play baseball on a tennis court.’”

8. Enjoy the experience? Then explore more

So you’ve explored your local options and now you want to go further afield. “In terms of scale. France is by far the No.1 destination for naturism and has been for many years,” says Deschênes. “They’ve always had the advantage of having lots of nice beaches, the ocean and the sea.”

Germany has lots of great naturist opportunities too, and because of the long-standing cultural acceptance of nudity, you can sometimes shed your garments in less formal settings, such as parks. It’s also very common in spas – he recommends the Taunus Thermae, just outside of Frankfurt.

“You might not think of Thailand, for example, as a naturist destination, but there are some lovely resorts there,” says Deschênes.

“It’s very limited to those resorts, because the culture generally is not favorable to naturism. But there are some beautiful resorts, and the country is very accepting of them. Then of course, there are lots of opportunities in the Caribbean, and even South America.”

This advice in hand, all you need to do is start packing. Don’t forget the sunscreen.

Source: CNN

The Swiss food giant, which makes Kit Kat chocolate bars and Nespresso coffee capsules, said Laurent Freixe had been dismissed with “immediate effect” following an investigation led by Nestle’s chair and lead independent director.

The BBC understands the inquiry was triggered by a report made through the company’s whistleblowing channel.

Nestlé chair Paul Bulcke said: “This was a necessary decision. Nestlé’s values and governance are strong foundations of our company. I thank Laurent for his years of service at Nestlé.”

The relationship was with an employee who is not on the executive board, and the investigation began because it represented a conflict of interest, the BBC has learned.

As well as Mr Bulcke, independent director Pablo Isla oversaw the inquiry into Mr Freixe “with the support of independent outside counsel”.

The Financial Times has reported that concerns were raised about Mr Freixe’s relationship with an employee earlier this year and, after an internal investigation, the claims were found to be unsubstantiated.

After the complaints persisted, the newspaper reports that Nestle conducted another investigation with help from outside counsel, after which the claims were upheld.

A spokesperson for Nestle said: “We acted at all times in line with best practice corporate governance.

“The external investigation was opened shortly after the initial internal investigation, and today’s decision shows that we are taking allegations and investigations seriously.”

Mr Freixe had been with Nestlé for nearly 40 years but stepped up to the global chief executive role last September, replacing Mark Schneider.

Nestle confirmed that he will not receive an exit package.

The BBC has contacted Mr Freixe for comment.

Philipp Navratil, who has been with Nestlé since 2001, has been appointed as Mr Freixe’s successor.

Mr Bulcke said the company was “not changing course on strategy and we will not lose pace on performance”.

Mr Bulcke is set to step down as chair next year, and Mr Isla, the former boss of Zara-owner Inditex, has been proposed as his replacement.

Other companies have parted ways with their chief executives following investigations into their personal relationships with colleagues.

BP chief executive Bernard Looney, who led the oil giant for three years, quit after admitting he was not “fully transparent” initially.

Steve Easterbrook was fired by McDonald’s in 2019 after it found he had a consensual relationship with an employee.

But McDonald’s said a further investigation found that the British executive had three additional relationships with staff.

He initially received $105m (£77.5m) in a severance package, which he later returned. In 2023, he was fined $400,000 by the US financial watchdog for misleading investors. He paid the penalty without admitting or denying the claims.

Source: BBC

Police condemned the killing of the woman – identified in local media as a food vendor named Amaye – as “jungle justice”, saying that an investigation was underway to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators.

Local media quoted eyewitnesses as saying a man jokingly proposed marriage to the vendor, and her response was considered blasphemous by some people in the area.

“Unfortunately, it led to a mob attack, and [she] was set ablaze before a reinforcement of security teams could arrive at the scene,” state police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun said.

He appealed to members of the public to remain calm and not to take the law into their own hands following the killing on Saturday in Kasuwan-Garba town.

Such killings are not uncommon in northern Nigeria, where blasphemy is regarded as a criminal offence under Islamic (Sharia) law, which operates alongside secular law in 12 mainly Muslim states.

Rights group Amnesty International said that blasphemy was often “weaponised to settle personal scores” in northern Nigeria

A minor disagreement or argument, often “deliberately orchestrated”, leads to accusations of blasphemy, “and then the mob lynches the accused instantly”, it said.

At least two other people have been lynched over such accusations in the last three years, with critics pointing out that not enough is being done to prevent the killings that have targeted both Muslims and Christians.

In 2022, student Deborah Samuel was beaten and burned alive in Sokoto state after being accused of making blasphemous comments.

Last year, a butcher, Usman Buda, was stoned to death in the same state under similar circumstances.

Though Nigeria’s constitution upholds freedom of speech, the country remains deeply divided on matters of faith and justice.

Nigeria’s Supreme Court has in the past ruled that blasphemy allegations must be proven in a court of law.

Source: BBC

Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Allotey explained that intelligence indicated the clashes were triggered after the son of a chief was shot, raising fears of retaliation.

“We received information that the chief’s son was shot during the festival, and this could have led to further tensions between the Omanjor and Sowutuom communities,” he said.

He noted that the police, in coordination with the Odorkor Regional Command, have reinforced security on the grounds to prevent further incidents.

“We have beefed up police presence, and officers are equipped with the necessary ammunition to ensure everyone’s safety,” he added.

Mr. Allotey revealed that the MCE for Ga North is also coordinating emergency MUSEC measures while he continues to oversee security in his municipality.

“We’ve been monitoring the situation for weeks, and we spoke with the chiefs ahead of the festival. That’s why initially the police went in lightly, but after the clash, we ensured they had the right resources,” he explained.

He further outlined the local response, saying, “We are meeting the families affected, sympathizing with them, and also talking to residents to maintain calm.

The chiefs will speak to their youth, and police will continue to engage the community to prevent further violence.”

The violence reportedly erupted due to a misunderstanding between supporters of two rival chiefs, which escalated into gunfire, disrupting the festival.

Some attendees attempting to leave the grounds were reportedly attacked at nearby Olebu.

Three people have so far been confirmed dead: Abubakar Ramadan Sarbah, also known as Nii Kwashiebu, Theophilus Nii Amu Kwadjan, and Joseph Shaibu Dodoo. Their bodies have been taken to the Police Hospital Mortuary for preservation and autopsy. Five others sustained injuries.

Mr. Allotey concluded by reassuring the public: “Security is under control, and we are doing everything necessary to ensure the peace of the town. The police are here, the chiefs are cooperating, and we urge residents to remain calm and support efforts to restore normalcy.”

Source: Dorcas Abedu-Kennedy

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]]> https://www.adomonline.com/hundreds-feared-dead-injured-as-earthquake-of-magnitude-6-hits-afghanistan/ Mon, 01 Sep 2025 08:03:27 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2573387 Hundreds were feared dead and injured in an earthquake of magnitude 6 that struck Afghanistan’s rugged northeastern province of Kunar, authorities said on Monday, as rescuers combed the rubble of homes in a hunt for survivors.

Early reports showed 30 dead in a single village, the health ministry said, but added that accurate casualty figures had yet to be gathered in an area of scattered hamlets with a long history of earthquakes and flooding.

“The number of casualties and injuries is high, but since the area is difficult to access, our teams are still on site,” health ministry spokesperson Sharafat Zaman said in a statement.

Hundreds of injured were taken to the hospital, said Najibullah Hanif, the provincial information head, with figures likely to rise as reports arrived from remote areas with few roads.

Rescuers were working in several districts of the mountainous province where the midnight quake hit at a depth of 10 km (6 miles), to level homes of mud and stone on the border with Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, officials said.

Afghanistan is prone to deadly earthquakes, particularly in the Hindu Kush mountain range, where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.

A series of earthquakes in its west killed more than 1,000 people last year, underscoring the vulnerability of one of the world’s poorest countries to natural disasters.

Source: Reuters

The train had been travelling from the northern coastal city of Marsa Matruh when seven of its carriages came off the tracks around 15:30 local time (12:30 GMT) on Saturday, with two carriages being overturned, officials said.

Health Minister Dr Khaled Abdul Ghaffar offered his condolences and prayers to the families of the victims and wished those injured a swift recovery.

The transport ministry and the Egyptian National Railways Authority (ENRA) are investigating the cause of the crash, which remains unclear.

Officials said the incident occurred on a stretch of track between the Fouka and Jalal stations, just east of Marsa Matruh on the edge of the Sahara.

The ENRA said in a statement that anyone found responsible for the derailment would be punished.

It added that technical crews and equipment have been dispatched to clear the wreckage and restore services as soon as possible

Speaking on behalf of Egypt’s transport ministry, it also offered its condolences to the families of those killed.

Dr Abdul Ghaffar visited the scene of the crash to supervise the emergency response, and later visited those injured in the hospital.

All the injured were taken to two local hospitals via ambulance, according to the health ministry.

It added that the bodies of the three people who were now in the custody of public prosecutors.

Accidents on Egypt’s railway network are frequent, in part due to poor maintenance and a lack of investment.

One of the deadliest train disasters occurred in 2002, when more than 370 people died after a fire broke out on a train travelling south of Cairo.

Source: BBC

The step is the latest in President Donald Trump’s drive to strip back the outlet, which the White House has accused of being “radical”.

Acting CEO of VOA’s parent agency, Kari Lake, said the decision would “help reduce the federal bureaucracy, improve agency service, and save the American people more of their hard-earned money.” A union representing employees called the step illegal in a statement to the New York Times.

VOA was set up during World War Two to counter Nazi propaganda, and has become a major global broadcaster.

The outlet is overseen by the Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which said a total of 532 positions would be eliminated. The majority of those employees are from VOA, which would be left with 108 staff, according to a court filing.

In June, Lake announced 639 employees would be terminated, although the notices were later rescinded due to paperwork errors. Some employees also filed lawsuits to block the terminations.

The announcement late on Friday night came a day after a judge ruled the Trump administration had not followed proper procedures in its attempt to fire VOA’s director, Michael Abramowitz. The judge also ordered Lake to sit for a deposition, where she would be questioned by lawyers.

The lawsuit was brought by a group of agency employees trying to block attempts to close down VOA.

“We find Lake’s continued attacks on our agency abhorrent,” they said in a statement to the BBC’s US partner CBS News.

“We are looking forward to her deposition to hear whether her plan to dismantle VOA was done with the rigorous review process that Congress requires. So far we have not seen any evidence of that, and as such we will continue to fight for what we believe to be our rights under the law.”

Most of VOA’s journalists have been on administrative leave since March but some Farsi-speaking staff were called back as war between Israel and Iran broke out this summer.

The notices will also not affect journalists working in its Office of Cuba Broadcasting division, which broadcasts news in Spanish from Miami.

Critics say Trump’s attempts to strip back VOA amount to an attack on press freedom and impact America’s ability to exercise soft power abroad. The administration has accused the outlet of being “anti-Trump” and “radical”.

VOA broadcasts TV, radio and digital content in almost 50 languages.

Source: BBC

China’s President Xi Jinping and Indian PM Narendra Modi met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) in the port city of Tianjin. It is Modi’s first time in China in seven years.

Xi told Modi that China and India should be partners, not rivals, while Modi said there was now an “atmosphere of peace and stability” between them.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is also at the summit, attended by more than 20 world leaders, which this year has been overshadowed by trade wars with the US.

US President Donald Trump has imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods as punishment for Delhi’s continued purchase of Russian oil, and Putin faces threats of sanctions for his ongoing war on Ukraine.

As the US-India relationship faces increasing headwinds, Modi is moving closer to Xi. Both countries are not only the most populous, but also have two of the largest economies in the world.

Modi announced that flights between India and China – suspended since deadly troop clashes on their shared Himalayan border in 2020 – would resume, without providing a timeline.

Xi said “both sides need to approach and handle our relationship from a strategic height and long-term perspective” and that “it is the right choice for both sides to be friends”.

The SCO summit itself is largely symbolic but will allow leaders to air common grievances and shared interests. It comes days before a massive military parade in Beijing that will mark 80 years since the end of World War Two.

There are 10 member states in the grouping – including Russia, Pakistan and Iran – and 16 dialogue partners and observers.

Putin, who is a close ally of China, arrived for a red carpet welcome in Tianjin on Sunday.

The SCO was created by China, Russia and four Central Asian countries in 2001 as a countermeasure to limit the influence of Western alliances such as NATO.

This year’s gathering is the largest since it was founded

For Tianjin, the summit has become a major event, with banners and billboards promoting it throughout the northern port city.

At night, tens of thousands of local spectators have been cramming into the riverside area to see a light show displayed on tower blocks while the gathering is taking place.

The streets have been heavily crowded, making it difficult for people to even move, especially on and around the historic Jiefang Bridge.

During the day, pedestrians are at times waited as roadblocks go up to allow the motorcades of visiting world leaders to pass by quickly.

Taxis and other hire car services have been suspended in the downtown area, but this has not dampened the enthusiasm of crowds of people wanting to be part of what has been described as a historic meeting.

However, police have advised Tianjin’s more than 13 million residents to avoid moving around the city if possible and to stick to shops near them to purchase any immediate necessities.

Source: BBC

According to a statement from the Office of the President, no government official—including Ministers, Deputy Ministers, CEOs of state institutions, and political appointees—may attend the UNGA or any related engagements without prior written approval from the Chief of Staff.

The directive follows a recent Cabinet decision announced by President John Dramani Mahama on foreign travel and participation in international events.

The Chief of Staff stressed that only those formally cleared by the government will be permitted to represent Ghana at the UNGA, including its side meetings, panels, receptions, and bilateral discussions.

Key provisions of the directive are as follows:

• Approval Requirement: All invitations—whether from the UN, development partners, NGOs, think tanks, or private organisations—must first receive written clearance from the Chief of Staff before being accepted.

• Suspension of Pending Invitations: Invitations already accepted or awaiting response are considered void unless re-authorised by the Chief of Staff.

• Submission Process: Requests to attend must be submitted in writing through the relevant supervising Minister to the Chief of Staff.

In the statement dated August 30, presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu explained that the measure is designed to ensure a lean and cost-effective national presence at the UNGA, consistent with the President’s “Resetting Ghana” agenda.

He further warned that any official who disregards the directive will be sanctioned in line with the Code of Conduct for Public Office Holders.

Source: Adomonline

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Her election, held on Friday, August 29, 2025, is historic as it makes her the first Ghanaian and the only woman to serve on the committee.

The milestone highlights both her distinguished career in law enforcement and the growing recognition of women’s leadership in policing across the continent.

COP Donkor’s inclusion on the committee underscores the push for gender diversity in high-level security and policing structures. It also reflects Ghana’s active role in global policing networks and her personal dedication to justice, accountability, and regional security.

In her acceptance speech, she stressed the importance of context-specific solutions to crime:
“You would all agree with me that although the challenges facing the world on the global scale are similar, the economic and social dynamics differ significantly from country to country. Therefore, tailor-made measures need to be put in place if law enforcement is to be used in curbing crime.

By joining the INTERPOL Africa Regional Committee, I hope to collaborate with lawmakers to strengthen regional cooperation by enhancing intelligence sharing and joint operations across African jurisdictions through the use of INTERPOL security capabilities.”

The INTERPOL Africa Regional Committee has been created as a key platform to bolster collaboration among law enforcement agencies across the continent. Its mandate includes setting strategic priorities in the fight against crime, recommending policies to the African Regional Conference, and advising on issues of criminality and police cooperation specific to Africa.

Alongside Ghana, member states elected to the committee include Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa, who will also serve four-year terms. Botswana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Sudan secured two-year terms.

COP Lydia Donkor’s election not only enhances Ghana’s standing in international policing but also marks a groundbreaking achievement for women in security leadership across Africa.

Source: Adomonline

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Galamsey pits claim 22 lives in Central Region – NADMO

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One of the most praised and recognised first ladies in the United States was Jacqueline Kennedy, not just because of her substance but also her style. Ms Kennedy represented an era of decency, elegance, refinement, and courtesy in America that not only contributed to the nation’s cultural infrastructure but also recognised the significant contributions of spouses and women to international affairs, the presidency, and the nation.

Modern-day diplomacy has taken a dynamic turn. The President and the foreign affairs minister may be the chief diplomats, but other institutions, such as presidential and vice-presidential spouses, can have significant influence in international affairs. On this front, Mrs Bawumia has shown recognisable potential as an archetype of first and second lady diplomacy.

First, she has promoted Ghana’s image abroad through her standout performances, characterised by her masterful delivery and persuasive communication in international forums. Her very image, style, confidence and grace have brought respect, honour and admiration not just to herself but to the nation. One cannot ignore her iconic fashion style and decency, which have become not just a model for young women and girls but a showcase of Ghanaian as well as African culture, enlightenment and values. Mrs Bawumia’s acute awareness of the role of soft power and her ability to channel it through her Afrocentrism maps her out as a foremost proponent and embodiment of the principle of cultural diplomacy.

Another major foray of Samira Bawumia’s international endeavours is in the area of global climate activism and environmentalism. Mrs Bawumia has been deeply committed to addressing climate change challenges, clean energy and environmental sustainability through international partnerships, collaborations and discourses. For instance, she was at the centre of discussions during the Global Forum oof Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) in Barbados this year, where she delivered a keynote address and participated in productive discussions. In fact, the issue of clean energy has been at the centre of her international activism. Over the past years, she has been a global ambassador for the Clean Cooking Alliance, where she’s worked relentlessly to mainstream clean cooking policies to reduce emissions, protect the environment and adapt alternative energy practices.

Women and youth empowerment on the global level has been at the apogee of Samira Bawumia’s agenda. This has continued to remain a central issue of concern for organisations such as the United Nations. Mrs Bawumia has been extremely invested and contributed in no small measure to the realisation of this goal. Through her Samira Empowerment and Humanitarian projects, she has continued to contribute to efforts for the improvement of the lives of women and girls, this time beyond Ghana. In June 2025, she was a special guest and keynote speaker at the Women in Mining Summit in Conakry-Guinea where she spoke on sustainable mining practices, inclusivity and innovation.

Nowhere is her industry toward young people across the world more evident than in mentorship. She has carved a niche in this area, as she makes time to engage with scores of students from all over the world at her office or during international travels, inspiring, encouraging and sharing lessons. She has met with students from all over the world, including teams from Harvard University’s Edward S. Mason Fellowship Program, Fordham University Law School, Global Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management (I-DIEM) based in Georgia and the Karen Pritzker Academy of Arts and Fashion, where she mentors underprivileged girls.

It is important to note that her industry in international relations has also made her a source of discourse and attention within the diplomatic community. She has also been extremely adept at marshalling social media and digital tools to engage the rest of the world while promoting this nation.

No nation can conduct modern diplomacy without the tools of the digital age, and there couldn’t be a better presidential spouse for the digital era than the better half of Ghana’s foremost digital apostle, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. Moments like this, of great strategic consequence for the world, require persons of equal initiative, vigour, and vibe. The more one thinks about it, the more it becomes apparent that Ms. Samira Bawumia would uniquely meet the moment in this globalised and technologically driven age. It is without doubt that she has captured, perhaps enthralled, the world so far, and there’s no doubt she can do more.

The roles of the first or second lady are not always clear-cut, but the activities and initiatives of the occupant can make a difference. International relations now traverse the traditional straitjacket strategies and conventions. Nations must now be smart, innovative and dynamic about how they project their culture and engage the world.

Samira Bawumia has earned her place in history as one of our most dynamic, forceful, and globally-minded second ladies. States hardly experience such rare combinations of soft power, substantive power and steadfast devotion in their second ladies or potential first ladies. For all practical purposes, she will be a tireless emissary, a catalytic instrument and a force majeure in promoting our nation, addressing issues of global concern and repositioning its cultural appeal.

Prof. Etse Sikanku is an Associate Professor of Political Communication, Journalism and Media Studies at the University of Media, Arts and Communication. He’s the Dean of the Faculty of Journalism and Media Studies.

Source: Prof. G Etse Sikanku

He gave the assurance when he received a delegation from the Hohoe Regional Office of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), led by Frank Amoah-Frimpong, the Regional Administrator, who appealed for urgent government intervention to curb the illicit trade.

Mr Gunu, who also chairs the Volta Regional Security Council (REGSEC), pledged that decisive measures would be rolled out to protect cocoa farmers and safeguard the national interest.

“REGSEC, in close collaboration with COCOBOD and our security agencies, will intensify surveillance, strengthen intelligence gathering, and ensure that offenders are brought to justice. Cocoa is a national asset, and its smuggling undermines both our farmers and our economy. This is a fight we must win together,” he said.

He recalled his earlier experience as District Chief Executive of Akatsi North, when he and his security team intercepted more than 100 bags of smuggled cocoa at Ave Dakpa.

“Unfortunately, smugglers are now using more sophisticated methods, which makes collaboration among all stakeholders even more critical,” he noted.

The Minister described cocoa smuggling as a dual threat — robbing farmers of fair prices while depriving the country of vital foreign exchange earnings.

He emphasised that tackling the problem required not only enforcement but also sustainable solutions that would secure the future of the cocoa industry in the Volta Region and Ghana as a whole.

In this regard, Mr Gunu welcomed President John Dramani Mahama’s pledge to establish a cocoa processing factory in the Volta Region as part of a broader industrialisation drive.

“Such an initiative will add value to cocoa, create jobs for our youth, and serve as a lasting solution to this smuggling challenge. We must work together to protect our farmers and make the Volta Region a model of responsible cocoa production and processing,” he stressed.

The delegation from COCOBOD expressed appreciation for the Minister’s assurance and reiterated the need for tighter border control measures, stronger community sensitisation, and incentives to encourage farmers to sell their produce through approved channels.

Source: GNA