Pioneering reggae musician Jimmy Cliff, whose distinctive voice and groundbreaking artistry helped establish reggae as a globally recognised genre, passed away at the age of 81, according to an announcement made by his wife via Instagram on Monday.Latifa Chambers confirmed the news, stating,It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of my husband, Jimmy Cliff, who succumbed to complications from pneumonia following a seizure.I extend my gratitude to his family, friends, fellow musicians, and colleagues who accompanied him throughout his remarkable journey. To his countless admirers worldwide, please know that your unwavering support sustained him throughout his distinguished career. He cherished each and every fan for their devotion.Cliff achieved international acclaim through iconic recordings, including "You Can Get It If You Really Want", "The Harder They Come", and "Wonderful World, Beautiful People".His contributions to music earned him induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, making him only the second Jamaican artist to receive this prestigious honour, alongside Bob Marley.Beyond his musical achievements, Cliff gained recognition for his lead performance in the 1972 film "The Harder They Come", portraying Ivan Martin, an aspiring musician who relocates to Kingston seeking success in the music industry before ultimately turning to criminal activity.Both the film and its accompanying soundtrack, which featured several compositions by Cliff, proved instrumental in introducing reggae to American audiences and establishing him as an international star.Born James Chambers in 1944 in St James Parish, western Jamaica, during a hurricane that destroyed his family's residence, Cliff's early life paralleled aspects of his film character's narrative. The second-youngest among eight siblings, he grew up in impoverished circumstances, initially singing in church before adopting his professional stage name.Following his relocation to Kingston in 1961, Cliff achieved his inaugural commercial success at just fourteen years old when "Hurricane Hattie" topped the Jamaican charts. He subsequently moved to London to further develop his career.In London, he produced his debut album, which integrated rhythm and blues influences, before returning to Jamaica. His popularity continued to expand, and by 1970, three of his singles had charted in the United Kingdom: "Wonderful World, Beautiful People", "Vietnam" (which Bob Dylan praised as the finest protest song ever composed), and his interpretation of Cat Stevens' "Wild World".Throughout his career, Cliff collaborated with renowned artists, including the Rolling Stones, Elvis Costello, Annie Lennox, and Paul Simon. He also contributed "I Can See Clearly Now" to the soundtrack of the 1993 film "Cool Runnings".Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness acknowledged Cliff's profound cultural impact following news of his death, commemorating him on social media as "a true cultural giant whose music carried the heart of our nation to the world."

Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff dies at 81

RICHARD AKOTO WALLS

Sean Paul says his children are 'traumatised' after Hurricane Melissa devastated JamaicaJamaican music superstar Sean Paul has said the scale of the effort required to help people in the country is "overwhelming" after Hurricane Melissa devastated parts of the island last week.The Grammy-winning reggae singer said the category five storm was "very frightening, especially for my young kids"."That's the first time they've seen trees dance like that and the wind move like that," he told BBC News. "They're in shock still, and traumatised. And can you imagine the children who are in the epicentre of it? It feels like you're in the Middle Ages."Winds of up to 185mph (295 km/h) caused at least 28 deaths. Paul and his family were in the capital Kingston, while areas further west suffered the greatest damage.The singer said: "It is really difficult to bear. We weren't hit in Kingston very hard, but it was frightening. And you're wondering, at any minute now is there going to be, you know, some tree that comes along and slaps your roof off?"That happened to friends of mine in Montego Bay. They've lost their whole roof, and they're still in the trenches helping people there, making sure that food reaches and clothes reach [people]. Everybody's stuff is all muddied up and it's hard to think about something positive at this time."Paul has pledged $50,000 (£38,000) to match donations to Food For The Poor Jamaica, and described the devastation as "a very mind-blowing situation"."After days and days of communication and trying to help out in different ways, on Saturday I broke down," he said."It's just the amount of energy it takes, and the depression that starts to set in, and then you have to shake yourself out of it because there's just so much to be done that we haven't even tipped the iceberg yet."He continued: "It is overwhelming. I myself took a drive to the country yesterday, the countryside of St Mary, which was not hit as hard, but still hit. They don't have light yet, and a lot of people out there can't even see the rest of what's happening, because once they get charge on their phone, they're just trying to call loved ones to make sure that they're OK."Some people "don't even know that people are helping them, because a lot of the time they're not able to see these videos of people preparing stuff to send out there", he said."And so little has been actually distributed... There's still blocked areas, roads that are damaged."I just heard a story of 15 babies that were under three months old, but they're sleeping in cardboard boxes right now. So it's a terrible situation, and we're trying to get help out there as much as possible."<img src="https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/c7b5/live/53c40f50-b8d8-11f0-b4a2-57eeafba82d3.jpg.webp">Fellow Jamaican music star, Shaggy, has also been co-ordinating aid efforts on the island, bringing essentials to locals via small convoys.Asked how he felt about what had happened, he said: "Devastated. I don't think I can unsee what I've seen... It's rough, there's a lot of aid coming in."Nobody could really prepare for something like that."We got into the Black River area, which was hit really hard. Everything is flattened. It breaks my heart. I couldn't help but weep. These are my people."He added: "I've never seen anything like this, it looks like a bomb exploded."Sean Paul said: "Shaggy has reached out to me, a friend of mine in the business, and he is trying to hold a concert in December. It's a long term thing, so we don't want to hold it next week where no one will know about it. It has to be down the road where we can promote it."

Jamaica's hurricane aftermath 'overwhelming', Sean Paul says

HOUSTON/CARACAS, Oct 28 (Reuters) - Venezuela is seeking location and other details from Trinidad and Tobago about the first field tests to be conducted by Exxon Mobil&nbsp;(XOM.N),&nbsp;in an ultra-deepwater area it was recently awarded in the Caribbean country, according to two sources and a document seen by Reuters.Venezuela's Vice President and oil minister Delcy Rodriguez demanded information on Exxon's plans, including if potential finds could extend into Venezuela's territory. She relayed this in a meeting she called with the dual-island nation's acting head of its mission to Caracas, Dayne-Marc Chin Slick, earlier this month, according to a diplomatic note he sent to Trinidad's Foreign Minister.Exxon was awarded the block earlier&nbsp;this year, marking its return to Trinidad for oil and gas exploration activities. The block is near the maritime border with Venezuela and northwest of the prolific Stabroek block Exxon operates in nearby Guyana.Venezuela's National Assembly declared Trinidad's prime minister persona non grata on Tuesday, in a further deterioration of bilateral relations.Venezuela on Monday&nbsp;suspended&nbsp;a wide energy pact with the country, including several joint gas projects, after President Nicolas Maduro criticized what he called its pro-U.S. stance amid ongoing military escalation in the region.A similar standoff with Guyana in recent years led to the suspension of Exxon's drilling in the north portion of the Stabroek block, which was declared in force majeure due to Exxon's inability to complete exploration work there.Rodriguez told Trinidad's acting head of mission Chin Slick that, under Article 8 of a delimitation treaty on territorial borders, either country has to inform the other of any planned exploration as long as the area is within 500 meters (1,640 feet) of the border, according to the diplomatic note.Trinidad and Venezuela sit just six miles (9.7 km) away at their closest point.Trinidad is prepared to inform Venezuela about a seismic survey Exxon plans next year, but will not give further details about the work plan or say if there is potential for a discovery extending into Venezuela, since none has been made, the internal Trinidad government memo showed."The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is bound by confidentiality provisions and, as a consequence, specific and detailed information on Exxon Mobil's operations for Block TTUD 1 cannot be disclosed," the Foreign Ministry's memo stated.Exxon declined to comment. Trinidad's energy ministry, and Venezuela's information and oil ministries did not immediately respond to requests for comment.Up until April, when Trinidad's government changed, the two countries had close relations, with Caracas granting a license to Shell&nbsp;(SHEL.L), opens new tab&nbsp;and Trinidad's National Gas Company (NGCTT.UL) to develop the 4.2-trillion-cubic-foot Dragon gas field in Venezuelan waters.Venezuela also agreed in 2020 not to object to Trinidad's plans to develop its share of the 10 TCF Loran-Manatee gas field. About 73% of the reserves lie on the Venezuelan side of the border.However, bilateral relations have become complicated since Trinidad's new Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar arrived. Rodriguez said this week Trinidad's attitude towards Venezuela was "hostile."_SOURCE: ReutersReporting by Curtis Williams and Deisy Buitrago; Editing by Nathan Crooks and Richard Chang

Venezuela asks Trinidad to provide details of Exxon field tests, sources say

Nathan

Hurricane Melissa, the&nbsp;strongest storm&nbsp;to ever hit&nbsp;Jamaica, and the largest on record this year, left widespread destruction in its wake Tuesday, obliterating buildings, ripping off roofs and flinging debris across the island.<img src="https://d21y75miwcfqoq.cloudfront.net/70c8fc80">At its peak, the&nbsp;storm brought winds&nbsp;of nearly 300 km/h, causing significant damage to the island’s southwestern and northwestern regions. The extent of the damage is still being evaluated.<a href="https://x.com/JamaicaConstab/status/1983311743616221615" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img src="https://aukisscontent.s3.amazonaws.com/cd647881bCP175230821.jpg.jpg"></a>Footage released&nbsp;by the Jamaica Constabulary Office captured scenes of destruction in the city of Black River, located in the southwestern parish of St. Elizabeth, after the Category 5 storm barrelled through the area.The video shows cars half-submerged in floodwaters and the remnants of downed infrastructure beside piles of mangled power lines.<iframe class="ql-video ql-align-center" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=true&amp;embedId=twitter-widget-0&amp;features=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%3D%3D&amp;frame=false&amp;hideCard=false&amp;hideThread=false&amp;id=1983311743616221615&amp;lang=en&amp;origin=https%3A%2F%2Fglobalnews.ca%2Fnews%2F11500054%2Fhurricane-melissa-jamaica-destruction-video-photos%2F&amp;sessionId=421027e272b09dcc227ee7b12b3d26867a873f7c&amp;siteScreenName=globalnews&amp;theme=light&amp;widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&amp;width=500px"></iframe>﻿The parish, which is known for producing a significant proportion of the island’s crops, was “underwater” following the storm, according to Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council.Meanwhile, Coleridge Minto, head of the St. Elizabeth police at the Black River police station, said the priority was to keep everyone in the vicinity alive.“We also have a number of residents living in and around this area with homes that were damaged and have come to seek refuge at the station,” Minto said in a video on the constabulary force’s&nbsp;Instagram.“We are prioritizing the safety of every person, including those who came [to shelter], our police officers and certainly at this location, where we have prisoners in custody,” he continued.Several families in Black River remain trapped in their homes as severe weather halted rescue operations, McKenzie said.Hurricane Melissa also damaged four hospitals and left one without power, forcing officials to evacuate 75 patients, he added.As of Wednesday, Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaica’s education minister, said more than 77 percent of residents were without power amid reports of strewn trees, landslides and widespread flooding, The Associated Press reported.She said Prime Minister Andrew Holness would soon fly to the most affected areas, including St. Elizabeth, Manchester, Westmoreland and St. James. Crews are still trying to access those areas to determine the extent of the damage.Investigative reporter Giovanni R. Dennis posted an aerial video&nbsp;on X&nbsp;showing part of St. Elizabeth in the aftermath of the storm.Jamaica’s airports, which closed in the lead-up to the storm, remain shuttered, but plans to re-open them to ensure the distribution of aid and emergency relief are set for Thursday, the government said.Montego Bay, the centre of the country’s tourism industry, was hit by strong winds and heavy rain, leading to widespread flooding across the city, its mayor, Richard Vernon, told the&nbsp;BBC.“One side of the city is now cut off from the other due to roads being inundated by floodwater,” he said, adding that his most pressing concern was to “check if everybody is alive.”A vacationer&nbsp;shared footage&nbsp;on TikTok of the moment she emerged from the basement of a luxury resort in Montego Bay.The video shows a busy hotel lobby, with caution tape strung across its main entrance and multiple sagging ceilings that appear to be holding up under the weight of torrential rain.Some rooms showed evidence of water damage with ankle-deep flooding and no power.“Overall, this hotel held up fantastically in a Cat 5,” the person filming says.“Thank you to the hotel staff, they really went WAY ABOVE and BEYOND and we are extremely appreciative,” she wrote in the caption.Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba on Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, prompting the evacuation of 700,000 people to shelters, the AP says.A hurricane warning was in effect for Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Holguin and Las Tunas provinces as well as the southeastern and central Bahamas.Cleanup and recovery efforts remain ongoing in Jamaica.Canadian citizens can contact the&nbsp;Emergency Watch and Response Centre&nbsp;for 24/7 consular assistance.Global Affairs Canada said more than 2,000 Canadians in Jamaica are signed up with its voluntary registration service, with over 11,000 registrants in Caribbean countries such as Haiti, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic and Cuba that are facing impacts from the storm.— With files from The Associated Press

Hurricane Melissa: Jamaica wakes up to destruction as storm pummels Cuba

In 2025, Jamaica saw a 2.7% rise in tourism receipts, reflecting higher spending, despite a slight decline in arrivals. This growth in tourism receipts is part of a broader trend across the Caribbean, as Jamaica joins other destinations like Barbados, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, and several other Caribbean nations in experiencing skyrocketing tourism growth. While the number of visitors may have fluctuated, the region has witnessed an increase in the value derived from tourism, with affluent travellers opting for high-end experiences. Jamaica’s vibrant beaches, rich culture, and diverse attractions continue to draw international visitors, boosting the country’s economy. This article delves into the factors behind this surge, from improved infrastructure and luxury resort developments to sustainable tourism initiatives, all contributing to the Caribbean’s continued appeal as a top global destination in 2025.Jamaica has seen a positive shift in tourism receipts, with a 2.7% increase compared to 2024, reflecting higher spending per visitor. Despite a slight 2.1% decrease in Year-To-Date (YTD) tourist arrivals, the country’s tourism sector remains resilient, demonstrating its ability to attract high-value travelers and generate significant economic benefits. Jamaica’s appeal remains strong due to its diverse offerings, including vibrant cultural experiences, beautiful beaches, and world-renowned resorts. The country’s continuous investment in tourism infrastructure, such as airport upgrades, enhanced transportation networks, and new resort developments, plays a key role in attracting high-value tourists. Additionally, Jamaica’s rich heritage, coupled with initiatives to promote sustainable tourism and diversify attractions beyond the typical beach resorts, has kept it competitive in the global tourism market. Tourism remains a vital sector for the Jamaican economy, contributing significantly to job creation and national revenue, positioning the country for continued success in the global tourism industry.Barbados has experienced a promising surge in tourism, with a 4.9% increase in Year-To-Date (YTD) tourist arrivals compared to 2024, highlighting the island’s growing appeal to international visitors. This growth is further reflected in a robust 8.1% rise in tourism receipts, indicating a higher spending per visitor and underscoring the country’s position as a sought-after destination in the Caribbean. Barbados has made significant strides in enhancing its tourism infrastructure, focusing on luxury resorts, cultural experiences, and sustainable tourism initiatives. The development of high-end accommodation, along with investments in improved air and sea connectivity, has attracted affluent travelers and bolstered the tourism sector. Additionally, the island’s diverse offerings, such as pristine beaches, vibrant festivals, and a rich cultural heritage, continue to draw visitors from around the globe. Tourism plays a vital role in Barbados’ economy, supporting local employment and contributing substantially to national revenue, positioning the country for continued success in the competitive global tourism market.The Bahamas has experienced a slight downturn in tourist arrivals, with a 2.5% decrease in Year-To-Date (YTD) figures compared to 2024. However, the country has seen a notable 5.2% increase in tourism receipts, reflecting higher spending per visitor and an overall increase in the value derived from tourism. This shift highlights the growing importance of high-value visitors and the country’s appeal to affluent travelers. The Bahamas continues to enhance its tourism infrastructure with a focus on luxury resorts, world-class experiences, and exclusive islands. Efforts to diversify offerings, including ecotourism, adventure travel, and cultural heritage sites, have further boosted its reputation. Tourism remains a critical sector for the Bahamian economy, providing job creation and contributing substantially to national revenue. With continued investments in airport upgrades, hotel expansions, and cruise port development, the Bahamas is poised to maintain its strong position in global tourism.The Dominican Republic has experienced a notable rise in tourism, with Year-To-Date (YTD) tourist arrivals increasing by 0.9% compared to 2024, showcasing the country’s continued appeal to international visitors. This growth is mirrored by a 1.8% increase in tourism receipts, underscoring the economic significance of the sector. The country’s vibrant mix of cultural heritage, stunning beaches, and world-class resorts, coupled with ongoing investments in infrastructure, have played a key role in driving this surge. The Dominican Republic’s strategic focus on improving air connectivity, enhancing tourist facilities, and promoting diverse attractions such as ecotourism and adventure tourism has made it a preferred destination in the Caribbean. Tourism remains a cornerstone of the Dominican economy, providing employment opportunities and contributing significantly to national revenue. The ongoing expansion of tourism infrastructure further strengthens the country’s position as a leading global tourism destination.Dominica has witnessed steady growth in its tourism sector, with a 2.1% increase in Year-To-Date (YTD) tourist arrivals over 2024, showcasing the island’s rising appeal to international visitors. This growth is complemented by a significant 9.3% rise in tourism receipts, indicating that visitors are spending more, further strengthening Dominica’s position as a desirable destination in the Caribbean. The country’s emphasis on eco-tourism and sustainable travel has played a pivotal role in attracting nature-loving travelers, particularly those interested in exploring the island’s pristine rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and diverse wildlife. Dominica’s continued investment in improving its tourism infrastructure, such as upgraded airport facilities and eco-lodges, has also contributed to its growing popularity. With tourism being a crucial sector in Dominica’s economy, generating jobs and driving national revenue, the island’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty while expanding its tourism offerings ensures a bright future in global tourism.Trinidad and Tobago has experienced notable growth in its tourism sector, with a significant 8.4% increase in Year-To-Date (YTD) tourist arrivals compared to 2024. This surge in visitors has been matched by a growth in tourism receipts, highlighting the rising spending power of international tourists. The country’s vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and world-famous Carnival festival continue to attract visitors from around the globe. Additionally, Trinidad and Tobago has focused on improving its tourism infrastructure, including enhancing airport facilities, expanding hotel offerings, and promoting sustainable tourism initiatives. The government’s commitment to diversifying tourism products, such as eco-tourism, heritage tourism, and culinary tourism, has broadened the appeal of the twin-island nation. Tourism remains a key driver of economic growth, creating jobs and contributing significantly to national revenue. With its growing popularity as a destination, Trinidad and Tobago is well-positioned to strengthen its standing in the global tourism market.Other Caribbean nations are also experiencing impressive tourism growth, as the region continues to attract visitors seeking diverse cultural experiences, stunning landscapes, and vibrant beach destinations. Countries like Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, and Grenada have seen increases in both tourist arrivals and tourism receipts, thanks to their efforts in enhancing infrastructure and promoting unique travel experiences. Saint Lucia, for instance, has leveraged its reputation for luxury resorts and natural beauty, while Antigua and Barbuda have capitalized on their pristine beaches and high-end tourism offerings. Meanwhile, Grenada has seen a rise in interest due to its eco-tourism initiatives and the development of boutique hotels. The Caribbean’s collective appeal is strengthened by improved connectivity, increased flight routes, and strategic marketing campaigns, all contributing to the region’s strong position in the global tourism market. As tourism continues to be a major economic driver, these countries are benefiting from job creation, enhanced foreign exchange earnings, and increased investments in their travel and hospitality sectors. With ongoing efforts to diversify attractions, boost sustainability, and improve infrastructure, the Caribbean is well-poised to maintain its growth and appeal as a top global tourism destination.In 2025, Jamaica saw a 2.7% rise in tourism receipts, reflecting higher spending despite a slight decline in arrivals. Alongside Barbados, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, and others, the Caribbean is experiencing skyrocketing tourism growth driven by strategic investments.Conclusion: A Bright Future for Caribbean TourismThe Caribbean continues to be a beacon of growth and opportunity in the global tourism landscape. With countries like the Dominican Republic, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and others making significant strides in attracting international visitors, the region’s appeal remains strong and diverse. From luxury resorts and eco-tourism to rich cultural experiences, the Caribbean offers something for every type of traveler. With ongoing investments in infrastructure, sustainability, and unique offerings, the region is poised for continued growth. As tourism plays a pivotal role in supporting local economies, job creation, and national revenue, the Caribbean’s ability to adapt and innovate ensures that it will remain one of the most sought-after destinations for years to come.

Jamaica joins other Caribbean countries in skyrocketing tourism growth in 2025: Everything you need to know

Nathaniel Quaye

ACCRA, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- The Ghanaian government said on Wednesday that it had made an additional payment of 709 million U.S. dollars to settle part of its Eurobond debts, bringing the total payments to Eurobond holders under the restructuring memorandum in 2025 alone to 1.4 billion dollars.According to a statement by the Ministry of Finance, the settlement took place on Tuesday, marking another major achievement in the country's economic recovery and debt management efforts.Earlier this year, the West African country made two-tranche payments of 349.52 million dollars each in January and July."The timely settlement reaffirms Ghana's credibility as a sovereign borrower and underscores the government's commitment to restoring investor confidence through transparent, predictable, and disciplined debt-service practices," the statement added.The statement emphasized that the government promises to improve how it mobilizes revenue, manages public finances, and handles public debt to better support its ability to pay off debts and fund Ghana's development plans.Debt restructuring was a critical condition in Ghana's economic reform program, which began in May 2023 with the support of a 3-billion-dollar loan from the International Monetary Fund.

Ghana makes additional 709-mln-USD payment to Eurobond debt holders

The next phase of the AI trade is more about growth and survival than simply chasing the most coveted names. "I definitely wouldn't just bet on Nvidia," Adam Coons, chief investment officer at Winthrop Capital Management, told Yahoo Finance's Opening Bid. "We kind of like to barbell this with something like the big hyperscaler, like an Alphabet Google, because that's really the type of name that you could probably have a little bit more comfort in because the AI story is just benefitting an already existing business model that was doing well." While these names have led the market higher, their valuations have reached a point where "margin of safety" is effectively zero. In Coons's view, when a stock is priced to perfection, even a minor earnings miss can trigger a catastrophe. "You need to position size," he said. If the "safe" end of the barbell is Big Tech, the other side is "growth," and it can be found in the infrastructure required to keep those systems running and secure. "Down the chain, we like the things that overall the AI story will help prop up," Coons said. "For us, it's cybersecurity [as it] becomes more and more important." As AI advances, so does the risk for hacking, Coons noted. Cybersecurity isn't a discretionary expense, but a tax on the digital age that must be paid. Unlike the volatile demand for graphics processing units, the need for protection is more predictable. The sector isn't without its risks, however. CrowdStrike faced a global IT outage in July 2024, caused by a faulty software update. It prompted the "blue screens of death" across 8.5 million machines, including airlines, hospitals, and banks. According to Coons, the average investor should steer clear of trying to find the next Nvidia. The low-hanging fruit has been picked, and winning 2026 is more about leaning into the giants that own the platforms and the specialists who protect the data. Versace argues that the massive spending on data centers is creating a "network congestion" problem. As AI usage explodes, the connection between chips becomes the new bottleneck. "It's the network connection that will be the big bottleneck that I think folks are missing," Versace notes, pointing to Marvel because of its dominance in optical and networking hardware.

Why anchoring 2026 portfolios in Big Tech and cybersecurity is the way to go

magazine-scapper

The Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), Duncan Amoah, has said the resumption of operations at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), while commendable, represents only the first of three critical phases required to make the refinery economically viable and environmentally compliant. Acknowledging that the successful turnaround maintenance (TAM) had helped dispel a long-standing perception that the refinery was too old to function effectively, Mr Amoah cautioned that the current phase alone was insufficient to sustain operations or meet Ghana’s modern fuel standards. “The integrity of the plant has been proven. TOR is not as obsolete as some had suggested,” he said, noting that the refinery could still play a vital role in Ghana’s energy security if the right investments are made. Speaking on TV3's morning programme on Monday [December 29, 2025] monitored by Graphic Online, Mr Amoah explained that, since 2015–2016, most vehicles in Ghana have transitioned away from high-sulphur “dirty fuels” and now require cleaner fuels, which burn more efficiently and significantly reduce environmental pollution to help meet Euro IV and Euro V specifications, with a sulphur content ranging between 10 and 50 parts per million (ppm). He said TOR’s existing Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) and Residual Fluid Catalytic Cracking (RFCC) units were only capable of producing fuels with sulphur levels of about 1,500 ppm at best. This, according to COPEC, falls far below Ghana’s current fuel standards and poses serious environmental and public health risks. Whenever TOR resumed operations, he said a large portion of its output had to be exported to neighbouring Sahelian countries because the local automotive fleet could not safely consume such high-sulphur products. <h3>New technology</h3> To address this challenge, Mr Amoah said TOR would require major upgrades, including the installation of a desulphurisation unit, estimated to cost about US$150 million, to reduce sulphur content in refined products. In addition, he stated that a reformer unit, costing between US$25 million and US$50 million, would be required to improve petrol quality and meet Ghana’s minimum 91-octane requirement. He warned that without these investments, TOR would struggle to compete with newer and more advanced refineries such as Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery and other regional facilities. <h3>Economic entity</h3> Mr Amoah also stressed the need for TOR to be run strictly as an economic entity, free from political interference. He argued that political decisions, rather than economic considerations, have historically undermined the refinery’s performance. “For sustainability, private sector participation is critical,” he said, advocating for a public-private partnership (PPP) model. He said private investors would ensure efficiency, control operational costs, and make decisions based on commercial viability rather than politics. On the broader economic impact, Mr Amoah said Ghana currently spends about US$400 million every month in foreign exchange to import finished petroleum products. <h3>Potential</h3> Investing in TOR, he argued, would help reduce this burden while retaining skilled labour and strengthening the local economy. He recalled that at its peak in the late 1990s, TOR contributed about five percent of Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), demonstrating the refinery’s potential if properly retooled and managed. Mr Amoah said TOR was currently doing about 28,000 barrels per stream day, with a plan to scale up the capacity to 45,000 barrels. It has a historical peak of 60,000 barrels per day and Ghana’s daily petroleum demand, he said, is about 100,000 barrels. “If TOR can supply even half of national demand, supported by other local refineries, Ghana can significantly reduce its dependence on imported fuel,” he said. While commending TOR’s management for restarting operations, Mr Amoah maintained that sustained investment and long-term planning are essential if the refinery was to fully support Ghana’s energy security and economic development._Source: Graphic Online

TOR requires massive capital injection to compete with newer and more advanced refineries – COPEC’s Duncan Amoah

Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon said in a note to clients Thursday that the Nvidia-Groq deal “appears strategic in nature for NVDA as they leverage their increasingly powerful balance sheet to maintain dominance in key areas.” Nvidia’s cash inflow climbed more than 30% from the previous year to $22 billion in its most recent quarter. "This transaction is ... essentially an acquisition of Groq without being labeled one (to avoid the regulators' scrutiny)," added Hedgeye Risk Management analysts in a note Friday. Groq, meanwhile, was looking to become one of Nvidia’s rivals. Training AI models involves teaching a model to learn patterns from large amounts of data, while "inferencing" refers to using that trained model to generate outputs. Both processes demand massive computing power from AI chips. Ross, the Groq CEO, said in a recent interview that the upstart aimed to provide chips for half the world’s AI inference computing needs — and cheaply. Cantor Fitzgerald analyst CJ Muse said Nvidia’s "acqui-hire" of Groq talent and licensing of its intellectual property showed the chipmaker “is playing both offense and defense” in the AI space. Muse said the deal would allow Nvidia to take “even greater share of the inference market.” Nvidia shares rose roughly 1% Friday. Others on Wall Street were more confused by Nvidia’s move and its potential $20 billion price tag. Hedgeye Risk Management analysts argued that Groq's chips are "still unproven" when it comes to large AI models, due to their low memory capacity. "Groq's current technology is greatly limited to only a small subset of inference workloads," added DA Davidson analyst Alex Platt.

Nvidia's Groq deal underscores how the AI chip giant uses its massive balance sheet to 'maintain dominance'

Highland Park, the globally recognised Single Malt Scotch whisky brand, strengthened its commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria by partnering with Caladium Lagos SME Bootcamp for its 2025 edition, held at the Solution Arena, Lagos, on Saturday, November 8.The event convened a diverse mix of entrepreneurs, start-up founders, and industry experts for an intensive programme designed to equip SMEs with practical tools, strategic insights, and mentorship to accelerate business growth. Highland Park’s partnership underscores its focus on fostering mastery and long-term vision, not only in whisky but also in the Nigerian business ecosystem.The bootcamp featured three engaging plenary sessions tailored to the needs of SME owners. The first session, “Laying the Foundation for Business Success: Finance, Tax &amp; Legal Essentials,” guided participants on managing finances, navigating tax laws, selecting appropriate legal structures, and protecting their businesses against risks, including the importance of intellectual property for long-term sustainability.The second session, “Business Growth Conversations: Brand Communication, Networking &amp; Selling,” explored strategies for building strong brands, expanding networks, and driving sales growth.&nbsp;The final session, “Executive Dialogue: Driving Sustainable Vision, Evolving Business Models &amp; Leading in Uncertain Times,” offered insights on leadership, distribution, people management, and cost optimization in a rapidly changing business landscape.Industry leaders and founders, including Razaq Ahmed (Co-Founder &amp; CEO, CowryWise), Ashley Immanuel (Co-Founder &amp; COO, Semicolon), Godwin Tom (MD, Sony Music Publishing Nigeria), John Oamen (Co-Founder &amp; CEO, Cutstruct), Mobolaji Ajayi (Founder/Group CEO, Purelife Health), Todimu Ige (Managing Partner, Oluwatodimu IGE LP), Isah Yusuf Aruwa (Technical Lead, Dangote Industries), Foza Fawehinmi (Lead Legal Consultant, Zaeda Oracle), Suraj Oyewale (Founder &amp; CEO, Jarus Homes), Adebayo Adegun (Lead Partner &amp; CEO, Crosstie Solutions), and Edward Israel Ayide (Founder &amp; CEO, Carpe Diem Solution), shared their experience and actionable insights, enriching the discussions with practical perspectives on entrepreneurship, leadership, and business growth.Highland Park’s involvement provided entrepreneurs with a platform to gain mentorship, refine business strategies, and engage with industry thought leaders. The initiative highlights the brand’s broader mission to nurture growth, innovation, and sustainable business practices among SMEs in Nigeria, aligning with its philosophy of mastery, dedication, and long-term excellence.The 2025 edition of Caladium Lagos SME Bootcamp demonstrated how strategic partnerships between brands and entrepreneurial initiatives can foster a thriving business ecosystem, supporting the next generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs as they build and scale impactful ventures.

Highland Park Drives Entrepreneurial Growth at Caladium Lagos SME Bootcamp 2025

Cypress

China has halted imports of&nbsp;soybeans&nbsp;from five Brazilian exporters after inspectors found pesticide-treated wheat mixed into a cargo bound for Beijing, officials from both countries said on Thursday.The suspension by&nbsp;China’s General Administration of Customs&nbsp;was communicated to Brazil’s agriculture ministry on Wednesday and made public on Thursday.The ban covers two Cargill facilities and one plant each run by Louis Dreyfus Co., CHS Agronegocios and 3Tentos Agroindustrial. Four of the plants are in São Paulo state. One is in Rio Grande do Sul.Inspectors in China discovered the contamination during checks at a port. The ship Shine Ruby was carrying about 69,000 tonnes of soybeans. Inside the hold, they found roughly ten tonnes of wheat treated with a chemical coating not authorised for food or&nbsp;animal feed.The customs agency called it a “serious violation” of&nbsp;Chinese food safety rules. It said the pesticide involved is only approved for seed treatment and is considered toxic if consumed. Wheat from Brazil is not cleared for import to China, adding to the breach.In a letter to the Brazilian embassy in&nbsp;Beijing, the agency said the decision was made to protect public health and ensure the safety of imports. The order took effect on Thursday and applies only to the listed facilities. Other plants run by the same companies remain cleared to export.

China halts soy imports from Brazil plants, pivots to US amid food safety probe

Many have grown tired of wandering without direction through the darkness of Canadian cannabis legality surrounding food beyond snacks. Yet, a new document has just emerged. This isn’t another government white paper, or a dry legal textbook. It is a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) manual for cannabis-infused dining called CannaDine, and it’s a sign that we’re finally moving beyond the fearmongering and into a truly mature cannabis culture.This manual is nothing less than a blueprint for a: civilized, respectful, and safe way to consume. It directly addresses the most significant and often misunderstood aspects of edibles: the delayed onset and potency variability. As CannaDine rightly points out, it’s this unique characteristic that leads to overconsumption, turning a pleasant experience into a “nightmare.” This is the very core of why precision is so crucial to responsible consumption. By hammering home the principle of “start low, go slow,” the manual provides the kind of common-sense guidance that should have been mainstream from day one.The document then dives headfirst into the logistics of creating a safe environment, something that has been severely lacking in the cannabis community. It stresses that every detail matters, from sourcing cannabis legally and safely (avoiding the issues associated with an illicit market) to the meticulous process of dosing. It rightly frames the act of preparing cannabis-infused food not just as cooking, but as a scientific process, requiring digital scales and a precise understanding of milligrams. This is how we elevate infused dining from seeming like a dark-alley transaction to a sophisticated culinary practice, just as legal cannabis deserves.Where the manual truly shines, and where it distinguishes itself from other types of governing documents, is in its focus on the critical issues that have long been ignored. CannaDine’s unvarnished discussion on potential interactions with medications and, more importantly, the dangerous mix of cannabis and alcohol, is a monumental step forward.The guide doesn’t pull any punches, detailing how THC can affect everything from blood thinners to antidepressants. It’s a brave and necessary move to prioritize health and safety over all else, forcing a new conversation about responsible consumption. The blunt yet relevant language about the synergistic effect of mixing cannabis and alcohol (“cross fading),” which can lead to “greening out,” an intense anxiety, and dangerous impairment) is a much-needed public education campaign. It’s a simple notion, but one that often gets lost in the casual nature of a party, and the manual’s call to action is a powerful one: choose one, or the other.CannaDine even tackles the very act of a cannabis-infused gathering. It provides a full roadmap for event planning, from pre-notifying guests and designing menus with clear differentiation to managing the event itself with a sober host, and a clear emergency plan. It is a level of professionalism that has been missing from the conversation. The manual’s inclusion of emergency protocols and crisis management is a testament to its maturity. It acknowledges that, despite best intentions, things can go wrong, and a prepared, calm response is the only acceptable option.In the end, CannaDine is a blueprint for a better cannabis culture. It takes the formless lump of clay that is the living, changing nature of our laws and shows how it can create beautifully polished plates for everyone to use. By providing a clear, simple outline for every aspect of infused dining, it normalizes and professionalizes a practice that has long been shrouded in myth, and mystery. It’s a crucial step in ensuring that as more people feel comfortable with how and what they consume, we can build a safe, respectable, and ultimately, more enjoyable cannabis community._Source: TorontoCaribbean.com

Is this the missing blueprint for Canadian cannabis dining culture?

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture expects all 900 irrigation pumps seized from illegal mining sites to be in use on farms by Friday, following their distribution to nine regions. This was announced at a press briefing held in Accra on Monday [November 24, 2025], where the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Mr Eric Opoku, responded to questions on the status of the equipment. Mr Opoku said the pumps were taken from illegal mining operations. He explained that the task force fighting illegal mining had confiscated the items and, in line with the law, secured a court order for their release to support agricultural work. He said the pumps were distributed three days later to the nine regions. He said deployment had begun and was expected to be completed before the end of the week. According to Mr Opoku, by Friday every one of the pumps should be on farms to support farmers.<img src="https://aukisscontent.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/0e8427b98seized_Water_Pumps.jpg">

Agric minister of Ghana: all 900 seized galamsey pumps to be on farms by Friday

Ending hunger by 2030 would cost just $93 billion a year, less than one per cent of the $21.9 trillion spent on military budgets over the past decade, according to the UN World Food Programme (WFP).

In its 2026 Global Outlook, WFP indicated that by 2026, a staggering 318 million people would face crisis levels of hunger or worse, more than double the figure recorded in 2019.

The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General had earlier warned world leaders on Monday that food "has become a weapon" in various conflicts around the planet.

Speaking to the UN Security Council, Amina Mohammed said armed conflict and violence are the leading causes of food insecurity in most of the world's hunger hotspots.

Last year, 295 million people faced acute hunger, 14 million more than the year before.

The UN deputy chief denounced countries' investment "in military expenditure rather than putting an end to hunger."

According to the UN deputy chief, Families are paying the price for wars they did not start, and for decisions made in rooms where their voices are never heard.

In 2026, the agency plans to assist 110 million vulnerable people at an estimated cost of $13 billion, providing emergency food, nutrition support, community resilience programmes, and technical assistance to strengthen national systems.

The world is grappling with simultaneous famines in Gaza and parts of Sudan. This is completely unacceptable in the twenty-first century," stressed Ms. McCain.

Across the globe, hunger is becoming more entrenched. WFP has proven time and again that early, effective, and innovative solutions can save lives and change lives – but we desperately need more support to continue this vital work".

WFP: Ending global hunger by 2030 achievable at less than 1% of military budgets

Talented 15-year-old baker Leandri Joubert’s journey on The Taste Master Junior came to an emotional end this week after the young chef faced the tricky task of hiding vegetables in meals that even the fussiest kids would love.In an episode packed with creativity and clever disguises, the remaining junior chefs were challenged to sneak nutritious veggies into delicious dishes. Guest judge, TV personality and celebrated restauranteur Yolani Abrahams, treated contestants to an inspiring masterclass, demonstrating how to conceal vegetables by preparing a butternut, burned onion and garlic ravioli with a rich vegetable pasta sauce.For the main challenge, Leandri’s concept was ambitious. She presented the judges with a butternut waffle topped with mince and a rich vegetable sauce. While the flavour of the mince and sauce impressed, the judges noted that Leandri had a bumpy ride this week, and crucial elements didn’t make it onto her final plate, ultimately leading to her elimination.Despite the elimination, Leandri leaves the competition with her head held high and a host of new skills, lifelong friends and unforgettable memories. As Leandri exits the competition, she opens up about her journey on The Taste Master Junior:This week’s challenge was all about hiding veggies in kid-friendly meals. What was your first reaction when you heard the brief, and did you feel confident going into it? My first reaction to the brief was that it was going to be easy because my brother is a picky eater, and when making food in our house, you need to be sneaky with the vegetables.You presented the judges with a butternut waffle topped with mince and a vegetable sauce. What inspired that idea, and what did you love most about the dish?I was inspired by one of the breakfasts that I had on a previous occasion, a waffle topped with salty toppings. What I loved most about the dish is the mince and vegetable sauce; it was really tasty and delicious.This week was certainly a tough one, ending your journey on The Taste Master Junior. How are you feeling now that the dust has settled?I feel sad that my journey had to end that quickly because of a few ingredients that didn’t make it onto my plate, but I’m so proud of myself for even being able to come this far.Yolani Abrahams’ masterclass was a big highlight in the episode. What was the biggest lesson you took from watching her create that butternut, burned onion, and garlic ravioli? The biggest lesson I learned was how to make ravioli. I have never made any pasta before, so it was interesting to learn how to do it.What was the most exciting part of competing on The Taste Master Junior, and what was the most challenging?The most exciting part of competing is all the new friends I have gained who also share my passion for food and also the fact that you can win R200,000 from Capitec.What dish from the competition best shows how far you’ve come as a young chef?I think my blue cheese and creamy steak pie definitely shows how far I have come. The bold flavour and the fact that I executed it well.”Leandri, a Grade 10 learner from Pretoria, dreams of studying culinary arts and one day opening her own café. Starting with simple two-minute noodles, she has grown into a confident young chef who loves creating pasta dishes and baked treats that bring smiles to her loved ones’ faces.Watch new episodes of The Taste Master Junior Season 2, brought to you by Clover, every Tuesday at 7:30pm on SABC2, with repeats every Wednesday at 1pm and Sunday at 4pm.

Leandri Joubert Bids Farewell to The Taste Master Junior After Tricky Vegetable Challenge

The transition from private, foreign-hosted Lightwave Health Information Management System (LHIMS) to a state-owned Ghana Health Information Management System (GHIMS) is a watershed moment for Ghana’s digital health care. Driven by serious contractual breaches and concerns over data sovereignty, the move rightly refocuses attention on the crucial question: How does Ghana’s legal framework, specifically the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843), protect sensitive medical records of every Ghanaian citizen?Securing sovereignty The Health Minister's assurance that GHIMS will safeguard national health data is a direct response to the loss of administrative control experienced under LHIMS, whose cloud infrastructure was hosted outside Ghana. This crisis highlights the vulnerability of outsourcing a nation's most sensitive data without robust safeguards.The shift to a state-owned and managed system, which will prevent any single vendor from monopolising the data, is a welcome step, though long overdue,&nbsp;towards ensuring data sovereignty. Legal mandate Ghana’s Data Protection Act (DPA) provides a foundation for protecting patient data, which is classified as “special personal data” due to its highly sensitive nature. The DPA mandates that anyone processing this data must do so lawfully and reasonably, "without infringing the privacy rights" of the patient. Crucially, the DPA's Lawfulness of Processing principle generally requires the prior consent of the data subject.While the law permits processing special data for “medical purposes” (diagnosis, care, research) when a health professional is involved and bound by a duty of confidentiality, this framework places a clear and immediate responsibility on both the former processor (LHIMS) and the new one (GHIMS) to maintain absolute confidentiality and apply stringent data security safeguards. Human cost LHIMS' refusal to hand over administrative access to the nation’s health data is more than a contractual dispute; it is a profound human rights issue. When hospitals across the country were logged out, the action constituted a direct denial of the patient’s fundamental right to health and, potentially, the right to life. Patient medical history is the bedrock of safe and effective care. The instant lack of access to this data, which includes critical information on past surgeries, chronic conditions, and medication regimens built up over years, forces healthcare providers to return to archaic folder systems and, worse, requires patients to attempt to "rebuild" their own medical history.Mitigating breach risk A key threat in the transition from LHIMS to GHIMS is the unauthorised retention or use of patient data by the previous vendor, LHIMS. Patients have a Data Subject Right to request that a data controller destroy or delete personal data when it no longer has the authorisation to retain it. The use of this historical data by LHIMS for secondary purposes, such as research without consent, would violate the DPA's Specification of Purpose and Compatibility of Further Processing principles. LHIMS collected data for patient care management under a contract; At the end of the contract, any further use or retention of the records could be termed as an unauthorised infringement. The Data Protection Commission (DPC) must intervene to enforce the destruction or handover of these records.Comparing frameworks Ghana's Data Protection Act (DPA) shares essential elements with Europe's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which is the global benchmark for data rights. Both legal frameworks emphasise explicit consent for processing, especially for sensitive data; and strong data subject rights (access, rectification, and erasure). However, the LHIMS case clearly demonstrated the risks of external data hosting.While the GDPR imposes strict rules on Cross-Border Transfers, requiring an 'adequate level of protection,' LHIMS's foreign-hosted infrastructure exposed Ghana's data to jurisdiction risk. The DPA is robust in principle, but enforcement and resource allocation to the DPC in Ghana remain a challenge compared to Europe's highly funded regulatory bodies.Recommendations to fully secure patient data under the new GHIMS platform and prevent future lapses, the following actions are critical:• The Data Protection Commission (DPC) must immediately take strong action against LHIMS to compel the full, verified destruction or secure transfer of all patient data. • Government must enact a clear policy requiring all critical national health data to be hosted within Ghana’s geographical borders, under state-controlled infrastructure, to ensure true and permanent data sovereignty.• The Data Protection Commission (DPC) must be provided with adequate financial and human resources to effectively monitor and enforce compliance, conduct mandatory audits of GHIMS, and investigate data breaches promptly.• Launch a campaign to inform Ghanaians of their Data Subject Rights under the DPA, especially concerning their health records, and the straightforward process for filing complaints with the DPC.The move to GHIMS is an opportunity to reset the standard for digital health security in Ghana. We must ensure that the governing law is not just a promise but is robustly enforced to protect the privacy and confidentiality of every Ghanaian patient.

GHIMS vrs LHIMS: How is patient data being protected in the process?

The Acting Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Victor Asare Bampoe, says the authority has proposed a 120 per cent rise in service tariffs. This, he said, is to help stop patients from paying out of pocket at hospitals. Speaking in a television interview with Channel One TV on Wednesday (Nov 27, 2025), Dr Bampoe said the proposal followed a detailed review by a group of experts. He added that the law requires the NHIA to review both service and medicine tariffs each year. The medicines review has been completed, and the service tariffs are now before the NHIA board. After the board’s consideration, the proposal will be sent to the Minister of Health for approval. He said the current tariffs are not realistic, which is why some patients are still asked to pay at hospitals. According to him, many service providers attribute the practice to low tariff levels. “One of the areas of concern… one point in my three-point vision is to make sure patients have a proper experience when they go to hospitals. In many hospitals that is not happening now because they are asked to pay out of pocket. Health providers tell us that we are not paying realistic tariffs, and that is why that is happening. We think that once we pay those tariffs, then there will be no excuse for the health providers to ask patients to put their money in their pockets,” he said. Dr Bampoe also spoke about the NHIA’s plan to move from a claims payment body to what he described as strategic health purchasing. He said this approach uses government funding to shape health outcomes and improve service delivery. “We are a spending entity. We are trying to move away from being a claims payment mechanism to a strategic health purchasing provider, which means we are able to dictate health outcomes because of the financial muscle that government provides us with. We are able to determine the prices of medicines, the prices of services and even go onto the global stage and give some kind of platform to discuss what kind of health outcomes we want,” he said. He said the proposed rise forms part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening universal health coverage and improving patients’ experience in the health system. “The National Health Insurance Scheme… is to pay claims. But now what we are looking at is getting universal health coverage for all Ghanaians. And universal health coverage has three pillars… population coverage, service coverage and financial protection… so that every Ghanaian living everywhere can access quality health care without financial hardship,” he said. Dr Bampoe said the rise will only take effect after approval by the NHIA board and the Minister of Health. He added that the aim is to maintain health services in a way that protects patients from out-of-pocket payments.

NHIA proposes 120% tariff increase – CEO Bampoe

A Senior Research Fellow at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Professor Beverly Egyiri, has said that Ghana is witnessing a dangerous rise in antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics, also known as antimicrobials, are the medicines used to treat infections. Speaking at the Annual Research Meeting of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) on Tuesday [Nov 25, 2025],&nbsp;she said the resistance occurs when germs become so strong that the medicines meant to kill them no longer work. "This leads to treatment failures, prolonged illness and, in many cases, avoidable deaths," she said. The event was on the theme “Advancing Healthcare Through Impactful Research and Innovation.” She noted that many hospitals across the country are now battling infections that no longer respond to even the strongest antibiotics. “In many hospitals, doctors are moving from drug to drug, yet the patients still do not survive. Every delay in intervening represents a life lost, and this is happening in several hospitals on the continent,” she warned. <h3>Misuse </h3>Prof. Egyiri stated that the problem has been worsened by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, the ease with which people walk into pharmacies to buy them without prescriptions, and weak infection prevention and control systems in many health facilities. She added that the COVID-19 pandemic led to even more indiscriminate use of antibiotics, accelerating the resistance challenge. She further revealed that within African hospitals, several bacterial samples taken from patients are now resistant to nearly all available antibiotics including last-line treatment options that are usually reserved for the most severe infections. “In some of the cases we analysed, the bacteria were resistant to everything tested. This is extremely worrying,” she said. Another major concern, she said, is the region’s weak laboratory capacity. Only 1.3 per cent of laboratories in Africa are able to run the necessary tests to guide correct antibiotic use. “When we do not test, we are essentially flying blind,” she explained. <h3>Implementation </h3>Prof. Egyiri highlighted that although many African countries, including Ghana, have developed national action plans to tackle antibiotic resistance in line with the World Health Organization’s global strategy, implementation remains slow due to limited funding and inadequate enforcement of policies. <h3>Commitment </h3>The Director of Noguchi, Professor Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, also highlighted the Institute’s continued commitment to advancing Ghana’s biomedical research capacity. She said Noguchi’s recent research output has been strengthened through specialised training programmes, which have boosted the country’s scientific expertise. She praised the strong partnership between Ghana and Japan, stressing that ongoing exchange programmes, technical assistance and infrastructure development have significantly supported Noguchi’s growth. “We are very keen and happy about the deepening collaboration. We see new things emerging, and there is great potential for an improved partnership,” she said. Additionally, the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Hiroshi Yoshimoto, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting scientific advancement in the country and commended Noguchi for its leadership in disease surveillance and public health research. On his part, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, also emphasized the indispensable role of research in international development and health security. He acknowledged Noguchi’s immense contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic and its ongoing surveillance of infectious diseases such as Lassa fever. He explained that the Ministry is currently prioritising four key areas:&nbsp;Modernising laboratory systems, especially DNA testing; Advancing universal health coverage through data-driven decision-making; Strengthening national training programmes; and&nbsp;Promoting pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing. “We all felt very sad when we realised that the country could not conduct certain tests locally. But now, we are confident that Ghana will do these tests again,” he said.

Ghana witnessing dangerous rise in antibiotic resistance - Researcher

Africa is being faced with a rare and worrying convergence. Ethiopia has confirmed its first-ever outbreak of the Marburg virus, what many have described as a deadly relative of Ebola, while across the continent, cholera is surging at its fastest pace in 25 years. Both health crises are serious on their own, but together they reveal a deeper challenge: African health systems are under immense pressure. In rural parts of Ethiopia, families are grappling with fear and confusion as news of Marburg spreads. The virus, highly contagious and often fatal, has prompted emergency teams from the World Health Organization and Africa CDC to set up isolation units and provide protective equipment. The proximity of the outbreak to the South Sudan border raises concerns about cross-border transmission, putting already fragile health systems to the test. Meanwhile, cholera is devastating communities from Angola to Mozambique. Thousands have fallen ill, and hundreds have died, as contaminated water sources fuel the outbreak. Floods, droughts, and population displacement are worsening the situation, and hospitals struggle to cope with the sheer number of patients. For families trying to survive, accessing clean water and basic healthcare has become a daily battle. These simultaneous crises highlight more than the diseases themselves. They expose the strain on health facilities, the gaps in early detection, and the vulnerability of populations living in overcrowded or displaced communities. Climate pressures, rapid urban growth, and cross-border movement all play a role, making outbreaks harder to contain. For the people on the ground, the toll is personal and immediate. Healthcare workers risk their lives to care for the sick, while families face fear, stigma, and economic hardship. For governments, the challenge is daunting: responding to one outbreak is difficult enough, but facing two at once strains resources, planning, and public confidence. Africa’s twin health crises are a warning that preventable diseases can quickly escalate when underlying vulnerabilities remain unaddressed. Strengthening health infrastructure, investing in water and sanitation, and supporting frontline workers are not just long-term goals, they are urgent necessities.

Twin health crises: Marburg and cholera challenge Africa’s health system

This story was originally published on Dec. 27, 2023.Neo-soul trailblazer D’Angelo, whose music defined a generation, died Tuesday after a “prolonged and courageous battle with cancer,” according to his family. He was 51.DJ Premier mourned the singer on X, writing, “Such a sad loss to the passing of D’Angelo. We have so many great times. Gonna miss you so much. Sleep Peacefully D’ Love You KING.”The Grammy-winning singer and songwriter collaborated with Premier and other hip-hop artists such as the Roots, Lauryn Hill, Method Man, among others.D’Angelo joins a growing list of Black male R&amp;B and hip-hop producers and artists who have passed away prematurely.&nbsp;Earlier this year, Murder Inc. co-founder Irv Gotti died. The 54-year-old openly discussed his&nbsp;longtime struggle with diabetes.&nbsp;Last year, hip-hop greats like DJ Mister Cee and Rico Wade also died prematurely. DJ Mister Cee, whose real name was Calvin LeBrun, died at the age of 57&nbsp;from diabetes-related ailments. Wade, an Atlanta-based music producer, was 52 when&nbsp;he died of heart failure.For Derek Griffith, who grew up in Atlanta, falling in love with hip-hop did not take long. De La Soul. A Tribe Called Quest. He’s always been a music fan, looking up to the men who brought the lyrics alive.&nbsp;So when two members of his favorite groups died premature deaths, he was grief-stricken. David Jolicoeur, who rapped as Trugoy the Dove, died in 2023 at age 54 after suffering from congestive heart problems. And Malik Taylor, better known as Phife Dawg, died at 45 due to diabetes complications in 2016.“It was really heart-wrenching for me,” Griffith said. “They didn’t have to die that young.”Their deaths are a part of what fuels his work as the director of Georgetown University’s Center for Men’s Health Equity, where he works to combat the health disparities that end Black men’s lives early. He often quotes hip-hop lyrics in professional talks. Tupac. Biggie. It’s a part of him that spills into work.He’s been thinking about how the fates of his favorite rap legends mirror the grim health trends faced by Black men overall ever since he realized this was the year America would be celebrating five decades of hip-hop. And, as hip-hop’s 50th anniversary comes to a close, it ends with it a sobering reminder that Black men, including many rappers, face a life expectancy that’s among the lowest for any race and ethnicity group across the country,&nbsp;at 70 years old.&nbsp;When news broke in 2023 that Virginia-based rapper Magoo died at 50, it underscored the fragility around health and well-being for Black men. At the time, the hip-hop community was still in mourning over other deaths. DMX, dead at age 50. Biz Markie, 57. Coolio, just shy of 60. Heavy D, who collapsed outside his Beverly Hills home at age 44 due to a pulmonary embolism, or a blood clot in the lungs.&nbsp;Though death by gun violence and drug overdoses often make headlines, what’s missed are the ways Black men are disproportionately vulnerable to death due to cancer, heart disease, stroke and chronic conditions such as diabetes.“Premature death — often from chronic illnesses that can be prevented — is a reality for Black men whether or not hip-hop is in the room,” said Mark Anthony Neal, who chairs the Department of African &amp; African American Studies at Duke University.One might assume that high-profile rappers would have the money and means to tap into quality health care and preventive medicine. But the growing list of Black male rap stars who fail to live to old age shows their wealth does not exempt them from illness, and experts say the pressure they face as artists in the spotlight may exacerbate the health conditions among them.<h2>Racism, rap and risk</h2>Black Americans’ life expectancy is compromised not only by disease, but also in large part by the weathering effect of racism — a concept coined by public health researcher Arline T. Geronimus that the constant stress of living in a racist society wears down the body like a rock being worn down by the outdoor elements. Public health advocates say factors such as the lack of healthy food choices in Black neighborhoods and the lack of green spaces that encourage outdoor exercise lower the quality of life and increase daily stress.The history of medical racism that drives high rates of mistrust among Black folks can lead to delays in people seeking preventative care like screenings, which are key to early diagnosis and treatment. Add to that toxic masculinity, which encourages aggression, toughness and invincibility, and the ability of Black men to reach optimal health and well-being erodes.“It’s a gumbo mix of risk,” said Dr. Italo Brown, a clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine at Stanford University. For rappers, the health risks are compounded by what it means to create art in the public eye — the punishing schedule of appearances, marketing strategies that highlight gun violence and bragging rights, the 24/7 navigation of social media and the pressure of being slingshotted into the top 1% essentially overnight, he said. Exposure to vices and high risk behavior grows, leaving them even more vulnerable. Brown calls it hip-hop’s silent epidemic.&nbsp;“This is not by happenstance,” said Brown. The narrative that rappers are dying only due to violence and drugs is not what the data illustrates, he said. “It doesn’t explain the total risk that hip-hop artists face.”The business structure within hip-hop is not set up for protecting rap artists’ health, experts say.&nbsp;“With [record] labels, they’re essentially contract laborers. They don’t get health care. They don’t get retirement funds,” said Neal. “Why are we not talking about health plans for hip-hop artists? It shouldn’t surprise us that they are dying early,” he said.Neal, a New York native who was born and raised in the Bronx and now studies Black masculinity and pop culture, wonders if the language like “manning up” that hip-hop culture lifts up encourages Black men to endure pain and health issues while discouraging them to seek help. DMX, for example, known for his macho persona, said&nbsp;in a 2020 People’s Party interview&nbsp;with Talib Kweli, “I learned that I had to deal with the things that hurt me. I didn’t really have anybody to talk to … in the hood, nobody wants to hear that. Talking about your problems is viewed as a sign of weakness when actually it’s one of the bravest things you can do.”DMX struggled with addiction throughout his career and died of a cocaine-induced heart attack in 2021, at age 50. Neal would love to see hip-hop culture embrace the idea of artists going to the doctor and seeking support on a regular basis. “Part of hip-hop is this idea that we are invincible. We’re not.”Neal remembers Jay-Z’s&nbsp;4:44&nbsp;album, in which he raps, “my therapist said I relapsed,” and subsequent interviews in 2017 where the rap star revealed how therapy was helping him process a lifetime of suppressed emotions that led him to maintain a hard masculine shell.&nbsp;In a podcast interview&nbsp;on Tidal’s Rap Radar that spring, Jay-Z talked more about wellness in the music industry. “We have to watch our health, our physical health and what we’re doing with our bodies, but also our mental health. A lot of people are going through trauma,” he said. “And you’re too embarrassed to get help for it, especially in these neighborhoods where we grew up.”The headlines that ran after the album’s shed light on the battles that run parallel to what it means to be a Black man in America and how it can disrupt their mental health.&nbsp;“Jay-Z Opened Up About Therapy and Masculinity,”&nbsp;Teen Vogue wrote.&nbsp;Bustle said, “How JAY-Z’s ‘4:44’ May Help Destigmatize Mental Health”.&nbsp;In 2023, a group of hip-hop legends including Fat Joe, Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes, Method Man, French Montana, and Chuck D, joined together in&nbsp;a public service announcement&nbsp;that called for price transparency in health care by hospitals and insurance companies. And, artist Nasir “Nas” Jones&nbsp;launched the Paid In Full Foundation, aimed at providing financial support to hip-hop’s pioneers, which could support quality health care.<h2>Changing what you can</h2>A lot of forces make it difficult for Black men to effectively prioritize their health, said Griffith, from Georgetown. “The only way to understand that is to understand the conditions and context of the lives of Black men. It’s not enough to look at them as just men, and it’s not enough to look at them as just Black,” he said.It’s important for them to take action on what’s within their control, and not take on too much stress regarding what’s outside of their control, those crushingly large issues of systemic racism that lie outside the scope of individual choices, said Griffith, with Georgetown.“Black men don’t necessarily go to the doctor for preventative screening,” he said. He recommends folks prioritize routine checkup and blood work, as well as finding ways to celebrate without compromising health. That means limiting alcohol consumption and high sugar and salt diets.&nbsp;Rappers “are experiencing what so many Black men experience,” said Alford Young Jr., a sociology professor at the University of Michigan.&nbsp;When some of Young’s favorite rappers started dying, he started accepting that the early guard of the hip-hop generation had suddenly become the old generation. He hopes that the recent deaths help drive a conversation about Black men’s health. He never thought hip-hop could allow for discussions around health care and health disparities.&nbsp;“Maybe this moment will trigger Black men to think about what is going on,” he said. Rather than spend too much time sad and disappointed, “I hope this can be channeled into an educational opportunity.”_Source: Capital B News

Deaths of Hip-Hop Artists Reveal the Alarming State of Black Men’s Health

Ghanaian global music icon Stonebwoy is set to make history in the Volta Region with his first-ever stadium concert, The Torcher Experience, scheduled for March 2026, with a specific day yet to be confirmed by the team, set to happen at the iconic Ho Stadium.The concert marks a deeply symbolic moment for the award-winning artiste, whose roots trace back to the Volta Region. More than just a music show, The Torcher Experience represents a homecoming celebration, one that honours culture, resilience and the journey of an artiste who has carried Ghanaian music onto the global stage.As his first stadium headline performance in the region, expectations are already sky-high. Fans can anticipate a powerful, high-energy production featuring Stonebwoy’s biggest hits, immersive stage design and special moments crafted specifically for the Ho audience.&nbsp;<img src="https://aukisscontent.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/70545b97a16670008072026.jpeg"> The show is expected to attract fans from across the country and beyond, reinforcing Ho’s growing reputation as a major destination for large-scale entertainment events.Over the years, Stonebwoy has consistently used his platform to spotlight Ghanaian sounds and culture, and The Torcher Experience promises to be another defining chapter in that mission; blending music, identity and community on one grand stage.March 2026, is shaping up to be a landmark date for live music in the Volta Region, as Ho Stadium prepares to host what is expected to be one of the region’s biggest concerts to date.

Stonebwoy Brings The Torcher Experience To Ho Stadium

Putogo Moses, popularly known by his brand name Putogo, once again proved his place in Ghana’s comedy hierarchy with a memorable performance at Michael Blackson’s show "I Deported Myself" Comedy Special. Performing on a stage associated with one of the most recognized Ghanaian comedians on the global scene, Putogo delivered a confident and well-structured set that drew solid laughs and strong audience engagement. His stage presence and command of timing made his performance one of the notable moments of the night, reinforcing his reputation as a seasoned and dependable act. His clever and unique style of comedy has earned him the title “King of Puns”, a name that speaks to his talent for wordplay and witty humor.Far from being a newcomer, Putogo’s journey in comedy spans several years of consistent work across Ghana’s stand-up circuit. He has steadily built his name through numerous live performances, comedy showcases, and collaborations with well-known comedians. Over time, he has developed a style rooted in relatability, clever storytelling, and sharp observations of everyday life, elements that have become the backbone of the Putogo brand.The Michael Blackson show served as yet another major platform where Putogo demonstrated his growth and maturity as a performer. Sharing space on such a high-profile stage highlighted not only his experience but also his ability to connect with diverse audiences. His performance reflected confidence earned through years of honing his craft, rather than novelty, and positioned him as one of the comics capable of holding his own on premium comedy stages.Putogo closed out 2025 with a strong run of performances that further cemented his relevance. On December 20, he performed at Greetings From Abroad, hosted by OB, adding to his growing list of notable appearances. Just days later, on December 26, he took part in the closing night of 1036 Laughs by Chatter House, where he once again delivered a solid set that resonated with the crowd. These back-to-back performances showcased his consistency and versatility as a live performer.Beyond the laughs, the Putogo brand is defined by authenticity and depth. His comedy reflects lived experiences, social commentary, and moments of self-reflection, all delivered with humor that feels both familiar and refreshing. This approach has helped him build a loyal audience and respect within the comedy community.

Putogo Delivers Memorable Performance at Michael Blackson’s Hilarious Show

Renowned Ghanaian YouTuber and global content creator, Wode Maya, has sparked conversations online after sharing his excitement over being honoured with a Ghanaian diplomatic passport.In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the travel vlogger expressed gratitude to the government, describing how the passport has transformed his travel experience.“God bless government for honouring me with a diplomatic passport, I never knew traveling could be this stress-free. I might visit 100 countries this year,” he wrote.<img src="https://aukisscontent.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/e83436b42358_20260106.jpeg">Wode Maya is widely celebrated for using his platform to promote Africa, spotlight development projects and tell positive African stories across the globe. His work has earned him international recognition and positioned him as one of Africa’s most influential digital storytellers.Diplomatic passports are typically issued to government officials and individuals whose work significantly represents national interests abroad. In recent years, there has been growing recognition of creatives and media personalities whose global reach contributes to national branding and soft power.Wode Maya has traveled to over 50 countries, collaborating with international organizations, governments and global brands, while consistently showcasing Ghana and Africa in a positive light. His latest recognition further highlights the increasing role of digital creators in diplomacy and international relations.Wode Maya’s influence extends far beyond YouTube, positioning him as a key ambassador of African storytelling on the world stage.

“Travel Just Got Stress-Free” — Wode Maya

As 2026 begins, some of South Africa’s most popular celebrities are setting intentions rooted in growth, balance and bold new chapters. From career expansion and personal wellbeing to rest, reflection and fresh risks, our local celebs are stepping into the New Year with purpose. Here’s what they’re manifesting for 2026.Kim JaydeZimbabwean-born media personality and business woman Kim Jayde is gearing up for a powerhouse year. "My 2026 resolution is putting in the work! I have multiple TV projects coming out in the new year and I couldn’t be more excited for the world to see! More travel! And of course growing KJ Productions to reach new heights!" With her eye on expanding her production company, Kim's all about turning ambition into action.Carol OforiRadio personality Carol Ofori and author Carol Ofori uses her birthday as a time to reflect on her goals and aspirations for the year ahead. “I’m not really big on New Year’s resolutions,” she explains. “I take my birthday on 14 January as a time to reflect on the year that’s been and set goals for the next chapter of my life.” Looking ahead, Carol’s focus is deeply personal. “A big one for me in the upcoming year is fulfilling my dreams and finally seeing all the things I’ve wanted to see for a long time now.”Kgosi RankhumiseTV and radio host Kgosi Rankhumise sees 2026 as a fresh canvas. "This year is all about taking leaps, risks, and daring to try! The new year always has this freshness about it, and shares a new hope with us all. It’s one of my favourite times of the year (possibly because January is my birthday month), because of all the possibilities we all have.The field has been levelled, and we all start from scratch again. So previous failures, limitations, disappointments, and shortcomings are behind us. So this year, I hope to leap, and take the risk in business, in my career, in setting firmer boundaries, and try new challenges. This may or may not include golf and the Comrades Marathon." Kgosi's resolutions are a call to action for anyone ready to shake things up.Philicity ReekenPhilicity Reeken, co-host of Jacaranda FM’s Breakfast With Martin Bester, is stepping into 2026 with intention and self-care top of mind. “I really want to focus on my physical health,” she shares. “It’s something that has become super important to me, and I’m excited to take it a bit more seriously.” She’s also embracing a mindset shift inspired by possibility. “I’ll be taking a leaf out of Shonda Rimes’s book and saying YES to a lot more in 2026!”Chanley WongFor content creator and media personality Chanley Wong, 2026 is about intentional living. “This year I’m learning to rest without guilt, to let joy exist in the quiet and ordinary moments, and to say no without feeling the need to explain myself,” she reflects.Travel and connection also play a key role in her intentions. “I want to travel more – to meet myself in new places. And no matter how full life gets, to always pick family. Every time.” Chanley's approach is a gentle reminder to prioritise what truly fills the soul.These resolutions from our local celebrities are a fresh dose of motivation as we step into 2026. Whether it's pushing boundaries or savouring the quiet, they're showing us how to make the year count and proving that 2026 is all about moving forward with purpose.

Mzansi Celebs Kick Off 2026 with Inspiring Resolutions

Ghanaian reggae / dancehall powerhouse Ras Kuuku, signed to PUOM Music, releases a brand-new freestyle titled “RAMPUTU,” now available on all major streaming platforms.“RAMPUTU” is not just a song — it’s a signal. A raw, unfiltered freestyle dropped to reconnect with the streets, energize his core fans, and set the tone for a new phase of Ras Kuuku’s musical journey. While it represents a fresh beginning, it also stands as a continuation of the conscious, fearless sound that has defined his career under PUOM Music.Over a gritty, high-energy instrumental, Ras Kuuku delivers with authority and conviction — no hooks, no compromise, just pure expression. The freestyle captures his hunger, clarity, and readiness to move forward louder and stronger than before.<img src="https://aukisscontent.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/46c4389b1Ras%20Kuuku%20-%20Ramputu%20Freestyle%20Cover.jpg">“RAMPUTU” reflects:* Street energy with conscious intent* A warm-up for what’s coming next* The voice of an artist grounded in experience but ready for evolution* A sound that blends culture, confidence, and raw deliveryThis release serves as a bridge — honoring what has already been built while preparing listeners for a renewed chapter ahead.Why curators should pay attention:* Authentic freestyle energy that feels immediate and real* Strong fit for reggae, dancehall, African sounds, street culture, and conscious playlists* Ideal for audiences that value raw expression and lyrical presence* A momentum-builder ahead of upcoming releasesRas Kuuku and PUOM Music invite fans, tastemakers, DJs, and curators to tap in, feel the energy, and witness the beginning of what’s next.This is not the destination — it’s the ignition!

Ras Kuuku swings Into “Ramputu Freestyle” To Kick Off 2026 – LISTEN

As an everyday Ghanaian moving through the busy markets of Accra, the dusty roads of Kumasi, and the quiet villages up north, Portia Nana Akua Pinamang observes that President John Dramani Mahama’s first year back in office from January 2025 to date has been a blend of relief and lingering frustration. From her perspective, this assessment is not about party loyalty or campaign rhetoric, but about daily realities that affect livelihoods, households, and future expectations.One of the earliest and most noticeable positives, she notes, has been the steady supply of electricity across the country. The absence of frequent power cuts has allowed small businesses to operate consistently and students to study without disruption. Though not dramatic, this stability has made a real difference to families who previously struggled with spoiled food, interrupted work, and extra expenses.Fuel prices have also brought some relief. With petrol selling at about GH¢10.36 and diesel around GH¢11.36, transportation costs have eased slightly. While prices are still high for many, she believes the reduction has helped drivers, traders, and commuters manage daily expenses more effectively.Beyond these early gains, Portia Nana Akua Pinamang points out that the wider economy appears to be stabilizing after years of pressure. Inflation has slowed, growth is improving, and the cedi has shown strength, beginning 2026 at roughly GH¢10.30 to the dollar. For households, this has meant fewer sudden increases in the prices of basic items such as rice, tomatoes, and cooking essentials. The reduction in VAT has also returned significant money into circulation, giving families a modest cushion for school fees and household needs.She highlights government spending restraint, including the removal of the COVID levy and the avoidance of new taxes, as a factor that has prevented additional pressure on citizens. Infrastructure development has been another visible area of progress, with more than 2,000 kilometres of roads undergoing rehabilitation. In many rural communities, this has reduced travel stress and vehicle damage, improving access to markets and services. On the international front, meeting IMF targets and building foreign reserves to record levels has restored some confidence that Ghana is no longer on the brink of economic collapse.In terms of governance, Portia Nana Akua Pinamang observes a renewed emphasis on accountability. She notes fewer major corruption scandals dominating public discussion and a growing perception of transparency. The promise to review the Single Spine Salary Structure and pensions has raised expectations among public sector workers, even though concrete outcomes are still awaited. Modest improvements in education and health, such as steady district fund releases and incremental salary adjustments, have translated into better school supplies and improved maintenance in some clinics. National security has remained largely stable, and youth focused reforms suggest planning for the future, even if results are not yet fully visible.For her, the strongest achievement of the past year has been the restoration of public trust and hope. Early approval ratings reflected a sense that citizens felt listened to again. The relative calm in the economy, combined with efforts to address illegal mining, has boosted optimism. In some communities, rivers previously damaged by galamsey are beginning to clear, offering renewed hope for farming and access to cleaner water. Overall, she describes the national mood as cautiously optimistic, with a sense that the country is regaining direction.However, she also points to significant challenges. Prices of food and transport, although easing, remain high for families with limited incomes. Some campaign promises have been delayed or remain unfulfilled, leading to frustration among traders and workers who expected faster relief. Youth unemployment continues to weigh heavily on the nation, particularly in agriculture, where training programmes have yet to attract young people back to farming, pushing many toward urban migration and informal work.Deeper concerns persist in critical sectors. Health workers, especially nurses and midwives, have faced unpaid salaries due to validation challenges, triggering protests and affecting morale in health facilities. Road safety remains a major issue, with poor road conditions posing daily risks to commuters. Access to basic documentation such as birth certificates is another hidden challenge, leaving many citizens unable to access services, employment, or civic rights.The most troubling issues, in her view, lie in environmental damage and public trust. Despite ongoing crackdowns, illegal mining continues to pollute rivers and farmlands, making clean water scarce in affected areas and increasing health risks. She also raises concerns about media independence and declining confidence in public institutions. While economic indicators appear positive on paper, she cautions that underlying problems, such as thousands of trained but unemployed nurses, point to deeper structural weaknesses.

One Year On, Mahama’s Return Signals Progress - Portia Nana Akua Pinamang Observes

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has formally requested that Ghanaian students and professionals be exempted from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and its associated fees when applying to study or work in the United Kingdom.The appeal was made during a high level meeting with the British High Commissioner to Ghana, His Excellency Christian Rogg, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.According to the Minister, the request forms part of broader efforts by the Government of Ghana to ease barriers faced by Ghanaian citizens pursuing educational and professional opportunities abroad, particularly in countries with long standing historical and diplomatic ties to Ghana. He argued that Ghana’s educational system, which uses English as the primary language of instruction from basic to tertiary levels, sufficiently equips students and professionals with the required proficiency.Mr Ablakwa noted that the mandatory IELTS requirement places an unnecessary financial burden on many qualified Ghanaians, especially young people and early career professionals, and often delays or limits access to opportunities in the UK. He emphasized that removing or waiving the requirement for Ghanaians would promote fairness and strengthen people to people relations between the two countries.The Minister further highlighted Ghana’s reputation for producing English speaking graduates who excel internationally in academia, healthcare, technology, business, and public service. He suggested that alternative assessment mechanisms, such as recognition of Ghanaian academic qualifications or institutional certifications, could serve as credible substitutes for standardized language tests.In response, the British High Commissioner, Christian Rogg, welcomed the discussion and acknowledged the depth of Ghana UK relations. He indicated that the concerns raised would be communicated to relevant UK authorities, including educational institutions and immigration bodies, for further consideration. He also reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to maintaining strong cooperation with Ghana in education, trade, and human capital development.The engagement forms part of ongoing diplomatic consultations aimed at enhancing mobility, mutual understanding, and economic collaboration between Ghana and the United Kingdom. While no immediate policy change was announced, both sides expressed optimism that continued dialogue could lead to practical outcomes beneficial to Ghanaian students and professionals seeking opportunities in the UK.

Ablakwa Pushes for IELTS Exemption for Ghanaians Seeking to Study or Work in UK

Burkina Faso has joined a growing list of countries imposing retaliatory travel and visa restrictions on United States citizens, marking a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between Washington and several nations across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.The West African nation’s decision places it alongside countries such as Mali, Niger, Chad, Cuba, and North Korea, all of which have announced strong countermeasures in response to expanded U.S. travel restrictions targeting foreign nationals. The move, which takes effect in 2026, is widely viewed as an assertion of national sovereignty and a direct challenge to what these governments describe as exclusionary and discriminatory U.S. immigration policies.According to diplomatic observers, Burkina Faso’s action is rooted in the principle of reciprocity. Officials argue that if their citizens face heightened barriers, scrutiny, or outright bans when attempting to enter the United States, then American tourists should expect similar treatment. This approach reflects a broader shift in global diplomacy, where countries that once absorbed restrictive U.S. policies without response are now increasingly willing to push back.The visa ban underscores mounting frustration among affected nations, many of which believe U.S. travel restrictions undermine long-standing diplomatic relations, economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and the free movement of people. Tourism, education, business, and people-to-people ties are often the first casualties of such policies, with ripple effects felt far beyond immigration offices.Across Africa in particular, the response has taken on added significance. Countries like Mali, Niger, Chad, and now Burkina Faso see these measures not only as immigration issues but as part of a wider pattern of political pressure and marginalization. By mirroring U.S. actions, these states are signaling that they will no longer accept policies they perceive as unfair or one-sided.International analysts note that the expanding list of retaliatory bans could further strain U.S. relations with regions already experiencing geopolitical realignments. As more countries adopt similar measures, Washington may face increasing diplomatic isolation in certain parts of the world, alongside reduced tourism flows and limited soft-power influence.While the U.S. government maintains that its travel restrictions are based on security and policy considerations, critics argue that the lack of consistent engagement and dialogue has fueled resentment. The current wave of retaliatory actions suggests that affected nations are opting for direct responses rather than quiet diplomatic protest.As tensions continue to rise, global attention is turning to whether dialogue and negotiation can reverse this trend, or whether reciprocal travel bans will become a normalized feature of international relations in the coming years. For now, Burkina Faso’s decision stands as another clear signal that many nations are prepared to defend their dignity and sovereignty by meeting restriction with restriction.

Burkina Faso Imposes Visa Ban on U.S. Tourists as Global Pushback Against American Travel Restrictions Grows

MTN Nigeria presented a ₦2 million cash gift to newly married couple, Mr and Mrs Chikadibia Emeremni, during their wedding ceremony in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Friday, December 26, 2025, as part of MTN’s Y’elloTide campaign. The Y’elloTide initiative is MTN Nigeria’s flagship festive season experience, designed to celebrate Nigerians through events and immersive activities across the country. Kicking off in mid-November 2025 and running through January 2026, the campaign reflects MTN’s commitment to connecting people and spreading joy during the yuletide season.Y’ello Weddings is one of the signature experiences within the Y’elloTide campaign, where couples are surprised with a ₦2 Million Cash gift. Interested couples or their friends could nominate weddings through the Y’elloTide website, making it easy for MTN to identify deserving couples for the surprise.Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria, said the initiative is designed to transform everyday moments into extraordinary celebrations for Nigerians. “As part of the Y’elloTide campaign, we are carrying out a series of activities to connect with our customers and celebrate them during the festive season.These activities include visiting communities, bus stations, schools and markets to share gifts and spread goodwill. Today, we are here in Onitsha to celebrate and connect with this couple,” Okigbo said,”He emphasised that marriage represents one of life’s most important connections. “To celebrate this couple, we are offering them a token of ₦2 million and praying that the connection they are forming today will be resilient and guide them through life,” he said.Okigbo also highlighted MTN’s commitment to creating lasting emotional memories for its customers and encouraged Nigerians to embrace love and kindness during the festive season.Reaffirming the company’s mission to provide quality connectivity and digital services, Okigbo added, “Our motivation is to ensure that wherever digital services are available anywhere in the world, Nigerians will also enjoy similar services. Our commitment in this regard is total.”The beneficiaries, Mr and Mrs Chikadibia Emeremni, expressed heartfelt gratitude to MTN Nigeria. “This is unbelievable. We thank MTN for making our wedding truly memorable. We will continue to share this love and connection within our community,” the couple said.Roughly 19 weddings have received the Y’elloTide experience since it began in November, with NGN38 million gifted to the couples so far.&nbsp;Through Y’elloTide, MTN demonstrates its purpose of making life brighter by celebrating human connections, generosity, and shared experiences. The campaign extends beyond surprise wedding gifts to include Y’ello Santa giveaways, the Y’ello Train experience, and festive activations across different regions of Nigeria.It also features tailored festive bundles that provide high-volume mobile and MiFi data, voice minutes, access to BoomPlay streaming, MTN Rave Party experiences, invitations to December concerts and events, as well as seamless international transfers and prepaid card benefits via MoMo, allowing customers to stay connected, entertained, and engaged throughout the festive season.

MTN Surprises Onitsha Newlyweds with ₦2 Million

The cavalry is not coming to save the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced premium subsidies, which will expire after Wednesday. And while the House is expected to vote in January on a Democratic proposal to extend them for three years, the effort faces significant hurdles in the Senate. This means that millions of Americans will likely have to shell out more — in some cases, a lot more — for coverage in 2026 or go uninsured. They could also try to find less expensive policies, though those usually involve tradeoffs. Extending the beefed-up subsidies has been at the center of several battles on Capitol Hill in recent months. Democratic lawmakers refused to fund the federal government this fall unless the subsidies were renewed, leading to a record-long shutdown that only ended in mid-November with an agreement to hold a vote in the Senate on the matter. Both Democratic and Republican health care bills failed to pass the chamber in mid-December. Moderate House Republicans fought with their leadership this month over temporarily extending the more generous assistance. Four of them ultimately decided to go nuclear and back the Democrats’ proposal. <h3>Here’s what you need to know now:</h3> No! Only the enhanced premium subsidies enacted by the Biden administration as part of a 2021 Covid-19 relief package are expiring. The original subsidies, which are in the 2010 landmark health reform law, will continue to be available. They limit monthly payments for the benchmark plan to no more than about 10% of enrollees’ household income for those earning less than 400% of the federal poverty level, or about $62,600 for an individual and $128,600 for a family of four. But the enhanced subsidies made Obamacare coverage much more affordable, which helped draw a record 24.3 million people to sign up for 2025 policies. Lower-income Americans were able to enroll in policies with $0 or near $0 monthly premiums, while those in the middle class became eligible for help for the first time. Four out of five consumers were able to find 2025 plans for $10 or less a month. Some Americans may also qualify for extra help from their states. Ten states provide eligible residents with additional state-funded subsidies that could blunt some of next year’s premium increase. California, for instance, has allocated $190 million to replace the enhanced subsidies for many of its lowest income enrollees for 2026, said Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California, the state-run exchange. However, that doesn’t come close to the $2.5 billion in federal enhanced subsidies that Golden State enrollees received this year. In Massachusetts, residents with incomes below 400% of the federal poverty level qualify for longstanding state subsidies that will provide some additional aid, though most enrollees will still see their premiums rise, said Audrey Morse Gasteier, executive director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. Nationwide, enrollees’ annual premium payments are expected to spike by more than $1,000 — or 114% — due to the lapsing of the enhanced subsidies, according to KFF, a nonpartisan health policy research group. Many Affordable Care Act enrollees allow themselves to be automatically renewed into the same plan year after year. But it’s more important than ever for consumers to log onto their exchange, update their estimated income and check out available plans. They can also get in touch with an enrollment navigator, insurance broker or agent to discuss their medical needs and budget to see what policies might work for them. The phones have been ringing off the hook at the Covering Florida navigator program this enrollment season, said director Xonjenese Jacobs. It has already received more than 1,750 calls this year, compared to around 500 to 750 calls at this time last year. Those whose premiums have skyrocketed beyond affordable levels could explore whether other insurers offer less expensive options or whether plans with higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs have more reasonable premiums. They can check whether policies with narrower doctor networks or more restrictive HMO plans would reduce their monthly tab. If consumers can’t afford any Obamacare policies, Covering Florida navigators also help them review alternatives to Affordable Care Act policies, such as short-term plans. But the navigators want to make sure that people consider plans that meet their medical needs since these alternatives typically don’t offer the comprehensive benefits and protections available in ACA policies. More clients, however, are saying they have to forgo coverage for the coming year because of the higher premiums. In these cases, the navigators point them to federally qualified health centers that have sliding scale prices, Jacobs said. “People are talking to you in real time while they’re literally trying to figure out what their next steps are going to be for their life,” she said. “They’re saying, ‘I have to have this coverage.’ Or in some instances, they’re like, ‘I feel like it’s important for me to have health insurance, but I can’t afford this, so I need to figure out how I can make sure I continue to take care of my health care needs,’” Jacobs continued. Covered California sent enrollees notices that included details about their current policy and subsidy amount but also listed another plan on the exchange with a lower premium so they could see that they have options, Altman said. “Most people in Covered California … have plans available to them that cost less than the plan they have today,” she said. While consumers should seek help if they feel they need it, they should also be aware of scams, said Devon Trolley, executive director of Pennie, Pennsylvania’s Affordable Care Act marketplace. Aware that people are concerned about premium hikes, fraudsters may try to push skimpier plans or fake coverage. The lapse of the subsidies is already taking a toll, say state exchange leaders. More people had been waiting to explore their options and to pick a plan in the hope that Congress will act before year’s end. Several directors told CNN that new enrollment is down, terminations are up and more people are switching to less expensive plans, particularly bronze plans, which have lower premiums but higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. (Obamacare plans typically have four metal tiers, ranging from bronze to platinum.) At Your Health Idaho, the number of new customers fell 22% from last year, while twice as many customers terminated their coverage, Pat Kelly, executive director of the state-run exchange, told CNN in mid-December. People who disenrolled cited affordability at three times the rate of prior years. Also, about 59% of enrollees selected bronze plans for 2026, compared to about 49% for this year. “Any time you see a shift in the metal tiers, from gold and silver to bronze, it’s a pretty good indicator of affordability concerns,” Kelly said, noting that open enrollment ended on Monday. In New York, consumers are flocking to the New York State of Health website, call center and navigators, but a smaller share are actually selecting plans, Danielle Holahan, executive director of New York State of Health, the state’s exchange, said. Last year, 70% of those found eligible for coverage went on to enroll. This year, the figure is 64%. “There’s a lot of shopping and there’s less enrolling,” she said. New sign-ups are also down considerably in Pennsylvania and California. Overall, the 21 state-based exchanges have seen an 18% decrease in new customers to 210,500 through November 22, according to data released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The federal exchange, healthcare.gov, which handles enrollment for 30 states, has experienced a slight uptick in such consumers to 739,000 through November 29, according to CMS, which did not respond to a request for comment. Exchange leaders consider new enrollments a better indicator than returning consumers or total sign ups, in part because many states saw big jumps in enrollment for 2025 so they expect to see a larger number of returning customers. Also, existing customers who are automatically reenrolled into 2026 policies may opt to end their coverage by not making premium payments next year. Those who actively enrolled may try to make some initial payments but find they can’t afford it and drop their policies. Already, the share of Pennsylvania enrollees effectuating their 2026 coverage by making their first month’s payment is 10 percentage points lower than a year ago, Trolley said. Several exchange directors told CNN they won’t have a good handle on 2026 enrollment — and the impact of the subsidy lapse — until April at the earliest. (Consumers who stop paying their premiums remain covered for three months before their policy is terminated.) “There’s going to be a lot of coming and going,” Morse Gasteier said. “Particularly with respect to terminations, that may not be a clear picture right away.” The leaders of state-based exchanges told CNN that they will be able to update their systems if Congress acts next month, though it may take time. A straightforward extension of the enhanced subsidies would be the quickest to implement. But if lawmakers make changes — such as setting an income limit or requiring minimum premium payments — it could take more time. The state exchanges would let consumers know about the enhanced subsidy renewal and allow them to come back to sign up for coverage or to switch plans, leaders told CNN. Massachusetts’ exchange could update its systems and notify consumers in about 15 days if Congress extends the enhanced subsidies with no changes in January, Morse Gasteier said, noting it has a “plan on a shelf.” The marketplace had to make changes to premiums and subsidies in 2021, when the enhanced subsidies were enacted. Similarly, it would only take New York a week or two to adjust premiums and issue notices if the enhanced subsidies were simply extended, Holahan said. But the bigger challenge would be convincing those who terminated their coverage or opted not to sign up because of the premium spike to return to the exchange to look again. “If we’ve lost them … getting them back, telling them that things have changed, it will be an uphill climb,” she said. “But we will do everything we can to outreach to them.”

The ACA’s enhanced subsidies are expiring after Wednesday. Here’s what you need to know

When discarded rubber, scrap metal, fabric remnants, and abandoned footwear find their way into an art gallery, the result is more than an exhibition, it is a conversation about value, survival, and sustainability. This is the premise of Recycling Matters II, a group exhibition which will be held on February 7th, 2026 at Alexis Gallery, Lagos, following the completion of an artist residency programme presented by Alexis Galleries in partnership with The Macallan.The programme brings together four contemporary Nigerian artists, Konboye Ebipade Eugene, Seye Morakinyo, Aliya Diseotu Victor, and Ibrahim Afegbua, whose practices are rooted in the reclamation and transformation of waste. During the residency phase, the artists worked with found and discarded materials, pushing them beyond their original function to create sculptural and mixed-media works that reflect Nigeria’s realities of consumption and environmental pressure.For many of the artists, the residency is as much about process as it is about outcome. Sculptor Ibrahim Afegbua, known for his intricate use of binding wires and metal, describes the programme as a space to experiment, refine technique, and engage audiences in new ways. “This residency allows me to combine wire and metal to develop new forms and techniques,” he explains. “It also gives people the opportunity to see the possibilities within these materials and understand the process behind the work.”That spirit of experimentation runs through the practices of all four artists. Mixed-media artist Seye Morakinyo works primarily with discarded fabrics and paper, cutting, layering, and moulding them to create depth and texture. His approach deliberately challenges conventional aesthetics, revealing how overlooked materials can be reconfigured into works of quiet complexity.Internationally recognised artist Konboye Ebipade Eugene brings a deeply personal dimension to the exhibition. Using abandoned footwear as his primary material, Konboye stitches together stories of resilience, movement, and human experience. His innovative approach to eco-conscious art has previously drawn global attention, including features by Reuters and the BBC, and continues to inspire a new generation of sustainability-driven artists.For sculptor Aliya Diseotu Victor, whose medium is sheet metal, the residency offers an opportunity to explore form, anatomy, and cultural heritage through recycled materials. Drawing inspiration from Ijaw traditions as well as human and animal structures, his works blur the boundaries between sculpture and installation, highlighting the aesthetic potential of industrial waste within contemporary spaces.Beyond the individual practices, Recycling Matters II speaks to a broader socio-economic reality. Nigeria’s import-dependent economy and rapid patterns of consumption have contributed to mounting waste challenges. By transforming discarded materials into art, the exhibition repositions waste as a site of memory, resilience, and renewal, inviting audiences to rethink their relationship with everyday materials.Reflecting on the partnership, Hammed Adebiyi, Senior Brand Manager, West and Central Africa (WACA), Edrington Portfolio, stated that The Macallan’s continued support is rooted in shared values of craftsmanship and long-term thinking. “We believe in patience, process, and purpose,” he says. “The residency creates room for thoughtful experimentation and mentorship, allowing artists to develop work that speaks meaningfully to sustainability and cultural depth.”Curated as the public presentation of a completed residency, Recycling Matters II opens on February 7th, 2026 reflecting the role of art as a tool for social reflection and environmental awareness. In giving new life to materials once considered waste, the exhibition offers a compelling reminder that value is not fixed, it can be reimagined, reshaped, and renewed.

Recycling Matters II Explores Art, Sustainability, and Reinvention in Lagos

When Nicolás Maduro appeared before a federal court in New York on Monday, the moment marked a historic and controversial turn in U.S.–Venezuelan relations. The captured Venezuelan president pleaded not guilty to a range of criminal charges, standing before the judge in lower Manhattan under intense global scrutiny. Yet beyond the gravity of the allegations themselves, it was Maduro’s choice of legal representation that quickly became a major talking point.Maduro was accompanied by Barry Pollack, one of the United States’ most prominent trial lawyers, known for handling complex and politically sensitive cases. Pollack rose to international prominence for his years-long legal defense of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, a case that ultimately led to Assange’s release from prison in the United Kingdom in 2024. His presence beside Maduro immediately signaled that the Venezuelan leader is preparing for an aggressive and high-level legal fight.Pollack is a partner at Harris St. Laurent &amp; Wechsler, a respected law firm based in New York’s financial district on Wall Street. The firm’s offices sit just minutes away from the federal courthouse where Maduro entered his plea, underscoring the proximity of legal, financial, and political power shaping the unfolding case. Within U.S. legal circles, Pollack is regarded as a formidable defense attorney with deep experience in federal court and a reputation for challenging prosecutorial overreach.Maduro’s appearance in court comes amid allegations that include serious federal crimes, charges that U.S. authorities say stem from years of illicit activity linked to narcotics trafficking and other offenses. The Venezuelan leader has consistently denied the accusations, insisting they are politically motivated and part of a broader campaign by Washington to remove him from power. In court, he maintained his innocence, setting the stage for what is expected to be a prolonged legal battle.The decision to enlist Pollack is widely seen as strategic. Legal analysts note that Pollack’s background suggests the defense may focus not only on the criminal charges themselves, but also on broader legal questions surrounding jurisdiction, due process, and the circumstances of Maduro’s capture and transfer to the United States. Similar arguments were central to the Assange case, where issues of international law and political motivation played a defining role.Beyond the courtroom, Maduro’s case is already reverberating across diplomatic and political spheres. Supporters of the Venezuelan president have condemned the proceedings as unlawful, while critics argue the case represents long-delayed accountability. As pretrial motions and hearings begin to unfold, the involvement of a high-profile lawyer like Barry Pollack ensures that the trial will attract sustained international attention.With the world watching closely, Maduro’s court appearance in New York marks not just the start of a legal process, but a moment that could reshape debates around sovereignty, international justice, and the reach of U.S. courts. How the case proceeds — and how effectively Pollack mounts his defense — may have consequences far beyond the walls of the Manhattan courtroom.

Maduro’s New York Court Debut Draws Global Attention as Assange’s Former Lawyer Leads His Defense

Hours after Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro&nbsp;was captured by U.S. forces, the country's vice president and other top regime figures condemned the military operation in stark terms and suggested they plan to push back on U.S. involvement in the country, posing a potential challenge to President Trump's suggestion that the U.S. will "run" Venezuela.<img src="https://aukisscontent.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/e6a4d3a28maduro-custody-ht-jt-260103_1767457954666_hpMain_16x9_992.jpg">Maduro was flown out of the country in a "large scale strike" by U.S. forces, Mr. Trump said early Saturday. He is expected to be tried on drug trafficking charges, effectively ending a nearly 13-year reign that began after&nbsp;the death of President Hugo Chavez. The operation followed months of U.S. military, economic and diplomatic pressure on the Maduro regime.Top figures in Maduro's government pushed back against the U.S. operation almost immediately after it began early Saturday morning.<h2>VP Delcy Rodriguez calls Maduro the "only president of Venezuela"</h2>Maduro's&nbsp;handpicked&nbsp;vice president, Delcy Rodriguez — whom Mr. Trump said was sworn in as president Saturday — called Maduro's capture "barbaric," an "illegal and illegitimate kidnapping" and an attack on Venezuela's sovereignty in a speech that was broadcast on state TV.She also called for the "immediate release" of Maduro and his wife, calling him "the only president of Venezuela."Rodriguez's defiant words came as Mr. Trump suggested he's looking to work with the vice president in some form. In a press conference Saturday at Mar-a-Lago, the U.S. president said Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Rodriguez, who indicated that "she's essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again."Mr. Trump called Rodriguez "quite gracious" but said "she really doesn't have a choice."The American leader said the U.S. is planning to "run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition." It's not clear exactly how the country will be led, or to what extent existing Venezuelan officials or political figures would be involved. Mr. Trump said "we're designating various people" and suggested members of his administration will play key roles.Rodriguez said Saturday that the Venezuelan government is open to "dialogue," pointing to Maduro's statement earlier this week that he's willing to negotiate with the U.S. on drug trafficking. But she did not offer any clear indications that she's looking to work with the U.S. if it takes over, accusing Venezuela's "enemies" of seeking to "enslave us.""If there is one thing that the Venezuelan people and this country are very clear about, it is that we will never again be slaves, that we will never again be a colony of any empire, of whatever stripe," Rodriguez said in her address on state television.<h2>Venezuelan leaders call for military to mobilize against "aggression"</h2>Shortly after the U.S. operation began, the Venezuelan government said in a statement that national defense plans had been activated and Maduro ordered a "State of External Disturbance," effectively a state of emergency.Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López&nbsp;announced&nbsp;that military forces would be deployed across Venezuela on "Maduro's orders" — though he didn't mention Maduro's capture — and called for resistance against "the worst aggression" Venezuela has faced."They've attacked us but they will not subdue us," he said.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello called for "calm" in a video translated by Reuters, saying, "No one should fall into despair, no one should make things easier to our invading enemy."Attorney General Tarek William Saab called the U.S. operation a "vile and cowardly attack" in remarks to Venezuelan state media, alleging that some innocent people were "mortally wounded."Venezuelan diplomats have also requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, sending a letter to the body asking it to condemn the U.S.'s "aggression." Foreign Minister Yvan Gil accused the U.S. of seeking to take Venezuela's natural resources. (On Saturday, Mr. Trump said part of his goal in Venezuela is to "get the oil flowing" in the petroleum-rich state.)<h2>Venezuelan opposition leaders say they're ready to take charge, but Trump isn't so sure</h2>Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado celebrated Maduro's ouster, saying in a&nbsp;statement: "Venezuelans, the time for freedom has come!"Machado, who won the Nobel Peace Prize last year, called for Edmundo Gonzalez to be recognized as Venezuela's legitimate president and to take control of the armed forces. Gonzalez faced off against Maduro in the country's last election in 2024, but the government recognized Maduro as the winner, in a result that was&nbsp;widely criticized&nbsp;by the U.S. and international observers on allegations that Maduro had stolen votes."Today we are ready to assert our mandate and take power. Let us remain vigilant, active, and organized until the democratic transition is complete," said Machado.Gonzalez&nbsp;said on X: "[W]e are ready for the great operation of the reconstruction of our nation."But Mr. Trump said in his press conference Saturday that it would be "very tough" for Machado to help lead the country, saying she didn't have enough support."She's a very nice woman, but she doesn't have the respect," Mr. Trump told reporters.José Diaz,&nbsp;April Alexander,&nbsp;Lucia I Suarez Sang&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lilia Luciano&nbsp;contributed to this report._Source: CBS

Venezuelan officials condemn Maduro's capture, calling it a "kidnapping"

Finnish police have detained a vessel sailing from Russia, which is suspected of damaging an undersea telecoms cable running from Helsinki to Estonia across the Gulf of Finland. The cargo vessel, the Fitburg, was sailing from St Petersburg to the port of Haifa in Israel, under the flag of St Vincent and Grenadines. All 14 crew members were arrested after the cable owned by Finnish telecoms operator Elisa was damaged. The operator said in a statement that the damage had "not affected the functionality of Elisa's services in any way", and its services had been re-routed. The Baltic Sea has seen a series of incidents in recent years in which underwater cables have been damaged or completely cut. Many experts and political leaders have viewed the recent incidents as part of a "hybrid war" carried out by Russia against Western countries. The issue has come under increased focus since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Police said they were investigating "aggravated disruption of telecommunications" and "aggravated sabotage and attempted aggravated sabotage". The detained crew members were Russian, Georgian, Kazakh and Azerbaijani, police added. Undersea cables carry crucial electricity and data between countries, and keep people connected to the internet. On Wednesday morning, the Finnish authorities sent a helicopter and a patrol ship to the area, where they found the vessel was dragging its anchor in the sea, Finland's coastguard said. They said they had "launched operations this morning to investigate the suspected cable damage" after telecoms provider Elisa detected a fault. Finnish police said the authorities had "taken control of the vessel as part of a joint operation". "At this stage, the police are investigating the incident as aggravated criminal damage, attempted aggravated criminal damage, and aggravated interference with telecommunications," the police added. "Finland is prepared for security challenges of various kinds, and we respond to them as necessary," Finnish President Alexander Stubb said in a statement on social media. At a press conference, police were asked by journalists if the cable was damaged on behalf of another country, local media reported. Police Chief Ilkka Koskimäki replied that "the police or other authorities do not speculate on these matters. The police's job is to investigate what happened." Eight Nato countries, and Russia, border the Baltic Sea - Finland, Estonia, Denmark, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden. Estonia's government said a second telecoms cable connecting it to Finland also suffered an outage on Wednesday. The country's President Alar Karis said "hopefully it was not a deliberate act, but the investigation will clarify". The European Commission was closely monitoring the incident, EU technology commissioner Henna Virkkunen posted on X, adding that it was prepared to counter "hybrid threats". "We're already talking about national security. Critical infrastructure is the front line," the Finnish MP Jarno Limnell commented on the incident, in a post on X. Nato has identified deep-sea cables as part of the world's critical infrastructure and previously warned that adversaries could exploit them through sabotage or hybrid warfare, threatening both civilian and military communications. "Hybrid warfare" includes underwater sabotage, anonymous cyber attacks, disinformation campaigns, and non-military tactics to destabilise adversaries. In December 2024, Finnish police said they were investigating whether a Russian ship was involved in the sabotage of an electricity cable running between Finland and Estonia. A month earlier, the German government said damage to two undersea cables in the Baltic Sea looked like an act of sabotage. A cable between Finland and Germany was cut, as well as another cable between Lithuania and Sweden's Gotland Island.

Finnish police seize ship suspected of sabotaging undersea cable

A leading actor and influential public figure, Omar Sy has been appointed ambassador of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Committed to supporting young people and closely connected to Senegal, he will lend his voice and image to the first Olympic event ever organised on the African continent, scheduled from 31 October to 13 November 2026.Omar Sy is one of those personalities who brings people together.At 47, the internationally acclaimed actor is stepping into a new role - one firmly rooted in real life.&nbsp;Already the star of productions that have left a lasting mark on audiences worldwide, Sy will now become one of the faces of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026 , the first Olympic event to be staged on African soil.Known for his roles in hit films, the actor first established himself as one of the most popular figures in French-language cinema with The Intouchables in 2011. His global profile grew even further thanks to the Netflix series&nbsp;Lupin, which helped expand his audience well beyond Europe.His appointment as an ambassador for Dakar 2026 YOG on Monday, 29 December, marks another step in his growing international influence. He shared his feelings upon the announcement of this new role."I am proud and honoured to be an ambassador for the Youth Olympic Games that will take place in 2026 in Senegal. These Games represent values that are close to my heart: sharing, solidarity, pushing beyond one’s limits, and intercultural encounters," he said.He also underlined the symbolic significance of the event: "Seeing the youth of Senegal and the entire world shine together on the land of Teranga is a powerful symbol of unity and hope."Born in France to a father from Senegal, Sy maintains a close personal connection with the country.This bond has influenced some of his artistic choices, as reflected in his roles in Yao (2018) and Father &amp; Soldier (Tirailleurs, 2022). In&nbsp;January 2025, he was also received by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, further highlighting his commitment to Senegal and its youth.Omar Sy, committed to youth and sportBeyond cinema, Sy has built a special relationship with young people and sport.Deeply involved in social causes benefitting youth, he has long championed the values of openness, solidarity, and excellence that lie at the heart of the Youth Olympic Games.On the sporting front, Sy recently joined the board of Paris Basketball as a co-owner and was spotted at Roland Garros, posing alongside tennis superstar, Coco Gauff&nbsp;during the 2025 edition.At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games&nbsp;, he attended several competitions and was even tasked with launching the judo competition day on 2 August, when his friend Teddy Riner further cemented his legendary status. The actor also made a point of celebrating Senegal’s continental title after the 2021 AFCON, held in 2022.As an ambassador for Dakar 2026 YOG, Sy is poised to embody the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship. He will also help promote the event in all its dimensions: sporting, educational, and cultural.From 31 October to 13 November 2026, 2,700 athletes under the age of 18 from around the world will gather across&nbsp;Dakar, Saly, and Diamniadio to compete in 35 sports and take part in a historic edition of the Games.With Sy as ambassador, Dakar 2026 promises to be a celebration of sport, youth, and Africa, as the continent hosts an Olympic event for the very first time.Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics: Ready to welcome the worldThe 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) will take place in Dakar, Senegal, bringing together the world’s best young athletes for the first Olympic sporting event to be held on African soil. Senegal’s sporting culture and practice are rooted in its history and population, especially young people.&nbsp;&nbsp;

'Lupin' star Omar Sy named ambassador for Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games

Anthony Joshua has been involved in a car crash that killed two people in Nigeria.The crash, along a busy section of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, happened at around 11am local time on Monday. A report said Joshua sustained minor injuries and two people lost their lives.&nbsp;Joshua was in a Lexus SUV when it hit a stationary truck. He was among four passengers in the vehicle, with his security following in a separate car. Joshua and those injured in the crash have been taken to “an undisclosed hospital” police said.Footage showed a topless Joshua looking dazed at the scene, while appearing in pain. Further video showed two bodies strewn across a road.&nbsp;It was a two-vehicle convoy: a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV. Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another person beside him. There was also a passenger sitting beside the driver, making four occupants in the Lexus that crashed. His security detail was in the vehicle behind them before the crash.Prior to the crash, Joshua had posted a video on Instagram where he is playing table tennis.<img src="https://aukisscontent.s3.amazonaws.com/bbd4899332704e1bb0IMG_5487.jpeg">

Anthony Joshua injured in car crash that killed two others

Heavyweight Clash in MiamiFormer heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua proved his class and experience with a dominant sixth-round knockout victory over Jake Paul in their highly anticipated heavyweight bout in Miami.Fighting before a packed arena and a massive global audience, Joshua controlled the contest from the opening round, using his superior size, ring intelligence, and power to keep Paul at bay. While Paul showed confidence early and attempted to impose himself, Joshua remained patient, picking his moments and gradually increasing the pressure.As the fight progressed, the gap in experience became more evident. Joshua rocked Paul in the fifth round and continued to press forward, sensing the finish. In the sixth round, a thunderous right hand sent Paul crashing to the canvas. Although he managed to get back to his feet, the referee stepped in moments later after Joshua followed up with unanswered punches, bringing the bout to an end.The victory marks another statement win for Joshua as he continues his journey back toward heavyweight title contention. For Paul, the defeat represents the toughest test of his boxing career and his first knockout loss, raising fresh questions about his future at the elite level of the sport.

Anthony Joshua Knocks Out Jake Paul in Sixth Round

The Coca-Cola Company and FIFA are kicking off the sixth FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, giving thousands of fans across the globe the opportunity to see the original FIFA World Cup™ Trophy ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™. FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be the biggest yet - spanning three host nations, Canada, Mexico and the United States, with more teams, more matches and more celebrations than ever before.As a long-standing partner of FIFA, Coca-Cola has the exclusive rights to the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola. Beginning Jan. 3, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the original FIFA World Cup Trophy will visit 30 FIFA Member Associations across 75 stops and more than 150 tour days, giving fans around the world a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see football’s most coveted prize."Football has an unmatched ability to bring people together, no matter where they’re from or what language they speak,” said Mickael Vinet, vice president, global assets, influencers and partnerships, The Coca-Cola Company. “For two decades, the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola has been a journey that connects fans to the magic of the game. As the Trophy travels toward the biggest FIFA World Cup in history, we’re celebrating the passion, pride and unity that make football the world’s favorite sport."The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola will visit all three FIFA World Cup 2026 host countries and future FIFA World Cup and FIFA Women’s World Cup™ host nations including Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Saudi Arabia and Brazil. At each stop, local communities will have access to unique fan engagement opportunities, from immersive brand experiences and interactive football challenges to exclusive content with FIFA Legends.The 2026 tour marks 20 years of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola. Over this period, more than 4 million fans across more than 182 markets worldwide have participated.“The FIFA World Cup Trophy is recognized around the world as the greatest symbol in sport, and Coca-Cola is one of the world’s most recognized brands,” said Romy Gai, FIFA’s Chief Business Officer. “For two decades, our partnership with Coca-Cola has united fans and brought them the magic of the FIFA World Cup through the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola.Over five editions, the iconic trophy has visited 182 of our 211 Member Associations, and this tour will be particularly special—not only are we marking the 20th anniversary of the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola, but we are also preparing for the biggest FIFA World Cup in history, with three host nations: Canada, Mexico and the United States.”For more than a century, Coca-Cola has been more than just a beverage; it has been a symbol of optimism and a refreshing presence in countless memorable experiences. As the world comes together to experience the FIFA World Cup, the Coca-Cola team—spanning local bottlers, manufacturers, distributors, as well as retail partners—will refresh fans throughout the tournament.From cherished local favorites to iconic drinks like Coca-Cola and Powerade, the company is proud to serve refreshment across moments of celebration that unite fans everywhere.FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola is also a platform to promote positive impact in local communities. For the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour, The Coca-Cola Company will work with local teams and bottling partners to support its sustainability initiatives, including packaging collection and recycling efforts.

FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola: Celebrating Two Decades of Connection

Terence Crawford unlaced his gloves and called it a career on Tuesday.Boxing’s&nbsp;top pound-for-pound fighter and the only male boxer to capture three unified division titles in the sport decided to walk away at 38 years old. He finished his career with a 42-0 record with 31 knockouts."Every fighter knows this moment would come," he said in a video announcing his retirement. "You just never know when."Crawford came off of a unanimous decision victory over Canelo Alvarez in September to win the super middleweight championship.He turned pro in 2008 and won titles in four different weight classes – lightweight, super lightweight, welterweight and super welterweight. He moved up two weight divisions for the fight against Alvarez.Earlier this month, Crawford was stripped of the World Boxing Council super middleweight title for allegedly failing to pay sanctioning fees for his last two fighst.&nbsp;Crawford ripped the organization&nbsp;after the title was taken away.<img src="https://aukisscontent.s3.amazonaws.com/8484df884boxing-terence-crawford-121825-3.jpg">

Undefeated boxing champion abruptly retires at 38

DStv operator MultiChoice has lost 2.8 million subscribers since its height on 31 March 2023, declining from 17.3 million to 14.5 million, a reduction of over 16% in two years.MultiChoice’s new owner, French media conglomerate Groupe Canal+, recently published an investor presentation with charts illustrating MultiChoice’s decline in recent years.It showed that MultiChoice was not only declining in subscriber numbers but also in other key metrics, such as revenue and trading profit.MultiChoice’s decline has been evident in South Africa since 2016, when the company started losing its highest-value DStv Premium subscribers.That was the same year as Netflix’s global expansion. The company announced the global rollout of its services in January 2016 at CES.South Africa’s pay-TV giant was able to mask this decline through gains on its lower-tier packages and growth in the rest of Africa.When MultiChoice was spun out of Naspers in 2019, it started bundling Compact Plus subscribers in with DStv Premium, in a new “Premium market segment” category.This hid the decline of DStv Premium for a year before this new combined category also started recording lower numbers. In other words, by 2021, DStv Compact Plus was also in decline.MultiChoice also switched to reporting subscribers according to a 90-day active metric rather than the number of subscribers at 31 March and 30 September.Its year-end subscribers went into decline in 2022&nbsp;in South Africa, but the new 90-day active metric allowed MultiChoice to continue reporting subscriber growth in South Africa until its 2023 financial year.Subscriber growth in the rest of Africa also took a turn in 2023, with MultiChoice’s results across the group showing substantial subscriber declines in 2024 and 2025.These declines were evident in both the traditional year-end and 90-day active subscriber numbers reported by MultiChoice. <img src="https://mybroadband.co.za/news/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MultiChoice-DStv-group-and-SA-subscribers-2012-2025.jpg"><img src="https://mybroadband.co.za/news/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MultiChoice-DStv-90-day-active-subscriber-base-FY24-FY25-1200x519.jpg">In its last published financial results for the year ended 31 March 2025, before Canal+’s final takeover, MultiChoice blamed macroeconomic factors for its continued decline.“The past two financial years have been a period of significant financial disruption for economies, corporates and consumers across sub-Saharan Africa due to challenging macroeconomic factors,” it stated.“Combined with the impact of structural industry changes in video entertainment such as the rise of piracy, streaming services and social media, this has materially affected the overall performance of the MultiChoice Group.”Aside from losing 2.8 million traditional linear TV subscribers, MultiChoice said it had to absorb a R10.2 billion negative impact on its topline due to local currency depreciation against the US dollar.“Management acted decisively to ensure that the group could withstand these headwinds, focusing on key areas within its control,” it said.“This has meant maintaining a discipline of inflationary pricing, with price increases of ~5.7% in South Africa in FY25 (FY24: 5.6%) and an average of 31% in local currency in Rest of Africa (FY24: 27%).”MultiChoice said this enabled it to offset subscriber volume pressures and deliver 1% year-on-year organic revenue growth in the current financial year.“In addition, further efficiencies were implemented to manage costs and cash flows without unduly sacrificing the group’s customer value proposition,” it said.“In this regard, the group delivered R3.7 billion in cost savings, well ahead of management’s initial R2.0-billion target, and the revised R2.5 billion target set at its half-year results.”Despite these cost savings, MultiChoice reported that organic trading profit declined by 9% year-on-year across the group due to the increased operating costs in Showmax in its peak investment year.<img src="https://mybroadband.co.za/news/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/CanalPlus-MultiChoice-DStv-decline-FY22-FY25-1200x509.jpg">MultiChoice performance metrics in Canal+ investor presentation published on 21 November 2025In an investor presentation published on 21 November, Canal+ said that it has plans to return MultiChoice to growth through several key interventions.Canal+ said it would reinvest in subscriber acquisition to capture growth opportunity in the underpenetrated African pay-TV market.It will offset higher subscriber acquisition costs through synergies and a granular focus on optimal distribution.Canal+ said it would set ambitious growth targets and incentivise teams accordingly, applying a “no small market” philosophy for the continent.This means Canal+ will not view any market on the African continent as too small to invest in for future growth.Besides driving subscriber acquisition to increase revenue, Canal+ stated that it would develop and implement plans to generate meaningful incremental revenues and revenue synergies across the business.Additionally, Canal+ said it would enhance MultiChoice’s customer value proposition. It will strengthen the content line-up by sharing material across platforms and apply marketing best practices.Canal+ also said it would address the cost side of the business. It plans to reset the cost base for a sustainable and profitable pay-TV business, in contrast with past cost savings plans aimed solely at short-term profitability.It stated that it would deliver meaningful cost synergies, with an initial focus on content and technology costs, especially large cost items at a global scale.

Death by a million cuts — South Africans say goodbye to DStv

Since Mali adopted a new constitution in 2023, the country has 13 official languages. Although French is no longer part of that list, the language of the former coloniser is still present everywhere, including in classrooms. Malian authorities hope artificial intelligence can change that by helping students learn to read and write in local languages they already speak with friends and family. To achieve this goal, the Education ministry has called on RobotsMali. This AI company has produced more than a hundred stories in Bambara, the most widely spoken language in the country, for students to read in schools. "It helps me speak better with my friends. All of this is good," said 13-year-old pupil Clarisse Yasségué Togo. "At school, we only speak French.” AI programmes like ChatGPT and Leonardo are used to write, translate and illustrate the stories. "Since the stories are also illustrated, it teaches [students] to make the connections between words and their meaning very quickly," said RobotsMali Mamadou Dembele. The organisation hopes to provide a solution to the lack of books in Malian languages. After Mali gained independence from France in 1960, several attempts were made to replace French-language education with languages like Bambara. These failed repeatedly, mainly due to a lack of resources and a lack of political will. “Bambara is our language. We should prioritise it," said 17-year-old student Fatoumata Sacko. But the relationship with France has changed drastically in recent years, especially after a military junta seized power in 2020 and 2021 coups. The RobotsMali initiative illustrates Mali’s will to break free from the lasting influence of its former colonial ruler. “It makes me proud to see my little brothers and sisters learning with so much joy," said Dembele. Additional sources • EBU

Mali uses AI to teach school children in Bambara

There is an undeniable magic to European cities blanketed in fresh snow. The crowds thin, the cobblestone streets shimmer under the glow of warm café windows, and historical architecture takes on a fairy-tale quality.For those looking to trade palm trees for pine forests and experience the crisp, quiet beauty of a true winter, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines shares five European destinations which offer a perfect blend of culture, history, and dazzling white scenery.Munich, Germany Munich transforms into a genuinely cosy destination in the winter months. The Bavarian capital comes alive with festive lights, traditional markets, and the scent of glühwein wafting through Marienplatz. The city’s famous Christkindlmarkt is a highlight, offering handmade crafts and hearty street food against a backdrop of Gothic architecture.For those looking to explore beyond the city, the Alps are just over an hour away, perfect for a day trip to ski, snowboard, or simply take in the mountain views. Back in town, stop by a local beer hall for a warming meal or visit the snow-covered English Garden for a quiet winter walk. Munich is a city that blends culture and comfort, with a touch of adventure, making it a quintessential European city to visit during the winter months.Zurich, SwitzerlandSet on the edge of Lake Zurich and framed by snow-covered hills, Zurich is an ideal mix of sophistication and serenity. The historic Old Town glows under strings of festive lights, while Bahnhofstrasse offers some of the best shopping in Europe.A short trip up to Uetliberg Mountain provides sweeping views of the city and the Alps beyond. Indoors, Zurich’s cafés and fondue spots are perfect for a cozy afternoon out of the cold. The city’s blend of natural beauty and urban polish makes it a comfortable, easy-going destination for travellers looking for a relaxed but elegant winter experience.Vienna, AustriaWinter suits Vienna. The city’s imperial landmarks, from Schönbrunn Palace to the State Opera House, look particularly striking in the snow (although, admittedly, it does snow less here than in areas like the Alps, for example). Its Christmas markets are among Europe’s most famous with traditional crafts, food stalls, and an ice rink for skating under the lights.Between exploring museums and attending a classical concert, take a break in one of Vienna’s traditional coffee houses for a slice of Sachertorte and a strong espresso. Unlike some of Europe’s snow-heavy destinations, Vienna enjoys a light, manageable snowfall — just enough to dust its streets and rooftops without disrupting travel plans.It’s ideal for visitors who want to experience a touch of winter magic without letting snow consume their holiday. The pace here is unhurried, and the focus is on culture, comfort, and good company.Reykjavík, IcelandReykjavík offers a winter experience unlike anywhere else in Europe. The Icelandic capital, framed by snow-covered mountains and the vast Atlantic, blends small-town charm with striking natural beauty. By day, wander along its colourful streets, visit the Harpa Concert Hall’s shimmering glass façade, or warm up in one of the city’s many geothermal pools.As evening falls, the sky often puts on a show of its own as the Northern Lights frequently make appearances from November through March. While Reykjavík can be cold and dark during the winter months, it’s also one of the most welcoming cities to explore in the season. Locals embrace the slower rhythm.Cozy cafés, hearty cuisine, and steaming hot springs are part of everyday life. For those seeking adventure, the city serves as a gateway to Iceland’s dramatic landscapes: glaciers, frozen waterfalls, and volcanic fields are all within easy reach on day trips.Prague, Czech Republic Prague’s beauty takes on a special quality in winter. Snow softens the outlines of its historic buildings, and the Old Town’s cobblestone streets feel even more atmospheric. The city’s Christmas market in the main square is one of Europe’s best known, offering mulled wine, local crafts, and warm pastries.Even after the festive season, Prague remains a joy to explore, from the Charles Bridge at sunrise to the quiet courtyards of Prague Castle. The city’s mix of history, architecture, and charm makes it a memorable winter stop for any traveller.For South African travellers, visiting these European winter wonderlands is surprisingly simple and convenient. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines provides excellent connectivity, offering smooth journeys from Johannesburg and Cape Town.All these diverse destinations are conveniently accessible via a single, quick transfer at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport.&nbsp;

Snowy European Cities Worth a Winter Escape

The Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Monrat, has urged individuals planning to travel to Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to submit their visa applications as early as possible.Canada will co-host the tournament next year alongside the United States and Mexico, marking the first World Cup in history to feature 48 participating nations.Speaking on preparations for the global event, the High Commissioner noted that Canada is coordinating closely with its co-hosts to ensure a seamless experience for visitors.“We are working very closely with our colleagues in the US and Mexico to ensure cohesion and coherence in how we approach the World Cup,” she said.She cautioned prospective travellers against relying on third parties, advising them to use official channels to avoid fraud.“My advice for people interested in attending the World Cup is to submit their visa applications as early as possible. The best way is to go directly to the source to avoid scammers.“Our objective is to ensure the process is as smooth as possible. We anticipate high demand, hence my recommendation to put in an application as soon as possible,” she added.

Apply early for World Cup visa’ – Canadian High Commissioner tells Ghanaians

Travails of Nigerian parents struggling to raise children abroad

Late November 2025, the UK has imposed a 10-year visa ban on 1,632 Ghanaian nationals for visa fraud during their 2024 applications. This number represents about 4% of all Ghanaian UK visa applicants in 2024. The bans were announced in conjunction with an anti-fraud campaign launched by the UK, Australian, and Canadian High Commissions in Ghana.&nbsp;Details of the visa fraud<ul><li>Method of fraud:&nbsp;The fraud involved the submission of falsified documents or misrepresentation of information in visa applications.</li><li>Role of agents:&nbsp;The British High Commission stated that many of those banned were victims of "fraudulent agents and misinformation" who promised guaranteed approvals or shortcuts.</li><li>Official warning:&nbsp;The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr. Christian Rogg, warned against the use of these agents, stating, "Fraud is never worth the risk".&nbsp;</li></ul>Impact and response<ul><li>Consequences for individuals:&nbsp;Those affected by the ban are barred from obtaining a UK visa for a full decade, which may impact travel, study, or work plans.</li><li>Public awareness campaign:&nbsp;The UK, Australian, and Canadian High Commissions launched a joint public awareness campaign to inform the public about visa scams and to urge people to use only official application channels.</li><li>Investigation by Ghanaian authorities:&nbsp;Ghanaian authorities have stated they are investigating the matter to protect the integrity of travel processes.&nbsp;</li></ul>The UK High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr. Christian Rogg, warned that the risks associated with deception far outweigh any perceived benefits.&nbsp;“Fraud is never worth the risk,”&nbsp;he said, urging applicants to avoid shortcuts and rely only on official channels.The bans were announced as the High Commissions of Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom jointly launched a one-week public awareness campaign&nbsp;targeting the growing threat of visa fraud&nbsp;ahead of International Fraud Awareness Week.<img src="https://aukisscontent.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/0b2441911Aftk9kpTURBXy9iNDdiYzRmMmQ2ZDdjZDJmOWEzMjJmNmE5N2ZmNDZmYy5qcGeSlQMAAM0IAM0GlJUCzQMWzQKKwsPeAAKhMAahMQA.avif">According to the three missions, many victims are misled by rogue agents who offer “guaranteed approvals” or falsified documents, often resulting in financial losses and lifelong travel consequences.<h3>Past U.S fraud case signals recurring risks for Ghanaian travelers</h3>In May,&nbsp;Ghana temporarily closed its embassy in Washington, D.C., and recalled staff after uncovering a visa fraud scheme.&nbsp;A local IT staff member had created an unauthorized link on the embassy website, redirecting applicants and collecting $30–$60 into a private account.Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa called it a breach of trust and said the government is tightening oversight to prevent similar scams.&nbsp;Analysts note the incident highlights ongoing visa fraud risks for Ghanaians traveling abroad.<h2>A coordinated global push against visa scams</h2>A joint statement from the high commissioners noted that the initiative aligns with a wider global campaign led by UK Visas and Immigration, supported by partner countries including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.The goal, they said, is to&nbsp;promote safer application practices&nbsp;and raise awareness of how misinformation drives fraudulent submissions.The Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Berenice Owen-Jones, stressed the regional and global stakes:&nbsp;“The Fighting Visa Fraud campaign sends a clear message: if you are applying for a visa, always use trusted, official sources and beware of anyone promising shortcuts or guaranteed results.”Immigration analysts argue that the UK’s sweeping bans could have far-reaching consequences for Ghanaians seeking to study, work, or reunite with family abroad.Travel consultants warn that genuine applicants may now face heightened scrutiny, while the Ghanaian government has begun reviewing the issue and assessing how intermediaries contribute to widespread fraud.Despite criticism from some civil-society groups who view the blanket bans as excessive, British officials maintain that deterrence is essential._Source: Africa Business Insider

The UK has banned over 1,600 Ghanaians for visa fraud

United Nigeria Airlines&nbsp;(UNA) has announced the launch of scheduled commercial flights on the Lagos–Accra&nbsp;and Abuja–Accra routes, unveiling an aircraft named in honour of the late Ghanaian President, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings.The gesture, UNA Chairman Prof. Obiora Okonkwo said, serves both as a symbolic tribute to a Pan-African statesman and as a statement of the airline’s commitment to regional connectivity.Okonkwo, who spoke after supervising a mock arrival and departure exercise at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Sunday, disclosed that members of the Rawlings family would be present in Accra for the official unveiling on Monday.Okonkwo described the new service as a strategic expansion move, noting that UNA plans to add six additional aircraft to its fleet in the coming months, adding that the expansion aims to deepen regional access, strengthen people-to-people diplomacy, boost intra-African aviation traffic, and provide Nigerian travellers with alternatives to foreign carriers, which continue to dominate West Africa’s skies.However, the UNA chairman lamented the multiple and excessive charges imposed on local operators. “Nigeria is one of the most over-taxed aviation jurisdictions in Africa,” he said. According to Okonkwo, the passenger service charge at Nigerian international airports stands at $100, compared with Ghana’s $60. With other levies included, a Lagos–Accra return ticket carries about $116 in taxes alone, contributing to high fares.He emphasised that UNA’s entry into these routes is already reshaping the competitive landscape. “Before we announced Accra operations, only one airline was offering direct Abuja–Accra flights. Just by entering the market, fares dropped almost 50%. That is the value of Nigerian participation,” Okonkwo noted.On safety, Okonkwo highlighted that Nigeria’s aviation regulations remain among the strictest globally. Pilots undergo simulator recertification every six months — compared with once a year in Europe and the United States — underscoring UNA’s commitment to maintaining the highest operational standards.The chairman also called for urgent government support to ensure sustainable growth in the sector. He advocated for reduced taxes and single-window aviation financing, arguing that robust air connectivity is critical to economic growth. “If people can’t move, commerce cannot expand,” he said.UNA’s Ghana service, Okonkwo added, represents only the first phase of a broader regional expansion plan. The airline intends to connect more African destinations in the coming years, with eventual ambitions to operate intercontinental routes, positioning Nigeria as a hub for both intra-African and global aviation.By blending strategic expansion with symbolic tribute, UNA’s launch not only honours the legacy of Jerry John Rawlings but also signals the airline’s ambition to strengthen Nigeria’s presence in regional aviation, improve affordability, and enhance service standards for passengers across West Africa.

Rawlings honoured as UNA launches Lagos–Accra and Abuja–Accra routes

More than 300,000 people have been displaced by an&nbsp;Islamic State insurgency in Mozambique since July, amid growing fears that authorities lack a workable plan to end the fighting.With wars in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan attracting more attention and&nbsp;foreign aid&nbsp;falling, the grinding conflict in Mozambique has been largely ignored or forgotten. More than 1 million people have been displaced, many of them two, three or even four times.Neither the Mozambican army nor a Rwandan intervention have managed to quell the insurgency, which has ravaged northern&nbsp;Mozambique&nbsp;since October 2017, when militants from Islamic State-Mozambique, an affiliate of the main IS group in the Middle East, carried out their first attacks, in Mocímboa da Praia&nbsp;in Cabo Delgado province in the north-east.<h2>Incidents of violence involving non-state actors in Mozambique from 2017</h2><img src="https://aukisscontent.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/66647d82dMozambique-conflict-2-mobileLandscape_460.jpg">The group drew global attention in March 2021 with an&nbsp;attack on the town of Palma. More than 600 people were killed in the assault and the military’s subsequent recapturing of the town, according to&nbsp;Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, a non-profit conflict monitor, including foreign workers on a multibillion-dollar Total liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.Rwanda, whose military is better equipped and trained than Mozambique’s, deployed 1,000 troops to Cabo Delgado in July 2021, initially pushing back the militants.&nbsp;Rwanda&nbsp;now has an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 military personnel in the country.However, violence against civilians has never fully abated and has increased this year, according to Acled.<img src="https://aukisscontent.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/a7e493bed3500.jpg">More than 100,000 people were displaced in November alone, according to the&nbsp;International Organization for Migration, after Mozambican and Rwandan operations pushed IS fighters south, where the insurgents made their furthest incursion yet into Nampula province.At the end of November, more than 350,000 people had been displaced, up from to 240,000 a year earlier.Tomás Queface, a researcher for the independent conflict monitor Acled, said the insurgents had been “very audacious”, adding that Rwandan and Mozambican forces were not as “effective as they used to be … The Rwandans are not doing patrols like they used to do.“And more importantly, the government wants the Mozambican forces to take the lead in the conflict and then Rwanda stays in the back,” he said.So far this year, Acled has recorded 549 deaths in 302 attacks, more than half of them civilians. The civilian death toll, at 290, is already 56% higher than last year. Since 2017, almost 2,800 civilians have been killed, 80% by IS and more than 9% by Mozambican forces.Mozambique’s president, Daniel Chapo, who took office in January after hundreds of people were&nbsp;killed by security forces&nbsp;following disputed elections,&nbsp;told Al Jazeera&nbsp;in September that he wanted dialogue with the insurgents.Borges Nhamirre, a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies, a South African thinktank, said dialogue – including with communities in the underdeveloped region – was the key to resolving the conflict.But he was sceptical: “Most important is not what politicians say but what politicians do. After eight years … there are no effective initiatives of dialogue.”He said much of the military effort was focused on securing the estimated $20bn LNG project, which Total said in October it would&nbsp;resume once it received government approval.Nhamirre said: “First you need to ask what [objective] the Rwandan and Mozambican forces had. If it is to guarantee human security, then we can say that they have failed … But if the objective is to secure the LNG project, then they have achieved some success … The LNG project is definitely more secure than in 2021.”Meanwhile, IS has been&nbsp;abducting children&nbsp;for forced labour, marriage, or to fight. In June, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported that there had been&nbsp;sharp increase in such kidnappings.Sheila Nhancale, a researcher for HRW, said: “The displacement that is happening now is also increasing the risk of sexual violence, exploitation and abuse, particularly for women and children. Of the 100,000 displaced [in November], 70,000 are children.”People forced to flee are also facing shrinking support. Donors have&nbsp;given $195m to the humanitarian response&nbsp;this year – only 55% of the estimated need –&nbsp;compared with $246m last year, according to the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.Sebastián Traficante, the head of operations for Médecins Sans Frontières in Mozambique, said displaced people “have to stay in places with very poor conditions, with very poor access to basic services … that are already affected by eight years of conflict.“They just want this to end. They just want to be able to go back to their homes, to do their farming – they want to have a normal life.”

Hundreds of thousands newly displaced as Islamic State insurgency expands in Mozambique

Detty December, a popular term for Ghana and Nigeria's end-of-year party season, can have "negative connotations", Ghana's official for diaspora affairs has said, adding that he does not want the label linked with his country."On a personal level I don't want the word 'detty' to be associated with anything Ghana ... that's something I'm not very comfortable with," Kofi Okyere-Darko said."Detty", West African Pidgin for "dirty", is used to express unrestricted fun when it comes to seeing the year out.The celebrations are thought to be a huge boost to Ghana's economy. Last December more than 125,000 international visitors, many of whom were diasporans, flocked to Ghana.It was a notable increase from the number of people arriving during any other month - and the same can be said for the three years before that.Government branding avoids the term Detty December instead choosing to push a tourism initiative named December in Ghana, Mr Okyere-Darko, who oversees his country's relationship with its sizeable diaspora, told the BBC at the Ghana Diaspora Summit in capital city, Accra."The young people somehow prefer 'Detty December', but officially, that's not the name," he said."I don't think December is what attracts people to Ghana. People started coming to Ghana a long time ago. I remember December in Ghana at the turn of the millennium, with initiatives like Akwaaba UK."Mr Okyere-Darko responded positively to suggestions that the season could be rebranded in a way that still appeals to younger audiences, saying that December in Ghana could be shortened to the initials "D-I-G ... Let's dig it!"The phrase Detty December gained popularity roughly eight years ago, after Nigerian musician Mr Eazi launched his Detty Rave festival in Accra.This December, festivals, parties and concerts have Accra teeming with diasporans and other tourists. They are mostly from the US and Europe, with ages ranging from early 20s and mid-40s, and are out socialising seven days a week.US hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes performed in Accra as part of the Rhythm and Brunch concert on Saturday, while popular UK rapper Giggs is playing at the Afro Paradise festival on 31 December.Local stars such as Samini - considered to be the "godfather" of Ghanaian dancehall - and Reggie Rockstone will also play at major events later this month.Ghana in recent years has been promoting itself as a destination for people from the continent and the African diaspora to visit. In 2019, the government launched the Year of Return - an initiative encouraging those with African roots to invest in the country.The influx of foreign visitors in December is seen as a positive by many, but some locals complain of price gouging, overcrowding and intense traffic during this period.This year has proven that December in Ghana no longer revolves around non-stop partying.Alongside the expected concerts and festivals, there is a growing calendar of investment seminars, networking sessions and cultural showcases, offering the diaspora routes into property, minerals, fashion and textiles.

Ghana official 'not comfortable' with 'Detty December' label

After weeks of intense culinary battles and creative challenges, 14-year-old Arona Yster from Krugersdorp has officially been named the winner of the second season of The Taste Master Junior.In a high-stakes grand finale that required the top three contestants to prepare a full festive feast, Arona’s combination of traditional warmth and creativity won over the judges and earned her the title of champion.The finale challenged the top three contestants to prepare a celebratory festive feast, including a main dish, four sides, and a dessert. Arona rose to the occasion with a roasted leg of lamb and lemon herb chicken, accompanied by potato salad, mashed potatoes, beetroot roses, and a TODAY spinach and mushroom pie, finishing with Yum Yum Peanut Butter frosted cupcakes. Her menu showcased bold flavours and family-inspired warmth, earning praise for its creativity and presentation.As champion, Arona takes home R200,000 from Capitec, a Hisense double-door refrigerator from Clover and a year's supply of Clover products, a R30,000 voucher for Food Lover’s Market plus an additional R10,000 cash and a year’s supply of pastry from TODAY,a baking kit from Huletts worth R20,000, a year’s supply of Yum Yum products, and R40,000 worth of KitchenAid products.Runner-up Tyler Robinson wins a year’s supply of Clover and Yum Yum products plus R10,000 cash, while third-place Kodi Bertish takes home R5,000 cash. Additionally, each of the Top 12 contestants receives a Hisense air fryer courtesy of Clover."When my name was announced as the winner, I wasn't expecting it at all. I was totally surprised and super excited! The whole experience was awesome, and I learned so much. I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat,” Arona said shortly after her big win. “I've grown a ton, speaking in front of judges, guest judges, and other contestants has boosted my confidence in my skills and abilities like never before."Fritz Schoon, judge on The Taste Master Junior, says Arona delivered a strong and consistent performance throughout the competition. “Arona showed great commitment and focus in the kitchen, especially in the finale. She approached the challenge with confidence and handled a demanding menu well, which ultimately set her apart.”Zola Nene adds that Arona’s growth over the season was clear to see. “Throughout the competition, Arona demonstrated steady improvement and a willingness to learn. In the final challenge, she brought together flavour, structure, and presentation in a way that reflected how far she’s come during the season.”Looking ahead, Arona already has big plans. “I want to start creating food content and eventually build a confectionery business,” she says. “I've always dreamed of starting a YouTube channel and my own business, so with the prize money, I plan to save three-quarters for studying architecture later, and use the rest to buy a vlog camera. I'll also make the most of my Food Lover’s and Huletts vouchers to create fun food content on my channel!"The second season of The Taste Master Junior, brought to you by Clover, has once again showcased the incredible talent, passion, and creativity of South Africa’s young cooks, delivering inspiring moments and unforgettable dishes week after week.From technical challenges to heartfelt storytelling through food, the season celebrated not only culinary skill but confidence, growth, and the joy of cooking. Arona Yster’s win marks a fitting end to a standout season that has captured the hearts of viewers and cemented The Taste Master Junior as a platform where young talent truly shines.

14-Year-Old Arona Yster Crowned Champion of The Taste Master Junior Season 2 in Epic Festive Finale

Ava DuVernay and David Oyelowo are set to collaborate once more on the feature film Heist of Benin, marking their first director actor reunion since Selma.The project was unveiled Tuesday during Canal+’s presentation in Paris. Variety reports that the screenplay is written by Jesse Quiñones and that the film is positioned as “a thriller that intertwines art, love and restitution.” Oyelowo will star and produce under his Yoruba Saxon banner.The pairing has been years in the making. Oyelowo said the story finally aligned with what he and DuVernay had been seeking creatively.“Ava and I have been looking for the right story to tell together again. Heist of Benin is that story,” he said. “It’s thrilling and high-powered with deeply resonant themes that matter to us both.”DuVernay also reflected on the significance of returning to work with Oyelowo.“Reuniting with David in this way feels full circle.”The film has attracted strong backing from its partners. Studiocanal and Canal+ leadership emphasized DuVernay’s fit for the material and the relevance of the story’s themes.“We are delighted in reuniting this dynamic creative duo on Heist of Benin and cannot think of a better filmmaker than Ava to bring this captivating, timely, heist-thriller to life,” said Anna Marsh, CEO of Studiocanal and Canal+’s chief content officer and deputy CEO.Heist of Benin will also be produced by Steve Richards and Jake Katofsky of Endurance Media, alongside Lisa Bruce for Yoruba Saxon and Quiñones. Further details on casting and production have yet to be announced._Source: The Source

Ava DuVernay to Direct David Oyelowo Again in New Thriller Heist of Benin

Media personality and business woman, Kim Jayde, is rounding off an already stellar 2025 with the premiere of the third season of her hit YouTube show, ‘Kickin’ It With Kim Jayde’.Following a year full of wins, from walking the red carpet at the London premiere of ‘Sinners’ and bagging multiple awards, to hosting influential panels at the Cannes International Festival of Creativity in France, Jayde shows no signs of slowing down.Season three of ‘Kickin’ It with Kim Jayde’ officially launches on 6 November 2025, marking its status as the show’s first-ever international season. What began in the closet of South Africa’s ‘Sneaker Queen’ has now evolved, boasting a diverse, star-studded cast and being filmed across five major cities: New York, Los Angeles, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.“Past seasons were focused on sneaker culture,” said Kim Jayde, “However, the show has evolved to focus more on profiling each of my notable guests and sharing their inspiring life stories and lessons.”Jayde’s vision is clear: to deliver high-quality, entertaining content that is genuinely useful. “I didn’t want the show to be clickbait content. This show removes the gatekeeping of information about how to become successful in the industries of sport, fashion, and entertainment, passing on valuable, practical advice that viewers are able to apply in their lives. This is the kind of content I wish I could have watched when I was coming up in the industry.”This ambitious international season is a year-long labour of love that is 100% independently financed by Jayde herself. Highlighting her commitment to empowering African talent, Jayde was intentional about using her own company, KJ Productions, and hiring only African creatives to work on the project.“This international season is hosted, directed, produced, cast, and financed by yours truly, and is the work I am most proud of to date,” adds Jayde.The cast features an extraordinary lineup of global and local power players, including:<ul><li>Karl Kani (International fashion designer who has worked with Tupac, Biggie, Aaliyah, and Ariana Grande)</li><li>Jae Tips (Recording artist and founder of The Savior, and winner of Sneaker of the Year 2024)</li><li>Edwina Findley (Award-winning actress, ‘Sheila’ on Netflix’s The Residence, and best-selling author)</li><li>Aphelele Fassi (Springbok and Sharks rugby player)</li><li>Jurenzo Julius (Sharks rugby player)</li><li>Youngsta CPT (Rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur)</li><li>Courtnaé Paul (5x South African breakdancing champion, DJ and entrepreneur)</li><li>Paulina Lopez (Director of Marketing Footlocker USA)</li><li>Kixie Jixie (Sneaker Queen of New York, entrepreneur and founder of ‘In Her Soles’ collective)</li><li>DJ Will NYC (iHeartRadio DJ and entrepreneur)</li></ul>Each episode dives deep into the mindset of success, exploring how global trailblazers built their careers, overcame challenges, and defined their legacy in industries that are constantly evolving.Fans can expect brand-new episodes of ‘Kickin’ It with Kim Jayde’ to premiere every Thursday at 4pm CAT on Kim Jayde’s<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q3gveuDThfs?showinfo=0"></iframe>

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