Tag: Europe

  • Minister Yvonne nominated for 2024 Ghana Music Awards Europe

    Minister Yvonne nominated for 2024 Ghana Music Awards Europe

    UK-based Ghanaian Gospel artist Yvonne Asamoah-Tawiah, widely known as Minister Yvonne, has been shortlisted for the 2024 Ghana Music Awards Europe.

    She has received nominations for the ‘Gospel Song of the Year’ in the “Best Diaspora” category.

    As the 2021 Ghana Music Awards-UK Gospel Artiste of the Year, Minister Yvonne has been active in the Gospel music scene for four years and is undoubtedly one of Ghana’s most successful gospel artists living abroad.

    Her distinctive sound and consecutive hit songs earned her the distinction of being the first Ghanaian to be featured on the prestigious BBC Music Introducing.

    The Ghana Music Awards Europe is a highly esteemed awards program that celebrates exceptional Ghanaian music talent both in the country and abroad. This nomination acknowledges Minister Yvonne’s remarkable contributions to the Gospel music industry and her influence on the global music stage.

    Minister Yvonne reacted to the nomination: “this nomination could only have come through the Spirit of God and not man. As I have said before, this song was born from the Spirit and it is soaring on the wings of the Holy Ghost.”

    “I am grateful to everyone who has supported us, the media, the churches, the ministers who have taken this song to the ends of the earth, and the many people it continues to be a blessing to,” she added.

    The winners will be revealed in Amsterdam on September 7 during the 2024 Ghana Music Awards Europe. The event will feature live musical performances and acceptance speeches.

    To see Minister Yvonne win the award, dial *447*714# and input her nomination code, VD74.

  • What does ‘broke’ mean to Michael Essien? He owns mansions in Europe – Saddick Adams

    What does ‘broke’ mean to Michael Essien? He owns mansions in Europe – Saddick Adams

    Ace sports broadcaster Saddick Adams, also known as Sports Obama, has refuted claims of a “fall from grace” concerning Chelsea legend Michael Essien following a recent court ruling.

    Speaking on the Angel Sports show, Saddick Adams provided a detailed account of Michael Essien’s involvement in the situation.

    Sports Obama explained that during his playing career, Essien made substantial investments in real estate and other ventures, which now sustain him in retirement.

    He highlighted that Essien’s real estate portfolio includes mansions in England and Spain, which are rented out and sold at high prices.

    Adams clarified that the two houses being auctioned due to the court ruling were properties Essien had bought on mortgage, managed by his wife, Akosua Puni.

    “Essien owns numerous properties in London. During the Roman Abramovich era, Chelsea players were encouraged to buy houses in Cobham, one of the most expensive areas in London, reserved for millionaires.

    The house is a large mansion valued at millions of dollars.

    “Essien was not particularly concerned about the house. He has many properties in Spain and England; his mother even stayed there. Those who claim he is bankrupt do not understand Michael Essien.

    What does ‘broke’ mean to Michael Essien?” he questioned.

    Following reports about two houses owned by Chelsea legend Michael Essien being listed for sale, Sports Obama’s statement has gained attention.

    According to a report from Dailyguidenetwork.com, the properties are located at Stephen Quarshie Crescent, East Legon, House Number 9, and House Number 204/205, Trassaco (Phase 2) Adjiringano, all in Accra.

    An auctioneer, who spoke anonymously, confirmed receiving directives from the Deputy Sheriff of the High Court to sell these properties.

    The auctioneer estimates that one of the properties is valued between $20 million and $30 million.

  • Current economic challenges not unique to Ghana, everywhere, including Europe, Asia, hardship exist – Agya Koo

    Current economic challenges not unique to Ghana, everywhere, including Europe, Asia, hardship exist – Agya Koo

    Veteran Ghanaian actor Kofi Adu, popularly known as Agya Koo, has addressed the current economic challenges, emphasizing that these issues are not unique to Ghana.

    He pointed out that economic difficulties are prevalent worldwide, including in Europe, Asia, and the United States, where people struggle to make ends meet.

    Agya Koo advised those who are unemployed and critical of the economy to seek jobs and accept the salaries they are offered.

    In an interview with One Ghana TV, Agya Koo highlighted the need for Ghana to reduce its reliance on imports and focus more on local production.

    “Economic comfort is a myth everywhere. In regions like Europe, Asia, and the USA, hardships are evident, with some individuals even lacking proper documentation for employment.

    “Instead of excessive imports, we should focus on local production, especially during tough times. It’s important to work and earn an income rather than complain about wages,” he remarked when discussing Ghana’s economic hardships.

    Agya Koo’s comments come amidst a wave of protests and online demonstrations by Ghanaians frustrated with the country’s declining economy.

    Watch video below:

  • Putin warns Europe for providing Ukraine with greater military aid

    Putin warns Europe for providing Ukraine with greater military aid

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy got promised $1 billion in military help from the United States on Tuesday. This happened during his quick visit to three European Union countries. At the same time, President Vladimir Putin said that using weapons from the West on Russian land could make the war even more dangerous.

    Belgium promised to give money to Ukraine and also said they will provide 30 fighter jets in the next four years.

    “We need to use the first F-16 on the battlefield this year to strengthen our positions,” Zelenskyy said.

    After that, he went to Portugal and said it was important for Ukraine’s supporters not to be tricked by Russia and to keep fighting the war.

    The Russian army is attacking Ukraine in the east and northeast. This is the biggest test for Ukraine’s military since Russia invaded in February 2022.

    Ukraine’s Western friends are taking a long time to help them. The US military aid is also delayed. This has made Ukraine vulnerable to Russia’s larger army and air force.

    European countries have been talking about sending soldiers to help Ukraine. They have also been discussing giving Ukrainian money that Russia has taken, which has made Russia very angry.

    Putin has said many times that the West should not join the fight more, and he has talked about the possibility of a nuclear war.

    Putin said that if Ukraine uses powerful weapons from the West to attack Russia, it could make the situation more dangerous. He said this while talking to reporters in Uzbekistan.

    Putin said that using these weapons would depend on information from Western intelligence and involve NATO military personnel. He also warned NATO about the potential consequences.

    He said that leaders of countries in NATO, especially those in Europe, should be careful about their actions. He also mentioned that smaller countries with crowded populations should be extra cautious.

    The Netherlands said they will work fast with important EU countries to put together a Patriot air defense system. Zelenskyy thinks this is very important to stop Russia from attacking Ukraine’s power grid, cities, and also military targets with powerful glide bombs.

    NATO leader Jens Stoltenberg said he was glad about the decision, but he also said that there was still a lot of work to do.

    “We have seen some improvements, but Ukraine urgently needs more progress and more air defense systems,” said Stoltenberg as he went into a meeting with EU defense ministers.

    Before going back to Ukraine, Zelenskyy went to Portugal and signed a new agreement between the two countries. Portugal is not very rich and has a smaller military than other countries in the European Union. The leader of Portugal, Luis Montenegro, said that they are giving more money and military help to Kyiv, which is the capital of Ukraine. This is part of a big plan to work together.

    On Monday, Zelenskyy made a deal with Spain to give Ukraine 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) for weapons and soldiers in 2024, and 5 billion euros ($5.4 billion) by 2027.

    Providing aid to both sides is important because the 27 countries in the group are having trouble getting Hungary to agree to the EU giving a lot of money in military aid to Kyiv.

    The Hungarian government led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban has stopped about 6. 5 billion euros ($7 billion) from being used. Orban is known for being a strong supporter of Russia in the European Union. Each individual country has the power to stop decisions, and Hungary has been blocking money meant to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses for a long time.

    “We have the money and the ability, but we still need to make decisions about giving aid to Ukraine,” explained Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy leader.

    Zelenskyy talked with the Prime Minister of Belgium, Alexander De Croo, and got money and a security agreement. The agreement means Ukraine will get military help until it joins NATO.

    Zelenskyy says Ukraine needs seven more US air defence systems because Russia attacked in Kharkiv.

    Putin says that the Russian government’s soldiers are trying to create a “buffer zone” in Kharkiv to stop Ukraine from attacking across the border there.

    The Defense Minister of the Netherlands, Kajsa Ollongren, met with other EU leaders and said that a Patriot system will be built quickly. The Netherlands has some important parts for the system, and other EU countries will add more parts and weapons.

    “Ukraine is also joining Europe in the fight,” she said.

    Zelenskyy was going to travel to Belgium and Spain but he had to cancel his trips because Russia attacked Ukraine and the Ukrainian military is facing a difficult situation.

    In other news, the head of the UN’s atomic agency was in Kaliningrad, Russia to discuss safety concerns related to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine.

    The Russian army took control of the plant at the beginning of the war. None of the reactors have been running since then. Regular bombing near Europe’s biggest nuclear plant has made people around the world worried about keeping the plant safe from danger.

    Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, met with Alexei Likhachyov, who leads Russia’s nuclear energy company, Rosatom. The Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported that Grossi said they agree on what needs to be done to make the nuclear plant safer, but right now it doesn’t seem possible to start it again.

    Likhachyov repeated that he wants to reopen the plant, and also promised that it is ” completely safe” as it is now.

  • ‘How I conquered pornography’ – Bishop Oyedepo’s son reveals

    ‘How I conquered pornography’ – Bishop Oyedepo’s son reveals

    Son of Bishop David Oyedepo, Isaac Oyedepo recently shared his battle with pornography addiction in a candid podcast interview, highlighting his personal journey and the pivotal role of faith in his recovery.

    Isaac traced the start of his addiction to a trip to Europe, where he encountered explicit content while alone in a hotel room.

    Despite the initial allure, he credited his quick recovery to divine intervention, underscoring the power of grace and mercy.

    He stressed the value of open dialogue and support networks, admitting that guidance from someone who had overcome similar struggles could have hastened his recovery.

    Isaac also noted the widespread issue of pornography addiction, affecting even religious leaders and church members.

    Challenging the notion that outward success equals spiritual righteousness, Isaac called for introspection and humility.

    He encouraged those facing similar challenges to seek help, reminding them that grace and mercy are always available.

    As the second son of David and Faith Oyedepo, Isaac’s testimony highlights the universal nature of human struggles and the transformative power of faith. Alongside his siblings, Isaac exemplifies resilience within his family’s influential legacy.
    “I struggled with pornography before. I remembered how it started, we travelled to one country and I was meant to be in the room alone, I switched on the TV and that’s it.

    “But God brought me out of it very quickly. A lot of people still struggle with it. If anybody who had struggled with it had walked up to me and told me how to come out, maybe I would have come out faster. I think people feel they are things we should not talk about. Today, there are some pastors and church members still struggling with it,” he said.

    “You may be anointed, seeing miracles, signs and wonders but it does not mean you are standing right. There is this old saying that if it is working it means you are standing right but I found out that it is not always the case. There are times I found out I wasn’t right, but grace and mercy found me,” he said.

  • Two-time European weightlifting champion Pielieshenko killed in Ukraine war

    Two-time European weightlifting champion Pielieshenko killed in Ukraine war

    Oleksandr Pielieshenko, who won the European weightlifting championship twice, passed away while fighting in the war in Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian Olympic Committee.

    Pielieshenko “was killed in the war against the enemy” last Sunday, the committee announced on Telegram. He was thirty years old.

    He joined the military of Ukraine when Russia first invaded.

    Pielieshenko returned to competing in 2015 after being suspended for doping, and then won the 2016 European championship in the under-85 kilogram category by just one kilogram. He won the title again in 2017 in Split.

    Pielieshenko almost won an Olympic medal in 2016 at the Rio de Janeiro Games, but he came in fourth place, just five kilograms away from getting a medal. He broke the rules again in 2018 by using drugs to cheat.

    The Ukrainian weightlifting federation said on Facebook that they are very sad to announce that Oleksandr Pielieshenko, a respected sports master in Ukraine and a two-time European weightlifting champion, has passed away today.

    National coach Viktor Slobodianiuk wrote on Facebook, “War brings out the best in us. ” This is a big loss for all the weightlifters in Ukraine. Heroes live forever.

    Over 400 Ukrainian athletes and officials have died in the war.

  • You will be banned if caught using middlemen to secure European visa – Anne Sophie

    You will be banned if caught using middlemen to secure European visa – Anne Sophie

    Former French Ambassador to Ghana, Anne Sophie Ave, has warned against using middlemen to obtain travel visas, especially for parts of Europe.

    She stated that some individuals are still paying these middlemen significant amounts of money in the hope of securing a Schengen visa, in particular.

    In a post shared via X on April 13, Ave advised individuals to be cautious when dealing with such individuals who promise to secure their visas for them.

    She urged unsuspecting individuals to report such incidents or persons engaging in this illegal activity to the police, as they are nothing but “crooks.”

    “I hear some people still pay crooks to get visas. Anyone asking for money and pretending he can help you get a visa is a crook. Do not reply. Report to the police,” Anne Sophie Ave warned.

    She added; “Do not use their services, you will be denied 100 percent and possibly banned from all 27 countries.”

    A middleman is someone who claims to have connections or influence with embassy officials and offers to assist with the visa application process for a fee.

    However, using a middleman to secure a visa is not only risky but also considered visa fraud. This could negatively impact one’s chances of obtaining a valid visa in the future.

  • Stop running to Europe, it is a “sinking ship” – Pastor Mensa Otabil to Ghanaians

    Stop running to Europe, it is a “sinking ship” – Pastor Mensa Otabil to Ghanaians

    In a recent sermon titled “The Great Commission 1: Go,” Pastor Mensa Otabil, the General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), issued a stern warning against immigrating to Europe, emphasizing a significant shift in global evangelism dynamics.

    He contends that European nations are losing sight of the foundation of their prosperity, which will lead to their eventual collapse.

    He likened Europe to a “sinking ship” on the brink of capsizing.

    “God also warned the Israelites, remember when you are wealthy and strong you do not forget the Lord your God.

    “They have forgotten the God who made them who they are and if you look at the Global world, Europe, and the Western world, they are going down very fast. Those of you who are running there, are running into a sinking ship. It’s going down, I mean it is just a matter of time,” he said.

    Citing Matthew 28:16–20, Pastor Otabil highlighted the biblical instructions of Jesus to his disciples to proclaim the gospel.

    He noted that Africa is now emerging as the new hub for spreading the Gospel, contrasting Europe’s historical role as the epicenter of Christianity.

    Pastor Otabil described this shift as a phenomenon of ‘reverse evangelization,’ signaling a dramatic change in the spread of Christianity worldwide.

    “We in Africa have become mostly those who have the Gospel, and they in Europe have become those who don’t have the Gospel.

    “So those who brought us the Gospel are now empty of the Gospel so there is reverse evangelization taking place all over the world from Africa to the rest of the world, it is no longer from Europe to Africa.

    “It’s now Africa to the world because Europe has become post-Christian. Until probably about the last 60 -50 years, Europe was the main center of Christianity, that is how all the main Christian ideas came about,” he stated.

    Pastor Otabil also preached about the decline of Europe, attributing it to what he described as “apostasy” – a turning away from religious belief.

    “Civilization, as we perceive it, is not the solution; rather, it’s the source of their downfall.

    “America will not be the superpower again, and Europe will not be the superpower again.

    “They are just going down and the main reason is they have forgotten the source of their help. We think that it is civilization, but the Bible calls it apostasy.”

    He urged Africans to take up the mantle and spread the gospel across the world.

    “So when we think about the Gospel, we don’t think about people bringing the Gospel to Africa, we are thinking of Africa taking the Gospel to the rest of the world…When Jesus said go to the nations he meant every group of people who do not know the Gospel, go to them.”

  • European police seize Lamborghinis over alleged US$650 million COVID-19 fraud

    European police seize Lamborghinis over alleged US$650 million COVID-19 fraud

    22 people have been apprehended by the European police and assets worth over 600 million euros were seized in connection with a fraud case involving the European Union’s post-pandemic recovery fund.

    The EU prosecutor looked into things and then caught eight people, put 14 others on house arrest, and stopped two others from working. People were arrested in Italy, Austria, Romania, and Slovakia.

    The Italian financial police took Lamborghinis, Porsches, Rolexes, Cartier jewelry, cryptocurrencies, luxury villas and other things during many searches of homes and offices.

    The possible fraud might make people worry about the EU’s €800-billion recovery fund being used in the wrong way to boost the economy of the bloc again. Italy received the most money from the fund, getting over 194 billion in grants.

    The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) believes that a criminal group is suspected of carrying out a scam from 2021 to 2023 to cheat Italy’s recovery funds.

    In 2021, the group asked for grants that they didn’t have to pay back. They said it was to help small and medium-sized companies. But they lied and made fake documents to make it look like the companies were doing well when they weren’t real.

    After receiving about 600 million from the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), the group moved the money to their bank accounts in Austria, Romania, and Slovakia, according to the EPPO.

    The prosecutor’s office said the group used digital money, computer programs that act like human intelligence, and servers located in other countries to commit and hide the fraud.

    The United States has tried to stop people from cheating to get money meant to help with Covid-19. In June, a government agency said the Small Business Administration gave out over US$200 billion in fake pandemic relief money.

  • Cocoa bean trading above $10,000 amidst climate challenges in Europe

    Cocoa bean trading above $10,000 amidst climate challenges in Europe

    The cocoa market experiences a surge in prices, reaching unprecedented heights due to the combined impact of climate change and adverse weather conditions.

    With the latest price escalation, cocoa beans now trade above $10,000 per tonne on global commodity markets, marking a $2,000 increase from the previous week.

    Ivory Coast and Ghana, the world’s largest cocoa exporters, grapple with diminished harvests caused by droughts in February following heavy rains in December.

    These climatic challenges exacerbate an already strained market, particularly affecting Europe, where consumers face soaring Easter chocolate prices.

    As a result, popular Easter egg brands are expected to cost 50% more than last year, prompting companies to pivot towards promoting alternative Easter treats like biscuit bunnies to mitigate the impact on consumers.

  • European Union declares aid package worth US$8 billion for Egypt

    European Union declares aid package worth US$8 billion for Egypt

    The European Union has stated its intention to offer Egypt 7.4 billion euros to help with its money problems. They are worried that problems in nearby countries could cause more people to come to Europe, so they want to help Egypt to prevent this.

    The agreement was signed on Sunday in Cairo by the Egyptian President and the President of the European Commission. People were not happy about it because of Egypt’s human rights record. Leaders from Belgium, Italy, Austria, Cyprus, and Greece came to the ceremony.

    “Your visit today was a very important step in the relationship between Egypt and the European Union,” el-Sissi told European leaders who came to visit. He said the deal has changed our partnership a lot.

    The aid package will give money to the most populous country in the Arab world for the next three years. It includes both gifts and money that will need to be paid back. This information comes from the EU’s mission in Cairo. Most of the money, which is about five billion euros (US$5. 4 billion), is financial help for the country, says a document from the EU mission in Egypt.

    The mission said that both sides have increased their cooperation to the level of a “strategic and comprehensive partnership,” which will lead to more collaboration between Egypt and the EU in different economic and non-economic areas.

    “The European Union agrees that Egypt is a good partner and plays an important role in keeping the peace and security in the Mediterranean, Near East, and African region,” a statement said after the meeting.

    Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the deal as “very important” because Italy was a big part of making it happen.

    “This initiative demonstrates our desire to improve and support a new way for both sides of the Mediterranean to work together,” she said at the meeting between Egypt and the European Union in Cairo.

    The Joint Declaration, also known as the deal, wants to encourage democracy, freedom, human rights, and equality between men and women. This is what the European Commission says. Both sides will work together more to deal with problems involving migration and terrorism.

    The EU will help Egypt’s government make its borders stronger, especially with Libya. Many people from Africa and the Middle East come to Libya and then try to cross into Egypt because they are running away from poverty and war. The 27 countries will help the government host Sudanese people who have run away from a year of fighting between rival generals in their country. Egypt has welcomed over 460,000 people from Sudan since April of last year.

    The agreement is happening because people are worried that Israel might attack Gaza’s town called Rafah. This could make a lot of people move to Egypt. The war between Israel and Hamas has been going on for six months and has led to over one million people seeking refuge in Rafah.

    Egypt has nine million people from other countries living there. About 480,000 of them have officially asked for protection as refugees or asylum-seekers. Many of those people who moved to a new place have started their own businesses, and some work in the informal economy as street vendors or house cleaners.

    For many years, Egypt has been a safe place for people from sub-Saharan Africa who are running away from war or being poor. Egypt is a popular place for some people because it’s the closest and easiest country for them to get to. For some people, it’s a stopping place before they try to cross the dangerous Mediterranean Sea to get to Europe.

    Although the Egyptian coast is not used often by human traffickers to send crowded boats to Europe, Egypt still deals with migration from the area. There is also concern that the Israel-Hamas war could impact Egypt.

    The agreement will give a lot of money to Egypt’s economy, which has been struggling because the government has been cutting back on spending, the coronavirus, the effects of Russia invading Ukraine, and the recent war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

    Earlier this month, Egypt agreed with the International Monetary Fund to get more money as a loan. The loan went from $3 billion to $8 billion after long talks. The IMF agreement involved making changes to the economy, like letting the value of the Egyptian pound go up and raising the main interest rate by a lot.

    The EU agreement is similar to deals with Tunisia and Mauritania. They promised to strengthen their borders in exchange for money. Tunisia and Mauritania were important places where migrants started their journey across the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean to Italy and Spain. People also criticized them for mistreating migrants.

    International human rights groups criticized the package because of Egypt’s record on human rights. Amnesty International asked European leaders not to help with human rights abuses in Egypt.

    “Eve Geddie, who works for Amnesty International in Europe, said that EU leaders need to make sure the Egyptian government sets clear goals for protecting human rights. ” Geddie said that Egypt is not letting people speak freely in the media and is stopping people from expressing themselves. They are also trying to control what civil society does.

    When asked if these deals were right or wrong, a spokesperson for the European Commission said there were problems in these countries but still supported the partnerships.

    “Yes, we are aware of the criticism about human rights in those countries and it’s clear that this is a problem,” he told the journalists.

    “Should we stop talking to those countries. Will it make things better. Or should we try to work with them to make things better for people living there and for migrants coming to those countries. ” he asked

  • Europe’s oldest king in hospital following an infection

    Europe’s oldest king in hospital following an infection

    King Harald of Norway is in the hospital because he got sick while he was on vacation in Malaysia.

    The king, 87, was going on a private trip overseas to celebrate his birthday but got sick before he could go. He went to Sultanah Maliha Hospital on Langkawi island in Malaysia, the Norwegian royal house said on Tuesday.

    Two days before King Harald V’s birthday last week, the palace said he was going on a trip to another country, but they didn’t say when or where he was going.

    There isn’t much information about his condition, but the prince is getting good care from doctors in Malaysia and Norway.

    King Harald, who is the oldest monarch in Europe, has been sick a lot recently and had heart surgery last year. He was in the hospital last May to treat another infection.

    Prince Haakon will continue doing the things he had already planned to do in his country.

    The Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre, said he felt ‘sad’ to hear that the king is in the hospital and hopes he gets better soon.

    King Harald, who is related to King Charles III of Britain, became Norway’s ceremonial leader in 1991 and said that he doesn’t want to give up his position.

    Queen Margrethe of Denmark, 83, stopped being the queen after 52 years. Her son Frederik took over last month.

  • Putin threatens to start nuclear war with Europe if he doesn’t get his way

    Putin threatens to start nuclear war with Europe if he doesn’t get his way

    President of Russia, Vladimir Putin has issued a terrifying threat of nuclear war in the event that Ukraine attempts to retake Crimea and joins NATO.

    Russia has gathered more than 100,000 soldiers on the Ukrainian border and increased military drills, leading to a diplomatic impasse with the West.

    The Kremlin says they are not planning to invade, and they blame Nato for expanding eastwards in Europe.

    Western leaders like Boris Johnson have said that Ukraine can make its own alliances without Russia getting in the way.

    New video shows the use of powerful new nuclear missiles called Kinzhal in Kaliningrad, a part of Russia next to Poland and Lithuania.

    Putin said his meeting with the French president went well, but he also said that there could be a nuclear war if Ukraine joins Nato and tries to take back Crimea from Russia.

    He said, “I want to emphasize it again. ” I’ve been telling you, but I really want you to listen to me and share it with your audience in newspapers, on TV, and on the internet.

    ‘So, you know if Ukraine joins Nato and tries to take back Crimea by force, then European countries will have to fight Russia. ‘

    Putin said that Moscow has a very strong military, much stronger than Nato’s, but he also said that Russia is one of the top countries with nuclear weapons.

    “There won’t be any winners, and you will be forced into this fight even if you don’t want to,” he said.

    ‘You won’t have time to blink when you use Article 5 to help NATO members. ‘

    “President Macron and I don’t want this, that’s why he’s here, questioning me for six hours. ”

    Putin said that for 30 years Russia has been trying to convince the West not to move Nato towards the east. He said that they didn’t care about what we wanted or needed.

    Putin used the informal way of saying “you” to Macron, which shows that they have a good relationship.

    At the same time, a new video shows one of two very fast MiG-31K aircraft in Russia’s farthest west area of Kaliningrad.

    The fighter jet is said to be equipped with new very fast Kinzhal missiles that are launched from the air.

    The Kinzhal is a big missile that is 24 feet long and weighs one ton. It can carry regular or nuclear bombs. It can travel 1,250 miles and attack Ukrainian soldiers and defenses without getting too close to the country.

    It seems that the MiG-31Ks with big bombs were moved from Nizhny Novgorod to Chernyakhovsk air base in Kaliningrad.

    It is thought that Russia has about 20 MiG-31K planes that can work with the Kinzhal missile.

    In the Black Sea, a high-tech Russian Ivan Khurs intelligence ship was spotted just 20 nautical miles away from the Ukrainian naval port Odessa.

    Russia said no to UN soldiers being put on the borders of rebel-held Donbas.

    The leader of the Russian foreign ministry’s international organizations department, Pyotr Ilyichev, said: “No, we don’t need to do that. ” Peacekeepers cannot fix the problems in the conflict within Ukraine.

    ‘The Ukrainians have to have a conversation with the LPR and DPR’

    Russia said that the upcoming visits by the UK’s Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace are not likely to make relations between the two countries better.

    The Russian ambassador to London, Andrei Klein, said that he doesn’t think the current situation will improve the relationship between countries. He is saying this because of the statements made by Liz Truss and Ben Wallace.

  • Europe “needs ten years to increase its stockpile of weapons” – Rheinmetall

    Europe “needs ten years to increase its stockpile of weapons” – Rheinmetall

    It will take Europe 10 years to be fully prepared to defend itself, according to the leader of Germany’s largest defense company, Rheinmetall.

    Armin Papperger said that there is no more ammunition available right now.

    He said this when Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited a ceremony for building a new factory that makes weapons in Lower Saxony.

    Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen were also there.

    The comments were made a day after statements from Donald Trump, who is running for president in the US, caused concern in Europe.

    The Republican candidate who is most likely to win the nomination said he told a leader from another country that he wouldn’t help Nato members who don’t pay their share, and would even support attackers to do whatever they want.

    Rheinmetall plans to spend over $300 million on the new facility. It is expected to make 200,000 artillery shells every year.

    Mr Papperger said it will take a while to get ready for an enemy who wants to attack Nato.

    “He said we will be okay in three to four years, but to be fully ready, we need 10 years. ”

    “Mr Papperger said we need to make 1. 5 million rounds of ammunition in Europe. ” He said that a lot of Europe’s weapons were sent to Ukraine, so Europe doesn’t have much left.

    “We need to help Ukraine as long as there is war. It will take at least five years and maybe 10 years to fully replenish our ammunition stocks,” he said.

    Chancellor Scholz did not say if he was worried about Mr.

  • Staying in Ghana is like living in Europe – Nigerian man

    Staying in Ghana is like living in Europe – Nigerian man

    A Nigerian man residing in Ghana has claimed that the neighboring country has transformed into the Europe of Nigeria.

    Despite potential skepticism from fellow Nigerians, the individual insists on sharing compelling reasons behind this assertion, backed by personal experiences in Ghana.

    In a viral video, the Nigerian resident attested to a level of civic amenities and responsiveness that align with the standards one might associate with a European setting. 

    Notably, the Nigerian man  highlighted having access to reliable electricity through an ECG number, with prompt responsiveness from the service provider when issues arise.

     Similarly, the individual emphasised the efficiency of utilities, citing responsive water services that promptly address concerns when reported.

    “I know a lot of Nigerians will not accept this but as a Nigerian living in Ghana let me tell you Ghana is now the Europe of Nigeria, whether you like it or not. Ask me why and I will prove it,” he added. 

    Perhaps more significantly, the Nigerian resident underscored the accessibility of emergency services, citing a readily available police number for urgent situations. 

    Going beyond conventional expectations, the resident even noted instances where the police provided transportation assistance.

    His comparison extended to the economic realm, with the claim that Ghana’s currency currently holds a favorable position against the Nigerian currency.

    “As I dey Ghana like this. I get an ECG number if I don’t have light, if I call them they will answer me.  If my water is not working I call and they will answer. I have police number to call for an emergency. They will even give lift. Ghana’s current money beats Nigeria’s money. I hope I have convinced my fellow Nigerians that Ghana is the Europe of Nigeria,” he emphasised.

  • Prague University tragedy elicits national mourning in Czech Republic

    Prague University tragedy elicits national mourning in Czech Republic

    The Czech Republic is observing a national day of mourning for the lives lost in the tragic mass shooting at a Prague university on Thursday. The nation comes together in grief to honor and remember the victims of this devastating incident.

    Official buildings lower flags to half-mast, and a moment of silence is scheduled for midday as the Czech Republic pays tribute to the victims of the mass shooting at a Prague university.

    A tragic incident unfolded at the Faculty of Arts building of Charles University in the capital, where fourteen individuals were fatally shot by a student who subsequently took his own life.

    Police are working to uncover the motive behind the attack.

    It is one of the deadliest assaults by a lone gunman in Europe this century.

    Those killed in Thursday’s attack included Lenka Hlavkova, head of the Institute of Musicology at the university.

    Other victims were named as translator and Finnish literature expert Jan Dlask and student Lucie Spindlerova.

    The shooting began at around 15:00 local time (14:00 GMT) at the Faculty of Arts building off Jan Palach Square in the centre of the Czech capital.

    The gunman opened fire in the corridors and classrooms of the building, before shooting himself as security forces closed in on him, police say.

    US tourist Hannah Mallicoat told the BBC that she and her family had been on Jan Palach Square during the attack.

    “A crowd of people were crossing the street when the first shot hit. I thought it was something like a firecracker or a car backfire until I heard the second shot and people started running,” she said.

    “I saw a bullet hit the ground on the other side of the square about 30ft [9m] away before ducking into a store. The whole area was blocked off and dozens of police cars and ambulances were going towards the university.”

    In a statement, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said the country had been shocked by this “horrendous act”.

    “It is hard to find the words to express condemnation on the one hand and, on the other, the pain and sorrow that our entire society is feeling in these days before Christmas.”

    The gunman is thought to have killed his father at a separate location. He is also suspected in the killing of a young man and his two-month-old daughter who were found dead in a forest on the outskirts of Prague on 15 December.

    The attack had one of the largest death tolls of any mass shooting by a lone gunman in Europe this century:

    • Norway, July 2011 Anders Behring Breivik killed 77 people by planting a car bomb that killed eight at an Oslo government building and then shooting dead 69 more, most of them teenagers, at an island summer camp run by the ruling Labour Party’s youth wing
    • Germany, April 2002 Robert Steinhauser, 19, killed 16 people – 13 teachers, two pupils, and a policemen – at the Gutenberg Gymnasium secondary school in the city of Erfurt. He had been expelled from the school the previous autumn
    • Germany, March 2009 Tim Kretschmer, 17, killed 15 people in a shooting that began at his former school in the town of Winnenden, near Stuttgart. He shot dead nine students and three teachers at the school before going on to the nearby town of Wendlingen, where he shot another three passers-by.
    • Switzerland, September 2001 Friedrich Leibacher entered the regional parliament building in the city of Zug dressed in a police uniform and shot dead 14 people and injured another 10
    • Serbia, April 2013 Ljubisa Bogdanovic shot dead thirteen people, including a two-year-old boy, and injured his wife in a village outside Belgrade. Bogdanovic was a military veteran who had fought with Serb forces in the Croatian War of Independence in the early 1990s.

    Founded in 1347, Charles University is the oldest and largest university in the Czech Republic and one of the oldest such institutions in Europe.

  • Sunak calls for widespread immigration reform in Europe

    Sunak calls for widespread immigration reform in Europe

    Rishi Sunak wants Europe to work together to handle the increasing amount of people coming into the continent without following proper procedures.

    At a special meeting of European leaders in Spain, the prime minister said that the situation was not right and cannot continue in the long term.

    He asked for new and creative solutions for the migration problem in Europe. This means that he wants to stop people who smuggle others into the continent and make the borders more secure.

    On Thursday, the prime minister asked European leaders to work quickly to deal with illegal migration. This request was made in an article written together with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in The Times newspaper.

    The duo mentioned that the current plan is not effective and we need to work together more closely and take stricter actions to stop the people who help others illegally immigrate.

    Italy has had over 100,000 migrants arrive on its shores this year, which is five times more than the UK.

    During the summit, Mr Sunak and Meloni led a meeting with other leaders. They reached agreements with Belgium, Bulgaria, and Serbia to combat criminal networks. This would be achieved by sharing more information and collaborating more closely in their actions. Serbia is an important country for migrants coming into Europe and moving through.

    The summit is a meeting of 47 leaders from European and non-European countries. They are part of a new organization called the European Political Community, which was created last year after Russia invaded Ukraine. The main point of this is to talk about the war, but it is also a chance for leaders to have broader, less formal talks.

    Even though Mr Sunak spoke out against the UK getting closer to the European Union in his speech, he does seem more open to working with other European countries on immigration, which was one of his important goals during the election.

    He said he will stop the little boats with people coming from other countries from coming across the English Channel. Even though the numbers are lower than last year, more than 20,000 people have already come this year.

    We do not know yet if other European leaders have the same priorities as Mr. Sunak, or if they might work together on common goals. EU countries, especially, have had a hard time coming to an agreement on how to divide the challenges of migration.

    The EU agreed on Wednesday to change its internal asylum rules. This will make it simpler for countries such as Italy and Greece to receive assistance from other EU members when there is a sudden increase in irregular migration. Some EU countries, including Spain, want to talk about new ways for people to migrate legally.

    But Mr Sunak is mainly concentrating on dealing with the main reasons for the problem, which are criminal people smugglers. This would need countries from both inside and outside of the EU to work together more closely.

    In a statement before the meeting, Mr. Sunak said that the amount of people migrating illegally to mainland Europe is the highest it has been in almost ten years. Many people are dying in the ocean due to the actions of people who smuggle them. This is wrong and cannot continue. We cannot let bad groups decide who enters Europe.

    When it comes to dealing with the problems caused by Russian President Vladimir Putin, dealing with the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence, or addressing illegal migration, it is better to work together and be united.

    “I will be talking about these problems that go beyond one country and need innovative solutions that cover all of Europe with my fellow leaders at the European Political Community summit in Spain today. ”

    Mr Sunak also said that more help will be provided to Ukraine for humanitarian reasons. He also talked about how Western allies can assist Ukraine in increasing its grain exports.

    The government has shared information saying that Russia is getting ready to put explosive devices in the sea near Ukrainian ports.

    The Foreign Office wants to prevent Ukrainian grain from being sent out of the country by going after civilian ships that transport it through the Black Sea.

  • Warning over nuclear safety as conflict intensifies near Ukrainian power station

    Warning over nuclear safety as conflict intensifies near Ukrainian power station

    The United Nations organization responsible for monitoring nuclear activity has raised concerns that the potential conflict occurring near the biggest nuclear power plant in Europe could put nuclear safety at risk.

    Experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are sent to the Zaporizhzhia power plant in Ukraine. The power plant is located in an area controlled by Russia.

    There has been an increase in fighting near the power plant, as Ukraine’s forces fight back.

    The director of the IAEA, Rafael Mariano Grossi, said that the staff at the plant had been reduced to the lowest number of people because they were worried about more fighting happening in the area.

    He said: ‘I am very worried about the possible dangers that the plant could face during this time of increased military tension in the area.

    No matter what happens in a place with fighting, everyone would suffer if there is a nuclear accident. I ask everyone to take all the necessary steps to prevent it from happening.

    The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is one of the largest nuclear plants globally. There are worries that the ongoing fighting could lead to a radiation leak from the facility.

    The plant’s six reactors have been turned off for many months, but the plant still requires energy and skilled workers to ensure that the cooling systems and other safety measures keep working properly.

    At the beginning of the year, people got worried when bombs were discovered at the factory. The factory has been owned by Russia since the war began.

  • Tanzania allegedly prevents European MPs from visiting country

    Tanzania allegedly prevents European MPs from visiting country

    Three politicians from Europe claim that the Tanzanian government has stopped them from going to the country to look into the forced removals of the native Maasai people.

    The three members of the Green Party, Michele Rivasi, Claude Gruffat, and Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana, said that they were supposed to start their visit on Monday but they were told less than 24 hours before that it had been delayed.

    They said it was the third time that they were not allowed to go on a mission to observe something since the end of last year.

    The Maasai say they were kicked out of their traditional home in the northern part of the country without their consent.

    The government says that the people who live in this area have chosen to move on their own, because it is important to protect the environment.

  • Popular Rapper from Tunisia travels to Italy on a migrant boat

    Popular Rapper from Tunisia travels to Italy on a migrant boat

    Amid an escalating economic crisis in Tunisia, a well-known Tunisian rapper has illicitly migrated to Italy.

    Junior Hassen, whose YouTube music videos have accumulated nearly 15 million views, undertook the perilous journey across the Mediterranean to Sicily just last week.

    According to reports from news outlet Mosaique FM, the rapper successfully reached Palermo, a city in southern Italy, after embarking on the journey with a group of fellow migrants from his hometown, Sousse.

    Social media platforms have been circulating footage purporting to show Hassen, known by his real name Hassen Sassi, making the sea crossing with other Tunisian migrants on a small boat. However, the authenticity of the footage has not been independently confirmed.

    The severe economic crisis in Tunisia has driven numerous individuals to take drastic steps in pursuit of improved prospects overseas. Earlier this year, a Tunisian football club suspended its operations due to 32 of its players migrating to Europe.

    Tunisia has now become a primary departure point for African migrants attempting to traverse the Mediterranean en route to Europe.

    An increasing number of Tunisians are also opting for treacherous sea journeys, contributing to the world’s deadliest migration route.

  • Four stowaways from Nigeria make it across Atlantic for two weeks on ship’s rudder

    Four stowaways from Nigeria make it across Atlantic for two weeks on ship’s rudder

    The men told the news agency Reuters that they had to ration their meagre food and water for ten days until they were able to survive for four days by drinking seawater.

    They boarded the ferry expecting to reach Europe, but instead they arrived in Brazil, which left them, to put it mildly, startled.

    The guys fastened themselves to the rudder with a rope and constructed a net around it to keep from falling off while the ship sailed over the Atlantic.

    One of the men, 35-year-old Roman Ebimene Friday, claimed that he frequently glanced below to spot “big fish like whales and sharks.”

    Sleep was also not an option. One wrong move could be fatal, and it was hard to sleep anyhow with the sound of the engine running.

    The men’s first concern was to hide from the crew because they feared that if they were discovered, they would be cast into the water.

    Thankgod Opemipo Matthew Yeye, 38, continued, “It was a terrible experience for me.”

    It is difficult to be on board. I was trembling from fear. However, I’m here.

    Liberian-flagged ship On June 27, Ken Wave left Lagos. A fisherman rowed Friday from Bayelsa to the boat, where he discovered three individuals sitting close above the propeller.

    The ship was finally located off the coast of the state of Esprito Santo in the southeast, and the sailors were saved.

    The guys were all in “precarious health conditions,” according to the force, and were saved by federal police officers at the port of Vitoria.

    Each had a different reason for leaving Nigeria, one of the most populous countries in Africa but also one of the most violent and impoverished. The nation has experienced a spike in kidnappings in recent years, and according to one survey, security is one of the top worries among the populace.

    Yeye, a Pentecostal priest, claimed that his farm producing peanuts and palm oil was destroyed by heavy flooding, displacing his family.

    He expressed optimism that one day they will be able to accompany him to Brazil.

    While the other two guys asked to be sent back to Nigeria, Yeye and Friday both requested asylum in Brazil.

    They are not the only men. According to the UN department for human rights, 123,300 refugees and migrants travelled across the Mediterranean to reach Europe in 2021.

    Deaths are on the rise as people brave choppy waves and bad weather, despite the fact that the number has been down for years.

    3,231 individuals at least perished or perished at sea in the Mediterranean and northwest African routes last year.

    The agency said that it had “constantly warned of the horrific experiences and dangers faced by refugees and migrants who resort to these journeys.”

    “Many of them are people running from conflict, violence, and persecution,” it is said.

  • Residents in Niger react to evacuation plan for French nationals

    Residents in Niger react to evacuation plan for French nationals

    Residents of Niamey, the capital of Niger, are responding to the recent announcement of France’s intention to evacuate its nationals from the country.

    On Tuesday, both France and Italy made preparations to airlift their citizens and other European residents from Niger.

    This decision comes six days after a coup resulted in the ousting of President Mohammed Bazoom, who was considered one of the last pro-Western leaders in the Sahel region, which has been facing challenges from jihadist group

    “I dare say that we live in symbiosis with this French population living in Niger, so they really have no reason to repatriate them. As far as we’re concerned, this is yet another failure on the part of French politicians, and one that we all condemn.”  Idrissa Adamou Kimba, resident of Niamey

    “We don’t have a problem with the French, European nationals, we have problems with European governments, if they said they were going to repatriate their population, they only have to repatriate their army first.”  Hamidou Ali, resident of Niamey

    Amid the deteriorating security situation in Niamey, the French embassy conveyed a message to its citizens, stating that an air evacuation operation is being organized, taking advantage of the relatively calm conditions in the area.

    The evacuations are expected to occur promptly within a short timeframe.

    The initial flight from Paris has already departed, and it was reported that unarmed military transporters, capable of accommodating more than 200 people, would be used for the evacuation.

    The French foreign ministry estimated that there were about 600 French nationals in Niger but did not disclose the number of individuals wishing to leave.

    Meanwhile, an Italian government spokesperson in Rome mentioned that a “special flight” would be provided for Italians who wanted to leave the country, although they emphasized that it was not classified as an evacuation.

    In Niamey, one resident, Almoctar Boukari, expressed discontent and held France responsible for the challenges faced by Africans in Niger, urging them to leave the country.

    The situation in Niger has drawn regional and international attention. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed sanctions on Niger and warned of possible military intervention if the coup leaders do not reinstate President Bazoum. The junta accused France of seeking military intervention, which France denied, while neighboring countries under junta rule, Mali and Burkina Faso, warned that any military intervention in Niger would be considered an act of war against them.

    Niger is experiencing instability in a nation that has faced multiple coups since gaining independence in 1960. President Bazoum had previously survived two attempted coups before the recent events that led to his detention by the Presidential Guard. However, the junta’s claim to leadership has been rejected internationally by various organizations and countries, including ECOWAS, the African Union, the United Nations, France, the United States, and the European Union.

    The coup in Niger has raised concerns among Western nations dealing with a jihadist insurgency that began in northern Mali in 2012 and spread into Niger and Burkina Faso. This insurgency threatens the stability of fragile states in the Gulf of Guinea region and has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement of populations. France and the United States have had military deployments in the region, with France reconfiguring its force and focusing on Niger last year after withdrawing troops from Mali and Burkina Faso.

    The military takeovers in the Sahel region have been accompanied by anti-French and pro-Russian sentiments, with Mali forging closer ties with Russia, leading to the deployment of Russian military hardware and paramilitaries, which Western nations claim to be Wagner mercenaries. The situation remains concerning and complex as regional and international stakeholders seek to address the security challenges in the region.

  • August weather predictions from Met Office show 10 days of nonstop rain in London

    August weather predictions from Met Office show 10 days of nonstop rain in London

    Avoid organising any barbecues this month because it will be cloudy.

    Forecasters have issued a warning for cloudy conditions and rainy weather similar to what we saw in July.

    Mainland While wildfires and heatwaves are raging across Europe, the UK has fortunately avoided experiencing the same amount of heat as last year.

    However, there have been concerns that summertime highs of 40°C will soon be seen as the norm.

    Forecasters predict that London will see ten days of continuous rain and showers between July 29 and August 7.

    The jet stream is expected to bring intervals of rain and showers as well as moderate temperatures of 20°C in the south and 17 to 18°C in the north for the next seven to ten days, according to meteorologist Phil Morrish, who spoke to the Express.

    The picture for the upcoming weeks is similarly grim according to the Met Office.

    According to its website, the upcoming days will be “unsettled,” with days of sunny patches and showers possibly mixed with periods of heavier rain as low pressure systems travel across the UK.

    When these low pressure systems do develop, the southern portions of the UK are more likely to see them while the north continues to experience dry weather.

    Otherwise, on showery days, showers will frequently be centred in the north and east, where they could occasionally combine into extended periods of rain and be heavy and thundery at times.

    Western regions are more likely to stay dry, however there is still a potential of showers.

    The forecast calls for temperatures to be a little below average, with a strong northwesterly breeze enhancing the feeling of coolness.

    Overall, the likelihood of strong winds is higher than usual.

    There is a higher likelihood that the unstable weather will continue into the second part of August, continuing to afflict the UK with a combination of rain and showers.

    A lengthy dry and hot spell is unlikely, but there is a signal for brief drier, brighter, and occasionally warmer interludes towards the end of August.

    Scotland and the north of England have recently experienced sunny periods while the south has experienced dreary weather.

    “The forecast for the next couple of weeks is unsettled, but that shouldn’t give the impression of continuous or heavy rain,” Met Office spokesperson Grahame Madge told MailOnline.

    “Rain is predicted for London over the next few days, but most of it will be showers, with clearer periods in between.”

  • Young Nigerian woman shares experience of perilous journey to Europe

    Young Nigerian woman shares experience of perilous journey to Europe

    Amidst the fervent political debate over migration across the Mediterranean, a topic that has propelled right-wing parties into power in Italy and other places, it’s easy to get lost in a sandstorm of statistics: the tens of thousands of arrivals on Italy’s shores, or the estimated 2,000 people who have tragically lost their lives crossing the Mediterranean this year.

    However, after spending a week reporting from southern Italy on migration, what truly stands out are the personal stories – tales of fear, hope, tragedy, and triumph – that surpass anything else.

    Consider Tessy, a young Nigerian woman who successfully made it to Italy 15 years ago. As she recounted her journey to Europe, she almost broke down. For ten days, she found herself stranded in the unforgiving Sahara desert, with minimal food and water, facing a grim 50:50 chance of survival.

    Today, Tessy is happily married and dedicates herself to helping newly arrived migrants and refugees settle into life in Italy. Despite her current contentment, she firmly believes that she would never advise her 21-year-old self to embark on such a perilous journey.

    Then there’s Anicet, an Ivorian woman whom I encountered outside a migrant reception center in Crotone. She revealed that she had been sold into slavery in Tunisia, describing the horrifying reality of beatings and rapes that countless women endure while attempting to reach Europe. Men, too, spoke of imprisonment and beatings in Libya, where they were held until they could pay ransoms.

    The physical and psychological scars inflicted on these individuals will undoubtedly take a long time to heal.

    Nevertheless, despite the tremendous risks and challenges, those who undertake this perilous journey hold onto hope that, like Tessy, they can ultimately establish a better life for themselves in a new land.

  • Greece’s wildfires may worsen as temperatures approach 45 °C

    Greece’s wildfires may worsen as temperatures approach 45 °C

    It’s expected that the wildfires raging throughout Corfu and Rhodes could worsen this week as high temperatures return to most of Europe.

    Earlier this month, the Cerberus anticyclone system moved northward over the continent, causing sweltering temperatures and even a hazard to life alert in Italy due to the severe heat.

    However, Charon, a second heatwave, has taken the place of Cerberus and could return temperatures to about 45°C across the continent, according to the MailOnline.

    Thousands of tourists, including an estimated 7,000-10,000 Brits, have been forced to sleep on the floor of Rhodes International Airport this morning as they wait to be taken home amid expansive wildfires.

    Others were left to sleep on sun beds as hotels in safer areas filled up with evacuating tourists.

    Yesterday Corfu, a popular holiday destination, became the second Greek holiday hotspot to be devastated by wildfires.

    Winds of up to 35mph have made it even harder for firefighters to put out the destructive fires.

    With temperatures expected to hit 45°C, the Ministry for Civil Protection warned of a very high risk of wildfires in almost half of Greece.

    A British couple have told of their ‘nightmare’ time on Rhodes while celebrating their wedding anniversary.

    Laura and Marc Hall were supposed to fly back to the UK on Friday, and described ash falling in their drinks as they were told to stand by at their hotel.

    The couple were evacuated to a basketball stadium and slept on the floor overnight.

    Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Mrs Hall said: ‘It’s been a nightmare, on Saturday night we were just having a drink and we knew that other places had been evacuated but we were just told to stand by.

    ‘There was ash falling in our drinks and we could just see a blaze in the distance and a load of smoke, we were told not to do anything and then all of a sudden we had alarms going off on our phone and the waiter was saying standby, shouting “mayday, mayday”.

    ‘So it was just a mad panic, we all started packing, we were just told to wait and we might have to evacuate, so we just stayed in our rooms and at 3am we get a call, we’ve got to go.’

  • Saharan heatwave surpasses 40ºC, making it the hottest site in Europe 40ºC

    Saharan heatwave surpasses 40ºC, making it the hottest site in Europe 40ºC

    If you hadn’t noticed, mainland Europe is presently suffering an unprecedented heatwave.

    ‘Unprecedented’ weather has caused certain countries to experience highs of over 40 °C, grabbing the media for some time now.

    With temperatures much above average, people are finding it difficult to handle the severe heat of both the Charon anticyclone, named after the ferrymen of the dead, and the Cerberus heatwave, which was first and was named after the hound that guarded the gates of hell.

    From France to Italy, Spain to Germany, people are doing everything they can to stay cool and hydrated, seeking refuge in air-conditioned buildings or finding shade under trees.

    So, what are temperatures like at the moment, and what is each country doing about it?

    Here is what you need to know.

    Where is the hottest place in Europe?

    According to AccuWeather, today, Athens will be the hottest capital city in Europe, clocking in at highs of an astonishing 37ºC.

    Rome is finishing a close second at 36ºC, with Bucharest coming in third with 32ºC temperatures.

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    This is unsurprising, as Italy, Spain, and Greece have all been experiencing some of the most severe temperatures Cerberus has had to offer, with the Foreign Office issuing travel warnings for Spain and Greece.

    Hotest capital cities in Europe

    As of today, the top 10 hottest capitals in Europe have forecasted highs of:

    • Athens – 37ºC
    • Rome – 36ºC
    • Bucharest – 35ºC
    • Marseille – 32ºC
    • Madrid – 32ºC
    • Kyiv – 26ºC
    • Lisbon – 26ºC
    • Budapest – 25ºC
    • Paris – 25ºC
    • Vienna – 24ºC

    How hot will London get today?

    Britons hoping for a heat blast will need to keep waiting as the UK capital is only forecasted highs of 21ºC.

    How is the heatwave affecting each country?

    Each country has been undertaking different efforts in its battle to keep its citizens safe from the heat, with some even experiencing dangerous spreads of wildfires.

    Southern Europe is undoubtedly seeing the worst of the temperatures, with some places having hit north of 45ºC.

    The Foreign Office’s advice remains that travelling to Europe is generally safe, but to check with your travel provider and follow the advice of local authorities.  

    Spain

    Parts of Spain have hit highs of 45ºC this week, with Spanish authorities reporting that around 300 people have died due to the intense temperatures over the three weeks from June to July.

    The Spanish island of La Palm saw 4,000 citizens evacuated as firefighters battled to control wildfires.

    Italy

    Southern Italy has seen some of the worst of the heatwave so far, with temperatures expected to climb to 48ºC on the islands of Sicily and Sardinia this summer.

    iNews report that the Italian Weather Service predicts Sardinia will be at the heatwave’s ‘epicentre’.

    Earlier in the week, Italy put 23 cities on ‘red alert’ for the extreme temperatures.

    Greece

    Greece has seen some of the worst wildfires during this period of extreme weather, with fires across the country often burning for days.

    Firefighters utilised air-water bombers to combat blazes west of Athens, which prompted evacuations earlier in the week but is now contained.

    A densely wooded area on the island of Rhodes is still alight, with firefighters struggling to control the fire, which has seen people forced to leave their homes.

    Cyprus

    A second heatwave is expected to hit Cyprus and much of Greece this weekend

    Those flying into Paphos can currently expect temperatures of about 37ºC (98.6F).

    According to the Cyprus Department of Meteorology the maximum temperature is expected to reach around 40ºC over inland areas and around 32ºC (89.6F) over the highest mountainous areas.

    Croatia

    Throughout Croatia, you can expect mid-to-low 30ºCs, with areas around Split currently the hottest.

    The country will be hit by even warmer weather as the weekend approaches, but it is currently not included in the UK heightened travel advice.

    Wildfires in Grebastica have also caused damage, and six people have died after storms tore through Croatia and the Balkans where strong winds and heavy rain hammered the region in the wake of the heatwave.

    France

    Temperatures have come down considerably in France since the beginning of the Cerberus heatwave, but an orange weather warning – the second-highest alert – has been issued for some areas along the Mediterranean coast. with Marseille currently at around 31ºC.

    Paris meanwhile is staying slightly cooler at around 25ºC.

    Germany

    Those looking to travel to Germany should expect temperatures to rise in the country as well.

    While Germany has not been hit with as extreme weather as much of southern Europe, the Bavaria region has recorded temperatures of around 38ºC.

  • Balkans slammed by severe storm that leaves six people dead and many injured

    Balkans slammed by severe storm that leaves six people dead and many injured

    During Europe’s oppressive summer, a storm that affected much of the Balkans claimed at least six lives and injured dozens of others.

    The region had experienced two strong storms in as many days, the most recent of which made landfall yesterday. The continent was experiencing an extremely hot and dry spell at the time.

    In Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, two men—ages 50 and 48—died after being struck by falling trees.

    Elsewhere, in the eastern town of Tovarnik, a firefighter died but no other details have been revealed about this.

    There is one other person known to have died in Croatia, another in Slovenia and one more in Bosnia.

    Meanwhile, a 36-year-old man in Zagreb was severely injured after a construction crane collapsed in the chaos.

    In the Serbian city of Novi Sad, a tree fell on a 12-year-old girl and she had to be taken to hospital.

    The country’s emergency services have had to put out 20 fires caused by thunder and lightning.

    Meteorologists have warned that more storms may hit over the next few days, before the next upcoming wave of hot weather they are expecting.

    It comes as there is no sign of Europe’s heatwave slowing down anytime soon, with temperatures set to climb even higher.

    After days of sweating through Cerberus, people in the south of the continent – with Greece, Italy and Spain bearing the brunt of the weather – have now begun to feel the effects of its equally scorching successor Charon.

    And it’s expected to peak in Italy, where temperatures of up to 47°C are expected to roast Sardinia on Wednesday, July 19.

    The unprecedented weather has had a dramatic effect, with holidaymakers evacuated from resorts in the area surrounding Athens after wildfires broke out – made worse by a cooling wind that provided some respite for locals and visitors.

    Reports have suggested the Charon heatwave – which has replaced the original Cerberus spell of hot weather – will stick around until at least the end of July.

    Experts from the UN agency have suggested the hot weather could even last for weeks, saying: ‘A further continuation into August is likely.’

    There may however be some respite for people in some parts of Spain and Italy – where things are about to become a little less stifling.

    Meanwhile, the BBC reports that red alerts will be removed from some cities in the north of Italy on Thursday – although other regions will continue to experience soaring temperatures.

    Sicily holds the record for Europe’s highest official temperature ever, after meteorologists measured 48.8°C in the town of Floridia in August 2021 – and the World said yesterday it is possible this record may be broken in the coming days.

  • Europe’s ‘unprecedented’ heat wave ‘could last for weeks’

    Europe’s ‘unprecedented’ heat wave ‘could last for weeks’

    The latest heatwave in Europe is expected to reach its highest peak to date later today, and the ‘unprecedented’ hot weather might last for weeks.

    People in southern Europe started to feel the impacts of Cerberus’ searing successor Charon yesterday, after sweating through Cerberus for days.

    After wildfires started, vacationers were forced to leave resorts in the Athens region.

    A cooling wind that provided some respite for Greeks suffering in the heat ended up causing the flames to spread even faster and more widely.

    Fires have also been reported in Spain’s Canary Islands and, late last night, the ski resort of Riederalp in Switzerland where 200 firefighters were sent to tackle the blaze.

    The worst of the heat is expected to be concentrated on the islands of Italy, though, with forecasts predicting Sardinia may reach up to 47C later today.

    Sicily holds the record for Europe’s highest official temperature ever, after meteorologists measured 48.8C in the town of Floridia in August 2021.

    Italian meteorological society president Luca Mercalli told the MailOnline: ‘Even if that record is not broken, we are seeing a heatwave the length of which is unprecedented.’

    British tourists were among those who had to flee Greek towns as yesterday’s wildfire approached.

    The blaze started in Kouvaras – 30 miles from the Greek capital of Athens – forcing hundreds to evacuate.

    Yannis Artopios, a firefighters spokesman, said: ‘It’s a difficult fire, the winds are really strong, with gusts reaching up to 37 miles per hour.

    ‘We are in the middle of the period of fighting fires. The conditions expected will be particularly difficult and favour forest fires.’

    Yesterday, power cuts were reported in parts of Rome as temperatures creep past the mid-thirties and towards 40C.

    The Associated Press said the outages had been caused by the heavy demand for air conditioners, which is putting pressure on the Italian electricity grid.

  • Almost 62,000 people died from heat-related causes throughout Europe last summer

    Almost 62,000 people died from heat-related causes throughout Europe last summer

    In Europe’s hottest summer on record, about 62,000 people died from heat-related causes last year, according to a new study. This is devastating proof that heat is a silent killer and that its victims are massively underreported.

    According to the study, which was released on Monday in the journal Nature Medicine, between May 30 and September 4 of last year, 61,672 people in Europe died from heat-related illnesses. With roughly 18,000 fatalities, Italy suffered the most, followed by Spain with little more than 11,000 and Germany with about 8,000.

    Researchers also found the extreme heat disproportionately harmed the elderly and women. Of the nearly 62,000 deaths analyzed, heat-related mortality rate was 63% higher in women than in men. Age was also an important factor, with thedeath toll increasing significantly for people aged 65 and over.

    “It’s a very big number,” Joan Ballester, an epidemiologist at ISGlobal and the lead author of the study, told CNN.

    Eurostat, which is Europe’s statistical office, attempted to quantify the heat wave’s death toll last year by tallying excess deaths — or how many people died more than a typical summer. But Ballester, who lives in Spain and sweated through last year’s heat wave, said the study published Monday was the first to analyze how many deaths last summer were specifically caused by heat.

    Researchers analyzed temperature and mortality data between 2015 and 2022 for 35 European countries — representing a total population of 543 million people — and used it to create epidemiological models to calculate heat-related deaths.

    “For me, I’m an epidemiologist, so I know what to expect and (the number of deaths) is not surprising, but for the general population, it’s very likely that this is astonishing,” he said.

    The region has seen this script before — an unprecedented heat wave resulted in more than 70,000 excess deaths in the summer of 2003. That heat wave was an “exceptionally rare event,” the study’s scientists said, even when accounting for the human-caused climate crisis.

    The 2003 heat wave was a wake-up call, researchers said. It showed Europe at the time lacked the kind of preparedness to prevent a mass casualty event from heat, and it exposed the fragile nature of the region’s health system, Ballester said, particularly as weather extremes become more frequent and intense.

    But the study’s findings show that even Europe’s current prevention plans are still not enough to keep up with the breakneck pace at which dangerous heat waves are occurring and putting even more lives at risk.

    “The fact that more than 61,600 people in Europe died of heat stress in the summer of 2022, even though, unlike in 2003, many countries already had active prevention plans in place, suggests that adaptation strategies currently available may still be insufficient,” said Hicham Achebak, a co-author of the study and researcher at ISGlobal.

    While the numbers may have been worse without the region’s current heat prevention plans, the authors warn that the world is only going to get hotter — and that without effective adaptation plans in place, Europe could face more than 68,000 premature deaths each summer by 2030, and over 94,000 by 2040.

    “The acceleration of warming observed over the last 10 years underlines the urgent need to reassess and substantially strengthen prevention plans,” Achebak said.

    Monday’s study shows how serious a health risk extreme heat can be. In the US, heat kills more Americans than any other weather-related disaster, and the climate crisis has been making these extreme events more deadly. Heat deaths have outpaced hurricane deaths in the country by more than 8-to-1 over the past decade, according to data tracked by the National Weather Service.

    Yet the United States’ heat mortality numbers would suggest that far fewer people are dying from heat than in Europe. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 700 people die heat-related deaths each year.

    David S. Jones, a physician and historian at Harvard University, said there are a couple explanations as to why US statistics seem low: the US could be underreporting its numbers, or heat is more lethal in Europe due to the lack of air conditioning — or it could be a combination of the two.

    Jones, who is not involved with Monday’s study, said just 5% of households in France have air conditioning, for example, compared to nearly 90% in the US.

    “There’s also reason to believe that places that are more often exposed to heat, like the American South, are actually less vulnerable to heat than in places like the Northeast US or in Chicago or Europe,” Jones said.

    “But it comes back to this question of, well, is Europe just reporting more accurately than the US is?” he said. “There’s been people who have been frustrated with the quality of US health data across the board, not just heat, but everything else, for decades.”

    John Balbus, the acting director of the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity at the US Department of Health and Human Services, said the number is lower because the CDC estimates heat-related deaths based on death certificates which list heat as the primary or contributing cause of death, whereas academic institutions, such as ISGlobal, use statistical models for their estimates.

    A 2020 study found that heat-related deaths were being underestimated in 297 of the country’s most populous counties. Researchers said mortality records tend to neglect other potentially heat-related causes of death, like heart attacks.

    But there are other ways of getting at how many people in the US are being harmed by increasingly frequent heat waves. Balbus noted the CDC does track the number of people who show up to emergency rooms for heat-related illnesses.

    The Biden administration is working on short-term solutions for heat, Balbus said, like more effective advisories and getting air conditioners into the hands of low-income families.

    But they also have an eye on the longterm through recent legislation: planting more trees and green space in urban areas, which cools the surrounding air; offering communities support for reflective streets and roofs; and working to modernize building codes so they trap less heat.

    Still, Balbus said, as temperatures continue to climb, more funding should be dedicated to studying and tracking the health impacts of the climate crisis.

    “We’re doing the best we can with the resources we have,” Balbus said. “And we could do more with more capacity, but it’s something that has scientific challenges, and it requires support.”

    Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the way CDC calculates heat-related deaths. The agency’s estimate includes death certificates that list heat as a primary or contributing factor of death.

  • ‘When you torture a writer, he bleeds ink’ – Ugandan journalist

    ‘When you torture a writer, he bleeds ink’ – Ugandan journalist

    An exiled Ugandan writer Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, who claims to have been tortured for his writing, has affirmed his unwavering commitment to continue writing, stating that he will persist until his “last breath,” in an interview with the BBC’s Focus on Africa.

    Despite the threats he faces, the 35-year-old writer expressed his desire to return home. He emphasized that his primary goal is to contribute to making Uganda a better place. Writing has served as a coping mechanism for him in the face of pain and adversity.

    Rukirabashaija gained recognition for his satirical novel, “The Greedy Barbarian,” which exposes high-level corruption in a fictional country. His book “Banana Republic: Where Writing is Treasonous” recounts the alleged torture he endured while in detention in 2020.

    After the publication of his second book, which enraged the authorities, Rukirabashaija was arrested again in 2021. Both of his novels were seen as direct criticisms of President Yoweri Museveni, who has held power in Uganda since 1986.

    Following his online ridicule of President Museveni’s son, Muhoozi, Rukirabashaija was detained once more. Eventually, his passport was confiscated, but he managed to escape through a covert route and sought refuge in Europe in 2022.

    Rukirabashaija’s decision to leave was primarily influenced by the advice of several medical professionals who recommended urgent medical treatment abroad.

    Suffering from severe post-traumatic stress disorder, he is concerned about the potential psychological impact on his children resulting from the ordeals they have collectively experienced.

    Nevertheless, his aspirations of returning home persist. While he acknowledges that forgiveness towards those who nearly took his life is a difficult prospect, he rejects the idea of remaining in exile and refuses to be labeled a “coward.”

  • 5 football players who embarked on holiday trips to Africa

    5 football players who embarked on holiday trips to Africa

    In the aftermath of an intense nine months of competition with their respective European clubs, many players take the opportunity to visit the continent of Africa for their summer holidays.

    Several of these players have ancestral ties to countries such as Ghana, Mali, Tanzania, the Central African Republic, Congo, and Nigeria.

    For some of these players, their visits to Africa serve as a chance to reconnect with their families and friends whom they may have left behind at a young age after their birth.

    Others use their time in Africa to support charitable causes and give back to their communities through their ancestral connections.

    Additionally, some players take advantage of their holiday to explore the breathtaking tourist sites that Africa has to offer and create lasting memories with their fans.

    GhanaWeb highlights five players who embarked on trips to various African countries during their off-season break in Europe, immersing themselves in the rich culture and warmth of the continent.

    Memphis Depay

    The Dutch-born Ghanaian arrived with Holland teammate and AS Roma star Georginio Wijnaldum on Sunday, June 25.

    Depay and Wijnaldum visited a boxing gym in Accra, where the duo interacted with aspiring boxers and young children in the area.

    The former Manchester United attacker donated funds to the gym for renovation after spending some good time at the arena.

    The former Liverpool midfielder was born to Surinamese parents in Holland but was raised by a Ghanaian father.

    Kingsley Coman Tanzania

    Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman has been spotted on a beach in the Eastern African nation of Tanzania as he enjoys his holiday.

    Coman, who narrowly missed out on winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup, played a vital role in securing Bayern’s 11th consecutive Bundesliga title during the 2022-23 season.

    Following the conclusion of the campaign, the versatile winger has taken the opportunity to relax and recharge before the upcoming season.

    Additionally, the Frenchman generously gifted Bayern jerseys to the locals during his visit.

    Bukayo Saka

    The Arsenal star of Nigeria descent, Bukayo Saka arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Nigeria on Wednesday, May 31 for holidays.

    Saka played an integral for the Gunners as they finished second in the Premier League behind eventual winners Manchester City and was eventually named London Football Awards Men’s Young Player of the Year 2023.

    Born to Nigerian immigrants in the United Kingdom, Saka’s visit isn’t just a casual holiday but reports said he met with Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    Alejandro Balde

    The FC Barcelona youngster is on holiday with his brother Edi Balde visiting the country of his father’s origin (Guinea-Bissau). There he was given a hero’s welcome at the airport,on Monday, June 26 as he visits his family.

    Balde was catapulted to global stardom this season, winning a starting spot in the Barcelona line-up in late 2022. His rise has been dramatic, and he made his debut for Spain at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

    He also met with the President of Guinea-Bissau Umaro Sissoco Embalo where he presented the leader with a Barcelona jersey.

    Kehrer

    West Ham United star Thilo Kehrer paid a visit to his mother’s village in Burundi as footballers continue to enjoy their break. The 26-year-old defender was born in Tubingen, Germany, to a German father and a Burundian mother.

    Kehrer was impressive for the Hammers as he featured in 27 league games, helping the team to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

    He has the Kehrer Foundation in Burundi which supports the less fortunate in the country.

  • Mansa Musa I: Richest & most influential African King in History –

    Mansa Musa I: Richest & most influential African King in History –

    Mansa Musa I, also known as Musa Keita I, was the tenth emperor of the Mali Empire, which was among the most prominent empires in West Africa. He is widely regarded as the richest person in history, with an estimated wealth exceeding $400 billion. His reign spanned from 1312 to 1337, and his opulence has earned him a place among the wealthiest individuals in recorded history.

    Early Life and Rise to Power:

    Mansa Musa I, born in 1280 in the town of Niani (now in Guinea), had a notable lineage as the son of Faga Laye, a revered leader of the Mandinka people and the founder of the Mali Empire. Additionally, he was the brother of Sundiata Keita, the renowned founder of the Mali Empire.

    Mansa Musa I ascended to power following the expedition of Abu-Bakr II, who is said to have ventured across the Atlantic Ocean. Due to his immense wealth and military strength, Mansa Musa I was chosen as Abu-Bakr II’s successor.

    Wealth and Achievements:

    Mansa Musa I was known for his immense wealth and generosity. He was a devout Muslim who went on a pilgrimage to Mecca in 1324 accompanied by a caravan of thousands of people and carrying a vast amount of gold, which he distributed along the way. This pilgrimage made him famous throughout the Middle East and Europe, where his wealth and power were widely noted.

    During his reign, Mansa Musa I helped to expand the Mali Empire by annexing new territories and establishing diplomatic relations with neighboring states. He also encouraged the spread of Islam throughout the empire and built many mosques and Islamic schools.

    Mansa Musa I was also a patron of the arts and commissioned the construction of many impressive buildings, including the Djinguereber Mosque in Timbuktu, which is still standing today.

    Death and Legacy:

    Mansa Musa I died in 1337 and was succeeded by his son, Maghan I. He is remembered as one of the most influential and powerful African rulers in history and his legacy lives on today in many ways.

    His pilgrimage to Mecca and the immense wealth he displayed during his journey inspired many leaders and traders across the world, and his legacy helped to establish the Mali Empire as one of the most prosperous and influential in the region.

    His patronage of the arts and architecture also helped to establish a rich cultural heritage in West Africa that continues to flourish today.

  • Erdogan sworn in for third term as Turkish president

    Erdogan sworn in for third term as Turkish president

    Following three terms as prime minister, Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has taken the oath of office to begin his third presidential term.

    Last week, Mr. Erdogan, 69, won a second five-year term in the presidential run-off election, potentially extending his 20 years of control in the crucial Nato member nation that sits on the border of Europe and Asia to a quarter century.

    Before an inauguration ceremony that would be attended by numerous foreign dignitaries, he took the oath during a session of parliament.

    The Turkish leader will announce his new cabinet later on Saturday.

    Mandatory Credit: Photo by Depo Photos/Shutterstock (13937040h) Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Presidenti elect of Turkey and Leader of Justice and Development Party addresses the crowds gathered near his home at Kisikli village of Uskudar in Istanbul, Turkey. Turkey Elections, Istanbul, T?rkiye - 28 May 2023
    Erdogan has ruled Turkey for over 20 years (Picture: Shutterstock)

    The line-up should indicate whether there will be a continuation of unorthodox economic policies or a return to more conventional ones amid a cost-of-living crisis.

    The country of 85 million controls Nato’s second-largest army, hosts millions of refugees and played a crucial role in brokering a deal that allowed the shipment of Ukraine grain, averting a global food crisis.

    Mr Erdogan is scheduled to take the oath of office in parliament, followed by an inauguration ceremony at his sprawling palace complex.

    He is also in line to reveal the members of his new Cabinet during a separate ceremony later on Saturday.

    Dozens of foreign dignitaries are traveling to attend the ceremony, including Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Carl Bildt, a high-profile former Swedish prime minister.

    They are expected to press Mr Erdogan to lift his country’s objections to Sweden’s membership in the military alliance – which requires unanimous approval by all allies.

    Turkey accuses Sweden of being too soft on Kurdish militants and other groups that Turkey considers to be terrorists.

    Nato wants to bring Sweden into the alliance by the time allied leaders meet in Lithuania on July 11-12, but Turkey and Hungary have yet to endorse the bid.

    Mr Erdogan takes the oath of office amid a host of domestic challenges ahead, including a battered economy, pressure for the repatriation of millions of Syrian refugees and the need to rebuild after a devastating earthquake in February that killed 50,000 and levelled entire cities in the south of the country.

    The country is grappling with a cost-of-living crisis fuelled by inflation that peaked at a staggering 85% in October before easing to 44% last month. The Turkish currency has lost more than 10% of its value against the dollar since the start of the year.

    Critics blame the turmoil on Mr Erdogan’s policy of lowering interest rates to promote growth, which runs contrary to conventional economic thinking that calls for raising rates to combat inflation.

    Unconfirmed media reports say Mr Erdogan plans to reappoint Mehmet Simsek, a respected former finance minister and deputy prime minister, to the helm of the economy.

    The move would signify a return by the country, the world’s 19th largest economy according to the World Bank, to more orthodox economic policies.

    In power as prime minister and then as president since 2003, Mr Erdogan is already Turkey’s longest-serving leader. He has solidified his rule through constitutional changes that transformed Turkey’s presidency from a largely ceremonial role to a powerful office.

    Critics say his second decade in office was marred by sharp democratic backsliding including the erosion of institutions such as the media and judiciary and the jailing of opponents and critics.

    Mr Erdogan defeated opposition challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu in a run-off vote held on May 28, after he narrowly failed to secure an outright victory in a first round of voting on May 14.

    Mr Kilicdaroglu had promised to put Turkey on a more democratic path and improve relations with the West.

    International observers deemed the elections to be free but not fair.

  • Gyakie postpones Europe shows over ill health but tickets remain valid

    Gyakie postpones Europe shows over ill health but tickets remain valid

    Ghanaian musician, Gyakie, has issued an apology to her fans in the UK and Paris for canceling several upcoming shows scheduled for later this month.

    Taking to social media, Gyakie shared that she is currently unwell and emphasized the importance of prioritizing her health before taking on additional projects.

    Expressing her reluctance to postpone the shows, she acknowledged the necessity of focusing on her well-being.

    Gyakie assured her fans that the tickets they purchased will remain valid, and she promised to announce a new date for the shows in the near future.

    “My lovely people, your girl is not well, fighting everything to get better for my shows this week but I can’t fight myself no matter how hard I try. Hate to postpone but all purchased tickets are valid for the new dates which will be communicated in no time. However, I hope to be fit enough to see yall at the festivals I’ll be performing at. I luv you” she shared on her Insta stories.

    Gyakie postpones Europe shows due to ill health

    Gyakie was expected to perform at the Gyakie Live in UK concert scheduled for May 18th at Gorilla Manchester.

    On May 19th she was also expected to perform at LaFayette London, May 20th at O2 Institute Birmingham, and conclude on May 26th in Paris.

  • Transfer Talk: Arsenal targets Declan Rice amid Gunners midfield shuffle

    Transfer Talk: Arsenal targets Declan Rice amid Gunners midfield shuffle

    A midfielder for West Ham and England, Declan Rice, has been the target for Arsenal.

    Even though the Gunners are still in the thick of the Premier League title race, they are already preparing for the following season by strengthening their midfield.

    The 24-year-old has been excellent for the Hammers recently, only cementing himself further as one of Europe’s finest operators in his position. 

    West Ham prepare to face Crystal Palace this afternoon with the future of their captain firmly in the balance.

    Lacking depth

    Mikel Arteta’s squad have proven their quality this season — but it is clearly a group lacking depth in central midfield. 

    Granit Xhaka was absent for the 3-3 draw with Southampton and Thomas Partey appeared to struggle without the Switzerland international next to him.

    Young Belgian Albert Sambi Lokonga was signed to be their understudy but he was loaned out to Crystal Palace in January after struggling to make an impression, only playing 196 minutes in the Premier League for the Gunners this term. 

    Adding Rice into their midfield pool would also add some end product alongside captain Martin Odegaard’s contributions.

    The Hammers skipper has so far contributed three goals and two assists this campaign.

    Declan Rice has scored three Premier League goals this season
    Declan Rice has scored three Premier League goals this season

    Dreaming big

    Rice admitted when on England duty in Qatar last December that he dreams of playing in the Champions League one day. 

    The 41-cap international confessedL “Yeah, 100 per cent I want to play in the Champions League. 

    “I’ve been playing consistently well for my club and I feel like I really want to keep pushing. 

    “I see my friends here who are playing Champions League and for big trophies. 

    “You only get one career and at the end, you want to look back at what you’ve won and the biggest games you’ve played in.”

    Sheringham praise

    West Ham captain Declan Rice harbours aspirations his club may be unable to match
    West Ham captain Declan Rice harbours aspirations his club may be unable to match

    Former West Ham striker Teddy Sheringham believes Rice is spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing his next club.

    Sheringham said: “He can go anywhere. Wherever he goes, he’s going to make that team a better team. 

    “Maybe Casemiro is in that role at Manchester United now, so perhaps they don’t need him, but he would definitely make Arsenal a better team. 

    “I don’t like to say it but they’re already good enough this season, and I don’t want to see Declan go there because he will make them a better team. But he could walk into any team.”

    Midfield general

    Declan Rice is involved in the majority of West Ham's build-up play
    Declan Rice is involved in the majority of West Ham’s build-up play

    West Ham have endured a tough season but Declan Rice has still shone in a struggling side.

    The academy graduate has been his club’s most accomplished operator in possession, completing 1,546 passes — a team-high total. 

    For context, Aaron Cresswell ranks second in the squad for Premier League passes completed with 768. That is less than half as many as Rice. 

    The England international is equally effective off the ball, too. 

    He has made an impressive 52 interceptions and 72 tackles, both of which are leading figures in the Hammers’ ranks.

    Newcastle interest

    It is not a one-horse race for Rice, though. Newcastle have also been linked with a summer bid.

    The Magpies’ midfield is already packed full of energy and tenacity but Rice could certainly help take Eddie Howe’s men to the next level. 

    He has won possession back in the middle third 151 times this term, making him a good stylistic fit for the 45-year-old tactician’s compact and efficient outfit. 

    With Premier League safety still to be achieved and a Europa Conference League triumph still within reach, Rice must block out the noise for a little while longer yet.

  • First appearance of the King Charles coronation invitation

    First appearance of the King Charles coronation invitation

    The King’s official coronation invitation has been made public, and it is loaded with British iconography.

    The Green Man, a legendary character from British folklore who symbolizes spring and rebirth, is its most prominent element.

    The Green Man has appeared in many different guises throughout history, and some people view him as a kind of trickster.

    Although the Green Man is sometimes associated with paganism, carvings of him can be seen in churches all around Europe.

    He has been described as being a bridge between Pagan and Christian beliefs.

    The King’s coronation church Westminster Abbey also features a Green Man – surrounded by leaf decorations on the Quire Screen, which separates the Nave from the Quire.

    The elaborately decorated artwork – which will be reproduced on recycled card with gold foil detailing – also features a colourful abundance of wildflowers and wildlife.

    The Green Man is crowned in natural foliage and formed of leaves of oak, ivy and hawthorn and the UK’s emblematic flowers.

    The British wildflower meadow bordering the invitation includes lily of the valley, cornflowers, wild strawberries, dog roses and bluebells.

    The meadow also features rosemary for remembrance, seemingly in memory of the late Queen.

    Flowers appear in groupings of three, signifying the King becoming Charles III – the third monarch of his name.

    The King, who has campaigned against climate change for years, is known for his love of nature.

    A lion, a unicorn and a boar – taken from the coats of arms of Charles and his consort – can be seen amongst the flowers.

    The invitation is the first official reference to ‘Queen Camilla’ – instead of Buckingham Palace’s previous use of ‘Queen Consort’.

    It was designed by Andrew Jamieson, a heraldic artist and manuscript illuminator, and a Brother of the Art Workers’ Guild, of which the King is an honorary member.

    The original artwork for the invitation was hand-painted in watercolour and gouache.

    The coronation of King Charles III will take place on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

    The King acceded the throne on September 8, 2022, upon the death of his mother – but it is traditional for a full ceremony to be held a significant time later as a mark of respect to the late monarch.

  • 14 dead, 54 rescued off Tunisia’s migrant boat sank

    14 dead, 54 rescued off Tunisia’s migrant boat sank

      Two boats capsized off the coast of Tunisia on Tuesday and Wednesday, resulting in the rescue of 54 persons. Authorities reported 14 deaths on Thursday (Mar. 9).

      The National Guard claimed that the migrants were from sub-Saharan Africa but could not revealing their countries,

      Notwithstanding the fact that the central Mediterranean is the most perilous migratory route, according to the International Organization for Migration, people fleeing conflict or poverty embark aboard boats from Tunisian ports bound for Europe.

      “When sub-Saharans came to Tunisia, it was because of the economic and social situation they were suffering in their country, lawyer Hamida Chaieb explains. “Their main objective is to cross to Europe. Like our (Tunisian) youth who dream of a better life,” the Tunisian League for Human Rights member adds.

      “Reduce irregular immigration”

      Tunisian authorities have stepped up arrests of Africans without residency papers in recent weeks after President linked migrants to crimes. The comments fanned a surge in attacks targeting Black Africans.

      “They (the authorities) don’t want to let us go. If it’s like that, (let) us go back to Italy. We have neither our fathers nor our mothers, if that’s the way it is let us go back (to Italy),” an Ivorian migrant says.

      In Brussels, EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson expressed concern on Thursday about the president’s statements, saying they are “very worrying,” but underlined Tunisia’s role in helping prevent migrants reaching Europe.

      “Tunisia is a core country for cooperation when it comes to preventing smuggling but also when it comes to readmission of Tunisian citizens that come here and are not eligible for international protection,” she told reporters.

      Tunisians were among the top three nationalities — along with Egyptians and Bangladeshis — to reach Europe last year after crossing from the North African coast.

      Last January, Italy’s top diplomat reiterated to his Tunisian counterpart Roma’s objective “to reduce irregular immigration”.

    • 8,468 people die while traveling to Europe

      8,468 people die while traveling to Europe

      Over the previous four years, more than 8,400 migrants trying to reach Europe have died at sea, according to a charity’s Tuesday report.

      Save the Children said in a report that about a half million people crossed or attempted to cross the Mediterranean to Europe since 2019. Of those, 8,468 people died or went missing in the Mediterranean, the charity added.

      Analyzing data from the U.N. refugee agency, the charity said deaths at European borders were partly blamed on “the increasing trend of European governments forcibly, illegally and often violently stopping refugees from entering their territory and even abducting and expelling those who have arrived.”

      The 40-page report cited a 2021 warning by the U.N. refugee agency that “asylum was under attack at Europe’s borders” and that pushbacks were being “carried out in a violent and apparently systematic way.”

      The report mentioned pushbacks of migrants trying to reach Spain from Morocco; Greece from Turkey; and Italy from Libya and Tunisia.

      Pushbacks are unlawful under international and European Union law, as they violate the right to seek asylum and the legal principle that prohibits the return of anyone to a place where they would risk persecution, torture or deadly threat.

      In its report titled “Safe for Some,” the charity accused European countries of having “double standards” in dealing with Middle Eastern and African migrants and those who fled Ukraine over the past year.

      Source: African News

    • Ghanaian international Kwaku Bonsu Osei  is being evaluated by Ferencvaros in Hungary

      Ghanaian international Kwaku Bonsu Osei is being evaluated by Ferencvaros in Hungary

      Ghanaian international, Kwaku Bonsu Osei is currently on trials at Hungarian club Ferencvaros TC.

      The youngster according to information gathered from GHANAsoccernet.com, has ended his three-year stay at the Venezuelan club Caracas FC.

      The winger is now keen on a return to Europe to continue his career to take it to the next level.

      Kwaku Bonsu Osei, 22, back in 2020 joined the Venezuelan club in a move from Slovakian club FK.

      Before that, he played in the Ghana Premier League for impressive side Bechem United.

      During his stint with Caracas FC, He made 83 appearances and scored 17 goals. In addition, the winger also provided 13 assists to help the club.

      The exciting attacker is now trialing at Ferencvaros in hopes of securing a deal. The youngster has been working hard so far and looks set for a deal that will see him sign for the Hungarian giants on a free transfer.

    • Ronaldo claims his work in Europe is done

      Ronaldo claims his work in Europe is done

      Cristiano Ronaldo claims that his “work is done” in Europe and is unconcerned by the criticism he has received for joining Saudi Pro League team Al Nassr.

      Ronaldo’s contract with Manchester United was terminated in November as a result of his criticism of the team in an interview with Piers Morgan. Last week, he finalized his transfer to Al Nassr.

      Many were startled by his decision to join the Riyadh-based team, especially because Ronaldo had just tried to quit United in quest of Champions League action.

      The 37-year-old claims he rejected down offers from numerous clubs to sign his two and a half-year contract with Al Nassr, but he feels he has nothing left to prove in European football.

      “I’m so proud to make this big decision in my life and in football,” Ronaldo said at his unveiling on Tuesday. 

      “In Europe, my work is done. I won everything and played for the most important clubs in Europe. 

      “This is a great opportunity for me, not only in football but to change the mentality of the new generation in Saudi Arabia. 

      “I had many opportunities in Europe, in Brazil, in the United States and even in Portugal, but I gave my word to this club, for the opportunity to develop football in this amazing country.”

      The attacker responds to those who have questioned the reasons for his transfer by saying that competing in the Saudi Pro League is a true challenge.

      “Many people speak and give their opinions, but really they know nothing about football,” Ronaldo said.

      “If you give the example of the World Cup, the only team who beat the champions [Argentina] was Saudi Arabia, don’t forget that.

      “For me, it’s not the end of my career. I wanted to change and I don’t worry about what people say. I took my decision and I have responsibility for it.

      “I’m happy to be here and I know the league is really competitive, I saw many games. I’m ready to play tomorrow [against Al Ta’ee] if the coach thinks it’s good! 

      “I beat all records in Europe, so I want to beat all records here. This contract is unique, because I’m a unique player. So for me, this is normal.

      “I’m coming here to win, to play, to enjoy, to be part of the success of the country and the culture of the country. What I want is to enjoy, to smile and to play football.”

    • Fact-checking Giorgia Meloni’s claim about France’s “exploitation” of Africa

      A video of Giorgia Meloni, a right-wing politician who has become Italy’s new prime minister, accusing France of using a “colonial currency” to “exploit the resources” of African countries has been widely shared on social media.

      There have been recent tensions between the two countries over how to deal with African migrants. Italy refused to allow a migrant rescue ship to dock, France accused the Italians of “unacceptable behaviour”.

      The video clip shows Ms Meloni claiming that “50% of everything that Burkina Faso exports ends up in… the French treasury”.

      On 19 November, Dutch commentator Eva Vlaardingerbroek tweeted the video, saying “I bet Emmanuel Macron now regrets to have picked a fight with Giorgia Meloni”. This got tens of thousands of retweets.

      On 20 November, the Daily Mail wrote about the video clip with the headline: “Italy’s new firebrand PM launches blistering diatribe saying immigration from Africa would STOP if countries like France halted exploitation of continent’s valuable resources”.

      But the video clip with Ms Meloni is actually from 2019 – long before she became prime minister – and her comments back then were wrong.

      What did Giorgia Meloni claim?

      The video is from an interview given on 19 January 2019 on the private Italian TV channel La 7, when Ms Meloni was an MP and leader of the right-wing party, Brothers of Italy.

      Ms Meloni holds up a CFA franc bank note, describing it as a “colonial currency” that France prints for 14 African countries which, she claims, it uses to “exploit the resources of these nations”.

      Screengrab of video showing Italian Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni with subtitle of claim about Burkina Faso exports
      Image caption, The clip has been widely shared on social media

      She then holds up a picture of a child working in a gold mine in Burkina Faso and claims that “50% of everything that Burkina Faso exports ends up in… the French treasury”.

      “The gold that this child goes down a tunnel to extract, mostly ends up in the coffers of the French state.”

      The video clip ends with her saying “the solution is not to take Africans and bring them to Europe, the solution is to free Africa from certain Europeans who exploit it”.

      We looked into a similar claim in 2019 when another Italian politician blamed France for impoverishing Africa and encouraging migration to Europe.

      What is the evidence?

      France does print currency – the CFA franc – for 14 African countries, including Burkina Faso. Participation in this currency is voluntary.

      The currency was created by France in the late 1940s to serve as legal tender in its then-African colonies.

      CFA franc banknotesIMAGE SOURCE,GETTY IMAGES

      At the time Ms Meloni made her claim in 2019, France required African countries that used the CFA franc to deposit 50% of their foreign exchange reserves (not their exports) with the French treasury, in return for a guaranteed exchange rate with the Euro.

      These countries were free to access these reserves at any time if they wanted to and France paid them interest while holding them (at 0.75%).

      France didn’t “demand 50% of everything Burkina Faso exports” either.

      According to World Bank data, France isn’t even among the top five destinations for Burkina Faso exports in total value, the leading export being gold. In 2020, it exported nearly 90% of its gold to Switzerland.

      We asked Ms Meloni’s office if she still stands by her comments but have not received a reply. The French government has not responded to our request for a comment either.

      What’s happened since?

      In December 2019, reforms to the CFA zone were announced, dropping the requirement that countries in the zone deposit half their reserves in France.

      France began the process of transferring reserves back last year, according to news reports.

      The IMF said in March this year that the account where these reserves were held in France had been closed, and that the Central Bank of West African States (which controls monetary policy for eight countries including Burkina Faso) now manages the reserves.

      It is free to deposit these where it chooses.

      A map showing the 14 CFA franc countries

      Why is the French currency zone controversial?

      Critics of the CFA currency arrangement have called it a relic of colonialism, saying it has impeded economic development for the 14 African countries that are part of it.

      They also argue that they have no say in deciding monetary policies agreed to by European nations in the Eurozone.

      An article for the US-based Brookings Institute last year said that while countries using the CFA franc had generally seen lower inflation, the CFA franc arrangement limits their policy options, particularly in dealing with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

      Other economists have pointed out that annual average GDP growth – the increase in the value of all goods and services produced – of CFA countries and other African economies has been fairly comparable over time.

      A woman holding a printout of a franc note during protests in Rome in 2019IMAGE SOURCE,GETTY IMAGES
      Image caption, Protests against the currency were held in Rome in 2019

      France defends the currency system as ensuring a “stable economic framework” for the economies that are part of it, and as the currency is pegged to the Euro it says it provides better protection against economic shocks and helps control inflation.

      And countries are free to leave the zone, it adds.

      Source: BBC

    • What is the latest on the ground in Ukraine?

      As we have been reporting, the UN’s nuclear watchdog has called for an immediate halt to attacks on Europe’s largest nuclear power plant in Ukraine.

      The International Atomic Energy Agency has warned those responsible for shelling the Zaporizhzhia plant that they’re “playing with fire”.

      Russia has accused Ukraine of being behind the latest attacks on the facility, which is under Russian control, but Ukraine has blamed Moscow.

      Retired Air Vice Marshal Sean Bell has been explaining the latest developments on the ground.

      “Yesterday evening and this morning, there were a series of powerful explosions that rocked the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility.

      “It’s probably worth remembering, though, that the International Atomic Energy Agency is on the ground at the moment, so we’re probably going to hear more than we would otherwise because they are getting nervous.

      “This is one of the biggest nuclear reactors in Europe and it was seized by the Russians in right at the start of the war in March.

      “And while Russia blames Ukrainians for this shelling, and buildings and equipment have been damaged, we’ve been reassured by all parties that there are no critical nuclear security or safety issues.

      “This is strategically important to Russia. It provides a significant proportion of power across the whole of Ukraine, and if you recall, Russia’s been targeting Ukrainian critical national infrastructure for the last month or so.

      “They will not want it to fall into Ukrainian hands. The Russians have been hiding their military equipment there and then firing out from there at the Ukrainian forces, which inevitably provokes a response.

      “The real question is why is it happening now?

      “The Russians are unsure whether the Ukrainians are going to continue their attack or pause and what looks likely now is that while the Dnipro river provides quite an effective barrier for the Ukrainian forces to come across, they have been looking to come round to the southwest, but also all around the north to attack to the east of Zaporizhzhia.

      “Now, Russia is paranoid about Ukraine counterattacks and counteroffensive. They are bolstering their defences of the Crimea. They’re also bolstering their defences in the Donbas.

      “But if the Ukrainian forces are successful with some of their counterattacks. The Russian forces in Zaporizhzhia will become increasingly isolated.”

       

      Source: SkyNews

    • Opoku Prempeh woos European support for Africa’s energy transition

      The Minister of Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has told world leaders that the aim of Africa is to develop without being caught up in a place of pollution.

      He said that the need for the developed world, including Europe, to transition in the area of energy, should be done hand in hand with Africa and not in a way that gives the continent the impression that it is not invited.

      Making a spirited contribution as a guest during a forum held on the sidelines of the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Egypt, the minister urged the world’s leaders to be equally interested in Africa’s transition.

      “Africa doesn’t want to pollute to develop. We want to have clean, sustainable, reliable, affordable energy to develop but someway somehow, somebody must pay for it. If you want Africans to pay for it, it will take a longer time so don’t tell me that when I say I’ll transit in 2070, you say it’s not ambitious. It is very ambitious in Ghana if I have to find 562 billion to do my transitional plan,” he said.

      Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh explained further that Africa needs support to go through the right channels in doing this right alongside the rest of the world.

      “So, for those who are talking, and we all know for the poor person who is hungry, he doesn’t care about where the food is coming from; he has to feed the family. So, if you want the food to come from a place, then provide him the access, the ability to be able to cultivate and do the needful.

      “So, all Africa is saying is that this transition, we all want to participate. It must be just, it must be fair, it must be equitable and not at the expense of Africa,” he stated.

      The minister also stated that there is the need for the world leaders to know that energy is a must for all.

      He said that while he calls for support for Africa, should it not come, the continent will develop nonetheless but not through the right channels.

      “Energy is not a luxury; it’s a fundamental right and so governments must work to ensure that the whole population has access to energy, to develop socio-economically… when a person doesn’t have energy, how does the person become productive?… the world should understand that if they don’t support Africa through grants, leverage funds, concessional funding, and also taking the hard work out, Africa will develop anyway, and they might develop through the bad way,” he said.

       

    • Energy crisis in Europe will lead to years of shortages and blackouts

      The world’s poorest nations will bear much higher expenses as a result of being excluded from the natural gas market due to Europe’s unexpectedly rabid demand. It’s left emerging market countries unable to meet today’s needs or tomorrow’s, and the most likely consequences — factory shutdowns, more frequent and longer-lasting power shortages, the foment of social unrest — could stretch into the next decade.

      “Energy security concerns in Europe are driving energy poverty in the emerging world,” said Saul Kavonic, an energy analyst at Credit Suisse Group AG. “Europe is sucking gas away from other countries whatever the cost.”

      After a summer of rolling blackouts and political turmoil, cooler weather and heavy rains have alleviated the immediate energy crisis in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and the Philippines. But any relief promises to be temporary. Colder temperatures are on the way — parts of South Asia can be more bitter than London — and the chances of securing long-term supplies are slim. The strong US dollar has only complicated the situation, forcing nations to choose between buying fuel or making debt payments. Under the circumstances, global fuel suppliers are increasingly wary of selling to countries that could be heading for default.

      The center of the issue is Europe’s response to tightening fuel supplies and the war in Ukraine. Cut off from Russian gas, European countries have turned to the spot market, where energy that isn’t committed to buyers is made available for short-notice delivery. With prices soaring, some suppliers to South Asia have simply canceled long-scheduled deliveries in favor of better yields elsewhere, traders say.

      “Suppliers don’t need to focus on securing their LNG to low affordability markets,” Raghav Mathur, an analyst at Wood Mackenzie Ltd. said. The higher prices they can get on the spot market more than make up for whatever penalties they might pay for shirking planned shipments. And that dynamic is likely to hold for years, Mathur says.

      Damage caused by global warming, such as the devastating floods in Pakistan, is also wreaking economic havoc on emerging nations, prompting leaders at UN climate talks in Egypt this month to discuss how richer countries can help provide more support.

      At the same time, Europe is speeding up construction of floating import terminals to bring in more fuel in the future. Germany, Italy and Finland have secured the plants. The Netherlands started importing LNG from new floating terminals in September. European demand for natural gas is expected to surge by nearly 60% through 2026, according to BloombergNEF.

      Exporters in Qatar and the United States are now entertaining bids from European importers looking to buy fuel to fill the new capacity. For the first time, emerging nations like Pakistan, Bangladesh and Thailand are forced to compete on price with Germany and other economies several times their size.

      “We are borrowing other people’s energy supplies,” said Vitol Group Chief Executive Officer Russell Hardy. “It’s not a great thing.”

      Usually when there’s a short-term shortage, nations can sign long-term supply contracts, paying a fixed rate for the assurance of reliable deliveries for years. That hasn’t worked this time. Even bids for deliveries starting years into the future are being rejected.

      India failed in its latest attempt to lock in shipments starting in 2025. Bangladesh and Thailand essentially abandoned efforts to get contracts that start before 2026, when massive new export plants in Qatar and the US plan to start shipping fuel. Pakistan last month was unable to close a six-year deal that would have started next year, after several attempts at short-term purchases also failed.

      “We’d thought the crisis would be over by the end of the year, but it isn’t,” said Kulit Sombatsiri, permanent secretary of Thailand’s energy ministry, at a briefing on Monday. If LNG prices continue to rise, he added, the government would have to consider measures such as closing down convenience stores and other high-energy businesses.

      LNG suppliers fear that these nations won’t be able to pay for promised deliveries. Fuel is priced in US dollars, and a single shipment currently costs nearly $100 million. For comparison, LNG shipments averaged $33 million during the 2010s. And costs are higher still in domestic currencies because the dollar has been rapidly appreciating, adding to pressure on the countries’ beleaguered finances.

      Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves dropped to the lowest level in three years last month, pushing the nation’s credit rating by Moody’s Investors Service deeper into junk. Reserves for Bangladesh, India and the Philippines are at two-year lows. In Thailand, where inflation is already at a 14-year high and reserves at a five-year low, the central bank warned that the situation will worsen if the baht doesn’t stabilize soon.

      Without Russian gas flowing into Europe, the global gas markets will stay tight. Spot prices will remain high, and without the ability to secure long-term supplies, developing countries may look to dirtier fuels or other partners.

      Momentum behind natural gas growth in developing economies has slowed, notably in South and Southeast Asia, putting a dent in the credentials of gas as a transition fuel, the International Energy Agency said in its World Energy Outlook 2022. Natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel, and emits less CO2 than coal when combusted.

      The energy shortage has already brought the emerging world and Russia closer together. Russia’s been more than happy to offer fuel to Pakistan, India and others who’ve been shut out of the spot market.

      “We have established contact with the Russian side. We are, of course, very much interested in procurement of LNG,” Shafqat Ali Khan, Pakistan’s ambassador to Russia, told the state-run Tass news agency. “If the rich countries take away all the LNG, what is going to happen to us?”

      While China’s LNG imports have dropped overall in part because of high spot prices, the nation has increased purchases of Russian LNG at a deep discount. Deliveries from Russia to China are up about 25% so far this year, according to ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.

      Poorer countries may also turn to cheaper fuels like coal and oil. Or they’ll look to develop their own domestic resources. The International Chamber of Commerce-Bangladesh urged the government to move faster with natural gas exploration both on-shore and off-shore to replace expensive LNG. Critics of Pakistan’s government are asking why they haven’t tapped gas reserves in parts of the country.

      “The only saving grace will be if it doesn’t get too cold,” said Shaiq Jawed, managing director at JK Group, a Pakistan-based supplier of textiles to global hotel chains. This summer, for the first time in 25 years, the company only received half of the gas it needed, he said. If it needs to, it can rely on electricity and coal-generated power. “This is the last resort, but closing down is not an option.”

      For people worried about climate change and the environment, none of those are good options. Coal and oil are much dirtier than gas. The process of extracting new fossil fuels is energy-intensive and linked to increased pollution and earthquake activity.

      “If natural gas is going to be beyond our means, obviously you’re looking at reverting to coal to an extent because you need the base level of electricity to be generated,” Nirmala Sitharaman, India’s finance minister, said last month. “And that just cannot be done only through solar or wind energy.”

      Renewables, like solar, could provide relief eventually. Until then, high prices will do some of the work. Emerging Asia’s gas demand growth slowed “markedly” between January and July as sky-high prices dragged down consumption, according to the IEA. Thailand, the region’s top gas user, saw a 12% drop in demand over that period as high prices squeezed power sector use and falling domestic production reduced supply.

      Governments will have to do the rest, rationing fuel and scheduling blackouts when there isn’t enough energy to go around.

      It will take up to four years for the market to balance, said WoodMac’s Mathur. Until then, volatile prices will be the norm and, he said, “LNG will belong first to the ‘developed,’ with the leftovers for the ‘developing.’”

      Countries in South America, like Brazil and Argentina, may be slightly more insulated, given investments in hydropower. Even so, Brazil’s import bill more than doubled during the first seven months of this year to $3.7 billion, the result of surging overseas prices and delays on a domestic pipeline project. If the rainy season is late this year, Brazil may need to buy time with still more LNG imports.

      “We shouldn’t forget that the part of the LNG that we get, somebody else doesn’t get,” said Gunvor Group Ltd.’s Chief Executive Officer Torbjorn Tornqvist.

      Meanwhile, the Philippines and Vietnam are rethinking plans to start importing LNG. The Philippines continues to delay the start of their first import terminal, while the government in Vietnam is considering cutting capacity for planned gas-fired power plants. Those projects were designed to meet surging domestic demand. Policymakers have yet to put forward an alternative.

       

      Source: Yahoo.com

    • We want to play in Europe next season – Athletic Bilbao striker Inaki Williams

      Ghana striker Inaki Williams has disclosed that Athletic Bilbao have set sights on qualifying for UEFA’s elite competitions at end of the season.

      The 28-year-old was the hero for Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, scoring in their 1-0 win over Villarreal in the La Liga.

      The win lifted the club to 6th on the league table with 21 points, two points behind four-placed Real Betis.

      “I’m happy for the goal and for being able to help the team. This is a party and we’re enjoying it a lot ,” said Williams as quoted by dazn.com.

      “We were required to come from four games without winning and also having lost the last one by 4 to 0 and the truth is that we have made up for it.”

      He added, “Today we have gone from less to more , in the second part we have been us and we have unbalanced the balance.”

      “This is what we want. They have been demanding it of us for years and we want to play in Europe “.

      Sourrce: Footballghana

    • Akufo-Addo elected Chair of Gulf of Guinea Commission

      President Akufo-Addo has been elected Chairperson of the Gulf of Guinea Commission on Thursday October 13.

      Mr Akufo-Addo announced this in a Facebook post on Thursday.

      The Gulf of Guinea Commission is an organisation established to defend the common interests of Member States, and promote peace and socio-economic development based on the bases of dialogue, consensus, ties of friendship, solidarity and fraternity.

      The President wrote “On Thursday, 13th October 2022, I held bilateral discussions with the President of the French Republic, His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, which were centered on strengthening the ties of co-operation between our two nations.

      “Earlier in the day, I was elected Chairperson of the Gulf of Guinea Commission, an organisation established to defend the common interests of Member States, and promote peace and socio-economic development based on the bases of dialogue, consensus, ties of friendship, solidarity and fraternity.

      “I also addressed a Session of Asia Society France; and held a meeting with Catherine Colonna, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.”

    • Wildlife deserts nature reserve known as Europe’s Amazon

      The human and material cost of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is well documented. But rare species of animals and flowers that had flourished in the country’s north have also been badly hit by the invaders’ destructive use of weaponry and landmines, with fears they will take decades to recover.

      Valery Alexandrovitch is dressed like a soldier, flanked by men armed with Kalashnikovs while keeping a constant eye on the news.

      He is a forest ranger in Ukraine’s Drevlyansky nature reserve, helping to patrol what once was a pristine sanctuary for wildlife in northern Ukraine. With its marshes, lakes, woods and heathland, it is a place so rich in wildlife it has even been called Europe’s Amazon.

      But situated just 15 miles from the border with Belarus, it is in a dangerous part of the world and Mr Alexandrovitch has every reason to be wary.

      It was across this border in February that Russia sent rockets, missiles and artillery shells, followed by an invading armoured column that got all the way south to the outskirts of the capital, Kyiv, before being driven back by Ukrainian defenders armed with the latest Western weapons.

      “Russian land mines,” Mr Alexandrovitch says, perched on a fallen log beside a forest track. “That’s the worst legacy left behind by the invasion. That and the forest fires they set off with their shell fire.”

      Nature reserveImage source, BBC/Frank Gardner
      Image caption, The Drevlyansky is an important refuge for rare birds and wildfowl

      The Russians invaded Ukraine on 24 February from three sides – from the north in Belarus, their own territory in the east, and Crimea which they had seized and annexed in 2014.

      It is fair to assume preserving Ukraine’s rarer species of flora and fauna was probably not top of President Putin’s priorities when he sent his tanks rolling across the border.

      The artillery shells the Russians fired into northern Ukraine ignited forest fires that have burnt through more than 2,000 hectares (nearly 5,000 acres) of previously-untouched forest, sending wildlife scattering, incinerating recently-discovered orchids and hundreds of other rare plants.

      One look at the scorched and fire-blackened trunks of the trees suggests wildlife in this part of Ukraine will not be coming back any time soon. There is simply nothing for them to eat, nowhere for them to hide.

      Shells also landed on the nearby town of Narodychi where, according to the Ukrainians, local collaborators helped the invading Russians by guiding their artillery fire towards concentrations of troops.

      “We still have to watch out for infiltrators coming across from Belarus,” says Mr Alexandrovitch. This would explain the heavily-armed Ukrainian patrols we witnessed here near the border – small groups of fit-looking men carrying sniper rifles and walkie talkies, with Alsatians panting at their side.

      Damaged forestImage source, BBC/Frank Gardner
      Image caption, Russian shelling this year has devastated large tracts of pristine forest, driving out wildlife that has still not returned

      This part of Ukraine is a region known as Polesia, a giant oval on the map that extends into Belarus, Poland and Russia. It is home to species like lynx, wolf and moose that disappeared from most of the rest of Europe a long time ago.

      The Russian invasion is not the first disaster Polesia has endured. On 26 April 1986, reactor number four in the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded, sending a plume of highly radioactive particles right across Europe and contaminating parts of northern Ukraine with radionuclides.

      Chernobyl is just 40 miles (65km) away – most of the remote villages and cottages in this part of Ukraine were abandoned when the human population was hurriedly evacuated to safety.

      Yet, the wildlife largely survived that disaster, even benefitting from the newfound absence of humans.

      RedstartImage source, BBC/Frank Gardner
      Image caption, The black redstart is a familiar bird in the villages of northern Ukraine

      “There have been two wolf packs in this region, and the Polesian wolf is one of the largest in the world,” Mr Alexandrovitch explains. “Before Chernobyl, they used to skirt around the villages but now, if it suits them, they would come straight through them at night.”

      The landmines planted by the Russians have left Ukraine’s part of Polesia with a very different problem. Russia is not party to the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty, although Ukraine is. Since they invaded, Russian forces have planted at least seven different kinds of anti-personnel mines in various parts of the country, mostly in unmarked minefields.

      Here in the northern forests, that means the unpaved tracks the rangers used to patrol down are now too dangerous to use. In early September one of their vehicles drove over a landmine, killing one of the occupants and badly injuring another.

      “Sometimes,” says Mr Alexandrovitch, “we come across the remains of a deer that has been blown up by a mine. The animals can’t see them. It’s so sad.”

      So, how long it will it take to make the area safe again?

      He takes a long drag of his cigarette before raising his eyes to the pine branches swaying gently in the autumn breeze. “Years,” he answers. Then he turns and adds with a sigh, “Decades, in fact.”

      Spotted flycatcherImage source, BBC/Frank Gardner
      Image caption, Spotted flycatcher
      Painted lady butterflyImage source, BBC/Frank Gardner
      Image caption, Painted lady butterfly

      Source: BBC

    • Gas prices soar 26% following closed key pipeline by Russia

      Gas prices have soared on concerns over energy supplies after Russia announced it would not reopen its main gas pipeline to Europe.

      The Dutch month ahead wholesale gas price, a benchmark for Europe, was up as much as 30% in early trading on Monday.

      The Nord Stream 1 pipeline had been due to reopen on Saturday after being shut for three days.

      But Russia’s state-owned energy firm Gazprom said it had found a leak.

      Europe has accused Russia of using gas supplies to blackmail European countries because of the Ukraine conflict, which Moscow denies.

      Wholesale prices have been very volatile in recent weeks. They fell sharply last week when Germany announced that its gas storage facilities were filling up faster than expected.

      Although the UK is not reliant on Nord Stream 1 for its gas, the Kremlin’s decision to squeeze supplies to Europe has driven up the overall cost of wholesale gas. Prices in the UK rose as much as 35% on Monday.

      The overall increase has been behind the spike in the energy bill price cap for consumers in England, Wales and Scotland.

      Tory leadership hopeful Liz Truss has promised to announce a plan to deal with high energy bills if she becomes prime minister. Her rival, Rishi Sunak, has said he will target further payments aimed at the poorest.

      However, UK businesses are not protected by a price cap and, last week, the British Chambers of Commerce warned firms would “close their doors this winter” if they were not given support with soaring bills.

      Energy expert Bill Farren-Price told the BBC’s Today programme that the “crunch moment” would come later in the year if demand is particularly high for gas and is going to exceed what can be imported.

      He added that looking action on energy bills would be the top priority for the incoming prime minister.

      A number of European governments have revealed plans to help businesses and consumers cope with surging energy costs. On Sunday, Germany announced a €65bn (£56.2bn) package which includes one-off payments to the most vulnerable and tax breaks to energy-intensive firms.

      Over the weekend, Sweden and Finland also announced multi-billion pound packages to support energy companies.

      ‘War winter’

      Other European ministers have accused Russia of using energy supplies as an economic weapon against those supporting Ukraine.

      Moscow has denied it is deliberately restricting exports in the run-up to winter, pushing up costs for households and businesses.

      State energy firm Gazprom said that an oil leak in a turbine on the Nord Stream 1 pipeline was behind the closure.

      But this has been disputed by the European Union and Siemens itself, the German firm which maintains the turbine.

      “Such leaks do not normally affect the operation of a turbine and can be sealed on site. It is a routine procedure within the scope of maintenance work,” Siemens said in a statement.

      Gazprom made the announcement on shutting the pipeline on Friday shortly after the G7 nations agreed to cap the price of Russian oil in support of Ukraine.

      Map showing the route of the Nord Stream pipelines between Russia and Germany.

      The introduction of a price cap means countries that sign up to the policy will be permitted to purchase only Russian oil and petroleum products transported via sea that are sold at or below the price cap.

      But Russia says it will not export to countries that participate in the cap.

      Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said that Russia’s actions could not only risk leading to a “war winter”, but could potentially have a knock-on effect on businesses and its wider economy.

      The Nord Stream 1 pipeline stretches from the Russian coast near St Petersburg to north-eastern Germany and can carry up to 170 million cubic metres of gas a day.

      It is owned and operated by Nord Stream AG, whose majority shareholder is Gazprom.

      This is not the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that the pipeline has been closed.

      In July, Gazprom cut off supplies completely for 10 days, citing “a maintenance break”. It restarted again 10 days later, but at a much reduced level.

      Source: BBC

    • European trio visit site of brutal Russian occupation

      The three European leaders are now visiting Irpin, a town near Kyiv which Russian troops brutally occupied at the beginning of the war.

      Emmanuel Macron, Olaf Scholz and Mario Draghi are being briefed on what went on in the city, and work being done to get life back to normal.

      “It’s a heroic city, marked by the stigmata of barbarism,” Macron tells reporters.

      Irpin is on the doorstep of Kyiv, and in early March Russian troops intent on conquering the capital took hold of the town.

      Its blown-up bridge and river crossing became known internationally as a risky escape route from next-door Bucha, the scene of many of Russia’s alleged war crimes.

      In Irpin itself, the bodies of 290 civilian victims were found.

      Source: BBC

    • Europe fears second virus wave as Trump takes heat for & misinformation

      While Europe tightened virus restrictions to face the threat of a second wave of COVID-19, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday found himself in the crosshairs of Facebook and Twitter because of a video in which he claims children are “almost immune” to the new COVID-19. The worldwide death toll crossed 700,000 as the two US social media giants took action against Trump for spreading what they called “misinformation” about the virus.

      Several European countries and cities reimposed tighter restrictions, including a “wake-up week” in Greece and new face mask and quarantine rules elsewhere.

      The US tallied another 1,262 deaths and 53,158 cases Wednesday, marking 157,930 total deaths and more than 4.8 million cases — making it by far the worst-hit country in the world.

      A total of 703,640 deaths have been recorded so far around the world, according to an AFP tally compiled from official sources as of 0300 GMT Thursday.

      Europe remains the hardest-hit region with 211,764 fatalities, but the number of deaths is rising fast in Latin America, with 208,329 deaths recorded.

      Restrictions re-introduced Announcing the re-introduction of restrictions in Greece, government spokesman Stelios Petsas told Mega TV: “We are trying to awaken people with messages and daily announcements on additional measures,” citing travel, social gatherings and public transport as major spreading concerns.

      Restrictions reimposed on the northeast Scottish city of Aberdeen included the closure of all indoor and outdoor hospitality venues starting late Wednesday as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon referred to what could become a “significant outbreak.”

      Toulouse in southwest France made face masks compulsory, with more French cities expected to follow suit.

      And Germany included Belgium’s Antwerp province on its list of regions requiring arriving travelers to quarantine for 14 days unless they can show a negative virus test.

      In Belgium, one of the country’s biggest meat processing plants, Westvlees, sent 225 staff home to quarantine after a cluster of coronavirus cases was discovered.

      Switzerland added mainland Spain to a quarantine list of 46 countries as well as Singapore and Romania.

      In the Netherlands, similar mask-wearing measures came into force in Rotterdam and in some busy neighborhoods of Amsterdam, including its famous red-light district.

      ‘Misinformation’ In an extraordinary move late Wednesday, Facebook removed a video clip about the virus from Trump’s account.

      It was the first time the social network has taken down one of the president’s posts for violating its content rules — for “claims that a group of people is immune from COVID-19 which is a violation of our policies around harmful COVID misinformation,” a Facebook spokesperson told AFP.

      Twitter meanwhile said it had blocked Trump’s official campaign account, also for a “misinformation” violation over a tweet containing the same video, in which Trump made the case for reopening US schools starting in September.

      Soon thereafter, the @TeamTrump account was active, suggesting the contested video had been taken down.

      Also in the United States, New York mayor Bill de Blasio, announcing new checkpoints at access roads into the city, said: “We’re not going to let our hard work slip away and will continue to do everything we can to keep New Yorkers safe and healthy.”

      The virus killed more than 32,000 people in the city, which was one of its first epicenters in the United States.

      Latin America surge One of Brazil’s leading indigenous chiefs, 71-year-old Aritana Yawalapiti, died Wednesday of respiratory complications caused by COVID-19.

      Brazil, South America’s largest country, is driving a surge in Latin America and the Caribbean. It has recorded nearly 2.9 million cases, and more than 97,000 deaths, nearly half the region’s 208,329 fatalities.

      Meanwhile the death toll continued to rise in Peru, which reported a new daily record of 221 deaths and 7,734 new cases, according to Health Ministry figures, bringing the total COVID-19 deaths to 20,228, and 447,624 confirmed cases — though total deaths could be closer to 50,000 when considering suspected cases, according to press reports.

      Peru, population 33 million, has the third highest death toll in Latin America after Brazil and Mexico.

      Vaccine trials In South Africa, the hardest-hit country in Africa, some 24,000 health workers have contracted the coronavirus and 181 have died since March, Health Minister Zweli Mkwize said.

      But he added: “We haven’t got to the stage where we don’t have hospital space for patients.”

      In Afghanistan, the health ministry said nearly a third of the population — or 10 million people — has been infected with the novel coronavirus.

      The world’s hope of ending the current cycle of outbreaks and lockdowns rests on finding a treatment, which has proved elusive so far.

      The US government Wednesday announced a new $1 billion investment in a COVID-19 vaccine being developed by Johnson & Johnson, guaranteeing 100 million doses.

      J&J;, via its subsidiary Janssen, received $456 million in March.

      Clinical trials on humans began in China for a potential coronavirus vaccine developed by German pharmaceutical group BioNTech with Chinese company Fosun Pharma.

      Source: Pulse Ghana