Author: Constance Awunor

Donald Trump has issued a sharp public rebuke of Pope Leo XIV, calling him “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy” in a strongly worded post on X. In the post, Trump accused the Pope of expressing “fear” toward his administration while failing to acknowledge what he described as the treatment of Christian groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. He claimed churches faced restrictions and enforcement actions at the time, contrasting that with the Pope’s current criticism. Trump also took aim at the pontiff’s views on global security, particularly regarding nuclear weapons and U.S. foreign policy. He said he disagreed…

Twenty-one hours was never going to be enough to erase 47 years of hostility between Iran and the United States. The high-stakes talks in Islamabad held during a fragile pause in weeks of intense conflict were always unlikely to produce a breakthrough. Labeling the lengthy negotiations a failure oversimplifies the situation. The issues on the table were vast and deeply entrenched: long-standing mistrust over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, alongside new tensions sparked by the war especially Iran’s grip on the crucial Strait of Hormuz, whose disruption is sending shockwaves through the global economy. Reaching any agreement would have required more than…

Ismail Omar Guelleh has secured victory in Djibouti’s latest presidential election, celebrating the outcome at his residence and describing it as a triumph for the entire nation. Preliminary results released by the interior ministry indicate a strong showing for the incumbent, continuing his long-standing hold on power. Officials also reported that more than 80% of registered voters took part in Friday’s election, signalling significant voter participation. Guelleh’s main challenger, Youssouf Moussa Dawaleh Samatar, represented a smaller political party with no seats in parliament. As of now, he has not publicly responded to the announced results. Despite the declaration, the outcome…

The departure of Otto Addo has left Ghana’s Black Stars searching for a new leader at a crucial time, with the 2026 World Cup fast approaching and a key opener against Panama looming. Whoever takes over the role reportedly a European coach will have limited time to work with the squad but must quickly resolve several lingering issues from the previous regime. A major concern is the team’s declining confidence. The Black Stars have struggled for form, managing just one win in their last five matches while suffering four consecutive defeats. Rebuilding belief within the squad will be essential, especially…

The government has distributed over 8,500 laptops to support the nationwide rollout of its flagship One Million Coders Programme (OMCP), an initiative designed to equip young people within demand digital skills. The presentation ceremony in Accra marked the start of Phase One, which will see laptops deployed to 130 learning centres across all 16 regions, along with selected universities. The devices will support training in coding, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies. Speaking at the event, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, said lessons from the pilot phase had informed a stronger and more results-driven national…

The Mfantseman-Saltpond Development Alliance (MSDA), a youth-driven group focused on local development, has applauded Parliament’s ratification of the Atlantic Lithium exploration agreement and is calling on the government to quickly complete the remaining processes needed to kick-start mining operations. The group described the agreement as beneficial to Ghana’s long-term interests and praised the introduction of a sliding-scale royalty system for mineral resources. Ernest De-Graft Egyir, President of the Alliance, said the lithium project presents a major opportunity to transform Saltpond and surrounding communities. He emphasized the urgency of moving from approval to active mining within the shortest possible time. In…

The Ghana Auctioneers Association has urged authorities to probe what it describes as increasing attempts to undermine official auction processes through the use of allegedly unauthorised government letters. The Association is calling on President John Dramani Mahama, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, and the Ministry of the Interior to investigate claims that some individuals are presenting letters purportedly from the Office of the Chief of Staff—to interfere with ongoing public auctions. These actions, it says, have led to intimidation of licensed auctioneers and, in some cases, the diversion or takeover of vehicles and other assets designated for sale. According to…

The Ghana cedi traded at a buying rate of 11.0145 and a selling rate of 11.0255 against the US dollar on Friday, April 10, according to figures from the Bank of Ghana. Against other major currencies, the British pound was bought at 14.8079 and sold at 14.8238, while the euro traded at a buying price of 12.8977 and a selling price of 12.9105. Speaking earlier, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, reassured the public that slight movements in the cedi’s value are not unusual. Addressing concerns about the currency’s recent depreciation during the 128th Monetary…

Solomon Owusu, Director of Communications for the United Party, has dismissed calls by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for John Dramani Mahama to assent to the anti-LGBTQ bill, describing the pressure as premature and unjustified. Speaking on AM Show on JoyNews on Thursday, April 9, he argued that criticism of the president is misplaced since the bill has not yet been formally presented to the Presidency. Mr Owusu stressed that due process must be followed before any expectation of presidential action, noting that there is currently no legislation before President Mahama for approval. He also defended the president against mounting…

Jim Whittaker, the first American to reach the summit of Mount Everest, has died at 97, his family confirmed. He passed away at his home in Port Townsend, Washington, surrounded by loved ones, with a sweeping view of the Olympic Mountains and Port Townsend Bay. Born in Seattle on 10 February 1929, Whittaker, known as “Big Jim,” began climbing with his twin brother Lou as Boy Scouts in the 1940s. At 16, the brothers summited Mount Olympus, the highest peak in Washington’s Olympic Mountains. Whittaker cemented his place in history on 1 May 1963, when he and Nawang Gombu Sherpa…