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Trump speculates about regime change in Iran after US strikes

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President Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump has raised the possibility of a change in leadership in Iran, after his country joined Israel in striking Iranian nuclear facilities.

On Sunday, Trump posted on social media to ask “why wouldn’t there be a Regime change???”

His remarks came after other top US officials stressed that toppling Iran’s leaders was not the aim of Saturday’s military action, during which US bombers targeted three sites in an effort to curtail Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Trump has previously criticised US involvement in overseas conflicts, including in Iraq, where the US and its allies toppled the regime of Saddam Hussein in 2003.

In Sunday’s post, Trump wrote: “It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change???”

It appeared to put him at odds with his top allies. Over the weekend, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the “mission was not and has not been about regime change” – a message that was echoed by Vice-President JD Vance.

Trump’s post caused a flurry of speculation, but one of his former officials questioned how seriously it should be taken.

Trump says the strikes – which used high-tech American “bunker-buster” bombs to attack underground infrastructure – caused “monumental damage”. However, the scale of the destruction is not yet clear.

Credit: bbc.com

Israel says it struck Tehran’s Evin prison and Fordo access routes

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Israel struck Tehran's Evin prison

The Israeli military has struck Tehran’s notorious Evin prison and damaged parts of the facility, which holds many political detainees, Iran’s judiciary says.

The judiciary’s Mizan news agency reported that the situation on the ground was “under control” following the attack. CCTV footage showed an explosion at one of the prison’s gates, while state TV pictures showed first responders carrying a casualty and searching for survivors under a flattened building.

Israel’s defence minister said it was hitting “regime targets and agencies of government repression” across Tehran, including Evin.

The military also said it had struck access routes to the Fordo uranium enrichment plant south of Tehran.

It came a day after US aircraft dropped bunker-busting bombs on the underground facility.

Iranian ballistic missiles also struck various locations across Israel on Monday.

One hit an industrial area in the coastal city of Ashdod, close to a power station. Electricity supplies were disrupted in some areas.

Ten days ago, Israel launched a large-scale air campaign against Iran, saying it aimed to remove what it called the existential threats of the country’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

Iran’s health ministry says Israeli strikes have killed around 500 people so far, although one human rights group has put the death toll at 950.

Iranian missile strikes on Israeli cities have killed 24 people, according to Israeli authorities.

Credit: bbc.com

US and UK tell citizens in Qatar to shelter in place

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Qatar

The US and the UK have told their citizens in Qatar to shelter in place “until further notice”.

The US embassy in Qatar suggested in a notice online that Americans do so “out of an abundance of caution”. The UK government said it was issuing its warning in response to the US alert.

The warnings come after the State Department told US citizens in international locations to “exercise increased caution,” after the US bombed three nuclear sites in Iran on Saturday. Iran has threatened to retaliate.

In a statement, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said a number of countries were urging precautions, but the embassy notice did “not necessarily reflect the existence of specific threats”.

The security situation in the country is stable,” the statement said, adding that “the relevant authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are ready to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors”.

Qatar is home to the largest US military base in the Middle East, Al Udeid Air Base. About 8,000 US citizens live there, according to the State Department.

The US has about 40,000 troops stationed in the Middle East.

The message from the US Embassy was followed by warnings from other groups in Qatar, including several universities that asked students to go home.

Bilateral relations between the US and Qatar are “strong”, according to the State Department, which says Qatar has helped play a financial, political and military role in dealing with turmoil in the region.

Credit: bbc.com

Head porter to be sentenced for stealing metals from Obetsebi Lamptey overpass

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BERNICE BESSEY
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Dansoman Circuit Court

The Circuit Court in Dansoman is expected to deliver its sentence today against a 48-year-old head porter, Yaw Asare, who has pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful damage and stealing parts of the Obetsebi Lamptey Overpass – property belonging to the Ghana Highway Authority.

Presided over by Her Honour Halimah El-Alawa Abdul-Baasit, the sentencing was initially deferred on Friday, June 18, following Asare’s admission of guilt to both charges.

He was charged with causing unlawful damage under Section 172 and stealing under Section 124(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

According to the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Emelia Mensah, the incident occurred on June 9, 2025 at around 11:30 pm at the Obetsebi Lamptey Overpass in Accra.

The accused, a known head porter residing at Kwame Nkrumah Circle, was found dismantling metal components from the recently completed overpass.

The complainant, Adams Alhassan, who resides in Sukura and was part of a patrol team, chanced upon the scene when the accused was being assaulted by a mob.

The team rescued Asare and upon questioning, it was revealed that he had removed six pieces of metal guardrails from their fixed positions on the overpass.

Asare was arrested at the scene with the stolen metal parts and a shifting spanner believed to have been used in committing the crime.

He later confessed during police interrogation, stating that he intended to sell the metal to a scrap dealer.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are still working to determine the exact monetary value of the damage caused to the overpass infrastructure.

The stolen components are vital parts of the guardrail system and their removal posed a significant safety risk to motorists.

The Ghana Highway Authority, the rightful owner of the damaged property, has since increased surveillance around key highway installations across the city.

HerPress Journalism Programme Launched to Empower Female Journalists in Ghana

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JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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20 journalists selected for the program in a group photo

A bold initiative to close gender gaps in media leadership and representation has been launched in Accra, with the unveiling of HerPress Journalism fellowship.

The pioneering programme, spearheaded by the Dikan Centre and supported by the Australian High Commission, is designed to address the persistent challenges women face in Ghana’s media industry, including workplace harassment, unequal pay, and limited career advancement.

Through an intensive three-month course, HerPress will equip 20 female journalists at a time with skills in advanced reporting, digital storytelling, safety protocols and leadership development.

Participants will receive mentorship and hands-on training in investigative journalism, while being guided through strategies to confront and overcome structural barriers in the profession. The broader goal is to create a pipeline of women leaders who will transform newsrooms into more inclusive and equitable spaces and promote balanced and diverse reporting across the country.

Speaking at the launch, Ewurama Bennin, Programme Manager of the Central Leadership Programme underscored the importance of internal empowerment in the journey toward gender equality.

She urged women to overcome self-doubt and societal limitations, describing the fight for equality as a battle against the “enemy within.”

She introduced three pillars essential for personal transformation: self-awareness, understanding how one’s experiences shape identity and practicing self-love through complete self-acceptance. “Actions speaks louder than words, and your actions will make your voice heard,” she said, encouraging strategic self-advocacy over passive expectation.

Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Berenice Owen-Jones, reaffirmed her country’s commitment to advancing gender equality and media freedom across Africa.

She stressed that empowering women journalists goes beyond individual progress it promotes transparency and strengthens democratic governance.

“When women’s voices are amplified, governance is more transparent, and when women journalists are empowered, the truth is more likely to be told,” she noted.

Ms Owen-Jones drew attention to the stark underrepresentation of women in African media, citing research that shows women make up only 22 per cent of news sources across the continent and hold just six per cent of executive positions in Ghanaian media organisations.

She added that the HerPress initiative is a direct intervention to bridge these gaps through focused professional development.

The High Commissioner also expressed concern over the threats that frequently silence women journalists from gender-based harassment to structural discrimination and how such threats lead to self-censorship and undermine diversity in media narratives.

Founder and Executive Director of the Dikan Centre, Paul Ninson, highlighted the transformational role of journalism in society and the critical need to embrace the perspectives of women to achieve that mission. “Journalism is not just about reporting facts but about capturing the fullness of human experiences,” he said.

Mr Ninson lamented how systemic issues such as undervaluing women’s contributions, marginalisation, and sexual harassment prevent journalism from fulfilling its true role. “When women’s contributions to storytelling are sidelined, journalism loses its power to reflect reality,” he stressed.

According to him, HerPress is not just about training journalists, but about redefining the purpose of journalism — to inform, inspire, and catalyse social change.

Doctor issues warning over make-up that can trigger agonising eye condition

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Using a particular type of cosmetic could leave you with an agonising eye condition, medics have warned.

Dr Jacqueline Beltz, an Australian ophthalmologist, said people should steer clear of waterproof make-up as it can lead to severe eye dryness.

This painful condition leaves sufferers with burning, stinging, redness in their eyes as well as blurred vision.

In a video posted on TikTok that has amassed over 500,000 views, Dr Beltz said she recommended her patients never use waterproof mascara due to how the ingredients—which help give the make-up its staying power—put your eyes at risk.

‘They have a lot of drying qualities because you need the mascara to dry out and stay on your lashes, but it can also dry out your tear film,’ she said.

The tear film is the delicate thin layer of fluids on the surface of the eye that help keep the organ moist and help protect its sensitive tissue for external substances.

Dr Beltz added: ‘A lot of people with sensitive eyes have dry tear film already, so they don’t need that extra dryness.

‘The second reason is because it is obviously just harder to get off. So not only do you need stronger chemicals, but more rubbing, which can be irritating if you have sensitive eyes.’

Social media users were left shocked about the dangers, with some saying it might explain why they’ve been suffering years of eye problems.

One wrote: ‘So that’s why my eyes get really itchy when I wear waterproof mascara.’

Another added: ‘I wear waterproof mascara and have had dry eyes since 2016 and no one has told me about this! I’m going to change my mascara ASAP.’

And a third wrote: ‘I have had issues with my eyes for some time now and no one has recommended this despite me asking my specialist and optometrist.’

Dr Beltz isn’t the only eye expert to warn about the dangers of waterproof make-up.

Reacting to her clip on Instagram, Dr Julian Prosia, a Canadian optometrist, also urged people to stay away from this type of cosmetic.

‘While make-up in general can lead to more dry eye issues and even irritation on the eye the waterproof make-up type is the worst thing you can do when it comes to meibomian gland dysfunction,’ he said.

Meibomian gland dysfunction is a common eye condition where the glands that help maintain the tear film become damaged, causing dry eyes.

As such, Dr Prosia urged people to choose ‘healthier’ cosmetics such water soluble options as well make-up brands recommended by eye-health specialists.

But he added waterproof make-up wasn’t the only type of cosmetic people should be wary of when it came to maintaining their eye health.

Dr Prosia directed viewers to a list made by Dr Huda Minhas, from the University of Puerto Rico, on commonly ingredients to be cautious of.

One worrying chemical, which can be found in waterproof mascara, was Butylated hydroxyanisole.

The chemical is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, Dr Minhas warned.

Other make-up ingredients she listed to beware of include benzalkonium chloride which she said can kill the meibomian glands within 15 minutes, even at low levels.

Another was the chemical formaldehyde which Dr Minhas said could trigger dermatitis, skin and eye surface irritation and even cancers.

She added that parabens—a type of preservative found in some cosmetics—can dispurt natural hormone function and are known to prevent the meibomian glands from working correctly.

Phenoxyethanol, another preservative, is also known to cause eye irritation and painful skin problems, she added.

It follows a warning from Breast Cancer UK earlier this year that toiletries used by millions of women daily could increase their chances of developing breast cancer.

The charity said shampoos and face creams contain substances—that while safe in isolation—can combine on the skin to produce endocrine disrupting chemicals.

These chemicals interfere with the human hormone system and have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.

The charity warned that woman using many beauty or hygiene products in a single day are unknowingly creating a powerful ‘chemical cocktail’.

Breast Cancer UK estimated the average British woman is exposed to over 150 potentially harmful chemicals as part of their daily beauty regime.

Credit: dailymail.co.uk

Feature: Ghana’s Road Safety Crisis: Why a 0.05% Blood Alcohol Limit Is Urgent

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Shadrack Nii Yarboi Yartey

Ghana’s road safety crisis is reaching alarming levels, claiming thousands of lives each year and posing a serious threat to national development. In 2023 alone, 2,494 Ghanaians lost their lives to road crashes, and another 15,607 sustained injuries. Within the first five months of 2024, the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) reported 1,267 deaths from road accidents. These figures are not just statistics, they are a damning indictment of the country’s road safety framework.

Among the many contributing factors, three stand out prominently: alcohol-impaired driving, excessive speeding, and broken-down vehicles on the road. These are risks that can be tackled with the right policy and legal interventions. In other words, the solutions are within reach.

Despite the well-known dangers of drink-driving, Ghana continues to operate with a legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08 percent. This is one of the highest thresholds globally and is increasingly out of sync with international best practices. To reduce the mounting toll of road crashes, Ghana must revise and enforce a lower BAC limit of 0.05 percent which is a shift supported by scientific evidence and international precedent.

The Cost of Inaction

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.3 million people die in road crashes globally each year, with low- and middle-income countries like Ghana bearing the brunt. Road traffic injuries have become a public health emergency.

In 2024, the NRSA recorded 14,135 road crashes in Ghana, resulting in 2,276 deaths and over 15,400 injuries. Alarmingly, up to 10 percent of these crashes are linked to alcohol-impaired driving. Yet, the legal response remains outdated, primarily due to the 0.08 percent BAC limit set under the Road Traffic Act of 2004 (Act 683). This high threshold allows significant impairment before any legal consequences are triggered, placing not just the intoxicated driver but countless others at risk.

Despite the growing number of casualties, the law still permits a level of alcohol in drivers that scientific studies have shown impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time. The cost of this inaction is staggering—not only in lives lost but also in economic terms. The NRSA estimates that road traffic crashes cost Ghana approximately $1.2 billion annually, or about 1.6 percent of the national GDP.

Why 0.05% Makes Sense?

Scientific research overwhelmingly supports a lower BAC limit. Impairment begins well before a person reaches 0.08 percent BAC. Studies show that by 0.05 percent, critical faculties such as reaction time, visual coordination, and decision-making are already compromised.

The Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation found that drivers with a BAC between 0.05 and 0.08 percent are at least seven times more likely to be involved in a fatal single-vehicle crash than sober drivers. International evidence further supports this. Countries that have reduced their BAC limit to 0.05 percent have seen a 5 to 10 percent drop in alcohol-related crashes. Japan, for example, recorded a 38 percent decline in alcohol-related accidents of all severities after adopting a 0.05 percent limit. These numbers show that lowering the BAC limit is not just a regulatory measure but a public health intervention that saves lives.

A Global Standard Ghana Must Embrace

Ghana’s BAC law stands apart from global norms. More than 85 countries, including those in the European Union, Canada, Australia, and Japan, have adopted a BAC limit of 0.05 percent or lower. These countries have paired legislation with rigorous enforcement and sustained public education.

In 2017, Utah became the first state in the U.S. to adopt a 0.05 percent BAC limit. The result was a measurable drop in alcohol-related traffic fatalities without any significant effect on general alcohol consumption. The lesson here is simple: reforming the law can protect lives without necessarily interfering with cultural practices.

Enforcement: The Missing Piece

Laws are only effective if they are enforced. As the WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, aptly put it, “Lowering blood alcohol concentration limits and enforcing them through random breath testing and sobriety checkpoints are among the most effective strategies for reducing alcohol-related road crashes.”

Any revision to Ghana’s BAC limit must go hand-in-hand with strong enforcement mechanisms. This means equipping the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service with the tools and training to carry out roadside breath testing. Public education campaigns must also play a central role in raising awareness about the new limits and the dangers of drink-driving.

Respecting Culture, Prioritizing Safety

Alcohol is a central part of many Ghanaian social gatherings, from weddings and funerals to festivals and casual events. But cultural traditions should not outweigh public safety. Lowering the BAC limit is not an attack on these traditions. Rather, it is a safeguard against reckless behavior that puts innocent lives at risk.

The Ministry of Transport has already initiated discussions around revising the BAC threshold, and several civil society organizations—including CUTS International Accra, LADA Institute, Legal Resource Centre, BIGRS and Vital Strategies are actively supporting this move. What is needed now is strong political will and coordinated action among all relevant stakeholders to take these

Conclusion

Resetting Ghana’s road safety ecosystem starts with aligning our laws with science, reason, and global best practices. Reducing the legal BAC limit from 0.08 percent to 0.05 percent and enforcing it rigorously is not only a sensible policy but a moral imperative.

By Shadrack Nii Yarboi Yartey

The writer is with CUTS International, Accra. For more information visit (www.cuts-accra.org)  or email: sny@cuts.org

KRC Genk accept 15 Million Euros for Christopher Baah Bonsu from Saudi Club

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Christopher Baah Bonsu

Ghana Black Stars winger Christopher Baah Bonsu is expected to be a new signing for Saudi Arabia club Al-Qadsiah by the close of this week.

The 20 year old who doesn’t turn 21 until December 14, is set to leave Belgian side KRC Genk to pen his signature to a five year deal that runs from the 2025-2026 season to 2030.

This report of Baah Bonsu’s transfer was reported by Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri who stated on his X (formerly Twitter) page that Al-Qadsiah and KRC Genk have agreed on a 15 Million euros transfer deal for the winger.

After joining Genk in the 2023-2024 season from Danish side Sarpsborg 08, Baah Bonsu scored three goals and added five assists in 43 games in all competitions for Genk who recently had Black Stars winger Joseph Paintsil star for them prior to joining Los Angeles Galaxy.

Baah Bonsu’s impressive string of performances led to his inclusion in Ghana’s squad that competed in the Unity Cup. Al-Qadsiah finished fourth in the 18 team Saudi Pro League in the 2024-2025 season that had Al-Ittihad clinch the title.

Credit: citisportsonline.com

Kudus makes big career move ahead of busy transfer window, joins top agency

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Mohammed Kudus

Ghana and West Ham United ace, Mohammed Kudus, has joined German agency ROOF ahead of a busy summer transfer window. 

The 24-year-old has been linked with several clubs including English giants Arsenal and Liverpool after two seasons in the Premier League.

Kudus’ future at the London club remains a doubt but a move to a new club was stalled over his representation in recent transfer windows.

The Right to Dream Academy graduate was previously represented by Jennifer Mendeleswitch, whom he parted ways with at the start of the 2024/25 season before his family briefly handled his affairs. Mendeleswitch brokered the deal that saw Kudus move to Ajax and later West Ham United.

His latest switch means the Ghana international could be making a move in the current transfer window as clubs interested in the player open negotiation with his new representatives.

ROOF agency based in Germany represent several top players including Liverpool Virgil Van Dijk and Kai Harvetz of Arsenal. Ernest Nuamah is the other Ghanaian on the agency’s books.

Kudus has excelled in the Premier League since joining West Ham United in the 2023/24 campaign, where he enjoyed a remarkable debut season, contributing 20 goals across all competitions.

However, in the just-ended campaign, Kudus laboured to replicate his previous form, scoring only five Premier League goals.

Despite his struggles, the former FC Nordsjaelland star managed to convince his suitors with his qualities.

Credit: ghanasoccernet.com

Hearts’ $70,000 transfer saga with New Edubiase is being resolved –Opare Addo

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Communications Director of Hearts, Kwame Opare Addo

Communications Director of Hearts of Oak, Kwame Opare Addo, says the club is working around the clock to resolve their issues with New Edubiase over a $70,000 transfer saga.

The Phobians have been handed a transfer ban in relation to the issue with the Division One League side after they missed the final deadline to comply with a directive to pay $70,000 to Edubiase.

The payment stems from a decision by the GFA Players’ Status Committee, which directed Hearts of Oak to pay New Edubiase $50,000 as an outstanding balance on the transfer of Salim Adams, plus an additional $20,000 representing 40 per cent of an onward transfer fee.

Speaking on Asempa FC on Monday, June 23, Opare Addo confirmed the Ghana Football Association’s ruling while revealing the club is working to get the issue resolved.

“This is an issue that is being resolved,” he said. “I can say that when it is eventually resolved, New Edubiase will testify to it that it is resolved.

“Who knows, in the next minutes it could be resolved. When it is fully done, and you ask New Edubiase, they will also testify to it. The two parties are in constant touch to make sure it happens.

“Everything you read from the GFA document is correct.” Sources claim Hearts of Oak called Edubiase about a week ago to inform them that a $20,000 cheque was ready, but the club declined it.

Under the GFA’s disciplinary regulations, the transfer ban restricts Hearts of Oak from registering new players both domestically and internationally until the full amount is paid.

The regulation also provides for additional sanctions such as points deduction or relegation in the event of continued non-compliance.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

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