A suspected Chinese spy balloon, photographed over Taiwan
New evidence of China’s spy balloon programme – including flights over Japan and Taiwan – has been uncovered by BBC Panorama. Japan has confirmed balloons have flown over its territory and said it’s prepared to shoot them down in future.
China has not directly addressed the evidence presented by the BBC. US-China relations were thrown into turmoil earlier this year, when an alleged Chinese spy balloon was shot down off the US coast.
China claimed the balloon seen over north-western US in late January was a civilian airship, used for scientific research such as meteorology – and that it was an unintended and isolated event.
John Culver – a former East Asia analyst for the CIA – told Panorama that this “had been not just a one-off, but a continuing effort dating back at least five years.” He said the Chinese balloons were “specially designed for these long-range missions” and some had “apparently circumnavigated the globe”.
Working with Synthetaic, an artificial intelligence company which sifted through huge amounts of data captured by satellites, the BBC has found multiple images of balloons crossing East Asia.
Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin defended his “march on Moscow” with a convoy of tanks, saying the move was not an attempted coup and was conducted as a protest against Russia’s military leadership.
On Monday he called the move a reaction to an attack on his forces that killed about 30 fighters in the first audio statement since the aborted armed rebellion he staged on Saturday.
“We started our march because of an injustice. We went to demonstrate our protest and not to overthrow power in the country,” Prigozhin said in an 11-minute audio message.
He did not offer any details as to where he was or what his future plans are.
“In Russian towns, civilians met us with Russian flags and the symbols of Wagner,” he said. “They were all happy when we passed through.” +++Russian media reported a criminal probe against Prigozhin continued, and some lawmakers called for his head.
It was culture at its best. Page boys of a Chief zit in state
The Fantis, the Akan lineage group occupying most of the Central Region of Ghana, have an adage: ‘Se Okobran Twa Par A Woma No Mbo’. It is difficult to construct the exact meaning in English, given the cultural and historical circumstances that begat this wise saying.
Any translation, I dare pronounce, could only have a loose semblance of the real thing in the Queen’s language. For that reason, I will settle for a quote from Mr. Kwame Gyawu-Kyem, one-time Editor of the Ghanaian Times, who is now with his ancestors.
Odeefo Akyin VIII welcoming one of the invited paramount chiefs to the event
He authored a one-paragraph editorial a day after Gen. Kutu Acheampong, the military strongman who ousted Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia as Prime Minister of Ghana, was also dethroned in a palace coup in 1978. “When a man has done his very best, the angels above cannot do anymore,” the venerable Editor wrote.
Odeefo Akyin VIII put his very best foot forward in this commemorative event of colour and culture, spiced with history and socio-political antecedent. For two weeks, Ebiram, the traditional headquarters of the Ekumfi State, shook to its very foundations.
For those not conversant with the area, the Ekumfi Traditional Area occupies the very centre of the Central Region along the coast. It is bordered in the East by the Gomoa West District, in the West by the Mfanstiman Municipality, in the North by the Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District, and in the South by the Gulf of Guinea.
The palace at Ebiram has residential facilities for all divisional chiefs in Ekumfi. In other words, when an issue under discussion goes beyond the day, all chiefs at the court of Odeefo Akyin have a place to rest till the next day. It offers a kind of boarding facilities for all sub-chiefs in the traditional area.
There are no prizes for guessing why Ekumfi was in focus throughout the month of June. Odeefo Akyin VIII ascended the Royal Asona Stool of Ebiram signifying his accession as Omanhen of the Ekumfi Traditional Area five years ago.
One of the immediate tasks was preparing to organise a befitting funeral for his departed predecessors – Nana Akyin VI, Akyin VII, two queenmothers – Nana Benyiwa VI, Benyiwa VII, and two Ebusuampanyinfo.
After extensive preparations, June 9 – June 18 was fixed for the grand commemoration. Some of us were apprehensive, especially with the weather conditions, when the funeral commemoration was fixed for June.
Odeefo Akyin somehow gave the assurance that there would be no rains. Lo and behold, the heavens held its own till the very last minute of the programme.
In the early hours of June 9, Okyeame Kwame Mentawoho poured libation at the forecourt of the Royal Palace to invite the departed ‘home’ and to officially begin the commemoration.
The next day, Asafo groups from about 10 communities in the Ekumfi State brought Ebiram to a standstill. The event continued with songs, steps and waving of flags of the various Asafo group in the Ekumfi Traditional Area vibrating on the palace grounds. The event continued throughout to Saturday, June 17, when the commemoration reached its climax.
With a number of radio stations taking live feed from the Palace grounds, divisional chiefs and their queenmothers escorted Odeefo Akyin VIII to the parade grounds to take his seat and wait for paramount chiefs in the Central Region and invited guests, including the Minister of Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah-Boateng, the Central Regional Minister, Ms. Justin Marigold Assan, the former Minister of Railways Development and New Patriotic Party presidential hopeful, Mr. Joe Ghartey, who is a son of the Ekumfi State, as well as the President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahohuo Yaw Gyebi II, and the President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs, Odeefo Amoakwa Buadu VIII, who is also the Omanhen of the Breman Asikuma Traditional Area.
On the fateful day, there was great disappointment on the part of government officials invited to the function. The Minister for Religious Affairs did not show up. I have still not heard any explanation from my good friend.
Ms. Marigold Assan was not present either. She sent her Co-Ordinating Director to represent her. Ogyeahohuo Gyebi II could also not make it. His Chief Director was sent to represent him.
In the absence of the head of the National House of Chiefs, Odeefo Amoakwa Buadu stood in his shoes and brought the house down. Ekumfi Asafo rekindled the spirit of the olden days when Nana Akyin VI, in his capacity as the Chairman of the Presidential Commission, ensured that sounds from Ekumfi resonated at all state functions.
In those days, Otuam Asafo, renowned throughout the country as the best Asafo could provide, entertained guests at all state functions.
Once upon a time, while exiled in London, I was invited to an event at Bristol University in Britain to witness an exhibition of Asafo flags. One particular flag from Otuam was almost one mile in length.
Otuam though did not bring any long flag to Ebiram. But the virtuoso performance they put up with their flagbearer tossing his flag up and down, and diving under it in a vibrant dance, was a spectacle.
Edumafa and Asaafa, two communities along the coast and which are also well renowned in the hoisting of Asafo flags, adequately filled in for Otuam. The two Asafo companies brought their long flags, measuring nearly half a mile each, and got the crowd wild with excitement.
There was an unofficial contest of drumming and dancing, with the Fontofrom and Kete featuring prominently in each entourage of paramount chiefs entering the funeral grounds.
From where I sat on the dais, I scored Ehuabobrim Pra Agyesam, Paramount Chief of the Kushea Traditional Area, the ultimate winner in this unofficial contest of traditional chiefs.
Followed by a long retinue of drummers and dancers, the Omanhene danced all the way to the grounds and out of it, when he asked permission to leave. When he had sat down, the women singers and dancers, Ehuabobrim brought along, animated the grounds.
I was so impressed with his engagement on the ground that I stood from the dais and went and shook hands with him.
Before Odeefo Akyin took the floor to address his guests, Asafo drummers and dancers seized the floor for more than ten minutes, performing dance moves with appellation for more than 10 minutes. After the Asafo drumming and dancing, Fontofrom and Kete took over, with the ABENTSIA sounding the Suro Koko anthem.
Suro Koko, Nkrofo Yi Wo Suro Kok (They fear, the people fear bad).
Odeefo Akyin announced a new festival to be celebrated throughout the Ekumfi Traditional Area, beginning in August 2024. The new festival is without prejudice to the Akwambo and Ayerye, which individual communities in the area celebrate each year.
The Overlord of the Ekumfi Traditional Area told his guests that he and his sub-chiefs organised the funeral to officially retire his predecessors who had already joined their ancestors. In Akan tradition the belief is that our ancestors are the main link between the living and the kingdom of Almighty God. That is why the Akans organise elaborate funerals to bid the deceased a befitting farewell.
At Ebiram, modernity was linked to the old ancient system, when traditional executors, thought to be out of existence in the modern era, emerged in their numbers on the funeral grounds. One sporting charcoal black colour on body and clothing tore a chicken head and chewed it in public. It was a bit scary, I must confess.
The grand event ended on Sunday, June 18, when a non-denominational church service was organised at the Palace grounds. A long list of reverend ministers, from the Central Region, were invited to hand over the deceased royals to their Maker.
In attendance were the St. James Anglican Choir from Winneba, Saltpond Anglican Choir, the Winneba Royal Choir and All Church Choir from Ebiram. Venerable Aaron Edua of the Winneba Anglican Church led a group of clergymen and women to close the chapter on the commemoration service for the departed royals of Ekumfi.
The Ghana Armed Forces Central Band provided music throughout the nearly two weeks of commemoration. Now, that the funerals are out of the way, Odeefo Akyin could now down his funeral cloth which has been his clothing since he became the Paramount Chief of the Ekumfi Traditional Area five years ago and put on a garb befitting a King.
Ilkay Gundogan has revealed that Pep Guardiola hoped the pair would leave Manchester City together as the Treble-winning captain sealed a move to Barcelona.
The 32-year-old, Guardiola’s first signing at City, lived next door to his manager and leaves the Premier League champions a legend after a collection of era-defining goals – including the iconic volley against rivals Manchester United in May’s FA Cup final.
City wanted to keep Gundogan at the Etihad Stadium but did not stretch to offering a two-year contract, while Barca settled on a deal that could extend until 2026.
‘One of the hardest calls I had to make was to Pep, telling him that I was going to leave,’ Gundogan said. ‘All I could do was to say thank you. Not just for this season, or for all the trophies, but for bringing me here in the first place.
‘I will never forget when I hurt my knee at the end of the season with Dortmund [in 2016] and I had to get surgery, I was so worried that City would pull out of the deal for me. But Pep called me on the phone and said they will wait no matter how long it takes.
‘I think maybe Pep was hoping that we would come here to City together and leave together, but I know that he understands my decision. I am sure it helps that I’m going to his boyhood club.’
Guardiola, currently on holiday with his family in Egypt, has two years remaining on his contract and is now tasked with tweaking a squad which will require new energy next season.
Mateo Kovacic’s £25million switch from Chelsea should be confirmed this week, while RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol is a priority target.
Kepa Arrizabalaga married his fiance Andrea Martinez in a stunning wedding
Kepa Arrizabalaga tied the knot with Spanish model Andrea Martinez at a stunning wedding in Marbella on Sunday.
The Chelsea goalkeeper married his fiancee and several of his current and former teammates were in attendance.
Arsenal‘s Jorginho was there to celebrate with his ex-colleagues after moving across London in January for £12million having spent five years at Stamford Bridge.
Furthermore, former Chelsea flop Alvaro Morata was pictured in attendance after striking up a strong relationship with Kepa during his time at the club and with Spain.
Morata – who now plays for Atletico Madrid – only spent two years in west London after joining for a then-club record fee of £60m, but struggled as he netted just 24 goals in 72 appearances.
They are expected to continue their life in London after it was revealed Kepa wishes to stay at Chelsea to convince fans he can be their long-term number one amid criticism for his performances over recent years.
Ghana will return to action on Tuesday with a crucial Group A clash against hosts Morocco, while Congo Brazzaville will also take on Guinea in the day’s second match. In the opening match on Saturday, Morocco secured a 2-1 victory over Guinea.
Black Meteors in a warm-up
Ghana’s substitute striker, Emmanuel Yeboah, stole the spotlight by scoring twice to guide his team to a hard-fought 3-2 triumph over Congo.
The stage is set for another exhilarating round of U23 AFCON clashes as the teams strive to make their mark in the tournament.
Issahaku Fatawu and Ernest Nuamah
Ghana’s U-23 head coach Ibrahim Tanko has expressed optimism ahead of their second game in the ongoing U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Morocco on Tuesday.
Morocco, the hosts of the tournament came from behind to beat Guinea 2-1 on Saturday in the opening game setting the stage for an exciting run of matches. Ghana followed suit with a 3-2 victory over Congo on Sunday in a pulsating encounter allowing them to gain three points each.
Ghana’s super sub, Emmanuel Yeboah
Both sides will now square off tomorrow knowing that a win might secure them a spot in the semifinals as they both attempt to qualify for the next Olympic Games by placing in the top three.
Tanko, on the other hand, who was dissatisfied with his team’s defense despite winning their first game, has promised to learn from the mistakes and improve on their performance against Morocco.
“We are going to watch the game again and see where we fell shot and prepare for the next game”, Coach Tanko stated at the post-match press conference.
Coach Ibrahim Tanko
“Both teams won our opening games so we are going to prepare well for the game and ensure that we get good results”, he added.
Ghana will then play their last group game against Guinea on Friday night.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare has met with the leadership of political parties, and other stakeholders to foster peace in Assin North ahead of tomorrow’s by-election.
The meeting was held on Monday, June 26, 2023, in Assin North, to which enabled stakeholder to raise their concerns with regards to security for the by-election.
Present at the meeting which also including the Police Management Board (POMAB), were leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) and the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC).
A statement issued by the police following the meeting, assured the people of Assin North especially, and Ghanaians that “adequate security measures have been put in place within the constituency in order to ensure security, law and order before, during and after the election.”
According to the Police, the security concerns of all the stakeholders were noted at the meeting and have been factored into the final strategy for the by-election.
The IGP urged the public to be circumspect in the reportage on the election and avoid circulating false information that has the likelihood to occasion a breach of peace.
This became one concern of all the stakeholder, but the release noted that “The police will take the necessary action against anyone found culpable.”
“We wish to urge the people of Assin North Constituency to go about their normal activities freely including going out to exercise their civic duty of casting their vote.”
The team of the NPP was led by its National Chairman and the National Organizer whiles the NDC was led by its National Chairman and the General Secretary.
The LPG was led by its National Secretary and Regional Executives, but the EC was led by its Director of Operations.
The IGP expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders for their cooperation so far and hoped for the same cooperation for the last lap of the election to ensure safe, secure and peaceful exercise.
Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the NPP, Stephen Ayensu Ntim took to his social media platform following the meeting to assure the people of Assin North and the general public of a peaceful election.
He wrote that “We [NPP] have tasked our officers, supporters and sympathizers to conduct themselves in that regard.”
The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has debunked claims that he is frightening James Gyakye Quayson, the Assin North parliamentary candidate on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
On the contrary, he has argued that it is the laws of the country that is dealing with him, after falling foul of some electoral rules during the 2020 general elections.
The people who attended the rally
“He says it’s the NPP and me who are scaring him. That is not true; it is the laws of Ghana that are scaring him. I do not scare anyone in Ghana. If you fall foul of the law, it is not me who will deal with you, but the law. I am not autocratic; I have respected the rule of law in the six years of my reign as president,” he asserted.
President Akufo-Addo was speaking at a mammoth rally held on Sunday, June 25, 2023 at Assin Bereku, in the Assin North Constituency, to wrap up the party’s campaign ahead of tomorrow’s by-election.
President Akufo-Addo, who was addressing an enthusiastic crowd, urged the people of Assin North to vote for Charles Opoku, as he can easily lobby for more development in the constituency.
The President mentioned that the party had already commenced some developmental works in the constituency and asserted that a lot more would follow should Charles Opoku be elected.
“So, I came to plead with you to vote for someone who can come to me for more development in Assin North.”
MISTAKE
The President reminded the people to be mindful of the person they vote for in order not to repeat the mistake of 2020, urging them to vote for Charles Opoku, who is first on the ballot paper.
The President reminded the enthusiastic crowd about the fact that he won the constituency in the 2020 presidential election, but because of the ‘skirt and blouse’ voting, the parliamentary went to the NDC, which has landed in court.
“We need someone with no issue and he is Charles Opoku,” the President stated.
President Akufo-Addo debunked an assertion by former President Mahama that the court declared the Assin North election null and void because the judiciary has been politicised.
The President used the opportunity to remind his predecessor that the same judiciary dealt with the late Adamu Sakande case and he (John Mahama) had no qualms with the outcome. “So, why now?” Akufo-Addo quizzed.
However, the president disagreed with the stance of the NDC candidate that he does not mind being jailed, saying the constituents do not need an MP like that.
GOOD FAITH
The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, whose address preceded that of the president, observed that the NPP government had shown good faith with the Assin North Constituency.
According to him, all the developmental projects in the constituency were done by the NPP government, from the Kufuor era to the current Akufo-Addo administration.
He listed some of the projects currently ongoing in the constituency such as; Agenda 111, roads, and telephone connections.
He teased the NDC candidate that when voted into office, he would not be able to lobby for development, which is why the voters should elect Charles Opoku tomorrow.
Prior to his address, other Speakers, including the MP for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyepong, the Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako and the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu had all spoken.
Kennedy Agyepong told the gathering that voting any candidate, apart from Charles Opoku, would go against the country as a whole because no other party has the competence to work for the people of Ghana.
Taking his turn, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Henry Quartey, remarked that Charles Opoku had contributed immensely to the constituency, even as a non-MP.
Assin South MP, Rev. Ntim Fordjour indicated that Charles Opoku is God-fearing and very committed to development, thus the need to vote for him to become the next MP.
The General Secretary of the party, Justin Kodua Frimpong, stressed that President Akufo-Addo made the best decision to separate Assin North and Assin Central, as it has brought development.
Speaking at the rally, Charles Opoku assured the constituents that he would not disappoint them if voted the MP for the Assin North Constituency.
Veep Bawumia, Naa Torshie Addo and Rev Heward Mills laying the foundation of the project
The Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has broken ground for work to begin on a 2,000 acre 9,000-home Integrated Community and Empowerment Centre for Persons Living With Disabilities (PWDs) at Agortor-Kope in the Ningo-Prampram District of the Greater Accra Region.
Veep Bawumia delivering his speech
Known as the CEM Ability Village, it is the brainchild of the Charismatic Evangelistic Ministry (CEM), through the Church’s Ability Village Charity to support and empower persons with disabilities, skills training and specialist healthcare to promote their full participation in all facets of society.
Work on Phase One of the project, to be situated on 500 acres, begins immediately, while the charity continues to solicit funds and equipment to undertake the entire project in record time.
Rev Heward Mills laying a block with Dr Bawumia applauding
Vice President Bawumia, a passionate supporter of the cause of PWDs, lauded the leadership of the church for conceiving and undertaking such a major project, saying it is a reflection of the Church’s response to the call to help humanity.
“For many years, I have followed with keen interest your efforts in providing assistive devices, medical care and other essential items for this vulnerable group across the country, by organising the “Day of Help” for persons with disabilities, which is commendable”, Dr Bawumia hailed Rev Steve Mensah and the leadership of the Church and the Charity.
People with disabilities face a variety of social, attitudinal, physical, educational, transportation and communication barriers in their everyday lives, which affects their full inclusion in our communities.
These barriers result in negative consequences such as social exclusion, physical and mental health challenges, discrimination, stigmatization, low self-esteem, and financial difficulties, Dr Bawumia noted.
“Consequently, persons with disabilities are more likely to live in abject poverty than persons without disabilities. Unfortunately, our society’s actions and inactions continue to create barriers to their integration into our communities.
Naa Torshie and MP for Ningo-Prampram arriving at the venue
“It has become expedient to tackle these issues head-on with concrete actions that will deal with all these prejudices and barriers impeding the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in our communities.
“Therefore, CEM Ability Village shows that we do not have to wait for the Government to do everything. We are all responsible for our fellow brothers and sisters living with a disability.
We all need to put our hands on the plough and work to remove all obstacles facing our brothers and sisters.
“Let us tap into our human nature and give out our resources to lift persons with disabilities from this quagmire of despondency. We have to do a lot as a Government, and we are committed to addressing these challenges,” he stressed.
Dr Bawumia, who is Patron of the Ghana Lepers’ Aid Committee and whose care and philanthropic activities with persons living with disabilities are well documented, pledged his commitment to the success of the project, and urged all to do same.
“I must admit that this initiative to support persons with disability is dear to my heart and I will offer all the necessary support for realising the CEM Ability Village.
The Government will also do its part in the realisation of this project.
“Supporting the CEM Ability Village is our civic and moral responsibility. Let us all rise to the occasion for every life matters, and we should not leave anyone behind.
“This groundbreaking is a call to action; Ghana must stand with persons with disabilities. I will encourage Corporate Ghana, the donor community, development partners, Associations and groups, religious organisations and individuals to give generously to this laudable project.
Technical assistance from development partners and construction materials and equipment donations for the skills training facilities and the hospital are welcome,” he emphasised.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Lariba Zuweira Abudu, thanked the chiefs of the area “for releasing such a large tract of land for such a laudable project” and pledged the Ministry’s “absolute support” to ensure its speedy completion.
The CEM Ability Village
The CEM Ability Village is programmed to be an inclusive and empowerment center to help address some of the challenges facing persons with disabilities.
The Village will provide;
a. Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and other skills training to address PWD employment challenges.
b. An ultra-modern hospital to cater for the specific needs of persons with disability. Among others, the hospital will also serve as a referral centre for PWDs to provide restorative surgery, aids and appliances, training and serve as a research facility.
c. Technology Centre to focus on software development and hardware assembly and repair.
d. Provide advocacy, counseling, guidance, and information services for persons with disabilities across the country.
e. Provide assisted living and affordable housing support.
f. Support persons with disabilities to venture into agriculture and other business ventures in collaboration with development partners and corporate organizations.
Meanwhile, the industrial hub unit of the village has been named after the Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund, Irene Naa Torshie Addo, for her massive support for the project.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for tomorrow’s by-election un deceased NDC supporter until they turn 18 years.
Mr. Quayson has, therefore, deposited an amount of GH¢24,000.00 into a newly set up Welfare Endowment Fund for the children.
James Gyakye Quayson has further pledged to bear the full cost of medical treatment for one of the kids with glaucoma at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital in the coming days.
This came to light when a high-powered delegation of the NDC, led by its National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, among a host of other prominent personalities, attended the traditional one-week observation of the late party activist.
Lawyer Sammy Gyamfi speaking to the crowd
The activist, Mrs. Sarfo, lost her life in a fatal road accident during a campaign tour at Assin Dansame to canvass support for Mr. James Gyakye Quayson in tomorrow’s by-election.
On behalf of Mr. Quayson, the National Communications Officer of the NDC, Lawyer Sammy Gyamfi, announced a welfare endowment package of GH¢500.00 every month.
This meant that an amount of GH¢2,000.00 would be contributed monthly as upkeep money towards the upbringing of each of the four children.
The NDC also presented an amount of GH¢10,000.00, several cartons of drinking water, and assorted drinks to the family of the deceased to support their preparations towards the final funeral rites.
The NDC further assured the family of the party’s continuous support and commitment towards performing a befitting funeral rites and burial to honour their fallen Comrade and her children.
General Secretary Fiifi Fiave Kwetey, Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson and other members of Parliament, as well as Central Regional and National Executives were part of the delegation.
Please vote for NDC -Widower pleads
Meanwhile, the widower, Mr. Yaw Sarfo, has passionately appealed to the constituents to vote massively for the NDC’s James Gyakye Quayson to conciliate the soul of his departed wife.
Mr. Sarfo, who is also a branch executive of the NDC, described the painful demise of his late wife as someone who sacrificed his all for the NDC party.
According to him, a resounding victory for the NDC to see Mr James Gyakye Quayson emerge victorious in Tuesday’s polls to represent the constituents in parliament as their MP would greatly appease his wife.
