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US-China talks a ‘step forward’ in relations, says Janet Yellen

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Janet Yellen says talks with China on various issues have been 'substantive and productive'

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has said her visit to Beijing has marked a “step forward” in efforts to stabilise relations between the two countries.

Ms Yellen spoke at the end of a four-day trip, during which talks were held over issues including climate change.

She described the talks as “direct, substantive and productive” and said both sides had learned more about each other.

However, she admitted the US and China still had “significant disagreements”.

“No one visit will solve our challenges overnight,” she said.

“But this trip will help build a resilient and productive channel of communication with China’s new economic team.”

The US-China relationship has deteriorated in recent years. Issues dividing the countries include human rights in Xinjiang and Hong Kong, territorial claims to Taiwan and the South China Sea and Beijing’s growing domination of a host of industries.

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, who was among those to meet with Ms Yellen, said on Saturday he regretted “unexpected incidents” – such as the row over a spy balloon – had hurt ties with the United States.

Ms Yellen stressed the need for better communication in order to try and overcome these issues, adding that US President Joe Biden did “not see the relationship between the US and China through the frame of great power conflict.

Source: bbc.com

North Korea calls on international community to stop Japan’s release of treated Fukushima wastewater

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Overview of the Fukushima nuclear plant.

North Korea has called upon the international community to stop Japan from releasing treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean.

“The just international community must not sit and watch the evil, anti-humanitarian and belligerent action by the corrupt force that is trying to disrupt humanity’s home of the blue planet – and must unite to thoroughly stop and destroy them,” the country’s Land and Environment Protection Department said.

Its statement, reported by state media outlet KCNA on Sunday, comes after the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said last week that Tokyo’s plan was safe and in line with international standards for environmental safety.

Japan plans to release the wastewater sometime this summer.

IAEA chief ‘completely convinced’ it’s safe to release treated Fukushima nuclear wastewater

Pyongyang’s statement is the latest in a series of concerns voiced by neighboring countries like South Korea, China and the Pacific Islands – all of which have raised fears about potential harm to the environment and public health.

Chinese custom authorities on Friday announced that a ban on food imports from 10 Japanese prefectures including Fukushima would remain in place and that it would strengthen inspections to monitor for “radioactive substances, to ensure the safety of Japanese food imports to China.”

The UN’s approval has done little to reassure fishermen and residents still affected by the 2011 disaster.

Speaking to CNN in a recent interview in Tokyo, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said he had met with Japanese fishing groups and local mayors and acknowledged their fears.

Source: cnn.com

Pope Francis names 21 new cardinals

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Pope Francis has announced he would elevate 21 churchmen to the high rank of cardinal, again putting his mark on the group that will one day choose his successor after his death or resignation.

The ceremony to install them, known as a consistory, will be held on September 30, the 86-year-old Francis announced on Sunday during his noon prayer to pilgrims and tourists in St Peter’s Square.

Eighteen of the churchmen are under 80 and would be able to enter an eventual conclave to choose the next pope. The other three, who are over 80 and too old to vote in the conclave, were named in thanks for their long service to the Church.

All cardinals, regardless of their age, are allowed to take part in pre-conclave meetings known as General Congregations, giving them a say in the type of pope they think their younger brother cardinals should choose.

Video Duration 01 minutes 31 seconds 01:31

Pope Francis hospitalised for abdominal surgery

The new cardinals come from countries including the United States, Italy, Argentina, South Africa, Spain, Colombia, South Sudan, Hong Kong, Poland, Malaysia, Tanzania and Portugal.

Three of the new cardinals were recently named as heads of major Vatican departments, including Argentine Archbishop Victor Manuel Fernandez, head of the Vatican’s doctrinal department.

Source: Aljazeera.com

Cluster bombs: Unease grows over US sending cluster bombs to Ukraine

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The remnants of a cluster bomb found in a field in Ukraine in April 2023

Several allies of the US have expressed unease at Washington’s decision to supply Ukraine with cluster bombs.

On Friday, the US confirmed it was sending the controversial weapons to Ukraine, with President Joe Biden calling it a “very difficult decision”.

In response, the UK, Canada, New Zealand and Spain all said they were opposed to the use of the weapons.

Cluster bombs have been banned by more than 100 countries because of the danger they pose to civilians.

They typically release lots of smaller bomblets that can kill indiscriminately over a wide area.

The munitions have also caused controversy over their failure – or dud – rate. Unexploded bomblets can linger on the ground for years and then indiscriminately detonate.

Mr. Biden told CNN in an interview on Friday that he had spoken to allies about the decision, which was part of a military aid package worth $800m (£626m).

The president said it had taken him “a while to be convinced to do it”, but he had acted because “the Ukrainians are running out of ammunition”.

The decision was quickly criticised by human rights groups, with Amnesty International saying cluster munitions pose “a grave threat to civilian lives, even long after the conflict has ended”.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters the American cluster bombs being sent to Ukraine failed far less frequently than ones already being used by Russia in the conflict.

But on Saturday, some Western allies of the US refused to endorse its decision.

When asked about his position on the US decision, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak highlighted that the UK was one of 123 countries that had signed up to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits the production or use of the weapons and discourages their use.

Source: bbc.com

Health Benefits of eating Periwinkle (Apoofii)

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Periwinkle snail

Periwinkle, scientifically known as (Littorina littorea) (Faocha), is a species of snail found on rocky coasts or sandy or muddy habitats on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Collected all around our shores, slow moving and abundant Winkles have been gathered and consumed since pre-historical times.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Nigerian periwinkle has a good amount of Omega-3 fatty acids in it, interestingly, the amount of Omega-3 fatty acids in periwinkles is more than the daily requirement of an adult human. Omega-3 fatty acids are fats commonly present in plants and marine life. According to the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) help lower a person’s triglyceride levels.

Triglycerides are fats, and if a person has an excess of these, they are more at risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Good Source of selenium

Selenium from periwinkles plays a critical role in metabolism and thyroid function and helps protect your body from damage caused by oxidative stress. What’s more, selenium may help boost your immune system, slow age-related mental decline, and even reduce your risk of heart disease. If you are looking for one of the ways to fight cancer, then you should consume periwinkles because it contains Selenium.

Good source of Calcium

Littorina littorea (Periwinkle) has high level of calcium, your body needs calcium to build and maintain strong bones. Your heart, muscles and nerves also need calcium to function properly. Some studies suggests that calcium, along with vitamin D, may have benefits beyond bone health: perhaps protecting against cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Good source of Magnesium

Another nutrient available in Periwinkle is magnesium which plays important role in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body including the synthesis of fats, proteins and nucleic acids, neural reactions.

Magnesium is a mineral that’s crucial to the body’s function. Magnesium helps keep blood pressure normal, bones strong, and the heart rhythm steady.

Periwinkles are rich in protein

Periwinkle is a very good source of protein. It contains about 15% protein which is vital because your body uses protein to build and repair body tissues, to make enzymes, hormones, and is used as important building blocks of bones, blood, skin, cartilage and muscles. Protein assists in energy metabolism and cellular processes, and also defends the body against disease via optimal immune function.

Periwinkle contains vital vitamins that the body requires

Periwinkles contains vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B1, B3, B6, and B12n which are very vital to body development, B vitamins for example play am vital role in maintaining good health and well-being. As the building blocks of a healthy body, B vitamins have a direct impact on your energy levels, brain function, and cell metabolism. Vitamin B complex helps prevent infections and helps support or promote: cell health.

It is fortified with Iron

The Nigerian Periwinkle snail is a good source of iron, an important component of hemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to transport it throughout your body. Hemoglobin represents about two-thirds of the body’s iron. If you don’t have enough iron, your body can’t make enough healthy oxygen-carrying red blood cells.

Periwinkles are good source of Phosphorus

The Nigerian Periwinkle snail is a good source of Phosphorous, which plays an important role in how the body uses carbohydrates and fats. It is also needed for the body to make protein for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues. Phosphorus also helps the body make

ATP, a molecule the body uses to store energy. Phosphorus works with the B vitamins.

Source: www.publichealth.com

‘Open Governance cannot be realized without parliament’

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Parliament of Ghana

The Co-ordinator, Open Government Partnership, Africa and the Middle East, Mr. Tarik Ness Nash says open government cannot be realised without parliament.

Mr. Nash made this statement during a webnair to assess the impact, share lessons and identify challenges of the 2022 West Africa Open Parliament Index.

He explained that its usefulness, both positively and negatively, had had significant impact in enabling the environment for open governance.

He citing the Right to Information (RTI) Bill, Beneficial Ownership Bill and Whistle Blower Protection, as some landmark reforms delivered by parliament.

“Open parliament commitments are growing in the open governance Partnership and many parliaments are co-creating their own commitments,” he indicated.

Again, he revealed that the Open Governance Policy has adopted a new five year strategy, 2023-2028, which is aimed at making open government policy central at all levels and branches of government function and deliver on their priorities, adding that up until 2020, 10 to 15% of all Open Governance Policy actions have been as a result of legislative actions.

In his view, the index assessment is a key way to identify the biggest challenges and how to co-ordinate to attain these objectives,

Mr. Nash also assured participants that the OGP platforms are ready to help with these initiatives, articulations of national action plans.

Also, he called on stakeholders to use the OGP platform for their transformation actions, as well as networking.

On her part, Maria Baron, the Global Executive Director of Directivio Legislativo, Argentina, who also supported the initiative of the organization, called for the need for better elaborate strategies, where issues of interest could be chosen on both continents and addressed them and make comparisons with organisations and parliamentarians.

Commenting on the way forward, the Executive Director of the Parliamentary Network Africa, Mr. Sammy Obeng said the OPI report has come to stay and will provide a data centered comparison on which parliament is doing better in transparency.

“The opportunity to create a baseline on the level of parliamentary openness in [West] Africa, which now provides data-centered comparison on which parliament is doing better in transparency, accountability and citizens’ participation, has been a long-time goal for us at PNAfrica and we are happy to have achieved it.

What is even more refreshing are the many success stories and amazing reforms across various parliaments that have come about as a result of this Index, it’s finding and recommendations.

“We can only look forward to the next index with much optimism and be encouraged about even bigger impacts!” Mr. Obeng stated.

By Florence Gbolu

England beat Spain to win European Under-21 Championship

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England are European Under-21 Championship

England won the European Under-21 Championship for the first time in nearly 40 years after a dramatic last-minute penalty save by James Trafford ensured the Young Lions held on to beat Spain.

The win meant Lee Carsley’s talented side are the third England team to win the competition after previously picking up the trophy in 1982 and 1984.

They are also the first team to record six successive clean sheets in the tournament’s history.

England started the final positively, with Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon having the first meaningful chance when his shot was pushed wide by Spain keeper Tenas.

Gordon was then involved again as he looked to tee up Morgan Gibbs-White before an interception from Jon Pacheco prevented the Nottingham Forest player from having a tap in.

Spain soon came into the match, with Alex Baena curling an effort past Trafford’s post before scuffing another effort wide after he had picked up a loose pass by Gibbs-White.

Chelsea defender Levi Colwill headed against the crossbar from an excellent delivery from Palmer, before the Manchester City man gave England the lead when his free-kick was deflected in by Liverpool’s Jones.

The half ended with bad blood as Palmer’s celebration led to a melee between both benches, which resulted in England coach Ashley Cole and Spanish fitness coach Carlos Rivera being sent to the stands.

England were under immense pressure during the second period, and it looked to have paid off for Spain when Ruiz headed in from a Baena cross, only for the offside flag to go up. Ruiz had another chance to equalise, but headed wide from inside the six-yard box.

The match ended in dramatic style when Colwill – so highly rated by England’s staff following his week training with the senior team – was judged to have fouled Ruiz in the box.

Trafford got down well to save the resulting penalty and an immediate follow-up to give England victory and spark scenes of jubilation.

The bad blood continued, however, with nine yellow and four red cards handed out by the final whistle, as Gibbs-White and Antonio Blanco were both sent off in the final throes.

Credit: bbc.com 

I’m most experienced among all aspirants, Bawumia to Subin delegates

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ERNEST BEST ANANE
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Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia

Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has stated that among all the aspirants in the flagbearership race to lead the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming 2024 General Elections, he was the best and experienced.

According to him, he knew how to win elections with the experience gained from his boss, President Akufo-Addo, in winning two consecutive elections.

He stated that the delegates could count on him to defend the party, because he had been loyal and sacrificed for the party, hence, “it was time for you to vote for me to lead the party.”

He said he was the leader of the pink sheet analysis team that was prepared for the 2012 presidential election at the Supreme Election Petition.

He stated that most of the NPP members were scared to represent the party at the court to say it was their term, but he sacrificed himself for the task.

He disclosed that after the election petition, he was also appointed the Chairman of the Electoral Reforms Committee, and believed he had paid his dues for the party upon defending it so well in challenging times.

Dr. Bawumia was of the view that, among the aspirants, he was the only person the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) was scared of and would only rely on tribal and religious sentiments as their campaign messages.

Dr.  Bawumia believed that should the delegates give him the nod to lead the NPP come 2024, the NDC would have no campaign messages again, and both the Northerners and zongos in the Southern sector would vote for him to break the 8.

He promised to bridge the gap between party and government, and said the party thought government was not thinking of the supporters, and would ensure that every constituency selects a minimum of ten qualified members to be given an appointments and GH¢10,000.00 levy monthly for their constituencies for party work.

He noted that the current NPP government had performed more than any other in terms of roads, hospitals, astro turfs, railways, digitalisation, Ghana Card, no guarantor for student loans and 48% fuel price reduction with the introduction of the Gold for Oil policy.

He stressed that nobody should think that the NPP had no campaign messages.

The Vice President disclosed that the election petition at the Supreme Court helped the NPP to win massively in the 2016 General Elections, says the petition helped the NPP to know the rigging mechanism of the NDC, and was able to block it in the 2016 elections.

Ghanaians hail gov’t for reviving Nkrumah Memorial Park

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STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG
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A section of the public has commended the government for giving the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park a major facelift.

The facelift, the public say, would attract scores of tourists, while protecting the memory of the late first President of the nation.

According to them, the memory of a prestigious statesman like Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah must be honoured in the most admirable way and worthy manner.

Interacting with The Chronicle on the development, several people held that giving the park a new image was a move in the right direction, without necessarily considering the cost involved.

The park, which was built in 1991 and opened to the public in 1992 in the time of the 1st President of the 4th Republic, His Excellency the late Jerry John Rawlings, had not seen any renovation since then, resulting in a significant deterioration of the edifice.

A pupil teacher, Mr. Albert Nsiah, told The Chronicle that even though this was a project to give honour to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, it would also boost tourism in the country, as well as create job opportunities for Ghanaians.

A retired security officer, Mr. Loud Amoah, extended his gratitude to the President for such a thoughtful initiative, and the entire planning committee for a job well done. “This is a job well executed,” he said.

One Emmanuel Arthur indicated that: “I can see a lot of hard work, time and money has gone into the refurbishment which is very befitting to our former President, but my worry is the maintenance of the facility. Ghanaians have a bad culture of maintenance, so I will simply entreat all responsible for managing the place to work effectively as to maintain it well to the benefit of all.”

Some comments under the pictures of the Memorial Park posted on the official Facebook page of the President by one Kwame Sapphire Amamoo read: “Well done Mr. President. You’ve touched every part of the country with your development projects. I don’t know where you’ve not touched. God bless you. Keep touching and please turn your attention to the Castles too, thank you.”

Another account name, Babs Sillim, wrote: “Well done President Nana Addo for improving the facility in remembrance of the first President.”

And one Simon Kwame Yeboah posted: “The only visionaries of our time! This is really amazing Mr. President! The prophet in his grave will sleep well. Thank you Mr. President and your noble team.”

On Friday, May 27, 2022, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, in a release, announced the temporal closure of the facility for major renovation works to be undertaken to give the Mausoleum a facelift that befits the stature of the former President Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

A year on, President Akufo-Addo has reopened the refurbished GH¢30 million Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park to the general public.

The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra was dedicated to Ghana’s first President, Dr. Nkrumah in 1992, and is situated on the site of the former British Colonial Polo Grounds in Accra.

The park, which has the bodies of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and his wife, Fathia Nkrumah, is the same spot where he declared Ghana’s independence.

Editorial: Peaceful elections in Ghana and the role of the Police

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Dr George Akuffo Dampare - IGP

The Assin North by-election came off on Tuesday, with James Gyakye Quayson of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) being declared the winner by the Electoral Commission (EC).

The Returning Officer for the election, Kofi Tsibu, declared James Gyakye Quayson the winner after he polled 17,245 votes, representing 57.56 percent of the valid votes cast, with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Charles Opoku, coming second with 12,630 votes, representing 42.15 percent.

Despite the pockets of scuffles reported by the media, overall the election was peaceful. President Akufo-Addo, whilst congratulating the NDC for the win, also commended the security services for maintaining law and order during the elections. The President stated that the peaceful and credible conduct of the Assin North by-election had strengthened the country’s democratic credentials.

Much as all the participants have lauded the police for its peaceful nature, it must also not be lost on us that it took a deliberate effort by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, who met with leaders of the political parties to establish the ground rules for the polls. The IGP cautioned the political parties to abide by the rules of the election and desist from any acts that could compromise the security of the area.

The Ghana Police Service was reported to have deployed drones at conflict-prone areas in the Assin North Constituency to capture situations of conflict and violence in real time during the by-election. The police also made sure that no weapons were allowed at the polling stations. Hundreds of police personnel were deployed in the area to ensure that peace prevails in the Assin North by-election. A similar template was deployed by the IGP during the Kumawu by-election in the Ashanti Region just recently.

The Chronicle is happy that, for once, all stakeholders in the Assin North by-election were happy with the work of the police in maintaining the peace. Apart from the NPP and President Akufo-Addo commending the security services for maintaining law and order during the elections, the NDC have also congratulated the police for being impartial and fair on the day. Despite the fact that the vehicle of the National Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress, George Opare Addo, was vandalised, he has commended the Ghana Police Service for maintaining law and order.

This does not normally happen in the country. The opposition party or losing party will always criticize the security services and Electoral Commission (EC) in the aftermath of the election. However, this time, all parties have commended the security services and EC for a good job done.

The Chronicle hopes that state institutions will take a cue from this and also opposition or losing parties must stop the blame game and accept the verdict of the electorate. Our advice to the Ghana Police Service is to keep up the good work and carry the same template into the forthcoming 2024 general elections.

Although a by-election in a constituency would not provide huge logistical challenge to the Police Service, the general elections will demand massive efforts from the IGP and his men and women in black. We hope the Police will be up to the challenge.

 

 

 

 

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