Giant balloons carrying contraband cigarettes are crossing the border from Belarus into Lithuania
Whenever the wind blows northwest from Belarus, Lithuania braces for problems.
That’s when giant white balloons are launched across the border, crates of cheap cigarettes dangling beneath.
Over the past 10 weeks, the illicit balloon traffic has already forced Lithuania’s main airport into shutdown 15 times, stranding or delaying thousands of travellers.
On one occasion the airspace was closed completely for 11 hours.
But the government here is sure it is dealing with something far more hostile than smugglers.
It says the balloons have been “weaponised” in an act of hybrid warfare by Belarus, Russia’s closest ally. It is happening just as Moscow’s own shadow war on Europe is escalating again with a wave of arson and sabotage attacks that officials link to Russian intelligence.
The Lithuanian government has declared an emergency situation.
Balloons have been used by smugglers before, but this October their number suddenly surged.
“Of course it started as organised crime activity across the border, but we’ve seen more than once how Belarus instrumentalises organised crime to have an effect on neighbouring countries,” Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys told the BBC in the capital Vilnius.
He says the balloons are launched from spots that help them best “target” Lithuania’s main airport, just 30km (19 miles) from the border.
“If you want to make a smuggling operation to take a couple of thousand packs of cigarettes to the other side, you’d do it in the woods or the swamps, not directly at our airport!” the minister argues.
Instead, he believes the balloons are a form of political blackmail on Europe’s eastern edge.
“[Belarus] sees this as leverage: ‘You have a border with us, we can cause you huge problems’,” Budrys says. “What they’re doing is really touching the military and security field and we want to prevent a military escalation.”
Now every night the military police head out on patrol in the border zone. The balloons are most common after dark.
Lai's wife, Teresa, their son Shun Yan and Cardinal Joseph Zen arrive at court
Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigner and media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been found guilty of colluding with foreign forces under the city’s controversial national security law (NSL).
The 78-year-old UK citizen, who has been in jail since December 2020, pleaded not guilty. He faces life in prison and is expected to be sentenced early next year.
Lai used his now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper as part of a wider effortto lobby foreign governments to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and China, the court found.
Hong Kong chief executive John Lee welcomed the verdict, noting that Lai’s actions “damaged the country’s interests and the welfare of Hong Kongers”. Rights groups called it “a cruel judicial farce”.
They say the NSL, which Beijing defends as essential for the city’s stability, has been used to crush dissent.
Delivering the verdict on Monday, Judge Esther Toh said there is “no doubt” that Jimmy Lai “harboured hatred” for the People’s Republic of China (PRC), citing his “constant invitation to the US to help bring down the government of the PRC with the excuse of helping the people of Hong Kong”.
When Lai testified in November, he denied all the charges against him, saying he had “never” used his foreign contacts to influence foreign policy on Hong Kong.
Lai, one of the fiercest critics of the Chinese state, was a key figure in the pro-democracy protests that engulfed Hong Kong in 2019. Beijing responded to the months-long demonstrations, which sometimes erupted into violent clashes with police, by introducing the NSL.
Olamide Adcoye, a trader, sustained serious razor-inflicted wounds after an alleged attack by a 38-year-old phone repairer, Frederick Bortey. The attack reportedly occurred after Adcoye declined Bortey’s GH¢50 offer for sexual services.
Frederick Bortey has been arraigned before Circuit Court 8 in Accra, presided over by His Honour Jojo Amoah Hagan, on a charge of causing harm.
He pleaded guilty and was admitted to bail in the sum of GH¢50,000 with two sureties, one of whom must be justified.
The case has been adjourned to January 15, 2026.
The facts presented to the court were that on November 29, 2025 Frederick Bortey, a resident of La Apapa, visited the complainant at about 9:30 a.m. while she was asleep.
According to the prosecution, it was a friend of the complainant who called her on the phone to inform her that a visitor was knocking at her door.
Frederick Bortey, who is a friend of the complainant, was subsequently ushered into the room, where the two sat on the complainant’s bed to converse.
During their conversation, the accused allegedly requested sex from the complainant, who reportedly demanded a payment of GH¢500.00, later reduced to GH¢400.00.
However, the accused could not afford the amount and instead offered GH¢50.00 which the complainant rejected.
Out of frustration, the accused pulled a razor blade from his pocket and inflicted a wound on the complainant’s throat for refusing his sexual advances.
The complainant screamed for help, while Frederick Bortey fled the scene. A formal report was subsequently made to the police, leading to the arrest of the accused.
During interrogation, the accused is said to have admitted the offence, claiming that although the complainant accepted his GH¢50.00 offer, she still refused to engage in sexual activity.
The brand ambassador for The Luckiest, Mikki Osei Berko speaking to some of the students
The Chief Executive Officer of Luckiest Team, Dennis Adutwum, has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting persons with disabilities, describing inclusion as a core part of its corporate social responsibility.
He made this known in Accra during a donation ceremony where the company presented 1,000 white mobility canes and other essential accessories to members of the Ghana Blind Union (GBU).
The donation formed part of a special initiative by Luckiest Team aimed at improving mobility and independence for persons who are blind or visually impaired.
Some students who won the raffle with their prizes
As part of the event, the company also organized a special draw exclusively for persons with disabilities under the Ghana Blind Union, creating excitement among participants as several beneficiaries received canes and other items.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Dennis Adutwum said the donation fulfilled a promise previously made by the company to the Ghana Blind Union.
According to him, the white canes would significantly enhance the ability of visually impaired persons to move freely and confidently in their daily lives.
“These are mobility canes for the visually impaired, and we know they are going to go a long way to help people living with disability to move about freely.
“As an organisation, Luckiest sees this as part of our corporate social responsibility. Luck is everywhere. It is not just for the able-bodied, but for people with disability as well,” he said.
He used the opportunity to call on other corporate bodies and well-meaning organisations to emulate the gesture, stressing that supporting persons with disabilities should be a collective responsibility.
The Chief Executive Officer of Luckiest Team noted that during interactions with the Ghana Blind Union, the company had been introduced to other segments of the disability community, including persons with physical disabilities, autism and Down syndrome.
He disclosed that Luckiest Team plans to deepen its partnership with the Union next year after conducting a needs assessment to identify critical areas requiring support. “We have noticed a few things already, including the need to upgrade some facilities such as washrooms. These are the things we should be doing for society,” he said, adding that a portion of the company’s future budget would be dedicated to supporting disability-focused initiatives.
As part of its engagement, Luckiest Team also presented a brand new Hewlett-Packard laptop to the Ghana Blind Union to support its administrative and office work. Mr. Dennis Adutwum emphasised that the relationship between the company and the Union would be sustained beyond the one-day event.
“This is not just a day’s activity. You will be seeing us more often. We want to do more corporate social responsibility with the Luckiest brand, so people should look out for it,” he assured.
The Executive Director of the Ghana Blind Union, Dr. Peter Asamoa, expressed profound gratitude to Luckiest Team for the gesture, describing it as timely and impactful.
He said the white canes and other items would make a meaningful difference in the lives of beneficiaries, especially during the festive season.
Dr. Peter Asamoa also commended the company for taking time to tour the Union’s facilities and learn about the work being done to equip persons with disabilities with vocational and life skills. He appealed to other corporate organisations and stakeholders to support institutions working with persons with disabilities, stressing that sustained partnerships are essential to improving inclusion and quality of life.
The event, which also marked the start of Christmas celebrations at the Ghana Blind Union, was attended by members of the Union and representatives from social welfare institutions.
It ended with a presentation of the donated items and renewed calls for greater corporate and public support for persons with disabilities across the country.
A 55-year-old Forensic Accountant, Joseph Lawrence Ashun, has been arraigned before the Accra Circuit Court for allegedly defrauding a travel and tour operator of US$8,000 under the pretext of securing a United States visa.
Joseph Ashun appeared before Circuit Court 8, Accra, presided over by His Honour Jojo Amoah Hagan, on a charge of defrauding by false pretence, contrary to Section 131(1) of the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
He was admitted to self-recognisance bail in the sum of GH¢10,000 and the case was adjourned to February 3, 2026.
Prosecution’s Case
According to the prosecution, led by ASP Issah Acquah, the complainant, Josiah Eshun, is a travel and tour operator residing at Weija, while the accused, Joseph Lawrence Ashun, is a Forensic Accountant living at Trasacco Valley, Adjiringanor.
The court heard that sometime in September 2022, the accused contacted the complainant via WhatsApp, introducing himself as a staff of the Office of the President with strong connections to the seat of government.
He allegedly claimed that through his association with foreign dignitaries, he could facilitate the acquisition of protocol visas for people wishing to travel abroad.
The complainant, convinced by the representation, informed the accused that he had two clients interested in travelling to the United States of America.
The accused reportedly charged US$30,000, equivalent to GH¢372,000, for the arrangement.
The prosecution said the accused demanded and collected an initial deposit of US$8,000 equivalent to GH¢99,200 to commence the visa process, assuring the complainant that it would be completed within one month.
However, Joseph Ashun allegedly failed to deliver on his promise after the agreed period. As a result, the complainant reported the matter to the police.
Arrest and Investigations
Following investigations, the accused was arrested. In his caution statement, Joseph Ashun admitted receiving the money, but claimed he handed it over to an alleged accomplice, Mark Nelson, also known as Key.
The prosecution noted that the accused was unable to produce the said accomplice or provide credible details to assist police investigations.
Although Joseph Ashun claimed the matter involving the accomplice had been reported to the Adenta District Police Station, he could not disclose the name of the investigator handling that case.
During investigations, an amount of US$2,000 equivalent to GH¢24,800 was retrieved from the accused and returned to the complainant.
After concluding investigations, police charged Ashun accordingly and brought him before the court.
The matter is expected to continue on February 3, 2026 when the accused will reappear before the court.
As the number of candles on your birthday cake grows, you might notice that you wake up earlier or throughout the night. You may find that you get fewer hours of shut-eye, or you fall asleep during the day.
Rest assured, there are things you can do to get the sleep you need.
How Much Is Enough?
There’s no “right” amount of sleep. What you consider a good amount can be entirely different than what your neighbor needs. Still, experts recommend adults get 7 to 9 hours every night.
If you get fewer Zzz’s than you did when you were younger, but you still feel rested and energetic, you might simply need less sleep than you used to.
What Can Cause Sleep Problems When You’re Older?
If you figure out what’s keeping you up at night, you can tackle the issue and sleep better.
Illnesses and conditions. You may have a medical condition that’s affecting your rest. Ailments like arthritis, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome can all make sleep a challenge. Treatment to help your condition may help you get some shut-eye.
Medications. Some can keep you awake at night. Make sure your doctor knows about all the medications you take. They may suggest you adjust when to take it or how much you take. They may even be able to change your medication to something that won’t affect your slumber.
Change. The older you get, the more likely you are to have some major transitions in your life. Things like illness, financial problems, or the death of a loved one cause stress, and that can make it hard to sleep. Talk to your family or meet with a counselor to find ways to manage your stress.
Retirement. You might have a lot more downtime and be less active during the day. That can throw off your sleep-wake schedule. So try to keep your body and mind moving: You could volunteer, hit the gym, learn a new skill, spend time with friends and family — the point is, stay active.
But if you feel rundown because of it, here are some ways to get better rest.
Tips to Sleep Tight
Stick to a regular bedtime. Go to sleep and get up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Your body will get used to the routine.
Take a warm bath. When you get out of the tub, the drop in body temperature may help you feel tired. It can also help you relax and slow down, so you’re more ready to go to bed.
Take time to calm down before you turn out the lights. Turn off your electronic devices and TV an hour before bed. You can read a book, listen to music — whatever helps you unwind.
Make the bedroom a sleep zone. If you’re still awake 20 minutes after you hit the sack, get up. Get back in bed only when you feel tired enough. Train yourself to think of the bed as a place for sleeping only.
Avoid afternoon naps. If you sleep during the day, you’re more likely to stay awake at night.
Don’t drink alcohol close to bedtime. Even small amounts can make it harder to stay asleep. It can make you wake up in the middle of the night when the effects of the booze have worn off.
Drink less fluids at night. Trips to the bathroom break up your sleep.
Wear yourself out. Exercise at regular times each day, but not within 3 hours of your bedtime.
Get some sun. Make an effort to get outside in the sunlight each day. It’ll let your body know when it’s time to be awake, and when it’s not. But do wear sunscreen.
If you still can’t sleep, your doctor may be able to help. They can see if you might have a condition that’s causing you to stay awake. They can also check any medications you’re taking to see if they’re interfering with your Zzz’s. They can refer you to a sleep specialist, too.
The Confederation of African Football, in collaboration with the Local Organising Committee for the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, has released a detailed list of prohibited items for all tournament venues, confirming a strict ban on alcohol and laser pointers.
The measures, announced ahead of the tournament’s kickoff in December, are aimed at ensuring a safe, fair and family-friendly environment across all host stadiums.
CAF’s decision to outlaw laser pointers follows repeated incidents in African club and international competitions, where the devices were used by spectators to distract players, particularly goalkeepers, during decisive moments. Officials say the practice undermines fair play and poses safety concerns.
A LOC official noted that CAF is determined to enforce zero tolerance toward actions that endanger players or compromise the integrity of matches. The issue has drawn increasing criticism from teams and officials, prompting stronger regulation.
In line with Moroccan law and cultural practices, CAF also confirmed that alcohol will be prohibited in and around all AFCON 2025 stadiums. The restriction extends to glass bottles, cans and similar containers as part of enhanced safety measures for large crowds.
CAF and Moroccan authorities say the regulations form part of a broader security plan, supported by trained safety and security personnel across all host cities.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann says he is strongly looking forward to playing against Ghana.
The European giants will host the four-time African champions in an international friendly game as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
The game will be staged in Stuttgart on March 30, 2026, with kick-off scheduled at 20:45 GMT.
“We are very much looking forward to the clash with Otto [Addo]’s team,” Nagelsmann said.
“Their strong transition play can give us a taste of what to expect in the World Cup group match against Ivory Coast,” he added.
In previous encounters, Ghana lost to Germany 1-0 at the 2010 World Cup and drew 2-2 with the Germans at the 2014 edition.
Meanwhile, Ghana has been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama, while Germany has been housed in Group E alongside Cote D’Ivoire, Curacao and Ecuador.
Some die-hard supporters of the senior national team, the Black Stars, at Keta in the Volta Region, have appealed to head coach Otto Addo and his technical team to include former captain Andre Morgan Dede Ayew in Ghana’s World Cup squad.
The fans expressed strong support for Ayew’s return, saying his experience, leadership, and versatility would be invaluable in shaping his teammates to excel at the global showpiece. They argued that his presence would add stability and composure, particularly in high-pressure matches.
Papa Charles Coffie, a passionate Black Stars fan at Keta, said Ayew’s inclusion would provide much-needed leadership and also accord him the respect he deserves after leading the team following Asamoah Gyan’s departure from the captaincy some years ago.
“Dede Ayew’s understanding of high-profile games and his ability to perform in critical situations could help the team balance tactical creativity with effective execution on the pitch,” Mr Coffie said.
He noted that Ayew’s leadership qualities and capacity to guide younger players were essential components for the team’s success, expressing the belief that his experience would be crucial in navigating the challenges of international competitions.
Mr Coffie emphasised that the debate over Ayew’s inclusion highlighted the difficult task facing the national team management in selecting the right mix of players, a decision he said could have a significant impact on Ghana’s performance at the 2026 World Cup to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Match day 14 of the Ghana Premier League lived up to expectations with an epic and mind-blowing display of football, as fans across the country were treated to a thrilling round of roller-coaster matches. The weekend was filled with drama, intensity and moments of brilliance that highlighted the competitive nature of the league.
League heavyweights who had stumbled in previous fixtures bounced back strongly, resetting their dominance with commanding performances and crucial victories. These results not only restored confidence within the top sides, but also sent a clear message to their rivals as the season edges closer to its decisive phase.
As the league table continues to tighten, the battle for positions is becoming increasingly fierce. The margins between teams are slim, making every point valuable. With both the title race and the fight to avoid the drop heating up, clubs are pushing harder than ever to secure favorable standings and maintain momentum in what is shaping up to be an exciting and unpredictable campaign.
Accra Hearts of Oak’s Mohammed Husein has been slapped with a three-match suspension and a formal warning by the Disciplinary Committee for misconduct. The punishment stems from the player’s behavior towards the match official after the final whistle of the heated clash against archrivals Asante Kotoko.
The match between Medeama and the Ogya Boys, Bibiani Gold Stars, has been rescheduled to December 31 after Medeama released five players to the Black Galaxies squad ahead of their international friendly against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
Asante Kotoko 1–0 Dreams FC
Asante Kotoko continued their pursuit of the top spot with a narrow 1-0 win over Dreams FC at the Baba Yara Stadium.
The home side dominated possession and controlled the tempo for most of the match, creating several chances, but was unable to find the breakthrough until a well-timed strike split the Dreams defense.
Dream pressed hard in the latter stages, trying to force an equaliser, but Kotoko’s defense remained disciplined and organized, ensuring they held on for all three points. The victory reinforces Kotoko’s consistency and keeps them firmly in contention at the top of the table.
Bechem United 1–0 Eleven Wonders
Bechem United eked out a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Eleven Wonders in a closely contested game. Both sides struggled to create clear-cut opportunities during the first half, with midfield battles dominating proceedings.
The breakthrough came when Bechem United capitalised on a defensive lapse by the visitors, slotting home the only goal of the match.
Eleven Wonders pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Bechem’s disciplined defending saw them preserve the win. The result provides a much-needed boost for the home side as they look to climb the league standings.
Berekum Chelsea 1–0 Hohoe United
Berekum Chelsea secured a narrow 1-0 win over Hohoe United in a match defined by defensive organization and tactical discipline. Chelsea managed to create a few meaningful chances and converted one to take the lead.
Hohoe United showed resilience and committed players forward in search of an equalizer, but Chelsea’s backline, led by their experienced defenders, held firm. The result sees Chelsea continue their steady accumulation of points as they aim to establish themselves in the upper half of the table.
Holy Stars 2–0 Samartex
Holy Stars impressed with a commanding 2-0 victory over Samartex, producing one of the most convincing performances of the round. The home side controlled the match from start to finish, moving the ball effectively and creating multiple goal-scoring opportunities.
Their two-goal advantage gave them breathing room, allowing them to maintain composure while repelling any attempts by Samartex to mount a comeback. The win demonstrates Holy Stars’ growing confidence and attacking prowess in the league.
Swedru All Blacks 2–0 Vision FC
Swedru All Blacks claimed a 2-0 win over Vision FC in a display that combined tactical discipline with attacking intent. The home side dominated possession and steadily built pressure, which eventually paid off with two well-taken goals.
Vision FC struggled to find cohesion in attack, often stifled by All Blacks’ organised defensive structure. The result keeps Swedru All Blacks competitive in the mid-table battle and gives them momentum heading into the next round.
Young Apostles 2–1 Karela United
Young Apostles emerged victorious in a thrilling 2-1 encounter against Karela United. The match was end-to-end, with both sides showing attacking ambition and creating chances at either end. Young Apostles struck first, and although Karela United responded with a goal of their own, the hosts managed to find a decisive winner late in the match.
The victory highlighted Young Apostles’ resilience and ability to handle pressure, while Karela United will be left to rue missed opportunities that could have earned them a point.
Hearts of Oak 1–0 Nations FC
Hearts of Oak secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Nations FC in a tense and closely fought encounter. The Phobians controlled possession and dictated play for large periods but struggled to convert chances into goals.
Hussein Mohammed, Hearts of Oak
A single well-taken strike proved enough to separate the two sides. Nations FC threatened at times but was unable to break through Hearts’ organized defensive setup. The win keeps Hearts of Oak in the hunt for a top-table finish as the season progresses.
Heart of Lions 0–1 Aduana Stars
Aduana Stars continued their steady form with a 1-0 away victory over Heart of Lions. The visitors scored the only goal of the match and then focused on defending their lead.
Stephen Anorkye Badu, Aduana FC
Heart of Lions applied sustained pressure in search of an equaliser, but Aduana Stars’ disciplined defensive shape and quick counter-attacks frustrated their hosts.
The result adds valuable points for Aduana Stars and underscores their efficiency in securing wins on the road.
