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Brad Pitt breaks silence on finalising Angelina Jolie divorce after 8yrs

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

Brad Pitt is finally breaking his silence on finalizing his divorce from Angelina Jolie after eight years.

The “Fight Club” actor was asked by GQ if he felt “relief” when he and the actress legally settled their split in December 2024.

“No, I don’t think it was that major of a thing,” he dismissively told the outlet on Wednesday.

“Just something coming to fruition. Legally,” the dad of six added.

His comment comes six months after the “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” co-stars settled their divorce. Jolie had initially filed for the dissolution of their marriage in September 2016.

“More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr. Pitt. She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr. Pitt, and since that time she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family,” her lawyer, James Simon, told Page Six at the time.

“This is just one part of a long ongoing process that started eight years ago. Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over.”

Jolie’s legal team filed court documents stating that she had waived “any right to receive” spousal support from Pitt “forever.”

Jolie, 49, and Pitt, 61, were declared legally single in 2019.

Credit: pagesix.com

New Artiste Pardikie drops debut single ‘Okamafo’ 

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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New Artiste Pardikie

A fresh, anointed voice is rising on the gospel music scene. Minstrel Pardikie, a gifted worship leader and vessel of God’s glory, is set to release her powerful new single titled OKAMAFO — a soul-awakening, Spirit-filled song that bears witness to the unwavering faithfulness and sovereign power of our Advocate, the Holy Spirit.

The title, OKAMAFO, an indigenous term meaning “The Advocate,” is more than just a name — it is a proclamation. It is a banner raised high over every believer who has ever experienced the comfort, counsel, and defense of the Holy Spirit in life’s trials and triumphs.

Rooted in real-life testimonies and shaped by divine encounters, OKAMAFO is Minstrel Pardikie’s heartfelt declaration of the God who shows up — not just in words, but in power.

“Which better advocate can any believer have than God Almighty and the Holy Spirit?

At every stage of my life, God has shown up and outdone Himself — as a Father, a Friend, and an Advocate. I am happy I can affirm my confidence in Him through this beautiful song,” ~ Minstrel Pardikie.

In Christian theology, the Holy Spirit is not only our Comforter but our constant Companion — the One who intercedes when words fail and stands with us in every season. OKAMAFO brings this truth to life through a powerful fusion of heartfelt lyrics, anointed vocals, and Spirit-led instrumentation. Every note carries the weight of worship; every lyric is soaked in grace. It is a song for every believer who needs to be reminded: You are never alone. Your Advocate walks with you.

With OKAMAFO, Minstrel Pardikie makes a bold entrance into the gospel music space — not just as a singer, but as a worship warrior and testimony-bearer. Her ministry is a beacon of light, igniting faith and stirring hunger for deeper intimacy with the Holy Spirit.

Credit: starrfm.com

Fameye recovers YouTube account after hack ahead of album release

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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0
Fameye

Newly crowned Highlife artiste of the Year at the 26th TGMAs, Fameye has successfully recovered his official YouTube channel after a terrible hack that resulted in its deletion on May 26, 2025.

The hacking occurred few days to the artiste’s album release raising concerns among fans and possibly interfering with his intentions to release new content.

In a Facebook post on May 26, Fameye expressed his frustration, stating: “My YouTube channel hacked & deleted. I’m sure I’m gonna get it fixed ASAP cos?”

The following day, on May 27, Fameye announced the restoration of his channel via a post on X, expressing gratitude to those who assisted in the recovery process.

“Big love to KwameBaahGH. My YouTube account is back & kicking. Hope you ready for the album? Go subscribe,” he tweeted.

It is a relief that his channel has been restored, particularly as Fameye prepares to release new music—the artist has hinted at an upcoming album.

Fameye, well-known for popular songs like “Nothing I Get” and “Mansa,” has accumulated millions of views on his YouTube platform and established a solid online following.

His YouTube channel has been essential in helping him promote his music and reach a global audience, making him one of the most prominent voices in Ghana’s highlife industry.

Credit: 3news.com

 

Van Vicker, Kuami Eugene applaud Mahama over cedi appreciation

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Van Vicker

Ghanaian actor Van Vicker, has given plaudits to President John Dramani Mahama for stabilising the Ghanaian cedi.

In a post he made on his Facebook page on May 28, 2025, the actor urged Ghanaians to acknowledge the President for the appreciation of the cedis against the dollar.

“Mr. President, I must congratulate you on the strengthening of the Ghana cedis on the world market. Ayekoo,” he wrote.

Kuami Eugene

Making reference to some theories being adduced as reasons for the better performance of the cedi, he added: “The true reason could be a consolidation of two or more of – whatever- theories, but be that as it may, the fact remains that the Ghana Cedis is approximately ghc11 to $1 TODAY. It was approximately 17ghc to $1 few months ago.”

Van Vicker suggested it would be narcissistic for some Ghanaians, especially those abroad to express unhappiness about the cedi’s appreciation.

“This is not a political statement. It is an acknowledgement of a good job done so far. Call a spade a spade. Give credit to whom credit is due,” he indicated.

Contrary to doubts by some people that the cedi might revert to its old value or worse, Van Vicker wrote: “I think the current cedis orbit is remarkable for Ghana as a country and I am optimistic it’s sustainable. Your Excellency JM, if you can take us back to 2007, heerrrh like e go be ‘kerker’.”

In another development, Ghanaian highlife artiste Kuami Eugene has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to rein the cedi in on its current appreciation against the dollar.

In a social media post, Kuami wrote that the strong performance of the cedi is affecting his dollar reserves.

“We beg Pres. John Mahama for slow down small, my dollar reserves all dey go waste,” he wrote.

That notwithstanding, he noted that he is also happy the cedi is achieving its current.

“I’m happy and sad at the same time,” he added.

Credit: myjoyonline.com

‘Wedding bomb’ murderer gets life sentence in India

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admin
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Sahu was killed and his wife Reema critically injured by a bomb hidden in a wedding gift

A former college principal in the eastern Indian state of Odisha has been sentenced to life in prison for sending a parcel bomb that killed a newlywed man and his great aunt in 2018.

A court found Punjilal Meher, 56, guilty of murder, attempted murder, and use of explosives in what became known as the “wedding bomb” case that stunned India.

The bomb, disguised as a wedding gift, was delivered to the home of Soumya Sekhar Sahu, a 26-year-old software engineer, just days after his wedding.

When the couple opened the package, it exploded – killing Sahu and his great aunt, and leaving his wife, Reema, who opened the package, critically wounded. While acknowledging the prosecution’s argument that it was a “heinous” crime, the court declined to classify it as a “rarest of the rare” case deserving the death penalty.

The February 2018 explosion took place in Patnagarh, a quiet town in Odisha’s Bolangir district.

The victims had been married just five days and were preparing lunch when a parcel arrived at their home. It was addressed to Soumya and appeared to be a wedding gift, allegedly sent from Raipur in Chattisgarh state, over 230km (142 miles) away.

As Soumya pulled a thread on the parcel to open it, a powerful blast tore through the kitchen, killing him and his 85-year-old great-aunt Jemamani Sahu. Reema, then 22, survived with serious burns, a punctured eardrum, and trauma.

Credit: bbc.com

Slovakia approves sale of brown bear meat to public

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Brown bears are a protected species under EU law

The meat of brown bears, a protected species in the EU, could soon be available to eat in Slovakia after the populist government approved plans for sale.

Last month, the cabinet authorised a plan to shoot about a quarter of the country’s 1,300 brown bears in response to some recent fatal encounters.

The state-authorised slaughter has been criticised by conservationists and opposition politicians, including in the European Parliament. The brown bear is listed as a “near threatenend” species in the EU by the World Conservation Union.

However, Slovakia’s government is forging ahead with the plan and this week announced that meat from culled bears would be sold to the public to prevent waste.

From next week, organisations under the environment ministry can offer the meat for sale, provided all legal and hygiene conditions are met.

State Minister Filip Kuffa said it was wasteful that the animals had previously been sent to carcass disposal facilities.

“We will release every shot animal that meets certain conditions for consumption. Why? Because bear meat is edible,” he said.

Bears have become a political issue in Slovakia after a rising number of encounters with humans, including fatal attacks.

Slovakia ranks second in Europe, behind Romania which is estimated to have about 13,000 brown bears, for the number of attacks.

The country reported a total of 54 bear attacks from 2000-2020. The average number of attacks has also risen to 10 per year, rough figures suggest.

In April, a man was mauled to death while walking in a forest in Central Slovakia.

Shortly after, Prime Minister Robert Fico announced the cull, saying: “We can’t live in a country where people are afraid to go into the woods.”

He said his government would shoot up to 350 brown bears – a figure equivalent to the species’ entire population in Spain.

Credit: bbc.com

French paedophile surgeon who abused hundreds sentenced to 20yrs in jail

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A long banner representing the many victims of Le Scouarnec was unfurled near the courthouse

Joel Le Scouarnec, the former surgeon who has admitted sexually abusing hundreds of patients, mostly children, between 1989 and 2014 has been sentenced to a maximum term of 20 years in jail.

Le Scouarnec was dressed in black as he stood emotionless in court listening to judge Aude Burési deliver the verdict. He had admitted the charges in March.

Judge Burési said the court had taken into account the fact that the former surgeon had especially sought out unwell, vulnerable and sedated victims.

The sentence has a mandatory minimum term of two-thirds – and because Le Scouarnec has already served seven years, he may be eligible for parole by 2030.

Amélie Lévêque, one of Le Scouarnec’s victims, said: “To think one day he could walk down the street, see people – that upsets me. We [the victims] no longer have a normal life while they’re giving him back that life, and that disgusts me.”

“Twenty years is little compared to the number of victims in this trial,” said Francesca Satta, a lawyer for some of the victims. “It is time for the law to change so we can have more appropriate sentences.”

His lawyer Maxime Tessier said Le Scouarnec had no intention of appealing.

Le Scouarnec, 74, has been dubbed France’s most prolific paedophile. He is already in jail after being sentenced in 2020 to 15 years for raping and sexually assaulting four children, including two of his nieces.

The former doctor has been on trial in Brittany since late February. During that time dozens of his victims have testified, telling the court how the abuse they sustained as children shaped their lives.

In March, Le Scouarnec admitted sexually abusing all 299 victims, many while they were under anaesthesia or waking up after operations.

Credit: bbc.com

German chancellor promises to help Ukraine produce long-range missiles

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Germany's new chancellor (R) greeted Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky

Germany’s new chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has told Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky that Berlin will help Kyiv produce long-range missiles to defend itself from Russian attack.

“We want to talk about production and we will not publicly discuss details,” he said, when asked by reporters in Berlin if Germany would supply Kyiv with its Taurus missiles.

Merz took office earlier this month, promising to beef up German support for Ukraine, and said this week that there were “no longer” any range restrictions on weapons supplied by Kyiv’s Western allies.

The Taurus has a range of 500km (310 miles) and could reach deeper into Russian territory than other far-range missiles. Although Merz did not refer to the Taurus by name during his press conference with the Ukrainian leader, he did say a “memorandum of understanding” on long-range missiles would be signed by the German and Ukrainian defence ministers later on Wednesday.

The Kremlin has warned that any decision to end range restrictions on the missiles that Ukraine can use would be a quite dangerous change in policy that would harm efforts to reach a political deal.

However, Merz has since emphasised that a decision on lifting range restrictions was taken by Western allies months ago.

The new chancellor is seeking to cut a far more assertive figure on support for Ukraine than his predecessor, Olaf Scholz.

Credit: bbc.com

GSS study finds higher bribery rates among men in Ghana 

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Ghana Statistical Service, Head Office, Accra

A Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) governance report has found that bribery is more prevalent among males than females when interacting with public officials.

The report indicates that urban residents experience higher incidences of bribery compared to those in rural areas.

Mr Omar Seidu, Head of Social Statistics, GSS, presented key findings from the “Governance Series Wave 1 Report”, revealing that 55.7 per cent of the population had contact with public officials between January and December 2024.

Of those, 18.4 per cent admitted to giving gifts, mainly money, to facilitate services.

The report identified ten public institutions prone to bribery, including Police Motor Transport and Traffic Division – 61 per cent; Police General Duties – 46.7 per cent; Police Criminal Investigation Department – 37.9 per cent; and Traffic Management Authority of City Guard – 34.4 per cent.

Among persons with disabilities, 21.1 per cent reported giving gifts, with higher rates among those with physical (40.1 per cent) and sight (32.5 per cent) difficulties.

Regionally, Greater Accra (22.0 per cent) and Ashanti (18.1 per cent) recorded the highest instances, while Savannah (1.0 per cent) and North East (1.1 per cent) had the lowest.

The report also highlighted governance challenges, noting that in 2024, over 70 per cent of Ghanaians felt the political system offered little or no opportunity for ordinary people to engage in decision-making.

Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, Government Statistician, stressed the importance of data in shaping governance.

“Governance should be shaped by the voices of citizens, and policy reform must be driven by robust, inclusive, and representative evidence,” he said.

He reaffirmed GSS’s commitment to providing sustained and credible data for national development.

Dr Nii Moi Thompson, Chairman, National Development Planning Commission, called the report timely, noting that corruption remained the biggest threat to growth.

He added that addressing this issue would pave the way for sustainable development.

Dr Gloria SarkuKumawu, Deputy Clerk of Parliament, said the report provides critical feedback to address governance lapses.

Dr Evans Aggrey-Darkoh, Head of Service, Office of Head of Civil Service, emphasised that trust in governance is enhanced when public perception is positive.

Mr Samuel Harrison-Cudjoe, Programmes Officer, expressed concern about partisan politics, saying many constituents avoid community engagements due to feeling excluded from decision-making.

The report combines data from over 20 public bodies and findings from a nationwide survey conducted January 2 to 20, 2025 which reached 7,248 respondents from 15,400 households, based on the 2021 Population and Housing Census.

Covering January–December 2024, the report monitors governance experiences, focusing on inclusiveness, responsiveness, and corruption in public institutions, and aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 16.

GNA

Konadu Taylor calls for unity in NPP

By
NAABENYIN JOOJO AMISSAH
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Mr Konadu Taylor

A member of the National Patrons of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Theophilus Konadu (TK) Taylor, has observed that the party has reached a crossroad where absolute tolerance and forgiveness have become imperative.

According to MrTheophilus Taylor, the party has now become more susceptible to divisions and factionalism, to the extent that any form of divergent view is treated with contempt.

He has, therefore, called for absolute peace and unity within the party, as part of efforts to re-organise the party and make it more attractive to the electorate in the next general elections in 2028.

Mr T.K. Taylor made the call in an interview with the media on Saturday, at the University of Cape Coast, where he attended Mr TESCON UCC programme dubbed:“Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey and Social Networking”,as a guest speaker.

Mr Taylor, who once served as the Assin South Constituency chairman ofthe party reiterated that the party did not anticipate that the NDC stood any chance at all to win the 2024 general elections, because they had done a lot and deserved a continuation.

“But we unfortunately lost and this has created uneasiness among the rank and file of the party, and when this happens, it is expected that members of the party will express their frustrations and vent their spleen as well.

“I am, therefore, not surprised about some of the reactions we are currently getting from some members of the party. Their frustrations and anger represent the kind of disappointments they are nursing following our defeat,” he said.

He called on all members to eschew appointing accusing fingers at one another, but accept the defeat and go ahead to mend their cracks by forgiving one another and forge ahead in unity to make the party even stronger.

“Though it is painful, we must understand that this is not the first time a party in government has lost power. In fact, it happened to the NDC not quite long ago, but they put it behind and came out stronger to win and this is not beyond us.

“I am humbly appealing that we should put our defeat behind us and rebrand ourselves as a credible party with best policies that have always improved the living standards of the Ghanaian people,” he added.

Nonetheless, MrTheophilus Konadu Taylor emphasised that the party’s quest to reclaim power from the NDC as early as the next elections cannot be realised if members of the party continue to harbour ill feelings and hatred against one another.

He, therefore, called for a long-lasting truce among the rank and file of the party to build a more united party.

“We cannot keep washing our dirty linen in public and still believe that the electorate will see us as the best or credible alternative to the NDC and queue to vote for us. It is important for us to understand this basic principle”.

Following the NPP’s devastating defeat at the polls in December last year, the party currently seems to have been sharply divided along factional lines, showing deep seated differences and lack of unity.

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