Campbell Scott disappeared from a hotel in Nairobi
The body of a murdered Scottish businessman was found in a sack by a Kenyan cattle herder days after he went missing from his hotel.
Campbell Scott, 58, arrived in Nairobi’s affluent Westlands district for a business trip on 15 February. He was last seen the following night with an unidentified man, having been to a nightclub.
The BBC has learned his body was found about 60 miles (96.5km) outside of Nairobi in a forest. His hands and legs had been bound with rope.
Local police have arrested two people – a taxi driver and a waiter from the club – who may have been among the last to see him alive.
Mr Scott, from Dunfermline in Fife, was a senior director at credit scoring firm Fico.
He was attending a conference at the JW Marriott Hotel in Nairobi and was due to meet colleagues to discuss a presentation.
When he did not return to the hotel on 16 February, colleagues tried to call him but could not reach him.
They filed a police report and a search was launched, with Interpol later joining the investigation.
On Saturday police received a report that a cattle herder had seen a body inside a sack, which was later identified as Mr Scott.
Singapore’s biggest bank, DBS, says it expects to cut about 4,000 roles over the next three years as artificial intelligence (AI) takes on more work currently done by humans.
The move will affect temporary and contract staff, a bank spokesperson said, with the reduction in the workforce coming from “natural attrition” as projects are completed.
Permanent staff are not affected by the cuts. The bank’s outgoing chief executive Piyush Gupta also said it expected to create around 1,000 new AI-related jobs.
It makes DBS one of the first major banks to offer details on how AI will affect its operations.
The company did not say how many jobs would be cut in Singapore. “Over the next three years, we envisage that AI could reduce the need to renew about 4,000 temporary/contract staff across our 19 markets working on specific projects,” the DBS spokesperson said.
DBS currently has between 8,000 and 9,000 temporary and contract workers. The bank employs a total of around 41,000 people.
Last year, Mr Gupta said DBS had been working on AI for over a decade.
The ongoing proliferation of AI technology has put its benefits and risks under the spotlight, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) saying in 2024 that it is set to affect nearly 40% of all jobs worldwide.
US UN envoy, Dorothy Camille Shea, voting at the UN Security Council
The US has twice sided with Russia in votes at the United Nations to mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the Trump administration’s change of stance on the war. First, the US opposed a European-drafted resolution condemning Moscow’s actions and supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity – voting the same way as Russia and countries including North Korea and Belarus at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Then the US drafted and voted for a resolution at the UN Security Council which called for an end to the conflict, but contained no criticism of Russia.
The Security Council passed the resolution, but two key US allies, the UK and France, abstained after their attempts to amend the wording were vetoed.
That rift was laid bare on the floor of the 193-member UNGA on Monday as US diplomats pushed their limited resolution mourning the loss of life during the “Russia-Ukraine conflict” and calling for a swift end to it.
European diplomats tabled a more detailed text, blaming Russia for its full-scale invasion, and supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has said that his government will provide electric motorcycles to the Nigeria Police Force to enhance operations in the state.
He disclosed this during the opening of the 5th Conference and Retreat For Senior Police Officers in Abeokuta, the state capital.
The Governor also said he government is partnering a French company to provide drones capable of detecting crime from as far as 8000 feet.
During his speech at the event, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, mandated all commands of the Nigeria Police Force to implement a comprehensive action plan aimed at reducing crime rates by 50% in 2025.
The theme of the 2025 CARSPO is ‘Improving Nigeria’s Internal Security and Economic Prosperity Through Inclusive Policing’.
IGP Egbetokun noted that the theme is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s security vision and underscores the determination of the NPF to cultivate a police force that is professionally competent, intelligence driven and equipped to confront emerging threats proactively.
IGP Egbetokun noted that the theme is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s security vision and underscores the determination of the NPF to cultivate a police force that is professionally competent, intelligence driven and equipped to confront emerging threats proactively.
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has suspended Senator Kawu Sumaila, who represents Kano South Senatorial district, over alleged anti-party activities and his association with the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje.
Senator Kawu was suspended alongside three other party members—Ali Madakin Gini, Sani Abdullahi Rogo, and Kabiru Alhassan Rurum. The decision was announced by the NNPP leadership in Kano State on Sunday.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Kano, the chairman of the NNPP’s Kano State chapter, Hashimu Dungurawa said the suspended members had violated party principles by engaging in actions contrary to the party’s ideology.
“These individuals were elected into the National Assembly under the NNPP platform, yet they have chosen to betray the trust placed in them by the party,” Dungurawa stated. “Their actions contradict the principles and tenets of our party, and as such, we are left with no choice but to take disciplinary action.”
Dungurawa specifically condemned Senator Kawu’s alleged disloyalty, pointing out that the NNPP had granted him and the others complimentary tickets during the last elections. He expressed disappointment that despite this support, they had aligned themselves with figures from the opposition party.
“What is even more shocking is that key members of the APC were invited to Senator Kawu’s daughter’s wedding, as well as the commissioning of some of his projects in Sumaila Local Government Area. This is a clear indication of where his loyalty lies,” Dungurawa added.
However, the NNPP chairman left room for reconciliation, stating that if the suspended members acknowledged their mistakes and sought forgiveness, the party might reconsider its decision.
The Presidency on Tuesday said former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai feels hurt over his exclusion from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said it is time for El-Rufai to move on and stop behaving like a child crying over spilled milk.
He was reacting to El-Rufai’s remark that Tinubu rejected him, not the National Assembly, despite begging him to become a minister in his cabinet.
The Presidency on Tuesday said former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai feels hurt over his exclusion from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said it is time for El-Rufai to move on and stop behaving like a child crying over spilled milk.
He was reacting to El-Rufai’s remark that Tinubu rejected him, not the National Assembly, despite begging him to become a minister in his cabinet.
The former governor made the allegation while featuring on Arise Television on Monday evening.
However, Onanuga said El-Rufai’s reaction is natural after being rejected as a minister.
In an interview with Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Onanuga said: “As a person, I think I will pity the former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai. He feels hurt that he was not made a minister. I think it is time for him to move on. He can’t continue to behave like a child, as if somebody stole his bread and he is crying.
“It’s natural for him to feel hurt about being excluded, and the president acknowledged in his birthday message that Nasir helped a lot in installing Tinubu. If he’s not there, it doesn’t mean he should bring down the roof.
“The president has no animosity against Nasir. He naturally feels hurt that he has been excluded, so he goes about campaigning against the president and would not let go.
“He should forget about not being made a minister. He has been in public service since 1999; it’s time for him to move on.”
The United States has published a list of eligible countries for its 2025 Visa Waiver Program, VWP.
The United Kingdom has been removed from the program but remains eligible under specific conditions.
The list, however, does not include African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, or South Africa.
The VWP list remains mostly unchanged, though Romania has been added in a significant update.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs, the Visa Waiver Program allows most citizens of eligible countries to travel to the U.S. for tourism or business for up to 90 days without requiring a visa.
The agency stated, “Travelers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel and meet all requirements explained below.
“If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor visa.”
The 2025 Visa Waiver Program has also introduced policy updates on permit eligibility, revisions to the list of participating countries, and new travel policies.
The Minerals Commission of Ghana has decentralised its operations to effectively implement its mandate and ensure maximum efficiency. It has also sent over forty mine inspectors including mining engineers, geo-technical engineers, metallurgists, mechanical engineers, mine surveyors and mineral economists abroad to upgrade their technical skills, knowledge and professional competencies.
Tamale office under construction
The Commission, in the last three years, under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi, has been building office complexes across the regions, using internally generated funds to improve access to information and services and to address inefficiencies in its operations.
The Commission’s decentralisation efforts are expected to have a positive impact on the mining sector, leading to increased investment, job creation and economic growth.
An artist’s impression of one of the proposed offices
Under the Commission’s decentralisation policy, Regional and District offices are to be established and are currently building Regional Mining offices in Kumasi, Tarkwa, Savanna (Bole), Tamale, Wa and Bolgatanga.
The Commission will also establish District offices at Kyebi, Akim Oda, Damang and Bibiani.
Offices in Bibiani and Oda were completed last year, while the Kyebi and Damang Offices are expected to be completed this year, while the Mineral offices in Kumasi, Tarkwa, Savanna and Tamale are under construction.
At Bole in Savanna region, the Office is expected to be completed in April 2025, whereas the New Office for Tarkwa would be ready next year.
The Kumasi Regional Office, which is nearing completion, is an eight-storey ultra-modern and multi-purpose office complex.
Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi, the Chief Executive Officer, who disclosed this in an interview with The Chronicle said decentralising the Commission’s operations was crucial for enhancing regulation of the mining sector, emphasising that decentralisation would bring numerous benefits to the minerals industry.
“Decentralization will enable us to provide effective oversight and regulation of mining activities at the regional level,” he stated, adding that “This will lead to improved compliance with mining regulations, reduced environmental degradation, and increased revenue generation for the government.”
Damang mining District office
According to the CEO, the Commission’s decentralization efforts are expected to bring numerous benefits, including improved access to information and services, enhanced regulation of the mining sector and increased efficiency.
He noted that with offices located across the regions, stakeholders will have easy access to the commission’s services and thus help minimize time and resources of stakeholders in traveling to Accra for services and thus improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Ghana’s mining sector.
Mr. Ayisi noted that the commission’s decentralization efforts are in line with the government’s vision to make the mining sector more transparent, accountable, and beneficial to all stakeholders.
Curbing illegal mining activities
Mr.Ayisi described the decentralisation of operations of the Minerals Commission as a timely intervention aimed at addressing the escalating menace of galamsey in Ghana’s mining areas.
He said the lack of effective regulation and oversight responsibilities over the years has allowed illegal mining activities to thrive, resulting in environmental degradation and loss of revenue for the state.
The CEO noted that with the establishment of regional offices, the Mineral Commission will be better positioned to monitor and regulate mining activities, making it more difficult for galamsey operators to evade detection.
He stated that the presence of Mineral Commission officials in the regions will enable them to engage with local communities and stakeholders more effectively and raise awareness about the dangers of galamsey and the importance of responsible mining practices.
Need for quality mine Inspectors
CEO Ayisi emphasised the need for very high level of quality mine inspectors with knowledge and technical skills to be able to identify potential health and safety hazards as Ghana has investors from some of the biggest mining giants or conglomerates in the world, including such companies like Newmont Mining Corporation, which is the biggest gold producing company in the world, AngloGold Ashanti, Goldfields and now the Chinese giant, Zijin Mining Group, which uses high level of sophistication and technology.
In this circumstance, the Chief Executive believes world class training was, therefore, central to ensuring that our mines were safe and a operating responsibly only when mine inspectors and other technical staff of the Commission are well trained.
According to Mr. Ayisi, building the professional and skills capacity of staff members was also crucial to the success of the Minerals Commission.
“By investing in our staff, we can ensure that they have the skills and expertise needed to effectively regulate the mining sector and support the growth of a responsible and sustainable mining industry,” he stated.
As a result, Mr. Ayisi has disclosed that over 40 mine inspectors including mining engineers, geotechnical engineers, metallurgists, mechanical engineers, mine surveyors, mineral economists have been sent to the USA, Australia and Canada to upgrade their technical skills, knowledge and professional competencies through training in world class mines such as Nevada Gold Mines and Freeport McMoRan in the USA and Northern Star Resources and BHP in Australia among others.
He believes the exposure in working in these mines will expose the mine inspectors to new mining softwares, emerging trends and technology, especially in an industry where robotics, Artificial Intelligence and machine learning are gaining extensive use in the mining sector.
Mr. Armah Kofi Buah (m), Ashanti Regional
Minister and security personnel at Offinso
Shelter Belt Forest Reserves
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has stated that the war declared by President Mahama’s government against illegal mining (galamsey) in the country will be relentless, retributive, fair and firm.
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah
According to the Ellembelle Member of Parliament, the government has made it a priority to salvage all lost forest reserves, restore the colour and quality of water bodies destroyed by illegal mining and also protect biodiversity.
He accentuated that until these goals set by government are achieved and sustainable plans implemented for the long term, his ministry would not relent in the fight against illegal mining.
Speaking to journalists after a fact-finding mission and a successful operation in collaboration with the Ministries of Defence and Interior to rescue the Shelter Belt Forest Reserve on Saturday, February 22, 2025 the Lands Minister admonished illegal miners across the country to put down their tools and vacate the forest and river bodies before they are apprehended.
Revealing further details on Monday’s operation, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah announced that thirty (30) hectares of land have been consumed by illegal mining activities in this area alone.
In total, the country has lost about 5000 hectares (7,500 football fields worth of land) to illegal mining operations in Forest Reserves.
While bemoaning the situation, he declared that the situation cannot be allowed to continue as it poses an existential threat to Ghanaians.
He noted that he has received the all-clear from President John Dramani Mahama to chase out illegal miners from the sites.
Destruction caused to the forest reserve
“With the unwavering support of my colleagues, the Defence Minister, Dr. Omane Boamah, Interior Minister, Mohammed Muntaka and Dr. Frank Amoakohene, Ashanti regional minister, we deployed the military to the forests to clamp down on these illegal operations’, he said.
During the operation, fifteen excavators were seized and the Lands Minister revealed the plans by the government to channel them into road construction.
He noted that President John Dramani Mahama’s government would not decommission or burn excavators seized at galamsey sites, but instead use them for road construction across the country, which he believes is a more purposeful and innovative approach.
“This, however, is not the end. Investigations are ongoing and we are working closely with the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“This is not an exercise in futility. We are resolute in our mission. We will not rest until those responsible for this environmental carnage are held accountable, including their accomplices,” he said.
He also forcefully made the point that the government’s drive to eradicate illegal mining has just kicked off and that despite being in its early stages, successes are being chalked with the operation on the Offin Shelter Belt forest, in addition to the operation on Ankobra River, where 7 Chinese nationals and 8 Ghanaians were apprehended.
He also restated the need for Ghanaians to collaborate with the government in the fight, stressing the importance of a holistic force in confronting and eradicating the menace.
“As I have stated before and I reiterate today, we will not relent in this fight. This is a battle for all of us – every Ghanaian who values our environment, our health and our future. I urge all well-meaning Ghanaians to join us in this critical fight. Together, we can win this war,” he said.
The Lands Minister also condemned the recent attack on the Citi FM Journalists, stressing that such actions should not be condoned.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, in his interaction with the press, commended the Lands Minister for not being an armchair Minister and for deciding to visit the field and have firsthand information and experience on the issue.
He insisted that the government was bent on winning the Galamsey War and that no stone would be left unturned in the bid to protect the country’s rivers and forest reserves.
The Chiefs and people of South Dayi District have expressed their heartfelt appreciation for President John Dramani Mahama’s appointment of Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, as the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG).
Deiga Kwadzo Dei XII (Paramount chief of the Peki Traditional Area)
In a statement issued over the weekend, the chiefs said this important decision reflects a commitment to excellence and recognises the exceptional qualifications, experience and track record that Dr Asiama brings to this vital role.
Pride in local heritage
South Dayi comprises four traditional areas namely Peki, Kpalime, Kpeve and Tongor.
Dr. Asiama hails from Kpalime Duga, one of the seven towns under the Kpalime Traditional Area, further strengthening the connection between local heritage and national progress.
Dr. Asiama is widely regarded as one of Ghana’s leading Economists, with a wealth of experience in monetary policy formulation, financial stability regulation and economic research.
He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Southampton, UK and has spent over two decades working at the BoG in various leadership capacities.
Between April 2016 and January 2018 he served as Second Deputy Governor of the BoG, playing a key role in formulating monetary and financial policies to ensure macro-economic stability.
Togbe Akudompey XI (Paramount Chief of Kpeve Traditional Area)
His tenure saw significant improvements in exchange rate policies, liquidity management and overall financial sector regulation.
Dr. Asiama’s deep knowledge of Ghana’s economic landscape positions him well to lead the BoG in steering the country’s financial future.
His nomination signals a continuity of efforts to stabilise the economy, whilst ensuring sustainable financial sector reforms.
His key areas of expertise include monetary and exchange rate policy formulation and implementation, banking sector regulation and supervision, economic research, strategic financial decision-making, risk management, and digital banking regulation.
His leadership is expected to introduce innovative policies that align with global financial trends while addressing Ghana’s specific economic needs.
Mama Tormelo IV (Regent of Tongor Traditional Area)
Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama’s appointment is a testament to the recognition of merit and competence and it is believed to inspire confidence among stakeholders in the financial sector.
The Chiefs and people of South Dayi stand in full support of Dr. Asiama, as he discharges his responsibilities.
They (chiefs) have urged all Ghanaians to rally behind him, setting aside partisan interests to collectively work towards the prosperity of the nation.
“Once more, the people commend President Mahama for this key appointment and assure Dr. Asiama of their full backing as he leads the BoG into a new era of excellence.”
Signed
Togbega Atikpladza Agbi Yao VIII (Paramount Chief, Kpalime Traditional Area)
Deiga Kwadzo Dei XII (Paramount chief of the Peki Traditional Area)
Mama Tormelo IV (Regent of Tongor Traditional Area)
Togbe Akudompey XI (Paramount Chief of Kpeve Traditional Area)
