French Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Raphaël Glucksmann has sparked a controversial debate, suggesting that the United States should return the Statue of Liberty to France. Nearly 140 years after it was gifted to America, Glucksmann argues that the statue no longer symbolizes the values it was meant to represent, due to the United States’ current political climate.
The Statue of Liberty, originally a gift from France to the United States in 1886, was designed by artist Auguste Bartholdi and intended as a symbol of liberty, justice, and democracy. However, Glucksmann claims that the US government no longer upholds these ideals, referencing policies such as mass deportations and cuts to scientific research funding under former President Donald Trump.
Glucksmann’s remarks were especially pointed, saying: “We’re going to say to the Americans who have chosen to side with the tyrants, to the Americans who fired researchers for demanding scientific freedom: ‘Give us back the Statue of Liberty.’” He further criticized the Trump administration’s stance on research and its treatment of those working in science, arguing that France could offer a more welcoming environment for such individuals.
The Statue of Liberty’s association with welcoming immigrants, exemplified by the famous poem “The New Colossus,” seems to clash with current US immigration and political policies, which is central to Glucksmann’s argument for the statue’s return. As tensions rise, this statement has sparked international discussions on the meaning and symbolism of the Statue of Liberty in today’s political context.
This remark is part of broader critiques by Glucksmann regarding American policies, including a veiled jab at Trump’s relationship with right-wing figures like Elon Musk. The debate continues to evolve, with supporters and detractors from both sides weighing in on the symbol’s future.
About the author
62-Year-Old Businesswoman Remanded Over $13K Fraud
Nana Ama Nwurueze, a 62-year-old self-styled businesswoman, has been remanded by the Adabraka District Court in Accra for allegedly defrauding another businesswoman, Dorothy Asare, of $13,000. Nwurueze reportedly posed as a wealthy businesswoman with substantial properties, including Ohemaa Plaza in East Legon, fishing vessels in Takoradi, and a house at Airport, to deceive the complainant.The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Apewa Achana, has charged Nwurueze with defrauding by false pretenses. She was arrested after a bench warrant was issued against her in December last year. Despite pleading not guilty, her bail application was denied, as the court determined she was a flight risk. The case was initially reported to the Airport Police Station in 2021, but attempts to arrest her were unsuccessful until her eventual arrest in March 2024. Following her arrest, she was granted police inquiry bail but went […]
President Mahama Nominates 71 New DCEs Pending Approval
President John Mahama has nominated 71 new District Chief Executives (DCEs) across various districts in Ghana, pending approval by local Assembly members. This move is aimed at strengthening local governance as these executives are expected to play a crucial role in the management of their respective districts.An official statement detailing the nominations was signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, the Secretary to the President, and addressed to the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs.While most districts have their nominees, the nomination for the Kpando district is still pending. The new DCEs will need to be confirmed by the Assembly members in their respective districts before they officially take up their roles.
FIC Freezes Accounts of Bills Micro-Credit Founder, Richard Nii Armah Quaye
The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) has frozen all accounts associated with Richard Nii Armah Quaye, the founder of Bills Micro-Credit. This includes accounts linked to Bills Micro-Credit, Quick Credit and Investment Micro-Credit, as well as an account of Romeo-Richlove Kweku Seshie, the Chief Executive Officer of Bills Micro-Credit.The action follows a letter from the FIC, in line with Section 56(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2020 (Act 1044), and applies to all accounts connected to the named individuals, pending further instructions. The FIC’s role involves analyzing suspicious transactions related to money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes.The move comes after a statement from the Ghana Revenue Authority revealing that Nii Armah Quaye is undergoing a personal income tax assessment for over GHS 30 million in unpaid taxes. This freeze is part of regular regulatory oversight to ensure compliance with […]
Over 1,350 ECG Containers Missing from Tema Harbour Amid Procurement Breaches – Energy
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has raised significant concerns over the disappearance of more than 1,350 containers belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) from the Tema Harbour. A committee tasked with investigating the matter has uncovered serious procurement breaches that have been ongoing for several years.Jinapor shared a 103-page report on the matter, describing the findings as alarming, with a clear indication of irregularities that have affected the country’s energy sector. The Minister emphasized that law enforcement agencies would be involved to ensure that those responsible for the missing containers and procurement violations are held accountable.The disappearance of the containers and the associated procurement irregularities have sparked concerns about transparency and accountability within Ghana's energy sector, urging the government to take swift action.
Ex-FIFA Chief Blatter and Platini Cleared in Corruption Case
Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and French soccer legend Michel Platini have been cleared of corruption charges by a Swiss court. The pair were accused of authorizing a 2 million Swiss franc payment to Platini in 2011. The court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove the payment was fraudulent, acknowledging their consistent account of an oral agreement for the payment.The decision marks the end of a long-running legal battle, which began in 2015 and resulted in their suspension from football by FIFA. Both Blatter and Platini expressed relief following the verdict. Platini declared that his honor had been restored, while Blatter described the case as a burden that had hung over him for years.Swiss federal prosecutors are reviewing the decision and may appeal to the Swiss Federal Court.
Idris Elba Honored as a Son of Ga Land, Announces Film Studio Project in Accra
On March 25, 2025, renowned British actor and filmmaker Idris Elba was honored as a son of Ga Land in a grand ceremony at the Ga Mantse Palace in Accra. The event, under the reign of King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, celebrated Elba’s contributions to the African diaspora and his dedication to developing Ghana’s creative industry.Elba’s visit included an exciting announcement: he plans to build a world-class film studio and school on 22 acres of land near Osu Castle. This project aims to provide training, employment, and a creative hub for young Ghanaian talent, with a focus on African cinema.King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasizing the need to guide the youth and advance the creative arts. The announcement was met with applause and marked a significant moment for Ghana’s growing role in the global […]
Related
Iran says draft US deal includes oil sanctions waiver, nuclear limits and asset release
Iran has revealed that a proposed memorandum of understanding with the United States includes a waiver of oil sanctions, limits on Iran's nuclear programme, and the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets. A senior Iranian source told Reuters on Friday that the draft deal would waive sanctions on Iran's oil exports, unfreeze billions of dollars of its funds, and impose restrictions on Iran's nuclear programme. The agreement also includes a commitment from Iran to never develop nuclear weapons. According to the source, the United States would lift its blockade on Iranian ports and issue targeted sanctions waivers to facilitate unrestricted Iranian oil sales during the negotiation period. The US proposal includes a temporary waiver of oil sanctions effective until a final agreement is reached, rather than Iran's demand for permanent lifting of all sanctions. The draft MOU […]
US and Iran inch closer to deal, but timing remains unclear
The United States and Iran have agreed on the wording of a draft peace deal to end their war, but the exact timing of when the agreement will be finalised remains unclear. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has been mediating the talks, announced that a final agreed-upon text of the peace deal has been reached between the United States and Iran, with subsequent actions to be determined by mediators. Pakistan, which has taken a proactive role in mediation, is coordinating with the involved nations on the next steps forward. According to three regional officials, the anticipated agreement is expected to facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, gradually lift sanctions on Iran, and allow the release of Iranian assets that have been frozen. A senior U.S. official revealed that pivotal elements of the emerging agreement involve the removal […]
US Iran peace deal to be signed Sunday as Hormuz reopens
US President Donald Trump has announced that a deal between the United States and Iran is set to be finalized on Sunday, and that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen right after the agreement is signed. Pakistan, which has been mediating the talks, said a final agreed-upon text of a US-Iran peace deal has been reached, with only next steps needing clarification. The deal is expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, extend the current ceasefire, and begin negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme. Under the terms of the proposed deal, the Strait of Hormuz would reopen to shipping, returning to the situation that existed before the US and Israel launched their recent military action against Iran. The ceasefire is expected to continue for a further 60 days, with conflict ending across multiple fronts including Lebanon. The proposed memorandum of understanding […]
Trump confirms World Cup 2026 attendance but will not attend US opening match in Los Angeles
President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but has indicated he will not be present at the United States opening match in Los Angeles. The World Cup tournament kicks off on Thursday, June 11, 2026, with Mexico facing South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The United States will play its first match against Paraguay on June 12, 2026, at 9:00 PM ET at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Trump had previously said to reporters that he would attend the first match in the new stadium with his children, but later changed his plans regarding the opening game. The 2026 World Cup will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with 16 venues throughout the three countries. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, […]
Netanyahu says he and Trump fully agree Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that he and US President Donald Trump are in complete agreement on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Netanyahu made the statement on Friday in a message released by his office following a phone call with Trump about potential negotiations with Iran. "As long as I am Prime Minister of Israel, Iran will not have nuclear weapons," Netanyahu said. "There is full agreement between President Trump and me on this issue." Netanyahu emphasized that he has led the international fight against Iran's nuclear programs for more than three decades. He stated that without this struggle, Iran would have obtained nuclear bombs long ago to destroy Israel. He also said that Iran is working to destroy the Jewish state and that he has dedicated his life to preventing them from doing so. While Israel […]
Iran says no final decision on deal while Trump claims imminent agreement with Tehran
Iran has stated that it has not reached a final decision on a deal to end the Middle East war, despite US President Donald Trump claiming that an agreement could be signed in days. The Iranian statement came on Friday, even as Trump announced he had canceled scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran. Trump said that talks with Iran had been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved. He added that the time and place of the signing would be announced shortly. The president claimed that the finer points of the arrangement had been approved by the United States and its allies in the region, including Israel, with which Washington jointly launched the war in February. However, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran had not reached a final conclusion on the agreement. He explained that […]