- Donald Trump says Ukraine is ready to begin peace negotiations “as soon as possible”, with strong signals Russia is also ready for a deal
- During an address to Congress, the US president read aloud a letter he said he’d received from Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, which was similar to a message posted on X earlier in the day
- Trump could soon see Zelensky back in Washington, as a French government spokesperson says Emmanuel Macron is now considering another visit to the White House with the Ukrainian leader and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer
- While Donald Trump switched to a more conciliatory tone, he’s shown no sign he’ll end the pause of military aid
- Meanwhile, the UK defence secretary is flying to Washington for a meeting with his US counterpart on Thursday – Ukraine is expected to be top of the agenda
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PassionAir Reaffirms Safety Pledge Following Weather‑Related Turbulence
On Saturday, June 14, 2025, PassionAir Flight OP 149 en route from Kumasi to Accra encountered moderate turbulence. The airline issued a formal apology, attributing the event to seasonal weather fluctuations, and reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to passenger safety. 1. The Incident Passengers reported a sudden bump during the flight as the plane entered a turbulent air pocket. While no serious injuries occurred, the airline acknowledged discomfort and extended apologies to those affected. 2. Weather as the Cause PassionAir explained that the ongoing rainy season brings varied and unpredictable conditions—such as ** thunderstorms, high-altitude winds, crosswinds**, and rapid temperature changes—all contributing to instability in the skies. 3. Safety Measures in Place To prevent similar incidents: Flight planning protocols are continuously updated using real-time meteorological data. Pilots maintain close coordination with aviation weather authorities. The airline emphasized that its fleet, pilot training, and […]
State Media Eye Financial Relief as Minister Appeals to Parliament for Tax Exemptions
On Monday, June 16, 2025, the Minister, Kwakye Ofosu, officially appealed to Parliament for tax exemptions and financial support aimed at stabilizing Ghana’s state media—including the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). The move is part of a broader initiative to modernize public media infrastructure and safeguard media independence. 1. Equipment Import Duty Relief The Minister highlighted that GBC requires GH¢36 million to establish six new regional stations. To support this expansion, he proposed waiving import duties on essential equipment such as FM transmitters and production gear—a step intended to lower setup costs and expedite deployment. 2. Support for Utility Debt GBC currently owes approximately GH¢18.8 million to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Northern Electricity Company (NEDCo). The Minister confirmed that the Office of the Chief of Staff is working to facilitate the settlement of these arrears, ensuring continuity of broadcast services. […]
Wisdom Outweighs Theory in Justice Delivery – Justice Dzamefe at Parliament Vetting
During his vetting on Monday, June 16, 2025, Supreme Court nominee Justice Senyo Dzamefe emphasized to Parliament’s Appointments Committee that practical wisdom—not mere legal theory—drives justice delivery. He championed reforms to tackle chronic court delays and improve efficiency. 1. Wisdom Over Theory Justice Dzamefe underscored that judges must apply "wisdom outweighs theory"—valuing real-world judgment and context over textbook legal knowledge. This reflects a philosophy that justice must serve people, not abstract doctrines. 2. Urgent Reform Agenda He laid out a comprehensive modernization blueprint: Fixed timelines: Proposing case-duration limits—criminal proceedings in 3 months, civil in 6 months. Judicial infrastructure expansion: Calling for additional courts to lessen case bottlenecks. Digital transformation: Supporting AI-assisted transcription and voice-recorded hearings for faster record processing. Virtual courtrooms to allow remote testimonies and reduce logistics for parties . 3. Strengthening Judicial Independence Justice Dzamefe flagged concerns that […]
Ghana Loses $11 Billion to Gold Smuggling in UAE Opacity Exposed by Report
A new report by Swissaid has uncovered that Ghana lost an estimated $11.4 billion—approximately 229 tonnes of gold—to smuggling between 2019 and 2024. The smuggled gold was largely carried via porous borders into neighboring countries and trafficked informally into the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 1. The Smuggling Gap The report reveals a 229 metric-ton discrepancy between Ghana’s recorded gold exports and what countries like the UAE reported as imports originating from Ghana—valued at $11.4 billion over five years. Much was carried via hand luggage on flights into Dubai. 2. Smuggling Routes & Tax Drivers Smugglers frequently route gold through Togo, Burkina Faso, and Mali, taking advantage of lax border controls. The 2019 withholding tax hike (3%) pushed many miners toward illicit channels, with a subsequent reduction in 2022 and full removal in 2023 only partially reversing the trend. 3. Impact & Reform In […]
Italy Appoints World Cup Winner Gennaro Gattuso as Head Coach
On June 15, 2025, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed Gennaro Gattuso as the new head coach of the Italy national team, succeeding Luciano Spalletti, who resigned after a 3-0 loss to Norway. Gattuso signed an initial one-year contract aimed at guiding Italy through the remainder of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, with critical fixtures against Estonia (Sept 5) and Israel. 1. A Symbol of Italian Football The 47-year-old Gattuso is a revered figure in Italian football—capped 73 times, part of the 2006 World Cup-winning squad, and remembered for his fiery leadership on the pitch. FIGC President Gabriele Gravina echoed this sentiment: “The Azzurra jersey is like a second skin for him”, praising his passion, professionalism, and suitability to lead Italy forward. 2. Coaching Track Record Gattuso brings varied managerial experience, having led clubs such as AC Milan, Napoli (winning the […]
Mass “No Kings” Protests Sweep U.S. as Trump Celebrates with Military Parade
On June 14, 2025, aligning with the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and President Trump’s 79th birthday, massive protests erupted in over 2,000 cities, while Trump oversaw a high-profile military parade in Washington, D.C. 1. Scale & Coordination Dubbed the “No Kings” protests, the events may represent the largest single-day demonstrations in U.S. history—drawing 4–6 million people, or 1–2% of the population. Major urban centers such as New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Denver saw large turnouts. The organizing coalition featured the 50501 Movement and activist groups like NAACP, Indivisible, and the Women’s March. 2. Protest Motivations Participants rallied around concerns about: Perceived authoritarian drift and militarization of domestic governance. Use of National Guard and Marines in protests, especially in Los Angeles. Immigration policies, ICE raids, and erosion of democratic norms. 3. Celebrity and Civic Voice Actor Mark Ruffalo likened protestors […]
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Wisdom Outweighs Theory in Justice Delivery – Justice Dzamefe at Parliament Vetting
During his vetting on Monday, June 16, 2025, Supreme Court nominee Justice Senyo Dzamefe emphasized to Parliament’s Appointments Committee that practical wisdom—not mere legal theory—drives justice delivery. He championed reforms to tackle chronic court delays and improve efficiency. 1. Wisdom Over Theory Justice Dzamefe underscored that judges must apply "wisdom outweighs theory"—valuing real-world judgment and context over textbook legal knowledge. This reflects a philosophy that justice must serve people, not abstract doctrines. 2. Urgent Reform Agenda He laid out a comprehensive modernization blueprint: Fixed timelines: Proposing case-duration limits—criminal proceedings in 3 months, civil in 6 months. Judicial infrastructure expansion: Calling for additional courts to lessen case bottlenecks. Digital transformation: Supporting AI-assisted transcription and voice-recorded hearings for faster record processing. Virtual courtrooms to allow remote testimonies and reduce logistics for parties . 3. Strengthening Judicial Independence Justice Dzamefe flagged concerns that […]
“No King Lives Forever” – Governor Fubara Declares Amid Political Battle
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Wa Court Jails Teenager 20 Years for Armed Robbery of Motorbike and Cash
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Elon Musk’s Reign of Corruption Chronicled in Elizabeth Warren Report
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Ghana to Implement Excavator Import Permit System to Curb Illegal Mining
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From Shomolu Streets to Stardom: Ayo Maff Reveals Why He Left Home at 16 – ‘I Had to Make It for My Family’
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