Once heralded as a tech hub for global giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, Ireland is now grappling with the challenges posed by its booming data center industry. These vast facilities, primarily located near Dublin, are consuming more electricity than all the urban homes in the country combined, sparking debates over their long-term impact on Ireland’s energy infrastructure and environmental goals. According to Ireland’s grid operator, data centers consumed 21% of the nation’s electricity last year—the highest proportion reported globally to the International Energy Agency. Fears of potential rolling blackouts prompted a temporary halt on new data centers in…
Author: Ohene Anochie
Ohene Anochie
Senior Reporter with AMN News Agency, known for his insightful journalism and in-depth coverage of current events.
Tears streamed down Ahmed al-Kassem’s face as he embraced his sister for the first time in over a decade. His return to Syria from Turkey, after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, was filled with both joy and uncertainty. The 38-year-old former refugee brought his wife and five children back to Aleppo, a city still scarred by years of war. But the reality awaiting them was harsh: his old house was too damaged to live in, and his sister’s home had no electricity or running water. “If I had known, I don’t know if I would have come,” al-Kassem told…
In a spectacular display above the city’s night sky, 100 drones navigated autonomously in dense coordination, showcasing groundbreaking technology that could revolutionize unmanned flight. The swarm, developed by researchers at Eötvös Loránd University, mimics natural behaviors seen in animal groups, enabling real-time decision-making without pre-programming or centralized control. “It’s very rare that you see some technology and you say it’s beautiful,” said Boldizsár Balázs, one of the leading researchers. “What they do is beautiful because it resembles natural swarming behavior.” The research team drew inspiration from the collective movements of animals such as pigeons and wild horses. By observing these…
The Kerch Strait in the Black Sea has suffered a major environmental disaster after two Russian oil tankers were severely damaged during stormy weather, resulting in a massive oil spill. The incident occurred when the Volgoneft-212 tanker ran aground on Sunday, causing its bow to tear and spilling approximately 3,700 tones of mazut, a heavy oil product. Tragically, one crew member from the 13-man team aboard lost his life. A second vessel, the Volgoneft-239, also drifted due to the rough conditions and ran aground near Russia’s Taman port. Fortunately, all 14 crew members on board were rescued. Environmental…
The Supreme Court of Ghana is poised to deliver its judgment on two landmark lawsuits challenging the legality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-gay bill. The ruling, expected to have far-reaching implications for the nation’s legal and human rights landscape, follows months of heated public debate and political contention. The anti-gay bill, widely supported by religious and traditional institutions but criticized by human rights organizations, seeks to criminalize activities related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) advocacy. If enacted, the bill will impose severe penalties on individuals who promote…
The Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, who also serves as the government spokesperson on the 2024 Transition Team, has robustly defended the Akufo-Addo administration’s recent recruitments and financial transactions amid allegations from the incoming Mahama administration of unauthorized actions. On Tuesday, December 17, 2024, the spokesperson for the Mahama Transition Team, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, issued a warning that any irregular recruitments, promotions, or financial dealings—some allegedly backdated—would be reversed once the formal transfer of power is completed. Speaking on Eyewitness News, Abubakar dismissed the accusations, asserting that all actions taken by the outgoing government are within the framework of…
As the clock ticks down to the 2024 CAF Awards ceremony, the spotlight is on who will claim the coveted title of Africa’s Footballer of the Year. The prestigious event is set to take place on Monday, December 16, at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco. Achraf Hakimi: Morocco’s Hope for Glory Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi has emerged as a frontrunner for the title. The PSG defender enjoyed a stellar year, winning the French league and reaching the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. His achievements extend to the international stage, where he secured a bronze medal with Morocco at…
Three prominent African politicians vying for the chairpersonship of the African Union (AU) laid out their visions for addressing critical challenges, including regional security, political stability, and inter-African trade, during a high-stakes debate on Friday. The candidates, Raila Odinga from Kenya, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf from Djibouti, and Richard Randriamandrato from Madagascar, engaged in a two-hour discussion in Addis Ababa, emphasizing the need for unified leadership and proposing reforms to strengthen the 55-member bloc. The debate comes ahead of the February election to replace current Chairperson Moussa Faki, who has completed two terms. A major point of consensus among the candidates…
The unrelenting civil war in Sudan has forced tens of thousands to flee into neighboring Chad, with the country now hosting over a million Sudanese refugees the largest influx in its history. Since the conflict between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces erupted in April 2023, more than 11 million people have been displaced within and outside Sudan. Chad has taken in over 700,000 refugees, with an additional 60,000 arriving in October following intensified fighting in the Darfur region and the retreat of seasonal floodwaters. Nearly 90% of the refugees are women and children, many of whom…
Rwanda has officially entered the race to bring Formula One back to Africa, President Paul Kagame announced on Friday. Speaking ahead of the FIA Prize-Giving Ceremony in Kigali, Kagame revealed the country’s plans to host the prestigious event. “I am happy to formally announce that Rwanda is bidding to bring the thrill of racing back to Africa by hosting a Formula One Grand Prix,” he said, addressing the FIA General Assembly. A Return to Africa Formula One has not held a race in Africa since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at the Kyalami Circuit near Johannesburg. F1 CEO…
