An Italian navy vessel transported a group of migrants back to Italy from asylum processing centers in Albania on Saturday, following a court ruling in Rome that blocked their immediate deportation. This marks the third failed attempt by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s far-right government to process asylum seekers outside European Union borders. The Italian coast guard transferred 43 migrants from Albania’s port of Shengjin, located 66 kilometers northwest of the capital, Tirana. These individuals were among the 49 men initially sent to Albania on Tuesday via an Italian naval ship. However, six of them were returned the same…
Author: Ohene Anochie
Real Madrid will face Manchester City in a high-stakes clash in the Champions League knockout playoffs, pitting the last two title winners against each other. The draw, held on Friday, sets the stage for an epic showdown between the 2023 champions, Manchester City, and Real Madrid, the record 15-time European champions who last won in 2022. The first leg will be hosted by Manchester City on February 11 or 12, with the return leg taking place in Madrid on February 18 or 19. The winner of this two-leg encounter will advance to the Round of 16, where they will…
After over a year in captivity, Israeli soldier Agam Berger was released on Thursday by Hamas as part of a ceasefire agreement between the Palestinian militant group and Israel. Berger was one of five female Israeli soldiers abducted during the October 7 Hamas attacks. The other four soldiers were released last week. Alongside Berger, Thursday’s release included two Israeli civilians and five Thai workers. In exchange, Israel is set to release 110 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 children. The process faced delays due to chaotic scenes in Gaza during the release of earlier hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned…
South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its troops stationed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where at least 13 soldiers have lost their lives in clashes with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) spokesperson, Siphiwe Dlamini, confirmed that the M23 rebels have been advancing, taking over villages and towns over the past month. The conflict reached South Africa’s operational base in Sake, prompting a fierce response from its forces. “When our base came under attack, we responded and successfully pushed them back,” Dlamini stated. According to Dlamini, 10 soldiers were killed…
Ghana has signed a memorandum of understanding with its official creditors, marking a crucial milestone in its efforts to restore public financial stability. Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson announced that the agreement formalizes the debt restructuring plan reached with Ghana’s Official Creditor Committee in June 2023. The West African nation, known for its gold and cocoa exports, has been grappling with debt challenges since it defaulted on most of its external borrowing in 2022. “This agreement represents a strategic turning point as we work to stabilize our economy and return to sustainable growth,” Forson stated. The Ministry of…
The Swedish population is split on whether to ban TikTok, the Chinese-owned social media platform. A recent survey shows that over a third of Swedes support a ban, while 39% believe the app should remain accessible. Meanwhile, 27% of respondents remain undecided or unsure about the issue. TikTok and International Concerns The debate in Sweden mirrors global discussions about the app’s security risks and its influence on young users. In the United States, Congress last year passed a resolution to ban TikTok unless its ownership was transferred to an American entity. However, President Donald Trump temporarily reversed the decision after…
The management of a major multinational company has released its optimistic outlook for 2025, surpassing Wall Street’s predictions. However, potential challenges from President Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada could significantly disrupt the company’s supply chains, should they be implemented. Strong Financial Projections For the full year 2025, the company estimates its adjusted operating profit to be between $13.7 billion and $15.7 billion. This projection aligns with the adjusted profit for 2024, which reached $14.9 billion, exceeding analysts’ expectations. The strong performance was partly attributed to a robust end-of-year recovery in China, adjusted for several billion dollars…
The Social Democrats have filed a formal complaint against the Swedish Government Offices with the Parliamentary Ombudsman, citing an extraordinary delay in the registration of sensitive national security documents. The issue concerns a damage assessment linked to confidential documents forgotten by National Security Adviser Henrik Landerholm at a conference center. The Government Offices reportedly failed to register the assessment for 673 days only doing so after inquiries from Dagens Nyheter brought the matter to light. Heléne Björklund, a Member of Parliament for the Social Democrats, expressed serious concerns about the handling of the incident. “The Government Offices are not…
Foreign ministers from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) convened on Sunday in Ouagadougou to finalize preparations for their official withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali are set to exit the regional bloc on Tuesday, January 28. During the meeting, the ministers emphasized a unified approach to negotiations with ECOWAS, aiming for peaceful coexistence. They underscored the importance of presenting the AES as a cohesive entity in future discussions with the bloc. The decision to leave ECOWAS follows strained relations between the three nations and the regional body. Tensions…
Every year, the northernmost town of Skagen in Denmark becomes the epicenter of an invigorating tradition: the Winter Swimming Festival. This four-day event, founded in 2012 by Rita Eeg, has grown into a popular celebration, attracting both locals and visitors from across Europe to plunge into the icy waters. Winter swimming, which combines the thrill of cold immersion with health benefits, has gained significant popularity in Denmark. Many participants credit the activity with fostering resilience, boosting vitality, and strengthening their connection with nature. The festival, now a staple of Skagen’s winter calendar, has transformed the town into a…