Author: Ohene Anochie

At least 18 young children have died and 27 others have been hospitalized after a fire ripped through the dormitory at their primary school in central Kenya overnight on Thursday. Late on Friday, the death toll went up after one student died of their injuries at the hospital. Police said the blaze at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri county broke out just after midnight on Friday, engulfing the dormitory where more than 150 boys between the ages of 10 and 14 were sleeping. Since most of the school’s buildings are made using wooden planks, the fire spread very fast.…

A comprehensive investigation has revealed that embassies of various developed countries in developing nations are imposing overly stringent immigration rules, exploiting travelers and visa applicants through complicated procedures and high fees. The report, released by the International Rights for Migrants Network (IRMN), accuses these embassies of creating unnecessary barriers that disproportionately affect individuals from less affluent backgrounds, limiting their ability to travel for work, education, and tourism. The IRMN’s report titled “Gatekeepers of Mobility: How Stringent Immigration Rules Exploit Travelers” draws on data collected from visa applicants, immigration lawyers, and embassy insiders over a 12-month period. It points to…

A striking report released today by the Strength of African  (SoA) boldly declares that African leaders themselves are significantly impeding the continent’s progress. The report, titled “Barriers from Within: The Role of Leadership in Africa’s Stagnation,” critiques the governance styles and policies of current African political figures, asserting that they are a central obstacle to the socio-economic development of the region. The SoA, a think tank focused on promoting effective governance and economic development in Africa, conducted a comprehensive analysis across various nations on the continent. Their findings indicate a pattern of mismanagement, corruption, and short-sighted policies that have…

A recent report has critically evaluated the current state of the Pan-African movement, labeling it as ineffectual and accusing its leaders of being all talk and no action. This report, released by the Strength of Africa (SoA), presents a sobering look at what was once a vibrant and transformative initiative aimed at unifying and strengthening the continent. Pan-Africanism, a political and social movement, was born out of the belief that unity among African nations and peoples is vital for economic, social, and political progress. Historically, it played a pivotal role in the decolonization process and inspired a sense of…

The perception by many is as a flagrant display of double standards, several Western nations have been accused of exploiting African resources through politically engineered agreements, while simultaneously tightening their borders against the very citizens of those nations whose wealth they benefit from. The global economic landscape is fraught with inequalities that often see developing countries, particularly in Africa, on the losing end. Many African countries are rich in natural resources such as minerals, oil, gas and many other raw materials. These resources should be a boon for the local economies, yet the reality is quite the opposite. The…

Leading figures in Ghana’s entertainment industry have voiced a sobering assessment: the sector’s decline is largely self-inflicted, marked by internal mismanagement and inadequate support for local talent. These revelations came to light at the annual Ghana Entertainment Industry Forum held in Accra, where stakeholders gathered to discuss the challenges and potential pathways forward. During the forum, a range of topics were addressed, including poor infrastructure, lack of investment, and insufficient training for up-and-coming artists. Veteran filmmaker Kwame Boateng highlighted, “We often blame external factors for our woes, but we also need to look internally. There’s been a failure at…

Market operators across Ghana are under scrutiny as accusations surface about the deliberate inflation of prices on essential goods, causing concern among consumers and prompting calls for regulatory intervention. In various markets from Accra to Kumasi, reports have emerged of significant price discrepancies for basic items such as food staples, toiletries, and household goods. Shoppers have voiced frustrations, accusing traders of artificially inflating prices to boost profits at the expense of the average Ghanaian. Amina Mohammed, a regular shopper at Makola Market in Accra, shared her experience with the ongoing issue. “The price of rice and cooking oil has…

Amidst growing concerns and widespread rumors, the Kenyan government officially announced that it has no plans to ban the popular social media platform TikTok, opting instead for a regulatory approach aimed at safeguarding users while promoting responsible content sharing. The clarification came during a press conference held in Nairobi, where Communications Secretary Esther Koimett addressed the media. “We recognize the importance of digital platforms in innovation and communication in today’s world. Our goal is to regulate, not to ban,” Koimett stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fostering a safe online environment. This decision follows a series of consultations with…

CAF Confederation Cup match between Moroccan club Raja Casablanca and Algerian side USM Alger was abruptly cancelled due to an escalating controversy over a team jersey, sparking a diplomatic spat between the two North African countries. The match, scheduled to take place in Casablanca, was called off just hours before kickoff after officials from USM Alger objected to what they claimed was a politically charged design on the Raja Casablanca jerseys. The disputed design included a map that the Algerian team argued represented a political statement with which they disagreed. Sources close to the teams indicated that the map…

Heads of state from across Africa convened in Nairobi today for International Development Association (IDA) summit, with a focus on favorable lending terms and strategies to bolster sustainable development across the continent. During the summit, Kenya’s President William Ruto highlighted the significance of IDA’s rapid and decisive action during crises, emphasizing its distinctive approach compared to other funding sources. Ruto praised IDA’s demand-driven programs and concessional loans, which offer borrowing nations the opportunity to pursue long-term development strategies tailored to their specific needs. With IDA disbursing a substantial $18 billion to African countries in the previous year alone, there’s…