Author: Ohene Anochie

Iran’s ruling establishment is facing one of the most perilous moments in its 47-year history as the largest protests in years rock the country, leaving hundreds dead and exposing deep vulnerabilities at the top of the Islamic Republic. The unrest, sparked by economic hardship and long-simmering public anger, has intensified following a violent crackdown by security forces that activists say has pushed the death toll into the hundreds. Internet access and communications with the outside world remain heavily restricted as demonstrations spread beyond Tehran to major cities across the country. Hard-line figures within Iran’s government have threatened retaliation against the…

Americans are increasingly turning away from the country’s two major political parties, with a growing share choosing to identify as independents, according to new polling data released by Gallup. The survey found that 45 percent of U.S. adults now identify as political independents, marking a significant rise from about one-third of Americans two decades ago. The shift reflects deepening dissatisfaction with both the Democratic and Republican parties and signals continued volatility in U.S. electoral politics. Gallup’s analysis suggests that independents are often motivated less by ideological alignment and more by frustration with the party in power. Over the past year,…

A criminal investigation launched by the Trump administration into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has triggered a sharp bipartisan backlash in Washington, with lawmakers, former central bank leaders and economists warning that the move threatens the long-standing independence of the U.S. central bank. The controversy escalated after Powell disclosed that the Department of Justice had subpoenaed the Federal Reserve, citing concerns over his testimony to Congress about a $2.5 billion renovation project at the Fed’s headquarters in Washington. Powell said the investigation was being used as a pretext to pressure him into cutting interest rates, a demand President Donald Trump…

The Islamic Republic of Iran has dispatched Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Beirut, Lebanon, for high-level meetings with Lebanese officials, following the refusal of Lebanon’s Foreign Minister to travel to Tehran. The trip comes as regional tensions rise over the threat of a possible Israeli strike. Iranian authorities have also sent senior military commander Esmail Qaani, successor to Qassem Soleimani, to Iraq to coordinate last-minute strategic planning with allied groups in the region. Officials indicated that both deployments aim to ensure alignment with Iran’s proxies in Lebanon and Iraq regarding their respective roles in potential defensive or retaliatory actions. Araghchi…

The First Deputy Majority Whip and Member of Parliament for Akatsi South, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Member of Parliament for Ayawaso East, Naser Toure Mahama, describing him as one of the most honest and dedicated lawmakers she worked with in Parliament. Reacting to news of his death, Madam Cudjoe said she was deeply devastated, noting that she had anticipated working closely with the late legislator in the year ahead as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) advanced its parliamentary agenda. She described the loss as a painful blow to both Parliament and the party,…

Tatiana Schlossberg, an environmental journalist and one of three grandchildren of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, has died at the age of 35 following a battle with leukemia, her family announced on Tuesday. A statement shared on social media by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation confirmed her death, describing Schlossberg as a cherished member of the Kennedy family. “Our beautiful Tatiana passed away this morning. She will always be in our hearts,” the statement read. No further details were provided on the location or immediate cause of death. Schlossberg, the daughter of former U.S. ambassador Caroline Kennedy and…

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reappointed Abdolnasser Hemmati as Governor of the Central Bank of Iran, returning a familiar figure to the helm of the country’s monetary authority at a time of renewed economic strain. The decision was confirmed in a statement published on X by the deputy for communications and information at the presidential office, who said the appointment was made directly by the president. The announcement follows recent speculation over the leadership of the central bank and official denials that the outgoing governor, Mohammad Reza Farzin, had resigned. Hemmati previously served as central bank governor from July 2018…

The final round of Group F matches at the Africa Cup of Nations is set to deliver a tense and decisive finish, with qualification places, group supremacy and national pride all on the line. Already assured of progression to the knockout stage, Côte d’Ivoire will be aiming to seal top spot when they face Gabon. The reigning champions have endured a demanding group campaign, including a hard-fought draw against Cameroon, and are now focusing on managing their energy levels ahead of the decisive encounter. Forward Oumar Diakité said the Elephants are approaching the match with calm confidence, stressing that the…

Israel’s foreign intelligence agency, the Mossad, has issued a rare and direct message to Iranian civilians, publicly expressing support for popular dissent against Iran’s ruling authorities and signaling solidarity with protesters inside the country. In a statement circulated on social media platforms and widely reported by regional observers, the Mossad addressed Iranian citizens with an unprecedented appeal: “Go out together into the streets. We are with you there. We have your backs.” The message comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, alongside periodic waves of anti-government protests across Iranian cities driven by economic hardship, political repression, and demands for…

Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA), working jointly with the Ghana Police Service, National Security, and the Ghana Immigration Service, has arrested 141 suspects in a coordinated early-morning operation targeting organized cybercrime networks linked to mobile money fraud and business email compromise scams. The intelligence-led operation was carried out across two Accra suburbs, Tabora and Lashibi. Security officials confirmed that 100 suspects were arrested in Tabora, while 41 others were apprehended in Lashibi. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are believed to be Nigerian nationals. During the raids, law enforcement officers recovered 38 laptops and 150 mobile phones suspected to have…