Tekijä: Ohene Anochie

Two of London’s most iconic markets, Billingsgate and Smithfield, will cease operations in the coming years, concluding traditions that date back to medieval times. The City of London Corporation, which oversees these markets, announced plans on Wednesday to present a bill to Parliament relinquishing its responsibility for operating them. Billingsgate, renowned for fish, and Smithfield, synonymous with meat, have been staples of London commerce since the 11th century. The decision follows the corporation’s move to abandon its proposed relocation of both markets to a new site in Dagenham, east of London. The project was deemed financially unsustainable, with costs ballooning…

President-elect Donald Trump announced a breakthrough in curbing illegal migration from Mexico after a conversation with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Wednesday. However, Sheinbaum emphasized Mexico’s ongoing efforts and reiterated that her country’s stance is to build bridges, not close borders. The discussion came shortly after Trump threatened sweeping tariffs on Canada and Mexico to pressure these nations on migration and drug-related issues. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump claimed that Sheinbaum had agreed to “stop Migration through Mexico,” which he interpreted as effectively closing the U.S.-Mexico border. Sheinbaum, however, described their exchange as “excellent,” stating that Mexico is…

Australia’s House of Representatives has approved a groundbreaking bill that would ban children under the age of 16 from using social media platforms, paving the way for the legislation to become law pending Senate approval. If enacted, it would be the first law of its kind globally, holding platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram accountable for violations. The bill, passed by 102 votes to 13 on Wednesday, imposes penalties of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for platforms that fail to prevent young children from creating accounts. Social media companies would have one…

A ceasefire between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has taken effect, ending over 14 months of intense conflict that devastated southern Lebanon and heightened tensions across the region. Residents began returning to their homes in southern Lebanon, despite warnings from the Israeli and Lebanese militaries to avoid restricted areas. Israeli forces remain stationed in southern Lebanon as part of a phased withdrawal outlined in the ceasefire agreement. An Israeli security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that the withdrawal will be completed within the 60-day timeframe specified in the deal, contingent on adherence by all parties. “This…

Dr. Tony Aubynn, former Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission and a traditional leader in the Western Region, has filed a defamation lawsuit against journalist Paul Adom-Otchere and Ignite Media Group, owners of Good Evening Ghana. The civil suit, filed on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at the High Court in Accra, alleges that remarks made by Mr. Adom-Otchere on his program were intended to tarnish Dr. Aubynn’s reputation in the eyes of the public. Dr. Aubynn, currently the Abakoma-Akyempimhene of the Damang-Wassa Division of the Wassa Fiase Traditional Council, claims the comments have subjected him to public ridicule and…

The Electoral Commission (EC) has responded to concerns raised by media organizations regarding a directive limiting access to constituency and regional collation centers during the 2024 general elections. The directive, which restricts the number of media outlets permitted at collation centers, has sparked significant feedback from media stakeholders, who worry about its potential impact on transparency and inclusivity. In a memo issued earlier, the EC instructed district and regional staff to allocate specific quotas for media accreditation. Under this directive, only eight media outlets will be allowed at constituency collation centers, while regional centers will accommodate 12. In response to…

Mali’s military government has suspended the broadcast signal of Joliba TV News following critical remarks made about Burkina Faso’s military rulers during a televised debate, a journalist with the channel revealed on Tuesday. “This morning, the authorities cut off our TV channel signal, but we’re still hopeful that they’ll restore it soon,” said Attaher Halidou, the journalist who moderated the contentious debate, in an interview with The Associated Press. The incident comes after prominent Malian politician Issa Kaou N’Djim alleged during the program that Burkina Faso’s junta fabricated claims of a foiled coup in September. N’Djim was subsequently arrested and…

The Senegalese capital, Dakar, has transformed into a cultural epicenter since November 7, hosting the Biennale of Contemporary African Art, famously known as Dak’Art. This prestigious event has become a cornerstone of the global art calendar, attracting distinguished artists and emerging talents eager to showcase their creativity and connect with the international art community. For many, Dak’Art represents more than just an exhibition—it’s a gateway to global recognition. Among the notable participants is Senegalese painter Alioune Diagne, who credits the Biennale for his rise on the international stage. “This Biennale means a lot,” Diagne shared. “In 2022, I was selected,…

Mathias Pogba, the brother of World Cup-winning footballer Paul Pogba, has gone on trial in Paris alongside five other men over allegations of extortion targeting the soccer star. The case, stemming from incidents two years ago, is being heard at the Paris Criminal Court, with proceedings expected to last one week. Paul Pogba, a former Manchester United and Juventus midfielder, has chosen not to attend the trial. The court is examining charges that Mathias Pogba and his childhood acquaintances attempted to extort €13 million ($13.6 million) from him, alleging that he owed them financial support after achieving international fame. Mathias…

Over 43,000 participants joined the 24th edition of Ethiopia’s annual international 10km road race, setting a new record by surpassing last year’s total by nearly 5,000 runners. The event, held over the weekend at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa, was attended by legendary distance runners, including race founder and two-time Olympic gold medalist Haile Gebrselassie. Gebrselassie shared his vision for the event’s future, emphasizing the importance of attracting elite athletes while maintaining the race’s quality and atmosphere. “Beyond the numbers, our focus is on elite athletes. We aim to invite big names from across the world while preserving the race’s…