West Africa

Ghana’s Tertiary Education Commission Takes a Stand on Honorary Titles The Ghanaian landscape of academia and specialized titles is undergoing significant changes, as the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) makes a bold declaration: the misuse of honorary doctorate and professorial titles in public discourse is now officially prohibited. This initiative comes with a serious note; individuals who flout this directive may not only find themselves publicly named and shamed but could also face legal repercussions…

Garowe (AX) – Recent developments from Northeastern State have sent ripples of concern throughout the region, as authorities have confirmed that Abdikadir Mumin, the notorious leader of the Islamic State in Somalia, has managed to escape from the clutches of the Northeastern State forces. This escape occurs against the backdrop of significant military advances, with Northeastern State announcing the capture of 98% of the Calmiskaat mountain range—a known stronghold of ISIS in the Bari region. In a statement made on Monday,…

Ghana's Gold Smuggling Crisis: A Multi-Billion-Dollar Dilemma Ghana, often celebrated as Africa's leading gold exporter, finds itself at a crossroads. Each year, this vibrant nation loses billions of dollars due to rampant gold smuggling, particularly linked to its bustling artisanal mining sector. The unsettling details of this issue have recently been illuminated in a report from the nonprofit organization Swissaid, shining a light on a reality that many might prefer to ignore. Dive…

Building Bridges or Burning Them? The Upcoming National Consultation Forum in Somalia As the clock ticks down to the much-anticipated national consultation forum in Somalia, President Mohamud has been busy laying the groundwork. In the lead-up to this critical meeting, he held a series of consultations, engaging with civil society representatives, political party leaders, and revered elders of the community. "We want this forum to be a platform for honest dialogue—not limited to politicians, but open to all segments of…

Evacuation of Ghanaian Nationals Underway In a rapidly evolving situation, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has publicly confirmed the urgent evacuation of Ghanaian nationals residing in Iran. The announcement was made via a recent social media update, showcasing a swift and decisive response from the Mahama-led administration as tensions in the region escalate. “The Mahama administration has, in the interest of safeguarding Ghanaian lives, decided to immediately evacuate Ghanaians…

Strengthening Ties: Nigeria's AH-1Z Viper Helicopter Acquisition Recently, a noteworthy development unfolded in the domain of international defense cooperation. This was catalyzed by a high-profile visit to the United States led by Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff. His delegation attended a comprehensive Programme Management Review Meeting from June 9 to 13, 2025, in the bustling city of San Diego, California. You could almost feel the excitement in the air. This meeting convened…

Resilience Against Al-Shabaab: A Step Forward in the Bakool Region Baidoa (AX) — In a significant military operation that spanned three days, Somali government troops have successfully dismantled several Al-Shabaab bases situated in the Bakool region. This endeavor, confirmed by security officials on a recent Monday, underscores the ongoing struggle to reclaim territory from militant groups. Leading this coordinated offensive was Capt. Elmi Adan Isaaq, a determined commander of the Somali…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a rapidly evolving global landscape, Somalia is beginning to feel the tremors of the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. Surprisingly distant from the battleground yet closely linked through trade routes and economic dependencies, Somalia’s fragile economy and essential aid lifelines are increasingly threatened. How does a conflict thousands of miles away ripple through the fabric of everyday life in this East African nation? Somalia’s geographical position along the Gulf of Aden and its proximity to the Bab…

Fast forward to 2025: Lagos isn’t merely participating in the global startup conversation; it's at the forefront, actively shaping it. Consistently ranked among Africa’s most vibrant startup cities by platforms like Dealroom and Partech, Lagos is a magnet for founders, venture capitalists, and innovative technologists from around the world. Isn’t it fascinating how one city can encapsulate a continent's entrepreneurial spirit? Born out of a visionary initiative by Prime Startups in 2015, Lagos Startup Week set…

Parliamentary Setbacks in Somalia: A Call for Responsibility Mogadishu (AX) — On a day meant for progress, Somalia’s Lower House of Parliament hit yet another snag, as its Monday session was postponed due to insufficient attendance. This disruption not only halted the swearing-in of two new members but also postponed a pivotal vote on a pan-African child rights treaty, leaving many to wonder: what lies behind this recurring issue? Only 87 lawmakers showed up, far below the 139 required for a valid quorum under…