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Emerging Challenges in U.S.-Ghana Relations In a recent press briefing on June 26, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, shed light on a pressing issue that has surfaced between Ghana and the United States. The revelation that around 21% of Ghanaian students in the U.S. have overstayed their visas—a figure that surpasses the acceptable limit of 15%—has raised some serious eyebrows. This alarming statistic was confirmed by U.S. authorities, causing palpable concern within the Ghanaian government and…

In recent weeks, a troubling narrative has emerged from Northeastern State, where the Ministry of Agriculture, alongside international partners, has faced significant allegations surrounding the anti-locust program. Specifically, reports indicate that this crucial initiative—a measure funded by the World Bank aimed at safeguarding crops from the devastating impact of desert locusts—teeters on the brink of failure. So how did it come to this? This program, heralded as essential in the fight against agricultural destruction…

The Irish Embassy in Tehran has temporarily closed its doors due to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, as announced by Tánaiste Simon Harris. Last Friday, Israel initiated a series of attacks on Iran, asserting that its long-time adversary was on the brink of developing nuclear weapons. In response, Iran, which maintains that its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes, has launched missile and drone strikes against Israel. Simon Harris, who also serves as Minister for Foreign Affairs, remarked,…

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…

The Challenges of Revenue Audits: A Closer Look at Nigeria’s Fiscal Landscape In recent months, Nigeria has faced a significant setback, primarily stemming from shortcomings in the revenue assurance audit reports submitted by two pivotal government bodies: the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigeria Customs Service. These reports cover the period from 2018 to 2021 and reveal a troubling picture of inefficiency and gaps in accountability. This disconnect contributes to a broader narrative of fiscal…

Burundian Troops Withdraw from Xawaadley Amidst Flood and Operational Challenges MOGADISHU, Somalia - In a recent announcement, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) confirmed the strategic withdrawal of Burundian Defence Forces from Xawaadley, a pivotal town located northwest of Mogadishu. This decision comes in the wake of severe flooding that has affected the area. Interestingly, the narrative took a turn when the Al-Shabaab militants declared that they had seized the…

Indonesia’s recent announcement to raise its export tax on crude palm oil (CPO) from 7.5% to 10% is stirring ripples across global markets. While this change is significant for many countries worldwide, the ramifications are particularly acute for Africa, which heavily relies on palm oil imports from Southeast Asia. For many African nations, the news of this new levy, set to take effect on May 17, 2025, poses a troubling scenario: heightened import costs. It’s a reality that can significantly affect local economies and…

In a thought-provoking interview, Mr. Nkaw shed light on the often-overlooked consequences of gas flaring—a practice that remains alarmingly prevalent in our energy sector. He meticulously detailed how the unresolved issue of excess gas processing leads to not just financial waste, but also significant environmental and health repercussions. Flaring, a method of burning off excess natural gas, contributes to a myriad of challenges that extend beyond the immediate economic implications. “We have data that shows…

In an intriguing development in the realm of international trade, the Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) has cast a spotlight on a significant economic challenge unfolding between India and Pakistan. According to PBF officials, India is poised to face trade losses totaling an estimated $1.14 billion. The root of this financial setback lies in Pakistan’s decision to restrict the use of its territory for Indian trade activities. According to data shared by the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Indian trade…

In a significant ruling that reverberated through the political landscape of Ivory Coast, a court recently determined that Tidjane Thiam, the former CEO of Credit Suisse, was not eligible to run for office due to his registered French citizenship at the time of his electoral application. This decision, announced on a Tuesday, highlighted the contentious issues surrounding dual nationality and the complex legal framework governing Nigerian electoral candidacy. Thiam's legal team, in a statement provided to…