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Former Ghanaian President Mahama to Renegotiate IMF Terms and Boost Local Ownership if Re-elected

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Former Ghanaian president John Dramani Mahama will try to renegotiate terms of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout and boost local ownership of future oil and mining projects if he wins a new term in office in December, he told Reuters.

Mahama, who was in office from 2012-2016, will be the main challenger to the ruling party’s candidate, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, with a good chance to win given a severe economic crisis that has made the government unpopular.

“I’ve been in an IMF programme before, when I was president, and I know that the IMF is not averse to sitting and talking and renegotiating issues,” Mahama, 65, said in an interview.

Ghana defaulted on most of its $30 billion external debt in 2022 after the effects of years of overstretched borrowing were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, knock-on impacts of the war in Ukraine, and higher global interest rates.

The oil, gold, and cocoa producer secured a $3 billion IMF bailout in May 2023, and in June this year reached separate deals with bilateral and commercial creditors to restructure its debts and freeze repayments until 2025.

The IMF has already disbursed $1.56 billion with another $360 million due by December. But Mahama said he would seek additional IMF funds to help Ghana manage the debt repayments.

Mahama also said he would amend a public-finance management law to introduce a compulsory debt-to-GDP ceiling of 60-70% to prevent excessive borrowing.

Additionally, he emphasized he would respect existing production contracts with oil and mining companies and not seek to raise taxes, but rather aim for higher royalties.

“I might consider a super range of taxes on profit… But I do think that in some cases we could have negotiated higher stakes in the royalties is low.”

Mahama’s plans also include increasing government stakes in future projects via the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund, a sovereign wealth vehicle.

Reuters

Athletics Federation of Nigeria Mystified by Favour Ofili’s Missing Registration for Olympic 100m Event

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The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has expressed confusion over the omission of women’s 100m national champion, Favour Ofili, from the 100m event at the Paris Olympics. Despite claims that she was registered for the 100m, 200m, and the women’s 4x100m relay, Ofili’s name is absent from the 100m entry list.

Ofili raised the alarm on Tuesday night, accusing the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and the AFN of failing to register her. “It is with great regret that I have just been told I will not be competing in the 100 meters at this Olympic Games. I qualified, but those with the AFN and NOC failed to enter me. I have worked for 4 years to earn this opportunity. For what?” Ofili lamented.

Samuel Onikeku, the Technical Director of the AFN, expressed the federation’s shock at the development. “We registered Ofili for the 100m, 200m, and the 4x100m relay. We don’t know how her name got missing in the 100m. This is our stand as a federation,” Onikeku said via AFN Media.

However, a check on the entry list published by World Athletics shows that Ofili will be competing in the 200m and women’s 4x100m relay.

Ofili qualified for the women’s 100m during the AFN National Trials held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City in June. She achieved a new personal best of 11.06s to secure her first national title.

In May, she hit the Olympics 200m mark at the Tom Jones Memorial Classic with a time of 22.33s.

The situation has left both the athlete and the federation baffled, with the hope that an explanation and resolution can be found swiftly.

punchng.com

Nigerian Music Icon Onyeka Onwenu Dies at 72, Tributes Pour In

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The Nigerian entertainment industry and fans worldwide are in mourning following the sudden death of legendary singer and actress Onyeka Onwenu. The iconic artist, known as the “Elegant Stallion,” passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at the age of 72, shortly after performing at a birthday celebration in Lagos.

According to sources close to the family, Onwenu collapsed moments after delivering a performance at the 80th birthday party of Stella Okoli, owner of Emzor Pharmaceuticals. She was rushed to Reddington Hospital in Lagos, where she was later pronounced dead. The exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Born on May 31, 1952, Onyeka Onwenu’s career spanned over four decades, during which she made significant contributions to Nigerian music, film, journalism, and politics. Her debut album, “In The Morning Light,” released in 1984 with Polygram, marked the beginning of a stellar musical journey that produced timeless hits like “One Love,” “Iyogogo,” and “Ekwe.”

Onyeka on stage a few minutes before her death

As news of her passing spread, tributes began pouring in from across the entertainment industry and political sphere. Femi Anikulapo-Kuti, son of the legendary Fela Kuti, expressed his shock and sadness on social media platform X, stating, “Shocked, waking up to very sad news of the passing of Mrs Onyeka Onwenu. Rest in peace Ma. Your beautiful voice will live forever. Condolences to her family and loved ones.”

Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, also shared her grief, describing Onwenu’s death as “shocking and extremely tragic.” In a heartfelt statement, Ezekwesili celebrated Onwenu’s multifaceted career:

“Our sister, Onyeka was as cerebral as she was gifted in the Arts and quite a captivating journalist in the 80s when she returned home and did her National Youth Service with NTA. Her newscasting skills were unmatched. Her epic BBC World documentary titled ‘A Squandering of Riches’ will remain one of the greatest narrations of the same issues that continue to ail Governance in Nigeria today.

Onyeka on stage a few minutes before her death

Ezekwesili also highlighted Onwenu’s political career, which followed in the footsteps of her father, D.K. Onwenu, and her touching tribute to her late mother, Dame Hope Onwenu, through the song “Ochie Dike Mama.”

A video of Onwenu’s final performance, showing her energetic and in good spirits, has been shared widely online, adding to the shock and sadness of her sudden passing. The footage serves as a poignant reminder of her enduring passion for music and her ability to captivate audiences until the very end.

Onyeka Onwenu’s legacy extends far beyond her musical achievements. She was a multifaceted artist who made significant contributions as an actress, journalist, and politician. Her passing leaves a void in the Nigerian cultural landscape, but her influence on music, arts, and society will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.

China, Russia, Other Nations Condemn Assassination of Hamas Political Leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran

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The assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran has sparked a wave of condemnation from nations across the globe, with many expressing concern over potential escalation of tensions in the Middle East. As news of the killing spread, world leaders and diplomats rushed to issue statements, underlining the far-reaching implications of this event on international relations and regional stability.

China, an increasingly influential player in Middle Eastern diplomacy, was quick to voice its disapproval. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated during a daily briefing, “We firmly oppose and condemn the act of assassination. We are deeply concerned that this incident may lead to escalation and turbulence in the region.” China, which recently mediated an agreement between Hamas and Fatah in Beijing, called for a “comprehensive and permanent cease-fire” in the Gaza Strip to prevent further escalation of conflicts.

Russia joined the chorus of condemnation, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov strongly denouncing the attack. “We resolutely condemn the attack that led to Mr. Haniyeh’s death,” Peskov declared, adding that such actions are “aimed against attempts to establish peace in the region, and could significantly destabilize the already tense situation.”

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry expressed shock at the timing of the assassination, which coincided with the inauguration of Iran’s new president. The ministry’s statement read, “Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including extrajudicial and extraterritorial killings irrespective of the motives.” It blamed Israel for the attack, describing it as a dangerous escalation that undermines peace efforts in the region.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took to social media platform X to denounce the killing of Haniyeh as a “despicable act” aimed at undermining the Palestinian cause. Erdogan asserted, “Zionist cruelty will never accomplish its objectives,” and reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to supporting “the establishment of a free, sovereign and independent State of Palestine based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Jordan’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the assassination, directly accusing Israel of being behind the attack. The ministry warned that such actions could “drag the region towards widening the war and threatens both regional and international security and safety.”

The assassination has put a spotlight on the complex web of alliances and conflicts in the Middle East. Haniyeh, who was scheduled to deliver a speech in Turkey’s parliament in August, was killed just hours after attending the inauguration of Iran’s new president. This timing has raised questions about the reach and audacity of the perpetrators, widely suspected to be Israeli operatives, though Israel has maintained its customary silence on such matters.

Iran Vows Revenge Against Israel for Assassination of Hamas Political Leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran

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In a dramatic escalation of Middle Eastern tensions, Iran has publicly vowed revenge against Israel following the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. The killing, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, has sparked a firestorm of rhetoric from Iranian leadership, threatening to plunge the region into further conflict.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, set the tone for his country’s response, declaring that revenge against Israel is now Iran’s national duty. This stark pronouncement came shortly after news broke of Haniyeh’s death, which happened just hours after he attended the inauguration of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian.

The powerful Iranian Revolutionary Guard, in a statement laden with ominous overtones, promised a “harsh and painful response” to what they termed a “crime of the Zionist regime.” The statement, issued via their official website, confirmed that Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were killed at their residence in Tehran, leaving no doubt about the gravity of the situation from Iran’s perspective.

President Pezeshkian, newly sworn into office, quickly joined the chorus of condemnation. In a post on the social media platform X, he asserted that Iran would defend its territorial integrity and ensure that those responsible for the assassination would “regret their actions.” This statement not only reinforces Iran’s stance but also frames the attack as a violation of Iranian sovereignty, potentially broadening the scope of the conflict.

While no group has claimed responsibility for the assassination, suspicion has immediately and firmly settled on Israel. The Israeli government has previously made no secret of its intention to eliminate Hamas leadership, particularly in the wake of the October 7 attack on Israel that resulted in 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages. However, following its standard protocol, Israel has declined to comment on the allegations, maintaining a silence that speaks volumes in the charged atmosphere.

The assassination of such a high-profile figure on Iranian soil represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with Iran now poised to play a more direct role. The event raises serious questions about the reach of Israel’s intelligence operations and the potential for a wider regional conflict.

International observers are watching closely as the situation unfolds, aware that Iran’s promise of retaliation could spark a new cycle of violence in an already volatile region. The death of Ismail Haniyeh, a key figure in the Palestinian resistance movement, on the territory of one of Israel’s most ardent opponents, has created a powder keg of geopolitical tensions.

As Iran prepares its response, the international community faces the challenging task of preventing further escalation while addressing the underlying issues that have led to this point. Diplomatic channels are likely working overtime to mitigate the risk of open conflict, but the strong language coming from Tehran suggests that some form of retaliation may be inevitable.

The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining whether this event leads to a wider confrontation or if cooler heads can prevail. With Iran’s leadership unanimously calling for revenge and Israel maintaining its strategic silence, the stage is set for a high-stakes game of brinkmanship that could reshape the political landscape of the Middle East.

As the world holds its breath, waiting to see how Iran will make good on its vow of revenge, one thing is clear: the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh has opened a new and dangerous chapter in the long-standing conflicts of the region. The repercussions of this event will likely be felt far beyond the borders of Iran and Israel, potentially drawing in other regional powers and testing the resolve of the international community to maintain peace in this volatile part of the world.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as Iran formulates its response and the international community grapples with the potential for a new eruption of violence in the Middle East.

Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh Killed in Alleged Israeli Strike in Iran, Threatening Escalation

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Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed by a predawn airstrike in the Iranian capital on Wednesday, with Iran and the militant group blaming Israel for a shock assassination that risks escalating the conflict even as the U.S. and other nations were scrambling to prevent an all-out regional war. Iran’s supreme leader vowed revenge against Israel.

There was no immediate comment from Israel, which has pledged to kill Haniyeh and other Hamas leaders over the group’s October 7 attack on southern Israel in which the Palestinian militant group killed 1,200 people and took some 250 others hostage. The strike came just after Haniyeh had attended the inauguration of Iran’s new president in Tehran—and only hours after Israel targeted a top commander in Iran’s ally Hezbollah in the Lebanese capital Beirut.

The dramatic assassination of Hamas’s top political leader threatened to reverberate throughout the region’s intertwined conflicts. Most explosively, the strike in Tehran could push Iran and Israel into direct conflict if Iran retaliates.

“We consider his revenge as our duty,” Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement on his official website. He said Israel had “prepared a harsh punishment for itself” by killing “a dear guest in our home.”

Bitter regional rivals, Israel and Iran risked plunging into war earlier this year when Israel hit Iran’s embassy in Damascus in April. Iran retaliated and Israel responded in an unprecedented exchange of strikes on each other’s soil, but international diplomacy succeeded in containing that cycle before it spun out of control.

Haniyeh’s killing could also prompt Hamas to pull out of negotiations for a cease-fire in the relentless decade-old war in Gaza, which U.S. mediators had said were making progress.

The U.S. and other allied nations are heightening tensions between Israel and Hezbollah along the Lebanese border, with security forces trying to contain after a weekend rocket attack killed an Israeli soldier in the Golan Heights.

Haniyeh’s death comes at a critical juncture, threatening to unravel fragile regional stability and triggering a new wave of violence in a conflict already marked by decades of strife. As Iran vows retaliation and Israel braces for potential reprisals, the international community watches anxiously, fearing the potential fallout of this high-stakes assassination.

The Associated Press

Huge Blaze Erupts at Rocket Accessories Manufacturing Facility in Russia’s Yekaterinburg

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A massive fire erupted at a manufacturing facility in Yekaterinburg, Russia, causing significant damage to the plant. The blaze, which broke out early Wednesday, has drawn the attention of local authorities and emergency services.

Local media reported that the fire started in the early hours of the morning at the Uralvagonzavod plant, which specializes in producing railway cars and military equipment. The plant is one of the largest in the region and plays a critical role in the local economy.

“The fire spread rapidly, engulfing several sections of the facility,” an emergency services spokesperson said. “Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further.”

Initial reports indicate that no casualties have been reported, but the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities have not ruled out any possibilities.

Witnesses reported seeing large plumes of smoke rising from the facility, which could be seen from miles away. Videos posted on social media showed firefighters battling the flames, with heavy smoke billowing from the building.

Local officials have urged residents to stay clear of the area to allow emergency services to perform their duties without obstruction.

This incident has sparked concerns about the safety protocols at the plant, and a thorough investigation is expected to determine the cause and prevent future occurrences.

Source:themoscotimes

Angelina Jolie by Son Pax’s Side as He Recovers in Hospital After Accident: ‘He’s Stable’

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Angelina Jolie is by her son Pax’s side as he recovers from an accident in Los Angeles.

A source says Jolie, 49, “is with him and reported that he’s stable.”

Pax, 20, was reportedly hospitalized after an accident in L.A. on Monday, July 29. According to TMZ, law enforcement sources told the outlet that Pax was not wearing a helmet while riding an e-bike in heavy traffic on Los Feliz Boulevard around 5 p.m. when the accident happened. He reportedly sustained a head injury and hip pain.

The Los Angeles Police Department tells PEOPLE that a man in his early 20s was riding a scooter when an accident was reported at 5:12 p.m. on July 29, and that a severe traffic collision report was completed.

Jolie shares Pax and five other kids with ex Brad Pitt: Maddox, 22, Zahara, 19, Shiloh, 18, and 16-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne.

Reps for Jolie and Pitt did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.

Earlier in July, a source told PEOPLE that Jolie “seems very happy and content with her life” now, and that she stays “focused on her kids and work.”

The Oscar winner worked with Pax and Maddox on her upcoming film Without Blood, which she directed with her sons as part of the crew. The movie will have its world premiere at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival.

Nigerian Sprinter Favour Ofili Denied 100m Spot at Paris Olympics Due to Administrative Failures

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Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili has been dealt a devastating blow to her Olympic dreams, revealing on Tuesday that she will not be able to compete in the 100-metre race at the ongoing Paris Olympics. The athlete’s exclusion stems from administrative failures by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC), sparking outrage and calls for accountability in Nigerian sports administration.

Ofili, an LSU Track and Field alumni, took to social media to express her frustration, stating, “It is with great regret that I have just been told I will not be competing in the 100 metres at this Olympic Games. I qualified, but those with the AFN and NOC failed to enter me. I have worked for four years to earn this opportunity. For what?”

The 21-year-old athlete’s disappointment is compounded by the fact that this is not the first time she has faced such setbacks. Ofili recalled a similar incident from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she and 13 other Nigerian athletes were unable to compete due to administrative failures. Please remember, in the last Olympic Games, I was not able to compete because AFN, NADC and NOC failed to release funds for athletes to be tested, which made 14 Nigerian athletes that qualified to not compete. Now this……” she added.

Ofili’s frustration is palpable as she calls for accountability, stating, “If those responsible are not held accountable for taking this opportunity from me, neither organisation can ever be trusted in the future!” Despite this setback, she remains hopeful about her participation in the 200-metre event, saying, “Next one is the 200 metres. I hope I’m entered.”

The controversy surrounding Ofili’s exclusion is particularly striking given her impressive credentials. She is a Commonwealth Games silver medalist, an African Games champion, a former World U20 champion, and an African Senior Athletics Championships champion in the 200m. Her current world rankings stand at 23 in 100m and 52 in 200m, with her highest rankings being 13 in 200m, 23 in 100m, and 37 in 400m.

Adding to the confusion, PUNCH Online reports that Ofili was initially entered for multiple events including the 100m, 200m, 400m, and 100×100 relay. However, attempts to contact officials from the AFN and NOC for clarification have been unsuccessful.

This incident highlights ongoing issues within Nigerian sports administration. Ofili was one of 10 Nigerian athletes declared ineligible for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by the Athletics Integrity Unit due to insufficient testing in the lead-up to the games. The repetition of such administrative failures raises serious questions about the management and support of Nigerian athletes on the international stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo Sparks Marriage Rumors After Calling Georgina Rodriguez His ‘Wife’ in Workout Video

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Cristiano Ronaldo has sparked widespread speculation that he and his longtime girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez may have secretly tied the knot.

The 39-year-old football superstar referred to Rodriguez as his “wife” during a workout video for his fitness brand, Whoop. The video, shared on the company’s Instagram account on July 29, has sent fans into a frenzy. In the video, Ronaldo discusses his home workout routines and the importance of staying motivated.

“Most important thing is, it’s not what you do, it’s you have to do,” Ronaldo said during the interview, which took place in his home gym. He continued, “When I’m not training in the club, I like to work with my wife at home because I can push her and she can push me too.”

This casual mention of Rodriguez as his “wife” did not go unnoticed. The Instagram video quickly garnered over 529,000 likes and a flood of comments from curious fans. Many were eager to know if Ronaldo’s use of the term “wife” meant that he and Rodriguez had gotten married in secret.

“Did he say my wife? Are they now secretly married?” one fan commented. Another added, “@cristiano when did you get married with him calling her ‘my wife.’” A third fan humorously noted, “He said ‘my wife’ olalaaa.”

Amid the growing speculation, Ronaldo’s publicist spoke to People magazine, stating that they could not confirm if the couple had actually gotten married. “At this time, I cannot confirm nor deny that Cristiano has married Georgina. I simply do not know,” the publicist said, leaving fans to wonder.

Attempts to get a comment from Ronaldo’s representative have so far been unsuccessful.

Ronaldo and Rodriguez have been together since 2017, and their relationship has been closely followed by the media and fans alike. During a 2022 interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo discussed the possibility of marrying Rodriguez. While he expressed his desire to marry her eventually, he mentioned that there was no rush, emphasizing that it would happen when the time was right for both of them.

The couple shares a deeply committed relationship and has been raising their children together. They have often been seen supporting each other at various events and sharing affectionate moments on social media.

The recent speculation about their marital status adds another layer of intrigue to their high-profile relationship. Whether or not they have indeed tied the knot remains a topic of keen interest.

independent.co.uk

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