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UPDATED-Southport, UK Stabbing: Two Children Dead and Nine Injured in Stabbing at Northwest England Dance Class

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A stabbing at a children’s dance class in northwest England on Monday resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to nine others, according to police. A 17-year-old boy was arrested, and a knife was seized after the bloody attack in Southport, near Liverpool.

Witnesses described seeing bloodied children running from a community center where a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga event for children aged 6 to 11 was taking place. The event, held in Southport, a seaside town near Liverpool, promised “a morning of Taylor Swift-themed yoga, dance, and bracelet making.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the attack “horrendous and deeply shocking.”

Merseyside Police stated that officers were called at about noon to an address in Southport, a town of about 100,000 people. The incident was classified as a “major incident,” but police assured there was no wider threat to the public. Detectives do not consider the attack to be terror-related.

The suspect, who has not been identified, lived in a village about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the site of the attack, police said.

The North West Ambulance Service reported that medics treated eight people with stab injuries. The injured were taken to local hospitals, including a children’s hospital.

Bare Varathan, who owns a shop down the street, saw between seven and 10 bleeding children running from the Hart Space, a community hub that offers yoga for expectant mothers, babies, and children. “They had been stabbed here, here, here, everywhere,” he said, indicating the back and chest. “They were all aged about 10. One of them was really seriously injured.”

Harry Cainey, who lives with his mother in the street, said his mother saw paramedics carrying children “covered in red, covered in blood. She said she could see stab wounds in the backs of the children.”

Karolina Kaminska, a shopkeeper on Eastbank Street, reported hearing sirens and seeing a helicopter circling above. Messages circulated on local WhatsApp groups urging residents to lock their windows and doors.

The North West Air Ambulance charity has urged people to avoid speculation and not to post images or videos of the incident online, instead encouraging any footage to be given to the police to aid in their investigation.

Merseyside Police have imposed flight restrictions in the area, affecting drones and helicopters. A temporary airspace restriction is in place, making it an offence for any aircraft to fly below 2,000ft above sea level in the designated area without permission.

Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell expressed shock and concern about the incident, urging people to be careful about what they share online and not to speculate.

As the situation continues to unfold, the local community remains in shock. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available.

This incident has sent shockwaves through the typically quiet seaside town of Southport, known more for its beaches and tourism than for violent crime. As investigators work to piece together what happened, the focus now turns to supporting the victims and their families while the community grapples with this unexpected tragedy.

Source: news.sky.com

Former Ghana President John Mahama Kicks Off 2024 Election Campaign: Calls for Change in Ghana

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Former President John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), launched his campaign for Ghana’s 2024 general election with a massive rally in Tamale, Northern Region. The event, held under the theme “Change to Reset Ghana,” saw thousands of enthusiastic supporters gather at the Jubilee Park on Saturday.

Mahama’s central message focused on the need for change, citing an Afrobarometer democracy risk report that indicates 87% of Ghanaians believe the country is headed in the wrong direction. “If you are going in the wrong direction, you change your course,” Mahama declared, “and that is why on December 7, Ghana must change course.”

The former president positioned himself as the experienced hand needed to steer Ghana out of its current economic challenges. “The youth of this country want an experienced safe pair of hands, a hand that they have seen do it before to come back and take this country and rescue us from the mess,” he stated, taking aim at the current NPP government led by President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia.

Addressing concerns about his potential term limit, Mahama emphasized that “it is not about how long you serve but how well you serve,” promising truthfulness and hard work if elected.

A key policy announcement came from Mahama’s running mate, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who revealed plans for a Women’s Development Bank. This institution aims to provide soft loans to one million women, recognizing their crucial role in Ghana’s socio-economic fabric.

The campaign launch transformed Tamale into a sea of NDC colors – black, red, white, and green. Supporters displayed placards with slogans like “Visionary JM,” “24-Hour Economy is coming,” and “JM the experienced driver.” Various interest groups, including “Ladies for JM,” “Okada Riders for JM,” and “First-Time Voters for JM,” made their presence felt.

The event, which lasted nearly three hours, featured traditional Dagomba drums and dances, jama sessions, and motor riding displays. It attracted party members from across the five northern regions and beyond, underlining the NDC’s strong support base in these areas.

Mahama arrived at the venue around 2:40 pm, accompanied by his wife Lordina, to a rousing welcome from the crowd. The former president, dressed in brown khaki trousers and a white shirt bearing his name, had to navigate through a tightly packed crowd to reach the dais.

As Ghana moves closer to the 2024 election, Mahama’s campaign launch sets the stage for what promises to be a hotly contested race. The NDC aims to capitalize on perceived economic hardships under the current administration, while the ruling NPP will likely defend its record and vision for the country.

This campaign kickoff marks the beginning of an intense political season in Ghana, with both major parties now actively vying for the support of the Ghanaian electorate. As the race unfolds, all eyes will be on how Mahama’s message of change and economic revival resonates with voters across the nation.

Ghana Customs Destroys GH₵9.2 Million Worth of Expired Goods, Marijuana

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The Ho Sector Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has destroyed 274 bags of various expired goods and marijuana worth GH₵9.2 million at Akrofu in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region.

The confiscated items, which comprised coffee, cigarettes, and cosmetics, were seized at different border posts in the Ghana Ho Collection area of the Customs Division of the GRA.

The Commander of the Ho Sector Collection, Assistant Commissioner (AC) Mrs. Felicia Adoboe-Azuma, who briefed journalists on Friday, explained that the marijuana was compressed in slabs concealed in fertilizer sacks in an attempt to outwit the security personnel at the border posts.

“But such tricks did not work as the security men started searching, the smugglers bolted into the bush abandoning their goods and trucks behind, adding that the situation did not allow the security to arrest the suspects,” she said.

AC Adoboe-Azuma cautioned residents participating in smuggling operations to cease their illegal actions, as they would face legal consequences upon apprehension. She also stated that the security forces in the region would continue their vigorous efforts to eliminate individuals involved in illicit activities across borders within the Ho collection area.

AC Adoboe-Azuma urged sister security services to collaborate in tackling criminal activities, especially in apprehending smugglers. She emphasized the importance of security leaders resisting bribery attempts from smugglers and expressed her organization’s willingness to work with other security agencies to effectively combat smuggling.

Paris 2024: Djokovic Beats Nadal in Straight Sets in Tennis Titans Clash

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In a highly anticipated match between two of tennis’s greatest legends, Novak Djokovic emerged victorious over Rafael Nadal in a compelling straight-sets victory. The world number two showcased his dominance throughout the match, ultimately prevailing despite a valiant comeback attempt from the 38-year-old Spaniard.

Djokovic set the tone early, breaking Nadal’s first two service games and quickly establishing control over the match. The Serbian’s precision and power seemed to catch Nadal off-guard, leading to a commanding lead in the first set.

As the second set began, Djokovic maintained his momentum, surging to a 4-0 lead. However, Nadal, true to his fighting spirit, mounted a comeback that briefly rekindled hopes for his supporters. The “King of Clay” won three consecutive games, narrowing the gap to 4-3 and injecting new energy into the contest.

The turning point came in the eighth game of the second set. Nadal, showcasing his renowned tenacity, won a spectacular rally to break Djokovic’s serve and level the score at 4-4. The Spaniard then saved three break points in a display of grit and determination that has defined his career.

However, Djokovic’s class shone through as he clinched the crucial break with a sublime drop shot, demonstrating why he’s considered one of the most complete players in tennis history. The world number two then served out the final game with composure, sealing his victory and ending Nadal’s brief resurgence.

While the scoreline might suggest a one-sided affair, the match was filled with moments of brilliance from both players. Djokovic’s overall dominance was punctuated by Nadal’s flashes of the form that has made him a tennis icon, particularly on clay courts.

This encounter adds another chapter to one of tennis’s greatest rivalries. Despite the straight-sets result, the match showcased why Djokovic and Nadal continue to captivate tennis fans worldwide, even as they enter the later stages of their illustrious careers.

For Djokovic, this victory reaffirms his status at the pinnacle of the sport. For Nadal, while the loss will be disappointing, his mid-match resurgence suggests that the competitive fire still burns bright, potentially setting the stage for more thrilling encounters between these two champions in the future.

Coco Gauff Shines in Olympic Debut: Wins Opening Match in Straight Sets

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American tennis sensation Coco Gauff made a spectacular Olympic singles debut at the 2024 Paris Games, convincingly defeating Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic 6-3, 6-0 on Sunday. The match, held at the iconic Phillipe-Chatrier Court, showcased Gauff’s skill and composure on the grand Olympic stage.

Gauff, the reigning U.S. Open Champion, needed just 57 minutes to dispatch Tomljanovic, demonstrating her efficiency and dominance on the court. The young American converted an impressive six out of nine break point opportunities, leaving her opponent little room to maneuver.

The Parisian crowd showed their support for Gauff throughout the match, with chants of “Coco!” echoing between points. This enthusiasm reflects Gauff’s growing global appeal and the excitement surrounding her long-awaited Olympic debut.

For Gauff, this Olympic appearance holds special significance. She was forced to withdraw from the Tokyo Games just days before they began due to a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. Now, at 20 years old, she’s not only competing but also made history as the youngest American ever to serve as a flag bearer at the Olympic Opening Ceremony.

In the lead-up to the Games, Gauff expressed her excitement and aspirations in various interviews and social media posts. In an exclusive letter penned for NBC Olympics, she wrote, “In your phone under your vision notes, you wrote that you want to win a medal at the Olympics. Gold, silver, bronze – it doesn’t matter. But you’ve already won, you’ve made your childhood dream of playing at the Olympics, representing the United States, a real reality. And now, finally, you get to enjoy it.”

This victory marks a strong start to Gauff’s Olympic campaign, building on her recent success at the U.S. Open. Her performance suggests she could be a serious contender for a medal in Paris, potentially adding Olympic hardware to her growing collection of accolades.

Gauff’s Olympic journey continues in the second round, where she will face Argentina’s Lourdes Carle. As she progresses through the tournament, all eyes will be on the young American star to see if she can translate her Grand Slam success to Olympic glory.

The tennis competition at the Paris Olympics promises to be highly competitive, with many top players vying for medals. Gauff’s impressive start sets the stage for what could be a thrilling tournament, as she aims to fulfill her Olympic dreams and potentially bring home a medal for Team USA.

Nigeria Beats Australia in Women’s Group B with 73-62 Victory at Olympic Games

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In a stunning turn of events at the 2024 Olympics, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, pulled off a major upset by defeating Australia 73-62 in their Group B opener. This victory marks Nigeria’s first Olympic win in women’s basketball in 20 years, shaking up the tournament’s landscape on its first day of competition.

From the opening tip, Nigeria set the tone with aggressive full-court defense, catching the Australian Opals off guard with their length and intensity. The D’Tigress’ strategy paid off handsomely in the first half, limiting Australia to just 28 points, including a meager 11 in the second quarter. Nigeria’s Ezinne Kalu emerged as the star of the half, pouring in 17 points including four three-pointers, helping her team build a surprising 41-28 lead at the break.

Australia, bronze medalists at the 2022 FIBA World Cup, mounted a comeback in the second half. Alana Smith led the charge with 15 points on efficient 6-of-9 shooting, bringing the Opals within one possession multiple times in the fourth quarter. However, Nigeria’s resilience proved too much for the Australians to overcome.

Despite shooting only 35% from the field, Nigeria’s defensive prowess was the key to their victory. The D’Tigress forced an astounding 26 turnovers, leading to a significant 68-55 shot advantage. In the crucial final six minutes, Nigeria’s defense tightened further, holding Australia to just six points. Amy Okonkwo sealed the win with clutch three-pointers, including a dagger that extended Nigeria’s lead to seven points late in the game.

This victory dramatically improves Nigeria’s chances of reaching the knockout stage for the first time in Olympic history. However, challenges remain in a tough Group B that includes Canada and host nation France. Nigeria’s next game is against France on Thursday, August 1, while Australia will face Canada in a must-win game to avoid an early exit from the tournament.

The implications of this result extend beyond just one game. It signals a potential shift in the global basketball landscape, with Nigeria emerging as a force to be reckoned with. For Australia, a traditionally strong team in women’s basketball, this loss serves as a wake-up call and puts immense pressure on their upcoming matches.

As the women’s basketball tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Nigeria to see if they can build on this historic victory and make a deep run in the Olympics. Meanwhile, Australia must quickly regroup and find answers to avoid an early elimination from a competition where they were considered medal contenders.

This upset sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable Olympic women’s basketball tournament, where traditional powerhouses can no longer take any opponent for granted.

Ghana’s Economy ‘Run Like a Ponzi Scheme,’ Says Former Deputy Finance Minister

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Kwaku Kwarteng, former Ghana Deputy Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Obuasi West, has delivered a scathing critique of Ghana’s economic management, comparing it to a Ponzi scheme. His comments come as the country grapples with significant economic challenges and rising public debt.

In a statement titled “To break the eight, we must first break the norm,” Kwarteng attributed Ghana’s current economic woes to decades of poor governance and political mismanagement across various administrations. The former chairman of the Finance Committee in Parliament emphasized that since independence, Ghana has consistently overspent and relied heavily on borrowing to cover deficits.

“We always offer higher interest to lenders, borrow more, use a part to repay previous debts, and the rest to pay for the current year’s overspending,” Kwarteng stated. “So, we have been running our country’s economy like a Ponzi scheme. The economy is struggling today because lenders are now refusing to lend to us.”

Kwarteng’s comments appear to be a direct criticism of his own party, the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), as well as a broader indictment of Ghana’s political class. He warned that if the current economic trajectory continues, Ghana’s democracy could collapse, taking all political parties with it.

The MP called for a fundamental change in political behavior, criticizing the norm of parties praising past achievements and making grand promises while demonizing opponents. We have reduced election campaigns to bitter struggles between competitors seeking power for the wrong reasons,” he said.

These stark criticisms come against the backdrop of Ghana’s mounting public debt. During a recent mid-year budget review, Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam revealed that Ghana’s debt had reached GH¢742.0 billion (US$50.9 billion) as of June 2024, equivalent to 70.6% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Dr. Adam attributed the 22.0% increase in debt to the depreciation of the cedi and ongoing disbursements from creditors. The debt is split between external debt of GH¢452.0 billion (60.9%) and domestic debt of GH¢290.0 billion (39.1%).

Kwarteng’s comments and the latest debt figures highlight the urgent need for economic reform in Ghana. As the country approaches its next election cycle, there is growing pressure on political parties to address these systemic economic issues and present viable solutions to voters.

The debate sparked by Kwarteng’s statement is likely to intensify discussions about Ghana’s economic management, the sustainability of its debt, and the need for long-term structural changes to break the cycle of borrowing and overspending. As Ghana navigates these economic challenges, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the political class can heed Kwarteng’s warning and implement meaningful reforms

Source: myjoyonline.com

Nigerian boxer Cynthia Ogunsemilore is out of the Paris 2024 Olympics after being provisionally suspended for a failed drugs test.

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Cynthia Ogunsemilore representing Nigeria at the Paris Olympics 2024 in the boxing category has been suspended for a failed drugs test. The 22-year-old, who won gold at the African Games in Accra earlier this year and a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, tested positive for furosemide, a banned substance classified as a diuretic and masking agent. The out-of-competition sample was collected by the International Testing Agency (ITA) on 25 July on behalf of the International Olympic Committee.

Ogunsemilore can appeal the result, but any decision will not come in time for what would have been her Olympic debut fight against Shih Yi Wu of Chinese Taipei on Monday in the 60kg lightweight division. The BBC has reached out to the Nigerian Olympic Committee for a response.

Ogunsemilore’s suspension means Nigeria has now had athletes suspended for doping violations at two successive Olympics following sprinter Blessing Okagbare’s positive test three years ago in Tokyo. Okagbare was subsequently banned for 11 years for the use of human growth hormone.

Ahead of Paris 2024, there were concerns Nigerian athletes might not be allowed to compete under their own flag due to allegations made by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) that the country’s own anti-doping agency is non-compliant with Wada regulations. Nigeria’s National Anti-Doping Committee denies the charge, and the case is currently being examined by the Court of Arbitration of Sport.

Former South African President Jacob Zuma Expelled from ANC for Campaigning for Rival Party

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South Africa’s former President Jacob Zuma has been expelled from the African National Congress (ANC), the party he once led, for campaigning for a rival party in the 29 May general election, local media reports.

The ANC’s disciplinary committee found Zuma guilty of “prejudicing the integrity” of the party by joining Mkonto we Sizwe (MK). He has been given three weeks to appeal the ruling, according to a leaked ANC document. The ANC has not officially confirmed the expulsion, and MK stated Zuma had not been notified of the decision, referring to the proceedings as a “kangaroo court.”

Zuma, 82, was an ANC veteran but left the party after being forced to resign as president in 2018 amid corruption scandals, which he has consistently denied. He was suspended by the ANC in January after forming MK, which opposes the ANC-led government in parliament.

In a statement, MK expressed shock at media reports of Zuma’s expulsion, criticizing the disciplinary procedures as a “kangaroo court.”

The ANC emphasized that no person, even those accused of serious crimes, should be punished without being present. The disciplinary committee held a virtual hearing, but Zuma refused to participate.

Zuma was held in contempt of court for failing to cooperate with an inquiry, leading to his imprisonment during his nine-year presidency. This expulsion marks one of the most significant splits within the ANC since the end of white-minority rule in 1994.

CNN Report Exposes Widespread Sexual Violence in Sudan’s Ongoing Conflict

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Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a comprehensive report detailing widespread sexual violence against women and girls in Sudan, particularly in the capital Khartoum, since the outbreak of civil war in April 2023. The 88-page report, titled “Khartoum is Not Safe for Women,” paints a harrowing picture of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the East African nation.

The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has devastated large parts of Khartoum and spread to other regions, including Darfur. The United Nations has described the situation as “one of the worst humanitarian disasters in recent memory,” with millions displaced and at risk of famine.

According to the HRW report, women and girls in Khartoum, Sudan have been subjected to widespread acts of rape, including gang rape, as well as forced marriages and sexual slavery. The RSF is particularly implicated in these atrocities.

The Rapid Support Forces have raped, gang raped, and forced into marriage countless women and girls in residential areas in Sudan’s capital,” said Laetitia Bader, deputy Africa director at HRW. “The armed group has terrorized women and girls and both warring parties have blocked them from getting aid and support services, compounding the harm they face and leaving them to feel that nowhere is safe.”

The report is based on interviews with 42 healthcare providers, social workers, and other responders who had cared for hundreds of survivors of sexual violence. Survivors ranged in age from 9 to 60 years old.

Healthcare workers described treating survivors with severe physical injuries, including fatal cases. The report also highlighted the immense psychological and social trauma inflicted on survivors, with many facing stigma and rejection from their families and communities.

Both the RSF and SAF are accused of impeding humanitarian responses to the crisis. The SAF has restricted the flow of medical supplies into RSF-controlled areas, while the RSF has reportedly pillaged medical supplies and intimidated healthcare providers attempting to report sexual violence.

HRW has characterized the documented cases of sexual violence, forced marriage, and attacks on healthcare facilities as potential war crimes and crimes against humanity. The organization calls for immediate action from both warring parties to cease attacks on healthcare facilities and allow aid to enter conflict zones.

The report also urges the UN Security Council to demand an end to sexual violence and impose targeted sanctions against commanders and perpetrators responsible for these atrocities.

As the conflict continues, the international community faces growing pressure to respond effectively to this humanitarian crisis and address the widespread sexual violence occurring in Sudan.

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