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Sarkodie, Other Ghanaian Celebrities Demand Arrest of Self-Confessed Pedophile

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Ghanaian celebrities, led by renowned rapper Sarkodie (Michael Owusu Addo), are demanding the arrest of a man who publicly admitted to having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl. The confession, made during a radio program on Sompa FM, has ignited widespread outrage and calls for legal action.

Renowned rapper Sarkodie (Michael Owusu Addo)

The man in question claimed to have engaged in a sexual relationship with the minor from her primary school years through high school. He framed his confession as a cautionary tale about karma, revealing that a teacher is now making similar advances towards his own daughter.

Sarkodie, along with actress Lydia Forson and other public figures, expressed their dismay at the man’s admission. Forson took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to voice her concerns, highlighting the tendency to deflect blame onto victims in such cases. Sarkodie reshared Forson’s post, adding, “I sense no hate here he should not be walking around freely.”

Sarkodie and the accused man

The incident has brought attention to Ghana’s laws regarding child abuse. Section 101 of the Criminal Code Act 29, 1960 stipulates that sexual relations with a child under 16, regardless of consent, is punishable by 7 to 25 years imprisonment.

This case has sparked a broader discussion about child protection in Ghana and the role of public figures in advocating for justice. It also raises questions about the handling of such confessions by media outlets and the responsibility of authorities to act on publicly disclosed information about criminal acts.

As the story continues to unfold, it highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing child sexual abuse and the importance of swift action in response to such admissions.

Heavy Rains and Bus Accident Claim Over 50 Lives in Afghanistan

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Heavy rains in eastern Afghanistan have resulted in at least 40 deaths and nearly 350 injuries, according to Taliban officials. In a separate incident, a bus accident on a main highway claimed at least 17 lives, as reported by official media.

Sharafat Zaman Amar, spokesperson for the Public Health Ministry, confirmed that 40 people had died in Monday’s storm, with 347 injured individuals brought to the regional hospital in Nangarhar from Jalalabad and nearby districts.

The storm’s impact was severe, with provincial spokesperson Sediqullah Quraishi reporting that about 400 houses and 60 electricity poles were destroyed across Nangarhar province. Power outages and limited communications affected Jalalabad city as authorities continue to assess the damage.

The tragedy was compounded by a separate bus accident on Tuesday morning. The official Taliban news agency Bakhtar reported that at least 17 people were killed and 34 others injured when a bus overturned on the main highway linking Kabul and Balkh in northern Baghlan province.

This latest disaster follows a pattern of severe weather events in Afghanistan. In May, exceptionally heavy rains killed more than 300 people and destroyed thousands of houses, primarily in the northern province of Baghlan, according to the World Food Program.

These incidents highlight Afghanistan’s ongoing struggles with natural disasters and road safety, underscoring the need for improved infrastructure and emergency response capabilities in the country.

Credit: The Associated Press.

Kylian Mbappé Officially Unveiled as Real Madrid Player at Santiago Bernabéu

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Kylian Mbappe, of France, poses for the cameras after being presented to fans as a new Real Madrid player at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrea Comas)

Los Blancos announced last month that they had signed Mbappé to a five-year deal, marking the end of the French superstar’s seven-year tenure at Paris Saint-Germain. The event began with a montage of Real Madrid’s historic successes, accompanied by Luciano Pavarotti’s rendition of “Nessun Dorma,” followed by a highlight reel of Mbappé’s goals projected on a big screen.

Kylian Mbappe, of France, poses for the cameras after being presented to fans as a new Real Madrid player at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Tuesday, July 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrea Comas)

This moment has been highly anticipated by Real Madrid fans, who have long been eager to see the 25-year-old, rated among the best current players in the world, don the club’s famous white jersey. Real Madrid, having won their 15th European crown at the end of last season, has only strengthened its squad with the inclusion of Mbappé, alongside stars like Vinícius Jr. and Jude Bellingham.

“It’s an incredible day for me, incredible,” Mbappé said to the crowd inside the stadium. “Since I was a boy, I had only one dream: to play here. And to be here now means a lot to me. Because of that, I want to thank every madridista because, since years ago, you’ve given me a lot of affection, a lot of love – that goes directly to my heart. And so I want to say thank you to everyone to let me be here today.”

After his speech, Mbappé greeted fans, signed autographs, and kicked footballs into the stands, much to the delight of those in attendance.

Mbappe and his parents.

This official unveiling concludes one of the longest-running transfer sagas in soccer, with Mbappé long harboring ambitions of a move to the Spanish capital. Despite his considerable success in domestic competitions, including six French titles and a Ligue 1 win with AS Monaco, Mbappé is yet to add a Champions League trophy to his achievements.

Kenyan Police Use Tear Gas to Disperse Protests Demanding Presidential Resignation

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The police in Kenya resorted to tear gas on Tuesday to disperse protests in Nairobi and several other towns, as demonstrators continued to demand President William Ruto’s resignation over allegations of poor governance. The protests persisted despite Ruto’s recent dismissal of nearly his entire Cabinet in an attempt to address public concerns.

Businesses in Nairobi remained shuttered, fearing a repeat of the looting that occurred during last week’s demonstrations, which saw protesters storm Parliament and resulted in several fatalities at the hands of police. Demonstrators blocked major roads, including the highway to Namanga on Nairobi’s outskirts, and lit bonfires. Similar protests were reported in Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret.

The ongoing unrest comes five days after President Ruto dismissed all but one Cabinet minister, pledging to form a more efficient and inclusive government. However, protesters remain unsatisfied, insisting they will continue until Ruto steps down. The resignation of the police chief on Friday, following accusations of brutality towards demonstrators, did little to quell the protests.

The demonstrations, which began on June 18, initially called for the dismissal of Cabinet ministers over allegations of incompetence, corruption, and displays of opulence amid a cost-of-living crisis. The situation escalated on June 25 when protesters stormed Parliament after the passage of a finance bill proposing tax increases, resulting in police opening fire and killing several people.

Despite Ruto’s subsequent refusal to sign the bill, demonstrations continued with calls for his resignation. Activists organizing the protests claim they are spontaneous and not led or funded by any particular group.

The Kenya National Commission for Human Rights reports that since June 18, 50 people have died in the protests, with 59 others abducted and missing. As the unrest continues, questions of accountability and governance remain at the forefront of demonstrators’ concerns.

AP

French President Macron Expected to Accept Prime Minister’s Resignation Amid Political Turmoil

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Paris, France, July 2024 – French President Emmanuel Macron is widely anticipated to formally accept the resignation of Prime Minister Gabriel Attal on Tuesday, while retaining him as the head of a caretaker government.

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal offered his resignation last week following a chaotic election result that left the government in disarray. President Macron asked Attal to temporarily remain as the head of the government pending further decisions, especially as France prepares to host the Paris Olympics and remains under international scrutiny.

French media reports indicate that Macron is expected to formally accept Attal’s resignation by Tuesday evening. This move would enable Attal to resume his role as a lawmaker in the National Assembly, France’s lower house of government, and lead Macron’s centrist allies. It would also protect him from a potential no-confidence vote in parliament.

The opening session of the National Assembly is scheduled for Thursday. The caretaker government, led by Attal, will focus solely on handling day-to-day affairs until a new prime minister is appointed. There is no firm timeline for Macron to name Attal’s successor, although a Cabinet meeting was held on Tuesday.

France has been teetering on the edge of a governmental paralysis since the National Assembly elections earlier this month. The elections resulted in a split among three major political factions: The New Popular Front leftist coalition, Macron’s centrist allies, and the far-right National Rally led by Marine Le Pen.

While Macron’s centrist party won the most seats, it fell short of achieving an outright majority needed to govern independently. The leftist coalition’s three main parties, the hard-left France Unbowed, the Socialist Party, and the Greens, have pressed the president to unite them to form the government.

Kenyan Court Allows 30-Day Detention of Suspect in Dismembered Dumpsite Bodies Case

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A court in Kenya has granted police permission to detain Collins Jumaisi Khalusha, 33, for 30 days as investigations continue into the discovery of dismembered women’s bodies in a flooded quarry. Khalusha appeared in Makadara court on Tuesday, accompanied by his lawyer who had objected to the police’s request for extended detention.

Since Friday, police have been retrieving dismembered bodies from a quarry near the suspect’s residence. The search has yielded 10 bodies and various body parts, along with phones, identity cards, and a machete found at Khalusha’s home. Two families have tentatively identified their relatives among the victims, pending DNA confirmation.

Mohamed Amin, head of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, reported that the suspect confessed to killing 42 women, including his wife, since 2022. However, authorities have not provided evidence to support this claim.

The case came to light after relatives of a missing woman claimed to have had a dream directing them to search the quarry. A local diver, enlisted by the family, discovered the bodies wrapped in sacks.

In response to the case, acting police inspector general Douglas Kanja announced the transfer of officers from a nearby police station to facilitate investigations. Local residents had accused the police of negligence, given the quarry’s proximity to the station and numerous unresolved missing persons cases.

Human rights groups have called on Kenya’s security agencies to expedite investigations into all reports of enforced disappearances. Initial concerns had linked the bodies to abductions and arrests during recent anti-government protests.

This case has shocked the nation and raised questions about law enforcement effectiveness and the safety of women in Kenya. As investigations continue, the focus remains on identifying victims, understanding the full scope of the crimes, and ensuring justice is served.

AP

Again, Team USA to Send Majority Female Roster to Paris 2024 Olympics!

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Washington, D.C., July 2024 – For the fourth consecutive Summer Olympics, Team USA will feature more women than men in its roster. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee announced on Wednesday the 592-member contingent that will compete in Paris later this month.

Roster and Representation

The lineup includes 314 women and 278 men, spanning ages from 16 to 59, with representation from 46 states. Among the athletes are 66 Olympic champions who have collectively earned 110 gold medals. The team also boasts three five-time Olympians, including basketball standout Diana Taurasi and equestrians Steffen Peters and McLain Ward.

Opening Ceremony and Competition Dates

The opening ceremony in Paris is set for July 26, with athletes arriving in boats along the Seine River towards the Eiffel Tower. The competition will commence on July 24 and conclude on August 11.

Medal Predictions and Support

Team USA is favored to top the medal tally, with Nielsen’s Gracenote forecasting 123 medals, including 37 gold. USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland expressed pride in the athletes, stating, “As they prepare to represent our nation on the greatest stage in all of sports, we honor their personal achievements and celebrate the unwavering support of the people that make it possible—their families, teammates, national governing bodies, coaches, and communities around the country.”

Young and Veteran Athletes

Among the team are a trio of 16-year-olds heading to Paris, including artistic gymnast Hezly Rivera, the youngest member. The oldest athlete on the roster is Steffen Peters, aged 59.

UFC’s Drew Dober Maintains Positive Outlook After Bloody Loss to Jean Silva

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UFC lightweight Drew Dober has responded with grace and resilience following a brutal loss to Brazil’s Jean Silva at UFC Fight Night in Denver. The fight, which took place at Ball Arena on Saturday’s main card, ended in a doctor’s stoppage due to a severe cut above Dober’s right eye, resulting in one of the most gruesome scenes in recent UFC history.

The 35-year-old American, who trains with Elevation Fight Team, fell victim to Silva’s precise and sharp striking. By the end of the second round, the cut on Dober’s face had become alarmingly severe, prompting referee Herb Dean to call for an official timeout less than two minutes into the third round. The cage-side doctor subsequently waved off the fight, declaring Silva the winner by TKO.

Despite the loss, Dober took to social media to express gratitude towards his fans and reflect positively on the experience. “Such an honor to be able to step in there and show off my heart and determination,” Dober wrote, accompanying a photo of his stitched-up cut. He added, “There is no shame in failure. Just an opportunity to become a better man.”

The fight statistics highlight the intensity of the bout, with Dober landing 59 of 147 significant strikes, while Silva connected on 53 of 109 attempts. Silva’s effective use of elbow strikes proved to be the decisive factor in the contest.

Both fighters displayed exemplary sportsmanship throughout the match. Before the ill-fated third round, Dober and Silva shared a hug and touched gloves at the center of the Octagon. After the fight, Silva praised Dober for his heart and determination.

This victory marks Silva’s second win in two weeks, following his knockout of Charles Jourdain at UFC 303. His record now stands at an impressive 14-2, with 11 knockouts and two submissions, as he continues his ascent in the UFC lightweight rankings. Conversely, Dober’s record moves to 27-14 after suffering his second consecutive loss.

Dober’s positive attitude in the face of defeat and his acknowledgment of the opportunities for growth that come with setbacks serve as a testament to his character and professionalism in the often brutal world of mixed martial arts.

Argentina’s Copa America Champions Receive Hero’s Welcome on Return Home

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Argentina’s victorious Copa America team returned home to a hero’s welcome on Tuesday, greeted by thousands of jubilant fans at the Ministerio Pistarini International Airport. The team’s arrival, just 24 hours after their triumphant 1-0 win over Colombia in the final, marked a moment of national celebration for their record 16th Copa America title.

Led by coach Lionel Scaloni and winger Angel Di Maria, who played his final match for the Albiceleste, the team’s arrival after 9:30 pm was met with an outpouring of emotion from supporters. Di Maria, having surpassed 100 appearances for Argentina and boasting an impressive trophy haul including Olympic gold, two Copa America titles, and the 2022 World Cup, was the center of attention.

Former Argentine international Javier Zanetti, recently surpassed by Di Maria on the list of most appearances for the national team, was present to welcome the champions. Zanetti expressed his gratitude to Di Maria for his representation of Argentina on the world stage, suggesting a farewell game in Argentina for the retiring star.

Notably absent was Lionel Messi, who remained in the United States with his club Inter Miami. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and left-back Nicolas Tagliafico also stayed behind, along with three players set to join the under-23 team for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.

The celebration extended beyond the airport, with crowds of children on winter school holidays eagerly awaiting the arrival of their heroes. A bus emblazoned with “Welcome champions!” stood ready to transport the team through throngs of adoring fans.

This homecoming celebration not only honors the team’s impressive achievement but also symbolizes a moment of national unity and pride for Argentina. The success of the national team, building on their 2022 World Cup victory, continues to inspire and galvanize the country, highlighting the significant role of football in Argentine culture and identity.

Jude Bellingham’s Heated Exchange with Gareth Southgate During Euro 2024 Final Loss Revealed!

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Reports have surfaced of a tense moment between England midfielder Jude Bellingham and manager Gareth Southgate during the Euro 2024 final, where England suffered a 2-1 defeat to Spain in Berlin. According to ESPN’s Mark Ogden, Bellingham “lost it” with Southgate in the closing stages of the match, urging the manager to make tactical changes.

The incident reportedly occurred just before Harry Kane was substituted off with 30 minutes remaining. Bellingham, visibly frustrated, confronted Southgate on the sidelines, seemingly imploring him to “change something, do something.” This outburst came as England struggled to match Spain’s dominance in midfield during the second half.

Bellingham, who had an outstanding season with Real Madrid prior to the tournament, found himself struggling with fatigue as the final progressed. The 21-year-old’s frustration appeared to stem from Kane’s ineffectiveness against Spain’s robust defense, with England’s play noticeably improving after Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer were introduced.

Despite this heated exchange, Bellingham demonstrated leadership after the final whistle, consoling his emotional teammates as they received their runners-up medals. The young star’s actions highlight the intense emotions and high stakes of the tournament final.

This incident has added to the speculation surrounding Southgate’s future as England manager. Having led the team since 2016 and reached two European Championship finals, Southgate now faces pressure to step down after another near-miss in a major tournament. The English FA had previously indicated their desire for Southgate to continue through the 2026 World Cup, but alternative options may now be explored.

As England regroups from this defeat, attention turns to the team’s future and potential changes in leadership. Bellingham’s frustration during the final underscores the passionate desire for success within the squad and the ongoing challenges faced by England in their quest for major tournament glory.

Daily MailOnline