Algerian boxer, Imane Khelif has been confirmed by the Olympic Committee to have complied with all entry regulations. In an official statement dated Thursday (August 1), the Olympic Committee said, “Every person has the right to practice sport without discrimination.”
This follows after her match with Italian boxer Angela Carini, where Carini abandoned the fight 46 seconds in. The Italian boxer who tearfully abandoned the fight, led to several comments from people, who described Imane Khelif’s presence in the olympics as a threat to the health of her opponents.
Cementing their stance, the Olympic Committee further wrote, “We have seen in reports misleading information about two female athletes competing at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The two athletes have been competing in international boxing competitions for many years”.
Imane Khelif is one of two athletes who has been cleared to compete in women’s boxing in Paris despite being disqualified from the 2023 Women’s World Championships for failing to meet eligibility criteria.
The circumstances of her disqualification from the 2023 Women’s World Championships have been considered unusual ever since it happened, and Khelif even called it “a big conspiracy” at the time.
In recent developments, however, Italian boxer Angela Carini, who abandoned the fight with Khelif, said she “wants to apologise” to her opponent for how she handled the moments after the fight.
Speaking to an Italian newspaper, Gazzetta dello Sport, she said, “All this controversy makes me sad, i’m sorry for my opponent, too. If the IOC said she can fight, I respect that decision.”
She further expressed regret at not shaking hands with Khelif afterwards. “I want to apologise to her and everyone else. I was angry because my Olympics had gone up in smoke,” she added, that if she met Khelif again, she would “embrace her.”
Founders Day, as celebrated in Ghana, holds historical importance because it marks the celebration of the contributions of Ghanaians who played pivotal roles in leading the country to freedom from colonial rule.
The day was previously celebrated on September 21, a date that also marked the birthday of the first president of Ghana, the late Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. The decision to change this date was presented by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who proposed amendments to the Public Holiday Act in 2018.
Presented by the Minister of Interior, Ambrose Dery, in 2018, the proposal led to the cancellation of three existing public holidays and the introduction of two new ones. Founders’ Day was selected to be celebrated on August 4, while September 21 was set aside as a memorial day for Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, in recognition of his significant role in the fight for Ghana’s independence.
The other two holidays affected by the amendment were Republic Day, previously observed on July 1, and African Union (AU) Day, observed on May 25.
According to the bill’s explanation, August 4 was chosen to replace Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Day because this was the day when Ghana’s independence movement began in 1947. On this date, Ghanaian patriots such as George Alfred Grant, J.B. Danquah, R.A. Awoonor-Williams, Edward Akufo-Addo, Ebenezer Ako Adjei, and various chiefs formed the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC).
Addressing the nation on August 3rd, 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo reiterated the importance of the date chosen for the celebration of Founders Day.
He said, “I speak to you this evening, rejecting completely the notion that Ghana was founded by 1 man. While Kwame Nkrumah’s contributions to our independence are undeniable and unassailable, it is important to acknowledge for our self-respect that the struggle for our nation’s freedom was a collective effort spanning several generations.”
He further highlighted his government’s commitment to ensuring that the upcoming election in December is free, fair, credible and transparent.
Sammy Adu Boakye, the Chairman of the Heal Komfo Anokye Project, has brought attention to the challenges posed by limited space for relocating patients, causing delays in the development of the project.
The Heal Komfo Anokye Project, spearheaded by Asantehene Osei Tutu II, is focused on revamping the infrastructure of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
Mr. Boakye emphasized the difficulties faced due to the insufficient space available for patient relocation, hindering the planned progress of the project.
Despite facing setbacks, Mr. Boakye mentioned that significant progress has been made, with some hospital blocks nearing 60% completion.
The target is to finalize these blocks by the end of August.
Acknowledging the need for flexibility in the project timeline, Mr. Boakye expressed willingness to extend the initial 24-month plan to 36 months to accommodate the evolving scope of the project.
As work continues on the A5, A4, and A3 blocks, Mr. Boakye affirmed the project team’s dedication to pushing forward and completing these floors within the specified timeframe.
The United States Embassy in Ghana has witnessed a significant uptick in the number of visa applications from Ghanaian nationals, with figures showing a threefold increase since 2019.
The surge in demand for US visas has caught the attention of the American Consul General in Ghana, Elliot Fertik, who acknowledged the flattering trend.
However, the spike in applications has posed challenges, leading to a backlog in processing.
To address this issue, the US Embassy has announced plans to transition all visa applications to a new system starting August 16, aiming to streamline and expedite the process for applicants.
Mr. Fertik highlighted the need for additional resources to manage the growing demand, stating, “What is driving the backlog is visa demand, and I’ve said before that the number of visa application fee payments in 2023 is triple that of 2019.”
He expressed optimism that the new system would enhance efficiency and help reduce the backlog.
Efforts are already underway to tackle the backlog, with a significant increase in the processing of visa applications, particularly for students.
Mr. Fertik revealed that this summer alone, 65% more visa applications for students were processed compared to the same period in 2023.
In a bid to further improve visa services, the Embassy will transition to a new visa services provider effective August 26, 2024.
As part of this transition, access to the current provider’s website and services will cease on August 16, 2024.
During the transition period from August 16 to August 26, applicants will not be able to make new visa appointments, cancel or reschedule existing appointments, or access customer service.
However, all current non-immigrant visa interview appointments will remain valid.
Applicants with interviews scheduled on or before August 16 are advised to review their appointment details and contact customer service if necessary.
Those with interviews scheduled between August 16 and August 26 must print their appointment confirmation letters before August 16 and are encouraged to attend their scheduled interviews.
For applicants with interviews scheduled for August 26 or later, they must print their appointment confirmation letters before August 16 and create new user accounts on the new visa services website starting August 26.
Sammy Awuku, the National Lotteries Authority Director General and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for Akuapem North Constituency, has set an ambitious target of securing 70% of the total votes in the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for December 7.
Building on the NPP’s previous victory of 55% in the 2020 general elections under MP Abena Dokua, Awuku expressed his confidence in the party’s strategic planning during a gathering of party supporters following the Ofie Mega Walk in Akropong.
Reflecting on the successful campaign launch by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the constituency, he stated that the party is focus on attaining a higher vote share in the upcoming elections through meticulous planning and execution.
He underscored the need for strategic positioning and psychological preparedness, drawing inspiration from Dr. Bawumia’s energy and dedication.
Awuku urged the youth to prioritize their future and be ready to face the challenges ahead, asserting that the NPP will not be intimidated by the opposition.
With a strong and competent youth machinery in Salam Mustapha’s Youth Wing, he expressed confidence in the party’s ability to secure victory in the upcoming polls.
Sammy Awuku reassured supporters that the election would be conducted fairly and that any disputes would be handled appropriately.
The NLA boss stressed that a vote for Dr. Bawumia is a vote for a brighter future, urging voters to rally behind the NPP’s vision for progress and development in Akuapem North.
Hon. Amidu Issahaku Chinnia, the Member of Parliament for the Sissala East Constituency, has spearheaded a series of groundbreaking initiatives that have significantly uplifted the educational sector in the constituency since his assumption of office in 2021.
The educational landscape in Sissala East was fraught with challenges, leaving students, teachers, and community members anxious about the future.
However, a wave of positive change swept through the constituency with Hon. Chinnia’s proactive leadership.
In his first year in office, Hon. Chinnia, who is also the Deputy Sanitation and Water Resources Minister, kickstarted a range of impactful projects, including the donation of 4 sets of tires for the new GES Pick-up and a cash amount of GH₵5,000 for the rehabilitation of the old pick-up.
This endeavor aimed to enhance monitoring and supervision of teaching and learning in schools.
He also distributed 60 pieces of street lights to various educational institutions, such as Kanton SHS, Tumu Sectech, St. Clares Vocational Institute, Tumu Teacher Training College, and the Municipal GES office.
Hon. Chinnia’s commitment extended to the refurbishment of the GES Office in Tumu, where he introduced essential amenities like floor tiles, air-conditioners, and modern office furniture among others.
He also supported the Baba Wajia reading project with a cash amount of GH₵1,000 and 100 reading books to improve literacy in Basic Schools.
Over the years, Hon. Chinnia continued to make substantial contributions to the education sector, securing 5 scholarships for individuals pursuing various courses, including master’s degrees.
He also supported 3 individuals in their pursuit of legal studies and aided a young lady studying Doctor of Optometry with GH₵7,000 and a new laptop.
Hon. Chinnia’s impact transcended academic realms, as he lobbied for buses for schools like St. Clares Vocational Institute and Tumu Sectech, facilitated the absorption of Wallembelle Senior Technical School into the free SHS system, and provided essential resources to schools in need.
The construction of classroom blocks in Bugubelle, Nabugubelle, and other communities, with support from organizations like GETFUND and DDF, showcased Hon. Chinnia’s dedication to education and community development.
Specifically, he provided 9 marker boards to Nabugubelle Basic School, 6 marker boards to Bawiesibelle Basic School, and 6 marker boards to Bujan School.
He also supported Kanton Senior High School with 4 new laptops and 4 calculators for the science department.
Hon. Chinnia’s commitment to fostering a conducive learning environment was further demonstrated through his support for various schools, including Tumu Sectech, Kanton Senior High School, and ST. Clare’s Vocational Institute, through donations of food items and others.
Moreover, his efforts in constructing classroom blocks in communities like Bugubelle, Nabugubelle, Gbenewisi, Dimajan, Katinia, Tanvieli, and Nankpawie have been instrumental in enhancing educational infrastructure in the Municipality.
Hon. Chinnia’s dedication to recognizing and appreciating educators through the organization of Teachers Awards and his support for environmental initiatives like the formation of Green Environment Clubs underscore his holistic approach to education and community development.
The projects initiated by Hon. Amidu Issahaku Chinnia since taking office are truly impressive, and this article alone cannot fully capture the extent of his accomplishments.
This showcases his potential to further develop the constituency if given the opportunity again.
Under Hon. Amidu Chinnia’s leadership, the Sissala East Municipality has been benefiting from transformative initiatives, particularly in the education sector.
The future of education in the Municipality looks more promising than ever before.
On July 29, 2024, Betway announced a new multi-year partnership with current Premier League champions, Manchester City. The two partners sealed this partnership with an on-site bell-ringing ceremony for the iconic NYSE.
Neal Menashe, CEO of Super Group, along with Ferran Soriano, CEO of City Football Group, rang The Opening Bell at 9:30 am EDT. This agreement makes Betway the club’s Official Global Betting Partner from the start of the 2024/25 season. In light of this partnership, Laurence Michel, Betway Africa commented: “We are delighted to become Manchester City’s Official Global Betting Partner. This agreement strengthens our place in the top tier of Premier League partners ensuring that our Betway brand reaches fans in all corners of the globe.
Ferran Soriano, City Football Group CEO, also indicated that “we are pleased to announce Betway as our Official Global Betting Partner. As a globally recognised brand, Betway has a strong pedigree and a history of working with high-profile brands within the sports space. We’re excited to work together throughout the partnership”.
Throughout the partnership, Betway and Manchester City will collaborate on several activations and exclusive content opportunities, in addition to the brand featuring across digital and in-stadia assets. To re-watch The Opening Bell ceremony, view here.
Background
About Super Group and Betway
Super Group (SGHC) Limited is the holding company for leading global online sports betting and gaming businesses: Betway, a premier online sports betting brand, and Spin, a multi-brand online casino offering. The group is licensed in multiple jurisdictions, with leading positions in key markets throughout Europe, the Americas and Africa. The group’s sports betting and online gaming offerings are underpinned by its scale and leading technology, enabling fast and effective entry into new markets. Its proprietary marketing and data analytics engine empowers it to provide a unique and personalized customer experience responsibly. Super Group has been ranked number 6 in the EGR Power 50 for the last two years. For more information, visit www.sghc.com.
Betway is a leading provider of innovative and exciting entertainment across sports betting, casino and esports betting. The company is a member of several prominent industry-related bodies, including the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), the iGaming European Network (iGEN), the Independent Betting Adjudication Service (IBAS), the Sports Wagering Integrity Monitoring Association (SWIMA) and the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), and is ISO 27001 certified through the trusted international testing agency eCOGRA. For more information, visit www.betwaygroup.com.
About Manchester City Football Club:
Manchester City FC was initially founded in 1880 as St Mark’s West Gorton and officially became Manchester City FC in 1894. Situated on the wider Etihad Campus, the Club’s footprint includes the 53,500-capacity Etihad Stadium, the 7,000-capacity Joie Stadium and City Football Academy, a state-of-the-art performance, training and youth development facility home to the Club’s men’s, women’s and academy teams.
Ranked as the Most Valuable Football Club Brand in the Premier League by Brand Finance, Manchester City FC is currently developing a best-in-class fan experience and year-round entertainment and leisure destination at the Etihad Campus. The Club is committed to operating in a sustainable and socially responsible manner and ensures that equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded into its decision-making processes, culture and practices.
The government has successfully brokered an agreement with the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) regarding the conditions of service for its members.
This breakthrough comes as a crucial step towards resolving the ongoing strike that had disrupted services.
The impasse began when the government issued a directive to freeze the July salaries of CETAG members, prompting the association to withdraw all its services in protest.
The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) further escalated the situation by instructing the suspension of salaries for striking CETAG members, with the exception of college principals, for July 2024.
Responding to these actions, CETAG announced the withdrawal of all services following the Minister of Education’s directive.
However, a positive turn of events emerged during a media interview on Friday, August 2, when Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Ignatius Baffour Awuah, confirmed the successful conclusion of negotiations.
“We have finalized discussions with them, reaching a mutually agreeable resolution. The necessary signatures have been affixed, and now it is up to their leadership to convene a national council meeting and make a decision,” Minister Awuah stated.
He emphasized the importance of expediting the process, particularly regarding the migration issue, urging CETAG to act promptly to fulfill their obligations.
On the “Urban Mix” segment on Orange FM, host Adwoa Afranewaa Frimpong tackled a question that has been on the minds of many: “How long should it take a man to propose?” The lively discussion featured guests Abena, Cindy, and Franklina, each bringing their perspectives to the table.
Abena shared her thoughts, emphasizing the importance of truly knowing your partner before making such a significant decision. Cindy passionately argued against sex before marriage, believing it’s crucial to wait until after the wedding. Franklina, however, had a different take, disagreeing with Cindy and sparking a lively debate. One listener even chimed in, suggesting, “People do pretend, but I think two years is enough to know someone truly.”
The discussion highlighted that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the right time to propose. Every relationship is unique, and the timing depends on various factors, such as emotional readiness, compatibility, and shared life goals. These diverse opinions highlight that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to when a man should propose.
How long should it take a man to propose?
There’s no universal rule for how soon is too soon to propose. However, according to Tabitha Azor, a licensed marriage and family therapist at NYC Healing Center in Brooklyn, proposing within the first three to six months might be rushing things. If you or your partner propose before hitting the three-month mark, you might still be in that early honeymoon phase of your relationship.
Credit: focusnblur
Relationships are unique, and what works for one couple may not suit another. But there are some key factors to consider when deciding if the time is right.
1. Understanding Readiness and Timing
One of the first things to consider is whether both partners feel ready for the commitment of marriage. This readiness goes beyond just loving each other; it includes being prepared to handle the responsibilities and challenges that come with marriage. Cindy’s viewpoint on waiting until marriage for sex highlights one aspect of readiness—being on the same page about important values and expectations.
2. Communication
FranklinCommunication is crucial in determining the right time to propose. Couples should have open discussions about their future, including their goals, finances, and family plans. This helps ensure both partners are aligned in their vision for the future. Franklina’s disagreement with Cindy shows that different views can exist even within a couple, so talking through these differences is essential.
3. The Role of Time in Relationships
Time can play a significant role in gauging readiness. The listener’s comment about a 2-year timeline suggests that a period of getting to know each other is crucial. During this time, couples can experience life’s ups and downs together, learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and build a strong foundation. While 2 years might be sufficient for some, others may need more or less time.
4. External Factors and Pressures
External pressures, like family expectations or societal norms, can influence the timing of a proposal. However, couples need to make decisions based on their comfort levels and not feel rushed by external factors. A thoughtful, well-timed proposal can lead to a more meaningful and secure engagement.
5. Listening to Your Heart and Intuition
Ultimately, the decision to propose should come from a place of genuine love and commitment. Listening to your heart and intuition can guide you in making the right decision. If you’re both excited about the idea of spending your lives together and feel ready to take the next step, that’s a good sign that the time may be right.
Final Thoughts
Deciding when to propose is a deeply personal decision that varies for each couple. Whether you believe in setting a specific timeline or following your intuition, the key is to ensure that both partners are ready and committed to embarking on this journey together.
For more insightful discussions and expert opinions on relationships, tune in to Orange FM’s “Urban Mix” every Thursday. We love hearing from our listeners! Join the conversation and share your thoughts on our social media platforms. Let’s continue exploring the many facets of love and relationships together!
A curfew has been imposed in Nigeria’s second-biggest state, Kano, after protests against the high cost of living were “hijacked by thugs” who engaged in widespread looting and the destruction of property, the governor’s office has said.
Kano saw the largest crowds on the first day of nationwide protests that forced many businesses to shut.
Demonstrators in all major cities took to the streets, chanting slogans such as: “We are hungry.”
Police fired live bullets and tear gas – and sprayed hot water – to try and disperse thousands of demonstrators in Kano city. Four people were wounded, and taken to hospital.
Protesters had earlier set alight tyres to make a bonfire in front of the house of state governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Looters also broke into a warehouse near his house and people were seen carrying away 25-litre cartons of vegetable cooking oil and mattresses.
Many people in Kano were seen with big yellow cartons that contained vegetable cooking oil
The curfew effectively bars protests from continuing, with all residents expected to remain at home.
The last census in Nigeria, in 2006, put Kano state’s population at 9.4 million, with unofficial estimates putting its current population at around 20 million.
The protests – called for 10 days – have been organised via social media and inspired by the recent success of protesters in Kenya who forced the government to scrap plans to increase taxes.
Mr Yusuf’s spokesman said the protests were peaceful in Kano, but the governor was forced to declare a curfew to “restore order and ensure the safety of our communities” because of “rampant looting, destruction of property and violence” unleashed by “thugs”.
On Wednesday night, a court ordered that protesters in the capital, Abuja, keep to the National stadium, which is located on the city’s outskirts.
But after gathering at the stadium’s gate on Thursday morning, the demonstrators – who have also been shouting the refrain “End bad governance” – began heading into the city centre.
This prompted police to fire tear-gas cannisters to try and stop the procession, which affected traffic.
The security forces were deployed at strategic locations within the capital, where even banks are closed, and in surrounding towns.
In Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub, protesters shouted “ole”, meaning “thief” in the Yoruba language – in reference to President Bola Tinubu and his government.
Many are angered by President Tinubu’s removal of a subsidy on fuel – announced with immediate effect during his inauguration speech in May 2023.
It was aimed at cutting government expenditure, but sent pump prices soaring with a ripple effect on other goods.
“Top on our demand is the subsidy removal. The government should reverse that decision,” Abuja protester Abiodun Sanusi told the BBC.
They also want the government to carry out wide-ranging reforms to the country’s electoral system and the judiciary.
Before this so-called “day of rage”, the government appealed to Nigerians not to take to the streets and give the president time for policies to bear fruit.
But Lagos protester Kingsley Uadiale dismissed this saying, “Hunger is the reason why we’re all here. You can’t beat a baby and ask the baby not to cry.”
If the Tinubu administration wanted patience then, he said, they should lead by example.
“You can’t tell us to be patient and you’re acquiring a private jet,” he said, citing plans to buy new planes worth millions of dollars for Mr Tinubu and his deputy Kashim Shettima.
Dabiraoluwa Adeyinka, an activist also protesting in Lagos, said the aim of the demonstration was to get the price hikes on essential commodities reversed.
“If they don’t yield, we will continue to protest,” she told the BBC
