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Turkey serves as a mediator between Somalia and Ethiopia.

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Turkey mediated discussions between Somalia and Ethiopia on Monday to reduce diplomatic tensions between the two African neighbours, according to the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

Taye Atske Selassie, Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, and his Somali colleague, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, held an honest and forward-looking discussion about their differences, sponsored by Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan.

The tensions arose after Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with the breakaway region of Somaliland in January, which Somalia condemned as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The memorandum aimed to grant Ethiopia access to the sea through Somaliland in exchange for Ethiopia recognizing Somaliland as an independent country.

A second round of discussions is scheduled in Ankara on Sept. 2, as both countries reiterated their commitment to peacefully resolving their differences and expressed appreciation to Turkey for its facilitation and constructive contributions.

Prior to the January memorandum, Somalia and Ethiopia had enjoyed peaceful relations.

John Terry calls BBC a ‘disgrace’ for appearing to ridicule Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo following his extra-time penalty miss against Slovenia in the tense Euro 2024 match.

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Former England captain John Terry has called the BBC a “disgrace” for insulting Cristiano Ronaldo with the headline “Missiano Penaldo” during Euros coverage.

Portugal went on to win the shootout, with Ronaldo scoring after stepping up first, and the all-time great is still in contention for a second continental title in his incredible career. The BBC, on the other hand, treated him to a shocking jibe while broadcasting a suspenseful knockout match.

When reviewing Ronaldo’s failed spot-kick, a “Misstiano Penaldo” caption was used. Former Chelsea defender Terry, who once missed a crucial penalty in the Champions League final, posted a “this is a disgrace” message on social media alongside a screenshot of the clip in question.

He was not the only one to hit out at the BBC, as “Misstiano Penaldo” began to trend across the world, but others saw the funny side. Ronaldo has admitted to hitting “rock bottom” when his strike was palmed onto the post, but he remains in the hunt for major silverware and has never been one to let detractors drag him down.

Arsenal has signed Barcelona and Spain star Mariona Caldentey on a free transfer to boost their frontline after Vivianne Miedema’s stunning exit.

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Arsenal have confirmed the acquisition of Mariona Caldentey, Spain’s World Cup-winning attacker, on a free transfer after she left Barcelona.

Caldentey enters with plenty of pedigree, having decided to take on a new challenge following ten trophy-laden years in Catalunya. During that decade, the 28-year-old won 25 trophies, including three Champions League titles, and scored 114 goals in 302 games, becoming her the club’s seventh all-time leading goal scorer.

Caldentey’s signing is a big boost for an Arsenal frontline that lost Vivianne Miedema last month. The forward, who has scored more Women’s Super League goals than any player in history, left on a free at the expiration of her contract and looks set to set for title rivals Manchester City. However, despite criticism for the decision not to renew Miedema’s deal, the Gunners have at least recruited a top class replacement who can play as a striker, out wide or in a deeper role.

Speaking upon the announcement of the deal, Caldentey said: “I’m so happy to be here. This is the right time for a new challenge for me and Arsenal is the perfect place. I think what Arsenal are doing as a club is amazing – on and off the pitch. I love the way we want to play as a team and I think there’s a strong mentality building here. It’s been incredible to see what the club has done away from the pitch, with supporters following the team everywhere and lots of records being broken. I can’t wait to get started and help the team win trophies and entertain our supporters.”

Head coach Jonas Eidevall added: “Mariona is a world-class forward and we are delighted to bring her to Arsenal. She’s a winner with proven experience of excelling on the biggest stage, which is exactly where we aim to be at this club. We believe Mariona will be a superb addition to our squad here at Arsenal, as we prepare for an exciting new season together.”

As well as being a star at club level, Caldentey has also thrived on the international stage. She was the star of the show as Spain won the Nations League in February, having been a key player in last summer’s World Cup triumph, and will be crucial to La Roja’s chances of a gold medal at the Olympic Games, which begin later this month.

WHAT NEXT FOR CALDENTEY AND ARSENAL?

The Spain forward might not be the only signing Arsenal secure from Barcelona this summer, either. The Gunners have been strongly linked with a move for Lionesses midfielder Keira Walsh, though a deal will be tricky given the England star still has a year left on her contract and Barca do not wish to sell.

Cristiano Ronaldo discusses his heartfelt response to his Portugal penalty miss while making a shocking announcement about his impending retirement

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In addition to revealing a big retirement hint, Cristiano Ronaldo has shared the reason behind his emotional response after Portugal missed a penalty during Euro 2024.

  • Cristiano RonaldoGettyWHAT HAPPENED?Having failed to find the target during the group stage, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo was determined to make a decisive contribution in a last-16 showdown with Slovenia. He fired in several free-kicks, while coming close to meeting a number of crosses, but was given his big moment in extra-time when stepping up to the spot. CR7 saw his effort beaten away by Jan Oblak, leaving the Portuguese superstar in tears.

After converting his penalty in a shootout that Portugal won 3-0 courtesy of three saves from Diogo Costa, Ronaldo told Teledeporte of emotion getting the better of him: “Initial sadness and joy at the end, that’s what football gives you. These are inexplicable moments. I had the chance to put the national team ahead and I didn’t manage it. Oblak made a good save. I had to review the penalty, I don’t know if I shot well or badly, but during the year I didn’t miss a single time and when I needed it most, Oblak saved it. The most important thing is to enjoy qualifying, the team did an extraordinary job, we fought until the end and if you analyse the match well, Portugal deserved it because they had more chances.”

Ronaldo, who is competing at his 11th major international tournament, went on to admit that this summer’s European Championship will be his last. He added, with it impossible for the evergreen frontman to go on forever: “It’s certainly my last Euro. But I’m not moved by that, I’m moved by everything that football entails. The enthusiasm I have for the game, the excitement of seeing my fans, and my family, the affection that people have for me. It’s not because I’m leaving football, because if I do, what else is there for me to do or win? It’s not going to come down to one more point or one less point. Making people happy is what motivates me the most.”

Ronaldo hit 50 goals for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in the 2023-24 campaign, with there no sign of him slowing down at club level. There has also been talk of him playing through to the 2026 World Cup, which suggests that retirement remains some way off for now.

NDC will meet with regional executives in the Central area over the Assin Central PC withdrawal.

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The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Central Regional executives will meet with the party’s national leadership to discuss Nurein Shiabu Migyimah’s resignation as the party’s Assin Central parliamentary candidate following his conviction for immoral conduct and anti-party activities.

Following thorough inspections and considerations, the NDC’s Central Regional Functional Executive Committee resolved to immediately withdraw Nurein Shiabu Migyimah’s nomination in response to complaints lodged against him.

It was said that Shiabu Migyimah had an affair with the Assin Central General Secretary’s wife.

A letter written by the Regional Functional Executive Committee on Sunday, June 28 and addressed to the Assin Central chairman of the NDC also indicated that Nurein Shiabu Migyimah is to be suspended for six months pending the adjudication of the matter by the Regional Disciplinary Committee.

The leadership of the NDC on Friday, June 28, summoned the Central Regional Chairman over the letter withdrawing Shiabu Migyimah’s candidature, raising issues that it breached due process.

The letter of summon, signed by the General Secretary of the NDC, Fifi Kwetey, said “The above-mentioned action if true, was taken without the approval of the National Executive Committee and is considered inappropriate and in contravention of due process and the provisions of articles 40, 41, 46 and 48 of the NDC constitution.”

“In lieu of that, you are thereby requested to appear before the National Leadership of the party on Tuesday 2nd July 2024 at 2 pm together with your Regional Secretary to explain how this letter was sent out without the approval of the party national leadership,” the letter further read.

Fuel prices are rising, with diesel getting closer to GH˼15 per litre.

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Since the first pricing window opened in July, several oil marketing companies (OMCs) have started to raise fuel prices at the pump.

Energy Think Tanks like the Institute for Energy Security and the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers attribute this to the devaluation of the Cedi and the growing price of refined petroleum products on the global market.

In line with this development, some oil marketing companies such as Star Oil, have begun increasing their prices. Currently, a litre of petrol is selling at GHȼ13.83, up from GHȼ13.66 in the second pricing window of June, while diesel is selling at GHȼ14.79, up from GHȼ13.97 in the second pricing window of June.

Shell is selling a litre of petrol at GHȼ14.80 while a litre of diesel is being sold at GHȼ14.92. Previously petrol was selling at GH14.60 per litre while diesel was going for GH14.75 per litre in the second pricing of June.

Major market leaders, such as state-owned GOIL and Total Energies, have also announce a price increment.

GOIL, for instance, is selling a liter of petrol at GH₵14.80, while a liter of Diesel XP is sold to consumers at GH₵14.92 per liter.

Total Energies, meanwhile, has increased it price for petrol at GH¢14.85 and diesel at GH₵14.95 from the GH₵14.65 in at least the preceding two pricing windows.

Prosecute anyone involved in the clean-up of the banking system, according to the governor of the Bank of Ghana.

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Dr. Ernest Addison, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, has asked the government to take action against shareholders of banks and financial organisations involved in the financial sector cleanup.

According to Dr. Addison, there is a need for accountability, hence these people should be held accountable for their conduct and inaction. The Governor voiced alarm over the government’s delayed response to this situation, urging for more immediate and firm action.

During a joint news conference with the Ministry of Finance and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday, July 1, Dr. Addison stated that all those who are still retaining cash intended for the exercise must be pursued.

“It is taking a really long time to really bring all of these matters to a close. However, it is important that the state needs to persevere and pursue these shareholders who have misappropriated depositors’ funds.

“The large amounts of monies that we claim were used to clean up the financial sector, some of these monies are being held in assets by the shareholders and I think that the law needs to be allowed to do its work.”

The Bank of Ghana embarked on a banking sector clean up, recapitalization, and other regulatory reforms from mid-2017 to end-December 2018 in line with its mandate to promote the safety, soundness, and stability of the financial system to support economic growth.

Election 2024: Maintain complete neutrality – Defence Minister advises soldiers.

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Dominic Nitiwul, Ghana’s Defence Minister, has encouraged the military to maintain absolute political neutrality ahead to, during, and after the 2024 December elections. The principal job is to defend the nation’s integrity.

Nitiwul delivered a statement at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College’s Republic Day lecture on Monday, July 1, emphasising that the military’s first job is to safeguard the nation’s integrity.

He also underlined the military’s critical role in preserving democracy and warned against any partisan interference.

“The military is the last bastion of our country’s hope,” declared the Minister.

He painted a stark picture of the consequences if the armed forces lost public trust by aligning with a political party. Such a breach, he warned, could undermine the very foundation of democracy.

The lecture, which featured prominent speakers like Former National Security Minister Mr Francis Poku and Prof. Kwasi Aning, explored the essential role of military impartiality in ensuring national security and stability.

Other distinguished guests, including Madam Josephine Nkrumah, echoed the Minister’s sentiment. They emphasised the importance of the military operating independently of political influence to effectively carry out its duties.

This event marks the launch of a series of public lectures planned by the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College. These lectures aim to spark discussions on critical national security issues in the coming months.

‘You’ll lose our votes if you stick with NAPO as running mate’ – Pro-NPP group to Bawumia

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A pro-NPP organisation calling itself the Patriotic Movement for Bawumia has voiced unhappiness with the choice of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s running partner, noting that it will be difficult to market him at the grassroots level due to his prior public statements that have not gone down well with the population.

This comes after flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia named Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as his running partner.

The group, which includes grassroots members, polling station agents, and constituency and regional leaders, has rejected Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s nomination as running mate, alleging he is not a modest candidate and noting his recent comments to the country’s power issue.

The leader of the group, Ebenezer Nyamekye, shared the group’s displeasure, saying “You and I know that when it comes to the humility aspect, even when he was serving at Ministry of Energy that we all were experiencing some challenges that we called for a timetable, look at what he told the good people of Ghana.

“We don’t think such running mate can help promote the image of our great party, that is why we are appealing that we get a running mate that is same character or attitude just like our flagbearer.”

The group has thus petitioned the party’s National Executive Council to reconsider the choice, as they claim the running mate is being imposed on Bawumia.

“When it comes to running mate in our great party, no candidate has ever been desperate just like the one we are witnessing recently…We will appeal to him to present to the National Executive Council, a running mate of his own choice.

“It’s widely known to the party members you have been forced to choose the desperate hopeful as our running mate. We humbly counsel that to enjoy the support of us the grassroots men and women, do not present  the name of the man you have been forced to choose.”

The petition was received by the Ashanti Regional Communications Officer of the New Patriotic Party, Paul Yandou, who pledged his commitment to submit it to the appropriate authority for further action.

Bawumia chose NAPO based on experience – Nana B.

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Henry Nana Boakye, the National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has claimed that the choice of Energy Minister Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, commonly known as NAPO, as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s running mate in the next elections was based on experience.

Dr. Bawumia informed the NPP’s national executives of his choice of running partner on Monday. This decision was made after negotiations with President Nana Addo Dankwa and Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

In an interview with Selorm Adonoo on Eyewitness News on Citi FM on Monday, Mr Boakye explained that Dr Bawumia’s selection was rooted in his rich experience as a running mate and a vice president.

He also indicated that it was also due to the consultations he had conducted.

“His Excellency the Vice President is making this decision with a huge wealth of experience. Why do I say so? In 2008 he was the running mate, in 2012 he was the running mate, in 2016 he was the running mate and we won, in 2020 elections he was again. His Excellency the president nominated him again to be his running mate. So he’s been eight years or more running mate and eight years vice president.”

“He’s made this decision based on his own experience, the consultation he’s done. So clearly you will expect such a man to come before national executives with some convincing and detailed reasons why he wants Dr Matthew Opoku to partner him,” he stated.

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