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“The EU has failed to bolster democracy in the Sahel,” said Borrell.

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Josep Borrell, the director of EU diplomacy, said on Tuesday that despite spending millions of euros in the Sahel, Europeans had failed to enhance democracy in this area, which had been the target of several military coups, the most recent of which took place in Niger.

According to Mr. Borrell, during a debate at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the European Union has spent 600 million euros on civilian and military missions in the Sahel over the past ten years, trained approximately 30,000 members of the security forces in Mali and Niger, and 18,000 military personnel.

He nonetheless conceded that it instead helped arm groups “who overturn them,” not forces that support the democratic government. He acknowledged that under this situation, the military operation in Niger does not have “a fantastic future.”

Yet, Mr. Borrell made an effort to justify the actions of Europeans in the Sahel (Mauritania, Chad, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, and Senegal), while also criticising Russian misinformation in this region of Africa.

“Let’s not self-flagellate and above all let’s not start blaming one of the EU countries, which is on everyone’s mind,” declared Mr. Borrell, in an explicit reference to France. The Sahel remains a “strategic” region for the security of Europe and the control of migration, he insisted.

In Niger, migratory flows have been reduced by 75% since 2016, he argued, warning that we should hardly count on the new military regime to be “concerned” about these problems.

Asked what Europeans could do, Mr. Borrell insisted on the need to “not abandon” the Sahel and to support the efforts of the Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in particular in Niger.

Concerning this country where the army took power on July 26, he recommended “personal sanctions” against those responsible for the coup d’état. The EU will only be able to work properly once security is restored in this region of the world, he also explained.

“If 80% of the territory is controlled by terrorists in Burkina Faso, if hundreds of thousands of children do not go to school because the terrorists closed them or killed the teachers, it is difficult to say Europe, what are you doing?” , he asked himself.

Since 2020, Mali, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Niger have suffered military coups.

Sudan: The UN human rights head reiterates his call for dialogue and adherence to international law

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On Tuesday, September 12, the UN human rights head spoke at the Human Rights Council’s 54th session in Geneva.

The size and severity of the fight between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces, he told the audience, were brought home by the testimony of those who had managed to flee the bloodshed in Sudan (RSF).

“Sudan will mark five months of futility on Friday, “Speaking in Geneva, Turk remarked.

“Five months of pointless misery, loss, damage, and death. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces have perpetuated an unending cycle of violence against the civilian population since the conflict began (RSF). There is no apparent way out.

Turk’s office travelled to Chad and Ethiopia in June and July to gather first-hand information from people who had fled the violence in the country.

Turk said both sides of the conflict had repeatedly failed to investigate serious human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law despite promising to do so, and that no one had been held to account.

Sudan has been rocked by violence since mid-April, when tensions between the country’s military, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, commanded by Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, burst into open fighting.

Indiscriminate shelling

Indiscriminate shelling and airstrikes by both factions are not uncommon in Sudan’s war, which has made the Greater Khartoum area a battleground.

The conflict has since spread to several parts of the country. In the Greater Khartoum area, which includes the cities of Khartoum, Omdurman and Bahri, RSF troops have commandeered civilian homes and turned them into operational bases. The military responded by bombing these residential areas, rights groups and activists say.

In the western Darfur region — the scene of a genocidal campaign in the early 2000s — the conflict has morphed into ethnic violence, with the RSF and allied Arab militias attacking ethnic African groups, according to rights groups and the United Nations.

The war has killed more than 4,000 people, according to August figures from the United Nations. However, the real toll is almost certainly much higher, doctors and activists say.

The number of internally displaced persons has nearly doubled since mid-April to reach at least 7.1 million people, according to the UN refugee agency.

Another 1.1 million are refugees in neighboring countries, according to figures released last week by the International Organization for Migration.

Chad received about 465,000 refugees, mostly from West Darfur province where the RSF and its Arab militias launched scorched-earth attacks on non-Arab tribes in the provincial capital of Geneina and its surrounding areas, according to the U.N. and rights groups.

Turk said that, the humanitarian efforts had either been blocked or attacked, with at least 19 humanitarian workers killed and several missing. He called for an end to attacks and urged authorities to allow the safe passage of humanitarian aid.

Consolidated Energy Services Chamber launched in Accra 

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The Petroleum Commission has launched the Consolidated Energy Service Chamber Ghana (CESCGHA) in Accra to serve as a mouthpiece for oil and gas service providers and strengthen the competitiveness of indigenous Ghanaian companies in the energy sector. 

CESCGHA also envisions to promote the interests of its members in Africa and the global energy space.  

The Chamber was birthed from a merger between the Ghana Oil and Gas Service Providers Association (GOGSPA) and Upstream Petroleum Service Providers Association (UPSAG).  

Mr Nuertey Adzeman, the Chairman of CESCGHA, said the Chamber  had been created to foster an environment to nurture the development of the energy industry.  

“We are confident that the creation of this Chamber will be a means through which we can contribute to the development of the industry; using collaborative and innovative efforts to create opportunities for economic growth,” he said. 

Mr Egbert Faibille Jnr., the Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Commission, who was the guest of honour, congratulated the associations for the creation of the new chamber.  

He pledged the Commission’s preparedness to engage the Chamber and provide assistance to members when the need arises.  

“Congratulations on the launch of your Chamber. I believe this new merger will encourage more Indigenous Ghanaian companies to join the Chamber to learn best practices, including how to competitively tender for bids and strategically position members to take advantage of opportunities within the industry,” Mr Faibille Jnr. said.  

“I urge you to continue to strive to attain the highest professional standards so that in the next few years you can become a reference point in the energy chamber advocacy.”   

The Board CESCGHA has Mr Nuertey Adzeman as its Chairman, with members being Prof Vera Fiador, Mrs Dela Quarshie-Twum, Kingsley Kofi Korankye, Ransford Kobina Arthur and Kwame Osei-Sarpong.  

Limited registration exercise takes off smoothly in KEEA   

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The limited registration exercise in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Municipality is ongoing smoothly at the district office of the Electoral Commission (EC) in Elmina. 

As at the time the Ghana News Agency arrived at the centre on Wednesday, processes were going in an orderly manner with large numbers of people in a queue waiting patiently for their turn to register. 

Some complained of transportation as their major challenge, however, the GNA saw the two main political parties busing people to the centre to partake in the exercise. 

There were reports of network failure affecting the process though the EC officials were seen busily working to fix the problems. 

Madam Nana Ama Eghan, the Municipal Director of EC, told the GNA that for the exercise to be smooth, her office had set up two centres with each having three persons while she supervised. 

The whole process had not been easy, but she said the officials were committed to ensuring the success of the exercise. 

She encouraged all persons due for the registration to go out and register to enable them to partake in the general election. 

The EC Tuesday began the registration of new voters, those 18 years and above, onto the electoral roll ahead of the December 19 District Level Elections.  

The 21-day exercise, which is in accordance with Article 45 of the 1992 Constitution, will take place at the 268 district offices of the Commission – a departure from the old system where limited registration exercises were done at the electoral areas. 

Following the rejection of the EC’s draft Constitutional Instrument (C.I.) by Parliament in April this year, the Commission said it would adopt the existing Public Elections (Registration of Voters) Regulations, 2016 (C.I. 91) (1) as Amended, for the upcoming registration exercise. 

The Draft C.I., which was disapproved by Parliament, recommended a continuous voters registration exercise and sought to make the Ghana Card the sole identification document to establish an applicant’s citizenship. 

The adoption of C.I. 91 for the upcoming registration exercise means that eligible voters can use either the Ghana Card or the Ghana Passport to establish their identity as Ghanaians. 

In the absence of the two documents, applicants would be required to present two guarantors, (already registered voters) to vouch for their citizenship and age. 

Deco discusses if summer acquisitions took wage cuts to leave Atletico Madrid and Manchester City while Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo face challenges to obtain permanent Barcelona moves.

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Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo have been pushed by Barcelona’s sports director Deco to get permanent transfers to the team.

Deco has challenged the Portuguese combination of Felix and Cancelo to earn permanent transfers at the conclusion of the season after they transferred from Atletico Madrid and Manchester City, respectively, to Barcelona on one-year loan agreements on the final day of the summer transfer window.

The Liga champions weren’t in a position to give expensive contracts to new players, so the Barca director was also questioned about if the two players took wage cuts to accomplish their loan transfers.

When quizzed on Felix and Cancelo at his official presentation as Barca’s new sporting director, Deco told reporters: “They arrived at the last minute and they are players who contribute a lot to the squad. They have to demonstrate their abilities here. Barca has the ability to inspire. We expect a lot from them, but the season will tell us how they progress things.

“Neither Cancelo nor Joao Felix have a purchase option. It is a simple one-year transfer. If they do well we will try to retain them, but for now, it is a transfer.”

Asked if the Portugal team-mates took pay cuts to finalise their respective loan moves, Deco replied: “Everyone has made efforts to come. I can’t tell you the players’ contracts, but La Liga imputes different things.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Deco also fielded questions on his former team-mate Lionel Messi, who snubbed a chance to reunite with Barcelona after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. The Argentine World Cup winner went to Inter Miami in MLS instead, but Deco holds no bitter feelings over his final decision.

“Leo is a friend. I am very fond of him. Now I talk to him less, because he is far away,” he said. “We all wanted to have Leo but it has not been possible due to situations that we already know. He is the best footballer in the history of the club. club. I see him happy and enjoying himself at Inter Miami. As a Barcelona fan and a fan of Leo, I wish him the best.”

IN THREE PHOTOS:Deco y Laporta@FCBarcelona_esJoao Cancelo Joao FelixGetty/GOALJoao Felix Lionel Messi BarcelonaGetty/GOAL

WHAT NEXT? Xavi’s Barcelona side will be next seen in action against Real Betis in La Liga on Saturday, with Felix and Cancelo both in line to make their debuts.

WSL talents are also being pursued by Saudi clubs! Ashleigh Plumptre, a defender for Nigeria, has completed her transfer to Al-Ittihad following a strong World Cup performance.

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Ashleigh Plumptre joined Al-Ittihad and is now one of the most well-known female athletes in the Saudi Arabian league.

After three years at the club and the expiration of her contract in June, the Nigerian international signed with Al-Ittihad. The 25-year-old expressed her eagerness to begin playing in the Saudi Women’s Premier League in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“grateful for signing up with Al-Ittihad. I’m eager to go off on this trip with some extraordinary people. My quest to become more of myself goes on… It goes beyond football, “She composed.

Many big names in the men’s game have joined the Saudi Pro League over the past year or so, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema and Riyad Mahrez. But this is, arguably, the first big high profile name on the women’s side to make the switch to Saudi. Plumptre, who represented England at Under-15, Under-17, Under-19 and Under-23 levels before choosing to represent Nigeria, follows Venezuela’s Oriana Altuve, fellow Nigerian Rita Chikwelu and Sweden’s Nor Mustafa into the league. The defender, who qualifies for Nigeria through her paternal grandfather, impressed at this year’s Women’s World Cup as the Super Falcons narrowly missed out on the quarter-finals after losing on penalties to eventual runners-up England.

IN TWO PHOTOS:Plumptre-Bronze-England-NigeriaGettyPlumptre-LeicesterGetty

WHAT NEXT? The new women’s Saudi Premier League season kicks off on October 13, with Plumptre now set to join up with her new team-mates at Al-Ittihad to begin preparations for her debut.

Ghana’s future would be bright if we back NPP in 2024, says Ahiagbah

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According to Richard Ahiagbah, director of communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ghana will undoubtedly experience better times if the country continues to support the center-right party in the general elections of 2024.

In a tweet, Mr. Ahiagbah stated that the NPP’s “pro-market strategy” had the ability to offer equal opportunities for all Ghanaians, regardless of their background.

The cleaner you see today might become the Vice President or President of our Republic, according to Mr. Ahiagbah, who said in his article, “What individuals need is an opportunity.”

Ahiagbah’s remarks followed a speech delivered by Dr. Bawumia during his visit to the Volta Region, in which he passionately articulated the party’s commitment to removing barriers to education, providing opportunities for all Ghanaians, and sustaining the pro-poor policies of the NPP.

During Dr. Bawumia’s address in the Volta Region, Ahiagbah found the Vice President’s portrayal of the NPP’s pro-market policy particularly compelling.

He highlighted that the essence of the policy was to offer every Ghanaian an equal opportunity to succeed, irrespective of their background.

“What people need is an opportunity, and with the right opportunity, the cleaner you see today can become the Vice President or President of this Republic,” Ahiagbah emphasized.

Ahiagbah further emphasized the significance of the NPP’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which aims to eliminate the financial barriers to secondary education in Ghana.

He views Free SHS as a unique opportunity for a generation of young Ghanaians to tap into their inherent talents and potential, paving the way for a brighter future for the country.

“The future of Ghana is bright when we bet on the NPP in 2024!” Ahiagba declared, expressing his confidence in the party’s vision and dedication to creating a prosperous nation.

He said the NPP has consistently championed pro-market policies aimed at fostering economic growth and providing equal opportunities for all citizens.

Bawumia is NPP’s best opportunity to break the “8,” according to Hawa Koomson

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Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has received the support of Mavis Hawa Koomson, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, as the ideal candidate to halt Ghana’s 8-year cycle of power alternation.

Hawa Koomson claimed in an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Face to Face on Citi TV that Bawumia is the only one who can explain the accomplishments of the administration and the reasons the NPP should be re-elected in 2024.

She asserted, “The only person who can crack the “8” is Dr. Bawumia. “He has spent the last eight years working for President Akufo-Addo. He is aware of our beginnings and current location. He so has a tale to share. No one can explain the tale of the administration other than Dr. Bawumia, and that is why we are all supporting him.”

Hawa Koomson also dismissed the notion that Bawumia is not a decision-maker in the government. She said that while he is the vice president, he is not a rubber stamp and can make his own decisions when he is in charge.

“If you say he’s part of the government, yes, but he’s only a vice, he’s supporting the president,” she said, adding “He has no say. When the president is not there, Dr Bawumia cannot chair cabinet meetings, or sign any documents unless the president asks him to do it on his behalf. So when he’s in charge, he can make decisions on his own.”

Hawa Koomson predicted that Bawumia would win the NPP’s presidential primaries in November by a huge margin. She said that he is the most popular and experienced candidate in the race and that he has the support of the party’s grassroots.

The NPP will elect its flagbearer for the 2024 elections on November 4.

In addition to Bawumia, the other three aspirants in the race are Kennedy Agyapong, the Assin Central MP; Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, the former Minister for Agriculture; and Francis Addai-Nimoh.

The NPP has been in power since 2017. The party’s current term ends in 2024.

Kan Dapaah appears in front of the ‘leaked video’ committee.

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The National Security Minister, Albert Kan Dapaah, and the Inspector General of Police’s counsel, Kwame Gyan, are now in a closed-door meeting with Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating a leaked video involving the IGP.

Daniel Bugri Naabu, the former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, NPP, is also appearing before the committee with his lawyers for further investigations into the secret tape, which revealed plans by three senior police officers to remove the IGP, Dr George Akuffo Dampare, from office in order to help the NPP rig the 2024 elections.

Dampare told the committee during his appearance on Tuesday that he had no professional contact with Bugri Naabu.

The IGP also refuted the allegations that he was part of a conspiracy to secretly record conversations of the three implicated police officers.

The IGP also dismissed suggestions that he was in constant touch with the flagbearer of the opposition party, John Dramani Mahama. He revealed that the allegations made by the Police officers caused his family severe pain.

The in-camera hearing has also in attendance the three senior police officers – COP Alex Mensah, Superintendent George Asare, and Superintendent Emmanuel Eric Gyebi – implicated in the secret recording together with their lawyers.

We would constantly watch the voter registration process to prevent rigging by the EC, NPP – NDC.

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Notwithstanding the party’s complaint against the Electoral Commission, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has stated that it will closely watch the continuing restricted voter registration process.

On Tuesday, September 12, the NDC accused the Election Commission of making voter registration difficult in its strongholds.

The ongoing restricted voter registration aims to register more than 1.3 million people who have turned 18 since the last registration period in 2020.

The 21-day workout began on September 12 and will conclude on October 2.

Addressing the press, the National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah said members of the party will monitor the exercise to ensure that the process is not manipulated by the EC.

“We are ready, very ready but we care for the poor registrants who must cater for the costs and constraints of being registered to vote. We currently have our agents and officers in all 268 district offices of the Electoral Commission countrywide and we are keenly and actively monitoring the process.

“We will ensure that the manipulation of the EC and the NPP to rig the process are defeated and defeated soundly.”

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