Author: fatimah

Ghana’s former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, could be required to return to his home country following new developments related to his immigration status in the United States, Ghanaian authorities have said. The Deputy Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Justice Srem-Sai, confirmed that the Ghanaian government is actively engaged in the matter and is cooperating with law enforcement agencies in both countries. He made the remarks during an interview with local broadcaster TV3. According to Srem-Sai, the involvement of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency was triggered by immigration concerns rather than arbitrary action. He explained that ICE…

The Ethiopian government has announced an ambitious plan to construct Africa’s largest airport, a $12.5 billion project scheduled for completion by 2030. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, in a statement shared on X, said the Bishoftu International Airport will be “the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history.” The airport will have capacity to park 270 aircraft and handle up to 110 million passengers annually. This is more than four times the capacity of Ethiopia’s current main airport, which is expected to reach its operational limits within the next two to three years. The project forms part of Ethiopia’s broader…

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reiterated its call for the establishment of an inclusive transitional government in Guinea-Bissau following the coup d’état of 26 November. The call was made by ECOWAS Chairman and President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, during a high-level mission to Guinea-Bissau, where he held discussions with the High Military Command, led by Major General Horta N’Tam. During the meeting, the ECOWAS Chairman restated the bloc’s demand for a short-term transition led by an inclusive government that reflects the political diversity and social composition of Guinea-Bissau. The mission aligns with resolutions adopted…

Burkinabé customs authorities have intercepted a significant cache of explosives, seizing more than 8,000 explosive devices between January 4 and 8 in operations aimed at disrupting illegal trafficking networks. The seized materials, which were intended for illicit use, included 7,165 sticks of explosives and 872 detonating cords. The first interception occurred at the Cinkansé customs post during an intensified screening of travellers. A subsequent operation was carried out a few days later by the Mobile Intervention Unit (UMI) of the Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DST), leading to the seizure of an additional 165 sticks of explosives and 22 detonating cords.…

Burkina Faso has introduced major changes to its public holiday calendar following the unanimous approval of new legislation by the Transitional Legislative Assembly, a move the government says will significantly reduce public spending and improve administrative efficiency. The bill was passed on 9 January 2026, with all 70 legislators present voting in favour. It establishes a new legal framework that separates paid public holidays from dates set aside for national reflection and remembrance. Officials say the reform replaces the existing holiday law enacted in 2015, which had designated numerous historically significant dates as paid holidays. Under the new arrangement, the…

Guinea-Bissau’s transitional authorities have announced new restrictions on political and media communications, warning that statements made without official approval will no longer be tolerated during the transition period. In a statement issued on Friday, the country’s High Military Command, General Horta Inta-A Na Man, said the measures were necessary to prevent actions it claims could fuel unrest or weaken national cohesion. The authorities accused certain individuals and groups, including political actors, of organising covert meetings and using them to encourage disorder and defiance of the transitional framework currently governing the country. The announcement comes weeks after the adoption of a…

Sudan’s military leadership has ordered accelerated legal proceedings and the release of hundreds of female detainees accused of links to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), amid ongoing efforts to review detention practices during the conflict. Chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, issued the directive on Friday following an inspection visit to Omdurman Women’s Prison, west of the capital, Khartoum. In a statement shared on X, al-Burhan ordered the immediate release of 400 female inmates, including mothers being held with their children, and announced that all financial penalties connected to public-rights cases would be waived. He also instructed…

The Nigerian government has pledged to strengthen its security response to ongoing insecurity, following renewed threats by US President Donald Trump to carry out airstrikes in regions affected by violent attacks. The government said it would further empower the armed forces to confront security challenges across the country. Vice President Kashim Shettima made the remarks on Friday during a special Jumma’a prayer at the National Mosque in Abuja, held ahead of the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, scheduled for January 15. Shettima reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has repeatedly assured Nigerians that his administration…

The Ghanaian government is taking steps to stimulate economic growth, expand job opportunities, and attract investment through the establishment of a 24-Hour Authority, a key initiative under its broader 24-Hour Economy policy. President John Dramani Mahama, during a visit to the Ghana Publishing Company on Thursday, said the authority would serve as the central coordinating body for the 24-Hour Economy initiative. Its mandate includes registering participating businesses, setting operational standards, and overseeing administrative frameworks to support round-the-clock economic activity. Mahama said the initiative is expected to boost productivity, create employment opportunities, and position Ghana as a competitive hub for continuous…

The African Union (AU) and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening coordination and cooperation to promote peace, stability and sustainable development across Africa and globally. The commitment was underscored during the ninth AU-China Strategic Dialogue, jointly held at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Discussions at the dialogue focused on advancing modernization, global governance, zero-tariff treatment, the proposed International Organization for Mediation, and the Outlook on Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa. Both sides highlighted the importance of closer alignment between the AU’s Agenda 2063 implementation plan and China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, describing it as a…