Metascholar News Portal
- Africa , America
- May 21, 2025
- 1756 views
- 3 minutes Read
Senior Aide to Mexico City Mayor Gunned Down in Public Daylight Shooting
In a shocking and deeply unsettling incident that has rocked the political core of Mexico City, two close associates of Mayor Clara Brugada were gunned down in a daring daylight attack in the heart of the city. The victims, identified as Ximena Guzmán, the personal secretary to the mayor, and José Muñoz, a senior adviser, were fatally shot early Tuesday morning in what is being described as a “targeted assassination.” The incident occurred at approximately 7:00 a.m. on a busy street in the Moderna neighborhood, near the entrance to the Xola metro station a bustling area frequented by commuters during the early morning rush. According to initial police reports, Muñoz had been waiting by the roadside for Guzmán, who had apparently arrived to pick him up. Surveillance footage from a nearby security camera captured the moments leading up to the attack. The chilling video reveals a man dressed in a white shirt and wearing a motorcycle helmet lurking near Guzmán’s vehicle. As soon as Guzmán pulled up, the assailant swiftly drew a firearm and opened fire. He first targeted Muñoz, striking him at close range, before turning the weapon on Guzmán. Both victims collapsed at the scene. The attacker then fled the area on foot before reportedly escaping on a motorcycle driven by an accomplice who had been waiting nearby. Emergency services arrived shortly thereafter, but both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Mayor Clara Brugada, visibly shaken by the loss of two trusted members of her inner circle, condemned the killings as a “direct attack.” In a public address later in the day, she expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the killings, and vowed that her administration would not be intimidated by such acts of violence. “This is not only a devastating loss for me personally, but for the entire city government and all those who believe in public service and justice,” Brugada stated. “We will not back down. We will continue our relentless fight against insecurity and criminal impunity.” Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the incident, but as of now, no suspects have been apprehended. Investigators are reviewing additional footage from nearby businesses and metro station cameras in an effort to trace the suspects’ escape route and identify them. Forensic experts are also analyzing ballistic evidence recovered from the crime scene. While the motive behind the attack remains unclear, its deliberate nature has prompted widespread speculation. Security experts and political analysts are considering the…
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- Africa , Security News
- May 20, 2025
- 3415 views
- 3 minutes Read
Burkina Faso’s Engagement with Russia Not Problematic – Security Expert Prof. Aning
Prof. Kwesi Aning, Head of the Office for International Cooperation at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), has dismissed concerns surrounding Burkina Faso’s increasing diplomatic and security cooperation with Russia. According to the renowned security analyst, the West should not be alarmed by Burkina Faso’s foreign policy choices, especially when similar relationships with Russia exist among many Western states themselves. In an interview on The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV, Prof. Aning addressed the growing discourse about Sahelian countries namely Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger drifting away from traditional Western partnerships and embracing closer ties with Russia. This shift, especially in the context of military cooperation, has raised eyebrows among Western powers. However, Prof. Aning described such concerns as hypocritical and unfounded. He was particularly critical of what he termed “Western double standards,” arguing that it is disingenuous for Western governments to condemn African countries for engaging with Russia while they themselves continue to do business with Moscow despite ongoing tensions over the war in Ukraine. “All those who are criticising Burkina Faso for dealing with Russia let’s be honest Russia has invaded Ukraine, and yet those same critics are still doing business with Russia,” he asserted. He pointed out that despite sanctions imposed on Russia by the European Union, United States, and other Western allies, many multinational corporations from those countries have found indirect ways to maintain their operations and profits in Russian markets. “Go to Moscow or any of the major Russian cities. You will still find Western companies selling their industrial goods. They’ve simply found alternative ways of navigating the sanctions regime,” he explained. Prof. Aning emphasized that the decision regarding international alliances is a sovereign matter that lies squarely in the hands of the Burkinabe leadership. According to him, external actors should respect the agency and strategic decisions of African states, particularly when those decisions align with their national interests. “It’s up to the leadership of Burkina Faso to determine who their partners are. Whether they choose Russia or any other country, it is entirely their prerogative,” he stated. “Frankly, I’m not concerned about all this noise and criticism coming from outside. Burkina Faso must do what is best for its people.” His remarks highlight a broader conversation about Africa’s geopolitical realignment and the continent’s quest for diversified partnerships that prioritize sovereignty, security, and mutual respect over historical allegiances.
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- Africa , Economy
- May 20, 2025
- 4903 views
- 3 minutes Read
Minister Reports $191 Million Investment Boost for Nigeria’s Digital Economy in 2024
Nigeria’s digital economy has experienced remarkable transformation and growth under the current administration, positioning the country as an emerging global hub for digital innovation and investment. This was disclosed by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, during a recent briefing where he outlined significant strides made in infrastructure, digital skills training, foreign direct investment (FDI), and artificial intelligence (AI) development. According to Dr. Tijani, foundational policy reforms and strategic focus on digital infrastructure, AI advancement, and a thriving startup ecosystem have created an enabling environment that attracted substantial foreign investments. Comparing foreign direct investment inflows year-on-year, he highlighted a significant leap: “In Q1 2023, the digital sector recorded $22 million. However, by Q1 2024, under this administration’s proactive efforts, investment surged to $191 million. This upward trend continued in Q2, with figures rising from $25 million in 2023 to $114 million in 2024.” Central to the administration’s digital capacity-building initiative is the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, launched in October 2023. The minister reported that over 117,000 Nigerians have already been trained in digital skills far surpassing the initial target of 30,000. With an additional 35,000 individuals currently undergoing training, the programme is swiftly progressing toward its goal of developing a pool of three million tech-savvy citizens. On digital connectivity, Dr. Tijani revealed plans to launch Project Bridge, a bold initiative aimed at deploying 90,000 kilometers of fibre optic cable across the country. This $2 billion investment is expected to ensure universal access to affordable, high-quality internet services. The minister emphasized the economic impact of broadband connectivity, noting that a mere 10 per cent increase in connectivity hubs could drive a 2.5 per cent rise in GDP. Nigeria has also made notable advancements in AI. The country now ranks among the top 60 globally in AI readiness and is developing a homegrown large language model. Dr. Tijani also introduced the AI Collective, a collaboration platform supported by partners like Pierre Omidyar, Google, and Microsoft, aimed at fostering AI-driven innovation. Furthermore, ₦300 million has been invested in 10 startups leveraging AI and blockchain to enhance agricultural productivity. The ministry is also supporting 55 academic research projects exploring tech applications in agriculture, healthcare, and education. In an ambitious global outreach strategy, the government launched the Nigeria Startup House in San Francisco, targeting $5 billion in startup funding through partnerships and trade facilitation. Additionally, over 500 government technologists have been trained in AI and digital public…
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Victor Amos
- Africa , Economy , Health , Live Reporting , Local News
- May 19, 2025
- 4161 views
- 1 minute Read
Ghana’s Mpox Cases Double to Four as New Infections Emerge in Accra and Western Region
Ghana has confirmed two new Mpox cases, bringing the nation’s total infections to four. The latest cases were detected in the Greater Accra and Western Regions, with no known links to previous infections – suggesting potential community spread of the viral disease. In a May 18 statement, Ghana Health Service (GHS) Director-General Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea outlined containment measures, including: Health officials urge citizens to:✔ Wash hands frequently with soap✔ Avoid contact with symptomatic persons✔ Report suspected cases immediately Mpox spreads through contact with infected humans, animals, or contaminated objects. Symptoms include fever, distinctive rashes, headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. Early detection and isolation remain crucial to controlling outbreaks. The GHS and Health Ministry have called on media outlets to help educate the public about prevention. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging past outbreak experience to safeguard public health nationwide.
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- Africa , Economy , Local News , News
- May 19, 2025
- 3973 views
- 2 minutes Read
“Three Dead After Heavy Rains Hit Adenta on Sunday”
Three people have died after heavy rains triggered severe flooding in parts of Accra on Sunday, May 18, 2025, according to Adentan Municipal Chief Executive Ella Esiman Nongo. The prolonged downpour, which lasted over three hours, submerged neighborhoods including East Legon, Ofankor Barrier, Adentan, and the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, causing significant damage. Nongo confirmed that the floods claimed three lives – two victims in Lakeside, including a four-year-old girl in Nanakrom, and a man near New Legon. Many residents were stranded in their homes as water levels rose rapidly. The MCE blamed illegal construction on waterways for worsening the flooding, warning that unauthorized structures would be demolished. “Dredging alone isn’t enough,” Nongo told Citi FM. “Many developers build without proper permits, sometimes dealing with individuals instead of following official channels. Often, our planning officers aren’t even aware of these illegal constructions until it’s too late.” The incident highlights Accra’s recurring flood crisis, which surfaces annually during the rainy season, damaging infrastructure and displacing residents. Despite temporary measures by authorities, fundamental issues like poor urban planning, weak enforcement of building regulations, and inadequate drainage systems remain unresolved. Experts continue to call for comprehensive flood prevention strategies, including stricter development controls and improved drainage infrastructure, to prevent future tragedies.
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- Africa , Local News , Tech
- May 19, 2025
- 3448 views
- 3 minutes Read
Telecom Chamber Calls for Legislation to Enable Prosecution of Fibre Optic Cable Vandals
The Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications has forged a strategic partnership with the Office of the Attorney General to combat the growing menace of fibre optic cable damage, which is inflicting heavy financial and operational losses on telecom operators. This collaboration seeks to secure a legal fiat that would empower the Chamber to initiate legal proceedings against individuals and construction firms whose actions result in cable cuts. Highlighting the severity of the situation, the Chamber disclosed that more than 5,600 cases of fibre cuts were recorded in 2024, leading to estimated losses of GH¢138 million for the industry. Each incident costs approximately US$23,000 to repair, aside from the reputational damage and service disruptions experienced by consumers across the country. Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, attributed the majority of these damages to the activities of road and drainage contractors, private developers, and cable thieves. “While some of the damage is accidental caused by construction and development works others stem from criminal attempts to steal what they mistakenly believe to be copper cables, only to discover they are fibre optics made of glass. But by then, the harm is already done,” Dr. Ashigbey explained. He further identified other risk factors, including overloaded vehicles damaging aerial fibre lines and illegal mining activities, which often affect underground cable installations in mining-prone communities. In response to these persistent threats, the Chamber has been engaging the Attorney General’s Department to secure a fiat similar to the one granted to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) that would permit the Chamber to prosecute offenders directly. Dr. Ashigbey noted that while the previous Attorney General had agreed to assign state attorneys for this purpose, the Chamber has since renewed discussions with the current administration to maintain momentum. “We are training selected attorneys to handle these prosecutions effectively. The goal is to ensure offenders are held accountable and deter further incidents,” he added. Meanwhile, in a related development, the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry has also entered the conversation, calling for better coordination between telecom operators and construction firms. Chief Executive Officer of the Construction Chamber, Emmanuel Cherry, acknowledged the frustrations of contractors who often face delays when attempting to collaborate with utility providers. “Contractors operate under strict timelines and project constraints. When we alert telecom companies about potential infrastructure conflicts, we expect prompt feedback. Unfortunately, delays in communication sometimes lead to unintentional damage and stalled projects,” Cherry noted, urging both sectors…
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- Africa , Security News
- May 16, 2025
- 1780 views
- 5 minutes Read
Immigration Service Detains More Than 1,000 Street Children and Guardians in Sweep at Abossey Okai and Kaneshie – Ghana
Accra, Ghana – May 16, 2025 — In a major coordinated effort to address the persistent issue of child streetism and illegal migration in the capital, the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has apprehended over 1,000 street-connected children and their adult guardians during a sweeping early-morning operation across several urban hotspots in Accra. The enforcement operation, carried out on Friday, May 16, focused on densely populated areas with a high prevalence of street begging and child vending, including Kaneshie, Abossey Okai, and the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange (popularly known as “Circle”). These locations have long been identified as hubs for transient populations, including foreign nationals and undocumented migrants, some of whom are suspected to be involved in coordinated street-based activities. Focus on National Security and Social Order According to officers involved in the operation, the exercise was part of a broader national strategy aimed at safeguarding internal security, enforcing immigration laws, and restoring public order. GIS officials stated that the presence of large numbers of undocumented migrants many of whom are engaged in unregulated street trading and begging with children in tow has raised national security concerns. These concerns prompted the recent crackdown to assess identities and legal statuses, with the goal of repatriating non-Ghanaian nationals found to be residing in the country unlawfully. “The street situation has escalated to the point where it now poses a significant threat to public safety,” an immigration official told Citi News. “We are working with relevant agencies to identify those who have no legal right to remain in Ghana and to provide temporary support for the children as investigations continue.” Eyewitnesses described scenes of uniformed immigration personnel approaching groups of street beggars and vendors, engaging with them briefly before escorting them into waiting vehicles. Most of those apprehended were women with young children many of whom are suspected to have migrated from neighboring countries such as Chad, Niger, and Mali. Public Reaction and Policy Implications The operation has sparked widespread public discourse, with many Ghanaians supporting the government’s action as a timely intervention against the growing crisis of child streetism. Residents and commuters in the affected areas noted the increasing visibility of children on the streets, often in hazardous conditions and exposed to exploitation. “This was long overdue,” remarked Kwame Agyekum, a commuter at Kaneshie. “We see these kids every day on the roads, risking their lives and causing traffic disruptions. But more importantly, they need help not just removal.” While the enforcement action…
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- Africa , Health
- May 16, 2025
- 1551 views
- 2 minutes Read
The Ministry of Health is set to commence the recruitment process for Medical Officers on May 16.
The Ministry of Health has officially announced the commencement of its recruitment process for Medical Officers who have successfully completed their Housemanship and have been duly verified by the Medical and Dental Council (MDC) under the 34th and 35th batch lists. This significant exercise is part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the healthcare system by deploying qualified professionals to various health agencies across the country. According to an official statement from the Ministry, the recruitment window will open on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Eligible candidates are urged to take prompt action to ensure their applications are submitted in a timely manner. The application process is to be completed exclusively through the Ministry’s official Human Resources online portal: https://hr.moh.gov.gh. Applicants are advised to carefully follow all instructions provided on the portal. A key requirement is for candidates to select their preferred agency or institution under the Ministry of Health, where they wish to be posted. This selection should be made based on personal interest, availability, and the needs of the healthcare system. The deadline for submission of applications is Monday, May 26, 2025, at exactly 6:00 p.m. The Ministry emphasized that late submissions will not be accepted, and no manual applications will be considered. In a cautionary note, the Ministry reiterated its commitment to a fair and transparent recruitment process. It strongly warned applicants to be vigilant and avoid individuals or groups who may seek to manipulate the process or demand unauthorized payments with false promises of job placement. Any suspicious activities should be reported to the appropriate authorities for immediate investigation. This recruitment initiative forms part of the Ministry’s broader strategy to ensure that every Ghanaian has access to quality healthcare delivered by skilled and competent professionals.
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- Africa , America , Politics
- May 15, 2025
- 621 views
- 3 minutes Read
Deals worth $300bn signed with U.S, says Saudi crown Prince
In a major economic development, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced on Tuesday that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has signed agreements with the United States valued at over $300 billion. The announcement came during the 2025 Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum held in Riyadh and attended by U.S. President Donald Trump, who is on an official visit to the Kingdom. The forum served as a platform to showcase the strength and future potential of bilateral economic ties between the two nations. President Trump’s visit marks a significant moment in the diplomatic and economic relationship between the two long-time allies. The agreements signed span various sectors including energy, defense, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and technology. They are seen as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader push to diversify its economy under its ambitious Vision 2030 program and attract foreign investment to support national development. During his address at the investment forum, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman highlighted the enduring nature of Saudi-U.S. relations, stating, “Our countries share a deep economic relationship that began 92 years ago.” He emphasized that the economic cooperation between the two nations has been central to their strategic partnership and continues to grow in both scale and scope. Underscoring Saudi Arabia’s regional economic leadership, the Crown Prince pointed out that the Kingdom is currently the largest economy in the Middle East. He revealed that in addition to the $300 billion in newly signed agreements, the Kingdom is actively pursuing further partnership opportunities with the U.S. valued at approximately $600 billion. These potential ventures signal a strong commitment to sustained economic integration and shared prosperity. The Crown Prince also shared key insights into the history of trade relations between the two nations. He disclosed that the total trade volume between Saudi Arabia and the United States from 2013 to 2024 reached a cumulative value of $500 billion. This figure illustrates the consistent growth in bilateral trade, reflecting cooperation in critical sectors such as oil and gas, defense, aviation, health, education, and financial services. In addition to trade and government-level agreements, U.S. companies continue to play a vital role in Saudi Arabia’s investment landscape. According to the Crown Prince, nearly 25 percent of all foreign investment in Saudi Arabia originates from the United States. This strong investment footprint speaks to the confidence American investors have in the Saudi economy and the reforms being implemented under Vision 2030, which aims to reduce the country’s dependence on oil and expand private sector…
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- Africa , Economy , Local News , News
- May 14, 2025
- 468 views
- 2 minutes Read
Trade Ministry and Associations Pledge Price Reductions Within 60 Days,If Cedi Stabilizes
May 14, 2025, The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, in collaboration with key trade associations, has agreed to implement substantial price cuts on finished goods within the next two months provided the Ghana Cedi maintains its current strength against major foreign currencies, particularly the US dollar. The decision was finalized during a high-level meeting held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, involving major industry stakeholders. Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare confirmed the development, noting that several businesses have already begun adjusting prices in response to the Cedi’s appreciation. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare emphasized the government’s role in facilitating negotiations rather than imposing price controls. “While the government cannot mandate price reductions, we have successfully engaged with traders to secure their commitment to lowering costs,” she stated. The Minister revealed that some importers have already reduced their prices, with broader market adjustments expected soon. “We anticipate these changes to reflect in retail prices as existing stocks are gradually phased out,” she added. Representatives from the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), the Association of Ghana Industries, and the Food and Beverage Association of Ghana attended the meeting. GUTA President Dr. Joseph Obeng affirmed the association’s commitment to the agreed measures and urged additional policies to sustain the Cedi’s stability. This move is expected to ease financial pressures on consumers, with the full effects likely to be felt within the next 60 days.
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Senior Aide to Mexico City Mayor Gunned Down in Public Daylight Shooting
- May 21, 2025
- 1756 views
Passengers to Enjoy 15% Reduction in Transport Fares from May 24
- May 20, 2025
- 2298 views
“Three Dead After Heavy Rains Hit Adenta on Sunday”
- May 19, 2025
- 3973 views
Deals worth $300bn signed with U.S, says Saudi crown Prince
- May 15, 2025
- 621 views
“Foreign Nationals Arrested by National Security for Illegal Gold Trading”
- May 14, 2025
- 533 views
