2025 AFRICAN SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIP The much-anticipated draw is scheduled to be held in Abidjan at the WAFU-B headquarters. The event marks the beginning of another exciting journey for West Africa’s brightest U-15 football talents. This year’s tournament will culminate in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, where six nations will battle for supremacy in both the Boys’ and Girls’ categories from December 1 to 4, 2025. Organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the African Schools Championship continues to serve as a vital platform for unearthing exceptional young players from schools across the region, each team chasing a coveted spot at the continental finals. The WAFU-B zone brings together Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin, Niger and hosts Burkina Faso. Ghana also returns to the qualifiers with renewed optimism, inspired by its outstanding performance in the previous edition. The Ghanaian sides impressed at every stage, with the girls’ team lifting the African Schools Championship trophy at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium. The Boys team, on the other hand, was rewarded for their efforts with a third-place finish at the last edition. 22nd November,2025

2025 PAGEANT CONTROVERSIES Fatima Bosch of Mexico has been named Miss Universe 2025 in a scandal-hit competition where she emerged as a fan favorite after she was berated by a Thai pageant director during a pre-pageant meeting, triggering a walk out by contestants. The 25-year-old humanitarian and volunteer was crowned by last year’s winner Victoria Kjær Theilvig from Denmark. Miss Universe is widely known as the “Super Bowl” of beauty pageants and draws millions of viewers each year. Delegates for each country are selected via local pageants that license local rights from the Miss Universe Organization. Thailand’s Praveenar Singh came runner up, with Venezuela’s Stephany Abasali, Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo and Ivory Coast’s Olivia Yacé also making it to the top 5. Thailand, this year’s host country, has a vibrant and lucrative pageant industry with one of the largest fanbases in Asia, alongside the Philippines. The event featured representatives from 120 countries. Nadeen Ayoub became the first woman to represent Palestinian people at the pageant, and made it to the final 30 semifinalists before she was eliminated. Friday’s finale was hosted by American comedian Steve Byrne and opened with a performance by Thai singer Jeff Satur. Following the swimwear round, the top 30 contestants were narrowed down to 12, and then down to 5 after the evening round. Finalists were asked questions including which global issue they would speak about in front of the United Nations General Assembly, and how they would use the Miss Universe platform to empower young girls. “Believe in the power of your authenticity,” Bosch said. “Your dreams matter, your heart matters. Never let anyone make you doubt your worth. The competition took place over three weeks, with delegates traveling around the country to rehearse and participate in events. On Wednesday, the beauty queens competed in the national costume showcase, which saw contestants donning flamboyant outfits designed to highlight their homelands. Miss USA, Audrey Eckert, paid homage to her home with an elaborate bald eagle costume designed by Simon Villalba. The contestant from Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, took a scary tumble during the evening gown round at Wednesday’s preliminaries and was carried away in a stretcher, according to social media videos which circulated of her fall. Miss Universe President Raul Rocha said in an update to Instagram that Henry was “under good care” in hospital and that she had not broken any bones. This year’s Miss Universe competition was beset by controversy and internal drama in the weeks leading up to coronation night. The walk out sparked conversations over the merits of the international beauty pageant which claims to promote female empowerment. At a live-streamed pre-pageant meeting earlier this month, Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil publicly scolded Bosch, for not posting enough promotional content, appearing to call her a “dumbhead,” though Nawat denied this, insisting that he had actually accused her of causing “damage.” After Bosch pushed back against the insults, Nawat called security to escort her out of the room. Other contestants then stood up and walked out in solidarity. The incident drew global backlash, including from Mexico’s president Claudia Sheinbaum, who described it as an “aggression” that Bosch handled with “dignity.” Sheinbaum congratulated Bosch for winning the Miss Universe title during her morning press conference in Mexico City on Friday, praising the beauty queen for standing up to one of the competition hosts. “What I liked about her, aside from everything else, is that she speaks up when she feels there’s an injustice against her,” Sheinbaum said. “That’s an example for all Mexicans and for women…those old sayings at rallies, like ‘you look prettier when you’re quiet,’ are behind us,” Sheinbaum added. The Miss Universe Organization condemned Nawat’s behavior and limited his role in the pageant. Nawat apologized in a livestreamed welcome ceremony and declined to comment further on the incident to CNN. Then, Miss Universe 1996, Alicia Machado, was criticized for making racist comments in an Instagram live video discussing the incident. Machado referred to Nawat as “that despicable Chinese,” and when a commentor pointed out he is Thai, Machado said “Chinese, Thai, Korean. To me all these people with slanted eyes like this are all Chinese,” while pulling up the corners of her eyes. Machado’s representative did not respond to a request for comment from CNN. 22nd November,2025

SENTENCED TO DEATH Bangladesh plans to execute its former leader. There’s one big thing in the way:. She was once cast as a secular heroine, the daughter of a revolutionary leader, whose brutal assassination in the 1970s defined her political ascent. But Sheikh Hasina’s rise to the top of Bangladesh’s politics preceded a stunning fall from power to self-exile in India. A death sentence delivered in absentia could now see her executed – if New Delhi decides to send her back. The ousted leader was found guilty of crimes against humanity for the violent suppression of student protests that toppled her regime in 2024. She fled to India last August after 15 years of increasingly authoritarian rule, seeking refuge in the capital of one of her closest allies. Now she’s become a pawn in a tense standoff between the two countries as Dhaka demands her extradition to face justice for crimes that she insists she did not commit. “She had to flee the country to flee the rage of the people,” said Bangladeshi political scientist Mubashar Hasan. “Hiding in India and handed down a death penalty. It’s quite an extraordinary story.” Hasina’s political journey is a story of Shakespearean proportions – a saga of tragedy, exile and power inextricably linked to the history of her home country. The eldest daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the charismatic “Father of the Nation,” she was thrust into politics early in life as she witnessed Bangladesh’s struggle for autonomy from Pakistan. But it was a single, bloody night in August 1975 that truly forged her path. In a brutal military coup, army officers assassinated her father, her mother, and three of her brothers in their Dhaka home. Hasina and her sister survived as they were visiting West Germany at the time. In the chaotic aftermath, Gen. Ziaur Rahman – the husband of her future arch-nemesis, Khaleda Zia – rose to power, his regime passing a law that would protect Mujibur’s assassins for decades. Overnight, Hasina’s life was transformed, and she was forced into six years of exile in India, which imprinted a deep respect for the Indian state on the future leader. When she finally returned to Bangladesh in 1981, it was to a nation clamoring for its founding ideals of secularism. But she also entered a political arena about to be defined by another woman pushed into tragedy: Zia, whose husband had himself been assassinated. Recalling the day of her return from forced exile, Hasina said: “When I landed at the airport, I didn’t get anyone of my (relatives) but received love of millions of people, and that was my only strength.” Thus began the era of the “Battling Begums” – a deeply personal, yet destructive duel between two women that would grip Bangladesh for the next 30 years. Taking the helm of her father’s Awami League, Hasina embarked on a long journey through the political wilderness, navigating house arrests and crackdowns amid a growing rivalry with Zia. In 1996, Hasina led her party to electoral victory, becoming Prime Minister for the first time. Her first act in office was to announce the prosecution of those involved in the 1975 coup and murders of her family, finally beginning a quest for justice. 22nd November,2025

ISIS TARGETS GAS IN NORTHERN MOZAMBIQUE Mozambique — Musty salt air crept at dusk over the nets and moored boats on northern Mozambique’s coast as seven armed and uniformed men marched into the fishing community last month, demanding the keys to the mosque. Once inside, they commanded – over the microphone used for the call to prayer – that locals on the edge of the port town of Mocimboa da Praia come to listen. It was only when they unfurled an ISIS banner, the mosque’s imam Sumail Issa told CNN, that it became clear who they were. Also palpable was the new-found confidence of the jihadists, emerging in recent months after the chaotic collapse of US aid funding to one of Africa’s poorest countries. “When they called everyone over, as soon as they saw that flag, a colleague and I left, saying we needed the toilet,” Issa said, adding they went to notify the military. The men’s faces were exposed, video posted to social media reveals, and the speech one of them gave was considered – delivering a highly localized manifesto, showing both ambition and independence from other ISIS franchises, analysts have noted. Locals didn’t flee but attentively filmed, the social media video shows. ISIS had made their point about where they could roam, unopposed. Mozambique’s gas-rich northern Cabo Delgado region has been ravaged by eight years of killing and land grabs. The insurgents seized control of this coastal town from August 2020 to August 2021, resulting in significant displacement and damage. Four years followed during which Mozambican and Rwandan forces – acting under invitation from Maputo – restored partial order, and Western governments surged aid into the region. Many of those who had fled the violence returned. However, the dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) under an executive order from President Donald Trump in January cut some assistance entirely, and drastically reduced other programs, some of which were aimed at boosting the central government’s presence and curbing extremism. On September 7, ISIS began a strident offensive again, hitting its former stronghold of Mocimboa da Praia, beheading dozens of mostly Christian men over the course of several weeks, and triggering the flight of tens of thousands of residents. ISIS violence is surging in Africa, where 79% of the militant Islamist group’s global activity occurred between January and October this year, according to analysis by Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED). ISIS activity in Mozambique peaked in October, now responsible for 11% of its violent actions globally, ACLED said. Over two months, CNN interviewed at least a dozen former USAID officials, dependent contractors, or aid workers and examined extensive internal documentation of USAID’s work in Mozambique, to assess the full impact of the USAID shutdown on one of Africa’s most vulnerable states. 22nd November,2025

MAHAMA TO LAUNCH “NKOKO NKITINKITI The Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has announced that President John Dramani Mahama will officially unveil a new government initiative dubbed the “Nkoko Nkitinkiti” programme in Kumasi on Wednesday, November 12. Although full details of the initiative remain under wraps, the programme is believed to be centred on boosting community development and empowering the youth—key priorities under the government’s ongoing social intervention and inclusion agenda. Mr. Kwakye Ofosu noted that the week would be a significant one for the administration, as it will be capped by the presentation of the 2026 National Budget in Parliament on Thursday, November 13, by the Minister for Finance. The forthcoming budget is expected to introduce comprehensive measures to accelerate economic growth, expand job opportunities, and enhance social protection. It will also outline government strategies to promote fiscal responsibility and strengthen revenue generation across major sectors of the economy. Describing the week’s activities as “very important,” the Communications Minister stressed that the twin events reflect the government’s strong commitment to development, transparency, and public engagement. 9th November,2025

RELEASE HELICOPTER CRASH REPORT Minister in charge of Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu has announced that the investigative report into the August 6 military helicopter crash will be presented to the National Security Council (NSC) on Monday, November 10, with public details revealed the following day. The report examines the tragedy that claimed eight lives when a Ghana Air Force Harbin Z-9EH helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District while traveling from Accra to Obuasi on an anti-illegal mining mission. Mr Kwakye Ofosu confirmed that findings will be shared with Ghanaians during a media briefing on Tuesday, November 11. The investigation was led by National Security Coordinator Abdul Osman Razak, bringing together experts from the Ghana Air Force, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and international aviation consultants. Technical advisers from the United States Air Force also contributed to the probe, which exceeded its initial 30 day deadline set by Acting Defence Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson for September 24. The aircraft departed Accra at approximately 9:12 am on Wednesday, August 6, carrying three crew members and five passengers on the anti-galamsey operation. The helicopter lost radar contact shortly after entering the Ashanti Region and was later discovered crashed in forested terrain near Adansi. Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed perished alongside Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed Limuna and National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong. Former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye also died in the crash. The three Ghana Air Force crew members killed were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah. All eight occupants died instantly when the helicopter crashed and burst into flames. Dr Omane Boamah, a medical doctor by training, had served as Communications Minister during President John Mahama’s previous 2012 to 2017 tenure before becoming Defence Minister in February 2025. He had recently led a diplomatic delegation to Ouagadougou in May as Ghana pursued increased engagement with military governments in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Dr Murtala Muhammed served as Environment Minister overseeing efforts against illegal mining activities that have devastated Ghana’s water bodies and forests. The delegation was traveling to Obuasi to launch a cooperative mining programme designed to provide legal alternatives to galamsey operations. A state funeral attended by President Mahama and senior officials took place on August 15, 2025, honoring the victims’ service to the nation. Muslim victims Alhaji Muniru Limuna and Dr Murtala Muhammed were buried on August 10, while the six remaining victims received burial on August 15. Mr Kwakye Ofosu outlined an eventful week for government activities beyond the helicopter report release. President Mahama will launch the Nkoko nkitinkiti poultry programme in Kumasi on Wednesday, November 13, aimed at engaging 55,000 households in poultry production to reduce Ghana’s annual chicken import bill of approximately $300 million. On Thursday, November 14, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson will present the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament. Mr Kwakye Ofosu described the budget as brimming with far-reaching policy initiatives expected to outline measures for job creation, economic growth stimulation, and tax reforms including a proposed reduction of the value added tax (VAT) rate from 22 percent to 20 percent. The helicopter crash represented one of Ghana’s worst air disasters in over a decade, prompting nationwide mourning and questions about aviation safety protocols for government officials. Books of condolence were opened at various locations including the victims’ residences and NDC party headquarters. Mr Kwakye Ofosu emphasized that the forthcoming report will provide transparency on the national tragedy and help reinforce accountable governance. The investigation findings are expected to offer detailed insights into crash causes and outline measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The crash occurred as Ghana intensified efforts to combat illegal mining activities that have contaminated major rivers including the Pra, Birim, Ankobra and Tano. The government delegation was traveling to Obuasi, a historic gold mining town, to promote legal mining alternatives that protect the environment while providing livelihoods. Family members, government officials, and ordinary Ghanaians await the report’s release, hoping it will provide closure and answers about how the tragedy unfolded. The investigation board’s work included examining the helicopter’s maintenance records, flight path data, weather conditions, and all circumstances surrounding the fatal journey. 9th November,2025

JUNIOR BANTAMWEIGHT RANKINGS Undefeated Ghanaian boxer Theophilus Kpakpo Allotey, known as Theo Lopez, has advanced to third position in the latest International Boxing Federation (IBF) Intercontinental junior bantamweight rankings, moving closer to breaking into world championship contention. The 23 year old’s steady climb through multiple sanctioning body rankings reflects his impressive trajectory since turning professional. Allotey currently holds three significant titles across different weight divisions. He possesses the national Super Flyweight championship, Universal Boxing Organisation (UBO) Super Flyweight belt, and World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Africa Bantamweight title. These accomplishments have positioned him at 15th in the WBO world rankings, marking his entry into global championship consideration alongside the sport’s elite fighters. The rise through IBF rankings represents another milestone in a carefully managed career strategy. Beyond his third place IBF Intercontinental standing, Allotey ranks sixth in the IBF’s main rankings, ninth with the International Boxing Organisation world list, ninth at International Boxing Council, and fifth with the African Boxing Union. The multiple rankings demonstrate consistent recognition across different sanctioning bodies that govern professional boxing. His coach and manager, Dr. Ofori Asare, confirmed they remain on track toward challenging for major world titles. He emphasized their ultimate goal involves capturing all available championships to achieve undisputed status, the highest achievement in boxing where a fighter holds belts from all four major sanctioning bodies simultaneously. The methodical approach has yielded steady progress without rushing development or taking dangerous shortcuts. Dr. Asare described Allotey as a project requiring government support to reach his full potential as Ghana’s next world champion. He urged corporate Ghana to invest in the boxer, highlighting his qualities, capabilities, and international experience as evidence of championship readiness. The appeal reflects broader challenges facing Ghanaian boxing, where talented fighters often lack financial backing compared to counterparts from boxing powerhouses. Allotey’s amateur credentials established the foundation for his professional success. He represented Ghana at the African Games, where he won bronze medals at both the Paris 2024 Olympic Qualifiers in Dakar, Senegal, and the 13th African Games hosted by Ghana. Although he fell short at world Olympic qualifiers in Italy and Thailand, those experiences against elite international competition prepared him for the professional ranks. The boxer dominated Boxing Ghana’s Pound for Pound ratings for four consecutive months through September 2025, claiming the top spot after his victory over Daniel Selassie Gorsh in June. That unanimous decision victory, scored 117 to 111, 118 to 110, 118 to 110, captured the WBO Africa Bantamweight title while establishing him as one of Ghana’s premier professional talents. The dominant performance showcased technical skills honed through years of amateur competition. Allotey turned professional at age 22 in late 2024, making an immediate impact with his debut victory at Bukom Boxing Arena. His first opponent, Isaac Adu Manti, retired mid bout as the intensity mounted, signaling the power and precision Allotey brought from amateur success. Within eleven months of turning professional, he had compiled an eleven win, zero loss record while capturing three titles across different sanctioning bodies. His June victory over Gorsh represented a significant challenge, as the opponent entered undefeated with fifteen straight wins. The battle between two rising stars attracted massive attention across Ghana’s boxing community, with supporters packing the Bukom Boxing Arena despite rainy conditions. Allotey’s dominant showing silenced critics who questioned whether his amateur success would translate to professional excellence. The boxer recently completed intensive training at Palm Heights Athletics in the British Cayman Islands, working at world class facilities that exceeded his expectations. He and Dr. Asare accepted the invitation in October, utilizing the sports excellence center to enhance weight management, stamina, punching power, and overall intensity. Allotey promised fans would see a more aggressive fighter following the overseas training camp. Missing the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Professional Boxer of the Year award hasn’t derailed his focus. The 50th Golden Jubilee edition awards ceremony on November 15 recognized other boxers including amateur standout Mathias Ashitey among the nominees. Allotey remains concentrated on training harder to face the best opponents in his weight class rather than dwelling on awards disappointment. Industry observers including Benjamin Barnor praised Allotey’s determination and proper training regime as factors giving him advantages over peers. Barnor predicted confidently that Allotey represents one of the next big things emerging from Ghana’s boxing tradition. The endorsement carries weight given Ghana’s history of producing world champions despite infrastructure challenges and limited resources compared to developed boxing nations. Allotey himself has declared readiness not just for world championship status but for becoming undisputed world champion. He publicly challenged holders of World Boxing Council, IBF, International Boxing Organisation, and WBO titles, expressing willingness to face any of them immediately. The bold declaration reflects confidence built through consistent victories against progressively tougher opposition throughout his brief professional career. The strategic movement between weight divisions demonstrates tactical flexibility. While comfortable at super flyweight, Allotey has competed successfully at bantamweight when opportunities arose, including the high profile Gorsh bout. This adaptability expands potential matchmaking options while maximizing championship opportunities across multiple weight classes as his career develops. Team Allotey continues welcoming partnership and sponsorship offers to support the next phase of development. They’ve called on corporate Ghana to invest in sports, particularly boxing, emphasizing the returns such investment generates through national pride and international recognition. Previous supporters include Legacy Rise Sports Promotions, whose backing enabled the Gorsh showdown that elevated Allotey’s profile dramatically. Dr. Asare thanked numerous technical assistants who contributed to victories, including coaches Akai Nettey of Attoh Quarshie and Elvis Robertson of Akotoku Academy. These ringside collaborators provide tactical adjustments during bouts while the corner team manages between round recovery and strategy implementation. The comprehensive support system mirrors structures employed by successful boxing teams internationally. Allotey’s rapid ascent positions him for potential WBC International title shots in coming months. Such contests would provide additional credentials while testing him against opponents from boxing’s traditional powerhouses in North America, Europe, and Asia. Victory at that level would strengthen claims for mandatory title challenges against reigning world champions. The boxer’s development coincides with renewed international attention on Ghanaian boxing following successful title defenses by various national champions throughout 2025. This collective momentum benefits individual fighters like Allotey, as promoters and television networks recognize Ghana as producing competitive talent worth featuring on major cards globally. His unbeaten record faces inevitable tests as competition quality increases at each level. The junior bantamweight and super flyweight divisions feature established champions and hungry contenders from boxing hotbeds including Japan, Mexico, Philippines, and South Africa. Navigating this competitive landscape requires not just physical talent but mental toughness, tactical intelligence, and the ability to make necessary adjustments when facing different fighting styles. Allotey trains at Wisdom Boxing Gym, which has produced multiple champions across various titles and competition levels. Coach Dr. Asare leads a program emphasizing both technical development and character formation, believing boxing success requires discipline extending beyond the ring. Administrator Sarah Lotus Asare, Ghana’s first female matchmaker, praised Allotey’s amateur track record where he consistently outperformed opponents as evidence of future professional success. 9th November,2025

GHANA PREPARES TO HOST TOUR DU GHANA The tenth edition of Tour du Ghana will commence on November 13, featuring 172 cyclists from 12 international clubs representing eight countries across five continents in the country’s flagship cycling championship. The 12-day competition, running through November 24, has secured Dot.Ateliers, an Accra-based artist residency and creative hub, as its headline sponsor. Telecommunications giant MTN Ghana and banking powerhouse Stanbic Bank are among top-tier brands throwing their weight behind the event, alongside other corporate partners including Prudential Life Insurance, Twellium Verna Water, Ada Plus Destination, DHL Global Forwarding, and the chief of Akwamu Kotoi. The race will traverse Greater Accra, Volta, Oti, and Eastern regions, showcasing Ghana’s diverse terrain, culture, and tourism potential. The tour aims to celebrate Ghana’s rich cultural heritage while promoting what organizers describe as the Black Star Experience, a unique blend of sport and national pride. President John Dramani Mahama will officially flag off the race, underscoring the government’s renewed commitment to sports development, youth empowerment and national pride. The Ministry of Sports and Recreation, through its Chief Director Mrs Wilhelmina Asamoah, has pledged full institutional support for the event. The Ghana Cycling Federation (GCF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, National Sports Authority (NSA), National Tourism Authority, Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), and the Black Star Experience Secretariat, has organized the competition. General Secretary of the GCF, Shaaban Mohammed, told Graphic Sports that corporate Ghana is rallying behind the cycling event like never before. Mohammed said the event would use the tour to showcase Ghanaian culture and hospitality to the world. He added that other major companies, including Toyota, Goil, Japan Motors, Total Energies, Strategic Africa Security, and Goodness Oil, were also in talks to join as sponsors. The Ministry of Sports has directed the GCF to provide regular progress updates and assured organizers of technical and logistical support to ensure the event’s success. Mrs Asamoah commended the organizers for their initiative, describing it as an exciting development for Ghanaian sport with potential to place Ghana firmly on the international cycling map. The Ghana Cycling Federation aims to use the competition as preparation for future international events, particularly the 2026 Commonwealth Games and 2028 Olympic Games. The federation hopes to build on successes from previous editions while developing local talent capable of competing on the global stage. Three Ghanaian teams are expected to participate alongside international competitors, though the complete roster has not been finalized. The tour will feature multiple stages with jerseys at stake as cyclists compete across varied terrain from coastal plains to inland routes. The competition represents one of Ghana’s most ambitious sporting events for 2025, with organizers hoping it will become a landmark spectacle that attracts tourists and investors while showcasing the country’s sporting infrastructure and organizational capacity. 9th November,2025