PRESSURE BRING ABOUT A CEASEFIRE On Thursday, the European Parliament found unusually strong words for the escalation of the war and the humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan. Members of the European body passed a resolution which states that the grave violations of international humanitarian law and human rights committed by both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), could constitute acts of genocide. The body also mulled halting a free trade agreement with the United Armed Emirates (UAE) over allegations that European weapons are being resold via Abu Dhabi to the paramilitary RSF. The UAE is widely thought to be a main backer of the militia, a claim which the Emirati government has strongly denied. After two and a half years of bitter fighting, as international attention turns more and more to Sudan, how close are the warring parties to reaching an agreement? The civil war in Sudan broke out in mid-April, 2023, amid a power struggle between the generals of the RSF and the SAF over the integration of paramilitary fighters into the state forces. Diplomatic efforts to put an end to the fighting have failed so far, but there many be fresh momentum. Earlier this week, in response to increased international efforts, including the involvement of US President Donald Trump and mediators from "the Quad" — consisting of representatives from the United States, Egypt, the UAE and Saudi Arabia — the head the RSF, General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, declared the "immediate cessation of hostilities" in the form of a "unilateral ceasefire." However, just a day later, the SAF reported that they repelled an RSF attack on an infantry base in West Kordofan. Both sides also rejected a recent US-backed truce plan, based on a September proposal by the Quad. It envisions a three-month humanitarian truce, followed by a ceasefire and a political transition process to establish a civilian-led government that excludes any warring party. SAF General Abdel-Fattah Burhan responded in a video statement, stating that the proposal was "unacceptable and the worst yet." Without going into detail, he also claimed that the proposal had adopted Emirati "talking points. The UAE is widely considered to be the main supporter of the RSF, even though Abu Dhabi denies this. UN expert panels and various human rights organizations have alleged that the RSF is receiving military supplies from the UAE. Evidence has repeatedly pointed to arms and ammunition of Emirati origin being used by the RSF. The UAE officially denies these claims. Nevertheless, the UAE is under mounting diplomatic, political, and public pressure to halt alleged support for the RSF. 29th November,2025

ACTIVIST WINS GERMAN AFRICA PRIZE Zimbabwean activist Namatai Kwekweza has won this year's German Africa Prize. A select audience gathered on Wednesday in Berlin to honor the 26-year-old women's and youth activist. The 20-member independent jury said Kwekweza offers a "resounding message of confidence and democratic renewal." The jury selected Kwekweza from more than two dozen nominees in the final round. In her ceremonial address, Bundestag President Julia Klöckner praised Kwekweza for trailblazing democracy and the rule of law in her home country. "You, dear Namatai, are taking the space that is rightfully yours, even if the government does not intend one for you," Klöckner said. Politics and society both in Zimbabwe and beyond need women like Kwekweza, Klöckner maintained, sharing the hope that this award and its message would resonate back in the activist's home country. The embassy of Zimbabwe was absent from Wednesday evening's ceremony. "But I do believe they will certainly have noticed," Klöckner said. The prize is regarded as the highest German recognition for Africans. It is awarded by the German Africa Foundation — a nonpartisan foundation committed to promoting a more nuanced image of Africa within the political arena and among the German public. Since 1993, it has honored individuals from the African continent who have made an exceptional contribution to democracy, peace, human rights, sustainable development, research, art, culture, or social issues in Africa. Last year, the Mayor of the Sierra Leonean capital Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, received the award. Other recipients include COVID researchers Tulio de Oliveira and Sikhulile Moyo, former Botswana President Ketumile Masire and Somali activists Waris Dirie and Ilwad Elman. Kwekweza attended the ceremony, which was held just a few steps from the illuminated Brandenburg Gate, with her mother. She called on the older generation to invest more trust in the youth, "even before they have proven themselves". "When we operate from a place where we believe in the young, that is what allows us to move forward and to build better, brighter futures," she said. 29th November,2025

COUP IN GUINEA-BISSAU The atmosphere across Guinea-Bissau was tense but calm on the morning of November 26. Three days after the presidential election, the West African nation of 2.5 million people was waiting for the official announcement of the winner by the National Electoral Commission, as most of the votes had already been counted. At that time, both domestic and international election observers agreed: incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo appeared to have been voted out of office, with non-partisan opposition candidate Fernando Dias seemingly poised to declare victory. But at 12:40 pm local time, the sounds of machine-gun fire and panicked screams rang out from the presidential palace — as well as from the building that houses the National Electoral Commission. Panic spread instantly, as the blare of gunfire continued for half an hour. At first, rumors circulated that soldiers had arrested Embalo amid allegations that he wasn't going to hand over victory to his opponent. But two hours later, a statement aired on state broadcaster TGB brought some clarity to both locals and the international community: Dinis N'Tchama, a spokesman for the Supreme Military Command, announced that soldiers had taken control of the country "to restore national security and public order." The military leadership claimed to have foiled a plot involving several senior politicians as well as drug traffickers, who according to media reports have been operating in the impoverished African nation with impunity for years. Furthermore, the freshly self-appointed junta announced that the electoral process had officially been suspended — and it confirmed reports of the arrest of outgoing President Embalo. 29th November,2025

FRESH START After decades of war, Mogadishu is seeing a construction boom. Despite poverty, hopes for a new beginning are growing. 29th November,2025

GTA AROUSES INTEREST IN DECEMBER It’s few days to December and Ghana Tourism Authority is leaving no stone unturned with its preparations to make this year’s celebration worthwhile Following the official launch and announcement of events slated for this year’s celebration, the Authority has held a number of activities to publicise it. In a vibrant display across the city, GTA has installed telescopic flags and strategically placed billboards highlighting the festivities, ensuring that the excitement is visible to all. From the Airport Roundabout to the Lancaster Hotel, along the main road at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and at key locations including the Airport Police Station, La Palm Royal Hotel, Laboma Beach Road, and various parts of Accra, residents and visitors alike can experience the festive spirit in every corner of the city. “This extensive rollout not only reflects GTA’s commitment to promoting tourism and local culture but also serves as a prelude to a December filled with music, heritage, and unforgettable experiences. “GTA’s visibility campaign ensures that December in GH will be celebrated in grand style, putting Accra—and Ghana—at the heart of the global festive spotlight,” Maame Efua Houdjeto, CEO of GTA said. This year’s December in GH falls in line with government’s bigger vision to use Black Star Experience as a strategic campaign tool to sell Ghana’s rich tourism potential to the world and a global tourist destination. 30th November,2025

GRA BEGINS PROBE INTO ALLEGED EXTORTION The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has launched investigations into allegations of extortion levelled against some officers of the Customs Division Task Force operating in the Ashanti Region. The allegation, made by the Traders Advocacy Group Ghana, relate to purported payments demanded from importers whose intercepted containers were en route to Kumasi. The officers allegedly claimed undervaluation and insisted on additional payments, which the affected importers described as unjustified. In a statement issued on Thursday, November 27, the GRA said it takes the allegation seriously and has initiated an internal investigation to establish the facts. According to the Authority, the probe will be thorough, and the public will be informed of the outcome once it is completed. The GRA reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in its operations. “We urge all stakeholders and the general public to support these efforts by reporting such malpractices through established channels,” the statement added. 30th November,2025

FLUCTUATING PERFORMANCE IN CORE SUBJECTS The performance of school candidates in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) has been fluctuating in the last four years, especially in all the core subjects from 2022 to 2025. The provisional results of the 2025 WASSCE released by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) on Saturday show the lowest performance in all four core subjects in the last four years. The core subjects are English Language, Mathematics, Integrated Science and Social Studies. The results fluctuating trend. A total of 461,736 candidates from 1,021 schools wrote the examination. This is a slight increase of 0.24 per cent over the 460,611 candidates who registered in 2024. Core Mathematics recorded the largest drop in performance. Only 48.73 per cent of candidates obtained grades A1 to C6 in 2025, compared with 66.86 per cent in 2024. This represents an 18.13 point fall. The outcome is also lower than the 61.39 per cent recorded in 2022 and the 62.23 per cent posted in 2023. In 2021, 54.11 per cent passed Mathematics, making the 2025 result the lowest in the period reviewed. They are made up of 207,415 males and 254,321 females. A total of 114,872 candidates received grade F9 in Mathematics, representing 26.77 per cent of all candidates. Social Studies recorded a similar drop. A total of 55.82 per cent of candidates obtained grades A1 to C6 in 2025, compared with 71.53 per cent in 2024. This 15.71 point fall makes the 2025 outcome the lowest since 2021, when 66.03 per cent passed. The subject reached its highest result in 2023 with 76.76 per cent. The 2025 figure is 20.94 points lower. In all, 122,449 candidates failed Social Studies with grade F9 in 2025. This represents 27.5 per cent of the candidates. English Language remained stable. A total of 69 per cent of candidates obtained grades A1 to C6 in 2025, compared with 69.52 per cent in 2024. The subject reached its highest outcome in 2023 with 73.11 per cent. The 2025 result is above the 60.39 per cent recorded in 2022 and the 54.08 per cent posted in 2021. Integrated Science recorded a fall to 57.74 percent in 2025, down from 58.77 per cent in 2024. The subject has now dropped from the 66.82 per cent recorded in 2023 and remains lower than the 62.45 per cent posted in 2022. In 2021, 65.7 per cent passed Integrated Science, making 2025 the weakest result in the four-year period. The data shows that 2023 remains the strongest year for all core subjects. The decline began in 2024 and worsened in 2025. The 2025 results are now lower than the 2021 outcomes in Mathematics, Integrated Science, and Social Studies. English Language remains above the 2021 level, although the subject has seen a drop from the 2023 peak. Of the 461,736 candidates who registered for the 2025 examination, 5,821 were absent. This represents 1.26 per cent. In 2021, 3,545 candidates were absent, representing 0.79 per cent. A total of 207,415 male candidates and 254,321 female candidates wrote the 2025 examination. The Council has cautioned the public against fraudsters who claim they can change results for a fee. It said all WAEC results are secured and can be checked through the Council’s verification system. 30th November,2025

ADUTWUM GAINS SUPPORT The New Edubiase and Bekwai Constituencies have openly endorsed policies proposed by Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, a leading contender in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026. The endorsements mark the latest show of support during his campaign tour of the Ashanti Region, which commands the largest bloc of delegates in the party. Dr. Adutwum’s proposed interventions include grants for traders, the appointment of constituency welfare officers to oversee party affairs, training of 100 engineers from each constituency, nationwide expansion of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, and a Free University policy to eliminate financial barriers to tertiary education for Ghanaian students. Delegates and party members praised what they describe as practical, innovative, and people centered policies aimed at addressing longstanding concerns within the party. Several delegates expressed enthusiasm during recent campaign stops, noting that the proposals speak directly to grassroots needs. One delegate stated that the Free University initiative demonstrates forward thinking beyond immediate politics. Another described the engineering training proposal as visionary and capable of providing real opportunities for youth. A third delegate said the constituency welfare officer plan shows understanding of ground level struggles and would strengthen the NPP across the country. Addressing delegates on Wednesday, November 26, Dr. Adutwum called for national commitment to fighting poverty through strengthening Ghana’s education system. He said ensuring every Ghanaian child has access to quality education that empowers them for the future remains the most sustainable way to transform lives and communities. Adutwum emphasized that education remains the most powerful weapon in eradicating poverty and bridging inequality. “It’s time we wage war on poverty through a strong and effective education system,” he declared. “If we get education right, everything else will fall into place, from job creation and innovation to national development.” The former Minister of Education is seeking to leverage the political weight of the Ashanti Region, which has 47 constituencies and represents the NPP’s most dependable stronghold. The region has been decisive in internal contests, consistently delivering high numbers for preferred candidates. Dr. Adutwum told delegates during his latest campaign tour that the Ashanti vote has historically shaped the party’s success and will again play a defining role in selecting the next flagbearer. He dismissed claims that appealing to his home region amounts to tribal politics, insisting that local support for familiar candidates is a global political phenomenon. “It is a fact that in politics, people vote massively for candidates from their own stock, both in Ghana and across the world. I am counting on you to push me to the presidency,” he said. The Bosomtwe Member of Parliament argued that he offers a leadership vision extending beyond regional considerations and speaks to national development. During his Ashanti Regional campaign, which began on Tuesday, November 25, Dr. Adutwum received warm receptions from party supporters and delegates when he visited the Atwima Nwabiagya South, Atwima Nwabiagya North, and Bosomtwe constituencies. His interactions were marked by enthusiastic receptions and open declarations of support. Delegates described him as the candidate who carries little political baggage compared to his contenders. They expressed confidence in his integrity, an attribute they believe will be crucial for securing victory in the 2028 general elections. Many pledged full support and promised to vote for him in the upcoming presidential primaries. Addressing the delegates, Dr. Adutwum said his desire to lead the party and eventually Ghana stems from a personal mission to confront poverty. He explained that his upbringing as the son of a cocoa farmer exposed him to harsh realities of deprivation. Despite achieving excellent grades, he recounted struggles securing admission to secondary school, describing his journey out of poverty as testimony of divine grace. These experiences, he said, fuel his determination to offer leadership that places the needs of the poor at the center of national development. He told delegates that every constituency would have its own welfare officer who would compile local issues and forward them for action at the national level. He assured delegates that an Adutwum administration would not overlook sacrifices and hard work of grassroots members whose efforts would contribute to his presidency. Dr. Adutwum cited his record in the education sector as evidence of his ability to deliver reforms at scale. He pointed to transforming public schools, bringing STEM education to Ghana, and revamping Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as accomplishments during his tenure as Minister of Education under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo. The NPP presidential primary features five aspirants: Ing. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Ken Ohene Agyapong, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum. The party is seeking to elect a candidate who can lead them to victory in the 2028 general elections after losing the 2024 presidential race. 30th November,2025