53, DIES WHILE PERFORMING TAWAF AT HOLY KAABA The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has confirmed the death of a Ghanaian prospective pilgrim, Musah Sidi, aged 53, who collapsed while performing the sacred ritual of Tawaf at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and passed away shortly afterwards. In a press release issued on Friday, May 22, 2026, the PAOG announced the sad news with the Islamic declaration: "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un" – To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return. According to the Office, the deceased collapsed at the Haram during Tawaf, the ritualistic act of walking in a circular path around the Kaaba – a central rite of the Hajj pilgrimage. He died shortly after the incident. The bereaved family has been duly informed of his demise. The body is being prepared for Janaza prayers, which are scheduled to take place after Jummah prayers, following which interment will be conducted in accordance with Islamic traditio The PAOG noted that passing away while performing Tawaf is considered a profound blessing and a sign of a beautiful ending for a blessed Muslim. In Islamic tradition, a pilgrim who dies in a state of worship and in Ihram is promised immense spiritual honour in the hereafter," the statement read. The Office extended its deepest condolences to his immediate family, sympathisers, and loved ones, praying that Allah forgives his shortcomings and grants him Jannatul Firdaus – the highest level of paradise. The statement was signed by Mohammed Amin Lamptey, Director of Communications of the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana. 24th May,2026

ATTEMPTING TO ASSASSINATE PRESIDENT TRUMP A gunman burst out of a hotel doorway and charged through a security checkpoint in just four seconds as President Donald Trump was attending a press gala, according to new footage released by prosecutors. The CCTV video appears to show a security agent opening fire in the direction of the sprinting gunman, who is carrying a long-barrelled weapon, though it is unclear if he discharges it. Cole Tomas Allen, 31, is charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner. He has not yet entered a plea. The US justice department says the video also shows Allen "casing the area" at the hotel on the day before the dinner, when he allegedly checked in as a guest. He is seen walking down a Washington Hilton corridor on the eve of the gala and popping into the hotel's gym, according to prosecutors. The defendant is accused of carrying a semi-automatic handgun, a pump-action shotgun and three knives as he ran through a terrace level, one floor above the basement ballroom where the high-profile press gala was unfolding. Trump, Vice-President JD Vance, cabinet members and other White House officials were rushed from the venue after gunfire rang out. The new video, posted on X on Thursday by US Attorney for Washington DC Jeanine Pirro, appears to be a higher quality version of a clip shared by Trump on social media in the aftermath of Saturday's incident. The latest footage shows nearly a dozen security agents gathered around a security checkpoint at the hotel. A man wearing a long dark coat walks through the corridor and disappears into a doorway. A moment later the gunman, having shed his coat, re-emerges and sprints through a metal-detector with both hands on what appears to be a gun. His coat was concealing a 12-gauge shotgun, according to an affidavit filed by prosecutors. The footage appears to show an officer fire his handgun at the suspect. Prosecutors have said the agent was hit by gunfire, but the alleged assailant was not shot. A Secret Service spokesman told the BBC on Thursday: "The officer was struck in the ballistic vest, but was not seriously injured." Ballistics experts have been investigating whether the Secret Service officer was hit by a bullet fired by the suspect, or by other law enforcement at the scene. Pirro said in Thursday's post on X: "There is no evidence the shooting was the result of friendly fire." However, a memo filed by prosecutors on Wednesday, asking a judge to hold Allen in custody pending trial, makes no mention of any officer being shot. It says that as the suspect ran through the checkpoint, a Secret Service officer "observed the defendant fire the shotgun in the direction of the stairs leading down to the ballroom". Earlier statements in charging documents alleged that one officer was hit in the ballistic vest by a single shot fired by the suspect. Defence lawyers for Allen have questioned prosecutors' claims that their client opened fire. On Thursday the director of the US Secret Service told Fox News that the suspect had fired at a Secret Service agent at "point-blank range". "All the evidence that I've seen, the suspect shot our officer point-blank range with a shotgun," Sean Curran told the network. Our officer heroically returned fire while being shot point-blank range in the chest with a shotgun, he was able to get off five shots. It appears that the suspect hit his knee, while being engaged by the officer, on one of our magnetometer boxes and began to fall to the ground. "That's what appears to be, and at that moment is when officers and agents were able to subdue him and pile on top of him." Allen faces additional charges, including transportation of a firearm between states to commit a felony and discharging a firearm in a crime of violence - both of which have maximum sentences of 10 years. 1st May,2026

IRAN SAYS IT WILL RESPOND IF US RENEWS ATTACKS Iran says it will respond with “long and painful strikes” on US positions across the Gulf region if Washington renews attacks, and has restated its claim to the Strait of Hormuz, complicating the plans of the United States for a coalition to reopen the waterway. Two months into the US-Israel war on Iran, the strait remains closed, choking off 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas supplies. That has sent global energy prices surging and heightened concerns about the risks of an economic downturn. Pakistan-led efforts to resolve the conflict have hit an impasse. Despite a ceasefire in place since April 8, Iran continues to block the strait in response to a US naval blockade of its ports, preventing oil exports – Tehran’s economic lifeline. Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei defended the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. “This is because of the war and the defence of our right – that is, according to international law, it is legitimate, legal, and accepted,” he said on Thursday night, Iran’s official news agency IRNA reported. He accused the US of “exploiting a waterway” of which Iran is the coastal state. “In such circumstances, you cannot allow this waterway to be misused,” he said. Two months into the US-Israel war on Iran, the strait remains closed, choking off 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas supplies. That has sent global energy prices surging and heightened concerns about the risks of an economic downturn. Pakistan-led efforts to resolve the conflict have hit an impasse. Despite a ceasefire in place since April 8, Iran continues to block the strait in response to a US naval blockade of its ports, preventing oil exports – Tehran’s economic lifeline Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei defended the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. “This is because of the war and the defence of our right – that is, according to international law, it is legitimate, legal, and accepted,” he said on Thursday night, Iran’s official news agency IRNA reported. He accused the US of “exploiting a waterway” of which Iran is the coastal state. “In such circumstances, you cannot allow this waterway to be misused,” he said. 1st May,2026

TRUMP WARNS STRAIT OF HORMUZ DEADLINE United States President Donald Trump intensified his rhetoric against Iran on Sunday, promising a devastating military campaign if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened to international traffic by Tuesday. The President issued a series of blunt warnings via social media, specifically targeting Iran’s power grid and transportation networks. The ultimatum marks a sharp escalation in a conflict that has now entered its second month, with the global economy feeling the strain of disrupted energy corridors. “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!” Trump stated in a Truth Social post. The President characterized the Iranian leadership as “crazy bastards” and vowed they would be “living in Hell” should the deadline pass without compliance. The President’s plan to target civilian infrastructure has drawn immediate fire from legal experts and political opponents. International humanitarian law generally prohibits the destruction of facilities essential to the civilian population, and critics warn such strikes could be classified as war crimes. Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., lambasted the administration’s approach during an appearance on reporters’ programs. Kaine, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, described the President’s rhetoric as “embarrassing and juvenile.” He argued that such aggressive posturing endangers American service members who may be captured in the future. “If you send the message that there’s no quarter for the folks on the other side, that really encourages them to mistreat our folks,” Kaine said. He further criticized the White House for what he described as “the absence of a plan, the absence of a clear rationale, no effort to get allies on board The diplomatic heat coincides with high-stakes military operations. President Trump confirmed Sunday that the United States successfully rescued a “highly respected Colonel” who had been missing since his F-15E Strike Eagle was downed over Iran last week. The President hailed the mission as “one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History.” While the U.S. celebrated the recovery of the “seriously wounded” officer, Tehran offered a different narrative. Iranian state television broadcast images of wreckage, claiming they shot down a transport plane and two helicopters during the rescue. Separately, U.S. officials confirmed the pilot of an A-10 Warthog was forced to eject over Kuwait after being hit by Iranian fire. Iran’s military joint command countered by claiming four U.S. aircraft were destroyed during the rescue operation. A spokesman warned via IRNA news agency: “If you commit aggression again and strike civilian facilities, our responses will be more forceful.” A regional intelligence official, speaking to the media on condition of anonymity, contradicted Tehran’s claims regarding the rescue mission. The official stated the U.S. military intentionally blew up two of its own transport planes due to technical malfunctions to protect sensitive technology The conflict is no longer confined to U.S.-Iranian exchanges. Iran has expanded retaliatory strikes to Gulf Arab states hosting U.S. military installations. On Saturday, a projectile struck an auxiliary building near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant, killing one person, though operations were unaffected. Subsequently, Russia’s Rosatom evacuated 198 staff members from the site. On Sunday, Iranian drone attacks targeted petrochemical plants and power facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. The disruption has sent shockwaves through energy markets. The spot price for current physical cargoes of Brent crude oil soared Thursday to $141.36 (approx. GH¢1,556.37), the highest level since the 2008 financial crisis. The spot price reflects demand for Brent oil to be delivered in the next 10 to 30 days. The high price of immediate oil deliveries points to current physical supply constraints due to the huge disruption triggered by Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The price was $32.33 (approx. GH¢355.95) higher than the Brent crude futures contract for June delivery, which closed at $109.03 (approx. GH¢1,200.42) on Thursday The escalating tension in the Middle East has triggered immediate economic repercussions across Africa. In Ghana, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) recently reported a surge in fuel prices, with petrol rising to GH¢13.30 per litre and diesel to GH¢17.10 per litre. Experts warn that a prolonged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could increase Ghana’s annual oil import bill by $2.4 billion (approx. GH¢26.42 billion), potentially reversing recent gains in inflation management. The African Union (AU) has called for “urgent de-escalation,” warning that the conflict threatens food security and economic resilience across the continent, as 20% of the world’s oil supply remains at risk. Despite the looming deadline, some diplomatic threads remain active. Oman’s foreign ministry reported meeting with Iranian officials to discuss visions for ensuring transit. “During the meeting, experts from both sides presented a number of visions and proposals that will be studied,” the Omani statement on X read. Concurrently, Iran’s foreign minister has, in principle, left the door open for peace talks with the U.S. amid ongoing mediation from Pakistan. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed gratitude for the efforts in Islamabad but gave no indication of Tehran’s willingness to bow to Trump’s specific demands. “We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its efforts and have never refused to go to Islamabad. What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting END to the illegal war that is imposed on us,” Araghchi said on X. In a supporting statement on Saturday, Pakistani officials told the media that efforts to broker a ceasefire are “right on track Closing the Window for Negotiation The window for these diplomatic efforts is rapidly closing. On March 26, President Trump extended a pause in attacking Iran’s energy facilities by 10 days to April 6 at the request of the Islamic Republic’s government. In a televised address from the White House on Wednesday, the President told Americans he expects the war to last another two to three weeks but insisted the conflict was nearing its conclusion. “We are going to finish the job, and we’re going to finish it very fast,” he said. With the 48-hour countdown under way, the President’s patience appears to have reached its limit. “Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out – 48 hours before all Hell will reign [sic] down on them,” Trump warned Saturday in a Truth Social post. He is scheduled to speak from the Oval Office on Monday at 1 p.m. ET (5 p.m. GMT). As the deadline approaches, the international community remains caught between the White House’s demand for an immediate reopening of the Strait and Tehran’s insistence on ending what it terms an “illegal war.” With global markets and regional stability hanging in the balance, the coming 48 hours represent a critical juncture that will determine if diplomacy can still avert a total regional conflagration. 6th April,2026

GHANAIAN NATIONAL LEAVE SOUTH AFRICA Hundreds of Ghanaians living in South Africa are preparing to return home under a voluntary repatriation exercise, with many citing insecurity, economic hardship and growing uncertainty over the treatment of foreign nationals as reasons for their decision. The first group of Ghanaian nationals is expected to depart South Africa this week after approximately 800 citizens indicated their willingness to return home. The development comes against the backdrop of ongoing debate in South Africa over undocumented migration, tightening immigration enforcement and concerns surrounding xenophobic tensions affecting foreign nationals. Among those preparing to leave is a Ghanaian migrant identified only as Fredrick, who said the dream of finding greener pastures in South Africa had faded after years of hardship and fear. There is no place like home. We came to this country with the intention of greener pastures. But then, we realised that there is nothing much here for us. Coupled with rampant and constant xenophobic attacks and other things that come along with staying here, I felt it is better for me to go home Although he stated that he had not personally suffered xenophobic violence, Fredrick described daily life in Johannesburg as increasingly unsafe and unpredictable. “Even if you are not in danger from xenophobic attacks or riots, there are a lot of things. People can come into your house, point a gun at you and rob you. Even in the streets, you are not safe,” he explained. He argued that frustrations directed at migrants reflected broader systemic failures rather than hostility towards foreigners alone. I do not think it's xenophobia; I think the system has failed. They are angry because the system has failed,” he added. Asked whether he would consider returning to South Africa in future, Fredrick responded emphatically: “Never. I can never come back to South Africa.” Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, has meanwhile called for a more balanced and nuanced approach to discussions surrounding migrants and documentation in the country According to him, while undocumented migration remains a legitimate concern, many Ghanaians living in South Africa have resided and worked legally for years but continue to face bureaucratic delays in renewing permits and residency documentation. “Well, the numbers are quite high for those who are here illegally, and the numbers also for those who are here illegally are quite high. It's for us to determine the terms as to when we say illegal. What do you mean? It's a term that we need to discuss and define,” he said. Mr Quashie explained that some Ghanaian nationals had submitted renewal applications to South African authorities but remained caught in lengthy administrative backlogs. Because you have people from Ghana who have been in this country with work permits for four years, five years down the line. They go to renew it with Home Affairs. I know a lot of them,” he noted. Out of the list, we have about 30 to 40 of them who we have found that they genuinely submitted their documentation for renewal, but the Department of Home Affairs is still working on the process. He added that many Ghanaian migrants contribute to local economic activity through small businesses and employment partnerships with South Africans. “These are people who have small businesses, the salon business, the mechanic businesses, and others,” he said. “So it's a close mix of people who are here, genuinely trying to make ends meet. And for your information, these are people who also work with South Africans. So we see that there should be a balance when it comes to these things.” The repatriation exercise has reignited conversations about migration pressures within Africa, economic opportunities on the continent and the growing challenges faced by migrant communities in host countries amid rising unemployment and social tensions 24th May,2026

CHINESE INVESTORS COURTS FOR INDUSTRIAL PARTNERSHIPS Hon. Ofosu-Adjare said the government’s economic transformation agenda under President John Dramani Mahama is focused on shifting Ghana from exporting raw materials to producing value-added goods. She disclosed that the Ghana Investment Promotion Authority Act 2026 had removed minimum capital requirements for foreign investors and shortened investment approval timelines. The Minister also highlighted Ghana’s role as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, saying it offers investors access to a market of more than 1.4 billion people across Africa, including the ECOWAS market. She identified agro-processing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, recycling, green manufacturing, digital technology, construction materials, automobile assembly and agri-technology as key sectors with investment opportunities. The Minister also announced the opening of the China-Ghana Trade and Investment Promotion Centre in Jinan to support Chinese businesses interested in investing in Ghana. Speaking at the Ghana-China Investment Forum in Jinan, Shandong Province, on May 21, 2026, the Minister invited Chinese investors to establish and expand businesses in Ghana, citing the country’s stable democracy, strategic location and investor-friendly reforms. 24th May,2026

ARABIC TEACHER WANTED Police declare Arabic teacher wanted over alleged defilement of two minors in Sekondi According to a statement issued by the Public Affairs Unit of the Western Regional Police Command, the suspect was employed by leaders of the Fijai Zongo Central community to teach Arabic to children during weekends. Sule Anas, wanted for allegedly defiling and engaging in unnatural carnal knowledge of two minors at Fijai Zongo Central near Sekondi. Preliminary police investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly lured the two minors into a store room within the mosque premises under the guise of performing spiritual cleansing rituals on them. Police say the suspect subsequently sodomized and defiled the children. A warrant for the arrest of Sule Anas was issued by the Gender Court in Sekondi on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. The suspect is described as fair in complexion and approximately 5.7 feet tall. Intelligence gathered by the police indicates that he may have fled to either La Côte d’Ivoire or Togo to evade arrest. The Western Regional Police Command has appealed to the public to assist with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect. Persons with credible information have been urged to contact the Western Regional Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit report to the nearest police station, or call the emergency numbers 191 or 112. The Command is urging anyone with credible information on the whereabouts of suspect Anas Sule, who is currently on the run, to contact the Western Regional Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit,” portions of the police statement said. The incident has sparked concern within the Fijai Zongo community over the safety and protection of children entrusted to religious instructors and caregivers. 24th May,2026

PALACE CLASH AND UNLAWFUL DAMAGE Police Service has commenced investigations into an incident of alleged unlawful damage to property at the Drobo Traditional Council palace in the Jaman South Municipality of the Bono Region. The complainant reported that a group of about 15 men, wearing red bands, allegedly stormed the palace on the same day at about 9:10 a.m. and damaged the main door to take possession of the facility. The statement, signed by Chief Inspector Thomas Akeelah, Public Relations Officer for the Bono Regional Police Command, indicated that the complaint was filed by Nana Tanor Bediako, Krontihene of the Drobo Traditional Council, together with two others Police said officers proceeded to the scene after receiving the information and found a group of people at the palace forecourt. The main entrance gate was damaged, with the right section removed and lying on the ground. The Police retrieved three pump-action guns loaded with 14 rounds of BB ammunition and one single-barrel gun from the Omanhene’s side, which were taken as exhibits. The Police further stated that a clash occurred between supporters of the Omanhene and the Queen Mother at the palace forecourt following the misunderstanding. Preliminary investigations indicate that members of the Bosea family, aligned to the Drobo Queen Mother, claimed they had information that the Omanhene intended to install sub-chiefs and said their presence was to prevent the installation. They were reportedly resisted by supporters of the Omanhene. The Police also stated that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend perpetrators involved in the disturbances. The Command has restored calm in the area and urged all factions to resort to due process in resolving disputes, warning that it will deal with anyone who breaks the law. 23rd May,2026