Category: Politics

Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia on Wednesday, April 24, held discussions with Pope Francis at the Paul VI Hall in the Vatican. The meeting focused on strengthening diplomatic relations between Ghana and the Vatican. The key highlights of the meeting focused on Ghana's political and socio-economic landscape, particularly on areas of healthcare and education. The Vice President's meeting with the Pope formed part of his working visit to Italy and the Vatican State. This landmark visit underscores Ghana's commitment to strengthening ties with the global community and fostering diplomatic relations. The Vice President was accompanied by his wife, Hajia Samira Bawumia, and other government officials. Dr. Bawumia's visit to the Vatican symbolised Ghana's dedication to engaging with global leaders on matters of mutual importance. It was a cordial interaction between the two leaders, thus cementing the positive relations between Ghana and the Holy See. The meeting underscored Ghana's commitment to advancing i ts socio-economic development and fostering partnerships with international stakeholders to achieve common goals. Aside meeting with Pope Francis, Dr. Bawumia also engaged in talks with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States, and International Organisations. The meeting is expected to strengthen the ties between Ghana and the Vatican and explore avenues for cooperation on various issues of mutual interest. The two leaders shared their views on current international issues, particularly on security challenges facing West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea. Vice President Bawumia is expected to return to Ghana on Thursday, 25 April 2024. Source: Ghana News Agency

Twenty cyclists riding for the Trans Kalahari Corridor (TKC) initiative on Tuesday entered Namibia from Botswana through the Trans-Kalahari-Mamuno Border Post in a challenge that started earlier this month in Rustenburg, South Africa. The cycling event was initiated to raise awareness of the TKC regionally and internationally, with the objective of securing the three member states' commitment to economic progress through spatial development initiatives along the corridor. The initiative also aims to promote road safety on the corridor, reduce delays along the route, address security concerns, and commemorate the 20th anniversary of the TKC, among others. The Namibian Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa receiving the cyclists from his Botswana counterpart, Eric Molale, highlighted the importance of connection between countries and how the initiative will improve the economy of the three member states. 'I want to highlight how transport infrastructure are vital for development, thus, it is clear t hat since independence of our country, Namibia has improved drastically on road infrastructure, that has given birth to initiatives of this magnitude between our countries with the aim of also expanding this initiative to other countries in Africa,' Mutorwa indicated. Mutorwa urged those along the route of the cyclists in the country to give them good hospitality and welcome them in their towns and villages. Handing over the cyclists to Mutorwa, Molale, the Botswana Minister of Transport and Public Works touched more on the relationship between the three member states, and assured his Namibian counterpart that his country is committed to the initiative, and wished the cyclists well as they continue with their journey through Namibia. 'I am here to hand over the cyclists that I have been taking care of for the last seven days, who are carrying along the pledge of the TKC that entails that we must be a united people, we must be allowed to move freely across our region, we must harmonise our processes and pro tocols that facilitate free movement, and we must invest along the corridor,' Molale highlighted. The cyclists are expected to reach their final destination Walvis Bay later this month and the Namibian route will feature seven public engagements with various stakeholders. Source: The Namibia Press Agency

Tunis: President Kais Saied reiterated the historic role of the judiciary in cleaning up the country when he met with Justice Minister Leila Jaffal at Carthage Palace on Wednesday, reminding her that procedures have been put in place to ensure a fair trial and not to evade accountability and punishment. "No one is above the law, freedom can only be exercised within its framework, and those who today falsely claim to be victims of the lack of freedom are among its worst enemies, because they do not accept a true democratic system based on the will of the people and forget their abuses and the large sums of money they have received from suspicious sources, both local and foreign". He added that "their seminars and meetings are only organised in luxurious hotels, but they pretend to be defenders of the national decision and to be on the side of the poor," according to a statement from the Presidency of the Republic. The meeting also discussed the final version of the revision of Article 411 of the Commercial Code, which takes into account a fair and desirable balance between all parties involved, «since «experience has shown that the current system lacks such a balance.» Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Akatsi North Constituency of the Volta region has called on its members to volunteer themselves to work during the upcoming Limited Voter Registration exercise. The exercise, according to the party, would enable all eligible voters to get registered for the upcoming general elections. This appeal was contained in a statement signed by Mr Abraham Ahiabu, Constituency Secretary of the party, and copied to the Ghana News Agency. He stated that the party has introduced guidelines to all supporters and committed members towards the 2024 general elections. 'One of the crucial steps towards the 2024 election is the upcoming limited voters registration exercise scheduled for May 7, to May 27, and we need to take it more seriously.' The statement further charged all members across the various branches to exhibit their full commitment to ensure a successful exercise. The statement indicated that the party in the constituency has launched a volunteer programme to suppo rt the registration process. 'All members have been urged to join the exercise for the progress of the NDC in the area. Victory is within reach, but it requires teamwork and dedication, join us, and let's work together to make it happen,' it added. Mr Ahiabu also reminded interested persons and party faithful to contact their outfit to get registered for the exercise. The limited registration exercise, according to the Electoral Commission (EC), would enable all eligible voters 18 years and above who could not register in the previous exercise. Source: Ghana News Agency

Twenty cyclists riding for the Trans Kalahari Corridor (TKC) initiative on Tuesday entered Namibia from Botswana through the Trans-Kalahari-Mamuno Border Post in a challenge that started earlier this month in Rustenburg, South Africa. The cycling event was initiated to raise awareness of the TKC regionally and internationally, with the objective of securing the three member states' commitment to economic progress through spatial development initiatives along the corridor. The initiative also aims to promote road safety on the corridor, reduce delays along the route, address security concerns, and commemorate the 20th anniversary of the TKC, among others. The Namibian Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa receiving the cyclists from his Botswana counterpart, Eric Molale, highlighted the importance of connection between countries and how the initiative will improve the economy of the three member states. 'I want to highlight how transport infrastructure are vital for development, thus, it is clear t hat since independence of our country, Namibia has improved drastically on road infrastructure, that has given birth to initiatives of this magnitude between our countries with the aim of also expanding this initiative to other countries in Africa,' Mutorwa indicated. Mutorwa urged those along the route of the cyclists in the country to give them good hospitality and welcome them in their towns and villages. Handing over the cyclists to Mutorwa, Molale, the Botswana Minister of Transport and Public Works touched more on the relationship between the three member states, and assured his Namibian counterpart that his country is committed to the initiative, and wished the cyclists well as they continue with their journey through Namibia. 'I am here to hand over the cyclists that I have been taking care of for the last seven days, who are carrying along the pledge of the TKC that entails that we must be a united people, we must be allowed to move freely across our region, we must harmonise our processes and pro tocols that facilitate free movement, and we must invest along the corridor,' Molale highlighted. The cyclists are expected to reach their final destination Walvis Bay later this month and the Namibian route will feature seven public engagements with various stakeholders. Source: The Namibia Press Agency