Tuesday, 7 January 2025

John Dramani Mahama Sworn In for Second Term as Ghana’s President


John Dramani Mahama officially began his second term as President of the Republic of Ghana on January 7, 2025, after a decisive victory in the 2024 general elections. The historic swearing-in ceremony took place at Accra’s iconic Black Star Square, drawing a large audience of citizens, political leaders, and global dignitaries.

Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo administered the oath of office, with Mahama reaffirming his dedication to serve the people of Ghana and uphold the Constitution.

A significant moment in the ceremony was the swearing-in of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as Ghana’s first female Vice President, marking a milestone in the country’s political history.

Global dignitaries, including heads of state, diplomats, and international representatives, attended the event, underscoring Mahama’s leadership on the global stage. Their presence highlighted Ghana’s role as a beacon of democracy and stability in Africa.

In his inauguration speech, Mahama urged Ghanaians to join him in a national reset aimed at creating a more resilient and prosperous country, emphasizing accountability, innovation, and unity. Mahama also expressed gratitude to voters for their confidence in his leadership, promising that their votes would translate into tangible change.

Mahama outlined four key areas his administration will prioritise: Economic restoration and stabilisation, improvement of the business and investment environment, accountability and the fight against corruption, governance and constitutional  reforms.

He assured businesses and investors that Ghana is open for business again, promising a more transparent and fair tax regime to stimulate growth.

The President paid special attention to youth and women, promising policies that will foster job creation and inclusivity.

“Our youth represent the heartbeat of our democracy. Their ambitions will drive our policies,” Mahama said, pledging to implement a 24-hour economy model to create jobs and stimulate local industries.

He also celebrated Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s historic achievement as Ghana’s first female vice president, describing her inauguration as a symbol of progress toward gender equality. 

Mahama introduced the concept of a 24-hour economy, aimed at unlocking Ghana’s dormant economic potential by keeping public services, markets and businesses operational 24/7.

"This model will create decent jobs for young people, stimulate local industry, attract foreign investments, and foster resilient communities,” Mahama explained.

 Mahama ended his speech with a patriotic call to action, inviting Ghanaians to partner with his administration in building a better future.

“This is a patriotic call to action for all of us to participate in building a nation that lives up to its promise, where unity, progress, and equality are not just ideals but the very fabric of our nation,” he said.

“Let us write the next chapter in Ghana’s story — one of promise, transparency, and transformative progress. May God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong,” Mahama declared.

The peaceful transition of power and the celebratory inauguration reaffirm Ghana’s status as one of Africa’s most stable democracies, setting a strong example for the region and beyond. As Mahama begins his tenure, hopes are high for progress and unity under his leadership.


Saturday, 4 January 2025

Apple Agrees to $95 Million Settlement Over Siri Privacy Allegations

 

Apple has agreed to a $95 million settlement to resolve a five-year-old lawsuit alleging its voice activated Siri virtual assistant recorded users without consent. The lawsuit claimed Siri inadvertently activated without the trigger words “Hey, Siri,” capturing private conversations that were later shared with advertisers to target consumers.

Two plaintiffs said their mentions of Air Jordan sneakers and Olive Garden restaurants triggered ads for those products. Another said he got ads for a brand name surgical treatment after discussing it, he thought privately, with his doctor.

The allegations, which contradict Apple’s long-standing commitment to customer privacy, highlight potential misuse of Siri’s functionality. CEO Tim Cook has frequently championed privacy as a “fundamental human right.”

The proposed settlement, which must still be approved by a federal judge, was filed Tuesday night in the Oakland, California federal court. Apple isn’t acknowledging any wrongdoing in the settlement. A hearing is scheduled for February 14, 2024, to finalize the agreement.

If approved, tens of millions of Apple customers who owned Siri-equipped devices between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2023, may file claims. Compensation could amount to $20 per device for up to five devices per consumer. However, payments may vary based on the number of claims submitted, as only 3% to 5% of eligible consumers are expected to participate.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs may seek up to $28.5 million in legal fees, plus $1.1 million for expenses, from the settlement fund.

The $95 million is about nine hours of profit for Apple, whose net income was $93.74 billion in its latest fiscal year.

For affected consumers, this case underscores the importance of vigilance in protecting personal data in the digital age.


Friday, 3 January 2025

Joe Kinnear's Legacy: A Football Manager Remembered

The football world mourns the loss of legendary manager Joe Kinnear, who passed away at the age of 77 following a long battle with vascular dementia. Known for his managerial stints at Wimbledon, Newcastle, and other clubs, Kinnear left an indelible mark on the sport.

Kinnear's journey began in Dublin, where he was born to a father who worked at the Guinness brewery. Moving to Watford at the age of seven, Kinnear's passion for football flourished. After captaining Watford and Hertfordshire Schoolboys, he impressed at junior level and was signed by Tottenham Hotspur in 1963 as a promising right-back. He made his senior debut in 1966 and played 258 games for Tottenham, winning the FA Cup, the League Cup twice, and the UEFA Cup. Additionally, he earned 26 international caps for the Republic of Ireland.

Gift Orban Joins Hoffenheim from Lyon

TSG Hoffenheim has completed the signing of Nigerian forward Gift Orban from Olympique Lyon. The deal, worth €9 million with an additional €3 million in potential add-ons, marks a new chapter for the 22-year-old striker.

Orban had joined Lyon from Belgian club Gent last year but struggled to secure a consistent place in the team, making only 21 appearances and scoring five goals. Despite his efforts, he had not featured in the league since September.

Thursday, 2 January 2025

Iran's Reformist Government Lifts Ban on WhatsApp and Google Play

Iran's reformist government, led by President Masoud Pezeshkian, has lifted the nation's ban on WhatsApp and Google Play. This decision marks an initial step in the administration's broader push for reform, aiming to improve the lives of Iran's 85 million citizens.

During a high-level meeting chaired by President Pezeshkian, the decision overcame resistance from hardline factions within the Islamic regime. Telecommunications Minister Sattar Hashemi described the move as a milestone, writing on X, “Today, we took the first step towards lifting internet restrictions by demonstrating unity. This path will continue.”

Drama at the Ballon d'Or: Rodri Responds to Cristiano Ronaldo's Claims

The Ballon d'Or is no stranger to controversy, and this year's award has certainly sparked some heated discussion. In a recent turn of events, Manchester City star Rodri found himself at the center of attention after Cristiano Ronaldo criticized the decision to award him the prestigious trophy over Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.

Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or recipient, voiced his displeasure, claiming it was "unfair" that Vinicius Jr. didn't win despite his contributions to La Liga and Champions League success. This comment didn’t sit well with Rodri, who had an impressive season, leading his club to Premier League and Euro 2024 victories.

Tragic Attack on Bourbon Street: New Year's Celebrations Turn Deadly

The dawn of the new year brought heartbreak to New Orleans as a horrific attack unfolded on Bourbon Street during the annual New Year's celebrations. On January 1, 2025, a suspect identified as Shamsud Din Jabbar drove a rented pickup truck into a crowd, resulting in the loss of at least 15 lives and causing numerous injuries. The joyous festivities quickly turned into a scene of chaos and sorrow.

Arsenal's Josh Robinson Signs with Wigan Athletic

 

The January transfer window has officially kicked off with Arsenal's promising young defender, Josh Robinson, making a significant move to League One side Wigan Athletic. The 20-year-old talent has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal, marking an exciting new chapter in his career.

Robinson has stood out at Arsenal's Hale End academy, showcasing his skills and earning a spot on the first-team bench for several Champions League matches this season. Despite his connection to Arsenal, Robinson is eager to embrace the opportunities at Wigan. He expressed his excitement, saying, "I am very excited to start my journey here. It’s a very big football club, and I look forward to seeing what the season holds. They were interested in me, and when you see a big club like Wigan, you cannot turn that opportunity down."