Artemis II astronauts return to Earth after record-breaking Moon journey
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Astronauts Christina Hammock Koch, Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, and Jeremy Hansen have successfully returned to Earth following their 10-day Artemis II mission around the Moon. Images and videos show the crew splashing down in the Pacific Ocean and being extracted from the Orion spacecraft. Christina Koch, an alumna of the University of Ghana, and Victor Glover were seen celebrating on the USS John P. Murtha before undergoing medical checks. The mission, which launched on April 1, 2026, from the Kennedy Space Centre, set a new record for the farthest distance humans have traveled from Earth, surpassing the Apollo 17 mission. Artemis II is the first crewed mission of the Orion spacecraft and the first human journey beyond low Earth orbit since 1972, serving as a crucial step in NASA's broader Artemis program to return astronauts to the Moon and eventually send humans to Mars.
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Must ReadThe Government of Ghana has extended its condolences to the people of Dagbon following the death of the Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II. In a statement issued by the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, on Monday, July 13, 2026, President John Dramani Mahama expressed sympathies to the Royal Family, the people of Dagbon, and Ghanaians. The late Yaa Naa was described as a traditional ruler whose leadership promoted peace and unity, playing a key role in bringing healing and reconciliation to the kingdom after years of conflict. The government highlighted his commitment to unity, stability, and the welfare of his people, which fostered development in Dagbon and strengthened the partnership between traditional authorities and the government. The statement paid tribute to his invaluable service to the nation, stating that his legacy of wisdom, leadership, and dedication to peace would continue to inspire future generations. News of the Yaa Naa's passing was announced on July 13, 2026.
Miracle Aboagye, a member of the NPP Communications Team, has been granted bail after his arrest by the Economic and Organised Crime Office EOCO in connection with an alleged money laundering scheme. He was reportedly arrested at the Accra International Airport on July 12, 2026, over corruption-related allegations. Aboagye is accused of misappropriating, misapplying, diverting, and stealing public funds totaling GH垄55 million. According to a report and video sighted on July 13, 2026, he was granted bail in the amount of GH垄50 million with three sureties, two of whom must be justified. His lawyer, Samuel Atta Akyea, indicated that meeting the bail conditions that night would be challenging.
Must ReadHaruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for Tamale South, has expressed profound sadness over the death of the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II. In a statement released on July 13, 2026, Iddrisu described the passing as a significant loss for the Dagbon Kingdom and Ghana. The death of Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II was officially announced on the same day by Kuga Naa Adam Abdulai II, Head of the Kingmakers, following customary rites at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi. Iddrisu paid tribute to the late monarch, acknowledging the historical foundations of the Dagbon Kingdom and commending Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II for fostering unity and peace within the region. He specifically highlighted the late King's achievement in restoring and implementing the rotational succession arrangement between the Andani and Abudu royal gates, calling it his greatest legacy. Iddrisu views the King's death as both a moment of grief and an opportunity to consolidate the progress made in promoting stability within the kingdom, anticipating a continued progressive rotation of leadership between the two gates.