
Two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, struck Venezuela on Wednesday, killing at least 235 people and injuring over 1,500. The second quake was one of the strongest to hit the South American country in a century. Buildings collapsed and residents fled into the streets as tremors hit the capital, Caracas, and multiple states, with La Guaira being the hardest hit. A state of emergency has been declared, and airport, rail, and transport services have been halted. The quakes occurred at shallow depths, contributing to the extensive damage. The US has pledged $150 million in aid and deployed warships and transport planes, while other countries including El Salvador, Ecuador, Mexico, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Chile have also offered assistance. The United Nations and the EU are also mobilizing support for recovery efforts.
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Must ReadPresident John Dramani Mahama has announced that Cabinet has instructed the Attorney-General, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, to draft the State Assets Protection Bill. This legislation aims to prevent any government from arbitrarily disposing of state assets, including lands, buildings, factories, and industries. The President explained that the bill will establish clear guidelines for the disposal of state assets, ensuring that no administration can capriciously sell or transfer public property. He made this announcement at the Ghana Civil Society Forum 2026, which focused on "Reimagining Partnerships for Democratic Consolidation and Inclusive Development."

President John Dramani Mahama has approved the appointment of three Deputy Comptrollers-General for the Ghana Immigration Service GIS to strengthen its operations. The appointments, announced on June 24, 2026, elevate Evelyn Lonyonlo Lotsu to head the Finance and Administration Directorate, Faisal Disu to the Command Post and Operations Directorate, and Philip Peter Andoh to oversee the Legal, Research, and Monitoring Directorate. These appointments were made based on recommendations from the GIS Governing Council and advice from the Public Services Commission, recognizing the officers' dedication and performance. Comptroller-General of Immigration Samuel Basintale Amadu congratulated the new deputies, expressing confidence in their ability to contribute to the Service's growth, promote good governance, and advance national security and development.
Must ReadAdjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, Administrator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund GMTF, addressed healthcare leaders at the 2026 Annual Conference of the Christian Health Association of Ghana CHAG in Koforidua, highlighting a growing health crisis in Ghana. She described chronic diseases like cancer, kidney failure, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, sickle cell disease, and chronic respiratory illnesses as a national emergency, financially devastating families and preventing patients from accessing treatment. Ms. Darko-Opoku noted that many Ghanaians postpone treatment due to cost, exhaust savings, sell assets, or withdraw children from school to afford medical care. The GMTF, established by President John Dramani Mahama, aims to bridge the financing gap for patients with chronic illnesses. Its work focuses on four pillars: financial support for patients, investment in medical equipment and infrastructure, strengthening specialist healthcare training, and supporting research. Consultations have been held with various stakeholders, and a nationwide needs assessment revealed gaps in specialist equipment, infrastructure, and workforce capacity. Ms. Darko-Opoku appealed for a stronger partnership between GMTF and CHAG, recognizing CHAG's significant contribution to Ghana's healthcare system. She emphasized that achieving equitable access to specialized healthcare requires collaboration among government institutions, faith-based providers, development partners, academia, civil soc