The action continues in the FIFA World Cup 2022 edition, in Qatar, as Cristiano Ronaldo will make his first-ever appearance in the ongoing edition on Thursday (November 24). Portugal will open their campaign in the showpiece event with a face-off versus Ghana, in Group H, and all eyes will be on captain Ronaldo. He is most likely playing his last World Cup and will hope to begin on a memorable note. So far, two big upsets have taken place with Saudi Arabia beating Argentina and Japan getting the better of Germany, hence, Portugal will not take their opposition lightly.

As Ronaldo will take the field, he will attain a new record up his sleeves.&nbsp;is all set to join his long-time rival Lionel Messi on an elite list of players to have appeared in as many as five different FIFA World Cups. The Portuguese star will become the eighth player in history to appear in five different editions of the World Cup. The 37-year-old made his first-ever appearance in 2006 and then appeared in every edition that followed suit. He will like to make the most of this edition, in Qatar, and help Portugal return with the mega title.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/david-beckham-up-for-talks-with-potential-bidders-as-man-united-owners-planning-to-sell-club-report-536975">David Beckham up for talks with potential bidders as Man United owners planning to sell club - Report</a>

Among all the players who have played in five different World Cups, only Antonio&nbsp;Carbajal, Matthäus, Rafael&nbsp;Márquez, and Messi have got a game, at least, in every edition. Ronaldo will join this elite list when he takes the field on Thursday evening in his side's clash versus Ghana.&nbsp;In the 2018 edition, in Russia, Ronaldo &amp; Co. bowed out with a defeat at the hands of Uruguay, who are placed in the same group as them this time around. Portugal will like to go the distance in Qatar 2022 and help Ronaldo end his illustrious career with the elite trophy.

The action continues in the FIFA World Cup 2022 edition, in Qatar, as Cristiano Ronaldo will make his first-ever appearance in the ongoing edition on Thursday (November 24).

The action continues in the FIFA World Cup 2022 edition, in Qatar, as Cristiano Ronaldo will make his first-ever appearance in the ongoing edition on Thursday (November 24). Portugal will open their campaign in the showpiece event with a face-off versus Ghana, in Group H, and all eyes will be on captain Ronaldo. He is most likely playing his last World Cup and will hope to begin on a memorable note. So far, two big upsets have taken place with Saudi Arabia beating Argentina and Japan getting the better of Germany, hence, Portugal will not take their opposition lightly. As Ronaldo will take the field, he will attain a new record up his sleeves. is all set to join his long-time rival Lionel Messi on an elite list of players to have appeared in as many as five different FIFA World Cups. The Portuguese star will become the eighth player in history to appear in five different editions of the World Cup. The 37-year-old made his first-ever appearance in 2006 and then appeared in every edition that followed suit. He will like to make the most of this edition, in Qatar, and help Portugal return with the mega title. Also read: David Beckham up for talks with potential bidders as Man United owners planning to sell club - Report Among all the players who have played in five different World Cups, only Antonio Carbajal, Matthäus, Rafael Márquez, and Messi have got a game, at least, in every edition. Ronaldo will join this elite list when he takes the field on Thursday evening in his side's clash versus Ghana. In the 2018 edition, in Russia, Ronaldo & Co. bowed out with a defeat at the hands of Uruguay, who are placed in the same group as them this time around. Portugal will like to go the distance in Qatar 2022 and help Ronaldo end his illustrious career with the elite trophy.

FIFA World Cup: Ronaldo to join Messi in illustrious list in Portugal's opening tie vs Ghana

On Monday, the Group of Seven leading economies launched an initiative called the “Global Shield” at the United Nations’ COP27 climate summit which will provide immediate funding to the countries when they are hit by the devastating impact of climate change.&nbsp;

Coordinated by the G7 president nation Germany, it will provide rapid access to funds for insurance and disaster protection after flooding, drought and hurricanes. The programme was developed in collaboration with ‘V20’ which is a group of 58 climate-vulnerable countries chaired by Ghana.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop27-summit-germany-warns-its-delegates-against-egyptian-security-agents-amid-spying-allegations-534087">Germany warns its delegates against Egyptian agents spying on them at COP27: Reports</a>

A statement was issued by Berlin, in which it named seven countries – Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Fiji, Ghana, Pakistan, the Philippines and Senegal, as the first recipients of packages, which would be developed in the upcoming months. So far, Germany has contributed $175.17 million in funding to Global Shield while other countries including Denmark and Ireland have contributed a little over $41 million.&nbsp;

The first draft released on Monday reportedly highlighted two major points – the divide between rich and poor nations, while the V20 countries proposed that this fund should not be “operationalised” by November 2024.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cop27-summit-us-wants-china-back-on-negotiation-table-loss-and-damage-payments-to-dominate-531600">Cop27 Summit: US wants China back on negotiation table, ‘loss and damage payments’ to dominate</a>

While some countries have been wary that it risked efforts to secure a substantive deal on financial help for so-called “loss and damage”, Germany’s economic cooperation and development minister Svenja Schulze said that the aim with these funds is to add to but not replace the progress on loss and damage.&nbsp;

“It is not a kind of tactic to avoid formal negotiation on loss and damage funding arrangements here…Global Shield isn't the one and only solution for loss and damage. Certainly not. We need a broad range of solutions,” said Schulze. However, some vulnerable countries are not yet persuaded as there is reportedly not a lot of clarity on the “insurance elements” of the deal.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-xi-meeting-no-fireworks-but-discussion-on-important-issues-takes-place-534085">Biden-Xi meeting: No fireworks, but discussion on important issues takes place</a>

“Using insurance is a method in which the victim pays, just in installments in the beginning,” said a special envoy on climate finance Avinash Persaud to the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, reported Reuters. He also said that the loss and damage finance should be grant-based.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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On Monday, the Group of Seven leading economies launched an initiative called the “Global Shield” at the United Nations’ COP27 climate summit which will provide immediate funding to the countries when they are hit by the devastating impact of climate change.

On Monday, the Group of Seven leading economies launched an initiative called the “Global Shield” at the United Nations’ COP27 climate summit which will provide immediate funding to the countries when they are hit by the devastating impact of climate change. Coordinated by the G7 president nation Germany, it will provide rapid access to funds for insurance and disaster protection after flooding, drought and hurricanes. The programme was developed in collaboration with ‘V20’ which is a group of 58 climate-vulnerable countries chaired by Ghana. ALSO READ: Germany warns its delegates against Egyptian agents spying on them at COP27: Reports A statement was issued by Berlin, in which it named seven countries – Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Fiji, Ghana, Pakistan, the Philippines and Senegal, as the first recipients of packages, which would be developed in the upcoming months. So far, Germany has contributed $175.17 million in funding to Global Shield while other countries including Denmark and Ireland have contributed a little over $41 million. The first draft released on Monday reportedly highlighted two major points – the divide between rich and poor nations, while the V20 countries proposed that this fund should not be “operationalised” by November 2024. ALSO WATCH: Cop27 Summit: US wants China back on negotiation table, ‘loss and damage payments’ to dominate While some countries have been wary that it risked efforts to secure a substantive deal on financial help for so-called “loss and damage”, Germany’s economic cooperation and development minister Svenja Schulze said that the aim with these funds is to add to but not replace the progress on loss and damage. “It is not a kind of tactic to avoid formal negotiation on loss and damage funding arrangements here…Global Shield isn't the one and only solution for loss and damage. Certainly not. We need a broad range of solutions,” said Schulze. However, some vulnerable countries are not yet persuaded as there is reportedly not a lot of clarity on the “insurance elements” of the deal. ALSO READ: Biden-Xi meeting: No fireworks, but discussion on important issues takes place “Using insurance is a method in which the victim pays, just in installments in the beginning,” said a special envoy on climate finance Avinash Persaud to the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, reported Reuters. He also said that the loss and damage finance should be grant-based. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistan among the first seven countries to receive climate funding under ‘Global Shield’ initiative by G7

A generation before the gold coast became Ghana, a local photographer known as JK Bruce opened a small studio in the then-colonial capital Accra, where his family would become the De facto visual historians of a nation that had not yet been born. For 100 years, three generations of Bruce have painstakingly amassed the world's largest collection of 20th-century Ghanaian photographs under one roof. They believe their Deo Gratias photo studio is the oldest in West Africa.

World of Africa | Ghana's history in black & white

The Indian women’s hockey team defeated Ghana 5-0 to start its Commonwealth Games campaign on a winning note here on Friday.

The Savita Punia-led team was, however, far from impressive in its first Pool A game.

Gurjit Kaur (3rd, 39th minutes) scored a brace, while Neha Goyal (28th), Sangita Kumari (36th) and Salima Tete (56th) struck a field goal each for India.

Even though India dominated the match in all departments, it was a lacklustre performance from them in the first two quarters as Ghana’s defence produced a resolute show to frustrate their fancied opponents.

What was frustrating for India was the weak link-up between the midfield and the forwards.

Penalty corner conversion also continued to haunt India as they succeeded in scoring just once out of the 10 chances.

The Indians were expected to steamroll Ghana but goalkeeper Abigail Boye made some phenomenal saves to keep her side in the contest.&nbsp;She was ably supported by the defenders.

The Indians pressed on the accelerator from the onset and took the lead in the third minute when Gurjit converted her side’s first penalty corner with a fierce drag-flick to the right corner.

India soon earned a second penalty corner but Ghana defended bravely with Boye producing yet another fine save.

Just before the end of the first quarter, India were awarded a penalty stroke for a foul inside the 'D' but Ghana successfully challenged the decision.

The Indians came out attacking in the second quarter while Ghana were content on soaking up the pressure.

The Indians mounted attacks after attacks but all the attempts were thwarted by&nbsp;Ghana.

Ghana secured a penalty corner with three minutes from half-time but failed to get past India captain Savita.

Ghana secured another set piece before the breather but wasted the opportunity.

The Indians doubled their lead in the very next minute through Neha, whose push went inside the goal after getting a deflection from a Ghana defender.

Neha was once again in the thick of things but her fierce shot from point blank range was saved by Ghana goalkeeper Boye.

Three minutes after the change of ends, India secured two quick penalty corners but wasted both.

Sangita Kumari extended India's lead, finding the target from a goalmouth melee in the 36th minute.

India earned another penalty corner soon after but failed to increase the scoreline.

The Indians, however, scored the fourth goal in the 39th minute when Gurjit scored from a penalty stroke pushing the scoreline to 4-0.

India wasted another penalty corner in the 42nd minute. Three more penalty corners were also wasted after that.

Salima scored four minutes from the hooter after her shot went into the goal following a deflection from the stick of Ghana captain Nafisatu Umaru.

India will next take on Wales in their second pool match on Saturday.

The Indian women’s hockey team defeated Ghana 5-0 to start its Commonwealth Games campaign on a winning note here on Friday. The Savita Punia-led team was, however, far from impressive in its first Pool A game.

The Indian women’s hockey team defeated Ghana 5-0 to start its Commonwealth Games campaign on a winning note here on Friday. The Savita Punia-led team was, however, far from impressive in its first Pool A game. Gurjit Kaur (3rd, 39th minutes) scored a brace, while Neha Goyal (28th), Sangita Kumari (36th) and Salima Tete (56th) struck a field goal each for India. Even though India dominated the match in all departments, it was a lacklustre performance from them in the first two quarters as Ghana’s defence produced a resolute show to frustrate their fancied opponents. What was frustrating for India was the weak link-up between the midfield and the forwards. Penalty corner conversion also continued to haunt India as they succeeded in scoring just once out of the 10 chances. The Indians were expected to steamroll Ghana but goalkeeper Abigail Boye made some phenomenal saves to keep her side in the contest. She was ably supported by the defenders. The Indians pressed on the accelerator from the onset and took the lead in the third minute when Gurjit converted her side’s first penalty corner with a fierce drag-flick to the right corner. India soon earned a second penalty corner but Ghana defended bravely with Boye producing yet another fine save. Just before the end of the first quarter, India were awarded a penalty stroke for a foul inside the 'D' but Ghana successfully challenged the decision. The Indians came out attacking in the second quarter while Ghana were content on soaking up the pressure. The Indians mounted attacks after attacks but all the attempts were thwarted by Ghana. Ghana secured a penalty corner with three minutes from half-time but failed to get past India captain Savita. Ghana secured another set piece before the breather but wasted the opportunity. The Indians doubled their lead in the very next minute through Neha, whose push went inside the goal after getting a deflection from a Ghana defender. Neha was once again in the thick of things but her fierce shot from point blank range was saved by Ghana goalkeeper Boye. Three minutes after the change of ends, India secured two quick penalty corners but wasted both. Sangita Kumari extended India's lead, finding the target from a goalmouth melee in the 36th minute. India earned another penalty corner soon after but failed to increase the scoreline. The Indians, however, scored the fourth goal in the 39th minute when Gurjit scored from a penalty stroke pushing the scoreline to 4-0. India wasted another penalty corner in the 42nd minute. Three more penalty corners were also wasted after that. Salima scored four minutes from the hooter after her shot went into the goal following a deflection from the stick of Ghana captain Nafisatu Umaru. India will next take on Wales in their second pool match on Saturday.

Commonwealth Games: India beat Ghana 5-0 in women’s hockey opener

Education knows no boundaries, no limits. And spreading it across is a Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama. His community learning hub in a sparsely located landscape draws a stream of visitors for its unique way of imparting knowledge to them. To know further about it, take a look at our next story.

World Of Africa: Ghana's artistic educational hub

Two cases of the deadly Marburg virus have been identified in Ghana. As per health authorities, this is the first time that this Ebola-like disease has been found in a West African nation. Blood tests collected from two victims in the southern Ashanti area earlier this month revealed the Marburg virus. As per an AFP report, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) reported that the samples were submitted to the Pasteur Institute in Senegal, which confirmed the diagnosis. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda have seen previous outbreaks and isolated cases of Marburg.

According to the GHS statement, 98 individuals who have been identified as contact cases are presently quarantined. It also stated that no more Marburg cases have been found in Ghana.

Watch |&nbsp;More than 1.4 billion people at heightened risk of deadly disease: WHO report

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Let's take a look at the disease, its symptoms and treatments for Marburg:

What is the Marburg virus?

As per&nbsp;WHO,&nbsp;the Marburg virus is similar&nbsp;to the Ebola virus and causes Marburg virus disease (MVD). The disease&nbsp;kills around one out of every two afflicted people.

Following studies on imported African green monkeys, the virus&nbsp;was first identified in 1967 in Germany and the former Yugoslavia.

What are its symptoms?

The time from infection to the start of symptoms, or incubation period for Marburg, ranges from 2 to 21 days.

As per WHO, the Marburg virus causes sudden onset illness characterised by a high temperature, excruciating headaches, and severe fatigue. Another typical symptom is aches and pains in the muscles. On the third day, severe watery diarrhoea, cramps and discomfort in the abdomen, nausea, and vomiting can be there.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/which-are-the-deadliest-viruses-of-21st-century-486963">Which are the deadliest viruses of 21st century?</a>

Many patients develop severe haemorrhagic symptoms between 5 and 7 days, and fatal cases typically have some sort of bleeding, often from numerous sites. Bleeding from the nose, gums, and vagina frequently accompanies fresh blood in vomit&nbsp;and faeces.

Is it fatal?

The disease has a case fatality ratio of up to 88 per cent that, with proper patient care, can be significantly lower.

Depending on the virus strain and case treatment, fatality rates in confirmed cases have ranged from 24 to 88 per cent in past outbreaks, according to the WHO.

Death in fatal instances often occurs 8 to 9 days after the beginning of symptoms and is typically preceded by significant blood loss and shock.

Transmission

Prolonged exposure to mines or caves where Rousettus bat colonies are present was earlier the primary cause of human MVD infection.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-people-queue-up-in-long-lines-for-monkeypox-vaccine-498366" hreflang="en">New York: People queue up in long lines for monkeypox vaccine</a>

It can also be transmitted from person to person through direct contact with the blood, secretions or other body fluids of infected persons, as well as with surfaces and things contaminated with these fluids.

Healthcare professionals caring for infected people are also at risk. Direct contact with an infected person's corpse during funeral rites has also been linked to the spread of Marburg.

As long as the virus is present in a person's blood, they are contagious.

Treatment

There are currently no authorized vaccinations or antiviral medications for MVD. However, supportive care, such as rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids, and treatment of symptoms, increase the chances of&nbsp;survival.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Two cases of the deadly Marburg virus have been identified in Ghana. As per health authorities, this is the first time that this Ebola-like disease has been found in a West African nation.

Two cases of the deadly Marburg virus have been identified in Ghana. As per health authorities, this is the first time that this Ebola-like disease has been found in a West African nation. Blood tests collected from two victims in the southern Ashanti area earlier this month revealed the Marburg virus. As per an AFP report, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) reported that the samples were submitted to the Pasteur Institute in Senegal, which confirmed the diagnosis. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda have seen previous outbreaks and isolated cases of Marburg. According to the GHS statement, 98 individuals who have been identified as contact cases are presently quarantined. It also stated that no more Marburg cases have been found in Ghana. Watch | More than 1.4 billion people at heightened risk of deadly disease: WHO report Let's take a look at the disease, its symptoms and treatments for Marburg: What is the Marburg virus? As per WHO, the Marburg virus is similar to the Ebola virus and causes Marburg virus disease (MVD). The disease kills around one out of every two afflicted people. Following studies on imported African green monkeys, the virus was first identified in 1967 in Germany and the former Yugoslavia. What are its symptoms? The time from infection to the start of symptoms, or incubation period for Marburg, ranges from 2 to 21 days. As per WHO, the Marburg virus causes sudden onset illness characterised by a high temperature, excruciating headaches, and severe fatigue. Another typical symptom is aches and pains in the muscles. On the third day, severe watery diarrhoea, cramps and discomfort in the abdomen, nausea, and vomiting can be there. Also read | Which are the deadliest viruses of 21st century? Many patients develop severe haemorrhagic symptoms between 5 and 7 days, and fatal cases typically have some sort of bleeding, often from numerous sites. Bleeding from the nose, gums, and vagina frequently accompanies fresh blood in vomit and faeces. Is it fatal? The disease has a case fatality ratio of up to 88 per cent that, with proper patient care, can be significantly lower. Depending on the virus strain and case treatment, fatality rates in confirmed cases have ranged from 24 to 88 per cent in past outbreaks, according to the WHO. Death in fatal instances often occurs 8 to 9 days after the beginning of symptoms and is typically preceded by significant blood loss and shock. Transmission Prolonged exposure to mines or caves where Rousettus bat colonies are present was earlier the primary cause of human MVD infection. Also read | New York: People queue up in long lines for monkeypox vaccine It can also be transmitted from person to person through direct contact with the blood, secretions or other body fluids of infected persons, as well as with surfaces and things contaminated with these fluids. Healthcare professionals caring for infected people are also at risk. Direct contact with an infected person's corpse during funeral rites has also been linked to the spread of Marburg. As long as the virus is present in a person's blood, they are contagious. Treatment There are currently no authorized vaccinations or antiviral medications for MVD. However, supportive care, such as rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids, and treatment of symptoms, increase the chances of survival. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ghana reports 2 deaths from Marburg, which has fatality rate of 88%. Here are its symptoms, treatment & more

Thomas Partey, Arsenal and Ghana midfielder, has recently&nbsp;announced that he would be converting to Islam, Hence,&nbsp;the footballer is&nbsp;also set to change his surname. The 28-year-old youngster revealed that he&nbsp;will now be using the surname Yakubu, for his wife Sara Bella. Nonetheless, Partey made it clear that he will continue to be known and addressed&nbsp;by his previous name in the football fraternity.

"I grew up with Muslims so at the end of the day it's the same thing. I'm already married and my Muslim name is Yakubu,” Parety said in a video posted by prominent Ghanaian journalist Nana Aba Anamoah. He further hilariously added, "I have a girl I love, I know my side chicks will leave me but it's no problem."

The&nbsp;midfielder was seen striking a pose&nbsp;with a Muslim cleric in March 2022. Thus, speculations were rife, since then, about his conversion before he himself came out in the open.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dutch-clubs-psv-feyenoord-and-pec-zwolleto-deploy-smart-technology-to-fight-fan-racism-486419">Dutch clubs PSV, Feyenoord and PEC Zwolleto deploy 'smart technology' to fight fan racism</a>

As mentioned, Partey will continue to use his first name Thomas on the back of his club and national team jerseys. The Ghana footballer has been a vital cog in Mikel Arteta's Arsenal club since his £45 million transfer&nbsp;from Atletico Madrid in 2020. Although he didn't live upto expectations in his maiden season with the Gunners, he made amends and came alive&nbsp;in his second season at the Emirates.

Thus, Partey has soon become a regular in the Gunners' line-up, riding on his passing efficiency and staggering completion rate (which stands at an impressive 86 percent).&nbsp;He, however,&nbsp;has been out of action in the Premier League after he&nbsp;suffered a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace on April 4, 2022.

Thomas Partey, Arsenal and Ghana midfielder, has recently announced that he would be converting to Islam, Hence, the footballer is also set to change his surname.

Thomas Partey, Arsenal and Ghana midfielder, has recently announced that he would be converting to Islam, Hence, the footballer is also set to change his surname. The 28-year-old youngster revealed that he will now be using the surname Yakubu, for his wife Sara Bella. Nonetheless, Partey made it clear that he will continue to be known and addressed by his previous name in the football fraternity. "I grew up with Muslims so at the end of the day it's the same thing. I'm already married and my Muslim name is Yakubu,” Parety said in a video posted by prominent Ghanaian journalist Nana Aba Anamoah. He further hilariously added, "I have a girl I love, I know my side chicks will leave me but it's no problem." The midfielder was seen striking a pose with a Muslim cleric in March 2022. Thus, speculations were rife, since then, about his conversion before he himself came out in the open. ALSO READ | Dutch clubs PSV, Feyenoord and PEC Zwolleto deploy 'smart technology' to fight fan racism As mentioned, Partey will continue to use his first name Thomas on the back of his club and national team jerseys. The Ghana footballer has been a vital cog in Mikel Arteta's Arsenal club since his £45 million transfer from Atletico Madrid in 2020. Although he didn't live upto expectations in his maiden season with the Gunners, he made amends and came alive in his second season at the Emirates. Thus, Partey has soon become a regular in the Gunners' line-up, riding on his passing efficiency and staggering completion rate (which stands at an impressive 86 percent). He, however, has been out of action in the Premier League after he suffered a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace on April 4, 2022.

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey converts to Islam, changes surname

Ghana is on the brink of an economic crisis. In 2021, the country recorded a total public debt of around 77% of its GDP, despite this Finance Minister said that Ghana was committed to managing its debt without taking assistance from the international Monetary Fund.

IMF not an option, Ghana FM confident to manage debt without help

India men's and women's hockey team will be facing Ghana in their opening match of the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham.

Both the men's and women's hockey competitions will kick start from July 29 with England and Ghana squaring off in the men's while New Zealand and Kenya facing each other in women's.

India will be facing England, Canada, Wales, in men's competition while in women's, India will be going up against Wales, England, and Canada following their clash with Ghana.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/for-next-generation-of-cricketers-india-pacer-s-sreesanth-announces-retirement-from-all-forms-of-cricket-460636">'For next generation of cricketers...'- India pacer S Sreesanth announces retirement from all forms of cricket</a>

Both semi-final clashes of men&nbsp;have been scheduled to take place on August 6 and in women's, the semi-final will be held on August 5.

The summit clash for both the competitions will be held on August 7.

India men's and women's hockey team will be facing Ghana in their opening match of the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham. Both the men's and women's hockey competitions will kick start from July 29 with England and Ghana squaring off in the men's while New Zealand and Kenya facing each other in women's.

India men's and women's hockey team will be facing Ghana in their opening match of the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham. Both the men's and women's hockey competitions will kick start from July 29 with England and Ghana squaring off in the men's while New Zealand and Kenya facing each other in women's. India will be facing England, Canada, Wales, in men's competition while in women's, India will be going up against Wales, England, and Canada following their clash with Ghana. ALSO READ: 'For next generation of cricketers...'- India pacer S Sreesanth announces retirement from all forms of cricket Both semi-final clashes of men have been scheduled to take place on August 6 and in women's, the semi-final will be held on August 5. The summit clash for both the competitions will be held on August 7.

Commonwealth Games 2022: India men's, women's hockey team to face Ghana in their openers in Birmingham

At least 17 people were killed and 59 injured Thursday in a devastating explosion in a western&nbsp;Ghana&nbsp;town after a truck carrying explosives intended for a mine collided with a motorcycle, the government said.

The blast left a huge crater and reduced dozens of buildings to dust-covered piles of wood and metal in Apiate, near the city of Bogoso some 300 kilometres (180 miles) west of the mineral-rich West African country's capital Accra.

Footage verified by AFP showed locals rushing towards a raging fire and rising plumes of black smoke to inspect the damage, while rescue workers waded through the rubble to find survivors caught in the devastation and retrieve lifeless bodies.&nbsp;

"A total of 17 people have unfortunately been confirmed dead, and 59 injured people have been rescued," Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said in a statement released overnight.

The minister said initial signs point to "an accident involving a truck transporting explosive materials for a mining company, a motorcycle and a third vehicle" which took place near an electrical transformer.

Out of 59 people injured, 42 are receiving treatment in hospitals or health centres and "some are in critical condition", Nkrumah added.

Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo called it a "truly sad, unfortunate and tragic incident" and expressed "deep condolences to the families of the deceased".

'Ghost town'

Officials and eyewitnesses described a scene of desolation against the sea of buildings collapsed or impaired in the carnage.

"It's a black Thursday. So far 500 houses have been affected. Some have been razed down completely by the explosion while others have developed cracks," Sedzi Sadzi Amedonu, Deputy Coordinator of the National Disaster Management Organization, told AFP.

"It's almost like a ghost town now."

Abena Mintah, who witnessed the blast, told local media the driver of the truck dropped down from his hatch, shouting at those nearby to warn them away from the flaming vehicle.&nbsp;

"Within a few minutes we heard a loud bang. I felt dizzy and fell in the bush. I managed to get up and saw a few dismembered bodies on the street," Mintah said.

The government said those in critical condition would be moved to hospitals in Accra and police asked surrounding villages to open their schools and churches to accommodate any additional casualties.

A team of police and army explosion experts were deployed to "avoid a second explosion" and put in place security measures after the blast, the government said in a press release.

'Community gone'

Emergency services were to give a casualty update on Friday at 11:00 am (1100 GMT).

Dr Isaac Dasmani, chief executive of the Prestea Huni-Valley municipality where the explosion occurred, told local media "the whole community is gone" after the blast.

"All of the roofs have been ripped off, some of the buildings have collapsed. Some were in their rooms, and were trapped. Some of them, unfortunately, before we were able to rescue them, were already gone," he told&nbsp;Ghana's TV3 broadcaster.

Authorities have created an access route to the scene and were working to open roads on Friday to ease traffic around the blast site, he said.

Ghana&nbsp;has been rocked by several deadly explosions caused by fuel accidents in recent years.

In 2017, at least three people were killed and dozens injured after a tanker truck carrying natural gas caught fire in Accra, triggering explosions at two fuel stations and killing three people.

Ghana's capital was the scene of a similar fire and explosion in June 2015, when more than 150 people died as they sought shelter from seasonal rains and flooding at a petrol station. The blaze was believed to have spread by fuel on the floodwater.

Deadly accidents linked to the mining sector are also frequent in&nbsp;Ghana, Africa's second-largest gold producer after South Africa, but they are mostly caused by the collapse of mines, often illegal ones.

In June, at least nine people died in the collapse of an illegal mine in northern&nbsp;Ghana.

At least 17 people were killed and 59 injured Thursday in a devastating explosion in a western Ghana town after a truck carrying explosives intended for a mine collided with a motorcycle, the government said.

At least 17 people were killed and 59 injured Thursday in a devastating explosion in a western Ghana town after a truck carrying explosives intended for a mine collided with a motorcycle, the government said. The blast left a huge crater and reduced dozens of buildings to dust-covered piles of wood and metal in Apiate, near the city of Bogoso some 300 kilometres (180 miles) west of the mineral-rich West African country's capital Accra. Footage verified by AFP showed locals rushing towards a raging fire and rising plumes of black smoke to inspect the damage, while rescue workers waded through the rubble to find survivors caught in the devastation and retrieve lifeless bodies. "A total of 17 people have unfortunately been confirmed dead, and 59 injured people have been rescued," Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said in a statement released overnight. The minister said initial signs point to "an accident involving a truck transporting explosive materials for a mining company, a motorcycle and a third vehicle" which took place near an electrical transformer. Out of 59 people injured, 42 are receiving treatment in hospitals or health centres and "some are in critical condition", Nkrumah added. Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo called it a "truly sad, unfortunate and tragic incident" and expressed "deep condolences to the families of the deceased". 'Ghost town' Officials and eyewitnesses described a scene of desolation against the sea of buildings collapsed or impaired in the carnage. "It's a black Thursday. So far 500 houses have been affected. Some have been razed down completely by the explosion while others have developed cracks," Sedzi Sadzi Amedonu, Deputy Coordinator of the National Disaster Management Organization, told AFP. "It's almost like a ghost town now." Abena Mintah, who witnessed the blast, told local media the driver of the truck dropped down from his hatch, shouting at those nearby to warn them away from the flaming vehicle. "Within a few minutes we heard a loud bang. I felt dizzy and fell in the bush. I managed to get up and saw a few dismembered bodies on the street," Mintah said. The government said those in critical condition would be moved to hospitals in Accra and police asked surrounding villages to open their schools and churches to accommodate any additional casualties. A team of police and army explosion experts were deployed to "avoid a second explosion" and put in place security measures after the blast, the government said in a press release. 'Community gone' Emergency services were to give a casualty update on Friday at 11:00 am (1100 GMT). Dr Isaac Dasmani, chief executive of the Prestea Huni-Valley municipality where the explosion occurred, told local media "the whole community is gone" after the blast. "All of the roofs have been ripped off, some of the buildings have collapsed. Some were in their rooms, and were trapped. Some of them, unfortunately, before we were able to rescue them, were already gone," he told Ghana's TV3 broadcaster. Authorities have created an access route to the scene and were working to open roads on Friday to ease traffic around the blast site, he said. Ghana has been rocked by several deadly explosions caused by fuel accidents in recent years. In 2017, at least three people were killed and dozens injured after a tanker truck carrying natural gas caught fire in Accra, triggering explosions at two fuel stations and killing three people. Ghana's capital was the scene of a similar fire and explosion in June 2015, when more than 150 people died as they sought shelter from seasonal rains and flooding at a petrol station. The blaze was believed to have spread by fuel on the floodwater. Deadly accidents linked to the mining sector are also frequent in Ghana, Africa's second-largest gold producer after South Africa, but they are mostly caused by the collapse of mines, often illegal ones. In June, at least nine people died in the collapse of an illegal mine in northern Ghana.

At least 17 killed, more than 50 injured by explosion in western Ghana

At least 17 people have been killed and 59 others have been injured in a devastating explosion in western Ghana. After a truck that reportedly was carrying explosives collided with a motorcycle the blast left a huge crater and also reduced dozens of buildings virtually to their cinders.

Ghana: Trucks carrying mining explosives blasted, killed 17 and injured 59

Several ministers in Ghana threw punches at each other during a parliamentary session over electronic tax payments.

The 'Electronic Communications Tax' also called e-levy, has divided the lower house of Ghana for weeks.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ghana-parliament-brawl-fight-breaks-out-on-the-parliament-floor-over-proposed-tax-on-e-transactions-439012/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Deputy Speaker Joseph Osei-Owusu suggested the tax be debated and voted upon under a hastened "urgency" procedure.

It has been fiercely challenged by the opposition and when the voting on Tuesday resulted in a tie, a brawl broke out.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lawmakers-throw-bottles-at-each-other-as-brawl-breaks-out-in-armenian-parliament-408352">Also read |&nbsp;Lawmakers throw bottles at each other, as brawl breaks out in Armenian parliament</a>

While some delivered blows in the parliament, others tried to restrain their colleagues.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ghana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ghana</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Parliament?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Parliament</a>'s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoyalRumble?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoyalRumble</a> over Electronic Tax Row🤼🤦🏻‍♂️😁😂 <a href="https://t.co/VV3YcVndQj">pic.twitter.com/VV3YcVndQj</a>
— Venkatesh Ragupathi (@venkatesh_Ragu) <a href="https://twitter.com/venkatesh_Ragu/status/1473613770823909376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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To your mind and in the silence of your heart, tell us - how would the e-levy budget fare if it were put to a referendum? This is probably the best way to know which side of <a href="https://twitter.com/GhanaParliament?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GhanaParliament</a> is truly representing the people.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SremPol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SremPol</a>
— Justice Srem-Sai (@JusticeSremSai) <a href="https://twitter.com/JusticeSremSai/status/1473215892989304836?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Fighting inside the Ghanaian 🇬🇭 Parliament today and I didn’t see a single tweet from folks who like to rubbish Nigeria 🇳🇬 while praising Ghana 🇬🇭 every week. If that fight was from the Nigerian Parliament you’d have heard how that will never happen in Ghana 🇬🇭. Hypocrites.
— Dr. Dípò Awójídé (@OgbeniDipo) <a href="https://twitter.com/OgbeniDipo/status/1473384424943366148?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The most chaotic place in Ghana now is unfortunately, our Parliament. 
 
I'm so ashamed!!
— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) <a href="https://twitter.com/SaddickAdams/status/1473079654898622467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The truffff is only ☝🏾 
 
Ghana parliament | E-levy | Twene Jonas | Joe Wise | Haruna Iddrisu | Ghana politics | <a href="https://t.co/FLzsEOq3R4">pic.twitter.com/FLzsEOq3R4</a>
— Avit (@official_avit) <a href="https://twitter.com/official_avit/status/1473237393981464580?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Ghana Boxing. 
NPP and NDC MPs in parliament throwing punches. Where was Kennedy Agyapong though?😂 <a href="https://t.co/g9w2k6Ooxd">pic.twitter.com/g9w2k6Ooxd</a>
— Phelyks Kwabena Agyemang (@phelyks_agyeman) <a href="https://twitter.com/phelyks_agyeman/status/1473409212223049731?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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According to minority leader Haruna Iddrisu, "We need to demonstrate to the country that our democracy is growing, and will not suffer some of these unacceptable sins and spectacles we've witnessed on the floor."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/fighting-erupts-in-taiwanese-parliament-after-opposition-occupies-chamber-309414">Also see |&nbsp;Fighting erupts in Taiwanese parliament after opposition occupies chamber</a>

Critics argue that the tax will disproportionately affect lower-income people but Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta believes the levy would widen the tax net.

Analysts say overall economic activity will be decreased if it is imposed on those who rely heavily rely on mobile money transfers.

A vote on whether to proceed with the urgency procedure was postponed to January 18.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Several ministers in Ghana threw punches at each other during a parliamentary session over electronic tax payments. The 'Electronic Communications Tax' also called e-levy, has divided the lower house of Ghana for weeks.

Several ministers in Ghana threw punches at each other during a parliamentary session over electronic tax payments. The 'Electronic Communications Tax' also called e-levy, has divided the lower house of Ghana for weeks. Deputy Speaker Joseph Osei-Owusu suggested the tax be debated and voted upon under a hastened "urgency" procedure. It has been fiercely challenged by the opposition and when the voting on Tuesday resulted in a tie, a brawl broke out. Also read | Lawmakers throw bottles at each other, as brawl breaks out in Armenian parliament While some delivered blows in the parliament, others tried to restrain their colleagues. #Ghana #Parliament's #RoyalRumble over Electronic Tax Row🤼🤦🏻‍♂️😁😂 pic.twitter.com/VV3YcVndQj — Venkatesh Ragupathi (@venkatesh_Ragu) December 22, 2021 × To your mind and in the silence of your heart, tell us - how would the e-levy budget fare if it were put to a referendum? This is probably the best way to know which side of @GhanaParliament is truly representing the people.#SremPol — Justice Srem-Sai (@JusticeSremSai) December 21, 2021 × Fighting inside the Ghanaian 🇬🇭 Parliament today and I didn’t see a single tweet from folks who like to rubbish Nigeria 🇳🇬 while praising Ghana 🇬🇭 every week. If that fight was from the Nigerian Parliament you’d have heard how that will never happen in Ghana 🇬🇭. Hypocrites. — Dr. Dípò Awójídé (@OgbeniDipo) December 21, 2021 × The most chaotic place in Ghana now is unfortunately, our Parliament. I'm so ashamed!! — Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) December 20, 2021 × The truffff is only ☝🏾 Ghana parliament | E-levy | Twene Jonas | Joe Wise | Haruna Iddrisu | Ghana politics | pic.twitter.com/FLzsEOq3R4 — Avit (@official_avit) December 21, 2021 × Ghana Boxing. NPP and NDC MPs in parliament throwing punches. Where was Kennedy Agyapong though?😂 pic.twitter.com/g9w2k6Ooxd — Phelyks Kwabena Agyemang (@phelyks_agyeman) December 21, 2021 × According to minority leader Haruna Iddrisu, "We need to demonstrate to the country that our democracy is growing, and will not suffer some of these unacceptable sins and spectacles we've witnessed on the floor." Also see | Fighting erupts in Taiwanese parliament after opposition occupies chamber Critics argue that the tax will disproportionately affect lower-income people but Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta believes the levy would widen the tax net. Analysts say overall economic activity will be decreased if it is imposed on those who rely heavily rely on mobile money transfers. A vote on whether to proceed with the urgency procedure was postponed to January 18. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Social media erupts after punches thrown during brawl in Ghana parliament

Amid a row over a proposed tax on electronic transactions, a rough fight breaks out between the lawmakers. The Finance Minister argues that the levy would widen the tax net.

Ghana Parliament Brawl: Fight breaks out on the Parliament floor over proposed tax on e-Transactions

It's not a new thing that nature has wonders and surprises waiting to be found. Something takes a dip in dark, we lose sight of it for years and years and it unexpectedly pops up making us drop our jaws.

A giant owl has been sighted for the first time in 150 years!.&nbsp;

Shelley's eagle owl, true to its name due to its similarities to an eagle, has been spotted by experts in jungles of Ghana in Africa. This is being hailed as fantastic and ecologists are over cloud nine.

A picture of the bird was taken by Dr Robert Williams, an ecologist from Somerset and Dr Joseph Tobias, of the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial College London.

Shelley's eagle owl was first described by Richard Bowdler Sharpe, curator of the bird collection at the Natural History Museum. The specimen was taken from a hunter in Ghana.

There hasn't been a single confirmed sighting of the owl after that.

Shelley's Eagle Owl is known for its distinct black eyes and eagle-like appearance. Even Dr Tobias, who spotted the owl with Dr Williams mistook it to be an eagle first, as reported by The Independent.

It's not a new thing that nature has wonders and surprises waiting to be found. Something takes a dip in dark, we lose sight of it for years and years and it unexpectedly pops up making us drop our jaws.

It's not a new thing that nature has wonders and surprises waiting to be found. Something takes a dip in dark, we lose sight of it for years and years and it unexpectedly pops up making us drop our jaws. A giant owl has been sighted for the first time in 150 years!. Shelley's eagle owl, true to its name due to its similarities to an eagle, has been spotted by experts in jungles of Ghana in Africa. This is being hailed as fantastic and ecologists are over cloud nine. A picture of the bird was taken by Dr Robert Williams, an ecologist from Somerset and Dr Joseph Tobias, of the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial College London. Shelley's eagle owl was first described by Richard Bowdler Sharpe, curator of the bird collection at the Natural History Museum. The specimen was taken from a hunter in Ghana. There hasn't been a single confirmed sighting of the owl after that. Shelley's Eagle Owl is known for its distinct black eyes and eagle-like appearance. Even Dr Tobias, who spotted the owl with Dr Williams mistook it to be an eagle first, as reported by The Independent.

Giant owl, unseen for 150 years, spotted in wild

Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghana President, has been criticised for promoting anti-LGBT law in the country that undermines the rights of the community.

Ghana is one of the countries where gay sex is illegal. However, now, a law proposal has been mentioned which not only discriminates against the LGBT community but also denounces anyone who tries to help the community.

The proposal includes criminalising LGBT advocacy, supports and justifies conversion therapy and imposes longer jail sentences. This proposal was introduced in the country’s parliament earlier this month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-tortures-lgbt-children-with-electric-shock-to-cure-them-un-report-363329" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-tortures-lgbt-children-with-electric-shock-to-cure-them-un-report-363329&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiI6r7-v6vyAhVM3jgGHa57BJsQFjAFegQIBRAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw1rQpYM8asJGdUuNz3cQFWb" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-tortures-lgbt-children-with-electric-shock-to-cure-them-un-report-363329" target="_blank">Iran tortures&nbsp;LGBT&nbsp;children with electric shock to 'cure' them: UN</a>

However, this proposal has caused waves of disappointment against taking away the rights of the LGBT community and their supporters. International organisations have joined forces to protest against the "promotion of proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values bill".

Once the proposal is passed by the parliament, the decision about adopting this text ultimately comes down to Nana Akufo-Addo. The leader who won his second term in the office in December, can either approve the proposal, upsetting the LGBT community and its supporters, or veto it to protect the rights of the community.

"Adopting the legislation in its current or any partial form would be tantamount to a violation of a number of human rights standards, including the absolute prohibition of torture,"&nbsp;a group of UN experts worded their statement. "It will not only criminalise LGBTI people, but anyone who supports their human rights shows sympathy to them or is even remotely associated with them."

Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghana President, has been criticised for promoting anti-LGBT law in the country that undermines the rights of the community. Ghana is one of the countries where gay sex is illegal.

Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghana President, has been criticised for promoting anti-LGBT law in the country that undermines the rights of the community. Ghana is one of the countries where gay sex is illegal. However, now, a law proposal has been mentioned which not only discriminates against the LGBT community but also denounces anyone who tries to help the community. The proposal includes criminalising LGBT advocacy, supports and justifies conversion therapy and imposes longer jail sentences. This proposal was introduced in the country’s parliament earlier this month. Also read | Iran tortures LGBT children with electric shock to 'cure' them: UN However, this proposal has caused waves of disappointment against taking away the rights of the LGBT community and their supporters. International organisations have joined forces to protest against the "promotion of proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values bill". Once the proposal is passed by the parliament, the decision about adopting this text ultimately comes down to Nana Akufo-Addo. The leader who won his second term in the office in December, can either approve the proposal, upsetting the LGBT community and its supporters, or veto it to protect the rights of the community. "Adopting the legislation in its current or any partial form would be tantamount to a violation of a number of human rights standards, including the absolute prohibition of torture," a group of UN experts worded their statement. "It will not only criminalise LGBTI people, but anyone who supports their human rights shows sympathy to them or is even remotely associated with them."

Ghana President set to make tough decision on anti-LGBT bill

Two protesters were shot dead and four were wounded in clashes with security forces in&nbsp;Ghana's southern Ashanti region, police and a health official said Wednesday.

The protesters were demonstrating against the death of a youth activist, Ibrahim "Kaaka" Mohammed, when they were confronted by police and soldiers on Tuesday in the town of Ejura.

"Two people died during the clashes," said police spokesman Godwin Ahianyo.

Police were investigating the incident and calm had been restored to the area, he said.&nbsp;

A health official confirmed that two people died and four were injured.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unstoppable-182-unmarked-graves-found-at-third-canadian-school-395019">Also Read |&nbsp;'Unstoppable': 182 unmarked graves found at third Canadian school</a>

"One died before arrival. We tried to resuscitate the other but he died later," said Manyee Mensah, medical superintendent at the Ejura Government Hospital.

"Currently, we have four injured persons... One is in a critical condition but the other three are stable," Mensah told AFP by phone.

Gunmen killed Mohammed, an outspoken critic of the government on social media, near his house in a suburb of Ejura on Sunday.

Police said they had arrested two suspects in connection with his death.&nbsp;

"We’re on top of issues and I want to assure the public everything is under control," Ahianyo said.

President Nana Akufo-Addo ordered a government report on the incident within 10 days.

The statement from his office said the president was "deeply saddened" by the deaths of Mohammed and two others, assumed to be the protesters.&nbsp;

Akufo-Addo won a second term last December, but with only a small majority in parliament, and has been under pressure from political opponents.

Faced with mounting public debt and severely hit by the coronavirus pandemic, the government introduced new taxes in a bid to boost the economy.

An increase in the price of fuel led to knock-on hikes to some essential goods and services.

Parts of&nbsp;Ghana&nbsp;have also suffered from power outages in recent months, and there has been in increase in daylight robberies in the capital Accra.&nbsp;

In response, a number of Ghanaians have taken to Twitter to demand change, using the hashtag #FixTheCountry.

Citing Covid-19 restrictions, police secured a court injunction&nbsp;and blocked a planned protest in May, but discontent has continued to simmer.&nbsp;

Two protesters were shot dead and four were wounded in clashes with security forces in Ghana's southern Ashanti region, police and a health official said Wednesday.

Two protesters were shot dead and four were wounded in clashes with security forces in Ghana's southern Ashanti region, police and a health official said Wednesday. The protesters were demonstrating against the death of a youth activist, Ibrahim "Kaaka" Mohammed, when they were confronted by police and soldiers on Tuesday in the town of Ejura. "Two people died during the clashes," said police spokesman Godwin Ahianyo. Police were investigating the incident and calm had been restored to the area, he said. A health official confirmed that two people died and four were injured. Also Read | 'Unstoppable': 182 unmarked graves found at third Canadian school "One died before arrival. We tried to resuscitate the other but he died later," said Manyee Mensah, medical superintendent at the Ejura Government Hospital. "Currently, we have four injured persons... One is in a critical condition but the other three are stable," Mensah told AFP by phone. Gunmen killed Mohammed, an outspoken critic of the government on social media, near his house in a suburb of Ejura on Sunday. Police said they had arrested two suspects in connection with his death. "We’re on top of issues and I want to assure the public everything is under control," Ahianyo said. President Nana Akufo-Addo ordered a government report on the incident within 10 days. The statement from his office said the president was "deeply saddened" by the deaths of Mohammed and two others, assumed to be the protesters. Akufo-Addo won a second term last December, but with only a small majority in parliament, and has been under pressure from political opponents. Faced with mounting public debt and severely hit by the coronavirus pandemic, the government introduced new taxes in a bid to boost the economy. An increase in the price of fuel led to knock-on hikes to some essential goods and services. Parts of Ghana have also suffered from power outages in recent months, and there has been in increase in daylight robberies in the capital Accra. In response, a number of Ghanaians have taken to Twitter to demand change, using the hashtag #FixTheCountry. Citing Covid-19 restrictions, police secured a court injunction and blocked a planned protest in May, but discontent has continued to simmer.

Two protesters shot dead in Ghana

The UN General Assembly elected Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana, and the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations Security Council on Friday for a two-year term starting on Jan. 1, 2022.

All five countries ran unopposed for a spot on the 15-member body, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security. They will replace Estonia, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia and Vietnam.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-first-indian-diplomat-nagaraj-naidu-to-be-unga-presidents-chef-de-cabinet-390683">In a first, Indian diplomat Nagaraj Naidu to be UNGA President's Chef de Cabinet</a>

To ensure geographical representation, seats are allocated to regional groups. But even if candidates are running unopposed in their group, they still need to win the support of more than two-thirds of the UN&nbsp;General Assembly.

Ghana received 185 votes, Gabon 183 votes, UAE 179 votes, Albania 175 votes and Brazil 181 votes.

The Security Council is the only UN body that can make legally binding decisions like imposing sanctions and authorizing use of force. It has five permanent veto-wielding members - the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia.

The UN General Assembly elected Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana, and the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations Security Council on Friday for a two-year term starting on Jan.

The UN General Assembly elected Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana, and the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations Security Council on Friday for a two-year term starting on Jan. 1, 2022. All five countries ran unopposed for a spot on the 15-member body, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security. They will replace Estonia, Niger, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Tunisia and Vietnam. Also read | In a first, Indian diplomat Nagaraj Naidu to be UNGA President's Chef de Cabinet To ensure geographical representation, seats are allocated to regional groups. But even if candidates are running unopposed in their group, they still need to win the support of more than two-thirds of the UN General Assembly. Ghana received 185 votes, Gabon 183 votes, UAE 179 votes, Albania 175 votes and Brazil 181 votes. The Security Council is the only UN body that can make legally binding decisions like imposing sanctions and authorizing use of force. It has five permanent veto-wielding members - the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia.

Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana, UAE elected to UN Security Council

On Saturday night at the Purple Pub in Ghana's capital Accra even the pandemic and an official shutdown of bars and clubs can't stop the music.

In the bustling Osu district, early revellers laze on plastic chairs emptying local beers as speakers cranked to full volume drown out their voices.&nbsp;

After midnight, the chairs empty, whether it is Sarkodie or Stonebwoy, the kings of Ghanaian Afrobeats soon have the whole street swinging.

In a music scene long ruled by giant neighbour Nigeria, Afrobeats from Ghana are now finding favour not only in Accra's clubs but in a thriving international market beyond West Africa.

"Not only is Afrobeats hyper-popular here in Ghana, it's now gaining real recognition on the international stage," says Stonebwoy in his Accra recording studio, which is lined with international accolades.

"We are seeing Afrobeats festivals appear in Europe, I am happy to see West African music go so far. I even have hardened fans in India and Bangladesh," says the singer who counts 3.6 million Instagram followers.

Afrobeats takes its name from the Afrobeat musical genre of the 1970s popularised by the music icon Fela Kuti and which exploded in Nigeria.&nbsp;

Western audiences were discovering the Afrobeats scene in 2016 thanks to the hit "One Dance", featuring Canadian superstar Drake and Nigerian Wizkid.

The tune soared in popularity to secure a place as the most played song of all time on Spotify, surpassing one billion streams.

- Nigeria's shadow -

Now, alongside Nigerian stars with millions of social media followers -- Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido -- Ghanian musicians are emerging to take their turn.

Gyakie and Joey B boast hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers while KiDi has 1.6 million, Sarkodie 4.4 million and Shatta Wale 3.2 million.&nbsp;

Shatta Wale's "Already" featuring Beyonce and Major Lazer was one of the hits of the summer of 2020, securing Ghana a place among the countries which now count on Africa's pop scene.&nbsp;

Jefferson Seneadza, co-founder of the Ghanaian music streaming platform Aftown, which aims to promote African music, has noted "a massive interest in Ghanaian music".&nbsp;

"Our music industry is finally being taken seriously," he says, saying the country can now take its talents to the international stage.

Stonebwoy's latest album, for example, has been listened to over a million times in a week on the platform.

"And a lot of those tapping came from abroad," Seneadza said.

Young singer Gyakie signed a contract with US giant Sony Music earlier this year, shortly after a delegation from the label travelled to Ghana to scout the local market.

"In Afrobeats, Ghana is now in a position to compete with Nigeria," said Jim Donnett, public relations manager of Sony Music West Africa.

"But it's healthy competition."&nbsp;

Musicians attribute this success to the mixture of genres.

"My music is Afro-dancehall influenced by Caribbean music," says Stonebwoy, a bright red cap resting on his braided hair.

"I borrow from Jamaican dancehall, reggae, and cook it all in the big pot of African music, adding the rhythms and melodies unique to the continent."

- The Highlife -

The result: contagious rhythms which, served by a powerful voice, form irresistibly catchy pieces.

But the Ghanaian Afrobeats stand out from their Nigerian big sister in one particular way: the legacy of "Highlife".&nbsp;

The genre appeared in colonised Ghana, then called Cote-de-l'Or, at the beginning of the 19th century, by adapting the traditional rhythms of the Ashanti people to Western instruments brought by the colonists.&nbsp;

It was thanks to Highlife that Ghana enjoyed its first success on the international music scene.

"By the 1970s, big Highlife groups like Osibisa were already filling entire stadiums," recalls Ghanaian-Romanian musician Wanlov the Kubolor, avant-garde cultural icon and author of an offbeat album called 'Afrobeats LOL'.

"But the recent popularity of Afrobeats is of a different nature."

Thanks to the internet, young Ghanaian artists can achieve viral success very quickly, he said.

But Ghana's scene now faces another challenge: the Covid-19 pandemic and the strict health restrictions put in place by the government since March 2020 that have been a blow to the music sector across the world.&nbsp;

The cancellations of festivals and concerts, which represent the bulk of income for African artists, have further weakened a sector where funding was already fragile.

"All eyes are on Africa right now, and we, the young Ghanaian creators, feel that it is the right time to emerge," says young talent Sofie on the sidelines of a shoot for a new video in a private villa in Accra.

"What we lack now is a real industry, structured and funded with the help of the state."

On Saturday night at the Purple Pub in Ghana's capital Accra even the pandemic and an official shutdown of bars and clubs can't stop the music. In the bustling Osu district, early revellers laze on plastic chairs emptying local beers as speakers cranked to full volume drown out their voices.

On Saturday night at the Purple Pub in Ghana's capital Accra even the pandemic and an official shutdown of bars and clubs can't stop the music. In the bustling Osu district, early revellers laze on plastic chairs emptying local beers as speakers cranked to full volume drown out their voices. After midnight, the chairs empty, whether it is Sarkodie or Stonebwoy, the kings of Ghanaian Afrobeats soon have the whole street swinging. In a music scene long ruled by giant neighbour Nigeria, Afrobeats from Ghana are now finding favour not only in Accra's clubs but in a thriving international market beyond West Africa. "Not only is Afrobeats hyper-popular here in Ghana, it's now gaining real recognition on the international stage," says Stonebwoy in his Accra recording studio, which is lined with international accolades. "We are seeing Afrobeats festivals appear in Europe, I am happy to see West African music go so far. I even have hardened fans in India and Bangladesh," says the singer who counts 3.6 million Instagram followers. Afrobeats takes its name from the Afrobeat musical genre of the 1970s popularised by the music icon Fela Kuti and which exploded in Nigeria. Western audiences were discovering the Afrobeats scene in 2016 thanks to the hit "One Dance", featuring Canadian superstar Drake and Nigerian Wizkid. The tune soared in popularity to secure a place as the most played song of all time on Spotify, surpassing one billion streams. - Nigeria's shadow - Now, alongside Nigerian stars with millions of social media followers -- Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido -- Ghanian musicians are emerging to take their turn. Gyakie and Joey B boast hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers while KiDi has 1.6 million, Sarkodie 4.4 million and Shatta Wale 3.2 million. Shatta Wale's "Already" featuring Beyonce and Major Lazer was one of the hits of the summer of 2020, securing Ghana a place among the countries which now count on Africa's pop scene. Jefferson Seneadza, co-founder of the Ghanaian music streaming platform Aftown, which aims to promote African music, has noted "a massive interest in Ghanaian music". "Our music industry is finally being taken seriously," he says, saying the country can now take its talents to the international stage. Stonebwoy's latest album, for example, has been listened to over a million times in a week on the platform. "And a lot of those tapping came from abroad," Seneadza said. Young singer Gyakie signed a contract with US giant Sony Music earlier this year, shortly after a delegation from the label travelled to Ghana to scout the local market. "In Afrobeats, Ghana is now in a position to compete with Nigeria," said Jim Donnett, public relations manager of Sony Music West Africa. "But it's healthy competition." Musicians attribute this success to the mixture of genres. "My music is Afro-dancehall influenced by Caribbean music," says Stonebwoy, a bright red cap resting on his braided hair. "I borrow from Jamaican dancehall, reggae, and cook it all in the big pot of African music, adding the rhythms and melodies unique to the continent." - The Highlife - The result: contagious rhythms which, served by a powerful voice, form irresistibly catchy pieces. But the Ghanaian Afrobeats stand out from their Nigerian big sister in one particular way: the legacy of "Highlife". The genre appeared in colonised Ghana, then called Cote-de-l'Or, at the beginning of the 19th century, by adapting the traditional rhythms of the Ashanti people to Western instruments brought by the colonists. It was thanks to Highlife that Ghana enjoyed its first success on the international music scene. "By the 1970s, big Highlife groups like Osibisa were already filling entire stadiums," recalls Ghanaian-Romanian musician Wanlov the Kubolor, avant-garde cultural icon and author of an offbeat album called 'Afrobeats LOL'. "But the recent popularity of Afrobeats is of a different nature." Thanks to the internet, young Ghanaian artists can achieve viral success very quickly, he said. But Ghana's scene now faces another challenge: the Covid-19 pandemic and the strict health restrictions put in place by the government since March 2020 that have been a blow to the music sector across the world. The cancellations of festivals and concerts, which represent the bulk of income for African artists, have further weakened a sector where funding was already fragile. "All eyes are on Africa right now, and we, the young Ghanaian creators, feel that it is the right time to emerge," says young talent Sofie on the sidelines of a shoot for a new video in a private villa in Accra. "What we lack now is a real industry, structured and funded with the help of the state."

Afrobeats put Ghana back on international music scene

Twitter&nbsp;Inc will open its first African office in Ghana, it said on Monday, as the social media company seeks to make inroads in some of the world's fastest-growing markets.

Africa is under-tapped terrain for technology firms, with internet use per population at around 39% against a world average of 59% according to web analytics firm StatCounter, but that number grows every year thanks to expanding mobile broadband networks and affordable phones.

"We must be more immersed in the rich and vibrant communities that drive the conversations taking place every day across the African continent,"&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;said in a statement.

Twitter&nbsp;trails its largest rival, Facebook Inc, which opened its first African office in Johannesburg in 2015 and plans to open a second in Lagos this year. The firm struck a deal with African telecom majors in 2020 to build one of the world's largest subsea cable networks.

Nearly 59% of African internet users had Facebook accounts as of March 2021, StatCounter figures show, compared with 11.75% who have&nbsp;Twitter.

Twitter's move was welcomed in Ghana, which has emerged as a hub for African startups alongside the continent's technology frontrunners, South Africa and Nigeria.

"This is the start of a beautiful partnership between&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;and Ghana," Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo tweeted on Monday, saying its presence was crucial for the development of Ghana's tech sector.

Twitter Inc will open its first African office in Ghana, it said on Monday, as the social media company seeks to make inroads in some of the world's fastest-growing markets.

Twitter Inc will open its first African office in Ghana, it said on Monday, as the social media company seeks to make inroads in some of the world's fastest-growing markets. Africa is under-tapped terrain for technology firms, with internet use per population at around 39% against a world average of 59% according to web analytics firm StatCounter, but that number grows every year thanks to expanding mobile broadband networks and affordable phones. "We must be more immersed in the rich and vibrant communities that drive the conversations taking place every day across the African continent," Twitter said in a statement. Twitter trails its largest rival, Facebook Inc, which opened its first African office in Johannesburg in 2015 and plans to open a second in Lagos this year. The firm struck a deal with African telecom majors in 2020 to build one of the world's largest subsea cable networks. Nearly 59% of African internet users had Facebook accounts as of March 2021, StatCounter figures show, compared with 11.75% who have Twitter. Twitter's move was welcomed in Ghana, which has emerged as a hub for African startups alongside the continent's technology frontrunners, South Africa and Nigeria. "This is the start of a beautiful partnership between Twitter and Ghana," Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo tweeted on Monday, saying its presence was crucial for the development of Ghana's tech sector.

Twitter to open first Africa office to tap fast-growing market

The World Health Organisation's (WHO) global vaccine-sharing scheme COVAX delivered its first Covid-19 shots on Wednesday.

A flight carrying 600,000 doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine produced by the Serum Institute of India landed in Ghana's capital Accra on Wednesday.

The delivery comes eight months after the launch of the COVAX initiative, aimed at pooling funds from wealthier countries and non-profits to distribute vaccines equitably around the world.

The shots, part of an initial tranche for low and middle-income countries, will be used by Ghana to start a vaccination drive from March 2 that will prioritise frontline health workers and others at high risk.

Coronavirus infections have soared in Ghana to over 81,200, and 584 people have died, with nearly as many dying in the first two months of this year as in the whole of 2020.

The roll-out in Ghana is a milestone for COVAX, which is trying to narrow a politically sensitive gap between the millions being vaccinated in wealthier countries and the comparatively few who have received shots in less developed parts of the world.

It plans to deliver nearly 2 billion doses this year, including 1.8 billion to poorer countries at no cost to their governments, and to cover up to 20% of countries' populations. But it will not be sufficient for nations to reach herd immunity and effectively contain the spread of the virus.

The African Union (AU) has been trying to help its 55 member states buy more doses in a push to immunize 60% of the continent's 1.3 billion people over three years. Last week, its vaccine team said 270 million doses of AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccines secured for delivery this year had been taken up.

China has donated small batches of its Sinopharm vaccine to countries including Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea. And Russia has offered to supply 300 million doses of its Sputnik V vaccine to the AU scheme along with a financing package.

But many countries are largely reliant on COVAX.

On Tuesday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged wealthy nations to share vaccine doses with COVAX, saying the goal of equitable distribution was "in jeopardy".

"Today is a major first step towards realizing our shared vision of vaccine equity, but it's just the beginning," he said on Wednesday. 
He had earlier warned that so far 210 million doses of vaccine have been administered globally but half of those are in just two countries and more than 200 countries were yet to administer a single dose.

COVAX is co-led by the WHO, the GAVI vaccines alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and UNICEF.

Africa's reported COVID-19 death toll surpassed 100,000 last week, a fraction of those on other continents but rising fast amid a second wave of infections.

South Africa paused its roll-out of AstraZeneca's vaccine after preliminary trial data showed less efficacy against the 501Y.V2 coronavirus variant dominant there, but other African countries say they will use the shot.

Ghana is among six African countries that have confirmed cases of the variant.

The COVAX rollout is being considered as an inflexion point in Africa's pandemic response. But having said that, it should be noted that the West must take the blame for Africa's slow rollout.

They have stocked up on jabs -- leaving very little for the rest. Canada has bought enough doses to inoculate the population five times over.

The European Union has ordered enough for a double vaccination; so has the United States.

Such massive orders have strained the supply chain, and vaccine makers are unable to keep up.

In short, the pandemic exposed the fault lines in our world, and minorities were hit harder by the virus.

Rich countries handed out cheques, while livelihoods disappeared in poorer nations. This trend of inequity is continuing with the vaccine roll-out.

In Latin America, 1.6 doses are being given per 100 people; in the US, the number is 19; in Britain, it's 27.

Well, the virus may not discriminate -- but the vaccine does.

The World Health Organisation's (WHO) global vaccine-sharing scheme COVAX delivered its first Covid-19 shots on Wednesday. A flight carrying 600,000 doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine produced by the Serum Institute of India landed in Ghana's capital Accra on Wednesday.

The World Health Organisation's (WHO) global vaccine-sharing scheme COVAX delivered its first Covid-19 shots on Wednesday. A flight carrying 600,000 doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine produced by the Serum Institute of India landed in Ghana's capital Accra on Wednesday. The delivery comes eight months after the launch of the COVAX initiative, aimed at pooling funds from wealthier countries and non-profits to distribute vaccines equitably around the world. The shots, part of an initial tranche for low and middle-income countries, will be used by Ghana to start a vaccination drive from March 2 that will prioritise frontline health workers and others at high risk. Coronavirus infections have soared in Ghana to over 81,200, and 584 people have died, with nearly as many dying in the first two months of this year as in the whole of 2020. The roll-out in Ghana is a milestone for COVAX, which is trying to narrow a politically sensitive gap between the millions being vaccinated in wealthier countries and the comparatively few who have received shots in less developed parts of the world. It plans to deliver nearly 2 billion doses this year, including 1.8 billion to poorer countries at no cost to their governments, and to cover up to 20% of countries' populations. But it will not be sufficient for nations to reach herd immunity and effectively contain the spread of the virus. The African Union (AU) has been trying to help its 55 member states buy more doses in a push to immunize 60% of the continent's 1.3 billion people over three years. Last week, its vaccine team said 270 million doses of AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines secured for delivery this year had been taken up. China has donated small batches of its Sinopharm vaccine to countries including Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea. And Russia has offered to supply 300 million doses of its Sputnik V vaccine to the AU scheme along with a financing package. But many countries are largely reliant on COVAX. On Tuesday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged wealthy nations to share vaccine doses with COVAX, saying the goal of equitable distribution was "in jeopardy". "Today is a major first step towards realizing our shared vision of vaccine equity, but it's just the beginning," he said on Wednesday. He had earlier warned that so far 210 million doses of vaccine have been administered globally but half of those are in just two countries and more than 200 countries were yet to administer a single dose. COVAX is co-led by the WHO, the GAVI vaccines alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and UNICEF. Africa's reported COVID-19 death toll surpassed 100,000 last week, a fraction of those on other continents but rising fast amid a second wave of infections. South Africa paused its roll-out of AstraZeneca's vaccine after preliminary trial data showed less efficacy against the 501Y.V2 coronavirus variant dominant there, but other African countries say they will use the shot. Ghana is among six African countries that have confirmed cases of the variant. The COVAX rollout is being considered as an inflexion point in Africa's pandemic response. But having said that, it should be noted that the West must take the blame for Africa's slow rollout. They have stocked up on jabs -- leaving very little for the rest. Canada has bought enough doses to inoculate the population five times over. The European Union has ordered enough for a double vaccination; so has the United States. Such massive orders have strained the supply chain, and vaccine makers are unable to keep up. In short, the pandemic exposed the fault lines in our world, and minorities were hit harder by the virus. Rich countries handed out cheques, while livelihoods disappeared in poorer nations. This trend of inequity is continuing with the vaccine roll-out. In Latin America, 1.6 doses are being given per 100 people; in the US, the number is 19; in Britain, it's 27. Well, the virus may not discriminate -- but the vaccine does.

COVAX delivers its first vaccine shots with shipment to Ghana

Ghana's capital Accra becomes the first to get official Made in India vaccine doses under the WHO program. Tedros Adhanom, director-general of the World Health Organization has also urged rich countries to not hoard vaccines.

WHO: Ghana becomes first country to get Made in India COVAX

Ghana is to receive Wednesday the first shipment of Covid-19 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccines</a> from Covax, a global scheme to procure and distribute inoculations for free to poor countries, UNICEF and the World Health Organization said.

"We are pleased that Ghana has become the first country to receive the Covid-19 vaccines from the Covax facility," UNICEF, which organised the shipment from Mumbai, said in a joint statement with the WHO.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-orders-135-million-astrazeneca-doses-likely-to-drop-chinese-covid-19-vaccines-365799" hreflang="en">Sri Lanka orders 13.5 million AstraZeneca doses, likely to drop Chinese COVID-19 vaccines</a>

It said the 600,000 doses are part of an initial tranche of deliveries of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine licensed to the Serum Institute of India, "which represent part of the first wave of Covid vaccines headed to several low and middle-income countries."

The West African nation has recorded 80,759 Covid-19 cases and 582 deaths since the start of the pandemic. These figures are believed to fall short of the real toll as the number of tests is low.

Frontline workers in Ghana are meant to be the first to receive the vaccine.

Also read|&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-role-can-india-play-in-coronavirus-vaccine-inoculation-365760/amp" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-role-can-india-play-in-coronavirus-vaccine-inoculation-365760/amp&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi_6dj3kYLvAhU38HMBHY8FCyoQFjABegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw14AEBn746UmFNlIqAquze6" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-role-can-india-play-in-coronavirus-vaccine-inoculation-365760/amp" target="_blank">What role can India play in coronavirus vaccine inoculation?</a>

"In the days ahead, frontline workers will begin to receive vaccines," UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said.&nbsp;

"The next phase in the fight against this disease can begin – the ramping up of the largest immunization campaign in history."

Covax, led by Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, the WHO and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), said it would deliver two billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines to its members by the end of the year, including 2,412,000 doses to Ghana.

Schools in the country reopened in January after a 10-month closure, but large social gatherings are banned and land and sea borders have remained closed since March 2020.

Ghana's economic growth is expected to plummet this year to its lowest in three decades, to 0.9 percent according to the International Monetary Fund, from 6.5 percent in 2019.

Ghana is to receive Wednesday the first shipment of Covid-19 vaccines from Covax, a global scheme to procure and distribute inoculations for free to poor countries, UNICEF and the World Health Organization said.

Ghana is to receive Wednesday the first shipment of Covid-19 vaccines from Covax, a global scheme to procure and distribute inoculations for free to poor countries, UNICEF and the World Health Organization said. "We are pleased that Ghana has become the first country to receive the Covid-19 vaccines from the Covax facility," UNICEF, which organised the shipment from Mumbai, said in a joint statement with the WHO. Also read| Sri Lanka orders 13.5 million AstraZeneca doses, likely to drop Chinese COVID-19 vaccines It said the 600,000 doses are part of an initial tranche of deliveries of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine licensed to the Serum Institute of India, "which represent part of the first wave of Covid vaccines headed to several low and middle-income countries." The West African nation has recorded 80,759 Covid-19 cases and 582 deaths since the start of the pandemic. These figures are believed to fall short of the real toll as the number of tests is low. Frontline workers in Ghana are meant to be the first to receive the vaccine. Also read| What role can India play in coronavirus vaccine inoculation? "In the days ahead, frontline workers will begin to receive vaccines," UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said. "The next phase in the fight against this disease can begin – the ramping up of the largest immunization campaign in history." Covax, led by Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, the WHO and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), said it would deliver two billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines to its members by the end of the year, including 2,412,000 doses to Ghana. Schools in the country reopened in January after a 10-month closure, but large social gatherings are banned and land and sea borders have remained closed since March 2020. Ghana's economic growth is expected to plummet this year to its lowest in three decades, to 0.9 percent according to the International Monetary Fund, from 6.5 percent in 2019.

Ghana to receive world's first doses of free Covax vaccines

Ghanaian soldiers intervened overnight to quell a clash between opposing parties in parliament ahead of the body's swearing-in set for Thursday.

Chaotic scenes erupted after a ruling party deputy tried to seize the ballot box during the vote for parliament speaker. The ensuing clash lasted several hours until the army stepped in, with national television broadcasting the drama live.

"There was total breakdown of law and order," said MP-elect Kwame Twumasi Ampofo of the opposition National Democratic Congress. "Looking at a member of parliament and a minister of state snatching ballot papers... was so shameful."

The new parliament will be virtually split down the middle between the two main parties, posing the risk of gridlock with key issues on the agenda including how to turn around an economy hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

President Nana Akufo-Addo, who narrowly won re-election in the December 27 vote, will also be sworn in on Thursday.

His New Patriotic Party lost 32 seats in the 275-member parliament.

Ghanaian soldiers intervened overnight to quell a clash between opposing parties in parliament ahead of the body's swearing-in set for Thursday. Chaotic scenes erupted after a ruling party deputy tried to seize the ballot box during the vote for parliament speaker.

Ghanaian soldiers intervened overnight to quell a clash between opposing parties in parliament ahead of the body's swearing-in set for Thursday. Chaotic scenes erupted after a ruling party deputy tried to seize the ballot box during the vote for parliament speaker. The ensuing clash lasted several hours until the army stepped in, with national television broadcasting the drama live. "There was total breakdown of law and order," said MP-elect Kwame Twumasi Ampofo of the opposition National Democratic Congress. "Looking at a member of parliament and a minister of state snatching ballot papers... was so shameful." The new parliament will be virtually split down the middle between the two main parties, posing the risk of gridlock with key issues on the agenda including how to turn around an economy hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic. President Nana Akufo-Addo, who narrowly won re-election in the December 27 vote, will also be sworn in on Thursday. His New Patriotic Party lost 32 seats in the 275-member parliament.

Ghana army steps in to quell parliament clash ahead of swearing-in

Countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Mauritania, Ghana and Ivory Coast have seen a sharp rise in cases and are reporting near record levels of infection.

Africa crosses 2.5 million COVID-19 cases as it witnesses second wave of infections

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