Elections are underway in Ghana, experts are predicting a tight race between incumbent Nana Akufo-Addo and his predecessor, John Mahama. WION brings you a report.

Ghana Presidential Election: Tight contest between long time rivals

Ghana, better known as the world’s second-largest supplier of cocoa went to polls today. As part of this exercise, 17 million Ghanaians will elect their next president. On December 7, 2020, the west African country started the process of electing a new president and a parliament.

Besides being known as the world's second-largest supplier of cocoa, Ghana is known as the most democratic country in its neighbourhood.

Ghana returned to democracy in 1992, and this - is its 8th presidential and parliamentary election. Ghana's president -&nbsp; Nana Akufo Ado is running for a second term. And this election is unique in ways more than one.

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Out of eleven candidates who are running for president, 3 are women. The main challenger to president Anan Akufo Ado - is his predecessor John Dramani Mahama.

Ghana has 17 million voters: 38,000 polling stations have been set up across 16 region to help Ghanaians vote.

These are the issues on the minds of voters: Unemployment, security, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the economy. The Ghanaian economy is driven by cocoa and gold, and it was once called the “Gold Coast”. The country has one of the biggest gold reserves in the world, and is the 7th largest producer of gold.

The COVID-19 pandemic has not spared Ghana's people or its economy. But the country's response to the healthcare crisis has been lauded globally.

Ghana managed to contain the number of infections to just over 50,000, and deaths have been limited to around 300.

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For the third time, Akufo Ado will be taking Mahama head on. The two first contested against each other in 2012. Mahama won. Akufo Ado got his revenge 4 years later.

Local reports say-&nbsp; the president has an edge this time too. If so, his party- the NPP would need to secure over 50 per cent seats in the 275-member parliament. The results are expected to be out on December 10.

Ghana, better known as the world’s second-largest supplier of cocoa went to polls today. As part of this exercise, 17 million Ghanaians will elect their next president.

Ghana, better known as the world’s second-largest supplier of cocoa went to polls today. As part of this exercise, 17 million Ghanaians will elect their next president. On December 7, 2020, the west African country started the process of electing a new president and a parliament. Besides being known as the world's second-largest supplier of cocoa, Ghana is known as the most democratic country in its neighbourhood. Ghana returned to democracy in 1992, and this - is its 8th presidential and parliamentary election. Ghana's president - Nana Akufo Ado is running for a second term. And this election is unique in ways more than one. × Out of eleven candidates who are running for president, 3 are women. The main challenger to president Anan Akufo Ado - is his predecessor John Dramani Mahama. Ghana has 17 million voters: 38,000 polling stations have been set up across 16 region to help Ghanaians vote. These are the issues on the minds of voters: Unemployment, security, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the economy. The Ghanaian economy is driven by cocoa and gold, and it was once called the “Gold Coast”. The country has one of the biggest gold reserves in the world, and is the 7th largest producer of gold. The COVID-19 pandemic has not spared Ghana's people or its economy. But the country's response to the healthcare crisis has been lauded globally. Ghana managed to contain the number of infections to just over 50,000, and deaths have been limited to around 300. × For the third time, Akufo Ado will be taking Mahama head on. The two first contested against each other in 2012. Mahama won. Akufo Ado got his revenge 4 years later. Local reports say- the president has an edge this time too. If so, his party- the NPP would need to secure over 50 per cent seats in the 275-member parliament. The results are expected to be out on December 10.

All that you need to know about Ghana elections

Ghana is the world's second-largest cocoa supplier. How much do you about the country's politics?

Gravitas: Ghana Presidential Election

Both candidates have promised to revive the region’s second-largest economy and its vital cocoa-exporting sector, which has been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Voting begins in Ghana’s presidential and legislative elections

Ghanaians will go to the polls on Monday in a heated contest that will revive old rivalries between incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo and his predecessor John Mahama.

Although 10 other candidates, including three women, are vying for the nation's top job, the vote is a two-horse race between the two foes who will be slugging it out for the third time.

More than 17 million Ghanaians are registered to vote, half between the ages of 18 and 35, in the west African nation's eighth consecutive poll since returning to democracy nearly 30 years ago.

The election is coming at a time of the coronavirus pandemic which has disrupted but hasn't stopped campaigning by Akufo-Addo's New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Mahama's National Democratic Congress (NDC).

 
"There are party events and activity everywhere to drum up support, the airwaves are full of party songs, but we are not seeing mass rallies as usual," Kojo Asante, director for advocacy and policy engagement at the Ghana Center for Democratic Development,&nbsp;told AFP.

The virus -- which has infected over 51,000 and killed more than 300 in Ghana since March -- is not expected to deter voters and preventive measures such as hand sanitising stations near polling booths are planned.

The race is expected to be very close. Independent polls have predicted a slim win for the incumbent, while the NPP's majority in the 275-member parliament is expected to drop.&nbsp;

In 2012, Mahama narrowly defeated Akufo-Addo with 50.7 percent of the vote and in 2016, Akufo-Addo beat Mahama with 53.8 percent of votes.

- Potential for disputed outcome -

Many Ghanaians are worried that "vigilantes" hired by parties and deployed to provide security for politicians could cause problems at polling stations.

Until now, Ghana has always managed to contain simmers of post-electoral violence and transition largely peacefully, unlike many countries in the region.

But there have been pre-election clashes and disagreements over the neutrality of the electoral commission, in particular on the compilation of the new voters register.&nbsp;

"Tensions between the two main parties haven't subsided and the stage is set for a potentially disputed outcome," Sam Kwarkye, senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studies wrote in a report.

The police said more than 62,000 personnel have been deployed to ensure a hitch-free exercise while the leading candidates would be made to sign a "peace pact".

Asante is "cautiously optimistic" that the election will be peaceful, and welcomes the large pool of international and local election observers.

"Everybody wants the Ghana election to go well. We already have too many trouble spots in the region to deal with."

- Cloud of corruption -

A key producer and exporter of cocoa, oil and gold, Ghana saw its economy severely hit by the pandemic and the Akufo-Addo administration is struggling to cope.&nbsp;

Growth in the nation of 30 million people is expected to fall to 0.9 percent in 2020, the lowest in 30 years, according to the IMF, and a steep decline from 6.5 percent expansion in 2019.

Before Covid-19, the economy had been battered by rising debt servicing, a weak currency and rising inflation.

If Akufo Addo has been praised for his handling of the pandemic as well as on education and electricity, he has disappointed some in one regard.

The 76-year-old was elected four years ago as an anti-graft crusader, but according to a 2019 survey by Afrobarometer, 53 percent of Ghanaians say the level of corruption in the country has risen.

Corruption is a difficult issue for Mahama, 62, to latch on, as he himself left office under a cloud of corruption allegations.&nbsp;

He has also been criticised for poor economic decisions and racking up unsustainable debts, issues that continue to affect the country to this day.&nbsp;

But the skilled communicator has pushed through the criticism, making ambitious promises to build infrastructure and modernise the country.

Another bold move by Mahama was picking former education minister Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as running mate.&nbsp;

Opoku-Agyemang is the first woman on the ticket of a major Ghanaian political party and she is also native of the Central region, one of the key swing voting regions.

Akufo-Addo, as expected, opted for continuity, with current Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia as running mate.

The results of the nation-wide vote could come in just 24 hours after polls close.

Ghanaians will go to the polls on Monday in a heated contest that will revive old rivalries between incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo and his predecessor John Mahama.

Ghanaians will go to the polls on Monday in a heated contest that will revive old rivalries between incumbent President Nana Akufo-Addo and his predecessor John Mahama. Although 10 other candidates, including three women, are vying for the nation's top job, the vote is a two-horse race between the two foes who will be slugging it out for the third time. More than 17 million Ghanaians are registered to vote, half between the ages of 18 and 35, in the west African nation's eighth consecutive poll since returning to democracy nearly 30 years ago. The election is coming at a time of the coronavirus pandemic which has disrupted but hasn't stopped campaigning by Akufo-Addo's New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Mahama's National Democratic Congress (NDC). "There are party events and activity everywhere to drum up support, the airwaves are full of party songs, but we are not seeing mass rallies as usual," Kojo Asante, director for advocacy and policy engagement at the Ghana Center for Democratic Development, told AFP. The virus -- which has infected over 51,000 and killed more than 300 in Ghana since March -- is not expected to deter voters and preventive measures such as hand sanitising stations near polling booths are planned. The race is expected to be very close. Independent polls have predicted a slim win for the incumbent, while the NPP's majority in the 275-member parliament is expected to drop. In 2012, Mahama narrowly defeated Akufo-Addo with 50.7 percent of the vote and in 2016, Akufo-Addo beat Mahama with 53.8 percent of votes. - Potential for disputed outcome - Many Ghanaians are worried that "vigilantes" hired by parties and deployed to provide security for politicians could cause problems at polling stations. Until now, Ghana has always managed to contain simmers of post-electoral violence and transition largely peacefully, unlike many countries in the region. But there have been pre-election clashes and disagreements over the neutrality of the electoral commission, in particular on the compilation of the new voters register. "Tensions between the two main parties haven't subsided and the stage is set for a potentially disputed outcome," Sam Kwarkye, senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studies wrote in a report. The police said more than 62,000 personnel have been deployed to ensure a hitch-free exercise while the leading candidates would be made to sign a "peace pact". Asante is "cautiously optimistic" that the election will be peaceful, and welcomes the large pool of international and local election observers. "Everybody wants the Ghana election to go well. We already have too many trouble spots in the region to deal with." - Cloud of corruption - A key producer and exporter of cocoa, oil and gold, Ghana saw its economy severely hit by the pandemic and the Akufo-Addo administration is struggling to cope. Growth in the nation of 30 million people is expected to fall to 0.9 percent in 2020, the lowest in 30 years, according to the IMF, and a steep decline from 6.5 percent expansion in 2019. Before Covid-19, the economy had been battered by rising debt servicing, a weak currency and rising inflation. If Akufo Addo has been praised for his handling of the pandemic as well as on education and electricity, he has disappointed some in one regard. The 76-year-old was elected four years ago as an anti-graft crusader, but according to a 2019 survey by Afrobarometer, 53 percent of Ghanaians say the level of corruption in the country has risen. Corruption is a difficult issue for Mahama, 62, to latch on, as he himself left office under a cloud of corruption allegations. He has also been criticised for poor economic decisions and racking up unsustainable debts, issues that continue to affect the country to this day. But the skilled communicator has pushed through the criticism, making ambitious promises to build infrastructure and modernise the country. Another bold move by Mahama was picking former education minister Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang as running mate. Opoku-Agyemang is the first woman on the ticket of a major Ghanaian political party and she is also native of the Central region, one of the key swing voting regions. Akufo-Addo, as expected, opted for continuity, with current Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia as running mate. The results of the nation-wide vote could come in just 24 hours after polls close.

Ghana heads for two-horse presidential vote

Ladybird logistics, a women only trucking company in Ghana has seen it's fleet of trucks quadruple in past 2 years. WION brings you a report.

Female truck drivers changing attitude in Ghana

According to a World Bank report, Ghana’s annual deforestation rate is around 3.51%, to help reverse the damage, a Ghana project is promoting sustainable forestry through timber, seedling and essential oil sales and educational tours.

Ghana: Youth help in bettering Ghana's ecological future

Tullow <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/shares-end-lower-as-oil-prices-soar-after-saudi-attack-249991">Oil shares</a> more than halved on Monday as Chief Executive Officer Paul McDade stepped down and the energy company scrapped its dividend after failing to meet production targets due to weak performance by flagship assets in Ghana.

The company has been plagued by technical problems at its Jubilee field in Ghana and a delay in completing a well at the TEN offshore field, which led Tullow to cut its estimates for 2019 oil output last month.

Tullow also suffered blows in recent months due to setbacks at East Africa projects in Uganda and Kenya, as well as to its plans to develop oil fields in Guyana.

The shares were down 53 per cent&nbsp;by 0901 GMT, as Tullow's head of exploration Angus McCoss also resigned on Monday.

Tullow reset its production outlook and is expected to produce 87,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) this year, while lower production in 2020 of between 70,000 and 80,000 bopd, as it undertook a review of its production performance issues.

In a conference call, the company said it was open to receiving offers to acquire the company at the proper value.

The Africa-focused oil firm also suspended its dividend as it aimed to generate more cash to support future investment plans and current explorations.

"The board has, however, been disappointed by the performance of Tullow's business and now needs time to complete its thorough review of operations," Executive Chairman Dorothy Thompson said.

Chief Financial Officer Les Wood said Tullow remained "comfortable" with its covenants with banks and the London-listed company said it had started a process to find a new group chief executive.

Cantor Fitzgerald Europe described the difficulties the company announced as "a bit of a kitchen sinking".

"Investors may well agree that a reset is the correct approach, although that is unlikely to prevent another huge sell-off today," the financial services company said in a note.

Tullow Oil shares more than halved on Monday as Chief Executive Officer Paul McDade stepped down and the energy company scrapped its dividend after failing to meet production targets due to weak performance by flagship assets in Ghana.

Tullow Oil shares more than halved on Monday as Chief Executive Officer Paul McDade stepped down and the energy company scrapped its dividend after failing to meet production targets due to weak performance by flagship assets in Ghana. The company has been plagued by technical problems at its Jubilee field in Ghana and a delay in completing a well at the TEN offshore field, which led Tullow to cut its estimates for 2019 oil output last month. Tullow also suffered blows in recent months due to setbacks at East Africa projects in Uganda and Kenya, as well as to its plans to develop oil fields in Guyana. The shares were down 53 per cent by 0901 GMT, as Tullow's head of exploration Angus McCoss also resigned on Monday. Tullow reset its production outlook and is expected to produce 87,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) this year, while lower production in 2020 of between 70,000 and 80,000 bopd, as it undertook a review of its production performance issues. In a conference call, the company said it was open to receiving offers to acquire the company at the proper value. The Africa-focused oil firm also suspended its dividend as it aimed to generate more cash to support future investment plans and current explorations. "The board has, however, been disappointed by the performance of Tullow's business and now needs time to complete its thorough review of operations," Executive Chairman Dorothy Thompson said. Chief Financial Officer Les Wood said Tullow remained "comfortable" with its covenants with banks and the London-listed company said it had started a process to find a new group chief executive. Cantor Fitzgerald Europe described the difficulties the company announced as "a bit of a kitchen sinking". "Investors may well agree that a reset is the correct approach, although that is unlikely to prevent another huge sell-off today," the financial services company said in a note.

Britain's Tullow Oil shares plunge over 50% as CEO resigns

An artificial intelligence research laboratory opened by Google in Ghana, the first of its kind in Africa, will take on challenges across the continent, researchers say.

The US technology giant said the lab in the capital Accra would address economic, political and environmental issues.

"Africa has many challenges where the use of AI could be beneficial, sometimes even more than in other places," Google's head of AI Accra, Moustapha Cisse, told AFP at the centre's official opening this week.

Similar research centres have already opened in cities around the world including Tokyo, Zurich, New York and Paris.

The new lab, Cisse said, would use AI to develop solutions in healthcare, education and agriculture -- such as helping to diagnose certain types of crop disease.

Cisse, an expert from Senegal, said he hoped specialist engineers and AI researchers would collaborate with local organisations and policymakers.

<a href="http://13.232.42.114/world/eu-countries-back-copyright-reforms-aimed-at-google-facebook-198643">Google</a> is working with universities and start-ups in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa to enhance AI development regionally, he said.

"We just need to ensure that the right education and opportunities are in place," he said.

"That is why Google is sponsoring a lot of these young people for their degrees... to help develop a new generation of AI developers."

'Clear opportunity'

Other tech companies, including Facebook, have launched initiatives in Africa and demographics are a key factor behind the drive.

Africa's population is estimated to be 1.2 billion, 60 per cent of them under the age of 24.

By 2050, the UN estimates the population will double to 2.4 billion.

As online social networks expand, that presents a huge market for US tech giants to tap into.

"There's a clear opportunity for companies like Facebook and Google to really go in and put a pole in the sand," said Daniel Ives, a technology researcher at GBH Insights in New York.&nbsp;

"If you look at Netflix, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, where is a lot of that growth coming from? It's international," he told AFP in a recent interview.

An artificial intelligence research laboratory opened by Google in Ghana, the first of its kind in Africa, will take on challenges across the continent, researchers say.

An artificial intelligence research laboratory opened by Google in Ghana, the first of its kind in Africa, will take on challenges across the continent, researchers say. The US technology giant said the lab in the capital Accra would address economic, political and environmental issues. "Africa has many challenges where the use of AI could be beneficial, sometimes even more than in other places," Google's head of AI Accra, Moustapha Cisse, told AFP at the centre's official opening this week. Similar research centres have already opened in cities around the world including Tokyo, Zurich, New York and Paris. The new lab, Cisse said, would use AI to develop solutions in healthcare, education and agriculture -- such as helping to diagnose certain types of crop disease. Cisse, an expert from Senegal, said he hoped specialist engineers and AI researchers would collaborate with local organisations and policymakers. Google is working with universities and start-ups in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa to enhance AI development regionally, he said. "We just need to ensure that the right education and opportunities are in place," he said. "That is why Google is sponsoring a lot of these young people for their degrees... to help develop a new generation of AI developers." 'Clear opportunity' Other tech companies, including Facebook, have launched initiatives in Africa and demographics are a key factor behind the drive. Africa's population is estimated to be 1.2 billion, 60 per cent of them under the age of 24. By 2050, the UN estimates the population will double to 2.4 billion. As online social networks expand, that presents a huge market for US tech giants to tap into. "There's a clear opportunity for companies like Facebook and Google to really go in and put a pole in the sand," said Daniel Ives, a technology researcher at GBH Insights in New York. "If you look at Netflix, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, where is a lot of that growth coming from? It's international," he told AFP in a recent interview.

Google takes on 'Africa's challenges' with first AI centre in Ghana

US First Lady Melania Trump on Tuesday kicked off her first major solo trip in Ghana's capital Accra, aiming to cast a positive light on her embattled husband's administration.&nbsp;

A relaxed-looking Trump smiled and waved as she stepped off an overnight flight from Washington to be met on the red carpet by her Ghanaian counterpart Rebecca Akufo-Addo.

She beamed as she was welcomed by a troupe of traditional drummers and dancers. "Thank you very much," she said with a smile.

The former model, whose choice of clothing is keenly watched, changed from a safari-inspired departure outfit of suede trench coat and leopard print heels to a red and white striped dress with white pumps by the time she arrived in West Africa.

She is scheduled to visit a hospital in Accra to learn about newborn health and also have tea with Mrs Akufo-Addo at the presidential residence, Jubilee House.

The 48-year-old is promoting her Be Best initiative, her official agenda unveiled in May designed to improve children's well-being.&nbsp;

Her office said it will also "showcase" the work of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), even at a time when her husband's government is looking to slash US aid across the world.

But unlike her predecessors, her visit will be followed closely to see if she can build bridges after the president reportedly dismissed Africa as a collection of "shithole countries".

In addition to Ghana, she is due to visit Malawi, Kenya and Egypt before returning to Washington early on October 7.

'Rorschach test in Louboutins'&nbsp;

The enigmatic US first lady has typically stayed out of the spotlight since her husband became president yet she has made headlines for rare public appearances.&nbsp;

In June, she made a surprise visit to Texas to visit detained children at the Mexican border, wearing a jacket emblazoned with the words "I really don't care. Do U?"

No one knew who the message was intended for, leaving it -- and her -- up for interpretation.&nbsp;

This ambiguity has led some pundits to describe her as a "Rorschach test in Louboutins" after the interpretative ink blots used in psychoanalysis and the luxury shoes.

But as Melania Trump attempts to step out of her husband's shadow, this trip has been seen as an attempt for her to carve her own diplomatic path.&nbsp;

She has previously travelled alone to Canada and joined her husband on several foreign visits.

Spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said the Africa tour is close to her heart. "This is her trip, her initiative," she said.

That hasn't stopped Donald Trump from weighing in last week, when he told journalists that his wife was "making a big trip to Africa".&nbsp;

"We both love Africa. Africa is so beautiful, the most beautiful part of the world, in many ways," he added.

The US president has yet to travel to Africa since taking office.

Melania Trump's visit to Ghana will inevitably draw comparisons to when former president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle visited Ghana in 2009.&nbsp;

During that visit, Barack Obama gave a speech to parliament saying "Africa doesn't need strongmen, it needs strong institutions".

He also toured the Cape Coast Castle, a former slavery outpost, with his family.&nbsp;

Ghana is seen as a haven of stability in an often turbulent region but despite the interest back home, the first lady's visit did not appear to have generated similar fervour locally.

Unlike the Obamas' visit, the roads from the airport were not packed with onlookers while there was little fanfare in the local media, according to an AFP reporter on the ground.

US First Lady Melania Trump on Tuesday kicked off her first major solo trip in Ghana's capital Accra, aiming to cast a positive light on her embattled husband's administration.

US First Lady Melania Trump on Tuesday kicked off her first major solo trip in Ghana's capital Accra, aiming to cast a positive light on her embattled husband's administration. A relaxed-looking Trump smiled and waved as she stepped off an overnight flight from Washington to be met on the red carpet by her Ghanaian counterpart Rebecca Akufo-Addo. She beamed as she was welcomed by a troupe of traditional drummers and dancers. "Thank you very much," she said with a smile. The former model, whose choice of clothing is keenly watched, changed from a safari-inspired departure outfit of suede trench coat and leopard print heels to a red and white striped dress with white pumps by the time she arrived in West Africa. She is scheduled to visit a hospital in Accra to learn about newborn health and also have tea with Mrs Akufo-Addo at the presidential residence, Jubilee House. The 48-year-old is promoting her Be Best initiative, her official agenda unveiled in May designed to improve children's well-being. Her office said it will also "showcase" the work of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), even at a time when her husband's government is looking to slash US aid across the world. But unlike her predecessors, her visit will be followed closely to see if she can build bridges after the president reportedly dismissed Africa as a collection of "shithole countries". In addition to Ghana, she is due to visit Malawi, Kenya and Egypt before returning to Washington early on October 7. 'Rorschach test in Louboutins' The enigmatic US first lady has typically stayed out of the spotlight since her husband became president yet she has made headlines for rare public appearances. In June, she made a surprise visit to Texas to visit detained children at the Mexican border, wearing a jacket emblazoned with the words "I really don't care. Do U?" No one knew who the message was intended for, leaving it -- and her -- up for interpretation. This ambiguity has led some pundits to describe her as a "Rorschach test in Louboutins" after the interpretative ink blots used in psychoanalysis and the luxury shoes. But as Melania Trump attempts to step out of her husband's shadow, this trip has been seen as an attempt for her to carve her own diplomatic path. She has previously travelled alone to Canada and joined her husband on several foreign visits. Spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said the Africa tour is close to her heart. "This is her trip, her initiative," she said. That hasn't stopped Donald Trump from weighing in last week, when he told journalists that his wife was "making a big trip to Africa". "We both love Africa. Africa is so beautiful, the most beautiful part of the world, in many ways," he added. The US president has yet to travel to Africa since taking office. Melania Trump's visit to Ghana will inevitably draw comparisons to when former president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle visited Ghana in 2009. During that visit, Barack Obama gave a speech to parliament saying "Africa doesn't need strongmen, it needs strong institutions". He also toured the Cape Coast Castle, a former slavery outpost, with his family. Ghana is seen as a haven of stability in an often turbulent region but despite the interest back home, the first lady's visit did not appear to have generated similar fervour locally. Unlike the Obamas' visit, the roads from the airport were not packed with onlookers while there was little fanfare in the local media, according to an AFP reporter on the ground.

Melania Trump kicks off Africa tour in Ghana

South Korea has deployed an anti-piracy warship to the sea off Ghana after three South Korean sailors were kidnapped by pirates, Seoul's foreign ministry said late Saturday.

The 500-tonne Marine 711 with about 40 Ghanaian and three South Korean sailors was boarded by unidentified pirates last Monday.&nbsp

The pirates seized the three South Koreans and escaped on a separate speedboat, with their current whereabouts unknown.&nbsp

The Marine 711, registered in Ghana, later arrived at a port at Ghana where the Ghanaian sailors disembarked, according to the South's Yonhap news agency.&nbsp

South Korea's military said the pirates had been identified as Nigerians, Yonhap reported. Munmu the Great, a South Korean warship that had been involved in anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, had been sent to the nearby sea, it said. &nbsp

"We are closely coordinating with local countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Togo and Benin as well as the US and the EU to locate our nationals and secure their release," the foreign ministry said.

The pirates have not yet demanded a ransom in return for the release of the abducted sailors.&nbsp

The 500-tonne Marine 711 with about 40 Ghanaian and three South Korean sailors was boarded by unidentified pirates last Monday. The three South Korean sailors were kidnapped

South Korea has deployed an anti-piracy warship to the sea off Ghana after three South Korean sailors were kidnapped by pirates, Seoul's foreign ministry said late Saturday. The 500-tonne Marine 711 with about 40 Ghanaian and three South Korean sailors was boarded by unidentified pirates last Monday. The pirates seized the three South Koreans and escaped on a separate speedboat, with their current whereabouts unknown. The Marine 711, registered in Ghana, later arrived at a port at Ghana where the Ghanaian sailors disembarked, according to the South's Yonhap news agency. South Korea's military said the pirates had been identified as Nigerians, Yonhap reported. Munmu the Great, a South Korean warship that had been involved in anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, had been sent to the nearby sea, it said. "We are closely coordinating with local countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Togo and Benin as well as the US and the EU to locate our nationals and secure their release," the foreign ministry said. The pirates have not yet demanded a ransom in return for the release of the abducted sailors.

South Korea deploys warship to Ghana after pirates kidnap sailors

Two-time champions Ghana began their FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over Colombia in a Group A match here today.

Sadiq Ibrahim scored the all-important goal as Ghana ran away with three full points in the tournament opener at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

The match did not rise to any great heights with not many attempts at the goal with few good moves coming from both sides.

It was end-to-end stuff with Colombia slightly dominating initially before Ghana stamped their authority as the match went on.

Ghana, who finished runners-up in the African qualifying tournament, soaked the initial pressure from the Colombians and then slowly began to dictate terms on their South American opponents. They had won the tournament in 1991 and 1995.

Colombia were doing most of the attacking in the first half and had more possession. They initiated their attacks mostly from the left side of the pitch. Left winger Brayan Gomez had a couple of shots at the Ghana goal but could not test goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim properly.

It was Ghana who drew the first blood in the 39th minute with Ibrahim connecting a fine cross from the left by captain Eric Ayiah.

It was a defensive sloppiness on the part of the Colombians and their captain and center back Thomas Gutierrez allowed the low cross to go past him across the face of the goal for Ibrahim to fire home with a low shot.

Colombia coach Orlando Restrepo replaced an ineffective Brayan Gomez by Deiber Caicedo at the half time but his side s fortunes did not change much.

Colombia put more men upfront in search of an equaliser, but Ghana were able to stitch some dangerous moves at the counter.

Ghana captain Eric himself had a fine try at the Colombia goal in the 73rd minute but goalie Kevin Mier came out of his line in the nick of time to have a last touch and negated the move.

Three minutes later, Aminu Mohammed had a shot from the left edge of the Colombia box but his effort aiming at the near post was blocked by the golie.

Second half substitute Caicedo had Colombia&#39;s best chance of the match in the 80th minute as he was sent free at the edge of the Ghana box but his low right-footed grounder beat the goalkeeper but went out inches off the left upright.

There were a few scrambles at the Ghana goal-mouth towards the end of the match but Colombia could not find the eqauliser.

Two-time champions Ghana began their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Colombia

Two-time champions Ghana began their FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over Colombia in a Group A match here today. Sadiq Ibrahim scored the all-important goal as Ghana ran away with three full points in the tournament opener at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The match did not rise to any great heights with not many attempts at the goal with few good moves coming from both sides. It was end-to-end stuff with Colombia slightly dominating initially before Ghana stamped their authority as the match went on. Ghana, who finished runners-up in the African qualifying tournament, soaked the initial pressure from the Colombians and then slowly began to dictate terms on their South American opponents. They had won the tournament in 1991 and 1995. Colombia were doing most of the attacking in the first half and had more possession. They initiated their attacks mostly from the left side of the pitch. Left winger Brayan Gomez had a couple of shots at the Ghana goal but could not test goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim properly. It was Ghana who drew the first blood in the 39th minute with Ibrahim connecting a fine cross from the left by captain Eric Ayiah. It was a defensive sloppiness on the part of the Colombians and their captain and center back Thomas Gutierrez allowed the low cross to go past him across the face of the goal for Ibrahim to fire home with a low shot. Colombia coach Orlando Restrepo replaced an ineffective Brayan Gomez by Deiber Caicedo at the half time but his side s fortunes did not change much. Colombia put more men upfront in search of an equaliser, but Ghana were able to stitch some dangerous moves at the counter. Ghana captain Eric himself had a fine try at the Colombia goal in the 73rd minute but goalie Kevin Mier came out of his line in the nick of time to have a last touch and negated the move. Three minutes later, Aminu Mohammed had a shot from the left edge of the Colombia box but his effort aiming at the near post was blocked by the golie. Second half substitute Caicedo had Colombia's best chance of the match in the 80th minute as he was sent free at the edge of the Ghana box but his low right-footed grounder beat the goalkeeper but went out inches off the left upright. There were a few scrambles at the Ghana goal-mouth towards the end of the match but Colombia could not find the eqauliser.

U-17 World Cup: Ghana begin on winning note

Twenty students died after trees fell on them while swimming in a river during a storm in Ghana, emergency officials said Sunday.&nbsp;

Ghana National Fire Service spokesman Prince Billy Anaglate said the &quot;unusual incident&quot; happened on Sunday afternoon, when a group of high school students were swimming at the Kintampo waterfalls, a popular tourist destination in the Brong-Ahafo region.&nbsp;

Anaglate told AFP that a brewing storm caused trees to topple and fall on the teenagers while they were in the water.&nbsp;

&quot;They were swimming in the river when there was a storm, a windy atmosphere that had uprooted some of the trees and they had fallen on some of them -- those who were apparently swimming,&quot; Anaglate said.&nbsp;

18 students died at the scene while two others died in hospital, Anaglate said, adding that 11 more were receiving treatment, including one of the school administrators in charge of the trip.

&quot;We extend our condolences to the families of the dead and pray for the injured,&quot; said the country`s tourism minister Catherine Abelema Afeku in a statement.&nbsp;

Accidents ranging from deaths caused by mass flooding to petrol tanker explosions happen sporadically in Ghana because of lax regulations and disregard for rules.&nbsp;

(AFP)

18 students died at the scene while two others died in hospital

Twenty students died after trees fell on them while swimming in a river during a storm in Ghana, emergency officials said Sunday. Ghana National Fire Service spokesman Prince Billy Anaglate said the "unusual incident" happened on Sunday afternoon, when a group of high school students were swimming at the Kintampo waterfalls, a popular tourist destination in the Brong-Ahafo region. Anaglate told AFP that a brewing storm caused trees to topple and fall on the teenagers while they were in the water. "They were swimming in the river when there was a storm, a windy atmosphere that had uprooted some of the trees and they had fallen on some of them -- those who were apparently swimming," Anaglate said. 18 students died at the scene while two others died in hospital, Anaglate said, adding that 11 more were receiving treatment, including one of the school administrators in charge of the trip. "We extend our condolences to the families of the dead and pray for the injured," said the country`s tourism minister Catherine Abelema Afeku in a statement. Accidents ranging from deaths caused by mass flooding to petrol tanker explosions happen sporadically in Ghana because of lax regulations and disregard for rules. (AFP)

20 students killed in freak accident in Ghana

Serbian Milovan Rajevac has been appointed the new coach of Algeria, the country&#39;s football federation has confirmed. 
 
Rajevac came close to helping Ghana, who became the first African side to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2010 and takes over from Christian Gourcuff, who resigned in April ahead of a move to French Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais. 
 
Rajevac, 62, will be expected to lead Algeria to the World Cup in Russia but faces a difficult qualification group that also contains Nigeria, Cameroon and Zambia. Only the top team advances to the finals. 
 
Algeria have already qualified for the African Nations Cup finals in Gabon starting next January. 
 
(Reuters)

He takes over from Christian Gourcuff who resigned in April ahead of a move to French Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais

Serbian Milovan Rajevac has been appointed the new coach of Algeria, the country's football federation has confirmed. Rajevac came close to helping Ghana, who became the first African side to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2010 and takes over from Christian Gourcuff, who resigned in April ahead of a move to French Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais. Rajevac, 62, will be expected to lead Algeria to the World Cup in Russia but faces a difficult qualification group that also contains Nigeria, Cameroon and Zambia. Only the top team advances to the finals. Algeria have already qualified for the African Nations Cup finals in Gabon starting next January. (Reuters)

Milovan Rajevac confirmed as new coach of Algeria

Nine people were killed in a stampede at a party in central Ghana to mark the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramzan, a public official told reporters today. 
&nbsp; 
&quot;We so far have nine people who are dead, six females and three males,&quot; said Nurudeen Hamidan, the head of the Asokore Mampong municipal assembly, in the city of Kumasi. 
 
There was no immediate comment from the police in the city, which is 255 kilometres (160 miles) northwest of the capital, Accra. 
&nbsp; 
But Hamidan said three bodies have been identified so far and six people were injured, one of them critical and were receiving treatment in hospital. 
&nbsp; 
The party was organised on Wednesday at a community centre in the Asawase area of Kumasi as the climax to the Eid-ul-Fitr festival, which marks the end of a month of fasting and prayer. 
 
Local member of parliament Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka said carnivals were often held to celebrate the occasion but in the past have been marked by clashes between youths. 
 
Organisers had told police the carnival would end by 9:00 pm (2100 GMT) and a group, thought to number about 300, moved to the community centre, where a fight reportedly broke out, he added. 
&nbsp; 
&quot;In a bid for people to rush out... there was this stampede,&quot; said Muntaka, from President John Dramani Mahama`s National Democratic Congress. 
&nbsp; 
But Hamidan said there were conflicting reports about the cause of the tragedy and a security meeting had been called today afternoon to determine what happened. 
 
&quot;People are saying so many things. Some are saying that there was a lights out and the meter sparked and the sound of the meter made people agitated,&quot; he said. 
&nbsp; 
&quot;Others are saying that they finished the programme, they were leaving and there was a stampede along the way. 
 
&quot;As to what caused the actual stampede the security agencies are working to unravel what happened and we will take it on from there.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
(AFP)

The party was organised on Wednesday at a community centre in the Asawase area of Kumasi as the climax to the Eid-ul-Fitr festival

Nine people were killed in a stampede at a party in central Ghana to mark the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramzan, a public official told reporters today. "We so far have nine people who are dead, six females and three males," said Nurudeen Hamidan, the head of the Asokore Mampong municipal assembly, in the city of Kumasi. There was no immediate comment from the police in the city, which is 255 kilometres (160 miles) northwest of the capital, Accra. But Hamidan said three bodies have been identified so far and six people were injured, one of them critical and were receiving treatment in hospital. The party was organised on Wednesday at a community centre in the Asawase area of Kumasi as the climax to the Eid-ul-Fitr festival, which marks the end of a month of fasting and prayer. Local member of parliament Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka said carnivals were often held to celebrate the occasion but in the past have been marked by clashes between youths. Organisers had told police the carnival would end by 9:00 pm (2100 GMT) and a group, thought to number about 300, moved to the community centre, where a fight reportedly broke out, he added. "In a bid for people to rush out... there was this stampede," said Muntaka, from President John Dramani Mahama`s National Democratic Congress. But Hamidan said there were conflicting reports about the cause of the tragedy and a security meeting had been called today afternoon to determine what happened. "People are saying so many things. Some are saying that there was a lights out and the meter sparked and the sound of the meter made people agitated," he said. "Others are saying that they finished the programme, they were leaving and there was a stampede along the way. "As to what caused the actual stampede the security agencies are working to unravel what happened and we will take it on from there." (AFP)

Nine dead in Eid party stampede in Ghana

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