The Confederation of African Football [Caf] has announced the sum of €147,100 in aid of drought victims in the Horn of Africa, and particularly in Somalia. The region has been hit with severe drought and that has resulted in famine killing many people, including women and children. - The continental football governing body dished out $200,000 (€147,100) to “encourage each of the national associations to participate in this huge international solidarity movement,” a statement read. l “Caf decreed that the last day of the 2012 CAN qualifiers will be devoted to advocacy. Caf will provide financial assistance to the African Union, FIFPro Africa and other humanitarian organis…

One of Africa's illustrious daughters - Wangari Maathai - bid farewell to the mortal world on September 25 after battling with cancer. The Kenyan environmentalist was the first African woman to win the coveted Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. Sometimes described as the "Tree Lady," the 71-year-old was at the forefront in empowering rural women through her Green Belt Movement to plant trees to save the planet. - As the world in general mourn the demise of a genius, who risked her life to save the environment, Africanews.com takes a look at five of her numerous statements she made on global platforms in a bid to make a difference. 5) “It’s really amazing. You plant a s…

What began as an individual idea two years ago has transmuted into one of the awards that has caught the attention of the movers and shakers. The Ghana UK Based Achievement Awards highlight excellence in an individual or institution doing business in Ghana or for the Ghanaian community in the United Kingdom. - As the second edition is scheduled to hold November 6, Africanews.com caught up with the CEO and originator, Dentaa, to explain the award process. Africanews: Briefly tell us about the awards Dentaa: The GUBA Awards stands for the Ghana UK-based Achievement Awards, which recognises the achievements of individuals and organisation positively contributing to the Ghanaian communi…

Africa like some parts of the world has had its fair share of dictators over the past decades. Some appear on the scene as liberators, revolutionists while others come in as freedom fighters, but eventually they metamorphose into tyrants having looted with their families and want to indemnify themselves from accountability. - AfricaNews.com zooms in on the top 10 dictators the ‘dark continent’ has come across ever since Africans weaned themselves off colonial rule. The criteria was based on poor human rights record, disregard for press freedom and the desire to remain in power for life at the expense of innocent lives. 10. Charles Taylor – Liberia His full name is Ch…

One of the world's most globally connected companies, Western Union, is celebrating its 160th anniversary by launching a hunt for the most networked person in the world. With more than 400,000 agent locations in 200 countries and territories, Western Union has an enormous global presence. - To celebrate this unique status, Western Union is calling for Africa’s most globally connected individuals to step forward and take the Western Union Network Challenge at www.westernunionworld.com/yourworld. The search will be fuelled by a new interactive, online Application called Your World which Western Union has created to mark its birthday. It visualises Facebook fans’ global con…

Caf have encouraged all its member associations to organise charity games in aid of famine-stricken Horn of Africa. A severe food crisis has plagued Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti, Uganda and its surroundings over the past few months, killing many people, especially women and children. - The international community through the Red Cross and other humanitarian agencies are responding to the emergency situation, but it continues unabated. Now the continental football governing body wants to capitalise on the power of football and its large following to mobilise funds to assist the ailing nations. “As you are well aware, the horn of Africa is facing serious drought, affecting 1…

Within 25 days of Mobile Number Portability launch in Ghana, 21, 059 mobile phone subscribers had successfully moved from one mobile service provider to another in the month of July whilst retaining their mobile number, according to the National Communications Authority (NCA). - Number portability is a system that allows subscribers to leave their current mobile service provider and join a new provider. The telecommunication regulating body, in a statement said the number is encouraging and a clear indication that the system is running smoothly. “The relatively few difficulties that occurred at inception stemmed from human error or misunderstanding of the processes involved,” …

One of Africa's illustrious sons and a celebrated peace icon Nelson Mandela dominates the headlines on Monday as he turned 93. The first post-apartheid president of South Africa was ushered into his birthday mood with a special song and sang simultaneously across the country by millions of school children during their assembly period. - About 12.4 million children were targeted to sing the song specially composed for the Madiba. To give the celebration an added national touch, the Nelson Mandela Foundation has encouraged locals to devote 67 minutes of voluntary work on the day - to represent the 67 years he devoted to South Africa's political struggle. "If a man could dedi…

Agbogbloshie, a suburb of Ghana's capital Accra, houses the biggest technology dump site of the West African country. Most of its residents are school drop-outs from northern Ghana who migrated to the city in search of a better life. They scavenge for obsolete computers and burn them for copper. - It is very easy to call the area a refuse dump. But this dump is also the home of Haruna Seidu and thousands of other youths who have invaded Accra for jobs. Seidu comes from northern Ghana. He dropped out of school as a result of poverty. When he first arrived in Accra three years ago and ended up in Agbogbloshie. “We go round from house to house or to offices and ask if they have so…

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is funding a human waste to biofuel project in Ghana. The foundation awarded a Columbia University professor Kartik Chandran a $1.5 million grant to develop a "Next-Generation Urban Sanitation Facility" in the country along with Waste Enterprisers, and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. - The yet to be established facility, according to the fastcompany.com, will turn organic compounds from fecal sludge into biodiesel and methane. Some 2.1 million city dwellers around the world depend on non-piped solutions to their sewage needs. That is to say, their waste is going into septic tanks, storage devices, or just being dumped…

One of the most decorated investigative journalists in Africa, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, looks very athletic, but apparently what he hates is the most followed game on earth, football. The Ghanaian, who operates incognito, at least for the past 11 years, opened his doors to share with the public why he sees the beautiful game as ugly. - “In fact, I hate football,” the Kurt Schork Award winner surprisingly pointed out to Goal.com. “Football is something that when I see being played I become very angry. I don’t know why, but I hate football.” The man of several disguises – a catholic priest in Bangkok prison, janitor at a brothel, smuggler, psychiatric patient,…

The 2011 Doodle4Google prize in Ghana goes to Nil Carreras Del Peso, of French School, and Nana Abena Asabea Ametepe, of Golden Age school. The winning Doodles - created around the theme of 'My Ghana' - will be displayed on the Google Ghana homepage for 24 hours on Wednesday 15th June and Thursday 16th June 2011 respectively, where they will be viewed by millions of people. - Del Peso, winner of the 9-11 age group competition, received a Kindle, while Ametepe, who took the prize for the 12-14 age group, had a laptop. The schools of both winners will get a US$ 2,000 technology grant. Ametepe told Africanews.com the award, being her first national laurel, has motivated her to comp…

The internet search giant Google has announced a gateway for Somali users with the creation of a domain for the Horn of Africa nation. The new domain, according to Google, will help people in Somalia find locally relevant information faster. Somalians can now search in their preferred languages - Arabic, English, and Somali. - The new domain – www.google.so – is geared towards giving a positive face to the country that is enveloped in political turmoil for over two decades. Telecommunication and internet services are virtually non-existent in the country. Somali is an important African language: beyond its national use in Somalia and Somaliland, it is one of the five major lan…

Ace Ghana investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas and his team at the New Crusading Guide have been adjudged winners of the 2009 Karpoor Chnandra 'Kulish' Award for Excellence in Print Journalism. India prime minister Manmohan Singh conferred the prize on the Ghanaian team with a cash reward of US$11,000, a medal and a certificate. - The team came top with their stories on Ghana's Madhouse and Chinese Sex Mafia. At the award ceremony held at New Delhi, the prime minister said that media has crucial role in a democracy and should strive for stability and mitigating tension in the society. Indian media should also help preserve the values, culture and identitiy of the nation…

The most successful coach of Egypt and in African Cup history, Hassan Shehata has resigned as tactician of the Pharaohs. He was reported to have resigned ahead of a planned meeting by the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) to show him the exit after an abysmal performance in the qualifying campaign. - According to MTNfootball, the FA has accepted his resignation. The Egyptian has won the continental flagship three times in a row – 2006, 2008 and 2010. However, the seven-time champions are stuttering in the 2012 Nations Cup qualifiers. They have bagged only two points at the bottom of Group G after four matches. The north Africans are virtually out of the campaign for Gabon and Equa…

African journalists and those from other parts of the world can take advantage of a new journalism course to improve their career. The newly established International Academy of Journalism (Intajour) is accepting application for their maiden programme "Journalism in the Digital World." - The head of the centre, Werner Eggert, granted audience to Africanews.com to divulge the plans of the academy that hopes to build a better press freedom environment through professionally trained journalists. Briefly tell us about Intajour Intajour was founded by the media company Bertelsmann AG in order to mark the 175th anniversary of the company. The aim is to strengthen press freedom worl…

The 2011 Africa Entrepreneurship Awards has been launched with a US$ 100,000 grand prize up for grabs. Five other companies will receive US$ 50,000 each. The competition is opened to owners of profitable, growing enterprises (with annual revenues between US$1 - 15 million) across the continent. It aims at recognising African business leaders for their entrepreneurial spirit and qualities to succeed in business. - Legatum, a private international investment group, and Omidyar Network, a philanthropic investment firm, are behind one of the continent’s most prestigious business awards. Business owners from every country in Africa may submit entries online at www.africaawards.com until Au…

The Confederation of African Football has directed its 53-member associations to throw their weight behind incumbent Fifa president Joseph Sepp Blatter for re-election come June 1. Caf executive committee members came to that conclusion at a meeting in Cairo, Egypt on Monday. - The members voted and the majority decided Africa should give its full support to Blatter under whose tenure the continent hosted its first ever World Cup in 2010 since its inception decades ago. The decision to sanction its members to give their vote to Blatter could be seen as a ‘thank you’ gift for allowing the ‘dark continent’ to have a fair share of the global football fiesta on home so…

Google has made it possible for 99 new countries including 26 African nations to purchase apps from the Android Market. The internet giants believe the development will increase consumer access and developers' support for paid applications. The expansion of the Android Market gives access to the purchase of more games, social and productivity apps. - According to a media statement, Google hopes to increase the number of countries where Android users can purchase priced apps to 131 including the addition of South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Senegal, and Nigeria. “Consumers from these newly supported countries will have access to over 200,000 free and paid apps in Android Market, whic…

Paramount Group, Africa's largest privately owned defence company based in South Africa, has extended a Joint Production Agreement with the Azerbaijan Ministry of Defence Industries (MDI) to produce 60 new mine protected vehicles in Baku. - The announcement follows Paramount Group’s recent successful establishment of a joint production facility and the production of an initial 30 vehicles (15 Matadors and 15 Marauders) to the Azerbaijan MDI, under a joint production agreement set up in 2009. This expansion of the current production facility was announced at IDEF, Turkey’s international defence exhibition, and will comprise 30 Marauder and 30 Matador IED and mine-protect…

West African nation Ghana is to get its first ever certified and giant Green Commercial Building that can withstand potential earthquakes by 2013. The ultra modern structure dubbed 'One Airport Square', was designed by award-winning Italian architect Mario Cucinella and is being developed by Laurus Development Partners and Actis. - The edifice estimated to cost between $55-60 million commences September 2011 and projected to complete 2013. The 10-storey is designed to harvest rain water for its washrooms to save a lot of cost on potable water as well as comes with high level of ventilation. The Airport City complex will provide office and retail space and is designed to serve as a …

The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation (TCCAF), Diageo plc, WaterHealth International (WHI), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, have announced a strategic partnership to provide sustainable access to safe drinking water in Africa. They have committed over US$6 million in seed funding to the project. - The ‘Safe Water for Africa’ (SWA) was launched at the World Economic Forum on Africa (WEF Africa) on Wednesday. The partnership will work with communities to drive the expansion of WHI’s innovative water service delivery model across the continent. TCCAF, Diageo, and WHI hope to deliver sustainable safe water access for communities acro…

Google hosts a horde of tech savvy entrepreneurs, journalists and developers at its G-Ghana event on Thursday. The two-day conference gives participants the platform to share ideas on the future of web application development, receive training on Google's products and learn about online business skills. - Google tools for the development of the news industry in Ghana will also be highlighted, through tailor-made workshops for journalists and news webmasters. G-Ghana will feature some of Google’s best engineers, product managers, business managers and leadership who will be visiting Ghana from around the globe. The conference, themed ‘Local Growth, Global Impact’ …

Meri Nana-Ama Danquah is gifted with the prowess of playing with words which compels one to continue to read her works and even call for more. The native Ghanaian is versatile and her literary works exude professionalism. She authored the groundbreaking memoir, Willow Weep for Me: A Black Woman's Journey Through Depression. - She also edited three anthologies: Becoming American: Personal Essays by First Generation Immigrant Women, Shaking the Tree: New Fiction and Memoir by Black Women, and most recently, The Black Body. Danquah's writing has been featured in several magazines and newspapers - The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, the Village Voice, Allure, Essence, Emerge an…

The founder and executive chairman of Paramount Group Ivor Ichikowitz said South Africa's joining the BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa - nations this week is a decision well taken to strategically position the continent as the next global growth engine. - “Few will be surprised that South Africa is the nation expanding the BRIC group into BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa,” Ichikowitz stated. “South Africa’s strategic position as the gateway to Africa, with the continent emerging as the global powerhouse of the future, makes BRICS membership good business sense for all concerned. “South Africa is a strong emerging e…

Over three million rural Ghanaians depend on the forest to survive. Forestry plays a significant role in the provision of food, fuel, clothing, shelter, furniture, natural medicine, potable water supply sources and bushmeat for the rural dwellers. In spite of several millions of foreign currencies being spent to save the forest, Ghana continues to lose its green zones. - Indiscriminate felling of trees for firewood and charcoal to either sell or for domestic use is predominant among rural dwellers and that is a major contributing factor eating up the forests. Staggering figures made available from the UN outfit Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO] said about 69% of all urban households in…

Monitise, the leading global Mobile Money solutions provider, has launched a mobile payments service with its partners in Nigeria that allows Nigerians to send and receive money safely from their handsets. With Monitise Mobile Money, Nigerians can now make deposits, withdrawals and transfers via a network of approved agents. - The pilot of the first Monitise branded customer-facing service targeted at the unbanked has been launched in four cities and 11 rural locations across four states under a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) provisional licence to develop the country’s mobile payments network. Monitise expects to provide its technology to other financial institutions in Nigeria as it…

The internet giant firm Google has revealed three more African countries that could send free SMS for free via their Gmail platform. Tanzania, Uganda and Malawi mobile phone subscribers with specific networks would now join five other African countries to send SMS for free. - Google said in a statement that the service is to create a way for Gmail users to carry on chatting with friends, “even when they’re away from their computers.” “In the past few weeks we have added functionality to Gmail that allows users (worldwide) to chat over SMS with phone subscribers in Uganda (MTN, Uganda Telecom and Orange), Tanzania (Vodacom), and Malawi (Airtel, TNM),” the Goog…

West African nation Ghana has been adjudged the eleventh friendliest country in the world, according to a survey by the reputable Forbes international magazine. The report said that makes the country with a population of 24 million plus one of the most preferred tourism destinations around the globe. - According to an article made from the report on the official Ghana presidency website, the former British colony was the only African country that was ranked high in the Forbes survey. The survey which was done in consultation with a cross-section of world travelers in 2010, found that Ghana is one of the “most welcome nations.” Thailand came first, followed by Columbia, which …

A young and dynamic Ghanaian youth activist, Moses Kanduri, is pressing for an appropriate place in governance for African youths in general and Ghanaian youths in particular. He said the youths of the continent can no longer remain as political tools to stoke conflict by power obsessed African leaders but it is about time they rise to defeat the age old notion that they do not amount to nothing. Kanduri granted audience to africanews.com from his New York-base. - Africanews.com: Briefly tell us about yourself Moses Kanduri: I am an international policy and legal studies student with the City University of New York. I am also alumni of the MALAVE Leadership Academy, and also alumni of the…

Ghanaian internet users were more interested in happenings taking place in north African countries of Egypt and Libya than 'valentine' that characterize the month of February. According to the internet search giant - Google - the most searched items last month were Libya and Egypt with 'valentine' taking the third spot. - “It is not surprising that Ghanaians are interested about the unrest in Libya and in Egypt. Historically Ghana has deep rooted relationships with both countries. Egypt was a significant ally in Ghana’s fight for independence from the British and Ghana’s very first First Lady was an Egyptian. Similarly, Ghana’s relationship with Li…

An enterprising young Ghanaian child rights activist Bright Appiah has been elected to serve on the 10-member board of the Global Campaign for Education (GCE). Appiah, who is the chairman of the Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition (GNECC), becomes the first Ghanaian to hold such position. - He would hold his new international position for the next three years in an organization that comprises 112 member countries. Among the over 200 education activists that attended the conference was former UK prime minister Gordon Brown. Speaking to africanews.com upon return from the 4th General Assembly of the GCE in Paris, France from February 21 – 25, Appiah said his election confirms …

The revolution in armoured vehicle technology will reach the Gulf on Monday as the largest defence and aerospace business from Africa unveils its groundbreaking technology at the regions' biggest defence exhibition, IDEX. Gulf States have traditionally been customers of the US and Europe but a new breed of armoured vehicles pioneered in South Africa has turned the tables on the dominant suppliers. - The development has resulted in unprecedented demand for vehicles from companies such as the Paramount Group, Africa’s largest privately owned defence contractor. In a significant move to enter the Gulf region, the Paramount Group will announce an important strategic joint venture …

Several families and love ones are counting their losses following the revolt that swept through northern African country of Egypt recently. It led to the resignation of the antagonist president Hosni Mubarak [the main objective of the uprising]. One of those unsung heroes is Ahmed Bassiouny who died on January 28. - Bassiouny was a sound, visual artist and musician, teacher assistant at the Faculty of Art Education, Painting and Drawing Department, Helwan University. As a true believer in the Egyptian uprising, the father of two bought a mask to protect himself and hit the street with his camera on January 27 to chronicle the event at the Tahrir Square. He was full of smiles but little d…

Africa Business Panel unveiled at the start of February, the first pan-African Business Confidence Index that measures business confidence in the manufacturing and non-manufacturing private sector in Africa. AfricaNews caught up with the CEO of Africa Business Communities, Bas Vlugt, whose organization is a co-brain behind the index. - AfricaNews: Explain in simple terms what the Africa Business Confidence Index means Bas Vlugt: Using a widely accepted international survey methodology, managers working in the private sector in Africa-based companies are asked to assess their businesses’ performance based on a comparison of the current month to the previous month. The survey centres …

Twenty years ago, it was a country where children could smile and play all the way to school. One could walk without looking over the shoulders. The tunes of melodious music filled the air and everything was normal for the average human to relish. 20 years on, the picture has changed. Somalia is now the world's dangerous place to live. - The gloomy chapter turned on the 26th January 1991, when Somalia's last President Mohamed Siad Barre was ousted. Since then the country has been reduced to a battle zone with its image overshadowed by war and conflict. The sounds of guns and grenades have replaced the rhythm of soul searching music. Three square meals a day are no longer serve…

InMobi, the world's largest independent mobile advertising network, has announced the appointment of Isis Nyong'o as Vice President and Managing Director, Africa. Isis has come on board to drive InMobi's African business strategy, facilitating the expansion of the Company's continental base. - She takes over from Stephen Newton who recently left the Company to pursue other opportunities. Isis was previously leading Google’s business development initiatives in Africa, where she specialised in mobile partnerships and was responsible for the development of Google's Africa content strategy . “We are thrilled to have Isis join our team, especially at a ti…

Africa Business Panel has published the first pan-African Business Confidence Index (ABCI). The index measures business confidence in the manufacturing and non-manufacturing private sector throughout Africa. The January results indicate confidence and growth with an index of 63.88 and 61.33 for the manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors respectively. - A level of 50 and above indicates expansion, according to the report released on Friday. 955 business professionals from 42 countries in Africa participated in the survey making the results a reliable gauge and early indicator of the underlying economic activity on the African continent. “We are delighted to present results for …

The internet search giant Google has made it easier to explore museums around the world with its Art Project, a unique collaboration with some of the world's most acclaimed art museums to enable people to discover and view more than a thousand artworks online. Over the last 18 months Google has worked with 17 art museums including the Tate and National Gallery in London, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. - The internet search giant Google has made it easier to explore museums around the world with its Art Project, a unique collaboration with some of the world’s most acclaimed art museums to enable people to discover and view more than a th…

Google has released its January search results for Ghana and education-related searches dominate the top 10. According to the internet search giants, students hunted for words such as WAEC [West Africa Examination Council] for the May and June timetable, KNUST [Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and the University of Ghana. - Estelle Akofio-Sowah, Google Ghana Country Lead, said: “Google Zeitgeist explores the billions of global search queries received by Google each month, and highlights the top trends. It is exciting to see so many Ghanaian students taking a strong interest in their education, and to witness this generation of students using the internet to engage wit…

Ghana's investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas is coming out with another thrilling investigative piece this week. This captivating work is set to rock the nation and it is bound to send spines chilling. If you think you've seen the best of Anas, then prepare to be wowed with ENEMIES OF THE NATION. Enjoy the teaser and expect more on Wednesday. - Click to view the teaser

The internet search engine giant - Google - is digitalizing yet to be seceded South Sudan after a smooth January 9 referendum. According to Google, the Satellite Sentinel project would aid humanitarian agencies to quickly respond to crisis without having to go through difficulties of locating unmapped areas as exists now. - The firm is relying on local knowledge to map schools, hospitals, and other landmarks in Sudan. “Sudan is a huge country [2.5 million km2], with an estimated population of 44 million people, but it’s poorly mapped. Without basic geospatial information, it’s difficult for humanitarian agencies and first responders to monitor and evaluate the risks and …

Three Africans made it to the final eight selection of "The Chance," a global search for talented footballers to join the Nike Academy. English Premier League side Arsenal FC manager Arsene Wenger and Chelsea and Ivory Coast marksman Didier Drogba revealed the winners after an intense final trial week under the watchful eye of elite coaches and scouts. - Mustapha Taline, 10 from France, Tobi Amokeodo, 76 from UK, Fabio Tonini, 29 from Belgium, Titi Accam, 74 from UK, Jonathan King, 70 from South Africa, Seon-Min Moon, 13 Korea, Reyaad Pieterse, 21 South Africa, Tomas Rogic, 82 Australia are the eight players selected for a shot at the pro’s with unrivalled access to world cla…

The Minister for Public Health and Sanitation in Kenya, Mrs. Beth Mugo, and the Minister for Science and Technology in South Africa, Mrs. Naledi Pandor, were jointly elected co-chairs of the Board of the African Network for Drugs and Diagnostics Innovation (ANDI), at the inaugural meeting, hosted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). - The innovative co-Chair governance structure was created in recognition of the critical need to integrate public health research and policy with science and technology in order to develop a holistic approach to sustainably address Africa’s health challenges through the discovery, development and delivery of drug, diagnostics, vacc…

West African nation Ghana is facing serious laurels drought. Football fans are thirsty and hungry for laurels from the senior national team the Black Stars. They have been waiting since 1982 when the nation last won the African Cup of Nations. Ghana are four-time African champions and the only time they came close to topping it to five was in Angola 2010. - So after 28 years in the dark culminating in the hiring and firing of both local and foreign coaches, is the former British colony then known as Gold Coast in a position now to regain their past glory? Newly appointed Serbian coach Goran Stevanovic, 44, feels he has the key to unlock the country’s success. “I am here to…

The giant internet search engine firm Google, has announced that Waptrick - a free wap site which allows users to download anything on their mobile phones - topped the list of fastest rising searches in Ghana for 2010. The results bring to the fore the rising use of the communication device in surfing the internet. - A statement from Google said “Ghanaians also demonstrated their ongoing love for football by searching for the World Cup, goal.com, the Premier League and Asamoah Gyan, our star striker. Apple’s Ipad as well as popular telenovela soap storm over paradise also made the list. “On the entertainment front, our love for Ghanaian music has reached new heights. No…

A presidential aspirant in next year's election in the Democratic Republic of Congo Dr Bent Francis Mboyo said he is highly disappointed in Ivory Coast incumbent president Laurent Gbagbo. The US-based politician said Gbagbo should humbly accept defeat and not allow his ego to lead millions of lives into disarray. - “I am so disappointed in what is happening in Ivory Coast. After 10 years in power what else does he [Gbagbo] want? He should just step down because it is obvious Allasane Ouattara won by 54.1%. “I am happy the African Union and ECOWAS have thrown him out and other international bodies such as the UN and Western powers like the USA and France are adding to the …

Ex-president of West African nation Ghana John Agyekum Kufuor said he has tried several times to reach beleaguered Ivorian leader Laurent Gbagbo but gets no response from his end. The 72-year-old said he has left his number with Gbagbo's Aide de Camp for his former colleague to call back but nothing has come through. - "I tried to talk to him without success; I phoned several times…I made several calls…I succeeded in contacting his AGCA at one point to give my number to him for the President to phone me [but] I didn't receive a call," the immediate past president of Ghana told Accra-based Joy FM. The former AU chairman said Gbagbo's decision to hold on…

Amnesty International is on the neck of authorities of northern African country Egypt to immediately release, or charge with a recognizable criminal offence, more than 70 members of the Muslim Brotherhood group arrested this week. It said those in custody are being victimized due to their association. - "Those arrested appear to be detained solely on account of their association with the Muslim Brotherhood organization," said Malcolm Smart, Amnesty International's director for the Middle East and North Africa on the organization’s website. "The arrests appear intended to disrupt Muslim Brotherhood campaigning and deter people from supporting the organization in …

Mauritius came top with a score of 82 in a leading survey assessing the quality of governance across Africa. According to the 2010 edition of the Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance released in Johannesburg, standards have improved in Angola, Liberia and Togo over the past four years, but declined in Eritrea and Madagascar. - Somalia is at the bottom as the worst-governed nation, with a score of 8. Africa's best-governed countries after Mauritius are the Seychelles, Botswana, Cape Verde, South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, Tunisia, Lesotho and Egypt. Somalia is followed as the worst-governed country in Africa by Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, Eritrea, Sudan, the Centr…

Nigeria's renowned novelist Wole Soyinka has drifted into active politics with the launch of a political party - The Democratic Front for a People's Federation. The Nobel literature laureate is the chairman of the party aimed at zero tolerance for corruption and to improve the health and education of Nigeria. - Soyinka's books and plays have won worldwide acclaim but he is also renowned as a political activist. His book "The Man Died" in 1972 dealt with his period in jail during Nigeria's 1967-70 civil war. He was the first African to be awarded the Nobel prize for literature in 1986. State, presidential and legislative elections are due to take place next ye…

A presidential hopeful of the Democratic Republic of Congo Dr. Francis Mboyo Ndombo Bent is calling on well meaning people of the beleaguered country to support his quest to campaign for the presidency. He told AfricaNews the time has come for change and donations are welcomed to champion his cause. - “There is the growing need for a change of government in the DR Congo. The Kabila-led administration is taking poor Congolese for a ride,” the Congolese United for Change candidate told AfricaNews. “It takes a lot including financial support to realize this dream. We are making a passionate appeal to all who have Congolese at hearts including Congolese themselves to support…

One of Africa's hottest and sensational models is in the making. At age 21, Ghanaian-born Sarah Siakie, is already making waves in New York, USA where she is based. The architecture student is crazy about modeling and is on the verge of realizing her dreams after winning a competition that guaranteed her a place to audition with producers of America's Next Top Model reality show. - Suave Siakie is talented, successful, and has a sparkling personality that can grace the covers of top class fashion magazines globally. The photogenic modeling star is never afraid to fail and looks forward to impress at the show which has gained worldwide respect. She spoke to AfricaNews about her f…

The acting news editor of top radio station Joy FM, Ato Kwamena Dadzie, has been charged for false publication intended to cause fear and harm in the West African nation Ghana. However, media moguls have reacted angrily to the incident that stands to ruin Ghana's press freedom reputation. - According to the station’s online edition – myjoyonline – Dadzie would be prosecuted on Wednesday for refusing to disclose sources of a news story the station aired in which it was reported that members of the Ghana Real Estate Development Agency (GREDA) received threatening text messages to back down on their opposition to a $10 billion housing project that government had entered i…

Black Stars players are to receive US$20,000 each as a reward for their dazzling performance at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. President of West African nation Ghana John Atta Mills told the delegation at the seat of government that they would be presented with national honours in addition soon. - Each member of the technical team and officials of the Ghana FA is to receive US$ 10,000. Ghana became the third African side to have made it to the quarter-final of the global football showpiece since its inception eight decades back. Cameroon and Senegal made it in 1990 and 2002 respectively. President Mills showered accolade on the team for lifting high the flag of Africa at the tourn…

After an abysmal performance of all the six African countries but one at the 2010 World Cup, African football legend George Weah has mooted the idea of creating the enabling environment for local coaches to handle African teams. He said African gaffers know the players better than Europeans who come in late. - The 1995 world best player said the teams’ poor showing in South Africa can be attributed to national authorities’ short-sightedness, ignorance and selfishness. "A lot of them don't have knowledge of the game, they don't have passion for it," Weah told reporters at a FIFA event, according to Reuters. "African authorities don't believe in tho…

South African national icon Nelson Mandela declares his full support for Ghana - Africa's only hope in the 2010 World Cup - as they get set to battle it out with Uruguay in the quarter-final today. Mandela in a letter to the Ghana FA spurred the team on to make Africa proud by getting to the semi-final. - "On the historic occasion of the first FIFA World Cup to be hosted in Africa, it is a great pleasure to see that Ghana has reached the quarter finals," South Africa’s ex-president said in an AFP report. The Nelson Mandela Foundation announced that the African icon has sent a letter to the Ghana FA president Kwesi Nyantakyi to spur the African runners-up on. &quo…

The world football governing body FIFA has given Nigeria a 48-hour ultimatum to reverse a government decision to ban the Super Eagles from international competition or face the consequences. Their president Goodluck Jonathan banned the team after an abysmal performance at the ongoing World Cup. - FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke sees the move as pure political interference in football that contradicts the rules of the game. “Nigeria went too far and Nigeria will be suspended if they don't change their position in the next 48 hours," Valcke told South African press. "You can't allow a government to say all national teams can't play anymore in any inte…

The Democratic Republic of Congo celebrates its Golden Jubilee today. Looking back at a country that has been plagued with civil wars and instability, an aspiring presidential candidate said it has been 50 years of time wasted and milking of the poor to enrich the pockets of the few elites in power. - AfricaNews spoke with US-based Dr Bent Francis Mboyo, the leader of the opposition Congolese United for Change on his thoughts about Congo 50 years back and the way forward. AfricaNews: Your country is 50 years old, how do you feel? Dr Mboyo: I have mixed feelings – joy and sadness. I’m happy because everybody is excited to grow but growth without achievements is meaningless. C…

World Cup trophies have been stolen from the Johannesburg temporary headquarters of world football governing body FIFA. The national police commissioner Bheki Cele confirms the report but said the trophies were replica ones that would have taken centre stage at the Soccer City final in Johannesburg on July 11. - Cele said: "We knew that there was a theft and we are investigating." La Repubblica reported that besides the trophies, sports equipment was also lifted by the thieves. The police also confirmed that 316 people, 207 of South African origin, have been arrested for World Cup-related crimes since the start of the tournament.

West African nation Ghana made history in the 2010 World Cup as the only African side to qualify for the quarter finals. It was the first time in eight years that an African team has made it to the last eight in the global football fiesta in South Africa. - The Black Stars beat the Stars and Stripes in a 2-1 victory after striker Asamoah Gyan smashed home an extra-time winner to knock out the world super power. Both sides met at the group stages in Germany 2006 and it was the same score line in favour of Ghana. German-born Ghanaian Kevin-Prince Boateng opened the score sheet with his debut goal for the four-time African champions but Landon Donavan cancelled Ghana’s lead when he coo…

A group of scientists from the central Netherlands University of Wageningen have discovered that an imitation foot odour could be the latest weapon to fight against malaria - the deadliest tropical disease - in Africa. The specialists hope to produce socks with special aroma to shy away mosquitoes at night. - According to a Radio Netherlands Worldwide report it was found that malaria mosquitoes still found real sweaty feet more attractive than the artificial stuff. “It was already known that the mosquitoes are attracted by feet and the smell from feet,” the report said. The scientists from Wageningen are still experimenting and would create an imitation aroma mixture to divert…

Congolese are against the appointment of General Charles Bisengima as the new boss of the Police Service in the DR Congo. The security capo has been indicted by an International Non-governmental Commission of Inquiry with 19 crimes. His appointment follows the dismissal of former head General John Numbi. - General Bisengima was part of the Rwandan-propped rebellion of Laurent Kabila that dismantled the Mobutu regime and later on joined the RCD rebellion. He was promoted general in 2003 at the outset of the Transition that saw the integration of rebel forces into the Congolese army and police. Leading the protest against Bisengima’s appointment is the president of the Congolese Unite…

Ghana and Bologna midfielder Stephen Appiah has confessed he is more scared of Serbia than the much-talked about Germany and Australia in Group D. "For now we are not even thinking about Australia. We are focusing on Serbia," he told the Ghanaian FA website. - Ghana and Bologna midfielder Stephen Appiah has confessed he is more scared of Serbia than the much-talked about Germany and Australia in Group D. "For now we are not even thinking about Australia. We are focusing on Serbia,” he told the Ghanaian FA website. “Everyone is talking about Germany and Australia, but let me tell you I am scared of Serbia because they are aggressive and technically they are good…

Abi Yeni Rotimi is recognized internationally as one of the best African wedding photographers. He photographs a maximum of 35 exclusive wedding adventures a year worldwide. He believes photography is 90 per cent psychology and the remaining 10 per cent technical work. He said he began his current career by mistake. - Rotimi lives in London but travels the world over with his Canon 5D Mark I and II cameras capturing one of the happiest moments of couple’s life – weddings. He was in Ghana recently and AfricaNews caught up with him at the La Paradise Inn in Accra, Ghana, when he talked about his inspiration, passion and future plans. AfricaNews: Briefly tell us about yourself? …

Ivory Coast's inspirational captain Didier Drogba is joining the remaining World Cup squad on Tuesday after going through a successful surgery on a fractured arm, according to a statement from the Ivorian FA. "His recovery has been extremely encouraging," said FA spokesman Roger Kouassi. - The statement added: “It is suggested that, at this stage, all the signs are good and there is great hope the captain of the Elephants will be in action with his team-mates as soon as possible." Ivorian fans are uncertain whether their star player would be ready for their group opener against Portugal on June 15 at the global football showpiece. The Chelsea forward fracture…

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has denied media reports that midfielder Sulley Muntari left the team's camp without permission from the coach. Spokesperson for the FA Randy Abbey said the Inter player had been out to undergo an MRI scan on his thigh due to injury sustained during training. - Abbey said the player went with the team’s doctor Maj. (Dr) Percy Annan. “It’s untrue that Sulley Muntari has left the Ghana camp for whatever reasons the reports have sought to communicate. “The player had a thigh problem during our training camp in France and there was a recurrence during the friendly with the Netherlands. “It was only important that he…

Ghanaians are shocked with the 4-1 defeat to The Netherlands on Tuesday night. World Cup-bound Ghana side were disappointing as Dirk Kuyt, Wesley Sneijder, Van Persie and Rafael van der Vaart produced the goals while the Black Stars only pulled a consolation through striker Asamoah Gyan. - The score line gives Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk confidence ahead of the global football showpiece in South Africa. "We were patient against opponents who use the counter attack although our build up lacked pace," said van Marwijk. "If you play with a lot of creative players who all come onto the ball it is hard to (find space) near the goal but today we did very well and had d…

A local version of the world's biggest online video sharing platform YouTube has launched in South Africa. The internet search giant Google announced that - http://www.youtube.co.za - is to give South Africans a way to easily discover local content and content producers. - The feat comes on the heels of the fifth anniversary of YouTube. Google Africa blog said: “From now on when users in South Africa visit the site, they will see, for example, the most popular and most viewed videos in South Africa along with local content that closely matches their interests.” The company is teaming up with South African broadcasters such as the South African Broadcasting Corporation …

President Goodluck Jonathan's nominee for vice president Namadi Sambo has received the green light from Senate to assume that post. The Kaduna state governor sailed through despite a rowdy scene that characterized his approval in the House of Representatives - the lower house of Parliament of Nigeria. - "Give us Sambo," his supporters chanted while House speaker Dimeji Bankole repeatedly called for order, the BBC reported. "I am pleading with colleagues to please to take their seats and take this matter with all sense of patriotism," Bankole said. The report said Senators had earlier approved him unanimously in a vote that lasted three minutes. His nominati…

Togo is now eligible to play in the next African Cup of Nations after their two Nations Cup ban was lifted on Friday by the Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). It has also granted amnesty on all ongoing sanctions except physical aggression against referees and officials. - CAF said on its website: “Following the lifting of the sanction, Togo is now reintegrated in the preliminaries of the Orange African Cup of Nations 2012. “Moreover, the Executive Committee unanimously decided to declare a general amnesty for all ongoing sanctions, with the exception of those imposed as a result of physical aggression against a referee or an official. Pre…

The world football governing body FIFA has given Portsmouth's Kevin-Prince Boateng the nod to represent Ghana at World Cup in South Africa. The 23-year-old would be looking forward to debut for the West Africans this summer and is already in the provisional list announced last week. - Boateng is on loan with English side Portsmouth. His father hails from Ghana and opted against a possible future with the German national team, favouring Ghana instead. A change in FIFA statutes in 2005 allowed players who had represented one country at junior level to play for another country if they are entitled to dual nationality. Kevin-Prince Boateng becomes the second player after Quincy Owusu…

The world football governing body FIFA has invited renowned African jazz musician Hugh Masekela and other South African artists to play at the opening concert of the World Cup. The 71-year-old musician said he was "humbled and flattered" to be part of the event. - FIFA has been lampooned over the exclusion of local artists in the concert which is taking place on African soil. According to the BBC and AFP reports local groups such as Freshly Ground and the Soweto Gospel Choir will join international stars at the event in Johannesburg on 10 June before the world football showpiece commences the next day. Respected and popular artists such as Shakira, Alicia Keys, the Black Eyed…

The UN peacekeeping mission in DR Congo must stay else the former war-torn country would return to uncontrollable chaos, according to a presidential hopeful for the 2011 elections Dr Bent Francis Mboyo. He said the mission has restored peace and the national army does not have the capacity to sustain it. - “If the Kabila government thinks the UN is not doing a good job then it is a lie. They want to steal the elections and they know the presence of the UN on the ground would block their chances of stealing the general elections. “If the UN leaves Congo right now the country would be in a situation that we were before,” the presidential candidate for the Congolese United …

His dream is to develop the African version of Flickr or Facebook. His photographs epitomize the true reflection of nature and walks you through natural sceneries. Kwaku Chintoh, who is in his late 20s, began as an amateur photographer but is now revered as one of Ghana's top tourism photographers. - The graphic and web designer believes photography is a great tool that can help change perceptions but not until people develop the right attitude. He granted audience to AfricaNews: AfricaNews: Briefly tell us about yourself? Chintoh: I’m a Ghanaian and a product of Bishop Herman College. Currently, I am reading Business Information Systems at the Zenith University College. I be…

The head of the Nigeria Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Maurice Iwu has been fired after several protests from the public and the US for his head. The acting President Goodluck Jonathan sanctioned the dismissal which takes immediate effect. - The former INEC boss presided over the 2007 election that brought on substantive President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua that was marred by chaos and fraudulence. According to the BBC, newspapers are celebrating Iwu’s exit. In his stead a civil servant would run the electoral body until a permanent replacement was found. Iwu would have ended his term in June 2010.

Google has launched an initiative that would involve all children across the world to take part in a logo drawing competition. "Doodle 4 Google - I love Football" invites invites 4 to 17 year olds to design their own Google logo inspired by the topic "I love football". - A statement from the Google Ghana office said: “The global winning Doodle will be displayed internationally on the Google homepage for a day on July 11th 2010. This will be the first ever international Doodle 4 Google competition. “The Doodle 4 Google competition is open to all children and teenagers in the participating countries aged between 4 and 17. Young artists will be challenged t…

Ghana international and Chelsea influential midfielder Michael Essien might miss the rest of the season as he recuperates from a long-term injury. According to the head of communications of the Blues Steve Atkins reports that the player is returning this weekend against Stoke City are untrue. - "Contrary to this morning's stories stating otherwise, Michael will definitely not be involved against Stoke on Sunday. He is unlikely to play again this season," Atkins confirmed to Goal.com UK. The 27-year-old has not played for Carlo Ancelotti's side this year, after damaging knee ligaments while on international duty at the African Cup of Nations in January. The injury w…

The DR Congo heads to the polls next year to elect a new president. On the quiet campaigning already for the top post is a computer scientist and an administrator Dr Bent Francis Mboyo. Speaking to AfricaNews from his USA base he said the time has come for the DRC to experience rapid transformation. - Excerpts of the full interview below: AfricaNews: Briefly tell us about yourself? Dr Mboyo: I am a twin born from a small village called "Bikoro" in the province of Equateur in the DRC. I grew up in a village that had no public transportation, electricity and television. Almost 40 years later, the standard of living for many people in Congo, is still the same. I have stayed in the…

A pensioner died while thousands of people remained in long queues all night long across South Africa as the World Cup 2010 tickets go on sale across the counter. About 500, 000 soccer tickets are available for grabs with cash for the first time to entice citizens to fill up the stadiums. - According to Reuters report, local police said the 64-year-old man suffered an apparent seizure as he waited in a queue in central Cape Town. He was number 565 in the line. The Cape Town queue, like others around the country, began on Wednesday afternoon as South Africans rushed to get World Cup tickets, some of them for the final on July 11. Soccer loving people dressed in the South African national …

The European Union might pull its election observers out of Sudan's Darfur region. The bloc cited safety and restrictions on their work as main reasons to withdraw. "We are considering withdrawing the observers (from Darfur)," said Veronique De Keyser, who heads the EU's election mission in Sudan. - De Keyser said in a Reuters report: "The safety of some of the observers in some remote parts of the country is a very big concern for me. I am also concerned about our ability to observe. "In some parts of Darfur the violence is terrible. The humanitarians cannot access this area. And if aid cannot access, we cannot access," she told reporters as she flew in…

Young Ayesha Harruna Attah grew up in a home where reading and writing flow through the blood. Ayesha is a biochemistry degree holder from Mount Holyoke College. She studied journalism at the Columbia University. Her parents own one of Ghana's respected private newspapers, The Mail, where she started as a tyro. - With a fellowship from Per Ankh Publishers and TrustAfrica, she wrote her first novel, Harmattan Rain that was nominated by the Commonwealth Writers Foundation for best first book from Africa 2010. The 26-year-old and emerging literary icon who is currently pursuing her creative writing MFA at New York University granted audience to AfricaNews: AfricaNews: What inspired…

Ivory Coast is to decide on the coach that leads the Elephants to the summer World Cup on Friday, according to a statement from the federation (FIF) on Thursday. Sven-Goran Eriksson, Mark Hughes and Bernd Schuster are gunning for the hot seat. - "Yes, it's those three," FIF secretary general Heguard Ouattara told Reuters. "The negotiations are continuing and I think that tomorrow (Friday) we will be in a good position and there will be a choice." Ivory Coast sacked Bosnian coach Vahid Halilhodzic last month and Ouattara said the possible successors were former England manager Eriksson, former Manchester City boss Hughes and ex-Real Madrid coach Schuster. Ha…

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is the idol of a Ghanaian immigrant living in the European country and has named his son after him. Anthony Boahene said he wants his son to go into politics and become a president. He told an Italian newspaper: "I like the way Berlusconi talks, the way he moves." - Asked about Berlusconi's tough stance on immigration, he said: "It's fine, laws need to be observed." Boahene, 36, came to Italy in 2002 according to the BBC. His son was born in 2005 in Accra and has only recently joined his father in the northern Italian city of Modena. There has been no word from Berlusconi the elder about his young namesake, but hi…

A new cabinet list is before the Nigeria Senate a week after the previous one was disbanded. Media sources say the Nigerian Acting President Goodluck Jonathan forwarded the names on Tuesday and it includes names of some members of the erstwhile cabinet of President Yar'Adua. - Presidential sources said the list includes an executive of Goldman Sachs Olusegun Aganga and former junior oil minister Odein Ajumogobia. Approval from Senate could last for weeks amid jockeying for position among the country's many rival interest groups and regions. Jonathan sacked the cabinet last Wednesday in what analysts say was an attempt to replace Yar'Adua loyalists with his own choices. …

Twenty-one out of the 42 ministers who were fired from the Nigerian administration last week could be making their way back to power, according to some influential media outlets in the West African country. The names would be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation this week. - The upper legislative chamber may screen the nominees by Thursday, according to the This Day newspaper. Among those to return are former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Odein Ajumogobia; former Attorney-General of the Federation and Justice Minister Adetokunbo Kayode (SAN); Chief Ojo Maduekwe who took charge of Foreign Affairs in the dissolved cabinet; Prof. Dora Akunyili who earlier manned the Informat…

The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said there is "no room for racist and xenophobic acts" at this summer's soccer World Cup in South Africa - the first time the event will ever be held in Africa. His statement coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Sharpeville massacre in 1960. - The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed every year on 21 March to commemorate the gunning down of the dozens of protestors in Sharpeville, South Africa against apartheid. On this "solemn anniversary," the worst must reaffirm its commitment to "guard against a repeat of the horrors rooted in racism," ranging from slavery to ethnic clea…

A one-day development and reconstruction conference aimed at raising $2 billion to aid conflict ravaged Sudan's Darfur region opened in Cairo, Egypt on Sunday. The conference co-chaired by Turkey hopes to rebuild the health, education, infrastructure and agriculture sectors as well as peace. - Egypt's Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit said they hope to help Darfur to have cement plants, roads and villages for displaced people. Turkey has said it will give $60-75 million from now until 2015 for water, education and agricultural projects, while Algeria said it would give $10 million with a focus on health and job training, according to a Reuters report. "Since the beginni…

Ghana is the first African country to use the Free Google SMS - the latest product of the Internet search giant that allows Gmail users to send text messages to mobile phones at no cost. "These people keeps surprising and you never know what they would come up with next," a fascinated Gmail user Adjei noted. - The Lead of the Google Ghana Office Estelle Akofio-Sowah told AfricaNews the service that enables recipients to reply directly from their cell phones to the sender’s inbox is to enhance simple communication among their users. Below is the full transcription of the interview at the new Google Ghana Office: AfricaNews: What is SMS in Chat? Estelle: It is a new fea…

Twenty-five years ago today - March 15, 1985 - the first dot-com domain name - Symbolics.com - was registered and appeared on the internet. It ushered in the commercial age of the World Wide Web. Then development was deadly slow and it took over two years for the first 100 sites to go online and by 1995, the number had grown to 18,000. - Almost everyone across the world use the internet today at work, home or in school. The trend is fast catching up in Africa where a lot of people use it for social networking on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. AfricaNews engaged a group of Facebook users in some parts of Africa to ponder over the question: What does the internet mean for you after 25 yea…

Maker Faire Africa - an annual event that celebrates African inventors in different sectors - comes off in Nairobi, Kenya from the 6-7 August 2010. The unique platform has brought into the limelight makers especially the youth who do not have the required resources to reach out to the public to showcase their inventions. - The organizers of the show are on the lookout for potential makers for the Nairobi event. AfricaNews hooked up with one of the brains behind the concept Emeka Okafor on preparation towards the upcoming event: AfricaNews: Briefly tell us what the Maker Faire is about? Emeka Okafor: Its a celebration of African ingenuity, innovation and invention AfricaNews: What …

The bomb blast in the Warri city of the Delta State of Nigeria at a venue where an amnesty meeting was taking place has been officially confirmed. The Delta State commissioner for information, Oma Djebah, stated that the amnesty ceremony was been held for former rebel fighters. - Djebah claimed that the explosion went off in a car parked away from the venue. “Yes, there was an explosion about 200 meters away from the conference venue,” Djebah told NEXT. It remains unclear if there were any casualties or injuries. The ceremony, a post-amnesty dialogue, organised by Vanguard Group of Newspapers, has however been put off until later in the day. “The explosion happened w…

Togo should forget about getting their two-tournament Nations Cup ban lifted until they withdraw a court case against the Confederation of African Football, stated Executive Committee member Dr Amos Adamu. He said they stand by their decision despite several appeals for them to reverse it. - He told the media in Accra: “The decision that CAF took we stand by that and we believe that it is in the interest of football in Africa. There are rules and regulations governing the game of football. These rules are known by all federations under CAF.” However, he said the continental football governing body could negotiate with the West African nation based on certain terms. "…

Ivorian and Chelsea striker, Didier Drogba, has been declared the African Footballer of the Year 2009 in Accra, Ghana. This makes it the second time since he last won the coveted prize in 2006. He edged out Inter and Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto'o to deny the latter a record fourth win. - The 32-year-old is leading Les Elephants to the 2010 summer World Cup in South Africa and was at the helm of affairs when they dropped out in the quarters of the just ended African Cup of Nations. Chelsea midfield ace Michael Essien who could not grab the ultimate award made it to the Africa finest eleven alongside Eto’o and national team mate John Paintsil. AC Milan’s new sign-on D…

Borussia Dortmund and Egyptian ace Mohamed Zidan claims English side Arsenal are keeping close eyes on him for possible transfer during the summer. Zidan, 28, thrust himself into the English limelight due to his goal against England for the Pharaohs in an international friendly at Wembley last week. - "My agent spoke to me after the game and told me about Arsenal’s interest," the forward said, according to The Daily Star. Zidan added: "He asked me to try to impress them, and become the first Egyptian to play for the Gunners." Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is also believed to be tracking Girondins de Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh, with some reports suggesting …

Liberian international Dulee Johnson has been granted Swedish citizenship and been issued with an European Union passport. Johnson who received the news from the Swedish immigration was visibly elated and hopes it would bring good tidings to him in the years ahead in Europe. - “It’s a good thing to begin the year with. I’m so happy and I can’t hide my feelings. It would help me move a step further in my career and possibly play in the top leagues. “There are good times ahead and I know God is preparing me for a bright future. I’ll continue to look up to Him and would continue to remain committed to my career, my family, my country and my fans,” …

The world football governing body, FIFA, appoints Chelsea duo Michael Essien and Didier Drogba among nine others in the "11 for Health" project that is aimed at improving the health of people and the community as a whole around the world. It is to explore football's unique potential in health care. - Players such as Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are part of the project. They would each adopt a key health message addressing such important topics as having respect for girls and women, adopting a healthy diet and being diligent about washing one's hands. “The project will enable us to deliver health education through football,” ex…

Detailed maps of West African nation Ghana are now accessible on Google Maps. Users can search up to date online maps, businesses and locations through any web browser or via Google Maps for mobile on data enable handsets. The search engine giant said its service is now available in 32 African countries including Kenya and South Africa. - Africanews.com caught up with Google’s Ghana Office Lead Estelle Akofio-Sowah to find out how local businesses can take advantage of the service and what it all means for the ordinary Ghanaian. Africanews.com: Why is Google doing this? Estelle Akofio-Sowah: Last year Google embarked on opening five offices in Sub-Saharan Africa – Ghana, Ni…

Nigerien president Mamadou Tandja has been ousted in a dramatic military coup on Thursday. The long serving leader was in a cabinet meeting with his ministers when a group of soldiers stormed and disarmed the guards. In this article Africanews.com interviews our reporter with rich experience in covering Niger: - AfricaNews: What’s the situation right now in Niger? Kingsley Kobo: I can confirm that it is over for President Mamadou Tandja. Mutinous soldiers emanating from the “green beret” squad who instigated the coup d’etat has constituted themselves to form a governing body known as the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy. They have as leader, one Sal…

Sensational Ghana forward Opoku Agyemang hopes to maintain his African Cup of Nations form to receive a call up for next summer's World Cup in South Africa. The Qatar-based forward said he always dreamed about playing in the World Cup and hopes that materializes into reality. - Agyemang said: “World Cup 2010 means the world to me. It's my earnest dream to be there and I pray I keep fit to be there. I want to go and I know I can make it if I get the chance. “Every player wishes to play in the World Cup which is arguably the best and highest soccer tournament in the world. It will be a great achievement for me as a player because it is a platform that assembles the wo…

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of Ghana is after players of the Black Stars to pay tax on their bonuses accrued from the recent African Cup of Nations in Angola. The agency has directed the football authorities to deduct the tax from the $20, 000 reward the government promised each player. - Speaking to a local radio station Asempa FM the IRS Boss, Major Ablorh-Quarcoo (retired) said the taxing policy for employees in Ghana does not discriminate on every income they earn and it would be unfair for the players to evade taxes on their winning bonuses and allowances they gained in competitions. “Every income from employment whether bonuses or allowances to employees are subject to…

Telecommunication sponsor of the Black Stars Glo Ghana presented $250, 000 (€184,582) bonus to the Black Stars for finishing second at the recent African Nations Cup in Angola. Ghana lost in a 1-0 final against Egypt for the latter to lift the cup for the seventh time and three times in a row. - Glo spokesman Bode Opesitan said: “We at Glo are very proud of what the Black Stars achieved at the tournament and today we give the $250, 000.” “Their performance has been hailed by all and we feel we must reward them for a good work done. “This is only for their showing at the tournament and as they progress and do more we will definitely be there every step of the wa…

Egyptian striker Emad Meteb has disclosed that Italian Serie A side Genoa and Turkey based Kayserispor are after him for his signature. The 26-year-old who helped Egypt win the African Cup of Nations for the seventh time told Al-Hayat TV: "Genoa are one of two clubs who are keen on signing me." - He added: "Turkish side Kayserispor (where fellow Egyptian Mohamed Shawky plays) are also interested but I'm not so excited about the prospect of playing in the Turkish league. "My ambitions are bigger, I want to play in a top European league." Meteb who was among players who stood out in the just ended Nations Cup in Angola further revealed that two English Pre…

Reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions Egypt climbed 14 places to be among the top ten teams in the world and Africa's number one. Spain continue to occupy the top spot of the latest FIFA/Coca Cola World Ranking released on Wednesday ahead of Brazil and the Netherlands. The Pharaohs lie at the tenth position. - According to FIFA this is not only Egypt’s highest-ever position in the ranking, but also the second-highest of any African team since the introduction of the ranking. “They have only been bettered by Nigeria, who reached fifth place in April 1994.” The world football governing body said the Orange African Cup of Nations had a major impact on this month…

African Cup of Nations defending champions Egypt retained the trophy for the third time in a row in a 1-0 win over Ghana at the Estadio 11 Novembro in Luanda, Angola on Sunday. A late goal from substitute Mohamed Nagy Gedo made the northern Africans seven-time champions. - The young-sided Black Stars held the Pharaohs throughout the game and exhibited a lot of discipline contrary to their previous matches to the admiration of their fans. There were few chances as the Ghanaians played a lot of defensive strategy to frustrate the Hassan Shehata charges. It was a game full of history for the Pharaohs team haul as Ahmed Hassan and Essam El-Hadary picked up record fourth winners' medals,…

Ghana will be seeking a fifth African Nations Cup title while their opponent Egypt fight to retain the trophy for the third consecutive time in Sunday's final in Luanda, Angola. The match that kicks off at 16:00 GMT at the 11 November Stadium would roundup the three-week continental showpiece. - A depleted Black Stars side are in the final for the first time in 18 years and hope to end their 27-year-old African title drought in today’s final against a tactical Egyptian side who are highly tipped to carry the day. "People are saying we need to score at least two goals against Egypt to win, but I say we only need to score half a goal more than them to win the title. &quo…

The Super Eagles of Nigeria could not fly above the Black Stars as they conceded a goal in their quarter-final against Ghana on Thursday in Luanda, Angola. Striker Asamoah Gyan scored in the 21st minute when he headed home from a Kwadwo Asamoah left-footer corner kick. - Four minutes after, the striker nearly doubled his goal but his chip flashed over goalkeeper Enyeama’s post. Nigeria enjoyed most of the possession but could not convert their chances into goals. Ghana’s defense soaked a lot of pressure to deny the men in green space to equalize in that epic game. Nigeria’s forward Obafemi Martins could have equalized but wasted several clear chances especially in th…

The heat is on as two West African rivals Ghana and Nigeria face off in a potentially tense semi-final in Luanda, Angola. The highly anticipated match which has been dubbed "El Classico West Africana" by some media has flooded conversations on social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. - Inhabitants from both countries are either predicting or making enquiries where the match would be aired. Those on twitter have this to say: “I'm at work and wife says to me"I'm recording the nigeria vs ghana match for u, so don't look at results" She is the woman of ALL Women :)” @theydontknow_dj “Nigeria Vs Ghana wud make a very good Movie! …

Northern African bitter rivals - Egypt and Algeria - and West African football giants Ghana and Nigeria are expected to showcase the finest African football today in the two semi-finals that have heightened tension. It is repeat or revenge in both games that would decide who goes to the finals of the African Cup of Nations in Angola. - The Algeria and Egypt showdown in Benguela at 19.30 GMT is highly tipped to be a repetition of the tension packed World Cup play-off match two months ago that the Fennecs won to book a place in South Africa 2010. Watch that video Algeria would hope to register their superiority over their traditional rivals but revenge is all that the reigning champion…

The Pharaohs of Egypt are inches close to making history as the only African country to win the Nations Cup three times in a row when they beat Cameroon 3-1 in Monday's quarter-finals. The Indomitable Lions piled a lot of pressure on them but could not convert their opportunities into goals. - The 3-1 final score line means that Cameroon tasted their third straight defeat in the hands of Egypt in two African Cup of Nations tournaments. The game was a repetition of the last finals in Ghana when the Pharaohs won by a single goal. They now meet Algeria in the semi-finals that would be a rematch of the World Cup play-off between the two that saw Algeria making it to South Africa. The …

Four-time African champions Cameroon squeezed through in a nervy 2-2 draw against Tunisia to qualify for the last eight along side Zambia in Group D in the African Cup of Nations. Paul Le Guen's men conceded an early goal from Amine Chermiti inside the first minute to send the 19,000 crowd going agog. - It was a game full of drama and fouls as both sides piled a lot of pressure in both halves of the game to mount a lead. The Lions struggled to control much of the play but could not equalize before the end of the first half. Within the first minute of the second half Cameroonian captain Samuel Eto’o Samuel Eto’o lit the smiles of his fans when he converted a pass from Pie…

A stuttering Ghana side managed a 1-0 victory over highly tipped Group B first-runner up Burkina Faso to berth at the quarter finals. It was a nervy game that saw the Stallions taking over the midfield in most parts of the game but Ghana's youngster Dede Ayew was too much for the experience opponents. - Ayew’s brilliant free header from colleague Samuel Inkoom’s 30th minute excellent cross was too much for goal keeper Diakite to save. After the goal the tempo of the game went high but an inexperience Ghana side struggled to hold the midfield in most parts of the first half of the last Group B game of the African Cup of Nations. Striker Pitroipa of the Stallions piled a lo…

Earthquake scare sends millions of Ghanaians awake as early as 2am on Monday morning. People rushed to openings after text messages and calls from relatives warn of an impending earthquake. The panic stricken public kept to their radio sets and mobile phones for official pronouncement. - The prank which originated from an unknown source gained a lot of currency following the recent Haiti massive earthquake and its impact seen on television news and the several reports of earthquake being experience in southern African country of Malawi. However, after three– four hours of waiting in vain a deputy Minister of Information, Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa walked into the studios of a local rad…

The Elephants of Ivory Coast walked over their Group B rivals Ghana after a devastating 3-1 defeat at the Chimandela Stadium in Cabinda on Friday night. It was a comfortable game for the star-studded Ivorians as Ghana paraded U-20 youngsters due to injuries on their senior players. - Didier Drogba’s side become the first country to qualify for the quarter finals as their 10-man side weakened the Black Stars. Ghana have to win against Burkina Faso to move to the next round. The Ivorians made good use of a counter attack in the 23rd minute when a brilliant build up between Yaya Toure and Kalou created a chance for Gervinho to score the first goal of the match. Just when Ghana was …

Ghanaian civil servants have received a directive from President John Atta-Mills to switch off all television sets during working hours to ensure productivity. However, this has not gone down well with the government workers some of whom enjoy watching local movies even at the expense of work. - The TV ban is in force in ministries, departments and agencies, but it does not affect hospital wards, waiting rooms and receptions. A cross section of civil servants is silently agitating because the orders are coinciding with the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Angola with Ghana taking part. However, the information ministry said that is "unfortunate" but it is necessary to achieve …

It is erroneous to describe Africa as the "graveyard of journalists" around the world, stated the Africa Program Research Associate of the Committee to Project Journalists (CPJ) Mohamed Keita. Speaking in an exclusive interview with AfricaNews Keita noted more reporters had died elsewhere than Africa. - Below is the full interview: Africanews.com: How does the CPJ works i.e do you just create awareness etc? CPJ: CPJ is an independent advocacy organization that investigates, documents, reports and speaks out against censorship and attacks against news gatherers worldwide since 1981.Our board members participate in our advocacy missions with heads of states and members of gov…

Ghana and Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien is in a stiff competition with four other top African players to grab the 2009 BBC African Footballer of the Year Award. The 2006 winner was named alongside team-mate Didier Drogba, Inter Milan's Samuel Eto'O Fils (Cameroon), TP Mazembe's Tresor Mputu Mabi. - Ivory Coast and Barcelona midfielder Yahya Toure is also among the nominees on the network’s Fast Track Africa Programme. 52 leading football experts from Africa came up with the list. The selection was based on individual skill, technical ability, teamwork, consistency, impact on results and fair play. The prestigious award is the only one of its kind to be decided …

Five Ugandan television stations are switching from analogue to digital broadcasting with 200 viewers receiving the signal in the capital Kampala. They are Kenyan-owned Nation Television (NTV), WBS, East Africa Television and Nile Broadcasting Service. - It is a pilot transmission powered by Next Generation Broadcasting, a Swedish DTT company in partnership with national broadcaster Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) TV, Itnewsafrica.com reports. The Executive Director of Uganda Communications Commission Patrick Masambu said Uganda would finally switch from analogue signals by December 2012. Few African countries are gradually shifting to digital TV with Ghana and some few others d…

Microsoft plans to make its newly-released Windows 7 operating system available in 10 African languages - including five of South Africa's official languages - by the end of 2011. An official of Microsoft South Africa Vis Naidoo said computer technology in local languages opens up more opportunities. - “UNESCO-funded research in 2006 showed that development and learning is only possible through languages familiar to the people. There’s tremendous empowerment in working in your own language,” said Naidoo in a report in itnewsafrica.com. Naidoo added: “Translation teams from South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria and Ethiopia have already started translating Windows 7 and…

The Black Stars of Ghana begin camping from December 27 2009 to adequately prepare towards the 2010 Nations cup in Angola. The spokesperson of the Ghana Football Association Randy Abbey said although the team had already qualified for the continent's big football fiesta it is leaving nothing to chance. - Speaking shortly after the team’s training session on Tuesday, Abbey said he hopes the team would off its best on Sunday against Mali. “We are preparing towards Angola so we find it an extremely important game because our preparation has started now. This game and the Angolan game perhaps will be our last two games before we start our camping,” Abbey told Myjoyonlin…

A Global Research Park in Nigeria would soon be established to boost agricultural research in Africa. The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture said on Saturday it would attract big international private sector research companies to the institute's headquarters in Ibadan. - “Already we have three international research centers working with us here, now we want to get the biggest private sector research companies to come here so that we make this place a Global Research Park,” the Director General of IITA, Dr. Peter Hartmann, said during IITA Open Day on Saturday in Ibadan. A statement from IITA to AfricaNews said the park will create additional jobs for Africans…

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has released US$336 million to Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Nigeria to purchase more than 50 million long-lasting insecticidal nets in the next few months. The move amounts to a 2/3 increase of the number of bed nets in Africa. - According to a statement from the Global Fund office: “The funds are expected to pay for 26 million long-lasting insecticidal nets in Nigeria, 11 million in Ethiopia, 7.3 million in Uganda, 4.8 million in Tanzania and 1 million in Kenya. This will help these countries move towards universal coverage targets of 80% coverage of long-lasting insecticidal nets by 2010.” “These bed nets…

The captain of the Ghana Black Stars Stephen Appiah joins 17th place Bologna of the Italian Serie A, the club announced on Sunday on its website. Though he plays regularly for the national team in the World/Africa Cup qualifiers, Appiah has been struggling to get a club since leaving Fenerbahce of Turkey. - The former Juventus and Udinese midfielder is expected to be unveiled on Monday. However, the announcement failed to mention the contract duration. “Tornado” as he is affectionately called by Ghanaian fans has had problems with knee injuries from his days at Juventus. He failed to secure a spot on the Tottenham Hotspur team list last season due to poor fitness. Some foo…

South Africa rated among the top 10 countries using the Opera Mini browser to surf contents on mobile phones. In its latest State of the Mobile Web report on Tuesday, Opera said 35.6 million people used the application in September, an 11.5% increase from August 2009 and more than 150% compared to September 2008. - The Norway software developer stated that Nigeria was axed from the top 10 countries’ list while Vietnam made a debut. It said more than 2 petabytes of data is now processed by its servers on a monthly basis amounting to 2,000 terabytes . Nokia and Samsung were the most used mobile phone brands in browsing, according to the report. Opera highlighted that users in the t…

The second prize for Africa 2009 Lorenzo Natali Prize went to Anas Aremeyaw Anas of the New Crusading Guide newspaper of Ghana and an ace reporter of AfricaNews. His investigative masterpiece on the "Chinese mafia sex" in the West African nation won him the prestigious award. - Fifteen winners, chosen from over 1,000 applicants worldwide, were awarded by an independent jury composed of eight members from the profession at a ceremony in Stockholm on Thursday. According to the press statement from the Delegation of the European Commission to Ghana, the occasion coincided with the European Development Days. The prize consists of 12 regional awards, a special Radio award, TV Specia…

Ravaging fire consumed the 10-storey building of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of West African nation of Ghana on Wednesday evening. Officials of the ministry and other government figures returned to work on Thursday to see a skeleton structure with smoke bellowing through the windows into the sky. - Fire men were still at the fire scene on Thursday morning. Media reports quoted fire officials saying three floors – the minister, the deputy minister and public relations department – had been secured and safe from destruction. Speaking from Malawi, the Foreign Affairs Minister Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni told Joy FM that there must be forensic investigations into the incident in the w…

A cross section of Zimbabweans is angry because their Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai did not win the coveted Nobel Peace Prize. Most Zimbabweans said the recipient, US President Barack Obama, does not deserve it because he inherited a working system unlike Tsvangirai who had to build from scratch. - They said Tsvangirai had done a lot to save the southern African country from collapsing economically and politically. For them the relative peace that Zimbabwe is enjoying now is as a result of the hard work of Tsvangirai and his Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). “Obama inherited a working system. Morgan came into a government that had no currency, inflation running above 50 perc…

The global financial crisis could lead to more conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa, research experts at the University of Birmingham revealed. The research said decreases in real wages, unemployment and decelerating remittances put a severe strain on poor households in Africa as most of their dependants are living abroad. - Africa is already the most conflict-ridden continent in the world, and decreasing income streams could even push some previously stable countries towards fragility, according to the research investigators Shiv Bakrania and Brian Lucas of the University’s International Development Department. The research - commissioned by the Australian Government, AusAID - noted tha…

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has described Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Archbishop Desmond Tutu's description of Zimbabwe as a "bread case" as "nonsense and devilish talk". He said his ailing country has enough food to feed its people now that the drought is over and blamed the West for its crisis. - Archbishop Tutu once told a Dutch media that Mugabe had ruined "a wonderful country", turning a "bread-basket" into a "basket case". The once hailed reconciliatory figure of Zimbabwe said his country is presently going through a lot of difficulties as a result of "illegal and unjustifiable" sanctions imposed on them in &q…

The Ghana Police has nabbed an alleged US paedophile, Patrick Ken Larbah, 65, who video-taped about eight Ghanaian children forced them to perform sexual acts in his house in the Dangme East District. They said they believe the pictures are sold to operators of pornographic websites. - The retired teacher from Minnesota in the US is believed to be among the world top paedophiles. The Daily Guide newspaper said at the end of every video, he comments on the act of each child and explicitly mentions their names and locations. The report said the video recording of the sex acts lasted about three minutes each, with some of the victims looking exhausted. In the videos, the accused person…

A new mobile telephony company in Ghana - Globacom - has reportedly begun construction works to lay underground cable for its broadband services. The sixth licensed company to operate mobile services is yet to begin full operations in the country. - The management of Glo said it is to establish its Glo-1 Submarine cable through Europe, Ghana to Nigeria, according to the ghanabusinessnews.com. The cable passes through the UK, Portugal and Ghana. The report said Glo is expected to make the mobile competition keen in the West African nation as it continues to boost its presence through the sponsorship of social and media programmes. A report by Companies and Markets, a research company,…

The Next Generation Telecom Summit aimed at addressing issues of competition and collaboration between service providers and operators would take place in Nairobi, Kenya in October 2009. - A press statement to AfricaNews editorial office in Ghana from Emma Naylor, Press Officer of GDS International said: “The NGT Summit will focus on how to improve communications and will become the main platform for international telecom visionaries to discuss innovation in the industry and lead Africa through the global economic crisis.” The statement said until communication is improved Africa’s business profile would find it difficult to boom. The NGT Summit assembles the leading com…

Visitors were fascinated at the wonderful and interesting inventions displayed at the maiden Maker Faire Africa 2009 in Accra, Ghana over the weekend. The innovations ranged from cream heater to a cooler made from roofing sheets, pipe and jute as well as living room chairs made out of plastic water bottles. - “MFA ‘09 has changed my perception about Africa. With the little that I have seen here I think Africans can make it by themselves,” Christy Brown, a student from Ashesi University told AfricaNews. Among some of the inventions on display were locally manufactured radio transmitter by students from Accra Polytechnic, cassava grating machine, locally made latrine hand …

Ghanaians are surprised of news making rounds that one of their top strikers - Prince Tagoe - has had his job severed with his new German club Hoffenheim. The club said on its website this week that the player's health is not conducive for the field. However, the player has denied such claim. - Tagoe is alleged to be suffering from heart problems but his manager has been on local media in Ghana to vehemently deny that. Tagoe said medical check-up with an independent source gave him clearance to continue with his career. His German club argued that they have seen no evidence of a second opinion but they want to resolve the situation fairly, according to the BBC Sports website. Tagoe …

Maker Faire Africa - an event focused on bringing together acts of ingenuity and inventions from across the Africa continent - has kicked off in Accra, Ghana. The 3-day event hopes to welcome about 900 participants. There would be workshops, seminars and lectures focused on four key innovation areas. - The areas include: Arts and Crafts, Robotics, Agriculture and Environment and Science and Engineering. The organizers of the event said it is “designed to create a space on the continent where Afrigadget-type innovations, inventions and initiatives can be sought, identified, brought to life, supported, amplified, and propagated, this conference will answer the question, ‘What h…

Health services in Ghana have switched on their surveillance systems as the West African country records its first H1N1 (swine flu) case since its outbreak. The Ghana Health Service confirmed two cases on Thursday. One is in the capital Accra and the other in the Western region bordering Ivory Coast. - The Director General of the Ghana Health Services, Dr. Elias Sory, has assured the public that the country is fully prepared to handle the case. He said researchers at the Noguchi Memorial Institute as well as that of the Health Ministry are conducting series of tests on the cases. Dr Sory told Joy FM that one of the cases has been traced to a gentleman who just arrived from London to visi…

IT giants Google has unveiled an SMS service that would help provide information to cell phone users in Africa. The product - Google SMS - to begin first in Uganda, would provide information, via SMS, on a number of topics including health and agriculture tips, news, local weather and sports. - "At Google we seek to serve a broad base of people -- not only those who can afford to access the Internet from the convenience of their workplace or with a computer at home," the company said in a blog post. "It's important to reach users wherever they are, with the information they need, in areas with the greatest information poverty," Google said. The Internet search …

Ghana's economy has received a $600 million loan injection from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Media reports late Wednesday night said the loan is to help the West African country "to support the government's economic program to tackle macroeconomic instability." - The IMF’s approval will allow Ghana to immediately draw $105 million of the three-year loan, a Reuters report said. Details of the loan are expected to be released Thursday according to the report. The facility comes after Ghana secured another $535 million from the World Bank also for budgetary support. It is the first time since 2006 that the former British colony has gone to the IMF for fin…

Libyan leader and current head of the African Union Muammar Gaddafi is pushing hard at a summit he is hosting for African leaders to adopt his age long and 'controversial' plan of turning the African Union (AU) into a bloc similar to the European Union (EU). - Meanwhile, media reports being monitored by AfricaNews have it that the African heads of state at the dawn of today approved a plan to enhance the powers of the AU. The plan mandates the AU to coordinate defence policy and trade negotiations, Reuters quoted a participant at the summit to have said. The report said a document enhancing the powers of the African Union's executive body was approved at about 4 a.m. (0200…

Africa joins the rest of the world to mourn the sudden death of the King of Pop - Michael Jackson. Reports reaching AfricaNews editorial desk indicate that Jackson's death was the major news item featured on most radio and television stations across Africa and on the front pages of top newspapers. - The major headline of Nigeria’s politically dominated newspaper, This Day, said: “Africa: Grief Across the World As Michael Jackson Dies”, while Ghana’s politically oriented private newspaper – the Daily Guide – cast their headline thus: “Michael Jackson is Dead.” Africans addicted to popular social network websites - Facebook and twitter …

The majority opposition of former President Kufuor of Ghana is crying out over what it calls "political persecution" of its top members by the ruling administration. The Bureau of National Investigations has paraded a number of former ministers and officials to account for their stewardship. - According to the General Secretary of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Ohene Ntow, his party is fretted with the current political situation where passports of former ministers are being seized and others being prevented from travelling outside the country. The former minister of information, Stephen Asamoah-Boateng, his wife and two children were last Sunday prevented from b…

A solar powered mobile phone - E1107 Crest Solar candybar - has been launched among the Samsung series. Though the manufacturers have not disclosed when it would be available in Africa they said the low-end phone is targeted at emerging markets. - “The handset has a 800 mAh battery that can be charged in the usual way, as well as thanks to the solar panel featured on the back case. Samsung said that 1 hour under the sun can provide 5 to 10 minutes of extra talk-time,” reported Itnewsafrica.com. The phone comes with the following features: Dual-band GSM connectivity (900/1800 MHz), 1.52 inch CSTN display with 128 x 128 pixels and 65K colors, FM Radio, MP3 ringtones, Built-in fl…

Africa must transform the current global economic crisis into an opportunity to develop, the chair of the Africa Progress Panel (APP) and former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said. He said African leaders should bargain for shared responsibility with their international partners. - The financial meltdown has exposed Africa’s vulnerability, notwithstanding a decade of solid progress, the APP said at the launch of its annual report at the ongoing World Economic Forum in South Africa. The key conclusion of the report is that Africa needs to drive its own development agenda as the basis for partnership and shared responsibility for progress. “The global economic crisis can serv…

The Ghana government is to make an official announcement starting vigorous investigations of corruption and impropriety against former President Kufuor's chief of staff today. Kwadwo Mpiani has been hurled before marathon investigation sessions at the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI). - The outspoken former government official has been grilled for two days this week by officials of the dreaded investigation outfit over certain actions he took during the reigns of the former New Patriotic Party administration. Mpiani is being probed on a wide range of issues – allocation of public funds during the 50th anniversary of Ghana in 2007, contracts awarded and expenditures used …

Climate change accounts for over 300,000 deaths world wide, the equivalent of an Indian Ocean Tsunami yearly, a report said. The report launched by Kofi Annan, President of the Global Humanitarian Forum, in London said economic losses due to climate change amount to over $125 billion annually. - The report is entitled ‘Human Impact Report: Climate Change – The Anatomy of a Silent Crisis’ and is the first ever comprehensive report looking at the human impact of climate change. According to the report by 2030, the annual death toll from climate change will reach half a million people a year. A statement from One Young World to its bloggers world wide said the report wa…

Telecom firms face hard times ahead as a telecom consultancy firm predicts that their average revenue per user (ARPU) levels in Africa would drop by half in 2013. The Arpu will drop from $12 today to $6 in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2013 and that poses major challenges for operators, the report added. - “In fact the most recent growth has come from emerging markets with high population and relatively low rates of penetration, such as sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia for these telecom firms,” Oliver Wymann said in its report on itnewsafrica.com. The report explained that these regions are where future growth in mobile market lies, as they are expected to contribute 44 per cent of m…

A new device that can help detect malaria within minutes has been invented. Doctors have hailed scientists who created the microchip at the Glasgow University. The development is a major boost to Western travelers to Africa who usually acquire the disease back home. - The flu-like symptoms can be missed until the patient is critically ill, BBC news reported. With the new device, the report said, blood samples are placed in the microchip, which is designed to detect the strain of disease. This means the best drug can be used to treat it. Last year a study revealed more cases of the most dangerous type of malaria than ever before are being brought back to the UK from trips abroad, the news…

Motorola and MTN Ghana have signed a three-year, multi-million dollar managed network optimization service contract. Motorola is to provide GSM radio access network optimization services to improve performance of MTN Ghana's multi-vendor network, Motorola spokesperson, Yasmeen Engelbrecht said. - The contract with MTN Ghana, according to itnewsafrica.com, follows a successful two-month project during the 2008 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) soccer tournament which enabled MTN Ghana to deliver high quality of service and effectively handle increased call demands on its network. Motorola supported MTN Ghana in successfully managing millions of phone calls across the network, improving …

African journalists can now apply for a free international training to report on football and other running stories before and during South Africa 2010. A Dutch-based organization, Free Voice, said the project - Twenty Ten - involves training, production and distribution of news by African journalists. - The Program Officer of Twenty Ten, Jens Kiesheyer, said the programme creates a platform for African journalists with different professional backgrounds to benefit from international training as well as showcase their works to the rest of the world. Journalists from all African nationalities and different professional backgrounds - photo, print and radio - can apply on www.africamedia-al…

The managers of a prominent bank in Ghana - Amalgamated Bank - have allegedly been caught pants down dealing in fake US dollars. The Bank of Ghana has raised the red flags on the bank owned by Nigerians and Ghanaians and called for the dismissal of the Managing Director, Oluwale Ajumale, still at post. - The Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Paul Acquah, issued a directive on March 3, 2009, that the MD of the bank must be sacked latest March 10, 2009 after investigations revealed he breached several banking rules in Ghana. However, media reports say the Amalgamated MD is technically at post although he is enjoying his annual leave. Investigations revealed that the bank on three occasion…

Africa has the highest growth rate of mobile phone subscription, the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), an agency of the United Nations has said. - In its report, the agency said two thirds of the world's cell phone subscriptions are in developing nations and a quarter of the population is in Africa. The report noted that while just 1 in 50 Africans had a mobile in the year 2000, now 28 percent have a cellular subscription. The world has more than three times more mobile cellular subscriptions than fixed telephone lines, and in some countries in Asia and Europe people have more than one contract each, pushing the mobile access rate above 100 percent, Reuters news agency re…

Over 40,000 internally displaced persons have returned to Mogadishu in the last six weeks. The majority of the returnees are from Hiraan, Mudug, Galgaduud, Lower and Middle Shabelle in the southern and central regions, which are experiencing a combination of renewed conflict and severe drought. - According to a release from the UN refugee agency – UNHCR – on Friday to AfricaNews, many IDPs are returning as complete families but others are heads of households who have left their relatives behind in the settlements for internally displaced while they check the conditions of their properties. The release added: “They are returning to Hodan, Wardhiigleey, Yaaqshiid and Hel…

The Black Satellites of Ghana became custodians of the Africa Youth Championship trophy for the third time after beating Cameroon 2:0 in the final in Kigali on Sunday. - Prolific striker Ransford Osei scored all two goals in either half to secure the darling boys of Ghana the enviable cup in the African U-20 football. The Israel-based forward on both occasions combined with Asante Kotoko's enterprising wing-back Samuel Inkoom to give Ghana their third triumph after titles in 1993 and 1999. Osei latched onto a cross from the right from Inkoom after the defender had made light work of three Cameroonians. The Black Satellites repeated the previous effort with Inkoom breaking free on t…

The population of Gorillas in the Virunga National Park of DR Congo has increased by 12.5%. The park now has 81 gorillas as at January 2009 as against 72 in August 2007, results of an eight-week census carried out by the Congolese Wildlife Authority (ICCN) revealed. DRC now has a total of 211 gorillas. - A press statement from ICCN to AfricaNews stated that more than 50 rangers from the ICCN conducted over 128 patrols during the period. They identified six gorilla families in Mikeno and three solitary silverbacks. It is the first census to be completed by the park's wildlife rangers since rebel troops seized control of the area in August 2007. The worldwide population of Mountain Go…

Maccabi Tel Aviv midfielder Dulee Johnson states that he still holds strong believe in his team to make it in the Israeli league. He says inspite of the 1:0 loss against M. Netanya on Monday, he is not giving up yet and will give out all his heart for his team. "It is not over yet for Maccabi Tel Aviv," he adds. - Speaking in a post-match interview with AfricaNews on phone from Israel, Johnson says he is not discouraged at all with the team’s current standing on the league table and he will fight to the end. “I am not giving up until the last match of the league. I’ll maintain my level of commitment and will play to my very best. This is a crucial time and I a…

Ghanaians expressed the most optimism among 17 countries that an Obama regime would turn the world around into better prospects. 87% of people polled in Ghana predicted "better things under Obama" according to BBC World Service survey conducted recently ahead of Obama's swearing-in on Tuesday. - The survey said there is growing optimism Barack Obama's presidency will lead to improved relations between the US and the rest of the world. Fifteen of the 17 countries included in the survey reported a majority that believed the incoming administration would be good for international cooperation. Overall, some 67% of the 17,000 respondents were optimistic of better relations,…

A Barack Obama branded mobile phone is now selling like hot cake in Kenya. Handset vendor, Mi launched the handset dressed in the colours and logo of the US president-elect. Kenya - the home country of the president's father - is booming with an Obama fever as the 20th January inauguration draw close. - The stylish and charming mobile phone is being sold for roughly $30, Cellular News reported on Thursday. The company announced that the Mi-Obama handsets are available exclusively at Fone Xpress@ Nakumatt, Tuskys and Phonelink retail stores throughout Kenya, the product in its first week of availability has already sold over 1000 units in Nairobi alone. "The coming of the new Pre…

Former president J.J Rawlings is not happy his ally and incumbent Atta-Mills ordered local government officials of the past NPP regime to remain at post pending new appointments. He said there is no room for diplomacy because Kufuor booted his men out "like criminals" after handing over in 2001. - Speaking to party officials at his residence in the capital Accra, Rawlings said the people voted for change and that extends to change of all officials of the previous Kufuor administration. He said the people feel betrayed if those officials still remain at post. “To pluck out Kufuor and leave everything behind, is courting potential disaster,” he said. Rawlings added: …

Cameroon remains champions of African football in the latest FIFA ranking released this week. The Indomitable Lions lie at the 14th spot while Egypt climbed one place up to the 15th position to be the first-runner up in Africa. Nigeria moved up two places to the 17th spot trailing Egypt as the third best. - Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Morroco, Mali and Tunisia clenched to the 25th, 27th, 38th, 41st, 43rd and 45th positions respectively. A statement on FIFA’s website said there was “little movement at the top positions” in the latest ranking. The world football governing body said: “January's FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking takes into account the 27 senior…

Guinea has been suspended from the West African regional bloc ECOWAS. The Economic Community of West African States on Saturday ruled that the world's top bauxite exporter would be recognized as a member when the military junta which seized power last month held democratic election sometime soon. - The African Union was the first to show the former French colony the exit in December following criticisms from international donors and world super powers such as the United States and the European Union for elections as soon as possible. "ECOWAS suspends Guinea from all meetings of ECOWAS at heads of state and ministerial levels until constitutional order is restored," ECOWAS C…

Ghana's new president Professor John Evans Atta-Mills has been sworn-in and he calls on all Ghanaians to unite for a prosperous future. He said the dawn of a new era has come for a new direction. "We are changing to move forward," the new president assured the teeming crowd amidst thunderous applause. - Prof. Atta-Mills said in his inaugural speck that he is not going to use most of his time to engage in political witch-hunting and blame game. “We shall give due recognition to our compatriot from other parites. I’ll be president for all. I’ll heal wounds to ensure unity of our country,” he promised. He added: “There would be no room for politic…

Scores of congratulatory messages are being sent to Ghanaians and the new president-elect Professor John Atta-Mills for a generally free and fair election. UN, Canada, Kenya and Nigeria are the latest to give thumbs up to the West African country. - The United Nations through its Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, in a statement commended the process in Ghana as "democratic achievement and an example to others." Ban pat the backs of Ghanaians for comporting themselves during and after the elections that went in favour of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). Also, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Honourable Lawrence Cannon and the Honourable Beverley J. …

The major opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been declared winner of the close presidential run-off in Ghana. Its candidate Professor John Evans Atta-Mills polled 4,521,032 representing 50.23% as against Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) 4,480,446 (49.77%). - The Chairman of the Electoral Commission Dr Kwadwo Afari-Djan said: “It is my duty to declare Prof. John Evans Atta Mills the president-elect of the Republic of Ghana." Dr Afari-Djan said the Commission assessed the evidence of the alleged electoral fraud submitted by both parties. He said that of the NPP bothered on criminalities that is outside the remit of the Commission while that …

The New Patriotic Party of Ghana has in a last minute move gone to court to stop voting today in a district of the Brong Ahafo region that could "make a difference" in the knife-edge presidential run-off on Sunday. Voting nevertheless takes place. - The Tain constituency could not vote due to problems in last Sunday's run-off polls. The 53,000 population of this district in western Ghana were scheduled to "choose" who will lead the West African state, that has just dicovered oil in commercial quantities. As of Thursday night, NPP's lead counsel, Lawyer Atta-Kyea disclosed on an Accra-based private TV station - Metro TV - that it would be contempt of court i…

The Electoral Commission of Ghana has declared the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) winners of 229 out of the 230 constituencies in Ghana's presidential run-off. Its candidate Prof. Atta-Mills obtained 4,501,466 representing 50.13% while the ruling NPP had 4,478,411 (49.87%). - Announcing the results on Tuesday, the Chairman of the EC, Dr Kwadwo Afari-Djan said the remaining constituency – Tain in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana – would hold its election on Friday after which the total results would be declared. The NDC won the Tain constituency in the first round and political pundits say it is likely it would swing towards their side again. The National Ch…

Ghana's Electoral Commission is expected to announce the winner of the presidential run-off today amidst heighten tension in the country. Meanwhile, the opposition NDC has claimed victory but its candidate Prof. Atta-Mills said its supporters should wait for the Commission's announcement. - “The figures go in our favour but I want to appeal to our supporters to exercise restraint and wait for the Electoral Commission to declare the results,” Prof. Atta-Mills told a press conference late Monday night. Supporters of the National Democratic Congress have converged at the premises of the Commission demanding early announcement of the results because they claim figures a…

Latest provisional results of the close presidential run-off in Ghana put the opposition National Democratic Congress in an early lead. Its candidate Prof. Atta-Mills has 4,419,419 representing 50.64% of 223 out of the 230 constituencies. The ruling NPP trails with 4,307,120 votes (49.36%). - Ghanaians are going about their normal business a day after the elections. While others are busily going to town to do their personal businesses others could be seen glued to their TV and radio sets monitoring the results as they come in. The election itself was generally peaceful and most international observers say it was “largely free and fair.” However, there were pockets of scuffles…

Voting has ended in a generally peaceful election run-off in West Africa's peaceful nation of Ghana. Counting of ballot papers currently underway in the over 22,000 polling centres throughout the country. Turnout was not as impressive as the first round held in December 7 2008, the media reported. - The election itself was characterized by alleged irregularities and pockets of skirmishes in some parts of the country notably Ashaiman constituency in the industrial city of Tema, Odododiodoo in the Greater Accra region and some parts of the Ashanti and Volta regions – NPP and NDC strongholds respectively. The police and military were readily on the spot to quell violence. The ru…

Voting began on time in the West African nation of Ghana as it goes into an election run-off on Sunday to elect a new president. Long queues formed at polling centres hours before voting opened at 7am. The new president replaces incumbent Kufuor who voluntarily steps down after two terms in office. - The two main presidential contenders – Nana Akufo-Addo of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Professor John Evans Atta-Mills of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) - wrapped up their campaigns on Friday with mammoth rallies. Ghana - the new face to join the league of oil producing countries in Africa – went to the polls on December 7 but none of the presidenti…

The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has served notice to Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe to urgently receive the U.N. special envoy for the country, which he said faced "economic, social and political collapse." Speaking at a news conference, he criticized SADC and said it failed to deliver results. - The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has been mediating in the Zimbabwe crisis. The southern African country is suffering from skyrocketing inflation, shortages of food and fuel, and a cholera outbreak that has killed nearly 1,000 people, the Reuters news agency said. A September power-sharing agreement between the ruling party and opposition has not been implemented. B…

Top business executives are still optimistic about Africa's growth for 2009 in spite of the global credit crunch, a recent survey by the organisation 'africapractice' revealed. 62 per cent of the business leaders with interests in Africa said they plan to expand significantly, while 38 per cent said they will slightly. - The global economic crisis still dominates the outlook for business in Africa in 2009. A press statement from africapractice said “When asked what the greatest challenge will be for their business in 2009, the majority of executives cited issues around market volatility, weathering the global downturn, cashflow and credit.” “The key challe…

Fuel prices slashed by 17 percent in Ghana just two weeks to the presidential election run-off. Political pundits and the opposition have raised eye brows saying it is a strategy to buy votes for the ruling candidate Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The run-off comes on December 28. - Though it is a salvage to both middle and lower class people, the public have welcomed the news with mixed feelings. In public transport people could be heard arguing that the slash could have come way back before the general elections held on December 7 2008. “They (government) think we are children. We still need a change. Even if they like they should make fuel free we would still chan…

Ghana's ruling New Patriotic Party has taken a lead in Sunday's presidential and parliamentary polls. Out of the 190 of the 230 constituencies results declared by the Electoral Commission the NPP gained 3,577,631 (49.88 %) and it is closely followed by the opposition NDC with 3,379,716 (47.12 %). - The third political force – the Convention People’s Party (CPP) – is trailing with 106,684 votes (1.49 %), People’s National Convention (PNC) has 57,108 (0.80 %), Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) 21,950 (0.31 %), independent candidate 15,959 (0.22 %), DPP 7,619 (0.11 %) and then at the bottom is NRP 5,420 (0.08 %). A winner needs to get 50%+1 vote. If the percentage…

The third political force in Ghana has conceded defeat barely 24 hours of results declaration. The CPP - highly tipped to split votes of the ruling NPP and the opposition NDC failed to impress with results declared so far. 104 out of 230 results declared put the NPP ahead with 2,158,697 votes (50.78%). - Ghanaians took advantage of the public holiday on Monday to keep vigil all night as electoral results slowly trickle in from the Electoral Commission through radio and television stations. The two main political forces in Ghana are in a close contest as their strongholds are yet to be declared. Provisional results so far put Nana Akufo-Addo of the NPP ahead with 2,158,697 votes (50.78%) …

Voting came to a peaceful end in the much anticipated general elections in Ghana, West Africa on Sunday. A little over 12,000,000 eligible voters patiently joined long winding queues to elect a new president to take over from President Kufuor whose term has come to an end. 230 MPs would also be elected. - Voting opened at 7 am and officially ended at 5.00 pm in all the 21,000 polling stations across the country with a population of over 22 million people. The entire exercise was generally peaceful with insignificant agitations and confusion at some centres. Only a handful of polling stations opened late due to lateness in bringing the voting materials. Meanwhile, the heavy traffics in tow…

Issa Hayatou's re-election as president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has received a boost from Ghana's football legend Abedi "Pele" Ayew. The former critic of Hayatou said he wants to avoid a situation where there would be internal wrangling come the 2010 World Cup in Africa. - "The reason why I'm supporting him is I want a peaceful Africa, and I don't want CAF to be having power struggles when we have the [2010] World Cup in South Africa," Pele told BBC Sport. Hayatou will be re-elected unopposed next February. "I know how we suffered to get the World Cup to this continent - for the past 10 years we've been working so ha…

Curfew in the central Nigerian area of Jos is to be relaxed on Monday following the return of an uneasy calm. The army brought under control clashes between Muslim and Christian gangs which killed hundreds of people over the weekend. A disputed local election in the city triggered the two-day fight. - Nuhu Gagara, Plateau state information chief, said there had been no reports of violence overnight and that state governor Jonah Jang would meet with security chiefs to discuss easing a 24-hour curfew imposed on the worst-hit neighbourhoods, Reuters news agency reported. "The curfew will not be lifted today, but it could be relaxed," Gagara said. The clashes resorted in the burning…

"Disability is not inability" - this is what some Ghanaian children with physical and mental disability proved to the world over the weekend. Students of the New Horizon Special School showcased their own hand made woven baskets, dolls, beads, postcards, dyed table clothes and chains to the public. - The annual exhibition attracted dozens of well-wishers – ambassadors’ wives, journalists, tourists, volunteers and parents with children with disability. “This is quite amazing and I am highly impressed with their hand works,” Juliana Boateng, a Broadcast journalist said. The head of the school, Mrs Salome Francois told AfricaNews that such exhibition is held…

Four Nigerian business magnates are close to buy English Premier League side Newcastle United. The West Africans said if the deal goes through they would re-appoint Kevin Keegan as manager, the Reuters news agency reported on Friday. The club's owner, Ashley, put the club up for sale two weeks ago. - Newcastle United have fallen foul of the fans after Keegan resigned saying he did not have full control over the buying and selling of players, the news agency said. Chris Nathaniel, a London-based businessman who runs football and entertainment consultancy NVA Management, disclosed the Nigerian entrepreneurs’ intention. "We're at the stage now where our end are doing th…

Only 2.7 per cent of Ghana`s population use the internet in their daily lives inspite of the proliferation of internet cafes across the country. The Internet Society of Ghana said the figure is low because of certain cumbersome policies in the country. Internet usage in Africa stands at 5.3 per cent. - Eric Akumiah, General Secretary of the Society, called on government to recognize the importance of a multi-stakeholder model of decision making especially on Internet Policy Development. “We therefore commit ourselves to engage with government and other stakeholders to enhance confidence, ensure security and encourage innovation at the national level,” the Ghana News Agency qu…

Gabon and Burundi have banned the sale of all Chinese milk products from the market after a contamination of such diaries killed four children in China. The Central African countries served the notice to the public on Saturday. The powder was contaminated with melamine, used for making plastics. - The two countries join a number of states in Asia and Africa which have declared a health alert over the tainted Chinese milk powder that has made thousands of Chinese children ill, Reuters news agency said. Gabon's Trade and Industrial Development Minister Paul Biyoghe Mba prohibited the sale and import of milk powder for babies, including that produced by two Chinese companies, Guangdong …

Heated debate erupted in the Eastern African country of Uganda as to whether women should be banned from wearing tight miniskirts in public or otherwise. The country's ethics and integrity minister is spearheading the call because women wearing them distract drivers and cause traffic accidents. - Minister Nsaba Buturo told journalists in the capital Kampala that wearing a miniskirt was like walking naked in the streets, according to a BBC report. “What's wrong with a miniskirt? You can cause an accident because some of our people are weak mentally. Wearing a miniskirt should be regarded as indecent, which would be punishable under Ugandan law,” he added. “I…

Opposition UNITA conceded defeat in Angola's first elections for 16 years and has congratulated the ruling MPLA for its landslide victory. With about 80% of votes counted, President Norberto dos Santos' party has bagged 82% of the vote so far and their rival 10.5%, said the electoral commission. - Media reports monitored across the continent by the AfricaNews editorial office in Ghana, show that Angolans are generally happy with UNITA's decision and fears of another civil war is now history. Already, citizens of other African countries are sending congratulatory sms to radio stations for a successful election in Angola. The leader of UNITA, Isaias Samakuva, on Monday night …

Angola's ruling MPLA party has taken a commanding lead in the first parliamentary elections in 16 years, latest results show. With 35% of the votes counted, it had received 81%, the electoral commission said. But the opposition UNITA said on Sunday it was heading for court to dispute the results. - UNITA, which has polled 10% of the counted votes so far, is demanding a re-run in Luanda, saying the voting in the capital was chaotic, the BBC reported. "That's right," UNITA leader Isaias Samakuva said at a news conference when asked if he was challenging the validity of the poll. He said the voting problems suggested the final results might not "rigorously" reflect…

Four opposition parties in Angola want fresh polls held after chaos erupted in some parts of the country during Friday`s Parliamentary elections - the nation`s first in 16 years. They contend that ballot control was inadequate and many people were prevented from voting. Polls have officially closed. - Turn out was impressive as most Angolans were voting for the first time since the end of the civil war in nearly three-decade. Many polling stations especially in the seaside capital Luanda, experienced a chaotic start but tempers calmed down afterwards. The main opposition party – UNITA – has described the polls as a sham. “The process has collapsed,'' Isaias Sam…