Mahama Heads to France for One Health Summit and Bilateral Talks with Macron
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama is set to embark on an official visit to France beginning Monday, April 6, 2026, following a formal invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron. The two-day engagement will take President Mahama across two of France’s most iconic cities, Lyon and Paris, for a packed schedule of global health diplomacy and high-level bilateral discussions. The visit begins in Lyon, where President Mahama will attend the 2026 One Health Summit, a landmark gathering bringing together world leaders, health ministers, and global health experts to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity, from the reform of global health systems and sustainable food production to coordinated strategies for combating health crises. As founder of the Accra Reset Initiative, President Mahama will take center stage at the summit on Tuesday, co-chairing its high-level segment alongside President Macron. He is scheduled to deliver two keynote addresses during the summit. The first will be at a session on Global Health Architecture, co-chaired by President Macron and Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization. That session will focus on reforming global health initiatives and endorsing a Political Declaration designed to strengthen international health cooperation. His second keynote will open the high-level segment for heads of state and government, where President Mahama is expected to articulate Ghana’s commitments and perspectives on global health security, signaling the West African nation’s growing role on the world stage. From Lyon, the President will make his way to the French capital. On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, he will be welcomed to the Élysée Palace for a bilateral meeting with President Macron. The talks are expected to center on deepening Ghana–France relations, with discussions spanning health, education, trade, investment, and regional security. Prior to the Élysée meeting, President Mahama will also be received by Gérard Larcher at the Senate House, a gesture that underscores the diplomatic significance of the visit. Following his meeting at the Élysée Palace, President Mahama is expected to return to Accra, closing out what promises to be a consequential chapter in Ghana’s international engagements. The statement was issued by Felix Kwakye Ofosu (MP), Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
New APC Deputy Chairman Hits the Ground Running, Appoints Diaspora Medical Leader as Special Adviser
In a bold move signaling his commitment to inclusive leadership, the newly elected All Progressives Congress (APC) National Deputy Chairman for the South, Dr. Benjamin Nwoye, has announced his first major appointment—tapping a prominent Diaspora leader to bridge the gap between the party and Nigerians abroad. Dr. Nwoye has named Dr. Kingsman Obinna Chikelu, a medical doctor and Managing Director of Diaspora Hospital Abuja, as his Special Adviser on Diaspora and Medical Affairs. The appointment, made public on Monday, March 30, 2026, comes just days after Dr. Nwoye’s emergence at the party’s National Convention, where he took over from Chief Emma Eneukwu. Dr. Chikelu is no stranger to Diaspora leadership. A respected medical practitioner, he previously served as Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Worldwide. His background spans Diaspora mobilization, international relations, and healthcare advocacy—qualities his new principal believes will be instrumental in advancing the party’s vision. According to sources close to the Deputy National Chairman’s office, the appointment is strategic. The goal, they explained, is to harness the skills, expertise, and vast networks of Nigerians living abroad to support the APC’s development agenda while also strengthening the party’s health and welfare initiatives. “This appointment reflects our commitment to inclusivity and tapping into the vast resources and expertise of our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora,” Dr. Nwoye said, expressing confidence in Dr. Chikelu’s ability to deliver. In his acceptance, Dr. Kingsman Obinna Chikelu pledged to work diligently to mobilize Diaspora support for the party and contribute meaningfully to its medical and welfare programmes. Party stakeholders have welcomed the move, describing it as a timely signal that Dr. Nwoye is ready to hit the ground running in his new leadership role. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
South Korean court sentences ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol to life for insurrection
A South Korean court has found former President Yoon Suk Yeol guilty of orchestrating an insurrection, sentencing him to life in prison for his failed attempt to impose military rule in December 2024. The 65-year-old’s order, which lasted just six hours, brought the government to a standstill and significantly weakened his political party, contributing to its loss in the subsequent elections. “The attempt to subvert the constitutional order cannot go unpunished,” the presiding judge said during the verdict announcement. The incident has left a lasting mark on South Korean politics and society. Crowds of Yoon’s supporters gathered outside the court in protest, reflecting the deep divisions his actions have caused across the nation. Yoon is already serving prison time for another conviction related to the same failed martial law order and still faces two additional trials. Source: BBC
Ghana and Zambia Sign Landmark Visa Waiver Agreement to Boost Bilateral Ties
In a historic move to deepen ties and promote seamless mobility, the governments of Ghana and Zambia have signed a landmark visa waiver agreement, allowing citizens of both countries to travel freely without the need for visas. The announcement came during President John Dramani Mahama’s recent three-day state visit to Zambia, where he was welcomed by President Hakainde Hichilema at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport on February 4. The development was disclosed to the press by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who described the visa waiver as one of the most significant outcomes of the high-level visit. Mr. Ablakwa emphasized that the new policy is poised to enhance trade, tourism, investment, and cultural exchange between the two nations, removing long-standing bureaucratic barriers for travelers, including students, businesspeople, professionals, and tourists. According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, the visa-free arrangement was a key directive personally issued by President Mahama as a top priority for the visit. “We are prioritising your smooth mobility, and one of the major outcomes of this state visit is that, for the first time in the history of Ghana-Zambia relations, we are going to have a free visa between our two countries, so you no longer have to stress about visas,” Mr. Ablakwa said. He added that the President had made it clear that the agreement was a non-negotiable condition for the diplomatic trip. The visa waiver agreement signals a new era of cooperation, expected to foster closer diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people relations between Ghana and Zambia. As both countries look to the future, the removal of travel restrictions is set to unlock new opportunities and strengthen the bonds between their citizens. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
UK seeks ‘sophisticated’ partnership with China on growth, security
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, on Thursday, January 29, signalled a shift in UK–China relations, expressing his desire to build what he described as a “sophisticated relationship” with Beijing to support economic growth and strengthen global security. The comments came during the most significant day of Starmer’s four-day visit to China, the first by a British prime minister in eight years, marked by an 80-minute summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, followed by a working lunch. Starmer is also scheduled to meet Premier Li Qiang. Starmer, whose centre-left Labour government has faced pressure to deliver on its economic growth agenda, has prioritised improving ties with the world’s second-largest economy, despite persistent concerns over espionage and human rights. “China is a vital player on the global stage, and it’s vital that we build a more sophisticated relationship where we can identify opportunities to collaborate, but of course also allow a meaningful dialogue on areas where we disagree,” Starmer told President Xi at the start of their meeting. President Xi said relations between the two countries had experienced “twists and turns” that served neither side’s interests, adding that China was ready to pursue a long-term strategic partnership with Britain. “We can deliver a result that can withstand the test of history,” Xi said, flanked by senior Chinese officials. Starmer’s engagement with Beijing comes amid renewed diplomatic activity between China and Western nations, as governments seek to hedge against uncertainty in relations with the United States under President Donald Trump. Trump’s intermittent threats of trade tariffs and remarks about asserting control over Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, have unsettled long-standing allies, including Britain. The UK prime minister’s visit follows closely after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s trip to China, during which Ottawa signed an economic agreement aimed at reducing trade barriers, an outcome that drew criticism from Washington. Kerry Brown, a professor of Chinese studies at King’s College London, said several agreements between Britain and China were expected to be announced as a signal of improving relations. Starmer is accompanied by more than 50 business leaders, underlining his push for tangible economic gains from the visit. Source: Reuters
Nigeria’s Ruling Party Climate Network Backs APC Chairmanship Candidate for Bwari in Abuja Elections
The APC Climate Change Network (ACCN), a support group aligned with Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has pledged its support to Hon. Haruna Shekwolo Ushafa, the party’s chairmanship candidate for the upcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Councils elections in Bwari. Members of the network paid a courtesy visit to Ushafa at his residence in Ushafa, Bwari, on Tuesday, underscoring their commitment to backing his campaign with grassroots mobilization and climate-focused advocacy. Speaking during the visit, ACCN National Coordinator, Citizen Greg Odogwu, said the group was “strongly behind” Ushafa and would support his campaign through the distribution of flyers and the promotion of environmental sustainability principles throughout and beyond the election period. Odogwu described the candidate as “Sustainable Shekwolo,” citing his experience, leadership style, and track record as indicators of his capacity to build climate resilience in Bwari Area Council if elected. “His pedigree, experience, and body language show that he understands the issues and has what it takes to make Bwari climate-resilient,” Odogwu said. In response, Ushafa acknowledged the growing impact of climate change and emphasized the need for urgent action at the grassroots level. He said his team recognizes climate change as a real and pressing challenge, particularly for rural communities whose livelihoods depend heavily on agriculture. “There are many things that must be done to make our Area Council resilient and to improve the lives of our people, especially rural farmers,” Ushafa said. “We can adopt climate-smart agriculture and upgrade agricultural facilities, which will automatically improve livelihoods.” He also highlighted the economic costs of climate change, pointing to erosion and infrastructure degradation as major challenges facing the area council. “When erosion caused by climate change is not controlled, it accelerates the deterioration of roads,” Ushafa noted. “As a result, we incur significant economic losses as an Area Council. We look forward to working closely with your network.” Also speaking at the event, the ACCN Coordinator for Bwari, Hon. Charles Nwokedi, reaffirmed the group’s support for Ushafa, noting that the network has a presence across all wards in Bwari Area Council. “We are solidly behind you,” Nwokedi said. “With our structures across the wards, we are on standby to support your campaign efforts.” The FCT Area Councils elections are expected to be closely watched, with climate resilience and sustainable development emerging as key themes in local governance debates. Background: APC Climate Change Network The APC Climate Change Network is an organized cadre of party members and climate advocates within the APC, formed to elevate environmental issues and climate action within the party’s agenda and outreach strategy. The network describes itself as a coalition of “climate champions” drawn from wards, local governments, and states across Nigeria, aiming to promote awareness of climate change, carbon literacy, and green transitions among party members and constituents. It supports the party’s alignment with national climate policies and the federal government’s climate action and energy transition goals. Since its convening in 2022, the ACCN has engaged in initiatives such as advocating for sector-specific climate action plans within the APC, organizing climate policy dialogues, and endorsing candidates whose platforms emphasize sustainable development. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Outrage as Nigerian Government Plans $9 Million Lobbying Contract Amid Southeast Crisis
Allegations of corruption have surfaced in Nigeria following revelations that the government, through the office of the National Security Advisor, is preparing to pay a staggering $9 million to a U.S. lobbying firm in an effort to improve its image in Washington. This move comes amidst a turbulent period of violence and insecurity in Nigeria’s southeast, as well as mounting frustration over the government’s handling of the crisis. Insiders allege that the Nigerian government is justifying this hefty lobbying expenditure by claiming it is a response to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) hiring its own lobbyist in the United States. However, investigations reveal a stark disparity: while IPOB reportedly paid less than $70,000 for its lobbying efforts, the government’s proposed contract is more than one hundred times larger. Furthermore, evidence suggests that Nigeria began negotiations with its chosen lobbyists before IPOB hired theirs, undermining official claims and fueling suspicions of dishonesty. Questions have also been raised about the contract’s structure. The $9 million deal is being funneled through a law firm in Kaduna, rather than being handled directly by the government’s own Ministry of Justice, which possesses the necessary legal expertise. Critics argue that this arrangement opens the door for further financial impropriety, speculating that the law firm itself could receive more than $10 million, money that could be diverted for personal gain by officials involved. Observers and activists have condemned the plan, describing it as evidence of entrenched corruption reminiscent of past regimes. Many are left wondering why such enormous sums are being spent on foreign lobbying when these resources could instead be used to address the root causes of unrest in southeastern Nigeria. Suggestions for local solutions, such as compensation for victims, amnesty, or dialogue with community leaders, have been sidelined in favor of costly image management campaigns abroad. The situation has caused widespread disillusionment. As Nigeria faces continued violence and hardship, citizens are demanding greater accountability and a redirection of funds toward genuine peace-building initiatives. The controversy over the lobbying contract has become a stark symbol of broader frustrations with government priorities and persistent allegations of corruption at the highest levels. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Sudan’s government returns to capital after nearly 3 years of war
Sudan’s military-led government has returned to the country’s capital after nearly three years of operating from its wartime base in the eastern city of Port Sudan. Sudan’s Prime Minister Kamil Idris told reporters on Sunday that the “government of hope” was officially back in Khartoum and would begin efforts to improve services for the city’s beleaguered residents. The military was forced out by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) when civil war erupted between the two sides in 2023. The army recaptured it in a significant breakthrough last March. Khartoum has been recovering from years of fighting. Roughly five million fled the city at the height of the conflict, according to the UN. Those unwilling or unable to leave described a brutal RSF occupation, which included mass looting and fighters taking over civilian homes. Huge swathes of the city lie in ruins. In October, UN official Ugochi Daniels reported that basic services were “barely functioning”. On Sunday, Idris said the government would work on improving electricity, water, healthcare and education in Khartoum. He also declared that 2026 would be a “year of peace” for Sudan, where at least 150,000 people have died since the war erupt. The UN has described the situation as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis and around 12 million people have been forced from their homes. The war began after the head of the army, General Abdel Fattah-al Burhan fell out with his deputy and RSF leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leading to a vicious struggle for power. Both the RSF and the Sudanese military have been accused of committing atrocities throughout the conflict. International efforts to broker peace have failed and both sides are backed by foreign powers who have poured weapons into the country. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has come under particular scrutiny recently over allegations of supporting the RSF, which it strongly denies. Source: bbc.com
Ghana Condemns Guinea-Bissau Military Coup, Calls for Restoration of Democracy
The Government of Ghana has issued a firm denunciation of the recent military coup in Guinea-Bissau, labelling it an unacceptable breach of constitutional order and a threat to democratic stability in West Africa. In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, Ghana expressed deep concern over the actions taken by members of the Guinea-Bissau military, who interrupted the country’s democratic process just days after peaceful presidential and legislative elections on 23 November 2025. The official announcement of results had been set for 27 November. Describing the military takeover as a “direct assault on democratic governance,” Ghana’s government insisted that the move undermines the will of the people and the legitimacy of the electoral process. Ghana called for the immediate and unconditional return to constitutional rule, urging all parties to respect democratic principles and to address any electoral grievances through lawful and transparent means. The statement also called for guarantees of safety for all citizens, foreign nationals, and particularly for officials with the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission deployed in Guinea-Bissau. Their security and safe passage, Ghana stressed, must be assured. Appealing for calm, the government urged the people of Guinea-Bissau to refrain from actions that could escalate tensions. Ghana reaffirmed its steadfast support for ECOWAS and the African Union as they coordinate a regional response in line with established protocols on democracy, good governance, and constitutional order. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Presidency Reveals DSS and Military Negotiated Directly with Bandits to Secure Release of Eruku Church Hostages
The Bola Tinubu administration has confirmed that Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) and the military made direct contact with the armed bandits responsible for abducting 38 worshippers from a church in Eruku, Kwara State, leading to the victims’ safe release. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, shared details of the operation during an interview on Arise Television. He explained that security agencies reached out to the kidnappers with a firm demand for the immediate and unconditional release of the captives. “After the incident happened, the DSS and the military were involved in the rescue efforts. They got in contact with the bandits to release those people unharmed, and finally, on Sunday, they were able to get them out,” Onanuga stated. According to Onanuga, the bandits complied due to their awareness of the grave consequences of defying government orders. He further noted that while security forces have advanced methods to track armed groups, operational caution is often exercised to prevent endangering hostages, who are frequently used as human shields. Pressed on the absence of a direct military confrontation, Onanuga emphasized that the government’s overriding priority was the safe return of the abducted worshippers. “The first thing the government must do is get those people freed. That objective has been achieved. The next level of action is for the security agencies, and I don’t want to pre-empt them,” he said. All 38 abducted individuals were reportedly rescued alive, though officials have withheld further details about the operation or subsequent steps against the perpetrators. The high-profile Eruku abduction has heightened public anxiety over insecurity in Kwara South and nearby regions, fueling calls for enhanced intelligence and improved community protection. Source: Apexnewsgh.com