SINGAPORE, SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 — Oil prices extended their gains on Tuesday, reaching multi-week highs as growing fears of a prolonged conflict in the Middle East raised concerns about disruptions to global crude supplies.

Brent crude futures climbed as much as 1.7% to around $98.63 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose about 2.4% to $93.71. Earlier in the session, Brent briefly reached $99.46, its highest level since July 24.

The latest price surge follows escalating tensions involving Iran, the United States and Iran-backed Houthi forces. Houthi attacks on energy facilities in Saudi Arabia reportedly disrupted operations at some sites and injured 73 people, adding to fears that the conflict could threaten critical oil infrastructure and shipping routes.

Markets are also closely watching developments around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global energy shipments. Shipping traffic through the waterway has slowed amid threats of retaliation from Iran, increasing concerns among traders about further supply disruptions.

The possibility of a prolonged conflict has also prompted major financial institutions to raise their oil-price forecasts. Goldman Sachs increased its December 2026 Brent forecast to $85 per barrel, while HSBC raised its 2026 forecast to $90, with a projection of $95 for the fourth quarter.

Higher crude prices are already putting additional pressure on fuel markets. Analysts warn that diesel and gasoline supplies could remain tight because of limited refining capacity, disrupted energy infrastructure and strong seasonal demand.

For oil-importing economies, a prolonged rise in crude prices could translate into higher petrol and diesel costs, increased transportation expenses and renewed inflationary pressure.

The market will continue to closely monitor military developments in the region and the movement of oil tankers through key Middle Eastern shipping routes.

For now, traders remain on alert as geopolitical tensions continue to shape the direction of global oil prices.

The Techiman Municipal Assembly, in collaboration with the Bono East Regional Office of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, has conducted a major fumigation exercise at key public facilities in the municipality as part of efforts to prevent disease outbreaks and improve environmental sanitation.

Zoomlion Protective Worker Disinfecting Rural Outbuilding

The exercise covered several critical areas, including the Techiman Central Market, slaughterhouse, public toilets, and the dumping site at Fiaso.

Zoomlion Sanitation Worker Spraying Concrete Corridor

Speaking to Classic FM News, the Bono East Regional Manager of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Mr. Benedict Awuah, said

The exercise was aimed at protecting residents from diseases while promoting a cleaner and healthier environment.

According to him, the exercise focused on public facilities that attract large numbers of people and therefore require regular disinfection and disinfestation to minimise health risks.

Mr. Awuah appealed to residents, market users, traders and other stakeholders to cooperate with the authorities and support efforts to maintain proper sanitation within the municipality.

Zoomlion Fumigation Team Spraying Beside Rustic Building

He further disclosed that

the fumigation exercise would be extended to other municipalities and districts across the Bono East Region as part of a broader strategy to strengthen public health and environmental sanitation.

Green Pump Equipment in a Rural Field

The Techiman Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Kwaku Adjei Mensah, commended Zoomlion Ghana Limited and other stakeholders for their support towards the initiative.

He said

the exercise would contribute significantly to improving sanitation conditions in the municipality and help minimise the risk of disease outbreaks.

Zoomlion Street Crew at Work

The Bono East Regional Environmental Health Officer, Mr. Lamptey Gyan, also stressed the need for residents to maintain clean surroundings and support initiatives aimed at promoting environmental sanitation and public health.

He urged the public to complement such interventions by adopting responsible sanitation practices and keeping their communities clean.

Accra, Ghana — Commissioner of Police Ms. Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service and a member of the INTERPOL Africa Committee, is set to deliver a major statement in connection with the United Nations International Day of Police Cooperation.

The occasion brings renewed attention to the growing importance of international collaboration among law-enforcement agencies in tackling crime that increasingly crosses national borders.

As Ghana continues to strengthen its role in international policing efforts, Commissioner Donkor’s address is expected to highlight the need for closer cooperation, intelligence sharing and coordinated action among police institutions across countries.

The United Nations International Day of Police Cooperation provides an important platform to recognise the work of police officers worldwide and to emphasise the crucial role of international partnerships in confronting organised and transnational crime.

With her position as head of Ghana’s Criminal Investigations Department and her involvement with the INTERPOL Africa Committee, Commissioner Donkor brings significant experience to the conversation on strengthening police cooperation across Africa and beyond.

Her statement comes at a time when law-enforcement agencies are increasingly required to work together to respond to sophisticated criminal networks operating across jurisdictions.

The full statement is expected to shed more light on Ghana’s contribution to international police cooperation and the importance of collective action in the fight against crime.

GAZA CITY — An eight-year-old Palestinian girl and her father were killed in an Israeli airstrike on their vehicle in western Gaza City, according to reports from local medical sources and media outlets.

The girl, identified as Wafaa Akila, was reportedly killed on Sunday, September 6, on what was supposed to be her first day of school. She was travelling with her father when their vehicle was struck in the western part of Gaza City.

According to KPD Online reports, Wafaa did not return home after her first day of school. Her death has drawn attention to the continued risks faced by Palestinian civilians, particularly children, amid ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military said the strike was aimed at a Hamas militant, while reports identified the victims as Wafaa and her father.

The incident occurred as schools reopened and families attempted to resume aspects of daily life amid the continuing conflict.

Reports also said that other Palestinians were wounded in separate strikes in the area around Gaza City.

Wafaa’s death has sparked renewed concern over the protection of children and civilians caught in the conflict, with calls for greater international attention to civilian casualties.

The killing comes as Gaza continues to face a severe humanitarian crisis, with civilians living amid widespread destruction and persistent insecurity.