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First Batch of Ghanaian Evacuees Return Home Amid Renewed Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa

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The first group of Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic tensions has safely arrived in Accra, as government intensifies efforts to protect citizens caught up in the growing unrest.

The evacuees touched down at the Kotoka International Airport on Wednesday, May 27, where they were officially received by a government delegation led by the Chief of Staff and the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The evacuation exercise was coordinated by Ghana’s diplomatic mission in South Africa in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after increasing reports of intimidation, attacks and hostility against foreign nationals heightened fears among migrant communities.

Several of the returnees are believed to have fled areas where tensions have escalated in recent weeks, with reports indicating that some migrants suffered harassment, threats and destruction of property.

Government officials disclosed that temporary support measures, including counselling services and reintegration assistance, have been arranged for affected individuals and families returning to Ghana.

Authorities explained that the evacuation operation was initially scheduled to commence on May 21, but had to be postponed following a sharp increase in the number of Ghanaians requesting evacuation support.

According to officials, the unexpected rise in applications placed pressure on logistical arrangements such as travel documentation, accommodation, transportation and flight coordination, as efforts were made to ensure the safe return of all affected persons.

The latest development has once again drawn attention to the persistent challenge of xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals have repeatedly come under attack during periods of economic hardship and social tension.

Over the years, migrants from several African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Somalia, Ethiopia and Malawi, have been victims of violent outbreaks linked to frustrations over unemployment, crime and competition for jobs and business opportunities.

Some of the deadliest xenophobic attacks in South Africa occurred in 2008, leaving dozens dead and thousands displaced. Similar incidents resurfaced in 2015 and 2019, triggering widespread condemnation across Africa and renewed calls for stronger protection of migrants on the continent.

Although South African authorities have consistently condemned xenophobic violence and pledged to protect all residents regardless of nationality, many migrant communities continue to express concerns over their safety during periods of unrest.

The arrival of the evacuees in Accra has further heightened concerns about the welfare and security of Ghanaians living abroad, particularly in countries facing social instability and anti-foreigner sentiments.

Government officials say further evacuations may be carried out as authorities continue to monitor the situation in South Africa and engage Ghanaian communities through diplomatic channels.

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ECG Announces Planned Power Outages Across Accra, Ashanti and Tema Regions

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The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced a series of planned maintenance works scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, 2026, which will result in temporary power outages in parts of the Accra East, Ashanti and Tema Regions.

According to the power distributor, the exercise forms part of ongoing efforts to improve electricity supply and enhance service delivery across its operational areas.

In the Accra East Region, communities including North Dzorwulu, parts of GIMPA, New England, Obediben, Dzorwulu and adjoining areas are expected to experience power interruptions from 9:00am to 5:00pm. The eight-hour maintenance exercise was announced in a notice issued on Friday, May 22.

In the Ashanti Region, ECG has scheduled two separate maintenance exercises. The first outage, expected to last from 9:00am to 1:00pm, will affect Asewase Town, Aboabo Number One and Two, Golden Temple, Asewase Renault and nearby communities.

The second exercise in the region will run from 9:00am to 5:00pm and will impact the Tech Commercial area, IDL, Tech Hospital enclave, the KNUST Senior High School area and surrounding locations. ECG said the notices for the Ashanti outages were issued over the weekend of May 23 and 24.

Meanwhile, in the Tema Region, power supply will be interrupted from 10:00am to 4:00pm in several communities, including the Sea Water Desalination Plant, Maranatha, Buade, Glow Lamp, Frimpongmaa Estates, Abrantie, Dan Adams, Coastal Estates, Basket, GCB Training School, Ataa Adama, Royal Ravico, Junction Mall, Regimanuel Estates, Parakuo Estates and Queensland International School.

Other affected areas include Kpoo Keke, Best Western Premier Hotel, Leisure Hours Hotel and parts of Nungua such as Zongo, Township, the Traditional Council area, Polyclinic and Secondary School. The Kpeshie Divisional Police Headquarters, Coco Beach, Main One, Father’s Hotel, C5 and adjoining communities will also experience outages during the maintenance period.

ECG apologised for the inconvenience the exercise may cause and advised residents and businesses in the affected areas to make the necessary arrangements ahead of the scheduled outages.

The company assured customers that power supply would be restored immediately after the maintenance works are completed and encouraged the public to follow its official communication channels for further updates.

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JONATHAN VS. SARAH TEIKI OFORI: BETWEEN ALLEGATION AND PUBLIC CONDEMNATION

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There is something deeply troubling about how quickly reputations can be dismantled in today’s media environment, and the ongoing controversy between Dr. Jonathan Ohene and Broadcast Journalist Sarah Teiki Ofori may be a textbook example.

From the moment the allegations surfaced, the narrative seemed almost predetermined. Social media lit up. Opinions hardened. And before any formal process could even begin, Dr. Jonathan was, in the eyes of many, already judged and condemned. But beneath the noise and outrage lies a far more complicated and uncomfortable question: what if the story is not as one-sided as it has been presented?

Supporters of Dr. Jonathan insist that what has been portrayed publicly as misconduct was, in reality, a consensual relationship. They argue that key details have either been ignored or selectively amplified to fit a more damaging narrative. If that claim holds any weight, then what we may be witnessing is not just a personal dispute but a dangerous case of reputational destruction driven by perception rather than proof.

This is where the issue becomes bigger than just two individuals.

In an era where accusations can go viral within minutes, the line between allegation and fact is increasingly blurred. The public, often acting on emotion rather than evidence, can transform claims into conclusions almost instantly. And once that happens, the damage is rarely reversible, even if the full truth later tells a different story.

None of this is to suggest that allegations should not be taken seriously. They absolutely must be. But seriousness must go hand in hand with fairness. The principle of “innocent until proven guilty” cannot become optional simply because a case is trending online.

What makes this situation even more concerning is the role of influence. As a media personality, Sarah Teiki Ofori holds a platform that naturally shapes public perception. Whether intentionally or not, that influence can tilt the narrative in powerful ways, especially when the other party is forced into a defensive position from the outset.

Meanwhile, those close to Dr. Jonathan argue that he has suffered significant personal and professional harm, not because of a proven case, but because of a rapidly accepted storyline. If true, it raises an unsettling possibility: that in today’s media climate, an accusation alone may be enough to irreversibly alter someone’s life.

 

The truth is, at this stage, the public does not have all the facts. What exists instead is a clash of narratives one alleging wrongdoing, the other insisting on mutual consent and misrepresentation. And until credible evidence is established through proper channels, any definitive judgment remains premature.

This case should force a broader reflection. Are we still a society that values due process, or have we become one that delivers instant verdicts based on virality and emotion?

Because if we are not careful, the real casualty here will not just be the individuals involved but the very idea of fairness itself.

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Western Regional Council of State Member, Dr. Maxwell Boakye, Installed as Nkabomhene (Unity King) of the Ahanta Traditional Council

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The Western Regional Council of State Member, Dr. Maxwell Boakye, has been installed as Nkabomhene (King of Unity) by the Ahanta Traditional Council during a colourful traditional ceremony held at Busua in the Western Region.

The ceremony, which took place at the Ahanta Traditional Council Hall, brought together divisional chiefs, queen mothers, elders, and members of the community in a strong show of unity and cultural pride.

 

In a rare collective gesture, the honour was conferred jointly by the Queen Mother and chiefs of the Council, symbolising their shared commitment to peace, unity, and development within the traditional area. As part of the ceremony, Dr. Maxwell Boakye was draped in kente cloth, a revered symbol of dignity, honour, and acceptance into the Ahanta community.

 

Addressing the gathering, the chiefs revealed that they had closely monitored Dr. Boakye’s activities across various traditional areas in the region and acknowledged his contributions towards promoting peace and unity in communities that had experienced divisions and conflicts.

According to the traditional leaders, his previous engagements with some traditional councils had helped restore calm and strengthen cooperation among stakeholders.

 

“Your presence has brought instant unity among members who were previously divided,” the chiefs stated during the ceremony. They further noted that discussions surrounding the visit had already renewed a collective commitment towards a common development agenda for the Ahanta Traditional Area.

In his remarks, Dr. Maxwell Boakye expressed gratitude to the Ahanta Traditional Council for the honour bestowed on him and pledged his continuous support and engagement with traditional authorities across the region.

 

He stressed the need for stronger collaboration between traditional leadership and governance institutions at the decentralised level to drive peace, unity, and sustainable development in communities.

The installation is expected to further strengthen the relationship between traditional authorities and governance structures in the Western Region while promoting social cohesion within the Ahanta Traditional Area.

 

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