By Angel No Lie | KPD Online | September 11, 2026

Yemen’s Houthi movement has reportedly taken control of the strategic Red Sea port city of Mokha (Mocha), in a major escalation of the country’s long-running conflict and a development that could have serious implications for shipping through the Red Sea.

Houthi forces entered Mokha on Thursday after intense fighting with forces aligned with Yemen’s internationally recognised government. Multiple Yemeni government sources and regional media reported that the city and its port had fallen to the Houthis, although the Yemeni government had not immediately issued a formal confirmation.

Mokha is strategically important because of its proximity to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the narrow maritime passage connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. The waterway is a major route for international trade, including energy shipments travelling between Asia, Europe and the Suez Canal.

The reported takeover comes after days of intensified fighting along Yemen’s western coast. Houthi forces have also been pushing toward other strategic locations near the strait, including Dhubab and Perim Island, raising concerns that the group could seek greater control over maritime traffic in the area.

Regional tensions escalate

The development has heightened tensions between the Houthis, Yemen’s government and Saudi Arabia. Saudi forces have carried out repeated airstrikes against Houthi positions in several Yemeni provinces, while the Houthis have launched attacks against targets in Saudi Arabia.

The conflict also has an international dimension. Reuters reported that Iranian arms and strategic advice allegedly assisted the Houthi offensive, while Tehran has denied directing the group’s military operations.

Possible impact on global shipping

The capture of Mokha has raised fresh concerns over the security of commercial vessels using the Red Sea. Any sustained disruption around Bab el-Mandeb could force shipping companies to consider longer alternative routes, potentially increasing transportation costs, delivery times and pressure on global energy markets.

Oil prices have already risen amid wider disruptions to Middle Eastern shipping and energy supplies, with Brent crude moving above $100 per barrel during the latest escalation.

Analysts warn that further Houthi advances along Yemen’s Red Sea coastline could increase the group’s ability to threaten or monitor one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints.

For civilians in Yemen, the renewed fighting threatens to deepen an already severe humanitarian crisis, while internationally, the fall of Mokha adds another layer of uncertainty to an increasingly volatile Middle East.

KPD Online will continue to monitor developments in Yemen and the security situation around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

It was a night of high drama, tension and overwhelming emotions as Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC-Legon) once again etched its name into Ghana’s academic history by winning the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) for a record ninth time.

The fiercely contested grand finale brought together three academic giants — PRESEC, St. Augustine’s College (AUGUSCO) and the ‘Bl3oo Boys’ — in a battle that kept students, old boys, teachers and supporters on the edge of their seats.

PRESEC rises to the occasion

With the coveted trophy at stake, PRESEC entered the final determined to reclaim its position at the summit of Ghana’s most prestigious academic quiz competition.

The Legon-based school delivered a composed and calculated performance, navigating difficult questions and intense competition from its two formidable rivals.

When the final scores were announced, jubilation erupted among the PRESEC camp as supporters celebrated another historic triumph.

Augusco and Bl3oo Boys put up fierce resistance

The victory did not come easily.

AUGUSCO brought its usual competitive spirit to the contest, while the Bl3oo Boys also fought fiercely throughout the competition, ensuring that PRESEC had to dig deep to secure the title.

The three schools repeatedly traded points as the tension inside the auditorium continued to rise.

Every correct answer triggered loud celebrations, while missed opportunities were met with visible disappointment from the respective supporters.

Tears, screams and celebrations

As the result became clear, emotions spilled over.

PRESEC supporters erupted in celebration, with students and old boys embracing one another, while others could not hold back tears of joy.

The victory represented more than just another trophy. It was another moment of pride for a school that has built a formidable reputation in the NSMQ over the years.

Ninth title cements PRESEC’s dominance

The latest triumph takes PRESEC’s NSMQ title tally to nine, further strengthening its status as the most successful school in the history of the competition.

The achievement adds another remarkable chapter to the school’s long-standing rivalry with some of Ghana’s strongest academic institutions.

For the PRESEC community, the night will be remembered not only for the questions answered but also for the tension, passion and emotional scenes that accompanied the historic victory.

Another chapter in NSMQ history

The latest final once again demonstrated why the NSMQ has become one of Ghana’s biggest academic events.

Beyond the trophy, the competition continues to showcase the intellectual ability, quick thinking and determination of students from across the country.

And on this occasion, PRESEC stood tallest once again — emerging from a fierce battle with AUGUSCO and the Bl3oo Boys to claim its ninth NSMQ crown.

The Ghana Police Service has been hit by a major loss following the death of former Ashanti Regional Police Commander, Commissioner of Police (COP) Kwasi Mensah Duku.

COP Duku was a senior police officer who served in several key positions during his career, including as the Ashanti Regional Police Commander.

His death has prompted tributes and expressions of condolences from colleagues, associates and members of the public who encountered him during his years of service.

COP Duku’s policing career

Kwasi Mensah Duku rose through the ranks of the Ghana Police Service and occupied several important positions before eventually serving as the Ashanti Regional Police Commander.

His tenure in the Ashanti Region placed him at the centre of policing efforts in one of Ghana’s most populous and strategically important regions.

He was responsible for overseeing security operations, crime prevention and law enforcement activities across the region.

Remembered as a senior police officer

His passing marks the loss of an experienced police commander whose career spanned several years of service to the country.

The former Ashanti Regional Commander was also involved in maintaining law and order during his various postings and assignments.

A send-off ceremony was held for him at the Ashanti Regional Police Headquarters following his departure from the position.

Condolences pour in

News of his death is expected to generate further tributes from serving and retired police officers, friends and members of the wider security community.

Details surrounding his death, including the cause and funeral arrangements, are expected to be announced by his family and the Ghana Police Service.

COP Kwasi Mensah Duku’s passing leaves behind a record of public service and a career dedicated to policing and national security.

A disturbing incident at the Tamale Islamic Science Senior High School has reportedly left students and the school community stunned after a female student was allegedly assaulted by colleagues over claims involving a boyfriend.

The incident, described as a bizarre confrontation, has raised concerns about student conduct and the handling of personal disputes within the school environment.

Alleged boyfriend dispute sparks confrontation

According to a report by Rainbow Radio, the confrontation reportedly stemmed from an alleged relationship involving the victim and a boyfriend.

What may have started as a personal disagreement reportedly escalated into a physical attack involving other female students.

The circumstances surrounding the alleged relationship and what triggered the confrontation remain matters requiring further clarification.

Female student allegedly assaulted

The female student was reportedly attacked by her colleagues during the incident.

The reported assault has generated concern because of the setting in which it occurred — a senior high school where students are expected to resolve disagreements through appropriate channels rather than physical confrontation.

Questions over student safety

The incident is likely to renew discussions about student welfare, supervision and conflict resolution in Ghanaian second-cycle institutions.

Schools remain responsible for creating environments where students can report disputes and seek assistance before disagreements escalate into violence.

The reported incident also highlights the potential consequences when personal or relationship disputes are allowed to spiral into physical confrontations.

Investigation and disciplinary action

Details surrounding any disciplinary action taken by the school or other authorities were not immediately clear from the available report.

Any investigation would be expected to establish exactly what happened, identify those involved and determine the appropriate response.

For now, the reported incident has sparked concern within the school community, with the focus likely to remain on the welfare of the student involved and measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring.

The allegations remain subject to further investigation and confirmation by the relevant authorities.

President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to tie the salaries and other compensation of executives and board members of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to the actual performance of their institutions under the proposed Independent Public Emoluments Commission (IPEC).

The proposed commission is expected to replace the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) and introduce a more consistent, transparent and performance-based approach to public-sector remuneration.

Pay must reflect performance

President Mahama said compensation for executives of state-owned enterprises should no longer be determined independently of how their institutions perform.

He explained that factors such as an SOE’s financial position, productivity, achievement of agreed targets, quality of services and value created for the state should all be considered when determining executive compensation.

The President also cautioned that institutional autonomy must not be used as a justification for unexplained salary disparities or compensation arrangements that have no connection to performance.

IPEC to replace Fair Wages Commission

The proposed IPEC forms part of the government’s broader public-sector compensation reforms.

The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission has already engaged organised labour on plans to establish the new body, with the proposed legislation expected to repeal the existing FWSC Act, 2007 (Act 737).

The new framework is expected to promote greater fairness, transparency and sustainability in the determination of public-sector salaries and benefits.

SOEs record GH¢19.8bn profit

Mahama’s announcement comes as State-Owned Enterprises record a significant improvement in their overall financial performance.

According to the 2025 State Ownership Report presented at the 2026 Governing Boards and CEOs’ Conference, SOEs moved from an aggregate net loss of GH¢2.26 billion in 2024 to a net profit of GH¢19.8 billion in 2025.

The President welcomed the turnaround but stressed that the gains must translate into sustained efficiency and greater value for the Ghanaian taxpayer.

‘Public money must serve Ghanaians’

Mahama also warned SOE executives and board members against using profits belonging to the state to finance excessive personal benefits.

He said public enterprises must ensure that their improved financial performance ultimately benefits the Ghanaian people rather than being absorbed through management and board perks.

Performance-based pay takes centre stage

The proposed IPEC is therefore expected to fundamentally change how compensation is determined across Ghana’s public sector.

Earlier in March, Mahama said the new commission would develop a comprehensive National Emoluments Policy aimed at addressing salary disparities, harmonising allowances and strengthening performance-based compensation.

If implemented, the reform would make institutional performance a much more important factor in determining what executives of SOEs and other public institutions earn.

For Mahama, the message is clear: public-sector salaries must be justified by performance, productivity and the value delivered to Ghana.