Pope Francis withdrew from the Way of the Cross ceremony at the Colosseum in Rome to preserve his health for upcoming Easter events. Despite being in good shape earlier, the decision was made as a precaution. The pope has had recent health issues, including a

The African Union has congratulated Senegal opposition leader Diomaye Faye for winning the presidential election with 54.3% of the vote, surpassing the incumbent's chosen candidate, Amadou Ba. Faye, recently released from prison, received warm wishes from African Union Commission President Moussa Faki Mahamat for his new role.

Chef Failatu Abdul-Razak's attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon received widespread support from various personalities, including Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and former First Lady Lordina Mahama. Zackariah Ibrahim notably cycled from Ashaiman to Tamale to support her but arrived after the event ended. Chef Failatu prepared 156 meals, serving 2,864 plates, including to children at a Tamale orphanage. She surpassed the previous record held by Ugandan chef Dorcus Mirembe with a cooking time of 144 hours and 20 minutes.

Tiwa Savage has filed a petition with the Lagos State Nigeria Police Force against fellow singer David Adeleke, known as Davido, over an alleged threat to her life and infringement of her human rights. The issue arose after Savage posted a picture of Davido's 'baby mama', Sophia Momodu, on Instagram, leading to a heated exchange. Savage claims Davido's actions are a threat to her rights as protected by the Nigerian Constitution and the Cybercrime Act. The dispute has escalated on social media with both artists unfollowing each other on Instagram, and Savage's former husband Teebillz warning Davido against disrespecting his family.

Afua Asantewaa Owusu Aduonum, after attempting a Guinness World Record for the longest singing marathon, is now eyeing four additional records related to her 126-hour 52-minute effort. Her team has submitted evidence for review and plans to apply for records including the first Ghanaian and African female to perform for five continuous days and the longest musical event in Ghana and Africa. The event, held at Accra International Airport, attracted significant attention and support, including from Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. Despite challenges, including voice strain, Aduonum's determination and public support helped her persevere. Inspired by Nigerian chef Hilda Baci, Aduonum aims to elevate Ghanaian music and inspire others to attempt records.

Five members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) filed to contest the primaries in three constituencies of the Savannah Region. Samuel Abu Jinapor is set to run unopposed in Damongo, while Alhaji Asei Mahama Seini and Samuel Tika will contest in Daboya-Mankarigu. Tahiru Fuseini challenges incumbent MP Alhassan Abdallah Iddi in Salaga North. Ayatolai Seidu, the regional director of elections and research, expressed confidence in the NPP's prospects, citing the party's achievements in the region. The parliamentary primaries are scheduled for January 27, 2024.

During the Rapperholic concert at the Grand Arena of Accra International Conference Centre, Sarkodie paid an emotional tribute to his late lawyer, Cynthia Quarcoo, who had a significant impact on his career. Overcome with emotion, he shed tears while sharing memories of her support. The event featured performances from various artists and was marked by high crowd energy, despite causing discomfort due to overpacking.

The article offers tips for managing Christmas expenses thoughtfully and purposefully. It suggests setting a realistic budget, giving intentional gifts, embracing DIY projects, prioritizing experiences over material gifts, taking advantage of sales with discipline, organizing Secret Santa or gift exchanges to reduce costs, and allocating part of the budget for charitable giving. The goal is to enjoy a meaningful celebration without compromising financial well-being.

Nominations for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primaries in the Ashanti Region closed on 25 December, with the Bantama Constituency's incumbent Works and Housing Minister Francis Asenso Boakye seeking re-election. He faces competition from lawyer Ralph Agyapong, who filed his nomination and aims to unite the party. Asenso Boakye questions Agyapong's eligibility but expresses confidence in his victory, while Agyapong awaits the vetting committee's decision. Constituency Chairman Fiifi Mensah is focused on preventing voter apathy post-primaries.

Nearly 50 million people in West and Central Africa could face hunger due to increasing violence, particularly in the Central Sahel, climate change, and inflation. The FAO regional expert Martin Naindouba Djerandodje warns of the severity of the situation, exacerbated by jihadi violence post-military takeover in Niger, conflict in Mali involving Wagner mercenaries and Tuareg fighters, and sieges in Burkina Faso. The Famine Early Warning Systems Network highlights the risk of famine in Djibo, where humanitarian aid is scarce and food costs are soaring. The UN is struggling to meet needs with limited funds.

Dancehall and reggae artist Livingstone Etse Satekla, known as Stonebwoy, has declared his opposition to the idea of his children being gay or lesbian. He believes in the straightness of his family lineage and expects his children to follow suit, influenced by the upbringing provided by him and his wife.

Netflix has faced challenges in 2023 after losing subscribers in 2022, but it has managed to produce original movies with improved quality. The best Netflix movies of 2023 showcase a variety of genres, including gothic whodunnits, South Korean martial arts films, comedies, and thrillers.

Yam farmers in Ghana's Oti region are calling for a government ban on the importation of fake agrochemicals, which they say are causing significant post-harvest losses and affecting farm development. The 2023 overall district best farmer, Bitolib Benson Donkor, highlighted the negative impact of these chemicals on the market and encouraged youth to consider farming as a lucrative self-employment opportunity. The issue was raised during a sensitization workshop by the Ghana Investment Promotion Council in Dambai, which focused on market access for local businesses. Evelyn Nyarko from GIPC emphasized the need for proper training for farmers to meet international market standards and suggested the construction of better storage facilities to reduce losses for yam exporters.

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) team, named 'Lean Gas,' won the 4th edition of the 'Gas Challenge,' defeating three-time winners UMaT. The competition, themed 'Embracing the Future Together: Building a Sustainable Gas Industry Through Education,' saw participation from 12 tertiary institutions. The event took place at the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences in Accra, with KNUST scoring 55 points, followed by UMaT with 50 and RMU with 34. Joseph Cudjoe, Minister for Public Enterprises, highlighted the importance of gas to Ghana's economy. Augustina Asare Osei, Senior Manager for Government Relations, praised the dynamic performances, and contestant Emmanuel Cornan from KNUST attributed their victory to thorough preparation. KNUST received a cash prize, laptops, a citation, and a plaque, while UMaT and RMU also received cash prizes, laptops, and citations.

Ama Pomaa Boateng, MP for Juaben and deputy minister for communications and digitalisation, funded a robotics training programme for 120 students to enhance digital literacy. The training included web development and IoT, with participants receiving smart watches, phones, and STEM kits to encourage ongoing learning. The Pomaa Tech Club, supported by Boateng, will continue to promote technology education in Juaben through a Trainer of Trainer program for ICT teachers. The initiative was praised by the municipal chief executive Omane Aboagye and appreciated by parents for its positive impact on the children.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, highlighted the critical issue of brain drain in Ghana during the 57th graduation ceremony of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. He described the migration of health professionals, teachers, and graduates as a modern form of colonization and a significant threat to Ghana's socio-economic development. Otumfuo called for collaboration among government, businesses, and educational institutions to create a growth-oriented environment, foster entrepreneurship, and prevent talent migration. He also addressed the ongoing issue of illegal mining and its environmental and health impacts. The ceremony included the conferral of doctoral degrees on 135 students and honorary degrees on seven individuals, including Joe Anokye, the director-general of the NCA.

Ralph Poku-Adusei, a lawyer and Managing Partner of Trent Legal, Amansie Chambers, has been supported by New Patriotic Party delegates in Bekwai, who purchased nomination forms for his parliamentary candidacy. Over 30 coordinators and youth presented a bankers’ draft to support his bid. Poku-Adusei aims to include the entire constituency in Bekwai's development agenda and has promised strong leadership. He officially announced his intention to contest for the NPP candidacy for the Bekwai Constituency seat in the upcoming 2024 elections. The incumbent MP, Joseph Osei Owusu, will not seek re-election. Poku-Adusei's vision includes job creation, poverty alleviation, and infrastructure development, with a focus on education, healthcare, and social welfare.

Nigeria's Dangote oil refinery, funded by Aliko Dangote at a cost of $20 billion, is set to begin test runs after receiving a sixth crude cargo. Located in Lekki, Lagos, the 650,000 barrels per day plant aims to make Nigeria self-sufficient in fuel production and enable exports to West Africa, challenging U.S. and European energy companies. The refinery has received 6 million barrels of crude since December, and the crude distillation unit is expected to start this week, with saleable products to follow shortly.

Samira Bawumia, the Second Lady of Ghana, emphasized the importance of addressing mental health issues and eradicating the stigma associated with them during the KGL Foundation's corporate fundraiser for mental health. She highlighted that mental health challenges are universal, affecting individuals regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status. The KGL Foundation has committed to investing in mental health support, pledging US$100,000 annually for the next decade. Bawumia encouraged seeking help for mental health as a courageous act and praised the mental health index for its innovation in providing accessible and private support. She urged all stakeholders to contribute to the cause and help reshape the narrative around mental health in Ghana.

Stanley Martey, the director of communications for Ghana Water Company Ltd (GWCL), stated that five schools in the Eastern Region of Ghana, which have been disconnected from water supply due to unpaid bills, have the financial means to settle their debts. He made this statement on The Big Bulletin, highlighting that other schools, such as Krobo Girls’ School, have cleared their debts, and therefore, the remaining schools should be able to do the same. The disconnection is part of a nationwide exercise by GWCL due to customer indebtedness, which is affecting the company's operations. Discussions are ongoing with the Ghana Education Service and the management of the schools to resolve the issue.

Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Sackey Torkornoo urged the media in Ghana to report accurately on court issues and national matters, emphasizing the importance of their role during the 2024 election season. She highlighted the benefits of digitization and automation for quality information. Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah also stressed the need for journalist training due to the lack of licensing requirements and the potential for unethical conduct.

Pan-African activists Professor P. L. O. Lumumba, Dr Arikana Chihombori-Quao, and Peter Obi called on the youth in Ghana and Africa to be resilient and contribute to building the future of Africa. Despite the last-minute cancellation of 'The Convention 2024' event organized by the New Africa Foundation, the speakers held a press conference to deliver their messages. Dr Arikana emphasized the need for unity and resilience, while Professor Lumumba shared a message of hope and paid homage to Kwame Nkrumah's vision for African independence. Nigerian politician Peter Obi highlighted the potential of Africa and criticized the continent's leadership failures.

Alhaji Seidu Haruna, the MP for Wenchi, has donated various items to support the National Farmers’ Day celebration in his assembly. The donation includes Wellington boots, bags of fertilizer, weedicides, and cutlasses for award winners. The National Democratic Congress constituency executives presented the items, responding to the assembly's request for support. The municipal coordinating director thanked the MP and encouraged others to follow his example.

The article discusses the severe impact of climate change on developing countries, with a focus on Ghana. It highlights the financial burdens these nations face due to damage to agriculture, infrastructure, and the overall economy. The piece emphasizes the need for adaptation strategies such as climate-resilient infrastructure and early warning systems, which are costly and strain limited resources. The article also touches on the economic consequences of ecological degradation and biodiversity loss, particularly in sectors like tourism, agriculture, and fisheries. It calls for urgent international support, including financial resources, technology transfer, and capacity building, to help developing countries mitigate and adapt to climate change. The article concludes by stressing the importance of international cooperation and innovative financing to ensure a sustainable and equitable future.

The article discusses the utilization of natural resources in Ghana, focusing on the gold mining town of Tarkwa. It highlights the significant contribution of Tarkwa to Ghana's gold production and foreign exchange earnings, citing increases in gold output and revenue. Despite this, the article points out the inadequate infrastructure, particularly the poor condition of the road network in Tarkwa, which has not kept pace with the town's growth. The author questions whether the mining companies or the government should be responsible for using the revenues generated from mining to improve the lives of the local people. The article also mentions the corporate social responsibilities undertaken by mining companies in Tarkwa and the need for development in the form of basic amenities. The piece concludes by advocating for a fair share of the benefits from mining for the people of Tarkwa, who are most affected by mining-related issues.