In Africa, the adoption of electric vehicles is hindered by uneven access to electricity. However, in Ghana, the introduction of battery-swap technologies is providing a viable solution to this problem, potentially lowering pollution and saving money for drivers.

Police arrested 33 people at a pro-Palestinian protest encampment at George Washington University, with charges including assault on a police officer and unlawful entry. A related congressional hearing was canceled, and university parents and faculty condemned the police and school leaders' handling of the protests. Students are protesting for university divestment from Israel, with over 2,600 arrests nationwide and demonstrations on at least 50 campuses. The protests were sparked by Israel's offensive in Gaza following a Hamas terror attack, resulting in significant casualties and hostages.

The number of doctoral degrees awarded by U.S. colleges and universities has reached an all-time high, rebounding from a decline during the pandemic. The increase between 2021 and 2022 marks the largest one-year rise since 1970.

West African nations are advancing the construction of a significant highway network that would link five countries from the Ivory Coast to Nigeria. The African Development Bank has indicated that the project is expected to serve as an economic catalyst for the participating countries.

Africa is ranked by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development as the region with the lowest e-commerce investment, primarily due to limited access in urban areas. An AI solution is being introduced to address this issue, with reporting from Accra.

Investigates environmental crimes in Ghana, focusing on individuals breaking laws designed to protect the environment.

In preparation for the upcoming elections in Senegal this February, some journalists are opting out of coverage due to experiences of attacks and threats. However, there is a positive development where journalists and police are collaborating on training to improve the situation.

Liberia is facing a significant drug abuse problem, with over 800 drug hubs in Monrovia and an estimated 100,000 drug users. Rehabilitated child soldiers are employing a behavioral therapy approach to combat this issue, as reported by the Global Action for Sustainable Development.

Liberia is facing a significant drug abuse problem, with over 800 drug hubs in Monrovia and an estimated 100,000 drug users. Rehabilitated child soldiers are employing a behavioral therapy approach to combat this issue, as reported by the Global Action for Sustainable Development.

Fact-checkers in Liberia are actively working to verify or dispel claims made by political parties and supporters during the country's election season, contributing to a reduction in chaos.

The National Elections Commission of Liberia released the first batch of provisional results from the recent presidential and legislative elections, with some areas yet to vote due to bad roads, flooding, and damaged electoral materials. The commission plans to replace the materials and dispatch a team to assist within a week. Observers from the Liberia Election Observation Network and Project Accountable Safe Space are monitoring the situation, calling for patience and respect for the electoral process as vote tallying continues.

Liberians participated in presidential and legislative elections, marking the country's fourth national election since the 2003 civil war ended. Despite delays and political violence during the campaign, election day was largely peaceful. Observers noted orderly voting, although some polling stations experienced issues such as long queues and disagreements over mobile phone use. The National Elections Commission committed to allowing all queued voters to cast their ballots and called for calm while awaiting official results.

Liberians participated in a general election early Tuesday, with President George Weah running for a second term amid corruption allegations and economic challenges. VOA reporters Linord Moudou and Senanu Tord provided updates from Monrovia on the election proceedings.

Security concerns have emerged in Liberia due to preelection violence that resulted in at least two deaths in Lofa County. Campaign messaging has intensified political divides, prompting calls for proactive policing during the upcoming presidential and legislative elections. The University of Liberia's student leaders are advocating for peace and non-violence. This election marks the first national vote conducted without international support since the end of the civil war in 2003. The National Elections Commission has implemented new biometric voter systems, but there are concerns about insufficient public education on these reforms. The absence of international security forces is expected to strain the police, who have pledged to ensure safety during the elections. Liberians will vote for 73 legislators, 15 senators, and a president, with 19 candidates challenging incumbent President George Weah.

Lawmakers in Ghana passed a law last year permitting regulated mining activities in forest reserves, which environmental advocates argue threatens protected biodiversity. These advocates are now petitioning the government to repeal the law.

Ghana's coastline, home to numerous historic forts, castles, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, faces significant threats from coastal erosion and illegal sand mining. Photographer Senanu Tord, whose ancestral home has been submerged by the ocean, is using photo exhibitions to raise awareness about these environmental issues.

Liberian fact checkers are actively working to clean up the media environment in Liberia as the nation awaits the outcome of a closely contested presidential election. Analysts predict a run-off between incumbent President George Weah and his opposition rival, former Vice President Joseph Boakai, who are currently neck and neck in the race.

Ghanaian environmental advocates urge lawmakers to repeal a law permitting regulated mining in forest reserves, arguing it endangers protected biodiversity. The call highlights the tension between environmental conservation and mining interests in Ghana.

U.S. colleges and universities experienced a nearly 32 percent increase in Ghanaian students in the past academic year, positioning Ghana among the top 25 countries for sending students to the United States. In response to this growing interest, the U.S. Embassy in Ghana has inaugurated a new resource center aimed at assisting young Ghanaians considering an American education.

A $1 billion donation from Bloomberg Philanthropies will cover full tuition for medical students at Johns Hopkins University from families earning less than $300,000, with additional support for living expenses. This initiative aims to reduce financial barriers and encourage careers in essential fields. Other significant donations to medical schools, such as NYU and UCLA, have also been highlighted. The article discusses the financial challenges faced by international students in the U.S. and offers strategies for overcoming these hurdles, including starting at community colleges, seeking scholarships, and finding on-campus employment.

Ghana has been actively encouraging African Americans to emigrate to the country since 2019, promoting a connection with their African heritage and investment opportunities. Chaz Kyser, an American, has established a support system to assist African Americans, particularly women, in settling in Ghana and developing business ideas. The initiative highlights the positive reception and support for African Americans in Ghana.

Islamist militant attacks in southern Burkina Faso have raised concerns about the potential for extremism among Ghanaian youth due to economic challenges. The aid group Rural Initiatives for Self-Empowerment (RISE-Ghana) is addressing this issue by engaging youth through arts and entertainment with their 'Peace in Schools' program, aiming to prevent the spread of extremism.

More than a thousand people fleeing militant attacks in Burkina Faso have sought refuge in Ghana in recent months and are waiting for their status to be determined. To help, villagers in northern Ghana are donating land to a refugee camp.

Gambia’s Immigration Department has initiated a manhunt for immigration smugglers following a rise in the death toll of Gambians attempting to cross the Atlantic Ocean to Europe. Some returnees are conducting workshops to highlight the dangers of fleeing the country.

Pledges by African leaders to boost the continent's economy through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) face challenges due to regional politics obstructing the construction of road networks. The report from Accra, Ghana, highlights the works and potential of AfCFTA and how politics in Africa are affecting livelihoods.

Only 35 percent of students in Africa achieve minimum competency in reading and just 22 percent in mathematics by the end of primary school, according to the United Nations. In Rwanda, efforts are being made to improve child literacy through the creation of comic books, games, and animations based on Rwandan characters and traditions.

Thousands of people participated in a rally in Accra, Ghana, to raise awareness about breast cancer. The event aimed to dispel myths surrounding the disease and promote early detection.

Tidal waves and coastal erosion have devastated the fishing community of Fuvemeh on Ghana's eastern coast, leading to multiple relocations and significant land loss. A UNESCO study highlights that 37% of the eastern coastal land was lost between 2005 and 2017. Local authorities, including Emmanuel Gemegah and Seji Saji Amedonu, attribute the erosion to climate change and human activities like sand harvesting. They call for a ban on sand fetching and the construction of a sea defense wall to protect the coastline. Ghana's extensive 550-kilometer coastline makes it particularly vulnerable to erosion, with an average inland movement of two meters annually.

Rwandan animators are leveraging their skills to create animations aimed at enhancing child literacy in Rwanda. This initiative comes in response to a United Nations report indicating that only 35 percent of African students achieve minimum reading competency and 22 percent in mathematics by the end of primary school.

Economic sanctions imposed on Niger by the ECOWAS bloc and Western nations have caused a significant increase in food prices across the country, raising concerns about potential food insecurity.

Sanctions imposed on Niger following the July military coup have led to rising food prices across West Africa and concerns about the potential for the situation in Niger to escalate.

Sierra Leone's parliament has more than doubled its female representation following the implementation of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act (GEWE), signed by President Julius Maada Bio. The law mandates that women hold 30% of all publicly elected seats and government leadership roles. Despite this progress, activists argue that the law is being applied unevenly, with many women placed in lower rankings on party lists, reducing their chances of winning seats. The Ministry of Gender aims to address these issues and ensure better protection for female politicians.

Sierra Leone's parliament now boasts the highest number of female lawmakers in the nation's history, totaling 41, which is over twice the amount from the previous election. Despite this milestone, activists believe the figures could have been even higher if a new law mandating 30% of leadership positions for women had been fully implemented.

Observers of Sierra Leone's election express concerns over vote count irregularities in the re-election of President Julius Maada Bio. Amidst the celebration of Eid al-Adha, there are calls for peace and unity following violence during the polling process that resulted in at least one death.

Sierra Leoneans are preparing for presidential elections with concerns about potential violence from youths, who previously rioted over economic issues. A campaign led by civil war survivors aims to maintain peace on Election Day.

In Sierra Leone, journalists covering the election campaign have faced harassment and security issues, preventing some female reporters from attending events. Media associations are advocating for enhanced protections and increased support.

Ghana's increased taxes on imported goods have made sanitary pads unaffordable for many women and girls, leading to missed school days during their periods. Activists are urging the government to eliminate these taxes and are producing locally made, biodegradable pads to ensure continued education for girls and women.

Communities from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda are collaborating on gorilla conservation efforts despite ongoing tensions between the two countries. The initiative aims to protect the endangered mountain gorillas in the region.

Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have agreed to begin direct talks to ease tensions in eastern Congo, facilitated by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Both countries' leaders, Paul Kagame and Felix Tshisekedi, have accused each other of supporting rebel groups. Blinken emphasized the importance of respecting each other's territories and warned against supporting armed groups. The Nairobi process, initiated by Kenya's outgoing president Uhuru Kenyatta, will be the context for these talks. Blinken also raised concerns about the detention of U.S. permanent resident Paul Rusesabagina in Rwanda, urging fair trial guarantees and legal protections.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Rwanda aims to address tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, human rights issues, and the imprisonment of U.S. permanent resident Paul Rusesabagina. Human Rights Watch emphasizes the need for the U.S. to reinforce its commitment to human rights in the region. Discussions will also touch on the influence of global powers like Russia and China in Africa. Rwanda's government highlights its commitment to human rights and regional security.

Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have agreed to begin direct talks to ease tensions in eastern Congo, facilitated by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The discussions aim to address accusations of supporting rebel groups and to promote regional stability. Blinken also raised concerns about the detention of U.S. permanent resident Paul Rusesabagina in Rwanda, urging fair trial guarantees and legal protections. Both countries welcomed U.S. support and committed to the Nairobi process for mediation.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Rwanda to engage with African leaders on U.S. strategy for sub-Saharan Africa and to strengthen U.S.-Rwandan relations. Key issues include tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and regional conflicts. Human Rights Watch urged Blinken to emphasize the U.S. commitment to human rights. Discussions will likely cover the M23 rebel group and the imprisonment of U.S. resident Paul Rusesabagina. Rwandan officials expressed willingness to discuss human rights, while a local human rights lawyer highlighted Rwanda's commitment to the cause. A University of Rwanda lecturer noted the influence of a new Cold War-like environment on U.S. relations with Africa.

The National Football League (NFL) has conducted its inaugural African developmental camp in Accra, Ghana. The event, spanning a week, was designed to scout new talent and enhance the popularity of American-style football throughout the African continent.

The NFL hosted its first African development camp in Accra, Ghana, aiming to grow the sport outside the United States and increase the number of African players. The event, part of the NFL's International Player Pathway Program, featured 49 athletes from seven African countries and included training sessions with professional NFL players. The initiative also introduced flag football to Ghanaian schools, with plans for a local championship and international representation. Key figures like Damani Leech, Osi Umenyiora, and Ghana's vice president, Mahamadu Bawumia, expressed strong support for the program.

Ghana, facing one of the highest rainforest losses globally, now covers only one-fifth of the forest area compared to a century ago. The Green Ghana project, supported by coastal communities, is set to plant 200,000 mangrove trees and shrubs to address carbon capture, erosion, and flooding issues.

In Ghana, sexual assault victims are required to provide medical reports to prosecute rape suspects, but the high cost of these exams, not covered by national health insurance, often deters victims from pressing charges. A lawmaker has initiated efforts to abolish the fee for health exams to enable more women to seek justice.

In Ghana, the introduction of a modified coffee seedling and new farming practices have led to a resurgence in coffee production, which had previously seen a significant decline. Women farmers are at the forefront of this growth, as reported from Accra, Ghana.

The coast of Ghana, home to five endangered sea turtle species, faces threats from fishing nets and poachers targeting their meat and eggs. In response, young footballers in Gomoa Fetteh, Ghana, have taken proactive measures to protect turtle nests and rescue captured turtles, contributing to the revival of turtle populations.

Tidal waves and coastal erosion have led to the submersion of an entire fishing community on Ghana's eastern coast. Previously relocated villagers from Fuvemeh have sought a permanent solution from the government to address the recurring issue.