International stories with Namibia and SADC relevance.
Nigerian authorities arrested three Mexicans and seven Nigerians at an illicit drug laboratory in a forest, where they allegedly produced methamphetamine. The NDLEA described it as the country's largest-ever meth bust, discovering over two tonnes of the drug worth approximately $360 million.
3 hours ago · Joy Online →
Nigerian authorities arrested three Mexicans and seven Nigerians at an illicit drug laboratory in a forest, where they allegedly produced methamphetamine. The NDLEA described it as the country's largest-ever meth bust, discovering over two tonnes of the drug worth approximately $360 million.
3 hours ago · Joy Online →
A 4.5-metre-long dinosaur species named Musango matusadonaensis, discovered on the shore of Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe and dating to 210 million years ago, is the fifth dinosaur species ever named from the African country. The fossil, a sauropodomorph that lived during the Late Triassic period, sheds new light on dinosaur diversity in southern Africa.
4 hours ago · Joy Online →
US President Donald Trump announced the Board of Peace has reached an agreement for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza. A senior Hamas official confirmed to the BBC they have agreed to the plan, which includes Israeli withdrawal as disarmament is completed and reconstruction of Gaza.
4 hours ago · Joy Online →
Hackers obtained approximately 607,000 records from England's Department for Education, including telephone numbers and email addresses but no bank details. The attack affected the Turing Scheme portal and the online help desk; the data protection risk is not considered high and the incident was contained quickly.
4 hours ago · Joy Online →
The Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally renewed the Church of England's commitment to a £100m fund addressing the institution's role in the transatlantic slave trade during a visit to Cape Coast Castle in Ghana, stating that Christian repentance requires action to support communities affected by slavery's legacy.
4 hours ago · Joy Online →
US talk-show host Oprah Winfrey announced that the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls near Johannesburg will close at the end of the 2027 academic year and be handed over to local education authorities. The school, which has graduated more than 1,000 girls from underprivileged backgrounds since opening nearly 20 years ago, will offer full scholarships to enrolled students who have not graduated elsewhere; Winfrey plans to continue her education mission through a scholarship programme at leading schools.
5 hours ago · Joy Online →
Hundreds of migrants have entered Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco over the past week, swimming and using flotation devices, with the territory's leader saying resources are overwhelmed and the Spanish Interior Minister expected to visit on Friday. Spain's interior ministry attributes the influx to human trafficking networks exploiting a recent Supreme Court ruling that prevents summary return of migrants intercepted at sea.
7 hours ago · Joy Online →
Hundreds of migrants have entered Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco over the past week, with the territory's leader warning that resources are overwhelmed and calling for government intervention. Spanish media reported between 2,000 and 3,000 people entered on Thursday alone, though figures remain conflicting, and over 1,500 migrants have reached Ceuta in the past two weeks.
13 hours ago · Joy Online →
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, in power since 2007, has proposed extending the presidential term by another year as part of a constitutional reform that would also bar opposition members deemed "traitors" or "coup plotters" from running for office. The government-controlled National Assembly is expected to approve the extension in September, continuing a pattern of term-limit changes during Ortega's 19-year rule.
15 hours ago · Joy Online →
President of Gabon Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema paid tribute to late former President Jerry John Rawlings at a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rawlings Mausoleum in Accra, describing him as a distinguished African statesman whose legacy continues to inspire the continent.
15 hours ago · Joy Online →
Egypt's cabinet confirmed a drone attack caused a fire on Wednesday at the Mediterranean port of Damietta, affecting two ships—a US-owned floating storage vessel and a Greek-owned LNG tanker. No party has claimed responsibility, no casualties were reported, and the port continued operating at full capacity.
15 hours ago · Joy Online →
President John Dramani Mahama will undertake a four-day official visit to Kingston, Jamaica, from August 2 to 5, 2026, to strengthen Ghana's relations with Jamaica and CARICOM, and advance the global campaign for reparations over the transatlantic slave trade. The visit will include a high-level Reparations Dialogue at the University of the West Indies and tribute to Jamaica's Pan-African heritage.
20 hours ago · Joy Online →
A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck southwestern Japan's Kumamoto prefecture on Tuesday, killing 34 people and displacing thousands who are now sheltering in evacuation centres facing sweltering heat and temperatures forecast to reach 39C.
22 hours ago · Joy Online →
In a speech marking the 27th anniversary of his accession to the throne, King Mohammed VI called for consolidation of Morocco's recent achievements and a new development cycle focused on economic growth, social progress and national sovereignty. He cited economic growth of about 4.9% in 2025 and described the country's political stability and security as strategic assets enabling implementation of major projects.
22 hours ago · Joy Online →
Israel has moved yellow concrete blocks that mark its controlled territory in Gaza westwards, displacing families in northern Gaza including the al-Shawish family. Hamas accuses Israel of violating the October ceasefire agreement by expanding the Yellow Line beyond the agreed demarcation zone.
22 hours ago · Joy Online →
A 19-year-old French student studying in Singapore was fined S$600 ($465) after pleading guilty to public nuisance for licking a straw from an orange juice vending machine and returning it to the dispenser, an act he posted to Instagram that went viral. The vending machine company replaced all 500 straws in the dispenser following the incident.
23 hours ago · Joy Online →
Ghana and Gabon have called on African countries to collectively address xenophobia and discrimination, arguing the menace threatens continental cohesion and Africa's shared progress. The call follows renewed xenophobic attacks on black migrants in South Africa, in which Ghana has confirmed two citizen deaths since April.
30 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Kizza Besigye, a 70-year-old Ugandan opposition politician, collapsed unconscious during his treason trial in Kampala and was admitted to an intensive care unit. His wife reported he is unconscious and unresponsive; Besigye has been detained since November 2024 and faces capital charges of plotting to overthrow President Museveni.
30 July 2026 · Joy Online →
The US military says it has completed a "heavy wave" of strikes against Iran in retaliation for Tuesday's attempted ballistic missile attacks on American forces, hitting "dozens" of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targets. Iranian state media reported the latest strikes killed three people, including a two-year-old child, on Qeshm island and other locations in the south and west of the country.
30 July 2026 · Joy Online →
China's Ambassador to Ghana said the country will expand defence cooperation through military training, infrastructure development, equipment support and humanitarian collaboration. The commitment was made at a reception in Accra marking the 99th anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, with bilateral trade reaching US$14.1 billion in 2025.
30 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Ghana and Gabon have signed two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) during a three-day state visit by Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema. The MoUs cover political consultations and cooperation in diplomat training between the two countries' foreign affairs institutions.
30 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema visited the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra on Tuesday to pay tribute to Ghana's founding President and Pan-Africanism champion, during a three-day state visit at the invitation of President John Dramani Mahama.
30 July 2026 · Joy Online →
International donor funding for HIV programmes in low- and middle-income countries fell by US$2.1 billion in 2025, a 25 per cent reduction to US$6.2 billion from US$8.3 billion in 2024, the steepest annual decline since global HIV financing began. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS and KFF attributed the decline largely to reduced disbursements from the United States and warned that funding cuts had disrupted HIV prevention, testing, treatment and support services, with affected nations already scaling back prevention programmes and limiting access to treatment.
30 July 2026 · Joy Online →
The Trump administration unfroze $600 million in congressionally appropriated funds for Gavi, a global alliance helping the world's poorest countries purchase vaccines, after Washington withheld the money over concerns raised by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The State Department said the decision followed Gavi's commitment to transition away from mercury-containing vaccines and expand access to mercury-free alternatives.
30 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Australia's eSafety Commissioner has begun legal action against messaging platform Telegram, alleging it failed to remove videos linked to terrorist attacks including the Christchurch and Buffalo shootings despite being notified. Civil penalties could reach A$54.6 million ($38 million) for non-compliance with Australian codes and standards.
30 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Saudi Arabia, which has largely avoided involvement in the US-Iran conflict since 28 February, has begun conducting joint strikes with the US on Iranian proxy militias in Iraq after being attacked from three sides. The kingdom now faces a choice between continuing retaliatory strikes as a deterrent or attempting to de-escalate through negotiation.
30 July 2026 · Joy Online →
The US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged between 3.5% and 3.75% for the fifth consecutive time, with Fed chairman Kevin Warsh acknowledging there is no "magic wand" to ease inflation. Policymakers voted 9-3 to hold rates steady as inflation concerns persist, particularly due to Middle East tensions and their potential impact on oil and consumer prices.
30 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Former US health official Anthony Fauci refused to answer questions at a Senate hearing on Covid-19 origins, invoking the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times and citing concerns that Republicans might use his testimony to prosecute him for perjury. Fauci has previously denied Republican accusations that he concealed pandemic information and lied about its dangers, calling the allegations "simply preposterous."
30 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Russian authorities have charged Pavel Durov, cofounder of the encrypted messaging platform Telegram, with "aiding terrorism" and issued an international arrest warrant, alleging his company failed to remove channels and bots used by Ukrainian special services and terrorist organisations to coordinate attacks in Russia.
30 July 2026 · The Chronicle →
China's coastguard and civilian fleet have expanded their presence in waters east of Taiwan through June and July, marking the first time such patrols have moved east of the island in quick succession, according to analysts. Observers warn the shift may signal Beijing's strategy to surround Taiwan rather than only constrain it in the Taiwan Strait.
30 July 2026 · The Chronicle →
Japan's south-western Kyushu region was struck by a powerful earthquake on Tuesday that left at least 13 people dead, with more than 100 aftershocks recorded since. Rescue crews are searching through rubble at a paper factory and shopping mall in Kumamoto prefecture, while the Japan Meteorological Agency warns residents to watch for strong aftershocks in the coming days.
30 July 2026 · The Chronicle →
Saudi Arabia and the US carried out strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq, with Iraq's paramilitary Popular Mobilisation Forces reporting at least 20 members killed. The strikes followed an Iranian missile attack on US forces in the Middle East that was said to have been intercepted.
30 July 2026 · The Chronicle →
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has written to 211 member associations offering $40m if they back his plan to sell stakes in major competitions, including the World Cup, with a 19 September deadline for access to an initial $20m. UEFA accused FIFA of using football to enrich themselves and their friends.
30 July 2026 · Joy Online →
UN Special Representative Hannah Tetteh told the 21st Kronti ne Akwamu Public Lecture that African countries should focus on strengthening implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, improving trade finance, advancing AI and technology, and building consensus on peacebuilding to secure the continent's future in a changing global order.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
UN Special Representative Hannah Tetteh has urged African countries to strengthen cooperation and collective action, warning that weakening multilateral institutions and growing bilateral agreements could expose developing countries to greater economic and security risks. She said the changing international environment requires Africa to rethink how it engages with global powers, as power is increasingly shaped by a country's ability to build and control technology, industrial systems, logistics networks and security capabilities.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
UN Special Representative Hannah Tetteh has urged African countries to reassess their strategic positioning as the world moves away from traditional globalization, with major powers increasingly questioning the benefits of economic integration and viewing global integration as risks to national interests.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
A drone struck a U.S.-owned gas storage tanker at Egypt's port of Damietta, causing a fire that spread to another vessel, according to British maritime security firm Ambrey. The incident occurred amid escalating tensions as the United States and Saudi Arabia struck Iran-backed groups in Iraq and oil prices spiked sharply.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Hannah Tetteh, UN Special Representative for Libya, has warned that the weakening of the global multilateral system could have serious consequences for Africa, particularly countries with limited influence on the international stage, and that smaller and less powerful nations would be disproportionately affected if multilateral cooperation continues to deteriorate.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Wildfires have raged in France's south-western Gironde region for a week, forcing tens of thousands of residents and tourists to flee as temperatures peak around 40°C. Firefighting efforts involving Canadair aircraft, helicopters, and thousands of crews and volunteers struggle against flames that restart on their own amid extreme heat and dry conditions.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Bryan Kohberger, who pleaded guilty to four murders of University of Idaho students in November 2022 and was sentenced to four consecutive life sentences, is now challenging his conviction and taking back his plea, claiming it rested on "false promises and blatant disinformation." The family of victim Kaylee Goncalves criticized Kohberger as a "narcissist" for the reversal, noting he had never previously claimed being uninformed or pressured during his two years of case review.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Glen Hansard, 56, an Irish musician and Oscar winner for Best Original Song in 2008, died in a single-vehicle motorbike crash in Dublin. The frontman of rock band The Frames had a career spanning more than three decades and was also known for charity work supporting the homeless.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has written to all 211 member associations offering $40m in exchange for backing his plan to sell stakes in major competitions like the World Cup through a new commercial subsidiary. The plan, which could raise $10bn and has drawn quick condemnation from multiple regions, sets a 19 September deadline for nations to accept and receive an initial $20m.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
The Bright Future Alliance executive director will represent Africa at a United Nations International Youth Day event on August 12, 2026, where young people will examine how corruption affects their opportunities and aspirations. The event will present findings on corruption's impact on youth and explore ways to promote fairness and integrity.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Two American men, Jonathan Lehrer and Robert Snyder Jr, have been found guilty of murdering Daniel Langlois, founder of animation software firm Softimage, and his partner Dominique Marchand in Dominica. The couple's bodies were discovered in a burnt-out vehicle in late 2023; Lehrer, a chocolate maker from New Jersey, had been in a years-long dispute with Langlois over a road connecting their adjacent properties.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Former US health official Anthony Fauci refused to answer questions at a US Senate hearing about Covid-19's origins, invoking the Fifth Amendment to protect against potential perjury prosecution. Fauci cited advice from his attorneys and expressed concern that Republican Senator Rand Paul intended to use his testimony against him.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
The Trump administration announced a ban on new foreign-made humanoid robot imports to the US, citing unacceptable risks to national security. The ban also covers power inverters used in data centres and solar panels, with the FCC citing concerns about surveillance and cyberattack risks.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
French DJ and electropop musician Kavinsky (Vincent Belorgey), 50, was found dead in his Paris home on Tuesday evening. An inquiry into the cause of death has been opened after first responders found no suspicious elements at the scene.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Three sources familiar with the deal told Reuters that Iran is expected to receive within weeks a first shipment of up to 400 Chinese-made shoulder-fired air-defence missile launchers, valued at $60-70 million, as it rebuilds its defences after war with the United States and Israel.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
A major blaze in central Spain has stabilised and evacuation orders have been lifted in Avila province, though rising temperatures in Spain and France have triggered new wildfire alerts and evacuations in other areas, with temperatures expected to reach 40°C in Spain and 42°C in southwest France.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
US President Donald Trump held separate meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, described by the White House as "positive and productive." Zelensky said Trump agreed to grant Ukraine licences for domestic production of Patriot interceptor missiles, which Kyiv says are needed to defend against Russian drone and ballistic missile attacks.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
The US Senate voted 51 to 47 to confirm Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence, replacing acting DNI Bill Pulte, whose original appointment faced backlash for his lack of intelligence experience. Clayton, a former US attorney for the Southern District of New York and securities regulator, succeeds Tulsi Gabbard.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Russia's FSB has charged Telegram founder Pavel Durov with facilitating terrorism, alleging the messenger app was used to prepare and coordinate sabotage and terror inside Russia and failed to remove channels used by Ukraine. An international arrest warrant has been issued for Durov, who lives abroad and holds French and UAE passports.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Four women have accused Oscar-winning actor and Thirty Seconds to Mars frontman Jared Leto of criminal sexual conduct allegedly committed when they were teenagers, including sexual assault, statutory rape, grooming, and inappropriate phone calls. Four additional women report receiving strange and sexual phone calls from Leto when they were younger, and another says he made lewd comments about her appearance when she was 14.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
A powerful earthquake struck Japan's south-western Kyushu region on Tuesday, killing at least 13 people, with more than 100 aftershocks following. Rescue crews are searching through rubble at a paper factory and shopping mall in Kumamoto prefecture, where thousands have been evacuated and many lack power.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Derrick Van Yeboah, a 41-year-old Ghanaian national and leader of an international criminal syndicate, was sentenced to 85 months in a U.S. federal prison for his role in romance scams and business email compromise schemes that stole more than $100 million from victims.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Saudi Arabia and the US have carried out strikes against Iran-backed militias in Iraq in response to over 30 IRGC-directed aerial drone attacks in the last 72 hours, escalating Middle East tensions after Iran launched missiles at US forces.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Gunmen killed Colonel Abdussalam Ude of the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps at his Abuja residence after he resisted their abduction attempt; his wife, driver, and security guard were also shot in the incident.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
At least 14 villagers were killed and several others injured in an attack in Nigeria's Benue state on Tuesday, part of ongoing violence linked to land and resource disputes between farmers and herders. A local official blamed the attack on Fulani militia, though no group has claimed responsibility and police are investigating.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
President Donald Trump said his separate meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were positive, with both leaders in Washington for a memorial service. Trump discussed various topics with each leader without providing specifics, though tensions preceded the Netanyahu meeting over leaked details of his planned talking points on Iran.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles in an attempted surprise attack on US forces in the Middle East on Tuesday, with the US military saying all missiles were successfully intercepted. The strike broke a three-day lull in hostilities between the two countries, which had been intended to restart negotiations.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
The Trump administration announced a ban on new foreign-made humanoid robot imports to the US, citing unacceptable national security risks; the FCC also banned power inverters used in data centres and solar panels, saying they pose economic risk.
29 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Ibrahim Mahama has committed resources to support the second phase evacuation of an estimated 1,000 Ghanaians from South Africa following xenophobic attacks. The Government had earlier evacuated 926 citizens and provided each returnee with GH¢5,000 reintegration allowance and GH¢500 transportation support.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
A leader of the Partners for Change and Future Alliance claims Sudan's army is using internationally banned chemical weapons against civilians in North Kordofan State, citing recent incidents in the Umm Qarfah area where residents reported thick yellow smoke from aircraft-dropped munitions and suspected chemical contamination.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Gabon's President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema paid tribute to Ghana's founding President Kwame Nkrumah at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra on Tuesday, laying a wreath and observing a moment of silence as part of his official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Ghana and Gabon have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their six-decade relationship during bilateral talks between President John Dramani Mahama and President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema at the Jubilee House on Tuesday, July 28, with both leaders calling for deeper African cooperation to address shared challenges and advance continental development.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
President John Dramani Mahama and Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema discussed cooperation in climate action, natural resource management and maritime security. The presidents highlighted opportunities to exchange expertise in forest conservation, sustainable development, responsible mining, and carbon markets.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Gabon's President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema arrived in Accra on an official visit to strengthen relations with Ghana. He is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House, focusing on trade and investment, regional security, economic development, and continental unity.
28 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
The Pan-African Parliament's Committee on Health, Labour and Social Affairs has adopted a resolution to develop a continent-wide Model Law on Traditional Medicines and the Protection of Local Knowledge, aimed at strengthening the regulation, recognition and integration of traditional medicine into Africa's health systems.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of Gabon has arrived in Ghana for an official visit to strengthen bilateral relations. He is expected to hold bilateral talks with President John Dramani Mahama focusing on trade, regional security, economic cooperation and African unity.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Ghana and India have committed to expanding cooperation in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and information and communication technology, with renewed focus on robotics and artificial intelligence, following a meeting between Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and India's High Commissioner-designate Surinder Bhagat in Accra.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Nigeria's High Commissioner-designate Shehu Ilu Barde have reaffirmed commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing economic cooperation, with focus on removing trade barriers and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area to increase bilateral trade.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Mr P drew criticism on social media after suggesting Nigerian indigenous languages offer little practical benefit while vacationing in Paris and praising his children's French fluency. Critics noted that he has used Igbo and Yoruba in his successful music career, arguing he disrespected his cultural heritage.
28 July 2026 · Daily Guide →
Ghana and Lebanon have pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation in education, trade and manufacturing following the presentation of the Open Letters of Lebanon's Ambassador-designate to Ghana. The countries aim to strengthen collaboration in trade and knowledge sharing in motor manufacturing, construction materials and pharmaceutical industries.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army rescued two kidnapped victims, Usman Mohammed and Usman Harusu, during a fighting patrol in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State on 26 July following credible intelligence on kidnapping activities in the Lande Jessi area.
28 July 2026 · The Chronicle →
Gabon's President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema is visiting Ghana at the invitation of President John Dramani Mahama, accompanied by government ministers and business officials. The leaders will hold bilateral talks to review relations and explore cooperation across political, trade, mining, energy, agriculture, and other sectors.
28 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister confirmed that two Ghanaians were killed in renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa—Bashiru Isaac, 44, in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, and Kojo Antwi in Prieska on July 18. The government has lodged a formal protest with South African authorities and said it would pursue justice for the victims through diplomatic and legal channels.
28 July 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Ghana has launched investigations into alleged criminal recruitment networks after 272 Ghanaian nationals were reported to have been drafted into the Russia-Ukraine conflict through fraudulent overseas employment schemes. The Foreign Affairs Minister said 55 of the reported cases involved Ghanaians who had died, while two others were being held as prisoners of war.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Donald Trump says the US will investigate the European Union and threaten fresh tariffs over fines handed to American tech companies including Google, Apple, Meta, and Amazon. Trump says fines should be "entirely reversed" and is initiating a Section 301 trade investigation.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Elon Musk made the film Citizen Vigilante, starring Armie Hammer and directed by Uwe Boll, free to view on X for 48 hours in late June. The film depicts an American vigilante killing police officers, judges, and others in an unnamed European country, and Musk's promotion briefly pushed it to the top of streaming charts on platforms including Apple and Amazon.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Two Scottish nationals, Jack Farrelly and Demi McDaid, have been arrested and charged in Sydney following police raids that uncovered more than 100kg of ketamine. New South Wales police allege they travelled to Australia to distribute large commercial quantities of prohibited drugs.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Rapper Yung Filly told a Western Australian court on Monday that "vibes were good" between him and a woman who accuses him of rape after a 2024 Perth nightclub performance. The 30-year-old, whose real name is Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, has pleaded not guilty to six counts of sexual penetration without consent, three counts of assault occasioning bodily harm, and one count of strangulation.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
President John Dramani Mahama received Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally at the Presidency during her first official visit to Africa, as she began a 10-day tour of the Church of the Province of West Africa.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
The Federal Aviation Administration slowed flights into three New York City area airports and Philadelphia International Airport due to severe weather and air traffic staffing shortages, with between 20% and 30% of flights cancelled at the four airports and ground delays averaging between 71 and 149 minutes.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Private Mohammed Yusuf was arrested in Maiduguri after allegedly supplying military uniforms to "terrorist" and "criminal" groups; he had deserted his unit and was attempting to flee to Cameroon. The arrest has renewed questions about potential collusion between security personnel and armed groups contributing to Nigeria's persistent insecurity.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
A judge has ruled that US musician D4vd (David Anthony Burke, 21) will stand trial for murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were found in a Tesla at his address. Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and sexual abuse; prosecutors allege he killed her to prevent her from revealing his relationship with a minor and damaging his music career.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Nigeria called on South Africa to do more to prevent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other African migrants, saying repeated violence was straining ties and raising questions about government complicity. Nigerian officials said at least 1,490 Nigerians have been evacuated from South Africa since the latest outbreak of xenophobic violence, and at least 98 Nigerians have been killed in such attacks since 2022.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
At least 30 people, including eight children, were killed when armed gunmen attacked Naridon village in Nigeria's Kaduna state early Monday, shooting residents and burning houses, residents said. The attack reflects escalating violence by armed gangs targeting communities in northwestern and north-central Nigeria.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
A Climate Impact Lab report projects that climate-driven temperature changes will cause about 430,000 additional deaths annually by 2050, with ten times more deaths in poor countries than in richer ones. Access to electricity for cooling systems will largely determine how many lives can be saved, but many countries most vulnerable to rising temperatures lack sufficient electrical capacity for fans and air conditioners.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
A major wildfire in southwestern France has advanced to within 15km of Bordeaux, prompting the mayor to prepare for possible mass evacuations. President Macron described it as France's "toughest since World War Two," with over 220,000 people evacuated in France and more than 100,000 in Spain as fires spread uncontrolled across the region.
28 July 2026 · Joy Online →
US President Donald Trump said "there are very friendly negotiations going on" about the conflict with Iran after the warring sides did not exchange strikes for a third straight day, expressing optimism that "something could happen," though he warned Washington would resume strikes if talks fail. Tehran denied that direct negotiations are taking place.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
US President Donald Trump defended his tariffs at a General Motors plant in Michigan, claiming they are reinvigorating the auto industry and forcing companies to relocate operations to the US. Michigan, a key battleground state heavily reliant on Canada, has seen job growth slow to a crawl and faces some of the highest unemployment in the country, as US-Canada tariff tensions escalate ahead of a planned August increase to 50% on some Canadian goods.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
International Relations expert Professor Vladimir Antwi-Danso has defended Ghana's government call for justice over two Ghanaian nationals killed in recent attacks in South Africa, describing it as a standard and legitimate diplomatic response grounded in established principles of international relations.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa revealed that approximately 272 Ghanaians have been drawn into the Russia-Ukraine conflict since 2022, many through fraudulent job offers, with about 55 reported dead and two held as prisoners of war. The government is actively negotiating the release of the two captured Ghanaians.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Global HIV funding fell by 18% to $7.3 billion in 2025, the lowest level in nearly two decades, according to UNAIDS, which warned that without renewed commitment the world risks reversing progress that has driven new infections and AIDS-related deaths to their lowest level in over 30 years.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
At least one shot was fired outside the U.S. Consulate in downtown Toronto early Monday with no injuries reported, marking the second such incident in four months. Police recovered a shell casing and found damage to the building; a white sedan was seen fleeing the scene.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Ukraine has dismissed Iranian threats of retaliation after Kyiv targeted an Iranian cargo vessel in the Caspian Sea on Saturday, marking the first direct link between the wars in Iran and Ukraine. Ukrainian officials said the "Anna" ship was carrying drone and missile components from Iran to Russia, not civilian cargo.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Devastating wildfires are tearing through France and Spain, forcing more than 300,000 people to evacuate. France has experienced its worst wildfires in two decades, with the Gironde region near Bordeaux burning over 162 square miles in less than four days, while three wildfires in the Madrid region have burned about 297 square miles.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
South African authorities are investigating the death of 42-year-old Nigerian Ibeh Chika Simon, who collapsed while being arrested by Cape Town police; a post-mortem showed multiple bruises and abrasions on his back and chest. Nigeria's consul general condemned the incident and alleged a pattern of unresolved deaths and misconduct against foreign nationals, amid heightened tensions over xenophobic violence.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
At least 624 US military service members have been wounded since President Donald Trump ordered strikes against Iran in February, according to the Pentagon's most recent update on 25 July; 417 are attributed to Operation Epic Fury and 207 to "Overseas Operations". The Pentagon has silently revised casualty figures, moving names between death counts and drawing criticism over lack of transparency.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Ghanaian activists and researchers, including Eric Agyare of The Revival Earth, are demanding a seat at the table in drafting global textile policy schemes such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Speaking at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference 2026, Agyare emphasized that policies affecting communities like those around Accra's Kantamanto second-hand clothing market should not be designed solely by the Global North and applied without local input.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Egypt plans to sign seven Memoranda of Understanding with Ghana covering education, technology, pharmaceuticals, cybersecurity, and cultural heritage restoration to deepen bilateral cooperation. The agreements are part of preparations to celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations next year and include plans to revive the Ghana-Egypt Joint Commission, which has not met for about three decades.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Overseas travellers are increasingly visiting South Korea for comprehensive health check-ups, drawn by affordable prices, fast results, and English-language support. According to South Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare, 2.01 million foreign patients visited in 2025, up 71.7% on the previous year, with patients mostly coming from China and Japan.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Home heating oil prices in Northern Ireland surged from £346.59 to £445.37 per 500 litres in three weeks, a jump attributed to escalated fighting between the US and Iran. About two-thirds of Northern Ireland households rely on home heating oil, the highest proportion in any UK region.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Three people were killed and several others injured in a shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival near the Space Needle on Sunday around 18:00 local time. One suspect was taken into custody and another fled; police believe the suspects were shooting at each other.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
President Trump has halted attacks on Iran for the third consecutive night to create space for talks, according to US ambassador Mike Waltz, while an Iranian spokesperson confirmed Tehran has also paused retaliatory attacks. Oil prices have dropped below $90 per barrel following the pause.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Sean 'Diddy' Combs was reportedly involved in a fight with a fellow inmate at Fort Dix federal prison in New Jersey and has been placed in solitary confinement as a result. According to TMZ, the fight started after an inmate insulted Combs and was quickly stopped by staff.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he planned to attend the UN General Assembly in New York City this autumn despite NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani's threat to arrest him based on an ICC warrant. Netanyahu told Fox News he was "not concerned" about the threat and accused Mamdani of "fomenting hate," while the mayor has since walked back the arrest threat, acknowledging he lacked the legal power to do so.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Argentina's president Javier Milei referred to Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as a "thief" and "convict" at a rally in São Paulo, prompting Brazil to recall its ambassador to Buenos Aires. Brazilian diplomats said Milei had insulted Brazil's government, people, and democracy.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
French President Emmanuel Macron called a crisis cabinet meeting as wildfires closed in on Bordeaux, with the blaze about 15km from the city and another heatwave threatening to complicate firefighting efforts. More than 330,000 people have been evacuated across France and Spain over the past week.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Gabon's main opposition leader Alain Claude Bilie By Nze has been imprisoned for over three months since April 15 on charges related to a private financial dispute from 2008 involving about 7,600 euros. His lawyers say the charges are politically motivated and designed to sideline him after he unsuccessfully challenged President Brice Oligui Nguema in last year's election.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Ugandan diplomat Olara Otunnu, a former U.N. under-secretary-general and special representative for children and armed conflict, has been nominated by Uganda to become the next UN secretary-general, making him the seventh contender to succeed Antonio Guterres at the end of this year.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
The World Bank projects Morocco's economic growth will decelerate to 4.2% in 2026 from 4.9% last year, driven by 2030 World Cup infrastructure investment and agricultural rebound, though drought and European economic recovery remain risks.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
A South African court has ruled in favour of President Cyril Ramaphosa's bid to temporarily halt a parliamentary impeachment inquiry over the "Farmgate" scandal, in which burglars stole large sums of cash hidden in a sofa from his private farm in 2022. The halt is pending the court's determination of Ramaphosa's separate legal challenge to the independent panel's findings, which parliament had previously shelved before being ordered by the Constitutional Court in May to revive the impeachment process.
27 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Melkisedek Kaijage, a University of Dodoma lecturer, was arrested over alleged incitement to anti-government protests and is now charged with terrorism. He was among more than 130 people arrested ahead of banned 7 July demonstrations calling for democratic reforms and justice for those killed in a post-poll crackdown.
26 July 2026 · Joy Online →
The Flatiron Building, a recognisable New York City structure for over a century, has undergone a large-scale renovation over seven years to convert it from an office building into ultra-luxury apartments, with new units priced up to $58.5m.
26 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Police shot and killed Abdul Ballout, a 21-year-old German citizen with Lebanese heritage, after he rushed at officers with a knife during a manhunt in Berlin. Ballout was suspected of driving a white van into a crowd near Tiergarten park on Saturday, killing one woman and injuring at least 29 others, followed by a stabbing attack; German authorities say the incident was likely an "Islamist terror attack."
26 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he would be willing to call out Donald Trump if it served Britain's national interest, describing their first exchange as warm but refusing to commit to trusting the US president. He expressed concern about Trump starting a conflict with Iran and said he would voice disagreement with the president when needed.
26 July 2026 · Joy Online →
The US ambassador to the UN said President Trump has paused attacks on Iran for the second night to give diplomacy more time, after nearly two weeks of daily US strikes and tit-for-tat attacks. Iran's army spokesperson said Tehran had halted "retaliatory" attacks in response, and Iran and Oman held technical talks on managing the Strait of Hormuz.
26 July 2026 · Joy Online →
A 54-year-old worker died at Barcelona's Nou Camp stadium on Friday during renovation work, believed to have been struck by an object. FC Barcelona expressed condolences to the family and pledged support as an investigation into the incident proceeds.
26 July 2026 · Joy Online →
US President Donald Trump has paused attacks on Iran for the second night in a row to give diplomacy space, according to US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz. Iran's army spokesperson said Tehran had also halted "retaliatory" attacks in response, as Iran and Oman held technical talks on managing the Strait of Hormuz.
26 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Ghana's Government has announced a new evacuation phase bringing approximately 1,000 Ghanaians home from South Africa this week, prioritising women, children, the elderly, people with medical conditions and students, in response to renewed xenophobic violence. Nearly 926 Ghanaians had already been repatriated in earlier stages, with a further batch of roughly 900 registered nationals cleared for evacuation as of 25 July.
26 July 2026 · The Chronicle →
President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of Gabon will visit Ghana from July 28 to 30 at President Mahama's invitation, accompanied by a delegation of government ministers, officials, and business representatives. The two leaders will hold bilateral talks at the Jubilee House to review relations and explore cooperation in trade, investment, mining, energy, agriculture, and other sectors.
26 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang delivered the keynote address at the 70th anniversary celebration of Sister Cities International in Washington, DC, speaking on city-to-city diplomacy and sustainable economic development in Africa. She emphasized Ghana's commitment to strengthening local governance through decentralization and the role of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in national development.
26 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Ghana's government announced resumption of evacuation for Ghanaians in South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks, with the first group expected to arrive in Accra on July 26. The voluntary programme prioritises vulnerable groups including women, children, elderly persons, and students who have registered with the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria.
25 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has called on Nigeria to investigate alleged attacks on properties belonging to Ghanaian business mogul Sir Sam Jonah, urging protection of cross-border investments. The Nigerian High Commissioner-designate assured the minister he would examine the matter and engage appropriate authorities.
25 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has asked Nigeria to investigate alleged attacks on properties owned by Ghanaian business mogul Sir Sam Jonah, citing the need to protect investments and sustain investor confidence. The incoming Nigerian High Commissioner pledged to examine the matter.
25 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Huge forest fires in south-west France and central Spain have displaced more than 220,000 people, with winds and continued heat fanning the flames as tourists describe emergency evacuations and acrid smoke far from the affected areas.
25 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Kwame Danquah, President of Harakatiza Muungano, has called for deeper political and economic integration across Sub-Saharan Africa, stating that stronger regional cooperation is essential to accelerating industrialisation, reducing poverty and improving the continent's global competitiveness. He warned that without bold structural reforms and accelerated industrialisation, African economies would continue to face external economic pressures.
25 July 2026 · Joy Online →
India's education minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Saturday following widespread youth protests over examination paper leaks, which had become a major challenge for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The youth-led Cockroach Janta Party movement, which spearheaded the demonstrations at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar, said it would now end its protests.
25 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Ghana is conducting the final phase of its mass repatriation exercise for Ghanaians stranded in South Africa following xenophobic attacks. Nearly 900 Ghanaian nationals voluntarily registered to leave, with about 926 already repatriated in earlier stages and remaining registered individuals beginning to return home on July 25.
25 July 2026 · Joy Online →
US President Donald Trump took swipes at journalists at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner, accusing many of "Trump Derangement Syndrome" and criticizing "fake news," while the event celebrated press freedom following a shooting that had cancelled the previous dinner three months earlier.
25 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Ghana has called for closer economic cooperation with Egypt as the two countries prepare to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2027. Deputy Interior Minister Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi highlighted Egyptian companies' contributions to Ghana's economy and expressed commitment to expanding private-sector collaboration.
25 July 2026 · Joy Online →
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, visits Ghana from July 25 to 31 for her first visit to Africa in that role. She will worship with Anglican congregations, meet church and community leaders, and spend time with young people and members of the Mothers' Union.
25 July 2026 · Joy Online →