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By Ama Kudom-Agyemang The IUCN 2025 World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, UAE, ended on Wednesday, 15th October, with a landmark decision that could shape the future of global conservation. Members voted to reject Motion 133 – a proposed moratorium on the genetic engineering of wild species; and to adopt Motion 087 – IUCN’s first-ever Policy on Synthetic Biology and Nature Conservation. The outcome represents a decisive shift toward a science-based, case-by-case approach to using innovative genetic tools to address urgent conservation and public health challenges. The new policy provides a structured framework for assessing potential applications of genetic technologies, emphasizing transparency, scientific evidence, and rigorous risk assessments as the basis for decision-making rather than outright endorsement or rejection. An African perspective and context of the decision For Africa, the decision carries particular significance. National Director of A Rocha Ghana, Dr. Seth Appiah-Kubi, emphasized that the policy “sets out a responsible path forward based on evaluating each application on a case-by-case basis, guided by science-based risk assessments, ethical standards, and respect for the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.” He noted that “existing conservation tools alone cannot reverse biodiversity loss,” adding, “we need innovations to complement available tools and protect endangered species, increase genetic diversity, and improve adaptability and resistance to pathogens.” Dr. Appiah-Kubi described the policy as one that “empowers members with a toolkit to guide decisions, and supports countries in making informed choices, especially in low and middle-income countries, where biodiversity loss is accelerating.” Founder and Executive Director of Speak Up Africa, Yacine Djibo said the decision represents a major step forward for both conservation and public health. “By adopting IUCN’s Policy on Synthetic Biology and rejecting a moratorium, the World Conservation Congress has endorsed a context-specific, science-based approach to the use of genetic tools for public good,” he stated. Djibo emphasized the African context, noting that malaria remains one of the continent’s biggest public health challenges, killing one child nearly every minute. “The potential to use genetic technologies to reduce malaria-carrying mosquitoes offers hope to help reverse stalled progress and save lives,” he said, adding that the decision “keeps all potential options on the table for addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges.” Balancing science, ethics, and conservation needs The Outreach Network for Gene Drive Research, a global coalition promoting responsible genetic research, welcomed the outcome as a “constructive, balanced and science-based approach towards the potential application of this emerging field for conservation.” In a statement, the Network noted that the escalating biodiversity crisis poses a grave threat to life on Earth, with more than a million species at risk of extinction. “Synthetic biology, including genetic engineering, offers new hope for solutions that can rise to the scale and urgency of the challenge,” it said. While acknowledging that the policy is not a blanket endorsement of synthetic biology, the Network stressed that it provides “an important framework for informed, responsible decision-making on a case-by-case basis according to scientific evidence and risk assessments.” It further urged governments to make decisions aligned with their national priorities and contexts. The Network added that IUCN’s adoption of the policy also signals support for ongoing research into synthetic biology for other applications, including the control of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue. “This allows continued exploration of potentially transformative new tools for addressing some of the world’s most persistent and pernicious health challenges,” the statement concluded. A boost for research and food security Director of the Eastern Africa Hub and Leader of the Biotechnology Program at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr. Leena Tripathi, described the decision as a victory for researchers and a relief for the scientific community. “This decision upholds the value of scientific research and the significant potential that synthetic biology has for tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including achieving the 70 percent increase in food production needed to meet demand by 2050,” she noted. Dr. Tripathi added that “it also provides governments with an evidence-based framework for navigating new applications of biotechnology to determine their suitability on a case-by-case basis.” Conservation science at a crossroads For conservationists, the IUCN decision marks a turning point in how science and policy intersect. Vice President for International Policy at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Dr. Susan Lieberman, said the resolution “offers enormous potential to complement existing conservation tools at a time when current approaches are no longer sufficient to keep pace with biodiversity loss.” She emphasized how the resolution accepts that synthetic biology applications should be considered on a case-by-case basis in line with international frameworks. “It recognizes the importance of taking informed decisions based on scientific evidence and rigorous risk assessments when weighing up how to address each conservation challenge.” Similarly, Director of Conservation Genetics at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Oliver Ryder, noted that the policy “provides a critically important decision-making framework to evaluate opportunities for synthetic biology to contribute to conservation goals.” He cited the example of the first cloned black-footed ferret, born in 2020 using preserved genetic material, as proof of how advanced biotechnologies can restore lost genetic diversity and boost endangered species’ survival chances. Inside the policy: IUCN’s voice on the future of conservation According to IUCN Chief Scientist, Thomas Brooks, the new policy is a timely response to the rapid advances in synthetic biology and their growing implications for nature conservation. He explained that it provides “a guiding framework shaped by the perspectives of our members through the most inclusive consultation process ever undertaken in IUCN,” adding that “it underscores the Union’s role in steering difficult global debates.” Co-Chair of the Policy Development Working Group, Maria Julia Oliva, added that the policy is “a vital step that brings both hope and caution,” allowing innovation while insisting on scrutiny. “It ensures conservation uses of synthetic biology proceed with a precautionary approach, and that other sectors incorporate nature conservation concerns into their applications,” she explained. Reflecting on the policy’s development, IUCN Councillor and Executive Director of Provita in Venezuela, Bibiana Sucre, highlighted the importance of the first-ever Citizens’ Assembly. “Representatives from 15 Member organisations across all IUCN regions spent a week in deliberations to produce 80 recommendations that fed directly into the final policy,” she said. For Co-Chair of the Working Group, Professor Zabta Shinwari, the adoption also signals a call to action. He stressed the need for “accessible capacity building on synthetic biology and nature conservation, including training and technical expertise to help members and partners engage effectively in policy development, implementation, and monitoring. Hope for fragile ecosystems The potential of synthetic biology to combat invasive species – a leading cause of extinctions, was another key consideration for delegates. Director of Impact and Innovation at Island Conservation, David Will, noted that invasive rodents like rats and mice have driven more than half of all known extinctions, mostly on islands. “By rejecting a moratorium on synthetic biology, IUCN has ensured research exploring promising new tools, such as gene drive technologies, can continue,” Will offered. He explained that “The future potential addition of targeted, scalable approaches to the island conservation toolbox could help more island communities remove invasive rodents, offering hope for protecting native wildlife on islands where existing conservation approaches are not enough.” A new era for conservation policy As the world grapples with accelerating biodiversity loss, climate change, and food insecurity, some observers see IUCN’s new policy as offering a balanced path: one that embraces innovation while ensuring accountability and caution. By bringing governments, scientists, and communities to the same table, the policy sets the stage for a new era of collaboration where science, ethics, and conservation goals converge for the planet’s future. Post Views: 36
Three of four drivers accused of stealing truck-loads of imported sand from a local company confessed to the crime when they recently appeared in District “A” Traffic Court. Javon Tekell Alleyne, of Lot 987, The Villages, Coverley, Christ Church, admitted stealing two truck-loads of sand, worth $4 400 belonging to Black Bess Mining Inc., a subsidiary of the Jada Group, on October 7. Prosecutor Station Sergeant St Clair Phillips told the court the 28-year-old driver was supposed to collect sand from the Flour Mill site off the Mighty Grynner Highway, to transport to Black Bess Mining inSt Peter. Instead, Alleyne delivered one load to Grazettes and the other to a location in Belle Tenantry, both in St Michael. The sand was later recovered from both locations. His attorney Janelle King said Alleyne had “no prior involvement with the law”, did not have the propensity for this type of offence and was one of the main contributors to his household. She added he had accepted full responsibility for his actions, cooperated fully with police while reminding the court that the sand had been recovered. “This has been a sobering experience for him and he is genuinely remorseful,” she concluded. Magistrate Allison Burke then reprimanded and discharged Alleyne. Derek Patrick King, 52, of Olton Road, Mile and a Quarter, St Peter, received a similar sentence. He too pleaded guilty to stealing two truck-loads of sand belonging to the same establishment, sometime between October 7 and 8. The driver was scheduled to deliver sand to Black Bess Mining yard from the barge at the Flour Mill, but carried both loads to Grazettes. A tracking device was attached to the trucks used by both him and Alleyne. This was also King’s first brush with the law. Roger Philip Clarke, of 13 Orange Hill Development, St James, pleaded guilty to stealing a load of sand valued $2 200 belonging to Black Bess Mining on August 15. The prosecutor said Clarke also collected the sand from the Flour Mill and took it to a site in Orange Hill rather than to Black Bess Mining. Management checked the GPS, realised the driver was at the wrong site and informed the police. In mitigating, attorney Harry Husbands said his client was 38 years old, not known to the court and had pleaded guilty early, and did not have the propensity for these types of offences. He therefore asked the court to be mindful of the Penal Reform System Act in relation to first-time offenders. Clarke also was reprimanded and discharged. However, a fourth driver, Darren Ramon Adams, 38, of Highland, St Thomas, denied stealing two loads of sand from Black Bess Mining on October 8. Prosecutor Phillips objected to him being released on bail. He said further investigations were being carried out by police, and granting Adams his freedom at that juncture could hamper those investigations, since there was the possibility that he could move the material. The court eventually granted Adams $8 000 bail, with the condition that he report to District “D” Police Station every Wednesday by 10 a.m. He will reappear in that court on January 28 next year. (SD)
How does one begin to describe Machine Gun Kelly? The man who could once be found digging graves and hurling abrasive bars at Marshall Mathers is now a pop punk guy — or is that country star? In fact, isn't he an interpreter of beloved alt-rock ballads? Well, he's all those things apparently, and he almost added yet another string to his bow when he had the chance to audition for Ryan Coogler's bloody vampire masterclass and breakout horror hit "Sinners." Unfortunately, it seems the pop star, whose real name is Colson Baker, wasn't all that comfortable using the racial slurs in the film's script. Speaking on the "The Pat McAfee Show" (via Variety), MGK revealed that he was offered an audition for the part of a vampire in "Sinners" before explaining why he turned down the offer. "I was supposed to be in that," he noted. "The vampire, they had me set up to do the audition — it's the one that's in the house, so he's the second vampire, the one that the guy comes and eats the family. In the audition, he has to say the 'n-word,' and I wouldn't do it." Kelly seems to be referring to the character of Bert, a member of the Ku Klux Klan and nephew to local Klan leader Hogwood (David Maldonado). Peter Dreimanis was ultimately cast as Bert, who's turned into a vampire by Jack O'Connell's Remmick early in the movie before joining Remmick's assault on the Smokestack twins' (Michael B. Jordan) juke joint. Casting MGK in this role would have been an inspired choice, given the film's commentary on mass culture's appropriation of Black subcultures. Alas it wasn't to be, and it seems Coogler was okay with that.
Shkup, 21 tetor – Shefi i shtabit qendror të VLEN-it dhe deputeti, Adnan Azizi, ka falënderuar qytetarët që kanë marrë pjesë në votime, ndërsa i fton të gjithë shqiptarët që t’i lënë anash ndarjet partiake dhe t’ia zgjasin dorën njëri-tjetrit. Ai thotë se këto zgjedhje ishin më korrektet dhe më demokratiket në historinë e Maqedonisë së Veriut që nga pavarësia. “Të dashur qytetarë, më lejoni të ju falënderoj nga zemra për pjesëmarrjen e madhe në zgjedhjet lokale, vetëdijen e lartë qytetare dhe demokratike të cilën e dëshmuam. Qytetarët dolën të lirë, pa presione, pa shantazhe dhe pa asnjë ekces serioz në ditën e votimit dhe gjatë fushatës. Këto zgjedhje ishin zgjedhjet më korrekte dhe më demokratike në historinë e Maqedonisë së Veriut që nga pavarësia. Për këtë i përgëzoj të gjithë qytetarët, KSHZ-në, organet e rendit dhe subjektet pjesëmarrëse në zgjedhje”. “E shfrytëzojmë këtë atmosferë pozitive që t’i ftojmë të gjithë shqiptarët t’i lënë anash ndarjet partiake, t’ia zgjasim dorën njëri tjetrit dhe të jetojmë si vëllezër, pa ndarje partiake. Koalicioni VLEN është mirënjohës për përkrahjen e madhe që na e besuan qytetarët në gjithë vendin. Prej sot, për ne nuk ka “tanët” dhe “tuajt”. Për ne të gjithë shqiptarët janë të njëjtë dhe do të vazhdojmë të punojmë për të gjithë, t’i përfaqësojmë të gjithë qytetarët tanë, si në pushtetin qendror, ashtu edhe në komunat ku jemi fitues”, ka shkruar Azizi. Ai gjithashtu ka përgëzuar AKI-në për fitoret në Likovë dhe Pllasnicë, ndërsa i fton të gjithë shqiptarët të angazhohen për fitoren e VLEN-it në komunat ku janë në balotazh. “Gjithashtu dua t’i përgëzoj konkurruesit tanë politik, AKI-në, për fitoret në Likovë dhe Pllasnicë, dhe për fitoren e përbashkët të shqiptarëve në Çashkë. Edhe një herë, ju faleminderit për përkrahjen, ju faleminderit për qytetarinë dhe vetëdijen e lartë politike që e dëshmuat të dielën. Nga sot u bëj thirrje të gjithë shqiptarëve, të gjithë aktivistëve në terren që të angazhohen për fitoren e madhe të VLEN-it në çdo komunë ku garon në balotazh. Jemi favorit absolut në të gjitha komunat”, ka shkruar Azizi.
The City of Rossland is gathering public feedback on next year's budget, which comes with a proposed $175 tax increase to the average homeowner. The municipality says its staff have recommended a 10 per cent increase in tax revenue for the city to cover off a base inflation rate of three per cent and a handful of new initiatives. The city wants to spend $65,000 more per year to beef up its communications department and is also considering increased spending to the spring clean up and FireSmart bin programs. On Oct. 27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Miners’ Hall, residents can meet council and city managers about next year’s budget. “This is your chance to voice your questions and insights regarding the critical 2026-2030 Five-Year Financial Plan—a plan that is poised to shape the future of our community,” said the city. “We believe that open dialogue and active participation are essential for fostering a vibrant and sustainable Rossland, and your contributions will play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for all residents.” A summary of the budget can be read here.
Firefighters say a blaze that sent three members of a Kamloops family to hospital in serious condition is no longer believed to be suspicious. Kamloops Fire Rescue crews were called to a home in the 1300-block of Sitka Street at about 4:20 a.m. on Saturday for a report of a house fire, and firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke at the scene. KFR fire and life safety educator Josh Cowen told Castanet Kamloops two people got out of the house on their own, and firefighters went in to rescue a third. “Crews did extricate one person out of the house,” he said. On Monday, police said the three residents are still in hospital in serious condition. Police had been investigating the blaze alongside KFR, but Cowen said criminality has been ruled out. “The cause has not been determined yet, but it’s not suspicious,” he said. The investigation is ongoing.
Exclusive: West Midlands police were told supporters randomly attacked Muslims in Amsterdam last year
Brandon Margolis expanded on the new storytelling requirements of "Boston Blue" in an interview with Variety, where he spoke about Sean Reagan becoming a cop being a major factor in his and the producers' decision to recast the character. "It's not just Sean who has joined the family business as it were and is turning over this new leaf," he said. "It's also now Danny Reagan is the father to a cop, which he's never been before. So there are all these new storytelling lanes to explore." According to Margolis, this provided an "organic opportunity" for "a new energy" that could help emphasize the change. "It is the same character, it's the same relationship," he added. "But it's also completely different. We love what Mika has brought to Sean: this vulnerability, yet this desire to prove himself. It's just been great to watch it come to life." It's not entirely clear why Sean's becoming a cop necessitated a new actor, but it seems the showrunners were convinced it did, regardless. There may well be several other behind-the-scenes reasons for the recasting, but thus far, there's been no confirmation of anything. Meanwhile, Andrew Terraciano has yet to directly address the recasting. The last "Blue Bloods"-related update from the actor came in December 2024 when he made an Instagram post celebrating the series finale. Otherwise, the actor has been busy graduating from New York University in 2025, with his former co-star Donnie Wahlberg congratulating him on a separate Instagram post. Elsewhere, it seems Tom Selleck is eager to team up with "Yellowstone" creator Taylor Sheridan, so if that ever comes to fruition, perhaps Terraciano can come on board as a similarly jilted ex-"Blue Bloods" actor.
Tidal Rave Festival and Absa Bank are collaborating to give Ravers a wildcard experience at this year’s festival, which is set to be held at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel. This year’s festival is set to be a two-day festival, starting with an invite-only event on 14th of November, open to VIP/Wild Card ticket holders only and the 15th of November, which is open to all ticket holders. Absa Bank is making a return to Tidal Rave Festival for another amazing year, bringing a fresh set of innovation, opportunity, and lifestyle experiences tailored for Ravers. Over the years, Absa Bank has championed the “Ignition Market,” a first-of-its-kind cashless marketplace on the festival grounds. In the past two years, more than 150 Raver-entrepreneurs have showcased their products and services to an audience of over 40,000 festival-goers, creating visibility, growth, and revenue opportunities in real time. Complementing this was the Tidal Rave Festival’s Fireside Chats, a community conversation session with industry leaders, powered by Absa. It was designed to provide aspiring business leaders and Raver-entrepreneurs with the opportunity to engage directly with seasoned entrepreneurs, sparking meaningful conversations on resilience, innovation, and business growth. This Tidal Rave Festival and Absa Bank collaboration turned the festival into a hub for learning, connection, and empowerment, all powered by Absa. Charles Addo, Director of Retail Banking at Absa Bank, said in a statement that “Absa Bank is back for the third time with more exciting deals for Ravers. One is supporting young entrepreneurs again with the vendor market, and providing Ravers with affordable, digital-first banking that fits seamlessly into their everyday lives. “Then we also have the exciting deal of the Red Ticket, which is a special early-bird discount code for our new users of the Spark app by Absa Bank. When users download the Spark App by Absa from either the App Store or Play Store, the will receive a discount when they complete the application process.” Once the discount code is received, the user can then purchase Tidal Rave tickets at discounted rates on the Tidal Rave Festival website: www.tidalravefestival.com. By weaving together financial empowerment, entrepreneurial opportunity, and immersive festival experiences, Absa Bank once again proves that banking goes beyond transactions. At Tidal Rave Festival, that means ensuring Ravers not only enjoy the music, energy, and lifestyle, but also walk away with opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. With exclusive offers, empowering initiatives, and unforgettable experiences, Absa Bank is set to make this year’s Tidal Rave Festival another iconic time at the beach. With bold experiences, fresh opportunities, and a commitment to igniting dreams, Absa’s partnership with Tidal Rave Festival continues to go beyond sponsorship; it is a true catalyst for change, brand experience, connectivity and celebration. Explore all the juicy entertainment news you desire with GhanaWeekend on WhatsApp!Click on the link to join the GhanaWeekend channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaJ31iEDTkK8wIHNj31A
FUFA has confirmed the new League format will be tested with the Kampala Regional League (Third division) to serve as a pilot study for the 2025/26 season. It should be noted that the proposed League, which is played over three rounds, was first introduced to the Uganda Premier League at the start of the season. However, the League received a lot of resistance from fans who chose to boycott games. Whereas the other 15 clubs opted to play, Vipers SC rejected the proposed format, stuck to their decision and actually forfeited the game against Kitara FC at Namboole. On Saturday, FUFA decided to revert to the old format of home and away over two rounds. Three days later, the FUFA Executive Committee has now decided to move part of the reforms to the Regional League. “The FUFA Executive Committee has agreed with the 18 Kampala Regional Football Association 3rd Division Clubs to implement the split league format for the 2025/6 season. FUFA will inject over 800 million Uganda shillings to be allocated to prize money, locker-room bonuses, man of the match awards, referees, financial support and operational costs of the Kampala Regional League of 18 teams. The winner of the league will receive up to 20 million Uganda shillings,” Reads a statement from FUFA. With 18 teams taking part in the Kampala Regional League, the first round will each team play 17 games. Thereafter, the teams will be split into two groups of nine, depending on their performance from the first round. At this stage, games will be played on a home and away basis. In the third round, the best six performers of the teams that finished in the top nine will go on to compete for the Championship. The three remaining teams will play for placement alongside the top three performers from the bottom group of nine. The six teams in the bottom group will then fight to fend off relegation. The third round will be played on a one-leg basis, with the host team determined depending on who hosted in the first round. FUFA will pay referees’ allowances: UGX 100,000 per game in rounds one and two, and UGX 200,000 in the third round. The Man of the Match award will come with a cash prize of UGX 50,000 in round one, UGX 100,000 in round two and UGX 200,000 in round three. Each club will receive 20 match balls. It should be noted that on Monday, the Regional League clubs across the country had been given 5 balls. Additionally, up to 50 matches will be televised on FUFA TV from key grounds, including Kyambogo University, Mutesa II Stadium – Wankulukuku, MTN Omondi Stadium – Lugogo, Yes Centre – Nsambya, Kira Road Police Arena and FUFA Kadiba Stadium, with double-header matches lined up. The club officials who had a meeting with FUFA on Tuesday were also told that UGX 130 million in prize money is up for grabs, with the Champions having an opportunity to collect up to UGX 20,000,000. As part of preparations, the 18 Kampala Regional League clubs will also get UGX 8 million shillings, and players will start earning locker-room bonuses from round two: UGX 20,000 per win, going up to UGX 50,000 in round three.
If you were planning to attend an open house concerning redevelopment plans for the Kelowna Springs Golf Course site, take note of a change to the date. The open house, originally scheduled for Wednesday evening, has been pushed back a month. The open house is now scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 20 It will take place in the Kelowna Springs clubhouse from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Representatives of property owners Denciti Development will be on hand to discuss plans for the 106.4 acre property. Those plans unveiled in June, include an industrial park on the west portion of the property including a pickleball dome, while the remainder of the property will remain operational as a nine-hole golf course. Denciti and owners of the golf course operation recently came to terms on a 15-year lease to keep the golf course operational with two five-year options. In order for the plan to proceed, city council will have to approve a change in zoning for the portion of the property proposed for the industrial park. The rezoning application is expected to come before council in the coming months. Possible redevelopment of the property has been the subject of much controversy since Denciti purchased the property for north of $30 million in the fall of 2022. The future land use of the property was changed from private recreation to industrial in the 2040 Official Community Plan. Upon learning of the change, Coun. Luke Stack led a charge to have the designation reverted back. The issue became a major election platform for many running in the 2022 election and the new council eventually voted to change the OCP designation back to private recreation. The city even made overtures to Denciti to buy back the property, but were unsuccessful. Public comments from the open house will be included in a staff presentation once the application goes before city council at a future date.
The decision came after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Trump’s call for a ceasefire contradicted the understandings he reached with Putin.
Tiranë, 21 tetor – Gazetari i mirënjohur nga Shqipëria, Armando Shkullaku, gjatë një debati në Syri TV te Çim Peka bashkë me kryetarin e Tetovës Bilall Kasami, deklaroi se nuk është e vërtetë propaganda që po bëhet se pas rënies rënies së Ali Ahmetit, shqiptarët paskan humbur ndonjë të drejtë etnike. Ai tha se përkundër faktit se VMRO DPMNE-ja ka shumicë absolute në Kuvend, shqiptarët nuk kanë humbur asnjë të drejtë. “Unë nuk ju besoj këtyre teorive se me ikjen e Ali Ahmetit shqiptarët humbën disa të drejta, etj”, tha Shkullaku.
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By: Roberta Gayode Modin The President, John Dramani Mahama, has announced that his government will introduce strict weight restrictions on heavy-duty trucks to protect Ghana’s road infrastructure from premature deterioration. Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the dualisation of the Takoradi–Cape Coast section of the N1 Highway, President Mahama said the move is necessary to ensure that billions of cedis invested in the road sector yield long-term benefits. He noted that many newly constructed roads in Ghana have been destroyed within three to five years due to overloading by transporters. “We cannot invest so much money in improving our road network only for transporters to overload their trucks and destroy the roads in three to five years,” the President said. President Mahama cited examples of trucks carrying as much as 120 tons, despite the legal limit being 50 tons per truck. He stressed that no road can withstand such excessive weight, regardless of its quality. “There are trucks in this country that load 120 tons when the maximum load is supposed to be 50 tons. There is no road you can construct that will stand 120 tons per truck,” he emphasized. The President referenced Burkina Faso’s new weight regulations as an example Ghana can learn from. Under the new Burkinabe rules, trucks are restricted by both length and width. As a result, some overloaded trucks from Ghana are unable to enter Burkina Faso until their cargo is redistributed across multiple vehicles. “Recently, Burkina Faso implemented a new weight regulation, and now, overloaded trucks from Ghana are stopped at the border. They have to offload one truck into three before they can enter,” he explained. President Mahama revealed that the Roads Minister will soon consult with transport unions and other stakeholders to finalize and enforce the new policy, which will be formally announced in the upcoming national budget. “We must implement weight restrictions so that the roads we build can last. Next year, we’re going to introduce strict weight limitations so that these investments in our road sector last for a lifetime,” he said. He reiterated his government’s commitment to protecting public investment and ensuring accountability in the transport sector. “We are not going to waste taxpayers’ money repairing roads only for people to overload and destroy them within a short time. We will enforce the weight limits so our roads can serve Ghanaians for generations,” the President concluded. The dualisation of the Takoradi–Cape Coast highway forms part of the Big Push infrastructure agenda, aimed at modernizing Ghana’s road network and improving transportation efficiency along key economic corridors. Source link
Compensatory picks are the NFL's effort to offset free agency losses to teams each year. The formula to calculate them is complex, but Nick Korte of OverTheCap has done tremendous work each year in projecting compensatory pick assignments in advance of the league's official release of the full NFL Draft order each spring. And for the Dolphins, the big loss of safety Jevon Holland to the New York Giants this offseason set the stage for Miami to collect a 4th-round draft choice for his lost services. But Miami is only in a position to collect a 2026 4th-round pick for Holland if the final calculations, which include playing time adjustments for this season, deem that the Dolphins lost more qualifying free agents than they gained in the free agency window. OverTheCap tabs Miami as having lost four qualifying free agents — Holland, Calais Campbell, Robert Jones, and Emmanuel Ogbah. But as Korte pointed out this morning, Miami has three veterans who are sitting directly on the edge of the cutoff to qualify as free agents gained in free agency. If more than one of them actually does qualify, Miami will get nothing for losing Holland. Miami Dolphins most recent selections in the top-5 of the NFL Draft order 2020: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (5th overall) 2013: EDGE defender Dion Jordan (3rd overall, via trade) 2008: Offensive tackle Jake Long (1st overall) 2005: Running back Ronnie Brown (2nd overall) 1968: Quarterback Bob Griese (4th overall) The players in question here are safety Ifeatu Melifonwu, wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and offensive lineman Larry Borom. Borom has started six of seven games at right tackle for Miami this season — logging a snap count total that has him at 90% snap usage and teetering right on the bubble. The resolution here for Miami is simple if starter Austin Jackson is able to return at some point before December. Such a development would push Borom's snap usage back down and his ranking in the projections would fall off the pace. Melifonwu and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine are a little more challenging. Melifonwu is playing 34% of the snaps, for Miami. If that number were just 7% lower, he's be on the outside looking in of Korte's lastest forecast. But if Miami were to lean away from playing Melifonwu, they'll need to stick with rookie Dante Trader Jr. in his role. Melifonwu's snap usage jumped up 21 snaps in Week 7 after Trader Jr. was a part of a missed tackle in the final minute that led to Miami's 29-27 loss to the Chargers. This can be done, but the Dolphins will need commitment to the bit. The injury to Tyreek Hill has prompted a higher usage for Westbrook-Ikhine, but Miami may have a name in-house who knows the system who could provide a hedge for the Dolphins to cut down on his snaps. They added veteran Cedrick Wilson Jr. from the Saints' practice squad after Hill's season-ending injury. Wilson Jr. was with the team in 2022 and 2023 — he should know the terminology and the assignments. Of course, the bigger issue at play with these talking points is Miami's coaches are not going to simply sign off on the idea of allowing a hypothetical draft choice to dictate who plays and who doesn't. There are jobs at stake. That's where the checks and balances of Miami's personnel department need to take hold. Whether that comes via sitting general manager Chris Grier or an interim decision-maker, knowing the full picture of all the assets at stake should give the Dolphins some added perspective as they continue to evaluate this roster the rest of the season. Allowing names like Melifonwu or Westbrook-Ikhine to eat into your mid-round draft capital in a lost season is bad business. So the powers that be need to keep that in mind as the trade deadline looms and decisions on the football operation are made. window.addEventListener('message', function (event) {if (event.data.totalpoll && event.data.totalpoll.action === 'resizeHeight') {document.querySelector('#totalpoll-iframe-426').height = event.data.totalpoll.value;}}, false);document.querySelector('#totalpoll-iframe-426').contentWindow.postMessage({totalpoll: {action: 'requestHeight'}}, '*')
South Africa secure a 150-run victory via the DLS method to knock Pakistan out of the ICC Women's World Cup and return to the top of the table in a rain-plagued fixture in Colombo. MATCH REPORT: Pakistan out after rain-hit defeat by South Africa Available to UK users only.
Shkup, 21 tetor – Në lidhje me problemin e mbledhjes dhe transportimit të mbeturinave komunale në territorin e Qytetit të Shkupit, Qeveri në mbledhjen e sotme ka Obliguar Inspektoratin Shtetëror Komunal, Inspektorati Shtetëror për Mjedisin Jetësor, Inspektorati Shtetëror Sanitar dhe Shëndetësor dhe Instituti i Shëndetit Publik, në bashkëpunim me Ministrinë e Punëve të Brendshme, sipas kompetencave të tyre ligjore, që menjëherë të fillojnë mbikëqyrje të koordinuar inspektuese të jashtëzakonshme në territorin e Qytetit të Shkupit, me qëllim të konstatimit të situatës me mbeturinat komunale dhe lloje të tjera të mbeturinave dhe ndërmarrjen e masave dhe veprimeve të përshtatshme. Kështu ka deklaruar pët Televizionin Alsat zëdhënësja e Qeverisë Venera Azizi. Ajo ka informuar edhe se gjithashtu, obligohet edhe Ministria e Punëve të Brendshme, në bashkëpunim me institucionet përkatëse, ndërsa u bëhet thirrje sektorit të inspektoratit të Qytetit të Shkupit, që të veprojnë sipas kompetencave ligjore dhe të shqyrtojnë punën e NP Higjiena Komunale-Shkup dhe të kryetarit të Qytetit të Shkupit lidhur me mosmbledhjen e mbeturinave komunale, e cila shkakton rrezik për shëndetin e njerëzve. “Situata është alarmante dhe megjithëse kompetenca është e Qytetit të Shkupit, për shkak të mosveprimit të vazhdueshëm, i bëjmë thirrje institucioneve të veprojnë menjëherë sipas konkluzave të Qeverisë”, tha Azizi.