• A statement from the Bank says further funding is being frozen until authorities in Uganda provide adequate policy to protect minorities, including the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other groups commonly categorised as LGBTQ+.

The World Bank has suspended any future funding for projects in Uganda, citing human rights violations from the recent enactment of the anti-homosexuality law.

A statement from the Bank says further funding is being frozen until authorities in Uganda provide adequate policy to protect minorities, including the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other groups commonly categorised as LGBTQ+.

“Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act fundamentally contradicts the World Bank Group’s values. We believe our vision to eradicate poverty on a liveable planet can only succeed if it includes everyone irrespective of race, gender, or sexuality,” the Bank said on Tuesday.

“This law undermines those efforts. Inclusion and non-discrimination sit at the heart of our work around the world.”

In May, President Yoweri Museveni signed into law the Anti-Homosexuality Act, providing penalties as high as a death sentence for “aggravated homosexuality.” It drew condemnations from rights groups and Western countries such as the US who threatened sanctions.

The US is a key shareholder in the World Bank and has almost always produced its president.

The World Bank said it has been prevailing upon Kampala to reconsider the law.

A team from the Bank, it said, have been speaking with Ugandan officials on “additional measures that are necessary to ensure projects are implemented in alignment with our environmental and social standards.”

“Our goal is to protect sexual and gender minorities from discrimination and exclusion in the projects we finance. These measures are currently under discussion with the authorities.  No new public financing to Uganda will be presented to our Board of Executive Directors until the efficacy of the additional measures has been tested.

Same sex relations had been illegal in Uganda, even before this law, under the old penal code.

But critics charged the new law seals any possible protections for minorities who may now not be able to rent property as the new law promises punishments to those who conceal homosexuals.

It also provides for capital punishment for serial offenders against the law including those who transmit terminal illness like HIV/AIDs through gay sex. Promoters of homosexuality can be jailed for up to 20 years.

Recently, Ghana’s parliament also passed a similar law against LGBTQ and when officially signed by president Nana Add Dankwah Akufo-Addo, who also happens to be a human right lawyer, could see Ghana go head to head with World Bank.

Source: thecitizen.co.tz

The post World Bank suspends funding to Uganda over anti-gay law; is Ghana next? first appeared on AshesGyamera.Com.

High-flying graduates are also targeted by Japan’s simplified visa rules.

Ever dreamed of living in Japan? The country’s seamless blend of tradition and modernity alongside its beautiful nature and high wages are a draw for many foreign workers.

Gaining a work permit and visa for Japan isn’t easy – but that could be about to change.

In the hopes of boosting its economy and competitiveness, the country is looking to attract foreign workers and investments.

It has set a goal of gaining 100 trillion yen (€669 million) from foreign direct investment by 2030, using the weak yen as an incentive. This is 20 per cent higher than its previous aim and around double its 2022 figure, Reuters reports.

As part of the plan, the country wants to become Asia’s biggest startup hub, boost production and research, and attract skilled workers from overseas.

Why does Japan want to attract foreign workers?
Like many European countries, Japan has an ageing population. The country’s government projects that there will be almost one elderly person for each person of working age by 2060, according to the International Monetary Fund.

The effects of this are already starting to show, with the country facing a shortage of workers. In the long term, it will be bad news for the economy.

To meet its ambitious growth targets, Japan will need to look outwards to fill this gap.

Japan currently has around 1.8 million foreign workers. It will need to boost this to almost 7 million by 2040 to keep pace with targets, according to a 2022 report by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

To make itself more competitive in the wake of the pandemic, Japan has simplified its visa requirements for highly skilled professionals.

How is Japan simplifying its visa system?

From April this year, certain foreign workers are able to bypass the current points-based visa system if they fulfil set criteria. They will also be eligible for permanent residency status after just one year instead of three.

This applies to researchers and engineers with an annual income of at least 20 million yen (€134,000) and either a master’s degree or 10 years of work experience, according to Japanese daily newspaper The Mainichi. Corporate managers are required to have an income of 40 million yen (€268,000) and five years’ experience to qualify.

Entrepreneurs aiming to start a business in Japan may also be allowed to stay longer than one year under the country’s ‘start-up visa’, although details are not yet clear.

Japan will target young graduates from overseas
Japan also hopes to lure graduates from the world’s top 100 universities, The Mainichi reports.

Positioning these young workers as ‘future creative talent’, the country will give them ‘designated activities’ residency status. This would allow them to stay and work in the country for two years as they search for jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities.

The post Want to move to Japan? Applying for a visa just got easier for skilled workers first appeared on AshesGyamera.Com.

Ghana Police Service has confirmed the arrest of Inspector Ahmed Twumasi who allegedly shot six times and killed his former girlfriend Maa Adwoa on Friday evening in Adum, Kumasi.

The sad incident happened after the deceased was believed to have opted to ditch the suspect and that led to disagreements due to heartbreak and disappointment.

“POLICE INSPECTOR ARRESTED FOR THE MURDER OF A WOMAN IN KUMASI IN THE ASHANTI REGION,” a statement by the police began.

“The Police have this evening arrested a Police officer, Inspector Ahmed Twumasi, who is alleged to have shot and killed a female adult, who was believed to be his girlfriend.

“The shooting incident occurred in Kumasi, in the Ashanti region, on Thursday, 20th April 2023.”

The statement added: “The suspect, who has been on the run since the incident, was arrested at Sekyere, near Effiduase in the Ashanti Region as a result of a special Police operation, which was launched following the shooting incident.

“The suspect is currently in Police custody and will be put before court to face justice.”

Adwoa left behind one child whom she had with her former boyfriend.

The post Ghana Police Service arrest Police inspector ‘Taakum’ for alleged murder of former girlfriend in Kumasi first appeared on AshesGyamera.Com.

Eid prayers, charity, social gatherings, festive meals, gift-giving, dressing up, and many more are the core objectives of this celebration. In its pursuit to build a nation of harmony and religious inclusiveness, the Nasara Coordinator of AAMUSTED TESCON accompanied by some Executives and members, donated assorted drinks and an amount of cash to the Muslim ummah of AAMUSTED to help celebrate their Eid in a stellar way.

In his remarks, he thanked almighty Allah for granting us a successful Ramadan and forgiving us our shortcomings. “The NPP is the only party who has shown enormous concern to Muslims and is resolute in its quest to make the less ethnic groups in the country feel happy and a sense of belonging, hence the introduction of the Nasara Wing”, he stressed. He concluded by admonishing the Muslim ummah to bring their hands on deck to help the NPP in its endeavors.

ISHMAEL HAMIDU
Nasara Coordinator.

The post EID donations to GMSA-AAMUSTED first appeared on AshesGyamera.Com.

Former Chelsea and Newcastle United midfielder Christian Atsu Twasam has been pronounced dead following an earthquake that happened in Turkey a fortnight ago.

The 31-year-old was initially reported to have been found under the rubles and taken to a hospital few hours after the unfortunate incident but reports later indicated it was a mistake identity.

As a result, some members of his family and his agent Nana Sekyere flew to Turkey to team up with his club in search of him.

Although, some people were found alive earlier this week, which gave hopes to Atsu’s survival, the former Premier League player could not survive.

During the recent search, Atsu’s shoes were the first among other belongings to be found. Later, the search and rescue team found his passport and other belongings which were confirmed to be his by his agent.

He was pronounced dead early hours of Saturday by the Turkish media and an official release is expected from his club and management in the coming hours.

Atsu returned to Europe last year after joining Turkish top-flight side Hatayspor from Saudi Pro League outfit Al Raed as a free agent.

He signed a one-year contract and was in negotiations for a contract extension following an impressive season in the Turkish Super Lig.

Atsu, who was product of Right to Dream Academy in Ghana, began his career in Europe with Porto, also spending a season on loan at Rio Ave. In 2013, he was signed by Chelsea for £3.5 million, who subsequently loaned him to Vitesse Arnhem, Everton, AFC Bournemouth and Málaga.

After spending the 2016–17 season on loan at Newcastle United, he completed a permanent transfer to the club in May 2017.

A full international with over 60 caps since his debut in 2012, Atsu represented Ghana at the 2014 FIFA World Cup and four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

He helped the team finish as runners-up at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, in which he also won Player of the Tournament and Goal of the Tournament.

The post Former Chelsea winger Christian Atsu found dead after Turkey Earthquake first appeared on AshesGyamera.Com.

However, getting a visa can be made easier for many, if they only pay attention to some very common mistakes that usually result in the rejection of an application, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.

Most of the time, these mistakes are made due to lack of knowledge, or the applicant not understanding the importance of the documents meeting the criteria set by the Schengen country they wish to visit.

Following, we have made a list of the top most common mistakes that are made by Schengen visa applicants. If you try to avoid them, and make sure the rest of your application file is also in compliance with the criteria set by the Schengen authorities, then your chances for getting a Schengen visa are way higher.

Collecting the Required Documents Based on a Random List Provided by a Friend
Many travellers, in particular first-time Schengen visa applicants, make the mistake of taking advice from family members or friends who have obtained Schengen visas in the past, and apply it word by word throughout the whole procedures.

The required documents for a Schengen visa differ in many occasions from one country to the other, or from one embassy to the other. In addition, visa requirements are continuously reviewed and updated by Schengen Area embassies worldwide.

People who just get a random list from a friend or a family member and start collecting the documents according to the same, often make the mistake of leaving out crucial, newly added requirements, or documents that are required according to new criteria.

All Schengen visa applicants are advised to collect the documents based on the list published by the embassy of the country where they will file their application.

SchengenVisaInfo.com also has a complete list of the documents required for a Schengen visa application, which are continuously reviewed and updated according to official sources.

Passport Does Not Meet the Requirements
Having a passport that has some several more months of validity left is not enough, and some travellers have learnt it the hard way.

The EU has specific and strict passport rules for those applying for a Schengen visa, as follows:

The passport must be valid for six more months beyond the date of their planned trip to the Schengen Area
The passport must have been issued in the last ten years on the date the passport holder plans to leave the Schengen country he or she is visiting
The passport must have at least two blank pages, but they must not be added later to the passport
Those who fail to meet any of these rules, are rejected from getting a visa.

In addition, travellers planning to get a visa with the multiple entry option, for periods of three or five years, must be aware that if the validity of their passport is shorter than the period of validity of the required visa, then they will not be getting the latter.

Instead, in most occasions, they will get a visa valid for shorter period of time, before the expiration of their passport.

Filling the Application Form With Info That Doesn’t Align With Other Documents

Every traveller needs to fill in the application form for a Schengen visa. This is the first document that is required. Many travellers make the mistake of putting into the application form different information than those in the other documents.

For example, if their passport is valid for six more months, some put in the application that the passport is valid for longer than that. In other occasions, they write the required period of visa validity in different dates, than the dates for which they have travel insurance, or accommodation.

Such mistakes, in particular when done intentionally, may result automatically in the rejection of the visa application.

Here you can find some clear instructions on how to fill in the visa application form.

The Applicant Doesn’t Have (the Right) Travel Insurance

Refusing to buy travel insurance with the idea “nothing’s gonna happen to me” is a huge mistake. The embassy does not care whether you are a person that never gets sick, or is very careful of accidents. Travel insurance worth €30,000 coverage that cover repatriation in case of death, is a must for every person.

In many occasions, people obtain travel insurance for a shorter period of time than that they are planning to spend in the EU, or buy it with a lower coverage than required.

In cases when insurance does not cover repatriation in case of death, no matter how much it covers other accidents, the requirement of having travel insurance is considered unmet.

Travellers always have the opportunity to buy schengen travel insurance online at very low cost from Europ Assistance or MondialCare.

Submitting an Application Too Early or Too Late
Like every other thing, the time when an application should be filed is also regulated by the Schengen Visa Code. According to it, the earliest that you can file an application is six months before your intended trip, and the latest is 15 working days before your intended trip.

Trying to file an application i.e. one year in advance, is not going to end well, not even at super crowded embassies.

The same with filing an application late. People who have previously gotten a visa in a very short period, i.e. five days from a particular embassy, and think that filing the next visa application late will not be a big deal risk getting their visa application delayed, or even not accepted at all.

Thus every traveller must make sure that he or she is submitting the application well in advance, but not earlier than six months before their planned trip.

Applying at the Wrong Embassy/Consulate/Visa Centre
Another very common mistake amongst people who plan on visiting several Schengen Area countries with a single visa, is submitting the application at the wrong embassy.

In cases when one wishes to visit two or more countries in the Schengen Area with the same visa in an uninterrupted trip, the application should be submitted as follows:

At the embassy of the country you will visit first, if you are planning to stay in each country for an equal amount of days. I.e. if you are planning to stay five days in Austria, five days in Germany, and five days in France, but you will enter the Schengen Zone through Austria, then you should submit you application at the Austrian embassy.
At the embassy of the country you will stay the longest, if you are planning to stay in each country a different amount of days. I.e. if you are planning to stay three days in Austria, five days in Germany, and seven days in France, then you should submit you application at the French embassy.

Not Bringing Cash to Pay the Application Fee

This one is not a mistake that could get you your visa rejected, but could cause you some unnecessary trouble.

On the day of the interview, many people do not bring cash with them to pay the Schengen visa fee under the idea that they can pay with card or online. This is not possible, as all embassies, consulates, and visa centres require travellers to have the exact amount required for a visa in cash.

Trying to pay with big banknotes might also be a problem, in particular if you are amongst the first applicants of the day. It is best for every applicant to have the exact amount, in order to avoid any headaches.

The post 7 Top Most Common Mistakes Travellers Make When Applying for a Schengen Visa first appeared on AshesGyamera.Com.

A 21-year-old died after an “altercation” with a fellow soldier on a military base in Alabama, officials have said.

Abdul N. Latifu — known as a “promising young soldier” — landed at Fort Rucker for a training course. But his life was cut short after he was hurt “during an incident with another soldier,” the U.S. military wrote in a news release.

The two reportedly got into an “altercation,” prompting Latifu to receive medical care. The 21-year-old died from his injuries on Tuesday, 10 January, officials told the Dothan Eagle newspaper and WDHN.

“I extend our deepest condolences to Pvt. Latifu’s family, friends, and community,”

Maj. Gen. Michael C. McCurry, commander for the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker, said in a news release.

“Together we mourn the loss of a promising young soldier. Our hearts are with the families and units impacted by the incident.”

The Fort Rucker Department of Public Safety took the other soldier involved in the incident into custody, according to the military. “Fort Rucker leaders are working closely with military police and U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division as the investigation continues,” McCurry wrote.

After Latifu’s death, the military announced that counselors, chaplains and other resources were available to offer support. Officials said Latifu had been “assigned to the 1st Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade, as he trained as an army air traffic control operator.”

He was from the Bronx borough of New York City. Fort Rucker — located about 95 miles southeast of Montgomery, Alabama .

-Asaase Radio

The post Ghanaian-American soldier killed by colleague at training in Alabama first appeared on AshesGyamera.Com.

There’s the usual winter coughs, colds and flu, and this year we will also need to be aware of coronavirus, but then there are also risks to your health associated with flooding and storms.

Why is winter weather a risk to our health?

Cold temperatures have an impact on our health, but there are other risks in winter including physical injuries from slips, trips and falls.

As we get older it becomes harder for our bodies to detect how cold we are, and it takes longer to warm up which can be bad for our health. For older people in particular, the longer the exposure to the cold, the more risk of heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia, depression, worsening arthritis and increased accidents at home (associated with loss of strength and dexterity in the hands).

Here’s a video about how weather can affect our health and what you can do to manage the possible impacts:

Dealing with winter illnesses

If you are normally healthy, many of the coughs, colds and minor illnesses that seem to happen more frequently during winter can be safely managed yourself. There’s plenty of advice about dealing with common winter illnesses from the NHS and you can also talk to your local pharmacist. 

Flu

Flu can affect people in different ways and can be more serious than you think. The flu vaccination is offered free of charge to people who are at most risk from the effects of the virus to protect them from catching flu and developing serious complications. Find out who is eligible for a free flu jab.

Contact your GP or pharmacist if you think you, or someone you care for, should be eligible for a free flu jab. There’s further information about flu and the flu vaccine on the NHS website.

Coronavirus

If you have any of the main symptoms of coronovirus it’s important that you get tested as soon as possible:

• A high temperature
• A new continuous cough
• A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste

If you have any of these symptoms follow the latest guidance.

Handwashing

This is important now more than ever. Washing your hands with soap and water is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others from illnesses such as food poisoning, diarrhoea, flu and coronavirus.

Keep warm and active

It is important to keep warm in winter both inside and outdoors. Keeping warm can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems.

Eating regularly helps keep you warm so try to have at least one hot meal a day along with regular hot drinks.

Keep your house warm and your bedroom window closed especially on cold winter nights, as breathing cold air can be bad for your health as it increases the risk of chest infections.

With many of us having to spend more time at home it can make it harder to keep active. It’s important to continue to do what you can to stay active as this can help with both your physical and mental health. Try to keep moving when you are indoors, try not to sit still for more than an hour or so. Break up your time spent being inactive by walking around your home or standing up from your chair when you are on the phone.

If you are heading outside for a walk or maybe some gardening, wear several layers of light clothes. Remember that several thin layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thick layer as the layers trap warm air.

It doesn’t matter what you do to keep active, as long as it’s something you enjoy and keeps you moving. There is strong evidence that people who are active have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, depression and can also reduce the risk of falling.

Cold  weather alerts for healthcare professionals

The Met Office issues Cold Weather Alerts that are sent directly to social and healthcare services in England. These alerts ensure that staff are fully prepared for any cold weather periods, and those who are more vulnerable to cold weather conditions are aware and prepared.

The UK Health Security Agency produces a Cold Weather Plan for England which helps to raise awareness of the harm to health from cold weather, and provides guidance on how to prepare for and respond to cold weather.

The post How cold weather affects your health first appeared on AshesGyamera.Com.

The wheelchair tennis players were taken through the practical aspects of how to develop a game and what participants must do on the court at the 2-day event.

The team made of the Ghana Tennis Federation, President Isaac Aboagye Duah and ITF wheelchair tennis coach and instructor Holgar Losch, Ghana wheelchair tennis coordinator, Henry Larbi and coaches from all the various regions were received by the Central Regional Tennis Association President George Frank Koufie and executive member Madam Efumwaa Adu Poku.

Speaking at the opening, Chairman of the Central Regional Tennis Association, Frank Koufie said, on behalf of Central Regional Tennis Association, “I wish to welcome you all to Cape Coast Sports Stadium. I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the Ghana Tennis Federation and Ghana wheelchair tennis for choosing Cape Coast, Central Region for the two international events.

“We are very pleased to host and provide all that is possible within our capabilities to ensure your smooth stay in Cape Coast so that it becomes one of the memorable occasions in the region.

President of Ghana Tennis Federation Isaac Aboagye Duah Thanked coordinator Henry and his team, ITF for supporting GTF to organize this program for participants at all levels, professionals, intermediate, and beginners.

He added that, All these are efforts put in by the federation to make Ghana ready for the Africa Para games in 2023.
“I encourage all players to take the program serious because there is also always something new to learn especially modern techniques in becoming competitive.
GTF President was also very grateful to the instructor Mr Holger for his excellent delivery so far’.

Coordinator for Ghana wheelchair tennis Henry Larbi thanked Central Regional Tennis Association President Frank Koufie and his executives for the warm reception and requested the Central Regional Tennis Association to support the wheelchair tennis team in Cape Coast to produce professional wheelchair tennis players to represent Ghana in international tournaments.

Chairman Koufie later supported the program with an amount of Ghc3000.

Maclean Dzidzienyo, on behalf of players, thanked him and asked God to replenish a 1000-fold all that he had spent on behalf of Wheelchair Tennis.

Players were very excited and the mood in the camp was very positive. Players were from all over the country and the president encouraged them to be of best behaviour as well as take all the lessons serious so that they can impart the knowledge on theory in return.

The post Ghana 2022 ITF Wheelchair Tennis Development Fund Program begins at Cape Coast first appeared on AshesGyamera.Com.

Ghana’s music sensation Black Sherif failed to make his history as he could not win Best International Flow category at the BET Hip Hop Awards 2022.

The 21-year-old lost the coveted award to French Rapper Benjamin Epps after he was highly tipped by many music lovers and legends.

Sherif, whose First and Second Sermon made him a household name, became a global icon after realising new song Kwaku The Traveller which has enjoyed massive airplay across the globe.

However, Epps was believed to have done enough than the Ghanaian and other competitors like Central Cee (UK), Blxckie (South Africa), Haviah Mighty (Canada), Knucks (UK), Le Juiice (France), Nadia Nakai (Zimbabwe) and Tasha & Tracie of Brazil.

Sherrif would’ve become only the second Ghanaian after Sarkodie to win the award since its establishment in 2019.

King Sark became the maiden winner when he shrugged off competitions from UK’s Lil Simz and Ghetts as well as Falz (Nigeria), Kalash (France), Nasty C (South Africa) and Tory Lanez (Canada).

After Sarkodie lifted the diadem in 2019, UK rapper with Ghanaian descent Stormzy became second winner before Lil Simz won it after losing to the Ghanaian two years before.

Kendrick Lamar — **WINNER!
Megan Thee Stallion

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
ATL Jacob
Baby Keem
Hit-Boy
Hitmaka — **WINNER!
Kanye West
Metro Boomin
Pharrell Williams

BEST BREAKTHROUGH HIP HOP ARTIST
Baby Keem
Blxst
Doechii
Fivio Foreign
Glorilla — **WINNER!
Nardo Wick
Saucy Santana

DJ OF THE YEAR
D-Nice
DJ Cassidy
DJ Drama — **WINNER!
DJ Kay Slay
DJ Premier
Kaytranada
Mustard
Nyla Symone
L.A. Leakers: DJ sourMILK & Justin Credible

BEST HIP HOP PLATFORM
Big Boy’s Neighborhood
Breakfast Club
Caresha Please — **WINNER!
Complex
Drink Champs — **WINNER!
HipHopDX
Million Dollaz Worth of Game
NPR Tiny Desk
Verzuz

HUSTLER OF THE YEAR
50 Cent — **WINNER!
Cardi B
DJ Khaled
Drake
Jay-Z
Kanye West
Megan Thee Stallion

SWEET 16: BEST FEATURED VERSE
Drake, “Churchill Downs” (Jack Harlow feat. Drake) — **WINNER!
J. Cole, “Poke It Out” (Wale feat. J. Cole)
J. Cole, “London” (BIA & J. Cole)
Lil Baby, “Girls Want Girls” (Drake feat. Lil Baby)
Kanye West, “City of Gods” (Fivio Foreign, Kanye West & Alicia Keys)
Drake, “Wait for You” (Future feat. Drake & Tems)
Jadakiss, “Black Illuminati” (Freddie Gibbs feat. Jadakiss)

IMPACT TRACK
Lizzo, “About Damn Time” — **WINNER!
Fivio Foreign, Kanye West & Alicia Keys, “City of Gods”
Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar, “Family Ties”
Nas feat. Ms. Lauryn Hill, “Nobody”
Latto, “Pxssy”
Kendrick Lamar, “The Heart Part 5”
Doja Cat, “Woman”

BEST INTERNATIONAL FLOW
Benjamin Epps (France) — **WINNER!
Black Sherif (Ghana)
Blxckie (South Africa)
Central Cee (UK)
Haviah Mighty (Canada)
Knucks (UK)
Le Juiice (France)
Nadia Nakai (Zimbabwe)
Tasha & Tracie (Brazil)

The post SAD NEWS: Black Sherif fails to win 2022 BET Award; Check full list of winners first appeared on AshesGyamera.Com.