Energy Minister backs expansion of Sentuo Refinery

January 21, 2025

• A devastating fire at Kwadaso Wood Village in the Ashanti Region destroyed at least 250 shops and left traders in shock.
• This incident marks the second fire in two weeks for some traders, exacerbating their already dire situation.
• Authorities have initiated investigations, while the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) worked to contain the blaze and expressed concern over rising fire incidents.
• The GNFS is implementing new strategies, including market patrols and risk assessments, to prevent future fires in markets.
• Ghana recorded 4,650 fire incidents between January and September 2024, with recurrent market fires leading to significant loss of livelihoods and psychological impacts.

February 24, 2025

• Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly expressed a desire to collaborate with billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk on technological innovation.
• Putin acknowledged Musk's advancements in space travel, AI, and electric vehicles, suggesting these as potential areas for cooperation.
• Analysts believe that space exploration, artificial intelligence, and new energy technology could be key focus areas for such an alliance.
• A collaboration between Musk and Russia would face significant challenges, including current Western sanctions against Russia and intense regulatory scrutiny from the U.S. government.
• Elon Musk has not yet publicly responded to Putin's overture, and geopolitical tensions are cited as a major hurdle for any potential partnership.

June 7, 2026

• South Africa's President Ramaphosa announced a raft of new measures to crack down on illegal migration amidst rising anti-foreigner sentiment and high unemployment.
• Key steps include jailing employers of undocumented workers, setting up dedicated courts for deportations, and implementing a biometric register for all residents to combat identity theft.
• Ramaphosa cautioned against vigilantism and xenophobia, emphasizing that only authorized government officials are permitted to enforce immigration laws.
• The government's strategy involves strengthening border security, combating corruption within the immigration system, closing legal loopholes, and working with other African countries.
• Further changes include relocating refugee reception centers to border posts, ensuring registration of informal shops, setting employment quotas for foreign nationals, and transitioning to digital IDs.