Five dead, 41 missing, after Indonesia ferry catches fire

October 31, 2026

• Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin accuses the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of applying double standards regarding accountability.
• He asserts that the NDC, having spent eight years in opposition demanding scrutiny from the NPP, now appears offended when subjected to similar criticism.
• Afenyo-Markin emphasizes that questioning government contracts, demanding transparency, and assessing public expenditure are legitimate acts of democratic oversight, not personal attacks.
• He challenges the NDC to maintain the same principles of accountability it championed while in opposition, regardless of its current position in power.
• The Minority vows to continue its role of scrutinizing government documents, contracts, and spending to ensure consistent accountability, stating it should not depend on which party occupies the Presidency.

October 31, 2026

• Diabetes and hypertension pose a significant threat to the health, livelihoods, and productivity of working-age Ghanaians, as illustrated by personal stories of job loss and financial struggle due to chronic illness.
• The prevalence of these non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is a growing national concern, with WHO data showing a rise in global cases and Ghana's 2023 STEPS survey revealing high rates of hypertension (21.7%) and raised blood glucose (5.2%) among adults.
• Early detection and appropriate management are critical, as these conditions often go undiagnosed and can lead to severe complications like chronic kidney disease, which further exacerbates financial and occupational burdens.
• The economic consequences extend beyond healthcare costs, affecting workplace productivity, job security, and household finances, though supportive workplaces and accessible care can enable affected individuals to remain productive.
• Addressing diabetes and hypertension requires a multi-faceted approach involving healthier lifestyles, public awareness, accessible medical care, regular monitoring, and supportive workplace policies, representing an investment in Ghana's national productivity and well-being.

October 30, 2026

• Pakistani human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha have been sentenced to 10 years in prison by an anti-terrorism court.
• The conviction stems from an alleged security breach during an England cricket tour in October 2024, where they were accused of removing road barriers and obstructing police.
• The couple denies the charges, asserting they are "prisoners of conscience" targeted for their activism and criticism of the state.
• This is the latest in a series of arrests and convictions for Mazari and Chattha, who have previously faced charges for social media posts criticizing the military.
• International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have condemned the proceedings as unfair and an indictment of Pakistan's justice system.