Ghana: President Mahama to host first media encounter of his second term

Source: APO


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President John Dramani Mahama is scheduled to hold his first presidential media engagement in his second term on Wednesday, 10 September 2025.

The encounter, according to the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, will provide journalists with a direct opportunity to question the President on his policy interventions, his “Resetting Ghana Agenda,” and a range of urgent national issues.

A statement issued by the Minister said the platform is designed to enable President Mahama to engage the Ghanaian people through the media on critical national issues, his strategic policies, and ongoing development projects.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

Statement by His Excellency (H.E.) Mahmoud Ali Youssouf the Chairperson of the African Union Commission on the Occasion of African Union Day 9 September 2025

Source: APO


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Today, we celebrate African Union Day with pride and renewed commitment to our shared vision of a united, prosperous, and peaceful Africa.

This day commemorates the Sirte Declaration of 9 September 1999, when African leaders agreed to establish the African Union. That historic decision laid the foundation for stronger continental unity, cooperation, and integration.

African Union Day honors our collective journey, the resilience of our people, and the enduring spirit of Pan-Africanism that continues to inspire and bind us together.

As we mark this milestone, we recognize the significant progress made across the continent, from advancing peace and stability and progress in conflict resolution efforts in the continent to Africa’s growing economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area. Our continent is making remarkable strides in renewable energy, digital innovation, and youth empowerment, strengthening Africa’s position as a key player on the global stage.

We reaffirm our dedication to the principles of solidarity, integration, and sustainable development. Together, we strive to overcome challenges across peace and security, economic transformation, and social progress, while seizing the immense opportunities that lie ahead under Agenda 2063.

Let us continue to work hand in hand, governments, private sector, civil society, youth, and partners, to build a continent where every African can thrive in dignity and hope.

Happy African Union Day to all!

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

Mercy Ships Appoints Dr. Michelle White as New Chief Executive Officer 

Source: APO

Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.Africa), the international nonprofit operating the world’s largest fleet of civilian hospital ships, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Michelle White MB ChB, PhD, DCH, FRCA as its new Chief Executive Officer.  

Dr. Michelle White is a long-standing member of the Mercy Ships family, first volunteering in 2005 and later serving five years on board the Africa Mercy® in leadership roles, including Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Director of Medical Capacity Building. She is from the United Kingdom and currently serves as a Trustee of Mercy Ships UK and as a member of the Mercy Ships International Board of Directors.  

Alongside her Mercy Ships service, Dr. White is an award-winning Anesthesiologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, Europe’s leading children’s hospital, where she leads complex surgical services and has introduced operational hospital improvements. Her career also includes spearheading multi-country health system initiatives in Africa, partnering with Ministers of Health, NGOs, and donors to expand surgical safety and training programs.  

Reflecting on her appointment, Dr. White said:  
“I believe this opportunity represents the culmination of my professional calling and spiritual journey. This is a chance to lead an organization I love into its next season of growth and gospel-shaped impact.”  

With more than 17 years of leadership experience across healthcare, missions, and academia, Dr. White brings a unique blend of clinical excellence, nonprofit governance, and faith-driven servant leadership. She has authored over 70 peer-reviewed publications and continues to champion operational excellence.

“Dr. Michelle White lives out the values and vision that have defined Mercy Ships for nearly 50 years,” said Board Chair Gary Brown. “As a valued MSI Board member, we have seen her medical expertise, leadership skills, and deep commitment to Jesus. Her long-standing service as a volunteer with our community make her the ideal leader Mercy Ships needs for the years ahead.”  

Dr. White is expected to assume her role as CEO early next year, following her transition from Great Ormond Street Hospital. She succeeds Interim CEO and Board Chair Gary Brown, who has led the organization through this transition period. The firm of CarterBaldwin Executive Search supported Mercy Ships in the selection process.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.

If you are a journalist and have seen a story you are interested in about Mercy Ships and would like to request more information, b’roll, or photos email international.media@mercyships.org

ABOUT MERCY SHIPS:  
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.  

Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit www.MercyShips.org and follow @MercyShips on social media.

Media files

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Eritrea: Awards to Outstanding Students in Central Region

Source: APO


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Dembe-Sembel and Semaetat high schools in the Central Region presented awards to 253 outstanding students who scored high marks in the national school-leaving and eighth-grade examinations.

Dembe-Sembel High School awarded 60 students who scored a GPA of 3 to 4 in the national school-leaving examination and 74 students who scored over 90 points in the eighth-grade national examination.

Mr. Negasi Woldu, director of the school, congratulated the awardees and their parents, urging the students to work harder for even greater success in their college education.

Mr. Yohannes Solomon, head of secondary school follow-up at the Central Region Education Office, said the achievements were the result of the collective efforts of students, parents, and the school community. He also urged the awardees to continue striving for excellence in higher education.

Similarly, at a ceremony held at the Abraha Bahta School of the Impaired, Semaetat Secondary School awarded 119 outstanding students who scored a GPA of 3 to 4.

Mr. Berhane Woldu, director of the school, reported that out of the students who took the examination from the school, 286 qualified for degree and diploma programs.

Dr. Halima Mohammed, director of evaluation and national examinations, noted that the encouraging results attest to the strong collaboration between students, parents, and teachers. She also congratulated the awardees and their families.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ghanaian Gold Producer CEO to Speak at African Mining Week (AMW) 2025

Source: APO


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Kwaku Nsiah-Asare, CEO of Ghana-based gold mining company Typhoon Greenfield Development Limited (Typhoon) will participate at the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders – as a speaker. 

Nsiah-Asare will feature on a panel titled Ghana’s Gold Renaissance: Refining and Innovation, Enhancing the Nation’s Golden Potential, where he is expected to spotlight Typhoon’s contribution to maintaining Ghana’s position as Africa’s top gold producer and the world’s sixth-largest. 

AMW serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

At AMW, Nsiah-Asare is expected to provide an update on the company’s ongoing exploration and production activities. The company seeks to activate two additional concessions (https://apo-opa.co/4pdDmUD) to expand its and Ghana’s production portfolio. In the first half of 2025, Typhoon launched exploration programs in collaboration with the University of Mines and Technology of Ghana, enhancing local skills development and contributing to the nation’s long-term gold reserve expansion. 

AMW also represents the ideal platform for Nsiah-Asare to showcase Typhoon’s leadership role in driving Ghana’s six-pillar strategy aimed at modernizing the mining sector, enhancing mineral traceability, combating illegal mining and ensuring environmental sustainability. In June 2025, the company presented Ghana’s first fully traceable and responsibly produced small-scale gold bars, positioning itself as a trailblazer in responsible and tech-enabled mining practices in West Africa. 

The company also represents Ghana’s first small-scale mining firm compliant with the London Bullion Market Association standards. Typhoon reclaimed over 180 acres of land previously degraded by illegal mining and planted 15,000 coconut trees, supporting Ghana’s sustainability goals. As Ghana prepares to launch an Anti-Smuggling Taskforce and a gold tokenization facility to curb illicit trade and ensure transparency, Typhoon’s operations are expected to play a key role in shaping a more sustainable and accountable mining industry. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

Eritrea: International Literacy Day Observed at National Level

Source: APO


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International Literacy Day, 8 September, was observed at the national level under the theme “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era.”

According to a statement released by the Ministry of Education, this year’s theme highlights how digitalization is transforming learning and emphasizes the need for new literacy skills to safely and effectively access, understand, and create digital content.

The statement also pointed out the challenges and opportunities presented by digital technology and stressed the importance of bridging the digital divide to promote inclusive learning for all.

Furthermore, the statement underlined the significance of introducing and expanding the use of mass media and information technology in all educational services across the country.

It also called for a thorough review of the illiteracy eradication program, fulfillment of existing commitments, and enhanced readiness and contribution of all concerned parties.

Noting that encouraging progress has been made in eradicating illiteracy in the country, the Ministry of Education called for reinforced participation by all to achieve total eradication.

International Literacy Day is being observed for the 24th time at the national level and for the 55th time globally.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Eritrea: Training on Documentation and Archives

Source: APO


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The Anseba Region administration, in collaboration with the Research and Documentation Center, provided a 10-day training on documentation and archives to 64 employees of various institutions, including 45 women.

The training covered document organization and inspection, preservation, evaluation, as well as digital document management, among other topics.

Highlighting that the objective of the training was to enhance the proper care and handling of documents, Col. Kibrom Nirayo, head of administration and finance in the region, called on the trainees to apply the knowledge they gained in their workplaces.

The participants noted that the training would make a significant contribution to improving their daily activities related to documentation.

In the same vein, Ms. Azieb Tewolde, Director General of the Research and Documentation Center, conducted a meeting with department and branch heads in the region, focusing on document and archive management.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Police top brass to engage Western Cape stakeholders

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Ways to curb violence in the communities will form part of Acting Police Minister, Professor Firoz Cachalia’s engagement with stakeholders in Mitchells Plain and Mfuleni in the Western Cape today.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Minister will be joined by Deputy Minister of Police, Dr Polly Boshielo and Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel.

Stakeholders attending Tuesday’s engagements will include representatives from civic groups, religious leaders, and Community Policing Forums (CPFs). 

The engagements form part of a broader effort by the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster to implement practical, community-driven interventions to combat gang violence and foster safety,” the Ministry of Police said in a statement. 

“They also aim to strengthen inter-departmental cooperation and build sustainable partnerships with affected communities,” said the police. – SAnews.gov.za

Rule of law, not power must guide international relations, says Minister Kubayi

Source: Government of South Africa

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has reiterated that South Africa’s foreign policy is rooted in dialogue, collaboration and belief in the rule of law.

The Minister was delivering South Africa’s general statement at the 63rd Annual Session of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organisation (AALCO) Conference held in Kampala, Uganda.

“South Africa’s foreign policy is grounded in dialogue, cooperation and principled respect for international law. We are of the firm belief that the rule of law, not power, must guide international relations.

“The International Court of Justice remains central to the peaceful resolution of disputes, and the International Criminal Court to fight against impunity. But their authority depends on the willingness of States to comply. Where compliance is absent, all nations bear responsibility to act collectively to defend the international rule of law,” the Minister said.

Furthermore, South Africa will continue to advocate for a global multilateral architecture that reflects the voices of all the nations.

“Under the current architecture we have witnessed a growing tendency of disregard for international law and violation of human rights with impunity.

“The paralysis of the UN Security Council in the face of mass atrocities illustrates the need for comprehensive reform to make the Council more representative, democratic, and effective,” Kubayi said.

The Minister highlighted that the international legal architecture is “under threat” with a strained multilateral system.

“Punitive actions taken against judicial officers and international civil servants of the ICC from carrying out their legal mandates undermines the independence and integrity of the international mechanisms and are a direct affront to the principles of international justice.

“South Africa urges AALCO to galvanise the collective and unified voice of its membership in articulating and reaffirming our commitment to international law, the rule of law, multilateralism, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

“As lawyers, we must build the confidence and summon hope for peoples across the world that the international justice system is effective,” Kubayi said.

She urged members of AALCO to continue the work towards “equity and solidarity, resisting fragmentation of the international order”.

“In conclusion, Chair, the Bandung Principles of sovereignty, equality, and peaceful coexistence are under siege.

“Our presence here as States must amplify the collective voice of Asia and Africa at this critical juncture, not only in this hall, but also outside of it – defending the rule of law and advancing an international order founded on justice, equity, and human dignity,” Kubayi concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

SANRAL warns of road closures in Durban

Source: Government of South Africa

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has advised motorists of upcoming night-time closures on the N3 between St James Avenue Interchange and the EB Cloete Interchange.

The closures are intended to allow the safe removal of the temporary pedestrian bridge alongside the new Rockdale Bridge currently under construction.

“Construction of the new Rockdale Road Bridge is at a point where pedestrians can now be safely accommodated on it. The temporary steel pedestrian bridge, installed to allow safe pedestrian crossing while the new bridge was being constructed will thus be removed,” SANRAL’s KZN Provincial Specialist Geometrics Engineer Jason Lowe said on Monday.

The scheduled closures are on both directions of the N3 from 8pm on Tuesday 16 September 2025 to 4am, Wednesday 17 September 2025.

This initiative forms part of SANRAL’s continuous efforts to enhance pedestrian safety and improve traffic infrastructure along both the N2 and N3 corridors.

“As required for the safety of both road users and the construction team, full traffic accommodation plans and detour signage will be in place. These night-time closures have been scheduled to minimise daytime disruption.

“All motorists are advised to plan ahead, allow for additional travel time, and adhere to posted signage and reduced speed limits within construction zones,” SANRAL said.

Trucks and heavy vehicles are advised to try and delay trips over this period and/or find suitable staging areas over this timeframe to avoid major congestion. 

Public transport operators are asked to ensure their drivers are aware of route closures and alternatives affecting their commuter routes.

A detailed alternative route guide is included below and can be found on this link:

https://www.nra.co.za/project-n2n3-upgrades?region_id=eastern.

SAnews.gov.za