Capital city of Ghana, hub of politics, culture and commerce
Heavy rainfall in Hatay has broken the Asi River’s banks, submerging fields and villages, washing away roads and bridges, and killing several people. Authorities say agricultural losses cover thousands of hectares as disaster teams assess the damage.
Farmers say fertiliser subsidies have not yet materialised due to unreleased funds, risking lower yields and continued high input costs. Across Ejura, Nkoranza, Techiman, Goaso and Sefwi Wiawso, growers describe hungry fields while calling on the government to release funds and support the sector.
Leaders from Africa, the Caribbean and beyond have aligned on a 19-point framework, endorsed at a Ghana summit, to turn UN recognition of transatlantic slavery into concrete reparatory measures. The plan calls for debt relief, cultural restitution and new global panels to guide implementation, with growing cross‑regional support and ongoing debates over the specifics of compensation.
Torrential rains have submerged buildings and roads in Accra and Abidjan, with at least 12-13 deaths confirmed and rescue efforts ongoing. Authorities warn the toll could rise as the heavy rainfall continues, threatens infrastructure, and triggers drainage and power outages. Governments vow relief and desilting work while urging residents to relocate from high-risk areas.
Funding for HIV programs has declined sharply, pressuring prevention and community health services while treatment remains more stable. US policy changes and broader donor pullbacks have led to thousands of clinic closures and tens of thousands of job losses, with warnings of longer-term risks to the epidemic.
Uganda and Africa CDC have formally urged the United States to remove travel restrictions tied to the Ebola outbreak. Uganda reports no new cases since July 16, with the last patient discharged, while the DRC faces a worsening Bundibugyo outbreak. Regional partners warn that border controls complicate trade and health work, as WHO warns the outbreak could be larger than detected.
The central bank has kept the policy rate steady, citing price stability and a steady growth outlook amid global risks. Domestic growth remains solid, while inflation remains within the target band despite recent upticks.
Since late May more than 160,000 foreign nationals have returned or been repatriated from South Africa, with governments reporting 115,000 back to Zimbabwe and 56,000 to Malawi; many returns have followed protests that have targeted migrants, sparked violent attacks and diplomatic rows across Africa. Petitioners have asked the ICC to examine whether the violence and state failures constitute crimes against humanity.
Zoox has received a temporary NHTSA exemption that allows it to charge fares for its purpose-built robotaxis and will start paid rides in Las Vegas on Aug. 10. The company can deploy up to 2,500 vehicles annually for two years under enhanced federal oversight while state and local approvals remain required for expansion.
Protests against foreign nationals in South Africa have intensified, prompting mass departures of foreigners and straining diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries. Nigerian citizens are evacuating, and Nigeria has removed Tyla’s Lagos date amid backlash over xenophobic sentiment.
A British family’s deaths in a July incident are being investigated as an extradition fight unfolds over a Zimbabwean man suspected of involvement. UK and South African authorities continue to pursue charges while tributes are paid at funerals in Bulawayo.
Ghana’s housing policy faces pressure as inadequate existing homes and urban growth reveal gaps beyond missing houses. A multidimensional index shows urban housing is better, but rural areas lag, highlighting the need for targeted interventions alongside supply.
The BBC report says a child was injured after a collision with an e-scooter rider in Shantallow; the rider apologised and left the scene. Police say e-scooters are often driven illegally in public spaces, and enforcement will be carried out safely. In Accra, police say a minor driver was involved in a truck incident, with arrests continuing as investigations proceed. A separate operation in Armagh led to the seizure of 23 uninsured vehicles.
A continental push to industrialise the textile and manufacturing sectors is accelerated by investment in long-term funding, high-value processing, and regional value chains. Across Africa, governments and investors are turning cotton, textiles, and infrastructure into job-creating industries to retain value at home.
Liberia’s former vice president has denied involvement in a transnational cocaine-trafficking network. Police accuse her of meetings and payments linked to the operation; she has been detained, hospitalized for a medical emergency, and court appearances have been disrupted as the investigation broadens to include foreign suspects and multiple charges.
South Africa is experiencing intensified xenophobic protests and a large-scale migrant repatriation, with political and diplomatic tensions rising as regional governance faces scrutiny. The protests, repatriations, and international responses are shaping the country’s stability amid upcoming local elections.
The Scotsman reports that Erskine Stewart Melville schools have merged into a single institution for ages 3–18, consolidating the Mary Erskine School, Stewart's Melville College, and ESMS Junior School. The move brings substantial investment in facilities and a shared curriculum, with new wellbeing, gym, and science spaces. The change follows financial pressures in the independent sector.