Category Archives: P

INTENSE FIGHTING IN GOMA, EASTERN D.R.C.

Intense fighting is underway in Eastern DRC as the M23 rebels have advanced swiftly on eastern Congo’s largest city, Goma. According to eyewitnesses on the ground, Congolese government forces struggled to halt an offensive that forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes as the rebels fired their way through the streets. VOA’s reporter on the Ground confirmed these developments. M23, with the help of Rwandan forces, had taken up strategic places in Goma. Even though Rwanda denies accusations. Earlier, via phone, VOA’s Paul Ndiho spoke with Passy Mubalama, a human rights activist based in Goma, who said the situation was intense. 

U.S. IMMIGRATION SOUTHERN BORDER EMERGENCY

On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border through Executive Orders, describing it as a response to an “invasion.” His administration reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy, requiring applicants entering the U.S. from Mexico to stay there until their applications are processed. Additionally, an asylum program for those fleeing authoritarian regimes in Central and South America was halted, leaving many stranded in Mexico. For more insight, VOA’s Paul Ndiho spoke with Pamela Asobo-Anchang, publisher and executive editor of “The Immigrant magazine” based in Los Angeles, California, about the implications of this Executive Order.

The Rise of AI in Africa

AI has the potential to revolutionize sectors like Education and agriculture, drive economic growth, and address key challenges in Africa. While skepticism and ethical concerns exist, there is a need to bridge gender gaps in technology, ensuring no one is left behind as the continent embraces AI. VOA’s Paul Ndiho spoke with Sarah Luyele Njamu, CEO of Comp-connect Education and a passionate advocate for Africa’s leadership in the AI revolution based in Johannesburg, South Africa.  

UGANDA’S KIIRA MOTORS RESHAPES PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Uganda’s automotive industry is reshaping public transport and promoting sustainability. Kiira Motors Corporation, a state enterprise, is leading the way with its innovative electric buses, with over 39 of them navigating the streets of Kampala. VOA’s Paul Ndiho recently received an exclusive guided tour of the Kiira Motors facility in Jinja, where CEO Paul Isaac Musasizi shared his visionary plans for the company’s future. Industry analysts say Kiira Motors is not just creating jobs but contributing to wealth creation and setting a new standard for electric mobility in Africa.

TRUMP’S INAUGURATION PLANNING AND SECURITY

Nearly a quarter of a million people are expected to attend Donald Trump’s inauguration. Security in Washington, D.C., is at an all-time high ahead of the event next week. Measures include more than 30 miles of anti-scale fencing, drones, and the support of agents and specialists nationwide to implement a comprehensive range of visible and invisible security measures. VOA’s Paul Ndiho is at Capitol Hill to update us on the situation.

TACKLING UNEMPLOYMENT IN GHANA

With rising unemployment among Ghanaian youth, innovative solutions are emerging to empower the next generation. One such initiative is the Africa Center for Technical Training in Ghana, founded by Penelope Brooks Thompson and driven by the dedication of leaders like Monicia Boahen. 

This center offers technical and vocational skills training, helping individuals from diverse backgrounds unlock new career opportunities. Hands-on workshops and tailored programs aim to reshape the narrative around job readiness and success, fostering a culture of skilled professionals in the region.

 VOA’s Paul Ndiho was recently on assignment in Ghana and visited the Africa Center for Technical Training in Accra.

GHANA’S 40-MILLION-DOLLAR STATE OF THE ART UROLOGY CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE

A new Urology and Nephrology Center for Excellence was recently inaugurated. The healthcare facility has been dubbed as the largest in West Africa.

This 40-million-dollar, three-story center, inaugurated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on October 18, is a significant milestone in healthcare. It offers advanced treatment for genito-urinary conditions and chronic and acute kidney failure. The facility includes a 30-bed dialysis suite, 70 beds for genito-urinary patients, and specialized sections for outpatient care, diagnostics, research, and training. VOA was given exclusive access to this state-of-the-art facility.

EMPOWERING YOUNG TECHIES IN GHANA

In Ghana, young tech enthusiasts are enhancing women’s and girls’ participation in STEM by using 3D printing to create robot parts. This method enables rapid prototyping and cost-effective solutions, empowering innovators and fostering creativity. Our technology correspondent, Paul Ndiho, just returned from the West African nation, where he met Jonathan Kennedy, CEO of Inovtech Stem Center in Accra. He is leading this initiative to create a more inclusive future in STEM education and inspire female tech talent.

NIGERIA’S DIGITAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM

Many Nigerians need more legal identification to access social services, with over half the population needing documentation. Only 12% have a national identification number, and less than 1% possess an identity card. The “Nigeria Digital Identification for Development” project, in collaboration with the Nigerian government and the World Bank, aims to create a digital identification system for all Nigerians to enhance access to services while promoting inclusivity and gender equality. Our technology correspondent, Paul Ndiho, spoke to Hilary Damissah, Editor of Cyber News and COO at the Center for Cyber Awareness and Development in Abuja, Nigeria.

JOHN MAHAMA ADDRESS GHANA’S PRESSING ISSUES

President-Elect John Mahama has returned to lead Ghana after winning a contested election against Vice President Mahamadu Bawumia.

His victory is attributed mainly to widespread dissatisfaction with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) amid economic struggles, including inflation, defaulting national debt, unemployment, and the profound implications of illegal mining on the country’s resources and communities.

In an exclusive interview with VOA’s Paul Ndiho, President John Dramani Mahama discusses some of Ghana’s most pressing challenges today and how he plans to tackle them.

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