Ghana, Senegal Consider Harsher Measures Against LGBTQ People

Ghana president John Mahama

Lawmakers and political leaders in Ghana and Senegal are considering tougher legal measures against LGBTQ people, sparking renewed debate over human rights and the treatment of sexual minorities in parts of West Africa.

Health Policy Watch, an independent global health reporting organization says Ghanaian legislators are revisiting the controversial “Human Sexual Rights and Family Values” bill, a sweeping piece of legislation that would impose stricter penalties related to same-sex relationships and LGBTQ advocacy. The proposed law includes prison sentences of up to three years for engaging in same-sex relations and between six and ten years for people accused of promoting LGBTQ activities or providing related support.

The bill was first passed by Ghana’s parliament in 2024 but failed to become law after it was not signed before the dissolution of parliament ahead of the country’s elections. It was later reintroduced in 2025 by a group of lawmakers seeking to restart the legislative process.

Supporters of the legislation say it reflects cultural and religious values widely held in Ghanaian society. However, international organizations and rights groups have strongly criticized the proposal. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights warned that adopting the legislation “would be tantamount to a violation of a number of human rights standards.”

Meanwhile in Senegal, the government is also moving toward tougher penalties under its existing laws criminalizing same-sex relationships. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has proposed amendments that would double the maximum prison term for same-sex acts from five years to ten years.

Presenting the proposal to lawmakers, Sonko said the revised law would apply to sexual acts between people of the same sex and could impose the harshest penalties in cases involving younger individuals.

Same-sex relationships are already illegal in Senegal under Article 319 of the country’s penal code, which currently allows prison sentences of up to five years along with financial penalties.

Human rights organizations say the proposed changes come amid a wider crackdown on LGBTQ people in the country. Reports indicate that several individuals suspected of homosexuality have recently been arrested, prompting concerns about discrimination and safety for sexual minorities.

Advocacy groups have warned that strengthening such laws could intensify stigma and violence against LGBTQ communities. Critics argue that the proposed measures risk undermining international human rights commitments and could further isolate both countries diplomatically.

The debate over LGBTQ rights in Ghana and Senegal reflects a broader divide between local cultural attitudes and international pressure from human rights organizations. While many political leaders in the region say stricter laws are necessary to uphold societal values, activists warn that the proposed measures could deepen legal and social persecution of already marginalized communities.

Oracle Resets AI Ambitions With Layoffs as Cost Pressures Mount

Oracle Corporation is undertaking a sweeping restructuring that includes thousands of layoffs as the technology giant recalibrates its artificial intelligence ambitions and grapples with the soaring cost of building large-scale AI infrastructure.

The job cuts, expected to affect multiple divisions, are part of a broader effort to reduce expenses and redirect resources toward the company’s rapidly expanding AI data-center operations, according to several reports. The layoffs could begin as early as March and are anticipated to be significantly larger than the company’s routine workforce reductions.

The move comes as the enterprise software company pours billions of dollars into new computing infrastructure aimed at supporting the next generation of artificial intelligence services. The spending surge is linked to demand from major technology partners and clients that require enormous computing capacity to train and run advanced AI models. Analysts say the scale of those investments has strained the company’s finances and raised concerns on Wall Street about cash flow.

Oracle’s aggressive push into AI infrastructure is closely tied to its collaboration with OpenAI and other technology firms that rely on high-performance cloud computing. The company has been racing to expand its network of data centers in order to compete with rivals such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft in the lucrative cloud-AI market.

However, some of the company’s expansion plans have encountered setbacks. A major project to expand a flagship AI data center in Abilene, Texas, was recently scrapped after financing discussions stalled and project requirements changed. The abandoned expansion had been expected to significantly increase the facility’s computing capacity as part of a large AI infrastructure initiative.

The restructuring reflects mounting pressure on the company as it attempts to finance its ambitious infrastructure buildout. Investors and lenders have increasingly questioned whether Oracle can sustain the enormous capital requirements needed for large AI data centers, which require vast quantities of specialized chips, energy and cooling systems.

Microsoft Unveils Copilot Cowork Agents Built on Anthropic’s AI, E7

Microsoft has unveiled a new generation of workplace artificial intelligence tools, including a system called Copilot Cowork, as the technology giant intensifies its push to dominate the emerging market for autonomous AI agents in the enterprise sector.

The new Copilot Cowork platform integrates technology from Anthropic—the developer of the Claude family of large language models—allowing AI agents to perform complex workplace tasks with minimal human input. The announcement forms part of what Microsoft described as the next phase, or “wave 3,” of its Copilot strategy aimed at transforming AI assistants into fully capable digital coworkers embedded across business software.

According to the company, Copilot Cowork is designed to automate a wide range of business functions including writing code, organizing data, generating spreadsheets, building presentations and managing project workflows. The tool builds on Anthropic’s Claude-based Cowork framework, which allows AI systems to complete entire multi-step tasks rather than simply responding to prompts.

Microsoft said the new capability will initially be released as a research preview for select enterprise users later this month before a broader rollout later in the year. Some of the features will also be bundled with existing Copilot subscriptions for corporate customers using Microsoft’s productivity software.

The launch reflects Microsoft’s growing effort to diversify its artificial intelligence partnerships beyond OpenAI, even as the company remains a major investor in the developer of ChatGPT. By integrating Anthropic’s technology alongside its existing AI models, Microsoft aims to provide businesses with multiple AI engines capable of handling different tasks within the same platform.

Industry analysts say the move also highlights the rapid evolution of workplace software toward “agentic AI,” in which digital agents can independently execute complex assignments traditionally performed by human employees. Microsoft believes such systems could dramatically improve productivity across large organizations while reducing the need for manual digital work.

Alongside Copilot Cowork, Microsoft also introduced a new enterprise software package known as Microsoft 365 E7, which bundles advanced Copilot capabilities with a centralized system for managing and securing AI agents. The suite, expected to launch May 1, will include the company’s “Agent 365” control platform designed to help businesses monitor, govern and secure AI tools operating across their networks.

Agent 365 will act as what Microsoft describes as a “control plane for agents,” allowing corporate IT teams to track the activities of AI systems and ensure they comply with security and governance policies. The feature will cost about $15 per user per month, while the broader E7 enterprise bundle will be priced at roughly $99 per user monthly.

G7 Nations to Hold Emergency Meeting on Oil as Global Stock Markets Slide

Tehran in flames on Monday. Photo: AP

Finance ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) nations are set to hold an emergency meeting to address surging oil prices and growing turmoil in global financial markets triggered by escalating conflict in the Middle East. The urgent discussions come as crude prices soared above $100 per barrel and stock markets across Asia, Europe and North America fell sharply amid fears of major disruptions to global energy supplies.

The meeting, expected to take place virtually, will bring together finance ministers from the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan, alongside officials from the International Energy Agency (IEA). Officials say the talks will focus on the possibility of releasing strategic petroleum reserves in an attempt to stabilize markets rattled by supply concerns.

Oil prices spiked dramatically at the start of the week, with Brent crude briefly climbing to around $119.50 per barrel before easing slightly as news of potential intervention emerged. Analysts attribute the surge to fears that escalating hostilities involving Iran could disrupt shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.

Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said the IEA had urged G7 countries to consider a coordinated release of emergency reserves to calm the markets. According to reports, the proposal could involve releasing hundreds of millions of barrels from the strategic stockpiles held by member countries.

Financial markets reacted swiftly to the oil shock. Major stock indexes dropped as investors feared that higher energy costs could fuel inflation and slow economic growth. Japan’s Nikkei index fell nearly 5 percent while South Korea’s Kospi plunged about 6.5 percent, reflecting widespread concerns about the economic fallout from the geopolitical crisis.

The surge in energy prices has also raised alarm among policymakers about broader economic stability. Analysts warn that sustained disruptions in oil supply could push inflation higher and potentially slow global growth if prices remain elevated for a prolonged period. Some projections suggest oil prices could climb even further if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz continues to face disruptions.

Despite the urgency of the situation, G7 officials have yet to reach a consensus on whether to release oil reserves. French officials confirmed that the option remains under discussion, while some countries remain cautious about deploying strategic stockpiles unless supply disruptions worsen.

Energy analysts say the outcome of the emergency meeting could play a critical role in determining whether markets stabilize or face further volatility in the coming weeks. The International Energy Agency holds about 1.2 billion barrels of emergency oil reserves across its member countries, which can be tapped during major supply crises.

Trump demands Iran’s ‘unconditional surrender’

Beirut under fire from Israel. AP Photo

U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” as violence across the Middle East intensified, with Israeli forces launching heavy airstrikes in Lebanon and Iran retaliating with missile and drone attacks across the region. The comments came as the conflict entered its seventh day and casualties continued to mount.

Trump made the demand in a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, signaling that Washington would not pursue negotiations with Tehran unless it capitulates. “There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER,” Trump wrote, adding that after such a move the United States and its allies would help rebuild the country’s economy under new leadership.

The U.S. president further suggested that Iran’s political leadership would need to change as part of any resolution. He said that following surrender and the selection of what he called “a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s),” the United States and its partners would work to bring Iran “back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before.”

The remarks came as Israeli warplanes carried out some of the heaviest bombardments in recent years, striking targets in Tehran and Beirut while also hitting positions linked to the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and the Lebanese capital’s suburbs. The strikes were described as the most intense since a 2024 ceasefire ended the last major war between Israel and Hezbollah.

Iran has responded with waves of missiles and drones targeting Israel and several Gulf countries hosting U.S. forces, escalating fears that the conflict could expand across the region. The fighting has already caused significant casualties, with more than 1,200 people reported killed in Iran and over 200 in Lebanon, while thousands have been displaced.

The crisis has also triggered a growing humanitarian emergency. Israeli evacuation warnings in southern Lebanon have forced tens of thousands of residents to flee their homes, and officials in Lebanon have warned that the country could face a severe humanitarian disaster if the bombardment continues.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said some countries have begun mediation efforts aimed at ending the war. However, he emphasized that Iran would defend its sovereignty and resist external pressure.

The rapidly escalating conflict has drawn international concern, with governments and global organizations calling for de-escalation amid fears of wider regional war and disruptions to global energy markets. As fighting continues across multiple fronts, diplomatic efforts to halt the violence remain uncertain.

Tinubu Sets Up Committee For Grid Asset Management

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has inaugurated an 11-member committee to drive the establishment of the Grid Asset Management Company Limited (GAMCO), a new government-backed entity aimed at tackling persistent transmission bottlenecks and unlocking stranded electricity generation across the country.

The committee was constituted following the approval by the Federal Executive Council earlier this week for the creation of the company, which the administration hopes will accelerate solutions to longstanding challenges in grid management, transmission capacity and underutilised power generation within Nigeria’s electricity sector.

Speaking during the inauguration on Friday in Abuja on behalf of the president, the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, described the initiative as a major step in the government’s efforts to transform the power sector and improve electricity supply across the country.

“The proposed establishment of GAMCO is one of the revolutionary steps taken by Mr President and this administration in the all-important power sector,” Gbajabiamila said. “We are here for the inauguration of the Committee on Grid Asset Management Company (GAMCO), which is basically to optimise and revolutionise power generation, and in particular, the grid and transmission sector.”

Gbajabiamila stressed that the committee’s work would be crucial to achieving the administration’s goals for a more efficient electricity system and urged members to align closely with the president’s vision while carrying out their mandate.

Under its terms of reference, the committee will conduct a comprehensive review of existing laws, regulations, policies and institutional frameworks governing Nigeria’s electricity value chain, including generation, transmission, distribution and market operations. The panel will also examine the implications of the Electricity Reform Laws passed in 2025 and assess how existing unbundling arrangements affect asset ownership, management and regulatory oversight.

Part of the committee’s assignment will involve identifying potential conflicts or overlaps between the proposed GAMCO framework and existing regulatory instruments, particularly the statutory responsibilities of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission. It will also determine whether establishing the company requires amendments to existing legislation, subsidy regulations or executive directives.

Another key task will be reviewing the legal status and ownership structure of power assets under the Niger Delta Power Holding Company and the National Integrated Power Project, including the Omotosho, Olorunsogo and Ihovbor power plants, which have been earmarked for the pilot phase of the new initiative.

The Federal Government plans to use the Benin–Lagos transmission corridor as the initial test bed for GAMCO’s operations, with the goal of recovering stranded power capacity and improving electricity evacuation to major industrial centres in southern Nigeria. The corridor supplies bulk electricity to Lagos State and Ogun State, two of the country’s largest commercial and manufacturing hubs.

According to government projections, the Omotosho, Olorunsogo and Ihovbor plants—each part of the National Integrated Power Project—have a combined installed capacity exceeding 1,700 megawatts but remain underutilised due to grid constraints and operational inefficiencies. GAMCO is expected to recover at least 1,600 megawatts of power within 18 to 24 months by improving transmission evacuation and asset management along the corridor.

The new company will be fully owned by the Federal Government and operated as a commercial venture, with shares held through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated. Its responsibilities will include modernising transmission evacuation infrastructure and mobilising private capital to support grid expansion and improved electricity delivery.

As part of the pilot project, GAMCO also plans to develop a new high-capacity 330-kilovolt double-circuit transmission line along the Benin–Lagos axis to strengthen the grid and support increased power evacuation from generation plants in the region.

Officials say the long-term objective is to create a scalable model that can be extended to other power plants and transmission corridors nationwide, helping stabilise Nigeria’s electricity grid and maximise returns on public investments already made in the sector.

The government believes the initiative could ultimately enhance industrial productivity, improve investor confidence and deliver more reliable electricity to households, aligning with the administration’s broader economic reform agenda.

Tinubu Approves Posting of 65 Ambassadors to Key Global Missions

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the official posting of 65 ambassadors-designate to Nigerian diplomatic missions around the world, including appointments to key bilateral embassies and multilateral institutions such as the United Nations.

The postings, announced on Friday, include 31 non-career ambassadors and 34 career diplomats who were earlier confirmed by the Nigerian Senate in December. The latest move marks a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic presence abroad and filling several ambassadorial vacancies that had persisted in recent years.

Among the prominent non-career appointees, former presidential aide Reno Omokri has been posted to Mexico, while former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode will serve as Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany. Former Minister of Health Isaac Folorunso Adewole has been posted to Canada, and Olufemi Pedro will represent Nigeria in Australia.

The United States mission will be headed by Lateef Kayode Are, while former Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau has been posted to China. Former Senator Ita Enang will serve in South Africa, while Grace Bent has been assigned to Togo.

Other notable postings include former Imo State First Lady Chioma Ohakim to Poland, former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Ayodele Oke to France, and Yakubu N. Gambo to Saudi Arabia.

Also among the political nominees are Nora Ladi Daduut, who will serve in South Korea, and Victor Ikpeazu posted to Spain. Senator Jimoh Ibrahim has been designated as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

In the career ambassadorial category, several senior diplomats were assigned to strategic missions across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas. These include Ambassador Nwabiola Ezenwa Chukwumeka to Côte d’Ivoire, Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Lele to Algeria, Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Monguno to Egypt and Ambassador Abdussalam Habu Zayyad to Senegal.

Other postings include Ambassador Abdullahi Danlami to Kenya, Ambassador Bako Adamu Umar to Morocco, Ambassador Haidara Mohammed Idris to the Netherlands, Ambassador Wahab Adekola Akande to Switzerland and Ambassador Emmanuel Adebayo Ayeni to Belgium. Nigerian missions in India, Malaysia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Lebanon, Sudan and Thailand were also filled with seasoned career diplomats.

Officials said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already received agrément from the United Kingdom for the High Commissioner-designate, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu. Similarly, the French government has granted diplomatic approval for Ambassador Ayo Oke to serve as Nigeria’s envoy in Paris.

According to the presidency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally notified the remaining host countries of the nominations and requested agrément in accordance with international diplomatic procedures.

President Tinubu has also directed the ministry to immediately commence an induction programme for all ambassadors-designate and high commissioners in preparation for their deployment to their respective missions.

The appointments are expected to reinforce Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement across key global capitals and strengthen bilateral relations, trade diplomacy and multilateral cooperation as the administration pursues its foreign policy and economic priorities.

Nigerian Troops Repel Terrorist Attacks in Borno, Insurgent Leaders Killed

Credit: Nigerian Army | X.com

Troops of the Operation Hadin Kai have successfully repelled a series of coordinated terrorist attacks targeting military positions in parts of Borno State, killing several insurgent commanders and fighters after hours of intense overnight battles.

According to the Nigerian military, the attempted assaults occurred between about 10:30 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. across several frontline communities, including Konduga, Marte, Jakana and Mainok. Insurgents launched coordinated attacks aimed at overrunning troop positions, but soldiers mounted strong resistance and maintained control of their bases despite the intensity of the engagements.

In a statement released by the military, the Media Information Officer of the operation, Sani Uba, said troops responded with swift tactical manoeuvres that forced the attackers into retreat. “Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI have once again successfully thwarted coordinated terrorist attempts to overrun troops’ locations in Konduga, Marte, Jakana and Mainok,” he said.

He explained that soldiers held their defensive positions throughout the night while reinforcement units from different sectors executed flanking manoeuvres that disrupted the insurgents’ advance. “In a well-coordinated response, troops executed simultaneous flanking manoeuvres alongside reinforcement teams drawn from Sectors 1 and 2, decisively routing the attacking terrorists and forcing them into disorganised withdrawals,” Uba said.

According to the military, several high-ranking insurgent leaders, including key field commanders known as “Amirs,” were killed during the clashes, along with a number of other fighters. Some parts of the defensive perimeter were briefly breached during the fighting, but troops quickly launched counterattacks and regained full control of the affected areas.

Air support also played a crucial role in repelling the attackers. The military said the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai carried out multiple precision strikes overnight against fleeing insurgents and identified hostile positions, destroying targets and weakening the terrorists’ combat capability.

Ground forces have since launched follow-up operations across the affected locations to clear the area and recover weapons, equipment and the bodies of slain fighters. The military confirmed that despite damage to some structures during the gun battles, all targeted bases remain under the control of government forces.

However, the clashes came at a heavy cost for the Nigerian military. Uba confirmed that several soldiers were killed during the operation, including a senior officer who died while leading his troops during the battle. “Regrettably, a number of brave soldiers paid the supreme price in the line of duty, including a gallant Officer who fought courageously from the front while leading his troops against the attackers,” he said.

The military said the failed assault highlights what it described as growing desperation among insurgent groups operating in the North-East as security forces intensify operations across the conflict-hit region. Authorities maintain that Operation Hadin Kai remains firmly in control of the operational theatre as counter-insurgency efforts continue in the area.

LeBron Breaks NBA Field Goals Record Despite Lakers’ Loss to Nuggets

LeBron James added another historic milestone to his legendary career on Thursday night, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most field goals made in National Basketball Association history, even as the Los Angeles Lakers suffered a 120–113 defeat to the Denver Nuggets.

James scored 16 points in the contest and broke Abdul-Jabbar’s long-standing mark of 15,837 field goals during the first quarter. The achievement adds to an already remarkable résumé for the 41-year-old star, who is currently playing in an unprecedented 23rd NBA season.

The milestone further strengthens James’ place among basketball’s all-time greats. In February 2023, he surpassed Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. He also made history last year as the first player to reach 50,000 combined points across the regular season and playoffs. James now has 43,127 points in regular-season play alone.

Reflecting on the achievement, James expressed humility about being mentioned alongside the game’s greatest figures. “Being mentioned with some of the greatest to ever play this game has always been humbling,” he said. “I grew up watching, reading [about], idolising a lot of the greats, and if I was able to be part of the NBA, I wanted to put myself in position that I can be named with some of the greats by doing something right.”

He added that the significance of the record is still difficult for him to fully grasp. “It’s a pretty cool feat, but it’s hard for me to kind of wrap my head around it or what it looks like.”

Lakers head coach JJ Redick compared the longevity and evolution of James’ career to legendary musician Bruce Springsteen. “You get to the end and you’re like, ‘this guy’s greatest hits are like insane’,” Redick said. “And LeBron’s greatest hits, he just keeps adding to them. He just plays and plays and plays and the greatest hits, he’s got a hell of a catalogue.”

James’ record-breaking feat comes decades after Abdul-Jabbar’s dominance in the league. The six-time NBA champion spent most of his 20-year career with the Lakers and retired in 1989 after converting 55.9 percent of his 28,307 field-goal attempts. By comparison, James currently holds a field-goal success rate of 51.6 percent.

The four-time NBA champion could soon add yet another milestone to his career achievements. Thursday’s game marked his 1,606th regular-season appearance, placing him just five games behind Robert Parish, who holds the NBA record for most regular-season games played.

James, who earned his 22nd All-Star selection this year, has not yet decided whether he will continue playing next season.

On the court, the Nuggets secured victory thanks largely to strong performances from All-Star teammates Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, who each scored 28 points. The win helped Denver maintain fifth place in the Western Conference standings, one position ahead of the Lakers.

Elsewhere in the league, the San Antonio Spurs continued their impressive run, claiming their 13th win in 14 games with a 121–106 home victory over the Detroit Pistons. Rising star Victor Wembanyama delivered a standout performance, scoring 38 points and grabbing 16 rebounds as the Spurs strengthened their position near the top of the standings.

MultiChoice Plans to Discontinue Showmax Service

MultiChoice Group has announced plans to discontinue its streaming platform Showmax following what the company described as a comprehensive review of the service and its long-term digital strategy.

In a message sent to customers, the company said the decision was taken by the Showmax board as part of efforts to strengthen MultiChoice’s broader digital offering and ensure sustainability in a rapidly evolving global streaming market. The announcement signals a significant shift for the platform, which has been one of Africa’s most recognizable home-grown streaming services.

“Following a comprehensive review, the Showmax Board has taken the decision to discontinue the Showmax service in the near future,” the company said in the communication to subscribers. It added that the move reflects “our focus on strengthening our overall digital offering and ensuring long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive streaming environment.”

Despite the announcement, MultiChoice assured users that the service will continue to operate normally for now. The company emphasized that subscribers do not need to take any immediate action and can keep using the platform without interruption while further plans are finalized.

“Importantly, at the moment there will be no interruption to your current service. You can continue streaming as usual, and no action is required from you at this time,” the company said.

MultiChoice acknowledged that the announcement could raise questions among subscribers and pledged to provide additional information before any final shutdown occurs. The company said it is developing plans aimed at ensuring a smooth transition for users once timelines and next steps are determined.

“Showmax subscribers are a priority for us, and we are working on plans to ensure clear communication and a smooth transition when the time comes,” the statement said. “We will share further details well in advance, including timelines and any future steps, should they be required.”

The development comes as global competition intensifies in the streaming industry, with platforms battling for audiences through aggressive content spending and technology upgrades. MultiChoice indicated that streaming remains a key pillar of its long-term strategy, despite the decision to wind down Showmax.

The planned discontinuation of Showmax marks a major moment in the evolution of Africa’s streaming landscape. Since its launch, the service has played a significant role in distributing African films, series and sports content to audiences across the continent and beyond. Further details about the timeline for the shutdown and what it means for subscribers are expected to be announced by MultiChoice in the coming months.

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