International News
Ghana Risks Government Shutdown Amid Budget Impasse
Ghana’s parliament is unlikely to pass a provisional budget ahead of the December 7 general elections, raising concerns of an unprecedented government shutdown in early 2024.
The delay comes as the West African nation prepares to elect a successor to President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose two-term mandate ends in January.
Historically, a provisional budget is passed in November during election years to ensure the government operates smoothly until the incoming administration takes office.
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However, political gridlock and a legal battle over parliamentary majority have stalled progress this year.
“We risk a government shutdown or, at best, lean government spending from January,” said Seth Terkper, Ghana’s finance minister from 2013 to 2017, in an interview.
He warned that without a budget, the government might have to slash interest payments and funding for the transition process.
Parliament has been on indefinite break since October 23 due to a dispute over which of the two main political parties holds the majority of seats.
The Supreme Court ruled on November 12 that Speaker Alban Bagbin’s earlier declaration of the majority was unconstitutional.
Despite this, Bagbin has refused calls to reconvene parliament, arguing that it would disrupt the election campaigns.
“This situation is unprecedented,” said Patrick Yaw Boamah, chairman of parliament’s finance committee.
The Finance Ministry set a November 15 deadline for presenting the provisional budget, but no progress has been made.
With only weeks left before the end of the year, experts warn that Ghana’s economy, already under strain, could face severe disruptions if the impasse continues.
Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, has not faced a budget failure in over three decades.
A government shutdown could disrupt essential services, including salary payments for public sector workers and interest obligations.
Labour unions are particularly concerned about the potential fallout.
“It’s a big problem,” said Joshua Ansah, head of the Trades Union Congress. “We hope they resolve it before January so it doesn’t affect salaries.”
A devastating fire has swept through a girls’ boarding school in central Kenya, leaving at least 16 students dead and dozens more injured in one of the country’s worst school tragedies in recent years.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday at Utumishi Girls Academy, located in Nakuru County, roughly 120 kilometres north of Nairobi. Authorities said the fire broke out around 1:00 a.m. while about 220 students were asleep inside the dormitory.
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Emergency responders, including the Kenyan Red Cross and local security agencies, rushed to the scene and evacuated survivors.
At least 73 students have been hospitalised with varying degrees of burns and smoke inhalation, while rescue operations and search efforts continued into the morning.
Police sources said the cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigations have been launched to determine what triggered the deadly blaze.
The affected dormitory has since been cordoned off as forensic teams examine the scene.
Parents gathered anxiously outside the school as authorities worked to account for all students. Officials have urged calm, assuring that full details will be released once investigations are completed.
The tragedy adds to a troubling history of school dormitory fires in Kenya, where boarding schools remain common.
In previous years, similar incidents have raised serious concerns about safety standards and emergency preparedness in educational institutions.
Government officials are expected to revisit school safety regulations following the latest disaster.
Global oil prices climbed sharply on Thursday following reports of a new United States military strike on Iran, raising fresh concerns over stability in the Middle East and possible disruptions to global energy supplies.
Brent crude rose significantly in early trading, while West Texas Intermediate also recorded gains as investors reacted to renewed hostilities and uncertainty around the fragile ceasefire in the region.
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According to reports, the latest US action included targeted strikes on Iranian positions following a series of drone and maritime incidents in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military described its operations as “measured and defensive,” aimed at preventing further escalation and protecting strategic interests in the region.
The developments triggered immediate reactions across global financial markets, with Asian stocks mostly declining amid fears that prolonged conflict could disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz — a critical route for nearly a fifth of global crude supply.
Market analysts warn that sustained instability could push energy prices even higher, fueling inflationary pressures worldwide and potentially forcing central banks to maintain tighter monetary policies.
In Asia, major indices recorded losses, while tech-driven gains in select markets were overshadowed by broader investor caution. Safe-haven assets strengthened slightly as traders moved away from riskier positions.
Economists say the situation remains highly volatile, with conflicting signals from Washington and Tehran adding to uncertainty.
Any further escalation, they caution, could send oil prices even higher and deepen global economic pressure.
For now, investors are closely watching diplomatic developments and military activity in the region, as the world braces for possible further shocks to energy markets.
The United States has issued its strongest travel advisory against Uganda, warning citizens to completely avoid travel to the country due to an ongoing outbreak of Ebola virus disease.
In the updated alert, the United States Department of State upgraded Uganda’s travel status to Level 4, the highest risk classification, which is widely understood as a “Do Not Travel” warning.
The decision was based on serious health threats and the rapid spread of the virus in affected areas.
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Authorities also warned of the risk of cross-border transmission, noting that continued movement across neighbouring countries could worsen the situation despite ongoing containment efforts.
Previously, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had placed Uganda under a lower-level health advisory, advising travellers to take standard precautions.
However, a surge in infections and deteriorating conditions led to the tightening of restrictions.
Meanwhile, Ugandan authorities have stepped up emergency response measures, including stricter border surveillance, movement restrictions in affected zones, and reductions in public transportation and market activities in high-risk areas.
Health agencies remain on high alert as the outbreak continues to raise concern over possible regional spread across East Africa.
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