The US Supreme Court has ordered the Trump administration to pause the deportation of a group of alleged Venezuelan gang members.

A civil liberties group had sued to stop the removal of the men, currently in detention in Texas, saying they had not been able to contest their cases in court.

Donald Trump has sent accused Venezuelan gang members to a notorious prison in El Salvador, invoking the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, which gives the president power to detain and deport natives or citizens of “enemy” nations without usual processes. The act was previously used only three times, all during war.

The White House called challenges to using the law for mass deportations “meritless litigation”.

“We are confident in the lawfulness of the administration’s actions and in ultimately prevailing against an onslaught of meritless litigation brought by radical activists who care more about the rights of terrorist aliens than those of the American people,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote in a post on X.

The Alien Enemies Act was last invoked in World War Two, when people of Japanese descent were imprisoned without trial and thousands sent to internment camps.

Since taking office in January, Trump’s hard-line immigration policies have encountered a number of legal hurdles.

Trump had accused Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua of “perpetrating, attempting, and threatening an invasion or predatory incursion” on US territory.

Out of 261 Venezuelans deported to El Salvador as of 8 April, 137 were removed under the Alien Enemies Act, a senior administration official told CBS News, the BBC’s US news partner.

A lower court temporarily blocked these deportations on 15 March.

The Supreme Court initially ruled on 8 April that Trump could use the Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged gang members, but deportees must be given a chance to challenge their removal.

The lawsuit that resulted in Saturday’s order said the Venezuelans detained in north Texas had been given notices about their imminent deportation in English, despite one detainee only speaking Spanish.

The challenge by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also said the men had not been told they had a right to contest the decision in court.

“Without this Court’s intervention, dozens or hundreds of proposed class members may be removed to a possible life sentence in El Salvador with no real opportunity to contest their designation or removal,” the lawsuit read.

Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented on Saturday.

In his second inaugural address in January, Trump pledged to “eliminate the presence of all foreign gangs and criminal networks bringing devastating crime to US soil”.

In the highest-profile case, the government admitted it mistakenly deported El Salvador national Kilmar Ábrego García, but contends he is a member of the MS-13 gang, which his lawyer and family denies. Mr Ábrego García has never been convicted of a crime.

The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the government should facilitate bringing back Mr Ábrego García, but the Trump administration has said he will “never” live in the US again.

Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat from Maryland, visited Mr Ábrego García in El Salvador and said he had been moved from the mega-jail Cecot (Terrorism Confinement Centre) to a new prison.

DHL Express, a division of Germany’s Deutsche Post, said it would suspend global business-to-consumer shipments worth over $800 to individuals in the United States from April 21, as US customs regulatory changes have lengthened clearance.

The notice on the company website was not dated, but its metadata showed it was compiled on Saturday.

DHL blamed the halt on new US customs rules, which require formal entry processing on all shipments worth over $800. The minimum had been $2,500 until a change on April 5.

DHL said business-to-business shipments would not be suspended but could face delays. The changes did not affect shipments under $800 to either businesses or consumers.

The move is a temporary measure, the company said in its statement.

DHL said last week in response to Reuters’ questions that it would continue to process shipments from Hong Kong to the United States “per the applicable customs rules and regulations” and would “work with our customers to help them understand and adapt to the changes that are planned for May 2.”

That came after Hong Kong Post said it had suspended mail services for goods sent by sea to the United States last week, accusing the US of “bullying” after Washington cancelled tariff-free trade provisions for packages from China and Hong Kong.

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 general elections, is reportedly gaining increased support among the party’s grassroots base, according to a new survey.

The data, released by Global InfoAnalytics, shows a significant boost in his popularity within the NPP, reinforcing his position as a central figure in the party’s future direction.

Dr Bawumia, who led the NPP into the 2024 elections, continues to remain active in the political space and is said to be re-engaging with the party’s rank and file across the country.

The survey, conducted in April 2025, indicates that a growing number of NPP supporters now prefer Dr Bawumia as the face of the party in future political contests.

Analysts believe his recent efforts to unify the party after the 2024 elections and his visible presence at key national and party events have contributed to this renewed confidence.

His economic background and reputation for digital transformation are also seen as strong points that resonate with younger supporters and technocrats within the party.

Global InfoAnalytics’ findings suggest that Bawumia’s increasing appeal is not only among delegates and party executives but also among ordinary members who see him as a modernising force.

His ability to maintain relevance even after the party’s loss in the 2024 elections has raised speculation about a potential comeback bid or influence over the NPP’s next leadership choices. While the data does not directly confirm his intentions, it does highlight his growing stature in the post-election political landscape.

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Following the overthrow of Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, in a coup led by Major General E.K. Kotoka and Lieutenant General J.A. Ankrah, a former close associate has shared a striking account of how Nkrumah predicted a wave of coups across Africa.

Chris Hesse, a videographer who once shared an office with Nkrumah, spoke to JoyNews about the tense moments following the 1966 coup while they were on a state visit to China.

He recalled that after the news of Nkrumah’s overthrow broke, there was chaos and fear among the ministers who had travelled with him.

According to Chris, Nkrumah remained calm and made a chilling prediction.

“The day after the announcement, there was a big confusion in the Ghana camp, and the coup in Ghana meant something. We were at the mercy of the Chinese government… All the ministers left the president and Nkrumah said what has happened in Ghana is what is going to happen in the continent of Africa.

“There will several coups in Africa until the whole of the continent will go down into the pit until the whole of Africa will grow from the ashes,” he recounted.

Chris, who continued to work as a filmmaker after Nkrumah’s fall, went on to serve under other Ghanaian leaders, including Jerry John Rawlings.

Having started working with Nkrumah at the age of 24, Chris went on to become one of Ghana’s most respected filmmakers, eventually leading the Ghana Film Corporation before retiring in 2000.

JHM/EB

Meanwhile, watch as Annor-Dompreh slams IGP over promise to recruit Bawku residents:

Following the overthrow of Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, in a coup led by Major General E.K. Kotoka and Lieutenant General J.A. Ankrah, a former close associate has shared a striking account of how Nkrumah predicted a wave of coups across Africa.

Chris Hesse, a videographer who once shared an office with Nkrumah, spoke to JoyNews about the tense moments following the 1966 coup while they were on a state visit to China.

He recalled that after the news of Nkrumah’s overthrow broke, there was chaos and fear among the ministers who had travelled with him.

According to Chris, Nkrumah remained calm and made a chilling prediction.

“The day after the announcement, there was a big confusion in the Ghana camp, and the coup in Ghana meant something. We were at the mercy of the Chinese government… All the ministers left the president and Nkrumah said what has happened in Ghana is what is going to happen in the continent of Africa.

“There will several coups in Africa until the whole of the continent will go down into the pit until the whole of Africa will grow from the ashes,” he recounted.

Chris, who continued to work as a filmmaker after Nkrumah’s fall, went on to serve under other Ghanaian leaders, including Jerry John Rawlings.

Having started working with Nkrumah at the age of 24, Chris went on to become one of Ghana’s most respected filmmakers, eventually leading the Ghana Film Corporation before retiring in 2000.

JHM/EB

Meanwhile, watch as Annor-Dompreh slams IGP over promise to recruit Bawku residents:

The Myhelp-Yourhelp Foundation, in partnership with PayAngel, has donated items and cash worth about GH₵70,000 to the Weija Leprosarium in Accra during an outreach exercise held over the Easter weekend.

The donation, made on Easter Saturday, April 19, included food items, clothing, medicines, books to stock the library, stationery, and a cash contribution of GH₵10,000. It was carried out under the theme “Easter Compassion: From Isolation to Inclusion.”

Rev. Father Andrew Nii Lante Campbell, who received the items on behalf of the Leprosarium, described the gesture as timely. He commended the Foundation for not only providing material support but also spending time with the residents.

He said such interaction helped restore a sense of connection and dignity among the cured lepers.

Mr. Nicholas Cofie, President of the Myhelp-Yourhelp Foundation, encouraged individuals, businesses, and philanthropic groups to support the work of the Foundation. He said it had a track record of delivering impactful social projects and had built public trust over the years through transparency and responsible stewardship of donations.

Mr. Delali Kotoka, Manager of PayAngel, added that supporting the Foundation was a way for organisations to extend help to people living in deprived conditions.

He said such partnerships could make a real difference in the lives of many.

Children living at the Leprosarium, including those rescued from nearby underserved communities, also participated in the Easter celebration. Activities such as Bible quizzes, musical chairs, and dance competitions were held to mark the occasion.

One of the residents, speaking during the programme, appealed for continued visits. “Let this not be a one-time visit. Come again. You have made us feel seen,” the resident said.

The Myhelp-Yourhelp Foundation was founded in 2018 by a group of professionals, including doctors, nurses, engineers, lecturers, lawyers, bankers, and entrepreneurs. Since then, it has undertaken 23 outreach projects to support poor and marginalised communities across the country.

Vida Adutwumwaa is an entertainment pundit cum PRO at Burniton Music Group

Entertainment pundit Vida Adutwumwaa has called on gospel group Alabaster Box to increase their demands from rapper Medikal.

She believes the rapper has been disrespectful after using the group’s intellectual property without proper acknowledgment.

According to her, it is only fair that Alabaster Box asks for more.

Vida pointed to Medikal’s strong reaction to TV3’s mistake in a Sarkodie discussion, saying it reflects how people like Alabaster Box feel when their work is used without permission.

“If you are angry, this is how you react, but you have used someone’s intellectual property without proper acknowledgement, and you are telling them how to react. It doesn’t make any sense.

“Arnold said the demands are harsh, but I think it is because of the disrespect from Medikal that is why they are calling for stiffer punishment. I think they should even increase the GH¢15 million,” she said.

She added that not everyone in Ghana can easily make money, which is why Alabaster Box thinks that their intellectual property should work for them.

She said the group respected Medikal and asked him to stop using their work, but he hasn’t, adding that if he had, they would have made it public.

“Not everyone can make quick money in Ghana and that is the reason why the Alabaster guys think that their intellectual property should work for them. They respected Medikal and asked that he stop using it, but the artiste hasn’t done that. I am sure if he had, they would have put the information out,” Vida stated.

Featured

Mohammed Ali

Apr – 20 – 2025 , 09:10

2 minutes read

It is a common norm to pay either GH¢2, GH¢1 or in some instances GH¢0.50pesewas for the usage of public washrooms in many parts of Ghana.

The practice has gradually extended to many health facilities, following which the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in a circular to all regional directors, has noted that its attention has been drawn to the charging of fees for use of washrooms in some Ghana Health Service facilities.

In the circular dated April 16, 2025, and signed by Prof Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the acting Director General of the GHS, Regional Directors of the GHS were accordingly requested to ensure that this practice ceases with immediate effect. 

It said failure by facility heads to adhere to this directive will attract sanctions.

The GHS noted that the washrooms are an integral part of the hospital infrastructure, intended to provide comfort for patients and visitors, and should not be used as avenues for exploitation.

“The washrooms must all times be kept clean and comfortable to prevent the risk of infection, improve perception of patient care quality, and increase patient satisfaction.

“Regional Directors are accordingly requested to ensure that this practice ceases with immediate effect. Failure by facility heads to adhere to this directive will attract sanctions.

“Kindly bring this to the notice of Heads of facilities for strict compliance,” it added.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of creating an “impression” of a ceasefire while still taking military actions in some places in Ukraine.

In the first six hours of the “Easter truce” – as ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin – Zelensky said there had been 387 shellings and 19 assaults by Russian forces, and drones used 290 times. There are no reports of casualties.

Putin ordered his forces to “stop all military activity” in Ukraine from 18:00 Moscow time (16:00 BST) on Saturday until midnight on Sunday. Kyiv said it would also adhere.

The BBC in Ukraine reports that it has been quieter on the front lines.

Because Putin’s ceasefire was announced minutes before it was due to take effect, an immediate, complete pause was always unlikely, but it has been quieter.

Before Zelensky said there had been continued attacks in some areas, at midnight on Saturday there were no reported Russian drones or fighter jets in Ukrainian skies.

That is very rare.

The only report was that a Russian ship with missile launchers had been deployed to the Black Sea.

In the southern city of Odesa, it was silent. On Friday, before Moscow’s announcement, air defences crackled throughout the night as Russian drones flew in from the direction of occupied Crimea.

On Sunday morning, Zelensky said Moscow was “trying to create a general impression of a ceasefire, but in some places it does not abandon individual attempts to advance and inflict losses on Ukraine.”

Accusing Russia of specific military actions, Zelensky added that “everywhere our warriors are responding as the enemy deserves, based on the specific combat situation.”

Late on Saturday – hours into the truce – Zelensky had said: “If Russia is now suddenly ready to truly engage in a format of full and unconditional silence, Ukraine will act accordingly – mirroring Russia’s actions.”

“Our actions are and will be symmetrical. The proposal for a full and unconditional 30-day silence remains on the table — the answer to it must come from Moscow,” he wrote on X.

Zelensky said Ukraine would be ready to extend a truce beyond 20 April, seemingly referring to an earlier proposal from the US for a 30-day ceasefire which Ukraine had already agreed to.

It seems now both Moscow and Kyiv want to show Washington they are serious about peace. The question of whether the Kremlin accepts Zelensky’s offer to turn this truce from a 30-hour one to a 30 day one is central to any potential path to peace.

Few Ukrainians think that is remotely possible.

Putin announced the temporary truce at a meeting with his chief of general staff, Valery Gerasimov.

“Based on humanitarian considerations… the Russian side announces an Easter truce. I order a stop to all military activities for this period,” Putin told Gerasimov.

“We assume that Ukraine will follow our example. At the same time, our troops should be prepared to repel possible violations of the truce and provocations by the enemy, any aggressive actions.”

The Russian defence ministry said its troops would adhere to the ceasefire provided it was “mutually respected” by Ukraine.

It is not the first time a pause in fighting has been suddenly announced – a previous attempt at a ceasefire during Orthodox Christmas in January 2023 fell apart after both sides failed to agree on a proposal.

Reacting to Putin’s truce announcement, a Foreign Office spokesman in the UK said: “Now is the moment for Putin to truly show he is serious about peace by ending his horrible invasion and committing to a full ceasefire, as the Ukrainian government has called for – not just a one day pause for Easter.”

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people – the vast majority of them soldiers – have been killed or injured on all sides.

The US has been directly talking to Russia as part of its efforts to end the war, but has struggled to make major progress.

Last month, Moscow rejected a proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire that had been agreed by the US and Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump on Friday warned Washington would “take a pass” on brokering further talks on ending the war in Ukraine unless there was quick progress.

He was speaking after Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US was not “going to continue with this endeavour for weeks and months on end”, as it had “other priorities to focus on”.

“We need to determine very quickly now – and I’m talking about a matter of days – whether or not this is doable,” he added.

“If it’s not going to happen, then we’re just going to move on.”

SOURCE: BBC

The newly confirmed Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Kpando in the Volta Region, Killian Donkor, has pledged to fulfil his mandate in the municipality and called for the support of the Chiefs, Elders, Assembly Members, and other stakeholders of Kpando.

Following his confirmation, the MCE made this commitment during a courtesy visit to the Paramount Chief of Kpando, Togbe Dagadu IX.

He expressed his gratitude to the President, John Dramani Mahama, as well as to Togbe and the Elders of the land, while appealing for their continued support in helping him execute his duties effectively.

He also called for unity among the Chiefs, Assembly Members, and residents of the municipality to realise President Mahama’s Reset Agenda in Kpando—an initiative aimed at addressing and correcting issues requiring reform.

Mr. Donkor urged all stakeholders to work collaboratively and without division for the growth and development of Kpando, for the benefit of both current and future generations.

“Advise me, guide me, and offer your counsel as I assume this role,” he said, encouraging the Chiefs and Elders to hold him accountable should he fall short in the execution of his duties.

In response, Togbe Dagadu IX urged all Assembly Members and Elders of Kpando to support the MCE in fulfilling his mandate as the President’s representative to the people of the municipality, noting that the MCE’s success would reflect positively on the entire community.

The Paramount Chief also encouraged Mr. Donkor to clearly articulate and share his plans and vision for the municipality, to track progress, and ensure effective support where needed. He reiterated that his doors remain open for advice and collaboration in the collective interest of the people of Kpando.

Togbe advised the MCE not to rely solely on government funding for development projects. Instead, he encouraged him to explore Kpando’s abundant human and natural resources, as well as alternative funding sources and grants.

“When you find yourself in a challenging situation, ask yourself, ‘If the President were in this position, what would he do?’” said Togbe Dagadu, urging the MCE to model his leadership style on that of the President.

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Deputy Finance Minister, Thomas Ampem Nyarko has said government will hold discussion with transport operators in the next couple of weeks to reduce fares in response to declining fuel prices.

Speaking during an interview on the sidelines of the Kwahu Business Forum at Kwahu Mpraeso on Saturday, April 19, Mr. Nyarko highlighted the significant impact of reduction in fares on inflation in the country.

“As a government, we have committed and have started bringing down inflation. In fact, we are hoping that with the next inflation announcement, we see a significant improvement.

“We are seeing that fuel prices are also going down. In the next couple of weeks, we’ll have to engage transport operators so that they will also bring down lorry fares. Once all these happen, it will have a positive impact on inflation, and it will help us as a country,” he stated.

Mr. Nyarko also emphasized the importance of the Kwahu Business Forum, pointing out that the government’s commitment to inclusivity is demonstrated by the presence of the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

“The presence of the Minority Leader and everybody shows that the government wants to bring everybody—the private sector, everyone—together so that we can push the growth that we need in this country,” he added.

By Gifty Amofa

Accra, April 20, GNA – The Ghana Police Service has arrested ten illegal miners, including women, during a special intelligence operation at Tano Nimiri Forest near Samreboi in the Western Region. 

A press release by the Service, copied to the Ghana News Agency, stated that the operation was carried out on April 18, 2025.  

Eleven excavators and one bulldozer discovered at the site were impounded, with efforts underway to move them into safe custody. 

In a related operation on April 17, 2025, the Police arrested 29 suspects, including 21 Ghanaians and eight Chinese, in the Subri forest and along the Tano River.  

The operation also led to the impoundment of six excavators, four motorbikes, two Toyota Hilux vehicles, and a Rav4 vehicle.  

Additional exhibits included four pump-action guns, a single-barrel gun, 54 live BB cartridges, and eight pumping machines. 

“All the suspects are in custody and would be taken through the due process of the law,” the release added. 

GNA 

KAS