Multiple people are dead and others injured after a man drove an SUV into a crowd at a festival in Vancouver.

Local police say a 30-year-old man from the city in British Columbia is in custody, adding that they are confident this is not an act of terrorism.

The Filipino community’s Lapu Lapu Day festival was underway when the incident took place shortly after 20:00 local time (04:00 BST).

A food truck owner tells the BBC the car drove “completely straight, right through the crowd”

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says he’s “devastated” to learn about the deadly incident, as do the leaders of the Conservative Party, the Green Party, and the NDP.

What we know so far
Emergency services are still responding to what police are calling a “mass casualty incident” in Vancouver, Canada.

Festival host says they’re heartbroken by ‘senseless tragedy’
Filipino BC, the group that hosts the local Lapu Lapu Day festival, says they are devastated for the families and victims.

“We are still finding the words to express the deep heartbreak brought on by this senseless tragedy,” the group says.

“We encourage everyone to check in, support and hold each other,” they add.

“Do not hesitate to access the resources available. You are not alone.”

Here’s what we know so far:

-The incident happened shortly after 20:00 local time on Saturday, April 26 (04:00 BST on Sunday), April 27, during the Filipino community’s annual Lapu Lapu Day festival.

-Witnesses say a man drove through a street full of people and lined with food trucks

-Police say there are “multiple” fatalities and injuries, but haven’t given specific numbers

-A 30-year-old man from Vancouver is now in custody

-Police say they are confident this was not an act of terrorism

It’s already past midnight in Vancouver, and police say they’ll give an update in the morning.

Festival host says they’re heartbroken by ‘senseless tragedy’

Filipino BC, the group that hosts the local Lapu Lapu Day festival, says they are devastated for the families and victims.

“We are still finding the words to express the deep heartbreak brought on by this senseless tragedy,” the group says.

“We encourage everyone to check in, support and hold each other,” they add.

“Do not hesitate to access resources available. You are not alone.”

Emergency services are still responding to what police are calling a “mass casualty incident” in Vancouver, Canada.

Here’s what we know so far:

The incident happened shortly after 20:00 local time on Saturday (04:00 BST on Sunday) during the Filipino community’s annual Lapu Lapu Day festival.

Witnesses say a man drove through a street full of people and lined with food trucks
Police say there are “multiple” fatalities and injuries, but haven’t given specific numbers
A 30-year-old man from Vancouver is now in custody

Police say they are confident this was not an act of terrorism
It’s already past midnight in Vancouver, and police say they’ll give an update in the morning.

Stay with us as we bring you all the key developments.

Vancouver Police ‘confident incident was not act of terrorism’

Vancouver Police have just posted another update on their social media.

“At this time, we are confident that this incident was not an act of terrorism,” it says.

‘It was such a beautiful celebration, such a family event’ – NDP leader recalls

Earlier we brought you a statement from NDP leader Jagmeet Singh – who was attending the Lapu Lapu Day block party before the incident unfolded.

He’s since been filmed at a separate event where he has provided fresh reaction to the news that a man drove his SUV through a crowd of people.

“It keeps on playing through my mind,” he says in a video shared on social media, as he reflects on the happiness of children attending the family event.

“The kids that were having such an amazing time, such joy, the incredible warmth of the people there. I just keep playing through my head such a beautiful celebration and such a family event – people coming together from all ages.

“No event deserves violence, obviously. It is horrible.

“Just imagine that joy with the contrast of the horrible death and destruction to happen at an event like that is something I can’t comprehend.”

What is Lapu Lapu Day?

Lapu-Lapu Day is celebrated every year in the Philippines on 27 April. It marks the memory of Lapu-Lapu, a national hero who stood up against Spanish colonisation.

The festival was officially set up in Vancouver in 2023. A statement on its website says, “The declaration not only honours the heroic legacy of Datu Lapu-Lapu but also symbolises the cultural harmony and mutual respect that thrive in the province of British Columbia.”

He’s since been filmed at a separate event where he has provided fresh reaction to the news that a man drove his SUV through a crowd of people.

“It keeps on playing through my mind,” he says in a video shared on social media, as he reflects on the happiness of children attending the family event.

“The kids that were having such an amazing time, such joy, the incredible warmth of the people there. I just keep playing through my head such a beautiful celebration and such a family event – people coming together from all ages.

“No event deserves violence, obviously. It is horrible.

“Just imagine that joy with the contrast of the horrible death and destruction to happen at an event like that is something I can’t comprehend.”

…..

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is confident that Ghana will reach a Debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 55 per cent by 2028, putting it on a sustainable path.

“If we have reached an agreement, it’s because those overall objectives are still on track. So the response is yes. Ghana is still on track to achieve those objectives,” said Mr Stéphane Roudet, Mission Chief for Ghana.

He was responding to a question at a roundtable with Ghanaian journalists during the 2025 IMF/World Bank Group Spring Meetings in Washington DC, USA, on Friday.

He attributed the country’s ability to reach debt sustainability to being on track in achieving targets under the ongoing $3 billion loan supported programme with the IMF, urging the country to adhere to programme objectives.

However, he said it was important for the Government to remain steadfast in implementing the programme as planned, by adhering to all reforms and objectives, especially as trade tensions could pose some risks.

Mr Roudet commended the Government for the high level of commitment and ownership of programme objectives, including the reinstatement of stronger fiscal rules and institutions, as well as authorisation by the Ministry of Finance before procurement.

He expressed optimism that the Fiscal Council that would have more teeth, be capable of assessing fiscal policy ex ante at the time a budget was being prepared and exposed to see whether the fiscal rule had been respected.

He expressed the hope that the economy would stabilise, as inflation went down and the deficit moved back on track with the programme objectives.

That would strengthen confidence in the Ghanaian economy, bolster investment and the role of the private sector, Mr Roudet said, adding that it would “not just be in one sector, but across the board.”

Source: GNA

Stephane Roudet is IMF Mission Chief for Ghana

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is confident that Ghana will reach a Debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 55 percent by 2028, putting it on a sustainable path.

“If we have reached an agreement, it’s because those overall objectives are still on track. So the response is yes. Ghana is still on track to achieve those objectives,” said Stéphane Roudet, Mission Chief for Ghana.

He was responding to a question at a roundtable with Ghanaian journalists during the 2025 IMF/World Bank Group spring meetings in Washington DC, USA, on Friday.

He attributed the country’s ability to reach debt sustainability to being on track in achieving targets under the ongoing US$3 billion loan supported programme with the IMF, urging the country to adhere to programme objectives.

However, he said it was important for the Government to remain steadfast in implementing the programme as planned, by adhering to all reforms and objectives, especially as trade tensions could pose some risks.

Mr Roudet commended the Government for the high level of commitment and ownership of programme objectives, including the reinstatement of stronger fiscal rules and institutions, as well as authorisation by the Ministry of Finance before procurement.

He expressed optimism that the Fiscal Council that would have more teeth, be capable of assessing fiscal policy ex ante at the time a budget was being prepared and exposed to see whether the fiscal rule had been respected.

He expressed the hope that the economy would stabilise, as inflation went down and the deficit moved back on track with the programme objectives.

That would strengthen confidence in the Ghanaian economy, bolster investment and the role of the private sector, Roudet said, adding that it would “not just be in one sector, but across the board.”

Thomas Nyarko Ampem, Deputy Minister of Finance

Thomas Nyarko Ampem, Deputy Minister of Finance, has emphasised that achieving excellence in Public Financial Management (PFM) must be anchored on effective governance, accountability, and transformative development.

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Annual Conference of the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) in Ho, Thomas Nyarko stated that the government has taken bold corrective measures to overhaul the country’s PFM architecture.

He noted that since assuming office, the government has amended both the PFM and Procurement Acts to accelerate the implementation of an enhanced fiscal framework, including the establishment of an independent Fiscal Advisory Council.

The two-day conference, held at the Ho Technical University auditorium under the theme “Enhancing Public Financial Management Excellence,” has drawn accountants and finance professionals from across the country.

Highlighting recent achievements, Nyarko said that within four months, the government had strengthened controls on new spending commitments, launched a comprehensive audit of uncovered arrears, and operationalised a fiscal compliance framework.

Additional measures include expanding the Ghana Electronic Procurement System, conducting payroll audits and functional reviews of selected Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), enhancing risk management systems, and updating the centralized inventory of all public investment projects.

Thomas Nyarko stressed that the CAGD is central to these reforms, being the institution mandated to ensure the effective, transparent, and accountable use of public funds.

He warned that the era of recklessness and misuse of public resources is over, pledging that infractions will be met with the full force of the law.

He expressed optimism that the conference would serve as a catalyst for innovation, institutional renewal, and strategic partnerships that will strengthen Ghana’s economic and fiscal governance.

In his remarks, Kwasi Agyei, Controller and Accountant General, disclosed that more than 4,000 government salaries had been suspended following payroll reviews, which revealed inconsistencies with National Identification Authority (NIA) numbers and questionable data credentials.

He reminded payroll validators of the serious consequences for processing payments for unqualified individuals, as outlined in PFM Regulation 90 (2019) and Section 96 of the PFM Act (2016), Act 921, and pledged strict enforcement of sanctions.

To enhance payroll data security and integrity, Agyei outlined measures including strong data encryption, access controls, multi-factor authentication, biometric identification and validation, regular data audits and reconciliations, penetration testing, and increased collaboration with the Internal Audit Agency.

He urged CAGD staff to uphold values of integrity, transparency, professionalism, collaboration, and a commitment to public interest, stressing, “Let us commit to improving public financial management not merely as a catchphrase, but as a consistent standard of excellence.”

Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, Acting Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), highlighted the interconnectedness of the GRA and CAGD, likening the two institutions to “unidentical twins”, one responsible for mobilizing resources and the other for managing expenditures.

He called for both institutions to operate above reproach and deliver services with integrity and innovation.

Also addressing the conference, Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu stated that excellence in PFM would directly lead to improved infrastructure, quality education, better healthcare, and sustainable development anchored in transparency and public trust.

Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, represented by Togbe Adu Bobi IV, reminded participants that effective and ethical management of public resources is not just a professional obligation but a patriotic duty.

He urged the gathering to reignite a passion for building a Ghana where fiscal responsibility, innovation, and transparency are the hallmarks of governance.

Dr Johnson Asiama, Bank of Ghana Governor

Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), says the operations of the newly established Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) will significantly boost the country’s reserves and strengthen its economic and financial stability.

Speaking in an interview on the sidelines of the 2025 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group (WBG), Dr Asiama emphasised that the move is critical in supporting monetary policy and signaling improved economic health and investment prospects following the implementation of Ghana’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program.

“We will be able to streamline the export of small-scale gold, and I am optimistic that the Gold Board will eliminate irregularities in the small-scale gold sector,” he said.

“The effects will be reflected in our reserves, which in turn will help us achieve greater stability.”

Dr Asiama noted that the Bank of Ghana’s involvement in GoldBod’s operations would enhance oversight, ensuring that the buying, selling, and export of gold are properly regulated to maximize the country’s benefits.

Launched in April 2025, the GoldBod serves as the sole authorized buyer of gold, operating through licensed aggregators and local traders. This marks a major shift from the previous system, where both Ghanaian and foreign companies with export licenses could trade gold independently, often outside regulated channels.

Prior to the establishment of the GoldBod, gold purchasing in Ghana was fragmented among multiple entities, including the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), the Bank of Ghana itself, the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), and private aggregators.

Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson said in January 2025 that despite being Africa’s leading gold producer, Ghana had not been maximizing its foreign exchange earnings from gold.

He expressed confidence that the GoldBod’s operations would bring much-needed coherence and structure to the sector. The new framework grants the board exclusive rights to oversee gold trading, ensure full repatriation of foreign exchange earnings, and pursue international certification, including from the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA).

“The GoldBod will enable us to harness the entire value chain of gold production, from extraction to refining, value addition, and marketing both locally and internationally,” Dr Forson stated.

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Residents of Dzelukope, a suburb of Keta in the Volta Region, are in a state of shock and panic after a man believed to be in his early 60s was found dead in a stagnant water in the area.

The tragic incident was suspected to have occurred during the midnight of Monday, April 21, during the Easter picnic.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Gideon Foli Ashiagbor, a member of the area’s unit committee, said the incident happened in the water between Togbi Dzelu’s road and the seashore in the community.

“I received a call on Tuesday, April 22, that a lifeless body of a man who is believed to be around 60 years old was floating on the water, which sparked fear among the residents,” he said.

He said that the body of the deceased was later retrieved from the water and was identified by families as Mr Atileto Edo.

Mr Ashiagbor said further information gathered revealed that the deceased was energetic, healthy and with a sound mind without complaints of sickness before his death, with the sudden demise raising speculations and suspicions.

“An examination of the body of the deceased showed signs of bruises on the forehead and blood oozing from the nose, raising suspicions of foul play.”

He said the incident has been reported to the Keta Police, who conveyed the body to the Keta Municipal Hospital morgue for further examination and autopsy.

Mr Ashiagbor urged the residents to remain calm and assist the police in their investigations to unravel the perpetrators of the heinous crime and to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic death.

…..

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BoG Govenor, Dr Johnson Asiama (L), IMF MD, Kristalina Georgieva (M) and Dr Cassiel Ato Forson (R)

The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, has commended Ghana’s Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, and his team for their “strong commitment to the Fund-supported program and reforms aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability.”

During a meeting on Saturday, Georgieva praised Dr. Forson’s leadership, noting the significant progress Ghana has achieved under difficult circumstances.

She reaffirmed the IMF’s ongoing support, stating, “The IMF remains a strong partner of Ghana.”

This high-level endorsement follows the announcement that Ghana has reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF on the fourth review of the Fund-supported program. Once formally approved by the IMF Executive Board, the agreement will unlock approximately $370 million in funding for Ghana.

The achievement is particularly striking given the challenges the new government faced upon taking office, including multiple breaches of structural benchmarks and quantitative targets under the program.

The breakthrough reflects the aggressive and focused efforts of the John Mahama administration to reverse the economic downturn and rebuild confidence in Ghana’s financial management.

Since assuming office, the government has accelerated the implementation of critical structural reforms, delivering results ahead of schedule and bolstering optimism about the country’s economic future.

A major pillar of the administration’s agenda has been resolving the large accumulation of payables in 2024, which had contributed to a significant primary deficit rather than the modest surplus initially targeted.

To address this, the government has introduced bold and pragmatic measures to strengthen spending controls, restore budget credibility, and ensure fiscal and debt sustainability.

In addition, the administration has completed several structural benchmarks originally scheduled for the end of December 2024 and March 2025, underlining its strong commitment to economic recovery.

Also present at the meeting were Dr Johnson Asiama, Governor of the Bank of Ghana; Senior Economic Advisor Seth Terkper; and Dr Nii Moi Thompson, Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission.

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BoG Govenor, Dr Johnson Asiama (L), IMF MD, Kristalina Georgieva (M) and Dr Cassiel Ato Forson (R)

The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, has commended Ghana’s Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, and his team for their “strong commitment to the Fund-supported program and reforms aimed at restoring macroeconomic stability.”

During a meeting on Saturday, Georgieva praised Dr. Forson’s leadership, noting the significant progress Ghana has achieved under difficult circumstances.

She reaffirmed the IMF’s ongoing support, stating, “The IMF remains a strong partner of Ghana.”

This high-level endorsement follows the announcement that Ghana has reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF on the fourth review of the Fund-supported program. Once formally approved by the IMF Executive Board, the agreement will unlock approximately $370 million in funding for Ghana.

The achievement is particularly striking given the challenges the new government faced upon taking office, including multiple breaches of structural benchmarks and quantitative targets under the program.

The breakthrough reflects the aggressive and focused efforts of the John Mahama administration to reverse the economic downturn and rebuild confidence in Ghana’s financial management.

Since assuming office, the government has accelerated the implementation of critical structural reforms, delivering results ahead of schedule and bolstering optimism about the country’s economic future.

A major pillar of the administration’s agenda has been resolving the large accumulation of payables in 2024, which had contributed to a significant primary deficit rather than the modest surplus initially targeted.

To address this, the government has introduced bold and pragmatic measures to strengthen spending controls, restore budget credibility, and ensure fiscal and debt sustainability.

In addition, the administration has completed several structural benchmarks originally scheduled for the end of December 2024 and March 2025, underlining its strong commitment to economic recovery.

Also present at the meeting were Dr Johnson Asiama, Governor of the Bank of Ghana; Senior Economic Advisor Seth Terkper; and Dr Nii Moi Thompson, Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission.

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:

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Egypt’s Al Ahly on Saturday announced they parted ways with coach Marcel Koller after being knocked out of the Champions League semifinal.

The 64-year-old came under fire as the defending champions were stunned by South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns on the away goal rule as they played to a 1-1 second leg draw in Cairo on Friday, following a scoreless stalemate in Pretoria.

Bottles of water were thrown from the stands at the Swiss as he left the pitch after the final whistle.

“Due to the emergency circumstances and in light of the distinguished relationship that has been reflected in numerous previous positions, the club is currently negotiating with the coach to terminate the contract by mutual consent in a manner befitting the club and its coach,” the club said in a statement.

Since taking the helm in 2022, the former FC Basel and FC Koln coach steered Al-Ahly to several trophies, including two Champions League titles.

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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.