US bombers unleashed their opening salvo around 01:57, one eyewitness told the BBC.

“The windows on my door shook,” one of them told the BBC. “I got up to see from my window, thinking something heavy had fallen in my backyard… and immediately I heard the second explosion of what I think was a missile, impacting. I could see the reflection of the flames.”

Footage confirmed by BBC Verify showed strikes at seven sites around Caracas and the neighbouring states. The bombardment reportedly lasted for around 30 minutes, though secondary explosions continued until shortly before 04:00, a Caracas resident said.

“All of us were scared and distressed,” one young mother told the BBC. “We were watching the sky to see if anything was approaching our home.”

More than 150 aircraft were involved in the operation, according to US officials, including fighter jets, bombers and helicopters.

File photo of Moroccan players jubilating

Brahim Diaz scored for the fifth game in a row at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as hosts Morocco defeated Cameroon 2-0 in their quarter-final clash on Friday to keep alive their hopes of a first continental title in 50 years.

Ismael Saibari was also on target in another workmanlike display in which Morocco were efficient enough, but also created little in the way of chances, netting from two of their three shots on target.

Cameroon had a strong shout for a penalty in the second half after what looked like a foul on Bryan Mbeumo, but they too battled in the final third and did not force home goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into a save in the 90 minutes.

Morocco, who have yet to concede a goal in open play at the finals, face the winner of Saturday’s third quarter-final between Algeria and Nigeria in the next round, a tie that will be played in Rabat on Wednesday.

The hosts took the lead in the 26th minute via the prolific Diaz as the Real Madrid player showed his scoring instinct. Achraf Hakimi’s corner was headed goalwards by Ayoub El Kaabi and Diaz deflected the ball in from close range.

He has now scored in each of Morocco’s five games and extends his own record for most goals by a Moroccan at a single Cup of Nations finals, but left the field late on with a heavily strapped thigh that will be a concern for coach Walid Regragui.

Chances were hard to come by for both sides, but Abde Ezzalzouli headed narrowly over the crossbar from another Hakimi corner, while the latter laid on a headed chance for Saibari that was spurned.

Cameroon were unfortunate not to get a penalty kick when Mbeumo was caught in the box as Mauritanian referee Dahane Beida waved play on, while Georges-Kevin Nkoudou headed wide at the back post with the Indomitable Lions’ best chance of the game.

Morocco made it 2-0 minutes later to kill off the contest when Saibari was left unmarked at the back post and had time to control the ball and fire low into the far corner of the net.

A tense confrontation erupted in Kula in the Northern Region as farmers accused hunters of setting fire to their farms.

This has sparked outrage and concern across several communities.

The blaze allegedly ravaged hundreds of acres of farmland, destroying crops such as cowpea, rice, and maize, and leaving many families facing significant losses.

Eyewitnesses claim the fire was sparked by hunters, who have long been at odds with farmers over land use.

Bush burning typically intensifies between December and January each year, often resulting in the destruction of farmlands.

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.

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.

Ghana officially entered a new phase of competitive athletics on Friday, January 9, 2026, with the successful staging of the Maiden Ghana Masters Athletics Championship in Kumasi, an event aimed at promoting lifelong fitness and competitive sport beyond elite youth levels.

President of the Ghana Masters Association, Seth Panwun Boyoyo, described the championship as more than a sporting contest, calling it “a powerful statement about life, purpose, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.”

“This event is not just a competition,” Boyoyo said. “It is a powerful statement about life, purpose, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.”

The championship brought together athletes aged 35 and above, competing across multiple age categories up to 70 years and beyond, reinforcing the association’s core message that physical activity and competitive sport remain relevant at every stage of life.

Addressing the athletes directly, Boyoyo stressed that age should never be seen as a barrier.

“You remind us that age is not a limitation, but a new chapter of possibility,” he said. “You prove that fitness, discipline, and ambition do not expire with time. Instead, they mature, deepen, and inspire others.”

Boyoyo noted that the championship also responds to Ghana’s growing public health concerns, particularly the rise in lifestyle-related illnesses.

“This Masters Championship stands as a national call to action — encouraging Ghanaians to move more, live healthier, and choose wellness over complacency,” he stated.

He added that the competition was not only about medals but about long-term wellbeing and international opportunity.

“You are not only competing for medals; you are competing for longevity, vitality, and quality of life, and a place to represent Ghana in the World Masters Championship in South Korea (Daegu) from 21st August, 2026,” Boyoyo said.

The Ghana Masters Association President also highlighted the inclusive nature of the championship, noting that it brought together former elite athletes and individuals who embraced sport later in life.

“Some of you once represented Ghana at elite levels, and others discovered sport later in life — today you are all champions,” he said. “Through this platform, you now have the opportunity to compete across Africa and on the global stage, flying the Ghana flag high once again.”

According to Boyoyo, the presence of Masters athletes challenges conventional perceptions of ageing in Ghana.

“Your presence here today redefines what it means to grow older in Ghana,” he said. “You are proof that one can age with strength, dignity, and purpose.”

He also urged the general public to draw inspiration from the event and prioritise physical activity.

“Whether through walking, running, swimming, athletics, or any form of physical activity — it is never too late to begin,” Boyoyo said. “Health is wealth, and movement is medicine.”

The championship was attended by key stakeholders in Ghana’s sports administration, including Dr Fred Awaah, the current National Board Chairman of the National Sports Authority (NSA), alongside traditional leaders, athletics officials, coaches, medical personnel, volunteers, and corporate partners.

Boyoyo praised the organisers and partners for laying what he described as a foundation for the future of Masters sport in Ghana.

“This championship lays the foundation for a future where Masters sports become an integral part of Ghana’s sporting ecosystem,” he said, while also calling on corporate institutions to support the initiative.

“We call on Corporate Ghana to join hands with Ghana Masters to keep the nation healthy.”

He concluded with a strong message of ambition and national pride.

“May this competition grow from strength to strength. May it produce African and world champions. And may it help build a healthier, more active, and united Ghana,” Boyoyo said.

The Maiden Ghana Masters Athletics Championship marks the formal beginning of structured Masters athletics in Ghana, with organisers hopeful it will become a permanent fixture on the national sporting calendar.

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.

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.

Ghana officially entered a new phase of competitive athletics on Friday, January 9, 2026, with the successful staging of the Maiden Ghana Masters Athletics Championship in Kumasi, an event aimed at promoting lifelong fitness and competitive sport beyond elite youth levels.

President of the Ghana Masters Association, Seth Panwun Boyoyo, described the championship as more than a sporting contest, calling it “a powerful statement about life, purpose, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.”

“This event is not just a competition,” Boyoyo said. “It is a powerful statement about life, purpose, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.”

The championship brought together athletes aged 35 and above, competing across multiple age categories up to 70 years and beyond, reinforcing the association’s core message that physical activity and competitive sport remain relevant at every stage of life.

Addressing the athletes directly, Boyoyo stressed that age should never be seen as a barrier.

“You remind us that age is not a limitation, but a new chapter of possibility,” he said. “You prove that fitness, discipline, and ambition do not expire with time. Instead, they mature, deepen, and inspire others.”

Boyoyo noted that the championship also responds to Ghana’s growing public health concerns, particularly the rise in lifestyle-related illnesses.

“This Masters Championship stands as a national call to action — encouraging Ghanaians to move more, live healthier, and choose wellness over complacency,” he stated.

He added that the competition was not only about medals but about long-term wellbeing and international opportunity.

“You are not only competing for medals; you are competing for longevity, vitality, and quality of life, and a place to represent Ghana in the World Masters Championship in South Korea (Daegu) from 21st August, 2026,” Boyoyo said.

The Ghana Masters Association President also highlighted the inclusive nature of the championship, noting that it brought together former elite athletes and individuals who embraced sport later in life.

“Some of you once represented Ghana at elite levels, and others discovered sport later in life — today you are all champions,” he said. “Through this platform, you now have the opportunity to compete across Africa and on the global stage, flying the Ghana flag high once again.”

According to Boyoyo, the presence of Masters athletes challenges conventional perceptions of ageing in Ghana.

“Your presence here today redefines what it means to grow older in Ghana,” he said. “You are proof that one can age with strength, dignity, and purpose.”

He also urged the general public to draw inspiration from the event and prioritise physical activity.

“Whether through walking, running, swimming, athletics, or any form of physical activity — it is never too late to begin,” Boyoyo said. “Health is wealth, and movement is medicine.”

The championship was attended by key stakeholders in Ghana’s sports administration, including Dr Fred Awaah, the current National Board Chairman of the National Sports Authority (NSA), alongside traditional leaders, athletics officials, coaches, medical personnel, volunteers, and corporate partners.

Boyoyo praised the organisers and partners for laying what he described as a foundation for the future of Masters sport in Ghana.

“This championship lays the foundation for a future where Masters sports become an integral part of Ghana’s sporting ecosystem,” he said, while also calling on corporate institutions to support the initiative.

“We call on Corporate Ghana to join hands with Ghana Masters to keep the nation healthy.”

He concluded with a strong message of ambition and national pride.

“May this competition grow from strength to strength. May it produce African and world champions. And may it help build a healthier, more active, and united Ghana,” Boyoyo said.

The Maiden Ghana Masters Athletics Championship marks the formal beginning of structured Masters athletics in Ghana, with organisers hopeful it will become a permanent fixture on the national sporting calendar.

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.

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.