Top News in West Africa: Nigeria’s U-18 Handball Champions, Ghana’s Seaweed Problem, and More

Benin: Rwanda’s Kagame Visits Benin for Two-Day State Visit
President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and First Lady Jeannette Kagame arrived in Cotonou, Benin for a two-day state visit. This visit is expected to strengthen diplomatic relations and foster bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Gambia: 3D Printing Revolution Ignited by Young Woman
A young Gambian woman is leading a 3D printing revolution in the country, as the United Nations supports initiatives to bridge the gender disparity gap in STEM fields. Through awareness-raising and capacity-building support, women-owned businesses are empowered to thrive in the sector.
Ghana: Fishing Industry Battles ‘Golden Seaweed’ Problem
Ghana’s fishing industry faces a significant challenge due to the spread of Sargassum, a genus of brown seaweed. Citizen science initiatives are being employed to help mitigate the problem, which poses a threat to marine life and coastal communities.
Ghana: Juvenile Offenders Struggle to Reintegrate into Society
The current system for reintegrating juvenile offenders into society is failing them, according to analysis by The Conversation Africa. Many children are held in detention and remand centers worldwide, with inadequate support systems in place to help them transition back into their communities.
Guinea: Dadis Opposition Shares Account of Stadium Massacre
This week, testimony from Ben Youssouf Keïta, a third opponent of Moussa Dadis Camara’s former regime, detailed the horrifying events of the Conakry stadium massacre. The testimony brings renewed attention to the tragic incident and the fight for justice for its victims.
Liberia: Fears of Electoral Crisis Loom Over Liberia
Concerns are mounting over a potential electoral crisis in Liberia, as a controversial census and a cash-strapped electoral commission raise doubts about the viability of the upcoming October elections. Experts warn that these issues could lead to a bungled electoral process with serious consequences for the nation’s stability.
Nigeria: U-18 Handball Team Crowned Champions in IHF Women’s Competition
Nigeria’s under-18 girls’ handball team emerged victorious as champions of the IHF Women’s competition Africa Zone 3 Phase, after defeating Benin Republic in Accra, Ghana. The triumph showcases the talent and potential of Nigeria’s young athletes in the international arena.
Nigeria: Lagos State Government Cracks Down on Traffic Offenders, Okada Riders
The Lagos State government is taking a firm stance against traffic offenders and commercial motorcyclists, also known as Okada riders, who continue to operate on the state’s highways. Strict enforcement measures are being implemented to ensure safety and order on the roads.
Nigeria: Nigerian Bar Association Establishes 20 Standing Committees on Judiciary, Law Reform
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has set up 20 standing committees, comprised of over 800 lawyers, to address pressing issues in the judiciary and law reform. This move aims to bolster the capacity for change and improvement within Nigeria’s legal system.
Nigeria: Multiple Casualties Reported in Another Attack in Kaduna’s Zangon Kataf
In Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna, Nigeria, multiple casualties were reported following an attack by non-state actors. This marks the second such incident in the area within a week, highlighting the ongoing security challenges faced by the region.
Nigeria: Cash Crisis in Nigeria Drives Digital Transactions to All-Time High
A scarcity of cash in Nigeria is pushing citizens to embrace digital and electronic banking services in record numbers. As traditional financial institutions struggle to meet the demand for physical currency, alternative digital solutions are filling the gap and transforming the country’s banking landscape.