World News

Opinion: It is dangerous to block citizen’s access in COVID-19 pandemic

Published

4 years ago

April 1, 2020

Paradigm Initiative has urged the government of Ghana and Nigeria not to block the telephone lines or access of citizens to emergency services in this critical time. A statement released by Ghana’s Ministry of Communications alleged that over 99% of calls made to the emergency line provided for COVID-19 response were prank calls and that the government will henceforth block prank callers.

Unfortunately, the Nigerian government may be considering the same measures and more, having alleged that it is facing similar challenges. In a time as this, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Telecommunication companies (Telcos) have a huge responsibility to make their services available to aid information flow from and to the authorities, especially as there is a natural tendency for citizens to panic and seek answers to many questions they will have.

The worst response to imagine in the middle of this global pandemic, however, is denying access to users as a measure against irrelevant calls to COVID-19 emergency call centers. At this critical time, access might just be the thin line between life and death for many citizens. The government should expand its capacity to receive multiple calls and come up with innovative strategies instead of clamping down on citizens. This is not the best of times and it is not just important that rights are respected but the government must not introduce measures that complicate an already complicated situation. Nigeria and Ghana like many other countries in the world have acknowledged the challenges with the capacity to test broadly. Therefore if the two countries must compare notes, it should be about increasing the capacity to test, isolate and treat confirmed cases, encourage social distancing, introduce welfare measures and ensure citizens are protected.

It is statistically impossible that 99% of calls to the emergency line are prank calls as alleged by Ghana’s Ministry of Communication. It is very easy to infer that panic calls, curious calls and calls from those who may not be symptomatic but have genuine fears are being categorized as prank calls. A prank call by definition is made to make a joke or play a trick. We do not agree with Ghana’s Ministry of Education that up to 99% of callers to the emergency centers are doing so just to play a trick or make a joke and even if it is so, it is a reflection of the panic and fear that makes people want to know if the number that is supposed to save their lives is working. It is important not to use the excuse of fake news around COVID-19 to clamp down on loud dissenting voices as that will be a major mistake at a time when we all need to work together on combatting misinformation, including encouraging those working to get life-saving information to citizens who need them.

We endorse interventions and support being offered by the private sector and volunteers to ensure that the government is not overwhelmed. We, however, strongly advise the government to avoid emotional reactions that may deny citizens, access to health care and essential services at a time when movements are being restricted. We also call on citizens not to panic but follow guidelines provided by the official Disease Control institutions in their respective countries and the World Health Organisation as we all seek to protect ourselves and our loved ones from being victims in this trying time.

World News

EXCLUSIVE: How Colman Domingo’s 2024 Met Gala Look Honors Late Actor Chadwick Boseman

Published

2 hours ago

May 7, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Colman Domingo‘s 2024 Met Gala look pays tribute to two fallen stars.

The Euphoria actor shared that he chose to wear a white cape to walk the Metropolitan Museum of Art steps in New York City May 6 in honor of two late Black icons, journalist André Leon Tally and Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman. (See all the stars who stepped out for the 2024 Met Gala here.)

“They both wore capes when they were at the Met,” Colman exclusively told Live From E!. “Everything I do, I feel like it’s gotta be for the culture. It’s gotta be more than just for me.”

Noting that he’s making his debut at this year’s ball, the Rustin star went on to explain, “I wanted to honor these brothers who were here before me as well.” (For more from Colman, tune into Live From E! at 6 p.m.)

But a white cape wasn’t the only eye-catching part of Colman’s ‘fit, which kept with the event’s “Garden of Time” theme. The 54-year-old also paired his over-sized, white-and-black Willy Chavarria suit with diamond earrings and some silver statement rings, as well as a bouquet of white flowers wrapped in a black satin cloth.

And Colman didn’t only attend fashion’s biggest night to stunt for the cameras. The Emmy winner also expressed excitement over going inside the museum and meeting his tablemates Cardi B and Erykah Badu.

“I’ve never met Cardi B and I’m really gagging,” Colman said. “I think I might just expire right there at the table.”

Source: Enews!

World News

Tina Knowles Shares Rare Update on Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s Twins Rumi and Sir

Published

2 hours ago

May 7, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

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Tina Knowles shared how proud she is of Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s 6-year-old twins Rumi and Sir in an exclusive interview with E! News.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s twins are ready to run the world, according to their grandmother.

In fact, Tina Knowles believes the 6-year-olds have already found their true passions, with Rumi focusing on art and fashion.

“Rumi is amazing—an amazing artist, painter and creator,” Tina gushed to E! News’ Francesca Amiker during the Kentucky Derby. “How could they be anything else growing up in that environment? All we talk about is creativity and fashion.”

While Sir is much more reserved than his sisters, including 12-year-old Blue Ivy, the House of Deréon designer described him as “very, very smart.”

“Sir is very quiet,” Tina noted, adding that her grandson “does all of the numbers stuff, so he’s not into fashion as much.”

And the twins are already well on their way to success. After all, Rumi recently made history as the youngest woman to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 for her feature on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter track “Protector.” The impressive feat broke the previous record held by her sister Blue, who was featured on “Brown Skin Girl” in 2019 when she was just 7 years old.

So, what does Tina think of Beyoncé and Rumi’s venture into country music?

“We’re from Texas,” she said. “We’ve been part of that culture for a long time and I was very excited about it.”

Calling Cowboy Carter a “nice history lesson” for fans,” Tina added of Beyoncé, “She has this way of doing things subtly but educating, and so I’m really proud of that.”

World News

Bridgerton’s Phoebe Dynevor Engaged to Cameron Fuller

Published

2 hours ago

May 7, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

After Bridgerton’s Phoebe Dynevor debuted a gorgeous engagement ring at the 2024 Met Gala May 6, E! News can confirm she’s set to tie the knot with producer Cameron Fuller.

You’ll burn for this news: Phoebe Dynevor is engaged.

The Bridgerton alum is set to tie the knot with producer Cameron Fuller, E! News can confirm. In fact, Phoebe—who first sparked romance rumors with Cameron in early 2023—debuted her gorgeous engagement ring on the 2024 Met Gala red carpet May 6. (See every star at the gala.)

While Phoebe, 29, and Cameron, 28, have maintained a low profile throughout their relationship, they did make a rare public appearance together at the Wimbledon tennis tournament in July 2023.

Months later, in February, Cameron—the son of A Quiet Place producer Brad Fuller—was by Phoebe’s side at the 2024 BAFTAs in London.

And although she had her diamond accessory on hand at the 2024 Met Gala, Phoebe had a different date with her on the red carpet: makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury. Plus, it was an extra special night for the Fair Play star, as she became the first person to wear Victoria Beckham’s line to the star-studded event.

“It’s her first custom look,” Phoebe said on Live From E!, “so I’m thrilled to be wearing it.”

“We started with fabrics,” the English actress continued, noting they wanted something “fragile” to go along with the Costume Institute’s “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” exhibition. “Something elegant and beautiful that fits in with this beautiful theme. So, I think we did well.”

As Victoria noted on Instagram, the gown’s silhouette was hand-crafted from archival lace.

“And embellished with over 300 lace appliqué flowers,” she shared, “hand-cut and hand-sewn onto a tulle base.”

As for how Phoebe was feeling on the milestone night?

“It’s so crazy and surreal,” she said on Live From E!. “I’m trying to just be present in this moment right now but it’s very hard.”

Source: Enews!