A quick catch up on today’s top stories…
1) Biden deploys nearly 3,000 U.S. troops to Eastern Europe as World War-lookalike looms
The United States will send nearly 3,000 extra troops to Poland and Romania to reinforce Eastern European NATO allies in the face of what Washington describes as a Russian threat to invade Ukraine, U.S. officials said on Wednesday.
Russia, for its part, signalled it was in no mood for compromise by mocking Britain, calling Prime Minister Boris Johnson “utterly confused” and ridiculing British politicians for their “stupidity and ignorance”.
Moscow has massed more than 100,000 troops near Ukraine’s borders. It denies any plan to invade its neighbour but says it could take unspecified military measures if its demands are not met, including a promise by NATO never to admit Kyiv.
2) Fire destroys houses, shops at Akyem Osiem
Several houses and shops have been destroyed in a fire outbreak at Akyem Osiem in Abuakwa North Municipality in the Eastern region.
The fire reportedly affected fifteen rooms in clustered houses and four shops.
Unquantified items and household properties were consumed by the inferno which has displaced over 30 occupants.
3) Young policewoman crushed to death by speeding vehicle, while on duty
Yet another story of a personnel of the Ghana Police Service having been killed has emerged.
This time, it is reported that a speeding vehicle crashed and killed a policewoman identified as Comfort Freby while on duty at her post at the Gomoa Potsin police checkpoint in the Central region.
The checkpoint is said to have only been constructed a week ago as a response to the series of robbery cases recorded on the Kasoa-Apam Highway.
4) Nike/Louis Vuitton sneakers by Abloh beating auction estimates, around $6.1m hammer price
Bids for 200 pairs of Nike/Louis Vuitton “Air Force 1” sneakers designed by Virgil Abloh are running well beyond Sotheby’s initial estimates in an auction with a week to go.
“We’re currently at around $6.1 million in hammer price,” said Sotheby’s head of streetwear and modern collectibles, Brahm Wachter, on Tuesday, when bids ran as high as $80,000.
The original total estimate was $1 million to $3 million for the Jan. 26 to Feb. 8 auction. On opening day, the number of bids broke Sotheby’s record for online sales.
5) Greenwood freed on bail, investigation on alleged rape and assault continues
Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood has been released on bail pending further investigation.
Police were granted extra time on Monday to question the 20-year-old and he was further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill.
On Wednesday, Greater Manchester Police said Greenwood was released from custody on bail pending further inquiries.
