A quick catch up on today’s top stories…
1) Russia set to launch own Instagram-lookalike, ‘Rossgram’, in response to Instagram block
Russian tech entrepreneurs are set to launch a picture-sharing application on the domestic market to help fill the void left by Instagram, which the authorities blocked this week. The new service, known as Rossgram, will launch on March 28 and have additional functions such as crowdfunding and paid access for some content, its website said on Wednesday.
“My partner Kirill Filimonov and our group of developers were already ready for this turn of events and decided not to miss the opportunity to create a Russian analogue of a popular social network beloved by our compatriots,” Alexander Zobov, the initiative’s public relations director, wrote on the VKontakte social network.
2) Finance Ministry, EOCO’s power to be cut over ¢400k unpaid debt, as ECG continues on power-cutting rampage
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) says the Finance Ministry and Economic and Organised Crime Office(EOCO) may soon be disconnected from the national grid for failing to pay their bills. According to the power distribution company, the two state-owned organisations owe to the tune of ¢421,038.02.
This revelation comes after the task force on Monday disconnected the power supply to the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) and parts of the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), which owed over ¢48 million. The task force leader, Steven Larbi Siaw, said that no indebted institution will be spared during the revenue mobilisation exercise.
3) IGP’s escort arrests two Police Inspectors for extorting cash from motorists
Two Police Inspectors at the Ghana Police Service Headquarters are in the grips of the law for extorting monies from motorists. According to reports, the two officers were caught extorting monies from motorists by one Corporal Mihaye Selase Winfred of Motor Bike Patrol Unit while escorting the Inspector General of Police.
Police say an amount of Ghc234 was retrieved as exhibits from the two Inspectors who were later sent to the Baatsona Charge Office.
4) Award-winning actress Sandra Bullock set to retire from acting
For Sandra Bullock, home is calling. Theactress confirmed to ET that she is taking a step back from her acting career – at least, for now.MWhile Bullock noted to ET’s Cassie DiLaura that she doesn’t know how long it will be, right now she needs to be “in the place that makes me happiest.”
And that is at home with her kids, Louis, 12, and Laila, 10. “I take my job very seriously when I’m at work,” she said, noting it’s a “24/7” job. “And I just want to be 24/7 with my babies and my family. That’s where I’m gonna be for a while,” she added.
5) [Ghana vs Nigeria world cup playoffs] Stadium finally confirmed for first leg after vigorous search
Ghana’s World Cup playoff first leg against Nigeria has been moved to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, the Ghana Football Association has confirmed. The game was scheduled to come off at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium on March 25 but due to the poor state of the pitch, the game has been relocated.
In a post from the Ghana FA to confirm the game moved to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium read, “The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has granted a one match approval for Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi to host the World Cup Qatar 2022 play-off match between Ghana and Nigeria.”
