A quick catch up on today’s top stories…
1) We will take decision on strike in a week – UTAG president
President of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), Prof Solomon Nunoo has indicated that the decision on calling off their strike will be taken in a week.
According to Prof Nunoo, the leaders of UTAG need time to inform their members about the outcome of discussions held with the Education Committee of Parliament as well as to complete other processes.
He, therefore, pleaded with all stakeholders, particularly students and parents, to be patient with them as they complete these procedures.
2) UK sees 436 flights cancelled amid Storm Eunice
A total of 436 flights were cancelled across the United Kingdom amid record winds from storm Eunice, according to Cirium data.
Twenty percent of flight cancellations were to/from Heathrow Airport – making it the hardest hit UK airport for cancellations, the data showed.
3) Two trapped, 11 missing after flames engulf Greece-Italy ferry
Eleven passengers were missing after a blaze engulfed a ferry sailing from Greece to Italy early on Friday while an operation was under way to try to rescue two people trapped in the ship’s garage, the Greek coastguard said.
A total of 239 passengers and 51 crew were onboard the Italian-flagged Euroferry Olympia when the fire broke out, and rescue vessels had taken most of them to the island of Corfu where ambulances were waiting.
4) Oscars to require COVID tests for all, vaccines for most
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will require attendees of the 94th Oscars ceremony in March to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination and at least two negative resultsfrom PCR tests, a person with knowledge of the matter said on Thursday.
Performers and presenters at the film industry’s highest honors also must undergo polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, but will not need to show proof of vaccination, the source said.
Face covering requirements will vary at the event on March 27 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, according to the source.
5) Nigerian sprinter Okagbare slammed with a career-ending 10-year ban over doping brouhaha
Nigerian sprinter Blessing Okagbare has been banned for 10 years for doping and refusing to co-operate with the investigation, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) said on Friday.
“The Disciplinary Tribunal has banned Nigerian sprinter Blessing Okagbare for a total of 10 years, five years for the presence and use of multiple prohibited substances and five years for her refusal to co-operate with the AIU’s investigation into her case,” AIU said in a statement.
