The Impact of Intellectual Property Rights on African Consumers
IP rights empower manufacturers to fight against counterfeit and substandard goods, thereby safeguarding consumers from health risks and violations of their rights. Balancing Consumer Rights with IP ProtectionFinding a balance between IP protection and consumer rights is also crucial for a sustainable market environment. The impact of IP rights on product pricing and availability requires a careful balance to prevent monopolistic obstacles. The relationship between IP rights and consumer well-being is complex in the world of ARIPO member and observer states. AfrIPI is a collaborative international initiative funded by the European Union and led by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) from 2020 - 2024 to help boost African trade, protect IP rights, and support African-European investment.
Source:Daily Observer
November 21, 2023 16:41 UTC
Liberia: 2 Killed in Vehicle Attack on Crowd at UP Headquarters
Several persons are reported dead and another many more injured after an unidentified vehicle came from the direction of Snapper Hill, Broad Street with heavy speed and ran through a crowd assembled in front of the Unity Party headquarters. According to eyewitnesses, as the crowd were singing and dancing in the street in front of UP headquarters, the vehicle, identified as a silver/gray Hyundai, approached with headlights on. When the driver saw that people were coming toward the vehicle, the driver pulled off again with speed. However, when they saw that the vehicle stopped midway down the hill, near the B.W. The suspect, identified as Lawrence K. Williams, 31, allegedly drove the vehicle through the crowd celebrating at the Unity Party headquarters on Broad Street on Monday, Nov 21, 2023.
Source:Daily Observer
November 21, 2023 16:41 UTC
25-Year-Old Nigerian School Teacher Shot Dead In Atlanta, US
25-year-old Nigerian man, Jason Ogbomoh, has been shot and killed in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America. Jason was shot several times by a yet to be identified shooter on Sunday, November 12, 2023. Atlanta police said at 3:04 a.m. on Sunday, officers received reports of a person shot on Peachtree Street Southwest. When officers arrived, they found a man who had been shot multiple times. School officials said counseling and district support will be provided for students and administration to support students and staff.
Source:GNN Liberia
November 20, 2023 14:25 UTC
Israel & Hamas reach tentative, US-backed deal to pause hostilities & free hostages in Gaza
The Washington Post reported that Israel, Hamas and the United States of America have “agreed to a tentative deal that would free dozens of women and children held hostage in Gaza, in exchange for a five-day pause in fighting”. This was detailed in a six-page agreement among Israel, the US and Hamas during talks in Doha, Qatar. During this, The Washington Post said that there would be an “overhead surveillance” watching over movement on the ground. According to multiple news sites, Hamas abducted about 240 people during the terror attacks on Oct. 7, who were then held in Gaza. AP reported that thousands of family members and supporters of the hostages held in Gaza marched into Jerusalem on Saturday (Nov. 18) pleading with the government to bring their loved ones home.
Source:GNN Liberia
November 19, 2023 20:39 UTC
Three women, girl killed in US shooting spree
TEHRAN, Nov. 19 (MNA) – The shootings at three locations in Memphis left three women and a teenage girl dead and critically wounded another teen girl, media outlets reported. Police found Mavis Christian Jr, 52, in his car during a manhunt following the shootings at three locations in Memphis that left three women and a teenage girl dead and critically wounded another teen girl. Memphis Police Department officers responded to a report of a shooting on Saturday at 9.22 pm on the 100 Block of Howard Drive. At Field Lark Drive, a woman and a 13-year-old girl were killed and a 15-year-old girl was critically wounded. Police believed Christian was responsible for all three shootings and began a search involving local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Source:GNN Liberia
November 19, 2023 20:39 UTC
Nigerian President Tinubu Commends President Weah for Peaceful Transition of Power in West Africa
In a late Friday speech addressing the runoff election results, President Weah stated that though the NEC’s results are not final, they indicate a lead for former Vice President Boakai that makes it impossible for him to surpass. Acknowledging the outcome, President Weah affirmed, “This is a time for graciousness in defeat, a time to place our country above party, and patriotism above personal interest. While congratulating President-elect Boakai, Tinubu advised him to prioritize good governance for the people of Liberia. He has defied the stereotype that peaceful transitions of power are untenable in West Africa.”Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who led the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) in Liberia, also praised President Weah for advancing peace and progress in the country. Jonathan urged President-elect Boakai to be magnanimous in victory and continue efforts to unite and advance Liberia.
Source:Front Page Africa
November 19, 2023 05:41 UTC
Ex-Footballer Weah Shows Good Sportsmanship, Concedes Electoral Victory To Boakai
Both men have been involved in four presidential contests dating back to 2017, when Weah defeated Boakai, then deputy to former President Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson, Africa’s first elected female President. Unlike in 2017 when Weah won with 61%, Boakai takes a slim margin of electoral victory to Liberia’s Executive Mansion. Otherwise, most presidential elections in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region have ended in polarising legal disputes. West African armed forces must also discipline themselves by sticking to their constitutional responsibility, which does not include political governance. *Paul Ejime is a Global Affairs Analyst and Consultant on Peace & Security and Governance CommunicationsVisited 53 times, 2 visit(s) today
Source:GNN Liberia
November 18, 2023 20:01 UTC
Liberia: Weah Concedes Defeat But…
Go home tonight with the knowledge that our ideas and vision for Liberia remain strong. He said although the outcome of the election was not what he and his supporters desire, the democratic will of the people of Liberia must be respected. According to President Weah, the election results show that there's a deep division in the country and the need to be nationalistic above party politics cannot be overmphasised. "I remain your President until the hand over of power and I will continue to work for the good of Liberia," he said. Weah continued that CDC has lost the election but Liberia has won and it is time to place country above personal interest.
Source:Daily Observer
November 18, 2023 18:02 UTC
Liberia: The 2023 election was a win for all Liberians
The Elections Coordinating Committee (ECC) commends President Weah for conceding defeat to President-Elect Joseph Boakai of the opposition Unity Party (UP). The conduct of a free, fair and transparent election is a fulfillment of the president’s commitment to holding a credible election. Liberia is about to mark another historic milestone wherein one sitting democratically elected President will peacefully transition power to another democratically elected President in January 2024. This process will make Liberia a beacon of hope for democracy in West Africa. At the same time, the ECC hails all Liberians for exercising their Constitutional right in apeaceful manner.
Source:Daily Observer
November 18, 2023 16:23 UTC
Pres. Weah’s Concession Speech Following Friday’s Announcement of Run-off Election Result
The results announced tonight, though not final, indicate that Ambassador Joseph N. Boakai is in a lead that we cannot surpass. Tonight, as we acknowledge the results, let us also recognize that the true winners of these elections are the people of Liberia. Under my leadership, these elections were organized with a promise to the Liberian people – a promise of fairness, peace, inclusiveness, transparency, and credibility. I remain your President until the handover of power, and I will continue to work for the good of Liberia. Let us heal the divisions caused by the campaign and come together as One Nation and One United People.
Source:Front Page Africa
November 18, 2023 15:12 UTC
Former Nigerian central bank chief arraigned and remanded in prison for alleged fraud
The Associated Press |ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — The former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, who was removed from office in June, was on Friday charged with procurement fraud at a local court, which remanded him in prison pending his bail ruling. In amended charges, the Nigerian government said Godwin Emefiele illegally awarded contracts for dozens of vehicles during his time as the governor of the apex bank in Africa’s largest economy, according to court documents. Appearing in court in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, Emefiele pleaded not guilty to the charges, which could land him in jail for at least five years if convicted. He has been in custody for most of the time since he was removed from office. The court is expected to rule on his bail application next week.
Source:GNN Liberia
November 18, 2023 14:04 UTC
Hundreds more migrants arrive in Dover after making perilous journey across the Channel
By GINA KALSI and RORY TINGLE HOME AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENTHundreds more migrants arrived in Dover after crossing the Channel by small boat yesterday just days after the government’s Rwanda policy was ruled ‘unlawful’. A total of 356 asylum seekers were intercepted by Border Force officials from seven boats and escorted into Dover, Kent, throughout the day. Around 50 asylum seekers were picked up from an inflatable dinghy off the coast of Dover and brought to shore on Border Force catamaran Hurricane shortly before 10am. A total of 356 asylum seekers were intercepted by Border Force officials from seven boats and escorted into Dover, Kent, throughout the dayFour more dinghies carrying migrants were intercepted throughout the day. President of the Supreme Court Lord Reed said there would be a risk of genuine asylum seekers being returned by Rwanda to the home country they fled from.
Source:GNN Liberia
November 18, 2023 12:11 UTC
Liberia: Pres. Weah Concedes Defeat to President-elect Boakai in Historic Election
President George Weah has conceded defeat to President-elect Joseph Boakai, marking a historic moment in Liberia's political landscape. An official post from the Executive Mansion says "President Weah has congratulated Former Vice President Joseph N. Boakai as winner of the 2023 presidential runoff election. "President Weah called Mr. Boakai via telephone following the announcement of provisional results by the National Elections Commission (NEC) on Friday, November 17, 2023. Konneh expressed gratitude for President Weah's commitment to upholding Liberia's democracy, stating, "President Weah has placed his concession call to President-elect Joseph Boakai. He continued, "As for the winner, congratulations to President-Elect Joseph N. Boakai on your victory.
Source:Daily Observer
November 18, 2023 11:14 UTC
Pres. Weah Concedes Defeat, Congratulates President-elect Joseph Boakai
MONROVIA – Following Friday’s announcement of the run-off election results by the National Elections Commission, President George Weah has gracefully acknowledged his defeat. The results indicated that his longtime rival, former Vice President Joseph Boakai, secured the lead with a margin of 28,434 votes (1.78%). President-elect Boakai, who served as Vice President under former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for 12 years, brings to the presidency over 40 years of experience in the public sector. According to the NEC, President Weah garnered 785,778 votes (49.11%), while Ambassador Boakai secured 814,212 votes (50.89%), resulting in a 28,434-vote difference (1.78%). Throughout his campaign, Boakai pledged to rescue Liberia from what he asserted was a Weah administration marked by mismanagement and corruption.
Source:Front Page Africa
November 17, 2023 22:35 UTC