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Panama national team footballer Gilberto Hernández killed by gunmen
A player for Panama’s national football team has been shot dead in the city of Colón.
Gunmen opened fire on a group of people, among them 26-year-old Gilberto Hernández, who had gathered in a building in the city.
Hernández died and seven others were injured in the attack.
It is not yet clear if the footballer, who also played for Club Atlético Independiente, was the target of the shooting or what the motive was.
There has been a rise in murders in Colón over the past months as two rival gangs fight for control of lucrative drug smuggling routes.
So far, more than 50 people have been killed in Colón, a city of 40,000 inhabitants, so far this year.
The port city, on the north entrance to the Panama canal, is a transit point for cocaine smuggled from South America through Panama to Europe.
The shooting happened on Sunday afternoon local time.
Two gunmen forced a taxi driver to take them to a building in the city’s Barrio Norte neighbourhood and opened fire on the group gathered there.
The gunmen fled the scene.
Gilberto Hernández had made his debut in the Panamanian national side in March this year in a match against Guatemala.
The player’s father urged the youth of Colón “to stop the violence”, and called on the authorities to “launch projects to save the youth from this violence”.
He also asked the killers to hand themselves in: “Don’t cause more harm.”
Panama’s football federation and Gilberto Hernández’s club expressed their condolences to his family.
Source: BBC.com
The Government of Ghana has expressed profound sadness over the passing of His Majesty Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II, King of Dagbon.
In a statement issued on Monday, President John Dramani Mahama, on behalf of the Government, extended his deepest condolences to the Royal Family, the people of Dagbon, and the entire nation.
“The Government of Ghana has received with profound sadness the news of the passing of His Majesty Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II,” the statement said.
President Mahama described the late King as a distinguished traditional ruler whose reign was defined by healing, reconciliation, and lasting peace in Dagbon following years of conflict.
The statement noted that His Majesty’s “unwavering commitment to unity, stability, and the welfare of his people created an enabling environment for development”and strengthened the partnership between traditional authorities and Government in advancing progress across Dagbon and Ghana.
The Government paid tribute to the life and legacy of Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II, and honoured his invaluable service to the nation.
“May his wisdom, leadership, and dedication to peace continue to inspire future generations. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” the statement concluded.
The passing of Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II marks the end of an era for Dagbon, which saw significant strides in unity and development under his leadership.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Hohoe Municipality Command, has conducted fire safety inspections and public education at selected fuel filling stations within the municipality.
The exercise, held from July 3, 2026 to July 5, 2025 was led by the Municipal Commander, DO III Bismark Hosu-Porbley.
During the inspection, the team assessed the fire safety preparedness of the facilities. Staff were also educated on fire prevention, emergency response procedures, and the proper use of firefighting equipment.
Management of the affected fuel stations expressed appreciation for the exercise and pledged to comply with the recommended safety measures.
The GNFS said the exercise reaffirms its commitment to continuous fire safety awareness and risk reduction to safeguard lives and property.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
