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Ukraine: Putin’s cousin among inner circle hit by new UK sanctions
The UK has announced its newest wave of sanctions targeting Vladimir Putin’s inner circle, including his cousin.
The Foreign Office said Anna Tsivileva, Putin’s cousin and president of a major mining firm, has been sanctioned.
Vladimir Potanin, Russia’s second richest man and key supporter of Putin’s regime, was also sanctioned on Wednesday due to the war in Ukraine.
The UK government said the sanctions were intended to “weaken the Russian war machine”.
The pair will be subject to asset freezes and travel bans.
Ms Tsivileva, who runs prominent Russian coal mining company JSC Kolmar Group, significantly benefitted from her relationship with the president, the Foreign Office said.
Oligarch Mr Potanin, owner of major conglomerate Interros, continues to amass wealth supporting Putin’s regime, according to the UK.
He has acquired Russian bank Rosbank and shares in Tinkoff Bank in the period since the invasion of Ukraine.
A UK government spokesperson said: “As long as Putin continues his abhorrent assault on Ukraine, we will use sanctions to weaken the Russian war machine.
“Today’s sanctions show that nothing and no one is off the table, including Putin’s inner circle.”
The sanctions are the latest as part of a series imposed by the UK on Russian individuals and companies.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, in Madrid for a Nato summit, told the BBC that Russia must be held to account for its actions.
Source: BBC
The member of parliament for Ketu North, Edem Agbana, has condemned alleged vote buying linked to Baba Jamal during recent political activities at Ayawaso East, describing the act as completely foreign to the values of the NDC.
During a discussion on Metro TV, Mr Agbana expressed concern about what he described as an open display of wealth during the event over the weekend.
He referred to videos circulating online which showed items such as television sets being distributed to people, stressing that such actions do not reflect the party he grew up to admire and join.
According to him, the NDC is built on core values of accountability, probity and transparency, and that explains why many party members have reacted strongly to the incident.
He indicated that the outrage within the party shows a clear rejection of vote buying and similar practices.
Mr.Agbana also disagreed with comments attributed to the Greater Accra Regional Minister suggesting that vote buying happens in every election.
He maintained that such a view does not represent the position of the NDC and should not be normalised under any circumstances.
He pointed out that immediately the reports and videos emerged, the party leadership took a firm stance against the alleged acts rather than trying to justify them.
He noted that the party was awaiting the release of an official report on the matter and expressed confidence that any recommendations would be fully implemented.
Mr.Agbana described the current leadership of the NDC as disciplined and principled, with a proven record of integrity.
He stressed that the party’s response to the issue shows that its reset agenda is not only directed at political opponents but also focused on internal discipline and self correction.
He further assured the public that the NDC will not protect any individual found culpable of vote buying. However, he added that anyone accused will be given a fair opportunity to respond, in line with the principles of natural justice.
Mr.Agbana concluded that the party remains committed to building a strong and resilient political organisation that upholds probity, transparency and accountability at all levels.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, says government has created an enabling environment for businesses and exporters to grow and thrive.
She made the remarks during a working visit to Kasapreko PLC, where she interacted with management and staff of the company.
According to the Minister, Ghana’s macroeconomic indicators have improved significantly, making it easier for businesses to plan and operate.
“When I became Minister, industry players were worried about the exchange rate and how it affected pricing and working capital. Today, that is no longer the case. The economy has done well, and the cedi has appreciated,” she said.
Ofosu-Adjare noted that government’s economic recovery efforts under President John Dramani Mahama have stabilised the business environment, a development she said is already reflecting positively in the operations of local industries.
She explained that her ministry has adopted a deliberate approach of engaging exporters regularly to understand their challenges and address them promptly.
One of such issues, she said, was the time frame for the repatriation of export proceeds, which has since been resolved to help businesses improve cash flow.
The Minister expressed excitement about Kasapreko’s expansion plans, stressing that government is not only focused on attracting foreign direct investment but also committed to supporting Ghanaian-owned businesses.
“My presence here shows that I am interested in local businesses expanding and taking their rightful place in the industry,” she said.
She added that local entrepreneurs invest in Ghana, live in the country, and contribute directly to national development, and therefore deserve strong government support.
Ofosu-Adjare assured Kasapreko PLC of government’s continued support to ensure its growth and sustainability.
She revealed that she would engage the Ghana Water Company to address water supply challenges facing the company.
Management of Kasapreko PLC welcomed the Minister’s visit and commended government for policies that have helped stabilise the economy and improve business confidence.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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