GE Aerospace, whose joint venture made the engines of the Boeing aeroplane that crashed in the deadliest aviation disaster on South Korean soil, joined the investigation as Seoul extended by a week special inspections of all 101 Boeing 737-800 jets.

The transport ministry extended to Jan. 10 its inspections following the crash of a Boeing 737-800 operated by Jeju Air that killed 179 people, Joo Jong-wan, the deputy transport minister for civil aviation, told a press briefing.

“Investigators are in the process of probing the cause of the accident by piecing together a puzzle,” Joo added.

The inspections had initially been set to wrap up on Friday, but another ministry official said further checks would look into matters such as whether airlines spent sufficient time on maintenance and secured parts for repairs. Video images on social media appear to show smoke emerging from the plane’s right engine in the lead-up to the crash.

Sunday’s flight from Bangkok to the southwestern county of Muan belly-landed and overshot the runway at the regional airport, exploding into flames after hitting an embankment. The ministry has said it would examine engines, maintenance records and landing gear on all 737-800s, with serious violations leading to suspension of an airline’s operations.

The plane’s engines are produced by GE Aerospace’s CFM International joint venture with Safran. A media representative for GE Aerospace did not immediately respond to Reuters’ emailed question about the investigation.

The addition of a GE representative takes to 23 the size of the investigation team, including 12 Korean investigators and U.S. representatives from Boeing and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

While the cause of the disaster is still unclear, the crash could add to headaches faced by Boeing as the planemaker battles to restore the trust of customers following two fatal 737 MAX crashes, a mid-air panel blowout, and a seven-week strike.

Unanswered questions include why the aircraft did not deploy its landing gear and what led the pilot to rush into a second attempt at landing after telling air traffic control the plane had suffered a bird strike and declaring an emergency.

South Korea’s investigation team said two of its members would leave for the United States with the flight data recorder recovered on Monday to analyse the critical data with the NTSB. Joo expected investigators to finish transcribing the cockpit voice recording from the doomed aircraft in the next several days, making a decision later on the disclosure of the transcript.

The ministry also held an emergency meeting with the chief executives of 11 airlines, including top-ranked Korean Air Lines and Asiana Airlines, to discuss ways to beef up aviation safety.

South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok urged investigators on Friday to work swiftly to collect evidence from the crash scene and analyse data from the cockpit voice recorder.

On Thursday, police said they were searching Jeju Air and the operator of Muan International Airport. They banned the airline’s chief executive, Kim E-bae, and an unidentified official from leaving the country.
Investigators also plan a special inspection of the location and materials of the airport landing system at airports elsewhere in South Korea by Jan. 8, 2025.

Safety experts said the embankment, designed to prop up the navigation system that helps pilots make safe descents, was too rigid and too close to the end of the runway. Investigators will analyse data on 107 mobile phones recovered from the crash site, including text messages, for clues to what happened before the crash, Yonhap News said.

Source: Reuters

• Traders at the Katamanto market in Accra are still reeling in pain over the ruins of the capital and goods following the fire outbreak
• The market was burnt to ashes at dawn on Thursday, January 2, 2024, despite efforts by the fire service
• A male trader at the market has appealed to Ghanaian businessman, Osei Kwame Despite, for support

A victim of the recent Katamanto market fire outbreak has made a passionate appeal to Ghanaian businessman, Osei Kwame Despite, for support.

Katamanto, Ghana’s biggest market for secondhand clothing, was ravaged by an inferno at dawn on Thursday, January 2, 2025.

Over 100 shops have reportedly been burnt to ashes, leaving many traders devastated and reeling in pain over the loss of their capital and goods.

A male trader, whose name has yet to be confirmed, said many lives and businesses have been lost due to last Thursday dawn’s inferno.

The middle-aged man pleaded with Ghanaian businessmen and the wealthy in society, particularly Osei Kwame Despite, to come to the aid of the traders, many of whom are women.

“What has happened to us is devastating and so I want to appeal to the wealthy people in Ghana, especially Dr Osei Kwame Despite to come to our aid,” he said.

Speaking in a video sighted by YEN.com.gh on social media, the male trader blamed the Ghana National Fire Service for the spread of the fire.

“If the fire service claims that they did a good job, I’m telling you on authority that they did not do anything. As at 2 AM when I was here, their cars were packed. No fire service person was fighting the fire from all angles of the market,” he alleged.

Osei Kwame Despite’s philanthropist work

Osei Kwame Despite is one of the richest men in Ghana, with many businesses to his name.

The Ghanaian business mogul is widely known for his charitable endeavours, helping the poor and needy, especially widows, in Ghana.

It, therefore, stands to reason why the Katamanto market victim would appeal to him for help.

He is also a prominent member of the East Legon Executive Club, a group comprising some of Ghana’s richest men.

Ghanaians react to the trader’s video

Some Ghanaians who chanced on the trader’s video on X shared their views on his loss.

@QuophiDreams said:

“The East Legon big boys fit help paa but lalai.”

@elorm990 also said:

“I feel their pain bro.”

“U can’t even ride a bicycle through kanta how much more their truck . We should stop casting blame . It has already happened.”

Bishop J.Y. Adu’s prophecy on Katamanto

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that the Katamanto fire outbreak confirmed a prophecy by Bishop J.Y. Adu.

The man of God reportedly predicted that the Katamanto market in Accra would be ravaged by fire in 2025 during his December 31, 2024 crossover service.

Following the unfortunate incident, the video of the prophet’s prophecy has resurfaced on social media.

The Tarkwa Circuit Court has sentenced a tiler to 22 years imprisonment with hard labour for defiling and impregnating a 12-year-old girl.  

Stephen Otu, 32, popularly known as Atta, pleaded guilty to the charge raised against him and begged the court to have mercy on him.  

However, the court presided over by Hathia Ama Manu, found Otu guilty and sentenced him accordingly to serve as a deterrent to others who might want to engage in similar acts.  

Chief Inspector of Police Abraham Ayitey, prosecuting, told the court that the complainant, a 38-year-old Pragia rider, was the father of the victim who was in primary six.  

He said the complainant, victim and the convict resided in the same area at Wassa Akropong in the Wassa Amenfi East Municipality of the Western Region.  

According to the prosecution, about two months ago, the convict met the victim in Wassa Akropong township and asked for her age, and the victim told him she was 12 years old.  

Chief Inspector Ayitey said in the process, the convict lured the victim into his room, assaulted her sexually, and gave her GH¢20.00 after the act, and warned her not to inform her parents.  

The court heard that Otu took advantage of the victim and on three different occasions he had sexual intercourse with the victim.  

The prosecution said on November 24, 2024, at about 1700 hours, the victim’s mother noticed she was pregnant, and asked the victim who was responsible, and she mentioned Otu as the one who had been having sex with her.  

He said a report was made to the police and the complainant was given a police medical form to take the victim to the hospital for treatment.  

Chief Inspector Ayitey said the medical form submitted to the police after the victim had been examined proved that she was two months pregnant. 

He said Otu was arrested and detained to assist investigations.  

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

The Eastern Regional Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), Peter Attah Gyamfi, has cautioned parents to prepare adequately for their children’s return to school if the government fails to settle outstanding debts owed to senior high schools.

Speaking on Koforidua-based Bryt FM on Tuesday, the CHASS chairman, who is also the headmaster of Pentecost Senior High School, stated: “There are two options: either you give your child enough food and money, or he or she stays home.”

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• Mohammed Kudus has revealed the spiritual practice he performs before every game at West Ham United
• The 24-year-old has been a beacon of hope in West Ham’s underwhelming season under manager Julen Lopetegui
• His blend of strength, creativity, and dazzling dribbling has made him a fan favourite, and he has even earned respect from rival fans

Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus has shared insights into the personal routine that fuels his performances at West Ham United.

The 24-year-old, known for his devotion to Islam, offered fans a glimpse into his pre-match preparations, revealing the spiritual practice that precedes every game.

Kudus speaks about his spiritual pre-game ritual

While adhering to the structured schedule outlined by West Ham, Kudus incorporates a personal ritual that reflects his faith.

Speaking about this practice, he explained:

“We have a team schedule that we follow, but I have to pray before every game, and I always get the time to do that,” he told WHUFC.

Read also

“Arab money”: Ghanaian footballer explains why a transfer to Saudi Arabia is necessary

For Kudus, prayer is an essential aspect of his routine. Whether playing at home or travelling for away fixtures, he ensures a quiet space is set aside to communicate with his Creator.

“I always get a quiet space in our stadium, and whenever we go to an away stadium, they always find a space for me. It’s important as it’s something I hold in high regard,” he added.

Kudus: The bright spot in a challenging season

Despite West Ham’s inconsistent performances under Julen Lopetegui, Kudus has emerged as a standout performer.

His displays have been a beacon of hope for the Hammers, showcasing his ability to thrive even in difficult circumstances.

A recent clash against Liverpool highlighted his impact. Though West Ham suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat, Kudus was a constant threat to the Reds, demonstrating his ability to create moments of brilliance.

Two of his efforts struck the post, denying him a goal that his dynamic display undoubtedly deserved.

Read also

Mohammed Kudus earns high praise from UK-based Ghanaian coach

What’s next for Mohammed Kudus?

According to Transfermarkt, the Black Stars forward has registered three goals and an assist in the Premier League so far this season.

As he continues to adapt to the rigours of English football, Kudus remains a pivotal figure for West Ham.

The team’s next challenge is against Manchester City on Saturday, January 4. He will undoubtedly aim to maintain his impressive form and inspire his side to a much-needed result.

His commitment to his faith, combined with his relentless work ethic and technical brilliance, has cemented his status as one of the league’s most intriguing talents.

Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching as he continues to make his mark in the Premier League.

Mohammed Kudus emerges as Europe’s best dribbler

Relatedly, YEN.com.gh reported that Mohammed .

Read also

Kudus: Video of Ghana star’s display vs Liverpool gets fans talking, “he’s too good”

A leading football statistics platform revealed that the Ghanaian maestro completed more successful dribbles than any other player, surpassing even Vinicius Junior.

Source: YEN.com.gh