Africa News from a Ghanaian Lens

Africa news covered from a Ghanaian lens: regional politics, economies, and the events shaping the continent. Curated from leading newsrooms and updated through the day, newest first.

Seven Dead in Asaman Tamfoe Mining Pit Collapse as Authorities Intensify Crackdown on Illegal Mining
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Seven Dead in Asaman Tamfoe Mining Pit Collapse as Authorities Intensify Crackdown on Illegal Mining

A devastating mining disaster has claimed at least seven lives in Asaman Tamfoe, located in the Atewa East District of the Eastern Region, highlighting the persistent dangers of illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana. The tragedy occurred late Saturday night, August 29, 2026, when a mining pit collapsed, trapping eleven miners beneath the rubble. While rescue teams have successfully recovered seven bodies, search efforts continue for four individuals who remain feared trapped deep within the earth. The incident reportedly began around 11:00 p.m., prompting an immediate and frantic response from local residents who formed a search and rescue team before alerting the Ghana Police Service and the National Ambulance Service. According to emergency responders, of the seven deceased recovered so far, five were identified as residents of Moseaso, while two hailed from the Asaman Tamfoe community. The disaster has cast a somber mood over the district as volunteers and professional rescue teams work against the clock to locate the remaining missing miners. While the Eastern Region mourns, security agencies have intensified enforcement actions against illegal mining operations elsewhere in the country. In the Savannah Region, a joint task force comprising the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations (NAIMOS), the Ghana Army’s Northern Command, and the Ghana Police Service conducted a multi-day sweep in Kpali from August 25 to 27. This operation resulted in the arrest of ten suspected illegal miners, including three foreign nationals, and the seizure of heavy machinery, including excavators and various weapons used to facilitate illegal activities. These recent developments underscore the complex challenge facing President John Mahama’s administration as it grapples with the human and environmental costs of galamsey. While security operations in Kpali revealed significant environmental degradation and led to the confiscation of mining equipment, the loss of life at Asaman Tamfoe serves as a grim reminder of the physical risks associated with unregulated mining. The suspects arrested in the Savannah Region have been handed over to the Regional Police for further investigation, as the government continues to navigate the balance between law enforcement and the prevention of future mining-related tragedies.

Ghana Immigration Service Rescues 662 Children, Apprehends 1,055 in Major Anti-Human Trafficking Operation Across Accra and Kumasi
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Ghana Immigration Service Rescues 662 Children, Apprehends 1,055 in Major Anti-Human Trafficking Operation Across Accra and Kumasi

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has launched a massive, intelligence-led operation to dismantle exploitative street begging networks and combat human trafficking across the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions. Executed in late August 2026, the crackdown targeted organized criminal syndicates that exploit vulnerable West African nationals, primarily women and children, for financial gain. The operation resulted in the apprehension of 1,055 individuals, revealing the significant scale of human trafficking rings operating within Ghana's major urban centers. Among those taken into custody were 662 children, 248 women, and 145 men, the vast majority of whom are believed to be victims of forced labor and organized exploitation. The sweep focused on known hotspots, including Abossey Okai, Sabon Zongo, and Madina in Accra, as well as the Asawase and Alabar neighborhoods in Kumasi. In a notable humanitarian rescue during the operation, a Nigerien woman who went into labor was immediately transferred by GIS officers to a medical facility, where she received urgent care. The GIS emphasized that this operation was specifically designed to identify and protect victims while disrupting the logistics of traffickers who profit from street begging. In addition to foreign nationals, the service reported the arrest of several Ghanaian nationals suspected of collaborating with these networks to facilitate the entry and exploitation of vulnerable persons. The service is now working closely with the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection to ensure that the rescued individuals, particularly the large number of minors, receive appropriate psychological and social support before further immigration procedures are finalized. In the wake of the operation, the Comptroller General of Immigration has issued a strong advisory to the public, urging citizens to stop giving direct financial aid to migrant beggars. Authorities argue that while such acts are often motivated by compassion, direct alms-giving inadvertently fuels the business model of traffickers and encourages the continued exploitation of children. By shifting support toward authorized charitable channels and government-led protection services, the GIS aims to permanently dismantle the financial incentives that keep these trafficking rings operational.

President Mahama Champions Sustainable Financing for African Peace and Security at Luanda AU Summit
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President Mahama Champions Sustainable Financing for African Peace and Security at Luanda AU Summit

President John Dramani Mahama has called for a decisive shift toward sustainable, African-owned financing for the continent's peace and security initiatives. Speaking at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly in Luanda, Angola, President Mahama emphasized that the complex nature of modern conflicts requires predictable resources and early action. He strongly endorsed the operationalization of the African Union Peace Fund, advocating for the urgent implementation of resource mobilization strategies to reach its $1 billion target. To achieve this, the President highlighted the importance of the 0.2% import levy and encouraged the mobilization of funds from African financial institutions and the private sector to reduce reliance on external partners. During the summit, President Mahama welcomed the UN Security Council Resolution 2719 of 2023, which provides a framework for financing AU-led peace operations through UN-assessed contributions. He argued that while international support is vital, African ownership and accountability are the cornerstones of lasting peace. This sentiment was echoed by AU Chairperson and Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye, who stressed that sustainable funding is the only way to ensure the continent can implement its own security solutions. President Mahama further endorsed the Luanda Action Plan, a strategic framework prioritizing early warning systems and preventative diplomacy to address grievances before they escalate into open conflict. Expanding on the thematic causes of instability, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, urged African leaders to confront the root drivers of extremism, including youth unemployment, corruption, and resource exploitation. Addressing the AU Executive Council, Ablakwa noted that Africa is "running out of time" and must shift priorities from funding conflict to creating meaningful economic opportunities for its growing youth population. He argued that the migration of young Africans in search of better lives abroad is a direct symptom of the failure to provide security and jobs at home. Additionally, President Mahama touched on the historical context of African security, referencing the recent UN resolution on reparations for the enslavement of Africans and reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to hosting the Next Steps Conference in Accra. President Mahama has since returned to Accra to resume his official duties following the conclusion of the summit. He was accompanied to Luanda by a high-level delegation, including the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations), and Colonel Larry Gbevlo-Lartey (Rtd.), Ghana’s Special Envoy to the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The President’s return marks the beginning of a renewed domestic and regional push to integrate conflict prevention within broader development agendas, ensuring that peacebuilding efforts are coupled with tangible economic growth.

Rev. Stephen Wengam Urges Spiritual Renewal Among African Pastors Amid Growing Calls for Church-Led Social Action
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Rev. Stephen Wengam Urges Spiritual Renewal Among African Pastors Amid Growing Calls for Church-Led Social Action

Rev. Stephen Yenusom Wengam, the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, has issued a stern warning to African Christian leaders against the encroaching influences of materialism, carnality, and complacency. Speaking at the National Pastors’ Conference of the Ethiopia Assemblies of God in Addis Ababa, Wengam emphasized that these "worldly interests" threaten to undermine the integrity of the Christian faith and the image of the Church across the continent. The conference, themed "Fresh Revival to Pursue the Great Commission," served as a rallying point for leaders, including Rev. Dominic Yeo, Global Chairman of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship, to recommit to the foundational tenets of their movement. During his keynote address, Rev. Wengam advocated for a return to the deep spirituality and prayer-centric roots established during the historic Azusa Street Revival. He argued that effective evangelism in Africa is contingent upon a sustained commitment to church planting and a rejection of superficial markers of success. This message was warmly received by local leaders, with Rev. Ayansa Obsi, the General Superintendent of the Ethiopia Assemblies of God, praising the impactful nature of the delivery. The visit also fostered cultural ties, as Wengam presented Ghanaian traditional items and souvenirs to the Ethiopian Executive Presbytery, highlighting the importance of intra-continental cooperation among religious bodies. This call for spiritual vigilance coincides with significant developments in Ghana where religious institutions are being leveraged for social and infrastructure projects. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP Presidential Candidate, recently commissioned the newly constructed St. Jude's Catholic Church in New Weija, Accra. The project, born out of a commitment to the Lepers Aid Centre and Rev. Fr. Andrew Campbell, includes modern amenities designed to support cured lepers at the Weija Leprosarium. This intersection of faith and social welfare underscores the dual role of religious leadership as both a moral compass and a catalyst for tangible community development. Beyond infrastructure, security officials are also looking toward the pulpit to address rising social challenges such as youth delinquency. Deputy Director of Prisons (DDP) James B. Mwinyelle has urged religious organizations to collaborate more closely with security agencies in educating youth about crime prevention. Commending the Kristo Asafo Mission for its philanthropic efforts, Mwinyelle noted that spiritual guidance must be paired with proactive community engagement to reduce incarceration rates. Collectively, these events reflect a broader trend across Africa where the Church is being challenged to move beyond ritual to focus on holistic impact—ranging from internal spiritual reform to external social justice and public safety efforts.

Ghana Immigration Service and Nigerian Police Intensify Law Enforcement and Social Welfare Actions
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Ghana Immigration Service and Nigerian Police Intensify Law Enforcement and Social Welfare Actions

Law enforcement agencies across West Africa have recently stepped up operations to address social order and human rights violations. In Ghana, the Immigration Service (GIS) has launched a significant operation to manage undocumented migration and street begging in the capital, while in Nigeria, police have intervened in a severe case of domestic abuse involving a minor. These separate but significant actions highlight a regional push toward stricter adherence to legal frameworks and the protection of vulnerable populations. The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has notably ramped up initiatives aimed at clearing undocumented immigrants and beggars from the streets of Accra and other urban centers. This enforcement drive gained public attention following a viral video released on August 29, 2026, which showed immigration officers utilizing patrol buses to systematically identify and apprehend individuals in various locations. The GIS has indicated that these efforts are part of a broader strategy to manage national security and urban decongestion, ensuring that foreign nationals within Ghana’s borders are properly documented and compliant with residency regulations. Simultaneously, in Nigeria, law enforcement has taken decisive action against domestic violence following a harrowing incident involving a two-year-old girl. A local man was arrested after allegedly inflicting severe injuries on his daughter by flogging her with wire as punishment for failing to greet him properly following morning prayers. The case came to light through the intervention of the child’s mother and filmmaker Stanley Ontop, a human rights activist who assisted in alerting the authorities. The Nigerian police are currently investigating the matter as part of an effort to crack down on child abuse. These developments reflect a multifaceted approach to governance and social welfare in the region. While the GIS focuses on the systemic challenges of illegal migration and public order, the Nigerian case underscores the critical importance of individual rights and the protection of children from extreme disciplinary measures. As both nations continue to navigate these complex social issues, the role of digital media and community activism remains a powerful catalyst for state intervention and legal accountability in West Africa.

Some train passengers miss the famous yellow minibuses that clog Kinshasas streets. By Hardy_Bope (AFP/File)
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Kinshasa Restores Urban Train Service After 15-Year Hiatus to Tackle Chronic Traffic Congestion

Residents of Kinshasa, the sprawling capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, have welcomed the return of the city’s urban train service after a nearly 15-year suspension. The revival of the rail link, which connects the city center to the international airport, is a critical development for a metropolis of 17 million people known for its debilitating traffic gridlock. As the sky-blue carriages once again traverse the tracks, the service offers a glimmer of hope for commuters who have long struggled with unreliable and often dangerous transport alternatives. The resumed service is a centerpiece of the broader MetroKin project, an ambitious initiative designed to modernize urban mobility in one of Africa’s largest cities. Currently operating a daily round trip, the train provides a structured alternative to the chaotic flow of motorbikes and minibuses that dominate the capital's streets. Ticket prices have been set between 2,000 and 5,000 Congolese francs, catering to different passenger classes and ensuring the service remains accessible to a significant portion of the working population. While the return of the train has been met with enthusiasm, the experience is not without its challenges. Passengers have noted that the carriages, while functional, often become severely overcrowded and lack air conditioning—a significant discomfort in the tropical heat of Kinshasa. However, many residents argue that these inconveniences are a small price to pay for the relative speed and predictability of the rail service, which allows them to bypass the hours-long bottlenecks that typically characterize the commute from the airport. Looking ahead, the successful relaunch of this urban rail line serves as a foundational step for the Congolese government's infrastructure goals. By reintegrating rail into the city's transport fabric, authorities aim to reduce the carbon footprint of urban travel and improve the overall economic productivity of the capital. As the MetroKin project continues to evolve, the focus will likely shift toward increasing the frequency of trips and expanding the network to reach more underserved neighborhoods in the rapidly growing city.

Locals hit by the disaster still they are still waiting for the help promised by the authorities to materialise. By - (AFP)
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President Mamadi Doumbouya Visits Site of Deadly Guinea Landfill Collapse as Tensions Rise Over Rehousing Plans

Guinea's President Mamadi Doumbouya has conducted a high-profile visit to the Dar es Salam district, following a catastrophic landfill collapse that claimed the lives of at least 34 people. The tragedy occurred when a massive mound of garbage gave way, burying several homes beneath debris and waste. In addition to the fatalities, the disaster left 33 individuals injured, with six currently listed in serious condition, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis currently unfolding in the capital city’s residential outskirts. During his visit, President Doumbouya met with affected families who are grappling with the loss of loved ones and the total destruction of their property. However, the government’s subsequent safety measures have been met with significant local resistance. Residents expressed deep frustration over the lack of prior notice before authorities began demolishing at-risk homes in the vicinity. Furthermore, a proposed mass burial for the victims has sparked doubt and controversy among the bereaved, who are calling for more personalized and respectful interment processes and better communication from state officials. In an effort to address the long-term safety of the area, the Guinean government has committed to rehousing approximately 1,500 displaced families. Officials have also announced ambitious plans to decommission the hazardous dump site entirely and transform it into a public urban park. Despite these promises, local community leaders continue to demand greater consultation and transparency. They insist that the government must fulfill its pledges of comprehensive support and long-term housing security to prevent further marginalization of those already devastated by the disaster.

Cecil Ato Kwamena Dadzie Urges Brands to Prioritize Empathy and Human Judgment Following Accra Flood Crisis
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Cecil Ato Kwamena Dadzie Urges Brands to Prioritize Empathy and Human Judgment Following Accra Flood Crisis

Following the devastating floods in Accra, communications expert Cecil Ato Kwamena Dadzie has emphasized that brands must lead with empathy rather than visibility during periods of national crisis. As the disaster unfolded, social media platforms underwent a rapid transformation, shifting from entertainment hubs to vital lifelines for sharing life-saving information and locating missing relatives. However, the crisis also exposed a significant disconnect in corporate communications, as several organizations continued to push automated promotional content. This juxtaposition between human suffering and marketing noise highlights a growing need for brands to reassess their digital strategies when their audience is in distress. The core of the issue lies in the distinction between reflexive sympathy and genuine empathy. Dadzie argues that true empathy requires communicators to take a proactive step back to understand the emotional landscape and the lived reality of their audience before engaging. While social media algorithms are designed to maximize engagement and visibility, they lack the inherent human judgment required to navigate the sensitivities of a disaster. Organizations that fail to manually intervene in their automated posting schedules risk appearing tone-deaf, which can alienate communities and cause long-term damage to brand reputation. Beyond moral considerations, prioritizing compassion is increasingly viewed as a strategic necessity in today’s communication landscape. In an era where climate-related disasters and emergencies are becoming more frequent, the ability of a brand to provide meaningful support—or at least refrain from adding to the digital noise—is crucial for maintaining public trust. Effective crisis communication must focus on fostering a human connection, proving that an organization values its community more than mere engagement metrics. By choosing to prioritize the audience’s well-being over promotional reach, brands can build a resilient foundation of loyalty that persists long after the immediate crisis has passed.

Ghana’s High Commissioner Sabah Zita Benson Offers Repatriation Support to Musician Barosky in the UK
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Ghana’s High Commissioner Sabah Zita Benson Offers Repatriation Support to Musician Barosky in the UK

Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sabah Zita Benson, has held a formal meeting with Ghanaian musician Barosky following widespread concern over his welfare. The intervention comes after a video surfaced on social media showing the artist in a vulnerable state, reportedly living on the streets of Manchester. During the meeting, the High Commissioner expressed the government's commitment to the well-being of Ghanaians abroad and offered the musician a pathway back to his home country. The situation gained significant public attention after footage of Barosky sleeping rough in the UK circulated across various social media platforms, sparking a wave of sympathy and calls for official action. Barosky, who rose to fame in Ghana through several musical collaborations, had been residing in the Manchester area. The viral nature of the content prompted the High Commission to investigate the musician’s circumstances and establish direct contact to assess how best to support him. As part of the diplomatic mission's support package, High Commissioner Benson has officially offered to facilitate Barosky’s return to Ghana at no cost to him. This offer is contingent on the musician’s own desire to return home, emphasizing that the decision remains entirely his. The High Commissioner’s gesture aims to provide a stable solution for the artist, ensuring he has access to the support systems and family network available to him in Ghana. This intervention highlights the proactive role played by Ghana’s diplomatic missions in safeguarding the interests and dignity of citizens in the diaspora. While the musician’s next steps remain to be seen, the High Commission’s swift response has been widely praised by the public as a necessary act of compassion and state responsibility. The case serves as a reminder of the challenges some expatriates face and the importance of maintaining robust consular services for those who find themselves in distress far from home.

Participants in the launch of the Federation of Informal Sector Waste Workers Associations of Ghana
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Ghana Advances Sanitation Goals with Launch of Informal Waste Workers Union and New Leadership at Sanitopia CIC

Ghana’s sanitation and waste management landscape is undergoing a significant transformation with the launch of the nation’s first union for informal waste workers and the strategic appointment of new leadership to drive regional sanitation infrastructure. The Ministry of Local Government, in collaboration with the Green Africa Youth Organisation (GAYO), officially inaugurated the Federation of Informal Sector Waste Workers Associations of Ghana (FISWWAG). This landmark initiative, themed "From Informality to Inclusion," aims to provide a unified voice for thousands of workers who have long operated on the margins of the economy, ensuring their participation in policy decisions and the circular economy. The formation of FISWWAG is the result of five years of grassroots organizing by GAYO, which transitioned from a single waste picker cooperative into a nationwide federation representing leaders from all 16 regions. By recognizing the union as a lawful entity, the government acknowledges the vital role informal workers play in urban waste management. The federation seeks to improve working conditions, secure social protection, and facilitate direct engagement with municipalities and industry stakeholders. GAYO emphasized that this inclusion is critical for Ghana's broader environmental goals, particularly in fostering a sustainable and equitable circular economy. Parallel to these organizational shifts, Sanitopia CIC has accelerated its mission to improve public health across Africa by appointing Victoria A. Blackwood as its Global Ambassador. Ms. Blackwood, recognized for her background in health and organizational management, will lead efforts to raise awareness and foster partnerships essential for large-scale infrastructure projects. Richard Acheampong, Founder and Executive Director of Sanitopia CIC, noted that her appointment is a strategic move to enhance stakeholder engagement. The organization has already demonstrated its impact through a recent partnership with the Ghana Library Authority to establish a modern sanitation facility at a library in Accra. These developments signal a multi-front approach to Africa’s sanitation challenges, combining labor rights with infrastructure development. Sanitopia CIC has set an ambitious target to create 10,000 sanitation facilities across the continent by 2035, a goal that underscores the massive scale of investment required. As the Ministry of Local Government integrates informal workers into formal structures and private entities like Sanitopia drive physical development, the synergy between policy inclusion and public-private partnerships is expected to significantly enhance public health outcomes and environmental sustainability in Ghana and beyond.

A group of workers patching potholes near the Ho Mawuli Estates
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Volta Region Infrastructure Drive: Ho Commences GHc 3M Road Project as Ketu North Expands Water Access

Municipal assemblies across the Volta Region have launched significant infrastructure projects aimed at improving living standards and boosting local economic activity. In the regional capital, the Ho Municipal Assembly has begun a GHc 3 million project to repair numerous potholes across a 25-kilometer stretch of the city's road network. Overseen by the Department of Urban Roads and the Ghana Highway Authority, the initiative is slated for completion by September 2025. Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Stephen Adom emphasized that the road works are a critical component of the 'Oxygen City' branding and align with President John Mahama’s 24-Hour Economy initiative, which seeks to create an enabling environment for round-the-clock commercial operations. Beyond road repairs, the Ho Assembly is pursuing a broader urban renewal agenda to attract investors and improve public safety. MCE Stephen Adom revealed additional plans to install modern street lighting throughout the municipality by the end of the year. Furthermore, the local government intends to convert the Ho abattoir into a chicken processing factory, a move expected to stimulate the local agricultural value chain and provide sustainable employment. These projects are designed to enhance the municipality's aesthetic appeal and functional infrastructure, positioning Ho as a competitive hub for both residents and potential business partners. Simultaneously, the Ketu North Municipal Assembly has initiated a vital water intervention to address long-standing shortages in various rural communities. The Assembly has begun drilling 10 new boreholes to provide potable water, with current work progressing at sites including the community of Kasu. During a visit to the drilling operations, MCE Reverend Martin Amenaki reiterated the Assembly's commitment to responsive leadership and community welfare. Local residents expressed significant relief, noting that the new water sources would drastically improve sanitation and health outcomes for families who previously struggled to access clean drinking water. These collective efforts in Ho and Ketu North reflect a regional focus on addressing basic infrastructure deficits while preparing for larger economic shifts. Reverend Amenaki urged beneficiary communities in Ketu North to prioritize the sustainable maintenance of the new boreholes, while the Ho Assembly continues to monitor its 25-kilometer road project to ensure value for money. As these projects move toward completion, regional authorities expect a measurable improvement in both the ease of doing business and the general quality of life for citizens across the Volta Region.

Fish processors at Akwidaa called for support to sustain livelihoods with the implementation of the MPA
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Ghana’s Agricultural and Coastal Livelihoods Threatened by Bagré Dam Spillage, Sand-Winning, and New Marine Protections

Ghana’s rural and coastal communities are currently facing a complex array of challenges that threaten the country’s food security and local economies. From the imminent threat of transboundary flooding in the north to the environmental degradation of farmlands in the south and the implementation of new marine conservation laws in the west, residents are calling for urgent government intervention. These developments highlight a growing tension between environmental management and the immediate survival of farmers and fishers who form the backbone of the nation's primary sector. In the North East Region, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has triggered emergency response strategies as Burkina Faso’s national electricity company, SONABEL, officially began the 2026 spillway discharge at the Bagré Dam. On August 23, 2026, the dam’s spillway gates were opened when upstream water levels reached 234.79 metres. This annual event poses a significant risk to farmers along the White Volta, who are bracing for floods that could destroy immature crops. With the reservoir at over 92% capacity and the nearby Kompienga Dam already releasing water, NADMO is conducting water-level assessments and issuing safety warnings to downstream residents who depend on the fertile, yet high-risk, riverbank lands. Further south in the Shai Osudoku District of the Greater Accra Region, the agricultural sector faces a different kind of man-made crisis. Over 50 acres of vital farmland in Tsumkpo have been devastated by sand-winning activities, leading to the destruction of maize, groundnuts, pepper, and cassava crops. Residents report that deep excavations are not only ruining their livelihoods but also threatening the structural integrity of their homes. While some operators claim to hold permits, local authorities have disputed these permissions, prompting calls for a full investigation into illegal mining practices that are stripping the region of its productive soil. Simultaneously, the Western Region is navigating the transition toward Ghana’s first Marine Protected Area (MPA) at Cape Three Points. Spanning 703.86 square kilometres and affecting 21 coastal communities, the MPA aims to restore declining fish stocks and protect fragile marine ecosystems. However, the initiative has met with apprehension from local fishermen and fish processors who fear that new restrictions will lock them out of traditional fishing grounds. While the government intends to utilize designated zones to manage resources sustainably, community members are demanding clear education, infrastructure improvements, and alternative livelihood support to ensure that conservation does not come at the cost of human survival. These disparate issues across the country converge on a single theme: the need for balanced resource management. Whether dealing with the predictable but destructive flow of the Bagré Dam, the unregulated exploitation of sand in Shai Osudoku, or the long-term goals of marine conservation, the success of these interventions hinges on community involvement and robust state protection. As authorities move forward, the focus remains on whether the government can effectively protect the environment while simultaneously safeguarding the economic interests of the citizens who rely most directly on Ghana's natural resources.