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North Korea threatens reprisals as South tries to uphold peace

The sister of North Korea’s leader has warned of retaliatory measures against South Korea that could involve the military, in the latest escalation of tensions over North Korean defectors who have been sending back propaganda and food.

The threat comes as Seoul said on Sunday that Pyongyang should honour past agreements signed between the two countries.

“The South and the North should try to honour all inter-Korean agreements reached,” South Korea’s reunification ministry said in a statement. “The government is taking the current situation seriously.”

On Saturday, Kim Yo Jong, who serves unofficially as one of Kim Jong Un’s top aides, was quoted by state news agency KCNA as saying that the North “will soon take its next action”.

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“By exercising my power authorised by the Supreme Leader, our Party and the state, I gave an instruction to the … department in charge of the affairs with [the] enemy to decisively carry out the next action,” Kim said.

“I feel it is high time to surely break with the South Korean authorities. We will soon take a next action.”

Her statement, which did not say what the next action could be, came days after South Korea took legal action against defectors who have been sending material such as rice and anti-North leaflets, usually by balloon, over the heavily fortified border or in bottles by sea.

North Korea said it has been angered by the defectors and, to mark its displeasure, it has during the past week severed inter-Korean hotlines and is threatening to close a liaison office between the two governments.

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As part of the effort to improve ties with the North, South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s administration has sought to discourage the leaflet and rice campaigns, and defectors have complained of pressure to avoid criticism of North Korea.

Analysts say North Korea appears to be using the leaflet issue to increase pressure on South Korea amid stalled denuclearisation talks.

“The leaflets are an excuse or justification to raise the ante, manufacture a crisis, and bully Seoul to get what it wants,” said Duyeon Kim, a senior adviser at the International Crisis Group, a Belgium-based independent non-profit organisation.

Pyongyang feels betrayed and misled by Seoul’s prediction that the United States would lift some sanctions in exchange for North Korea closing its nuclear reactor site, and is upset that leaflets and US-South Korea military drills continue, Kim said.

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“They’re upset that Seoul has done nothing to change the environment and is again telling Seoul to stay out of its nuclear talks with Washington,” the analyst added.

SOURCE: NEWS AGENCIES

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 Avonsige: The intersection of fashion and culture

As I speak to Avonsige Ayinemi Augustina, the visionary CEO and Creative Director of AVONSIGE, she passionately shares her journey with me.

Her voice carries both confidence and warmth, mirroring the essence of her designs yet deeply rooted in culture.

“Fashion for me, is more than just clothing,” she told me. “It is a language, a way of express­ing identity, and a bridge that connects our past, present, and future. Every piece I create tells a story, and that story begins with Ghana.”

Her love affair with fashion began as a teen­ager when she was captivated by an avant-garde show that left an indelible mark on her creative spirit.

“I knew then that I wanted to design unforget­table pieces of garments that leave an impact long after they are worn,” she added.

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Encouraged by her supportive parents, she pursued visual arts and textiles, laying the foundation for AVONSIGE, a brand that has since become synonymous with elegance, cultural appreciation, and innovation.

She explains that, AVONSIGE is not just about garments, but rather a gate­way into Ghanaian culture, with a signature aesthetic that merges pristine whites with rich in­digenous textiles.

Again, she said that people have to see Ghanaian smock and kente, fabric and wear them with pride, knowing that each weave carries centuries of history.

She beams as she described her mission of creating a safe space to un­derstand and appreciate the Ghanaian lifestyle and traditions as the country celebrate Ghanaian heritage month.

Fashion should be a conversation starter, a way to carry our history with us. When you wear AVONSIGE, you are not just wearing fabric; you are wearing the soul of Ghana.”

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She paused, then added, “To know our attire is to know our worth.”

Avonsige takes immense pride in sourcing authentic fabrics from the Upper East Region of Ghana. “Our styles and textiles are deeply rooted in the craftsmanship of northern Ghana,” she told me. “From the intricate handwoven smocks to the vibrant kente, each fabric carries the legacy of our ancestors, and we ensure that authenticity is preserved in every piece,” she indicated.

Avonsige’s passion for sto­rytelling is evident in every project she undertakes. “I wanted to push beyond the runway,” she said, eyes alight with excitement.

Her commitment to preserv­ing Ghanaian narratives through fashion is unwavering. “Every stitch, every pattern has meaning,” she noted. “That’s the beauty of our craft – it is a living, breathing testament to who we are.”

Beyond luxury and aesthetics, AVONSIGE is deeply rooted in philanthropy. “Fashion should not only inspire but also uplift,” she tells me. Through her annual initiative, AVONSIGE Runway for a Cause, she recreated original designs into Christmas outfits for orphans and underprivileged children in northern Ghana.

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“This is some­thing very close to my heart,” she said with a softening voice. “It is my way of giving back, of ensuring that every child feels valued and beautiful.”

As our conversa­tion draws to a close, Avonsige leaves me with a profound thought: “Fashion is not just about what we wear – it is about the stories we carry, the heritage we embrace, and the future we envision.”

Through her passion, creativity, and unwaver­ing dedication, Avonsige Ayinemi Augustina has turned AVONSIGE into more than just a brand. It is a movement, a celebration of culture, ele­gance, and purpose.

Join her on this extraordinary journey where fashion is more than a trend, it is a lifestyle, a cultural bridge, and a force for change.

 By Geoffrey Buta

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 Who wears the crown? …as 13 contestants mount stage in 2025 Miss Ghana Beauty Pageant tonight

 Thirteen young and vibrant ladies se­lected across the regions of Ghana will vie for the prestigious 2025 Miss Ghana Beauty Pageant crown as the event is held today at the Avenue Event Center in Accra.

Each contestant will rep¬resent their respective re­gions as they compete for the prestigious crown.

The contestants have gone through the weekly tasks ahead of the highly anticipated grand finale.

According to the organ­isers, this year’s winner will not only represent Ghana on the global stage at Miss World but also lead charita­ble initiatives under the Miss Ghana Foun­dation, focusing on support¬ing vulnerable com­munities.

Below are briefs about the contes­tants.

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Deborah Fidelia Naa Ayeley, is a 25- year old Christian and hails from the Greater Accra Region. She loves watching movies, reading, listening to music and volunteering.

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Priscilla Ayeley Kwablah 23, is a Christian
who loves reading and listening to
music representing the Western North
Region of Ghana.
She believes every lady should be
determined and have the zeal to attain
every height in life.

Thelma is a 22-year old spoken word artist
and a student of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
She hails from the Upper West Region of Ghana.
Her hobbies are reading and writing and
listening to good music.
The Miss Ghana project has always been a
dream she harboured since she was a little
girl but growing up, she realised it is not
just about the crown, the glitter and the
sash.
She now sees the crown as a symbol of
change in the lives of not only the ladies
participating but also a change in the lives
of the marginalised group of people in the
country.

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Theresa Weyerane Adiali, 28, is a journalist with the Media Foundation for West Africa as an Investigative Journalism Fellow with a background in communication, and a passion for impactful storytelling.
Theresa has been a force in driving change for the marginalised communities
through humanitarian work with
UNICEF Ghana, and as a radio and TV news broadcaster.
Theresa envisions Miss Ghana as a platform to empower rural women and children in climate displaced communities in Ghana.

Jutta Ama Pokuah Addo is a 20-yearold
Christian from the Central Region
who loves golf and painting.
She is a dual student at the University
of Professional Studies, Accra and Wisconsin International University.
She sees herself as a young woman
with a bold spirit with a bright future
ahead of her.

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