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Had I helped the NDC, I would’ve been rewarded – Ahenkorah defends controversy
Carlos Kingsley Ahenkorah, the Member of Parliament for Tema West and former Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, has addressed the controversial ballot-snatching incident that occurred in 2021 during the election of the Speaker of Parliament. In an exclusive interview with UTV monitored by MyNewsGH, Ahenkorah defended his actions, citing a lack of recognition for […]
The post Had I helped the NDC, I would’ve been rewarded – Ahenkorah defends controversy appeared first on MyNewsGh.
I saved a quiet little boy’s life with four words – I dread to think what might have happened if I’d never noticed him
AS THE little boy wrapped his arms around her waist, Flaviane Carvalho felt a wave of happiness and relief.
It was her second time meeting the young lad and, just three months later, the change in him was enormous.
Flaviane Carvalho, 46, could hardly believe this was the same quiet boy whose life she had saved thanks to just four words.
It had been New Year’s Day and Flaviane had bee called into work at the restaurant she was managing.
Flaviane had been working at Mrs Potato in Florida for two years and was happy to help out, but little did she know she was about to save a young boy’s life.
It was 2pm by the time Flaviane arrived and the restaurant was already packed.
She remembers: “Everyone was in a celebratory mood and the hours sped by. Before I knew it, it was 10.30pm, just half an hour before closing time.”
It was then that the restaurant door opened and a family walked in.
“I’d never seen the couple or their son before but they stuck out because not many parents took their children for dinner so late in the evening,” Flaviane says.
And there was something else that was odd.
“The man and woman were wearing short sleeves, while the little boy was covered up in a long-sleeved hoodie and trousers,” she says.
“And while the adults ordered food for themselves and chatted, the little boy, who looked as if he was about ten or 11, sat silently.
“I kept my eye on him and started to feel concerned.
“He wasn’t eating anything and he was so quiet.
“I just knew something wasn’t right so I came up with an excuse to go over.”
Flaviane approached the table and asked the couple if there was anything wrong with the child’s food.
The man then told her that the boy would eat at home instead.
“I thought, What kind of couple take their child to a restaurant and don’t let him eat?” she says.
“Then I noticed bruising and a scratch on the boy’s face and alarm bells went off in my head.
“Thinking on my feet, I moved behind the parents so that they couldn’t see me, and I caught the boy’s eye.
“I mouthed: ‘Are you OK?’ At first, he nodded.
“But I wasn’t convinced so, quick as a flash, I wrote a note on a piece of paper.”
Flaviane wrote the words ‘do you need help?’ on the paper, holding it up so that only the boy could see it.
“He nodded and gestured with his hands telling me that he didn’t know what to do,” she remembers.
“It was clear to me he was being mistreated.”
Moving discreetly so as not to arouse suspicion, Flaviane called the police and then quietly asked the waitress to slow down the service to the family to allow officers to get there.
Ten minutes later the police arrived.
“Everything happened very quickly,” Flaviane remembers.
“The man was arrested while the woman was allowed to go and the boy was taken to hospital.
“I didn’t know what had happened to him but I just hoped he was all right.”
People called me a hero but I didn’t feel that way. I just did what I believed anyone would have done.
Flaviane Carvalho
A few days later, the police called the restaurant manager to the station to make a statement.
“It was then I learnt the awful truth,” she says.
“An officer told me that the boy was being tortured by his stepfather.”
Thanks to Flaviane alerting the police the stepdad, Timothy Lee Wilson, was charged with multiple counts of aggravated child abuse and neglect.
The boy confided in detectives that he’d been beaten with a wooden broom, hung upside down from a door, and deprived of food as punishment.
His mother, Kristen Swann, was also charged with child neglect after admitting she knew about the abuse but failed to seek help.
“I was so shocked,” Flaviane says, “How could anyone do that to a child?
“The officer told her that she had saved the boy’s life.”
‘In tears’
Soon after, the story hit the local news, including the part Flaviane had played, and it quickly went global.
“People called me a hero but I didn’t feel that way,” she says.
“I just did what I believed anyone would have done.
“But I soon realised that wasn’t the case.”
In the weeks that followed, Flaviane received dozens of letters from around the world from as far afield as Japan, Germany and Brazil.
When I was a child in danger, I didn’t have a Flaviane to help me out. Thank you for what you did, one read.
“I was in tears reading them,” she admits.
“There were so many people in the same situation as the little boy, but no one had done anything.
“It broke my heart.
“My family were very proud of me but they all said the same thing.
“‘We wouldn’t have expected anything different from you.’”
At work, her colleagues started a GoFundMe page and donations hit £50,000.
HOW TO REPORT CHILD ABUSE
Child abuse includes physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and neglect.
You can read more about the signs of child abuse.You don’t need to be sure that a child or young person has been abused – it’s OK to report a suspicion.
If you’re worried that a child or young person is at risk or is being abused contact the children’s social care team at their local council.
You’ll be asked for your details, but you can choose not to share them.
Call 999 if the child is at immediate risk.
If it’s not an emergency, you can report the crime online or call 101.
Calls to 999 or 101 are free.
Source: Gov.uk
“Of course, I’d never expected any reward but I was so grateful for the support as I was the only one in my family who’d worked during the pandemic,” she says.
“I put part of the money towards my daughters’ education and donated some to charity.”
Three months later Flaviane received a call from social services asking if she would like to meet the boy she’d saved.
“I told them it would be an honour and took my family along as well as some gifts,” she says.
“I wasn’t sure how things would go but the moment the boy saw me, he wrapped his arms around me and gave me a hug.
“I asked if he was OK and he told me that his scars had gone and he had a smile on his face again, he thanked me for everything.”
In time, Timothy Lee Wilson, 36, appeared in court charged with two counts of false imprisonment of a child under the age of 13, three counts of aggravated child abuse with a weapon, four counts of aggravated child abuse, and one count of child neglect.
He pleaded not guilty.
Neither of them will ever be able to hurt that little boy again.
Flaviane Carvalho
The court was told harrowing details of the abuse. The little boy was denied food and water, made to do military-style exercises, hung upside down from a door by his neck and feet, and at one point, handcuffed to a dolly cart on Christmas Day.
They’d told him Santa had said he had to be punished.
“I gave evidence, it was nerve-wracking but I was determined to do it,” Flaviane says.
“Then, a few days later, I was at work when the police called and told me he had been found guilty on all ten counts.
“I was so relieved.”
Wilson has since been sentenced to life in prison while Kristen Swann was jailed for 364 days after accepting a plea on charges of aggravated child abuse and failure to report child abuse by a household member.
“Neither of them will ever be able to hurt that little boy again,” Flaviane says.
“I’m still in touch with him and he’s doing amazingly well. He’s being taken care of by a warm and loving family and he tells me he’s happy.
“I feel as though I was meant to save him that day. The police have told me that if I hadn’t intervened, they could have been looking at a murder investigation.
“So my message to everyone is this: Please don’t be afraid to help if someone’s in need — step forward to do something. It could save a life.”
Love Island All Stars fans convinced they already know who Elma Pazar will couple up with
LOVE Island All Stars viewers have tipped TOWIE babe Elma Pazar for a sizzling hot coupling.
The Essex lass first starred on the reality TV show’s standard instalment back in 2019, for what was its fifth series on ITV2.
Yet 31-year-old Elma is now hoping for another stab at romance in the second-ever All Stars spin off, starting on Monday.
And, with the full 2025 cast now revealed, savvy Love Island fans reckon they know who’ll she be cracking on with.
They have called out season two star Scott Thomas, 36, as her Mr Perfect.
One took to Instagram to remark of the eyelash technician: “Her and @scott.thomas will fall in love.
“Both happy, smiley, funny, out going people they are the perfect match.”
Another cheered: “Elma and Scott Thomas all the way.
“She will be great and I really want her with Scott Thomas they are both such down to earth people.”
It came after Elma posted her original six-year-old Love Island cast snap with her new All Stars image.
In her caption, she wrote: “How it started – how it’s going.”
Her friend or family member running her Instagram page during her time in the Cape Town compound then put: “We’re buzzing for Elma to be returning to the villa for a second chance at love.”
It came after we reported the “real’ reason Manchester lad Scott has signed up nine years after his previous stint.
VILLA BABE
Earlier this week, we told how Elma was in “final talks” for a spot on the show.
It came after she lasted just a week in the villa in 2019.
She later went on to find further fame after being cast in the ITVBe show The Only Way Is Essex, where viewers followed her on-off romance with show legend Diags.
Love Island All Stars 2025 official line-up
Love Island All Stars is returning to TV for season 2.
Here we take you through the line-up of Islanders’ who are set to go into the villa so far.
- Scott Thomas – season 2 (2016).
- Marcel Somerville – season 3 (2017).
- India Reynolds – season 2 (2017).
- Gabby Allen – season 3 (2017).
- Elma Pazar – season 5 (2019) – born in 1993.
- Curtis Pritchard – season 5 (2019).
- Kaz Crossley – season 5 (2019).
- Olivia Hawkins – season 10 (2023).
- Nas Majeed – season 6 (2020).
- Luca Bish – season 8 (2022).
- Catherine Agbaje – season 10 (2023).
- Ronnie Vint – season 11 (2024).
Bombshell rumours
Each series brings with it a string of hot single bombshells making their epic entrance into the villa.
Here’s who is rumoured to be going into the villa so far:
- Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu – season 8 (2022).
Since then, she has been at war with Diags and his new partner Jodie Wells with her villa stint likely to cause trouble for the pair who are understood to be on the rocks.
A source exclusively told The Sun: “Elma’s still in final talks for the show – she’s been chatting to ITV bosses for months about going on the show to find love as she hasn’t had much luck on Towie!
“The whole situation with Diags was a mess and she just wants to fly out to South Africa and meet someone new.”
The news of Elma’s villa stint comes just days after The Sun reported how her ex Diags and his partner Jodie had sparked split rumours last week.
I tested thermal mattress toppers – a bargain £5.50 buy kept me warm and cosy all night
AS freezing temperatures hit the UK it’s more important than ever to keep warm at night.
Fortunately there are now plenty of options to warm your bed which can keep you cosy, save on energy bills and help you get a good nights’ sleep.
I’m not talking about hot water bottles or the heavy electric blankets your grandmother used to inflict on you.
I’ve tested thermal mattress toppers to help keep you warm at night.
The winner cost just £5.50 and kept me cosy as temperatures plunged.
Egypto Thermal Fleece Underblanket
- £20.99
- Double
- amazon.co.uk
Machine washable: Yes
Lynsey says: “Ooh this is really soft and cozy. to sleep on.
“It’s made from synthetic sheepskin and seemed good quality considering it only costs just over £20.
“It was a bit of a tight fit on the mattress but once it was on it was lovely.
“The material was breathable so I didn’t overheat and it felt so nice to get into at night.
“It’s also hypoallergenic and resists dust mites, so its a great option for those with allergies or respiratory issues.
“A great way of saving money on energy bills.”
- Warmth: 8/10
- Value: 7/10
- Total: 15/20
Brentfords Teddy Fleece Fitted Sheet
- £5.50
- Double
- onlinehomeshop.com
Machine washable: Yes
Lynsey says: “I was surprised by how much cosier this made my bed feel. I didn’t want to get out of it!
“It was easy to put on, washed up perfect and SO very cosy to lie on.
“No wires or plugs like you need with the heated blankets, just cosy, soft joy. Everyone should get one.
“Even better it’s currently on offer at just £5.50 for a double. This is an absolute steal.”
- Warmth: 6/10
- Value: 10/10
- Total: 16/20
Silentnight Heat Genie Self Heating Mattress Topper
- £30
- direct.asda.com
Machine washable: Yes
Lynsey says: “No electricity needed for this one.
“It’s a topper made with a unique heat-reflecting foil combined with a thermal lining and deeply filled quilted top layer to add up to 7.5 tog of extra warmth to your bed.
“The foil lining reflects body heat back to the sleeper and retains warmth, keeping your bed cosy and warm without the need for electricity.
“Not only does this topper help you save money on your heating bills, it’s also deeply quilted and made with super soft fabric for added comfort.
“As it reflects body heat, I could feel that some parts of the mattress I wasn’t lying on were much cooler.
“The material itself was super soft and cosy, it felt very luxurious and is a decent topper in its own right.”
- Warmth: 8/10
- Value: 7/10
- Total: 15/20
How to save on your energy bills
SWITCHING energy providers can sound like a hassle - but fortunately it's pretty straight forward to change supplier - and save lots of cash.
Shop around – If you’re on an SVT deal you are likely throwing away up to £250 a year. Use a comparion site such as MoneySuperMarket.com, uSwitch or EnergyHelpline.com to see what deals are available to you.
The cheapest deals are usually found online and are fixed deals – meaning you’ll pay a fixed amount usually for 12 months.
Switch – When you’ve found one, all you have to do is contact the new supplier.
It helps to have the following information – which you can find on your bill – to hand to give the new supplier.
- Your postcode
- Name of your existing supplier
- Name of your existing deal and how much you payAn up-to-date meter reading
It will then notify your current supplier and begin the switch.
It should take no longer than three weeks to complete the switch and your supply won’t be interrupted in that time.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Gag-inducing vid shows dead unborn snakes spilled across road after bursting from exploded giant anaconda mother
WATCH this gruesome video of a pile of unborn baby snakes spilling across the road after erupting from a pregnant giant anaconda.
The grim footage shows an enormous anaconda split down her entire length with a slimy heap of dead miniature snakes oozing from her belly onto the tarmac.
The baby snakes all look well-formed and are over a foot long, suggesting they were almost ready to be born.
Although unsettling, the pattern formed by the snakes swirling around each other is mesmerising.
This effect is majorly disrupted by the guts and gore mixed amongst them, however.
The disgusting scene was the aftermath of the pregnant anaconda being run over by a car on the motorway, causing her belly to rupture.
The incident took place on the MT-338 motorway, in Porto dos Gauchos, central-west Brazil on Monday.
In the video the dead five-metre snake with its belly split open, thought to be a green anaconda, lies lifeless in the road in a puddle of around 40 of its offspring.
The snake was clearly heavily pregnant.
None of the baby snakes survived, with the video showing them lying lifelessl next to the corpse of their mother.
The scene was videoed by the friend of a fisherman and YouTuber named called Ederson Negri Antonioli, local media reports.
Antonioli told local media: “The video was made by a friend of mine, who came from Goias to go fishing with me.
“When he was returning, he came across this unusual scene and decided to record it to send to me.”
The green anaconda (Eunectes murinus) is one of the largest snakes in the world and can reach over eight metres in length and weigh up to 100 kg.
Most snakes lay eggs, but anacondas are viviparous meaning they give birth to live young.
Another giant snake in difficulty was spotted in Thailand last month after it ate an entire dog.
Video footage showed an enormous 20ft python squirming against the current in deep floodwater with a huge bloated belly bobbing up in the air.
The viral video showed the colossal snake swaying along the surface of muddy floodwater with litter and debris bobbing past.
There was a very large bulge along its body, but the huge head was submerged and out of sight.
Neighbours had noticed their chickens going missing, and the snake appeared to be the culprit.
It was even claimed that the snake had consumed an entire dog as its most recent meal.
When locals returned to the site a few days later, they saw the snake bobbing on the surface, apparently dead.
Meet Jude Bellingham’s rumoured new flame as Spanish pop star ‘spotted wearing England ace’s T-shirt’ and liking pics
JUDE BELLINGHAM has been romantically linked with a pop star by Spanish press.
The Real Madrid star’s performances have improved on the pitch, scoring seven league goals in eight games.
But his personal life has been subject to speculation in Spain after being linked with musician Aitana.
According to Madrid-based reporter Laura Roige, the pair could be dating after following each other on Instagram.
They are also said to have “liked” each others’ posts on the social media app.
That is despite Aitana being born in Barcelona and claiming to be a fan of the side.
Although she watched the El Clasico from Madrid and called it “home”.
But the performer – full name Aitana Ocana Morales – had been in Miami just before so she could have been referring to returning to Spain.
Bellingham played in the match but it ended in a disastrous defeat.
Spanish outlet ElDesmarque also pointed out that Aitana and Bellingham were both spotted wearing the same white Acne Studios T-shirt.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
Although they say it’s impossible to know whether it was Bellingham’s or just a coincidence.
Bellingham, 21, was linked with Dutch model Laura Celia Valk during the summer when England reached the Euro 2024 final.
But Laura herself recently confirmed to her followers that she is not in a relationship.
Bellingham has eight goals in 22 games this season with Madrid topping LaLiga – with rivals Atletico two points behind but with a game in hand.
