AC Milan announced on Friday that Stefano Pioli has stepped down from his position as manager after a season marked by underwhelming performances.
Despite being 19-time Italian champions, the team will conclude the season in second place, trailing significantly behind champions Inter Milan.
Additionally, AC Milan’s campaigns in both the Champions League and domestic cups were lackluster.
“AC Milan extends heartfelt thanks to Stefano Pioli and his entire staff for leading the first team over the past five years, securing an unforgettable League title and re-establishing AC Milan’s consistent presence in the top European competition,” the club said.
“Stefano’s professionalism and human touch have significantly contributed to the growth of the squad, embodying the club’s core values from day one.”
Stefano Pioli, who guided the Rossoneri to their first Serie A title in over ten years in 2022, was appointed in 2019.
Despite being seven-time European champions, Milan exited the Champions League at the group stage and were eliminated from the Coppa Italia after reaching the quarterfinals.
Milan will play their last league match of the season against Salernitana on Saturday at home.
Real Madrid claimedthe top spot as the world’s most valuable football club in Forbes’ annual list released on Thursday.
They edged past Manchester United, Barcelona, Liverpool, and Manchester City in the rankings.
According to the business magazine, Madrid’s value stands at $6.6 billion, narrowly surpassing United’s $6.55 billion.
Despite facing financial challenges, Barcelona secured the third position with a value of $5.6 billion, exceeding Liverpool’s $5.37 billion.
This marks Madrid’s third consecutive year at the top and their eighth time leading the list in 11 years.
Forbes evaluates clubs based on their “enterprise value,” considering factors such as market value, debt, and liquid assets, with data sourced from Deloitte.
Madrid’s record-breaking revenue of $873 million in 2022-23, the highest among all clubs, was highlighted by Forbes.
This revenue was attributed to broadcasting, commercial deals, and matchday income.
The Forbes list features 30 teams, with 12 Premier League clubs making the cut.
Tottenham, Chelsea, and Arsenal also secured spots in the top 10. Atlético Madrid, representing LaLiga, ranked 13th with a value of $1.3 billion.
Real Madrid’s financial success has been fueled by their recent achievements in the Champions League, having won the tournament five times since 2014.
They are set to face Borussia Dortmund in this year’s final on June 1.
Despite challenges in broadcast rights markets for the Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1, Forbes noted that the average value of teams on the list has increased by 5.1% compared to the previous year,reaching $2.3 billion.
Pep Guardiola expressed considerable sympathy for Erik ten Hag following Manchester United’s worst Premier League season to date.
Heading into the FA Cup final, City are heavy favorites, having secured their fourth consecutive Premier League title.
In stark contrast, United recorded their lowest league finish since 1990 and ended the season with a negative goal difference.
The disastrous campaign is likely to cost Ten Hag his job. However, Guardiola acknowledged that United’s struggles were exacerbated by relentless injury problems, and he felt for their challenging situation.
“He has done many good things, I have huge respect for his job in the past and now at United I completely agree when I listen to him when he says they have not had a full squad this season and had a lot of injuries,” Guardiola told a press conference.
“I think this is the most important thing they have to think about because I am always focused that we have to be fit, fit, fit – otherwise we cannot use the players.
They had a lot of problems and when that happens the manager suffers a lot. The squad is really good but the problem is when you cannot use them. This is a big disadvantage.”
Guardiola said that United can never be counted out despite their problems and singled out Bruno Fernandes as their most influential player.
“The brilliant players they have up front, Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund. The influence of Bruno on that team is outstanding. His creativity is one of the best I have ever seen.”
Ten Hag has faced over 60 injuries this season, resulting in players being unavailable for more than 350 games combined. For the final, United will be without Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire.
In contrast, City have no injury concerns apart from Ederson, who wouldn’t have played regardless since Stefan Ortega is the first-choice goalkeeper for cup competitions.
City can make more history by becoming the first English side to win back-to-back doubles of the league title and FA Cup. Guardiola added:
“The history gives us a chance to do what hasn’t been done before, why not try it? Maybe it is an extra motivation for the players, I don’t speak about it but like I said to them, just to play to win.
No team had won four [titles] in a row, when they have not done back to back FA Cups it is becauseit is not easy. At the same time, what’s next? That is the mentality the big teams have to show, go for it with all they have.”
Andre Onanahas strongly backed underfire manager Erik ten Hag ahead of the FA Cup final clash with Manchester City.
Reports suggest that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have already decided to part ways with Ten Hag, regardless of the FA Cup outcome.
The Red Devils endured their worst finish in the Premier League era, leading to the decision to dismiss the Dutch coach.
“He’s a good guy, a good coach,” Onana told reporters ahead of the title decider. “Tactically he’s very good, and he showed it last season. I was not here last season and they got top four.
This season a lot of things happened. I’m not here to back him. He is big enough to back himself, but he is a really good guy, he is a positive coach and tactically he’s good.”
Ten Hag have frequently alluded to several injuries to key players throughout the season as a stumbling block to stringing together a consistent run of performances.
Onana believes that his argument has enough merit and added: “If [Ten Hag] had all his squad, it would probably be different.
This season is difficult for him, for us, for the club, for the fans because it is frustrating for the fans when they are coming away and how we are losing, it is difficult.”
Onana hopes to cap the season by lifting the FA Cup trophy on Saturday at Wembley, preventingManchester City from becoming the first English team to win consecutive domestic doubles after their Premier League triumph.
A victory would serve as a fitting send-off for Ten Hag, partially restoring his reputation before his departure.
Andre Onana hasresponded to losing his “best goalkeeper in the world” status, explaining how he plans to reclaim it.
The Manchester United star, who joined Old Trafford in the summer of 2023, arrived with a stellar reputation after helping Inter reach the Champions League final.
Known for his exceptional skills with both feet and hands, the 28-year-old was seen as one of the most complete goalkeepers in the game.
However, Onana faced a rocky start in English football, leading to scrutiny over his £48 million ($61m) transfer fee and his future with the club.
Despite the early struggles and criticism, he has managed to regain his form and is determined to return to the top of his game.
Onana has told BBC Sport of that quest, as he looks to prove himself deserving of a standing among the global elite: “I arrived as the best goalkeeper in the world and ‘boom’ it went down.
It was like ‘what happened?’ But that is how difficult football is sometimes. It depends if you want to stay down there or stand up and fight. I know what I did to arrive here. I know who I am. I decided to stand up and fight.”
United have been keeping Onana busy, facing a barrage of shots from Premier League rivals in a string of fixtures between March and April.
On average, they have faced at least 20 shots per game during this period.
Their last line of defence added on that workload: “I don’t mind facing 20 or 30 shots. I am very happy with what my team-mates are doing because a lot of them make sacrifices for the team.
It would be nice to have everyone back but what can we do? Hide? We are a big club. We have to go on the front foot and deal with difficulties. I am positive. I know things will get better. If not today, tomorrow.”
The Red Devils have a chance to salvage their disappointing 2023-24 season as they prepare for another FA Cup final appearance.
Erik ten Hag, whose future at the club is under scrutiny, is making plans for a showdown at Wembley against their arch-rivals Manchester City on Saturday.
Sevilla manager Quique Sanchez Flores has criticizedBarcelona for their treatmentof club “legends” like Xavi, Ronald Koeman, and Lionel Messi.
Barcelona announced Xavi’s dismissal on Friday, despite previously urging him to remain in his position, marking the latest twist in an embarrassing saga for the Catalan giants.
Xavi, who became a club legend by winning La Liga eight times and the Champions League four times as a player, also led the team to a La Liga title in 2022/23 and a second-place finish this season as a manager.
Koeman experienced a similar fate to Xavi. As Barcelona’s highest-scoring defender ever, the Dutchman won the Copa del Rey and secured a third-place finish in La Liga, only to be dismissed at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, Messi’s departure was equally poignant, as he left in tears to join Inter Miami in the United States.
Sanchez Flores told reporters: “I shouldn’t say this… but how badly Barcelona treats its legends. What a bad streak. It’s probably a bad streak, but what a bad streak. What a bad streak.
“With Koeman, with Messi, with Xavi now, how bad. I wish clubs treated their legends well, fantastically well. That would be fantastic. That is a legacy of connection from the managers to the fans. This connects a lot. Treating legends well.”
Barcelona areset to name former Germany manager Hansi Flick as Xavi’s successor. The official announcement is anticipated next week.
Barcelona have welcomed the news that allegations of bribery and payments to the referees’ committee will no longer be included in the ‘Negreira case‘.
The Catalan club had been accused of attempting to influence refereeing decisions after it was revealed that payments were made over several years to Jose María Enriquez Negreira, the former vice-president of the Technical Committee of Referees (CTA).
Barcelona has consistently denied these allegations, but a judge had initially ruled that the club would face bribery charges.
However, The Barcelona High Court has now overturned this decision, with the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office already opposing an investigation into alleged bribery by individuals who did not have the necessary public official status to commit such an offence.
A statement issued by the Liga giants on the club’s official website reads: “FCB is satisfied with today’s ruling by the Barcelona High Court insofar as it confirms the approach defended by the Club and rules out the hypothesis of the alleged crime of bribery.
We maintain our conviction that through the courts we will be able to definitively clarify the facts that are the subject of the complaint and prove the Club’s absolute innocence.”
In Catalunya, it is asserted that the payments in question were for technical and scouting reports on referees and players. Club president Joan Laporta has previously provided documentation to support this claim.
Despite presenting this evidence earlier, the Blaugrana have only now been officially cleared of the allegations.
EA Sports FC has unveiled an impressive video tribute bidding farewell to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, featuring fans and star player Virgil van Dijk.
Klopp left Anfield on a high note, leading the Reds to a 2-0 victory over Wolves on the final day of the Premier League season. With his departure, Arne Slot will be stepping in as his successor.
The heartfelt video showcases Liverpool supporters expressing their gratitude to the German coach, telling him he “made us dream,” with Virgil van Dijk prominently featured.
The touching narration is provided by rapper Loyle Carner, a devoted Liverpool fan who often performs in the team’s home kit.
The video showcases some of Klopp’s most memorable moments, from lifting the Premier League and Champions League trophies to his signature sprints down the touchline following a Liverpool goal.
The clip concludes with Klopp fist-pumping towards the Kop, seamlessly blending real-life footage with EAFC visuals.
Klopp plans to take a break, likely enjoying a well-deserved holiday, as Arne Slot steps in to fill his role.
The Dutchman faces a significant challenge, especially with the uncertain futures ofMohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez as the summer approaches.
Mohamed Salah unveils a bold new appearance as Liverpool enters the post-Jurgen Klopp era, appearing to have shaved his head.
The 31-year-old forward concludes his seventh season at Anfield with an additional 25 goals, bringing his total tally to 211 for the Premier League giants.
Maintaining his influential role, Salah is anticipated to remain with the Merseyside club for at least another year.
Former Zambian President Edgar Lungu has claimed he is “practically under house arrest,” alleging that police are plotting to detain him “for no reason.”
Lungu reported that police were preparing to arrest him at night from his home in Lusaka, the capital.
This development follows Lungu’s recent remarks suggesting a possible change in government before the 2026 general election.
According to local media, Police Chief Graphael Musamba indicated that Lungu would be summoned to clarify his statement.
Lungu, who announced his return to politics last October, had his retirement benefits revoked by the government. He retired from politics after losing the 2021 presidential election to Hakainde Hichilema.
Since then, he has accused the government of targeting him and his Patriotic Front (PF) party to thwart his political comeback.
Additionally, Lungu’s wife, former First Lady Esther Lungu, faces corruption charges related to theft of motor vehicles and title deeds, which she denies.
The government has refuted claims of targeting Lungu, urging him to allow his successor time to fulfill campaign promises.
On Wednesday, Lungu accused the state of subjecting him to various unconstitutional actions since he left office.
He claimed police were under instructions to “ambush me at night, abduct, embarrass, and forcefully detain me like a hardcore criminal”.
“As far as I am aware, I have not committed any crime that would warrant the government, through the police, to start scheming against me in this manner,” Mr Lungu added.
It remains uncertain whether police are still stationed at Lungu’s residence as of Thursday, and the police have not promptly responded to BBC’s requests for comment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsIlio1v_xI
However, the presidency has previously stated that it upholds human rights and does not meddle in police operations.
Attending a church service last Sunday, Mr Lungu warned of a regime change before the next election, saying “a baby can be born before nine months”.
Information Minister Cornelius Mweetwa said the government was “carefully studying” Mr Lungu’s remarks, terming them “hair-raising and startling”.
It comes a few days after the police warned that Mr Lungu risked being arrested and prosecuted for “engaging in activities that disrupt public order and safety”.
A crowd of people thronged around him as he walked around the streets of Lusaka two weeks ago, ostensibly to assess the reported high cost of doing business in the city.
In February, the former president asked citizens to call for an early election, accusing his successor of failing to manage the economy.
The former leader was last year warned against jogging in public, as police described his weekly workouts as “political activism”.
Meanwhile, a human rights body has called on the Zambian government to quash the conviction of an opposition official two weeks ago for apparently defaming the president.
Raphael Nakacinda, a senior PF official, was sentenced on 17 May for his 2021 remarks, alleging that President Hichilema had coerced judges into passing judgments favourable to him.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) said Nakacinda’s 18-month prison sentence would have “a broad chilling effect” on the right to freedom of expression in Zambia.
The Zambian government is yet to respond on the HRW statement.
Former WBC International titleholder Ayitey Powers has unveiled Ayitey Powers Promotions, a new venture dedicated to propelling Ghanaian boxers onto the global stage.
Powers, who also presides over the Voice of Ghana Professional Boxers, is passionate about helping local fighters achieve world title success.
The first event under this new promotion is scheduled for June 29, 2024, at the Bukom Boxing Arena.
Themed “Power of the Fist,” the event will showcase competitions for both national and West Africa titles.
This launch marks the beginning of what Powers hopes will be a regular series of bouts, aimed at keeping boxers active and in top form.
“We have a lot of talented boxers, and if I look at myself, I didn’t go to school but where boxing took me, it took me very far,” said Powers, a three-time national and West Africa champion.
“I want to help the up-and-coming boxers so that they can go further than I did,” he added.
Speaking to the media on May 23, 2024, Powers emphasized the need for consistent competition to hone the skills of Ghanaian boxers and prepare them for the world stage.
“They are professional boxers, so if there are no tournaments, I can promote them at least once every month or two to fight.
“I have to pay money for them to fight for a world title. If I couldn’t fight for a world title and I have the capacity to support others to reach there, why not?” he stated.
Powers called on the Ghanaian government to support this initiative to guarantee its success and longevity.
He is confident that with adequate backing, Ghanaian boxers can achieve international success and bring pride to the country.
Backing this effort is Game TV, with General Manager Goodfelow Dei Offei expressing the station’s dedication to revitalizing boxing in Ghana.
“Our view as a TV brand is to create a niche for sports and gaming. We decided to support some selected sports, and boxing was one of them,” Offei said.
Laryea Kingston’s growing reputation as a coach is being highlighted by the impressive performance of his Black Starlets team in the ongoingWAFU Zone B championship.
The team’s attractive style of play, coupled with videos showcasing Kingston’s passionate and intense half-time talks, has earned him widespread admiration among Ghanaians.
A recent video shows Kingston fervently delivering tactical instructions to his players during the half-time break of their match against Benin’s Under-17 team.
The video captures the former Black Stars winger pointing to a tactical board, explaining the deficiencies in their first-half performance and suggesting improvements for the second half.
In their match on Tuesday, May 21, the Black Starlets took the lead in the 19th minute with a goal from Mark Mensah.
Shortly after the second half began, Benin lost possession, and Theophilus Ayamga capitalized, extending the lead for the Black Starlets.
With this victory,Kingston’s team has secureda spot in the semi-finals, finishing at the top of their group with 6 points from 2 matches.
They are scheduled to face Burkina Faso in the semi-final on Saturday, May 25, 2024.
Starboy shining bright in Europe 🌟@WhoScored have selected Mo as their Player of the Tournament in this year's Europa League 👏 pic.twitter.com/9hQHQExgjN
Organized Labourhas called on Ghanaians to reassess the proposed flagship policy of the New Force Movement to dredge the sea to Kumasi in the Ashanti region.
They indicated that the policy, presented by the leader of the New Force Movement, has been seriously misconstrued, emphasising its practicality and potential benefits.
Speaking at a meeting between the New Force Movement and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Ghana, to present the 16 industrial policies of the Movement, the Secretary-General of the TUC, Dr. Anthony Yaw Baah, expressed support for political leaders whose policies can transform the country.
He highlighted that Organized Labour is prepared to back initiatives that promise significant developmental impacts.
“If you look at the river systems, when you dredge the Pra, Tano, Bia and the rest, it easily links to Cape Coast. And his point was that why should we use our roads to cut things?
We can actually use our river systems, once we dredge properly, the vessels can use it, and they can transport it from Accra to the North. “God has given us a huge river that we are not using because many people don’t really understand that policy.”
Nana Kwame Bediako, the leader and founder of the New Force Movement, outlined key points from the movement’s sixteen industrial policies plan to the TUC.
Addressing issues such as corruption, agriculture, education, health, and climate change, Bediako emphasized the need for a robust partnership with the TUC.
He highlighted the critical role of collaboration in the successful execution of these initiatives, stressing that such cooperation is vital for driving significant economic and social advancements in Ghana.
National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi has shockingly revealed details of how the Attorney General, Godfred Dame is scheming to jail the Minority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson at all cost.
According to Sammy Gyamfi, this emerged during the cross examination of the third accused person, Richard Jakpa during the continuation of the ambulance case today.
Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has made startling claims about Attorney General Godfred Dame’s alleged efforts to ensure the imprisonment of Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
Gyamfi asserted that these revelations came to light during the cross-examination of Richard Jakpa, the third accused, in the ongoing ambulance case.
Speaking to the press after the court session, Gyamfi detailed the Attorney General’s alleged attempts, including contacting Jakpa at odd hours, to secure testimony that could incriminate Dr. Ato Forson.
Speaking to the media moments after today’s court proceedings, Mr Gyamfi disclosed the overtures being made by the AG and the calls to the third accused person at odd hours all in an attempt to get incriminating testimony against the Minority Leader.
“…He[third accused] said this in open court and asked that it should be put on record and Her Ladyship directed that same should be captured by the record. So what we are talking about is something which is on record. We as a political party are totally scandalized and disgusted by this development.
“But we are not surprised because we have always known that this is the stock in trade of Godfred Yeboah Dame. This is not a man who is interested in Justice or the rule of Law. This is not a man who is an Attorney General and Minister For Justice.
This is a devious character with no honour whatsoever, no respect for justice, no respect for the rule of law and the rights of accused persons and who always goes about manipulating judicial processes to get his way at all cost and so we are not surprised that today, his sins have found him out. We are not surprised today that his cup is full, we are not surprised that today, his day of reckoning has come.”
Sammy Gyamfi added: “He has been doing this over and over again and we have had cause to lament this to the media and the good people of this country time and again. You have been asking for evidence, here is your evidence. Godfred Dame is not the Minister of Justice but Minister for Injustice. He is not interested in the rule of law, but interested in persecuting innocent people.
He is interested in bending the law to have his way at all cost, and if he can go to a witness and seek to influence the witness to coerce the witness to testify in a manner that will help him achieve his aim, then he is capable of talking to a Judge, a Registrar or any officer of thecourt to have his way.”
Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet)has announced its intention to launch a new application software designed to provide weather forecast information to the public.
Frustration often arises among Ghanaians when heavy rains lead to frequent flooding in various parts of the country.
According to the Head of Central Analysis and Forecast at GMet,Felicity Ahafianyo the upcoming app will offer Ghanaians the convenience of accessing weather updates regardless of their location.
This initiative aims to assist individuals in planning their daily activities effectively, taking into account prevailing weather conditions.
“Currently we are trying to come up with an app where every Ghanaian irrespective of where you find yourself you will be able to have access to information” she said during an interview with the media on May 23, 2024 amid the recent floods particularly in Accra and other regions.
She noted that the first app which was introduced was mainly to assist residents in the capital, Accra but the one which is yet to be launched will be for all irrespective of one’s region or location.
“The first pilot we did was my Accra Flooding App which is basically for Accra.
We are going to expand it to cover the entire country and then any other forecast will also be attached.
So that wherever you find yourself just like Google people are doing, we will also be doing similar things but with a higher accuracy rate” she added.
Earlier, on May 6, 2024, a storm wreaked havoc in parts of Accra, causing flooding and trees to collapse onto vehicles around the Airport Residential area.
On May 13, 2024, Kasoa and its surrounding areas were thrown into chaos as heavy rainfall led to severe traffic congestion and flooding.
The West Hills Mall Car Park near Weija along the Accra–Cape Coast Highway was submerged under floodwaters, while the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) office in Bortianor faced a similar fate.
In response to these challenges, the Ghana Hydrological Authority has unveiled plans to tackle the persistent flooding on the Mallam-Kasoa Highway.
The authority aims to construct storm drains along the road, with the project expected to be completed within 17 months.
Member of the National Peace Council (NPC), Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih, has advised the Electoral Commission (EC) against the abuse of their mandate as an independent entity to reject consultation and what he describes as “wisdom of our elders”.
He has urged the Commission to remain receptive to feedback as the country approaches December for its general elections.
He mentioned this during an engagement with the media highlighting the need for the EC to consider various perspectives to ensure the elections maintain transparency and fairness.
“Independent they are, yes. But that doesn’t stop them from listening to Ghanaians, listening to the wisdom of our elders, and so on and so forth.
They should not, under any circumstances, hide behind the independence to refuse to consult and listen,” Maulvi Mohammed Bin Salih stated.
He emphasised the importance of the EC considering diverse viewpoints to ensure the integrity of the upcoming December elections.
Bin Salih underscored that failure to do so might result in irreparable consequences, highlighting that history would not be forgiving if any challenges arise during the electoral process.
“If they put their act together and do it well, they can put Ghana together and they can place Ghana on a pedestal of peace and progress.
But if they don’t act well, they can also break Ghana and posterity will notforgive them if it so happens,” he added.
On Friday, July 5, 2024, Ghana’s Parliament members and staff will showcase their football talents in a ceremonial match against retired Black Stars players.
This game, a prelude to the Democracy Cup clash between Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak, will see Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin leading his team against a squad of retired Black Stars legends, captained by Stephen Appiah.
Announcing the match as part of Parliament’s 30th-anniversary celebrations, Speaker Bagbin encouraged Parliamentarians to actively participate in the anniversary events and to prepare for the game.
Bagbin also outlined the planned activities, noting that Parliament is partnering with Primeval Consult to commemorate the 1992 constitution’s enactment and the Fourth Republic’s Parliament successfully.
“Due to the commendable efforts of this parliament, a few partners and stakeholders have decided to support our work and have proposed the establishment of what they call the Democracy Cup, which will enhance the celebration of our 30th anniversary of the 1992 constitution and this parliament of the Fourth Republic,” said Bagbin.
“The inaugural event will take place on Friday, July 5, 2024, at the Accra Sports Stadium, featuring a match between Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak.”
The anniversary celebrations will feature a variety of activities, including a lecture on Parliament’s role in Ghana’s flourishing democracy, mock parliamentary sessions, debates, peace walks, and fun games.
On July 5, members of Parliament will face off against retired Black Stars playersin a football match.
Despite their triumph at the first Para African Games and advancement to the quarter-finals of the 2024 Amputee Africa Cup of Nations, the team has yet to receive their promised bonuses and support.
This situation has led to growing unrest within the team, currently in Cairo for the Amputee AFCON.
The team’s predicament came to light during a visit from Ghana’s Ambassador to Egypt, Lt. Gen. Obed Boamah Akwah (Rtd), who expressed his support and solidarity with the players ahead of their quarter-final match against Tanzania.
Representing President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo Addo, the Ambassador encouraged the team to concentrate on winning the final match, underscoring the importance of their success for the nation.
Team captain Richard Arthur Opentil conveyed gratitude to the Ambassador but also voiced concerns regarding the team’s conditions.
“Despite winning two trophies for Ghana, we are yet to be adequately compensated. This lack of support from the government has affected our motivation and our ability to perform at our best for Ghana,” he lamented.
The players cited the example of the Angolan team, which received envelopes with cash incentives, while they didn’t even have water to share.
“We are disappointed in the government,” Opentil said. “But we are motivated andwork to honor the President of the NPC Ghana and the African Paralympic Committee, Mr. Samson Deen, as he has provided all our needs with the support of the Amputee Football chairman, Mr. Foster Kwarteng.”
As the country gears towards the general elections come December, 2024, Mrs. Addy has issued a fervent plea for peaceful and nonviolent acts urging all Ghanaians to abstain from resorting to aggression and allowing themselves to be contracted by politicians to perpetuate violence for their selfish thirst for power.
Politicians who supply arms to people to cause havoc during elections according to Mrs Addy are proof that they disregard the well-being of its supporters hence the need to uphold peace and solidarity throughout the electoral process.
“Really, no politician, no political party, is worth one drop of your blood, not a drop. So please let us all sit back and take a deep breath. No one is worth it. Anybody who comes to you and say, here is a machete, here is a gun, you must know that they do not value your life.
“Because as for machetes and guns, anybody can get them. So, if somebody says that this is the role that you have to play in bringing me to power.
You must know that the person does not have your interest at heart. Their family members are not holding guns, running around, or misbehaving” she advised during an interview on JoyNews’ AM show on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
Encouraging open dialogue as a constructive approach to addressing any emerging challenges during the election period, Mrs. Addy highlighted its significance in fostering understanding and resolution.
Furthermore, she acknowledged the inevitability of encountering sporadic hotspots during such a pivotal time but emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to swiftly identify and mitigate potential areas of concern.
“It is unrealistic to think that you are going to go through the whole election season, and you will not have one or two hotspots or a couple of eruptions.
That is an unrealistic expectation. What you need to do is ensure you have a mechanism for addressing those issues when they come up, and that is not to say that all of it would be done and there would be nothing but a squeak; there would be some, but for these interventions, it would have been so much, so when issues come up, what we need to do is come together and find the mechanism for addressing the issue rather than saying at this point there is no coming back” she noted.
Some social media users have called for the apprehension of an individual depicted in a video pouring a bottle of Clase Azul Tequila onto a stack of fresh five cedi notes at a nightclub.
The video, shared by Twitter user @eddie_wrt on May 23, 2024, shows a man in a green two-piece outfit opening a tequila bottle allegedly valued at fifteen-thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS 15k).
He can be seen counting money into the hands of another individual in a white singlet while simultaneously pouring the tequila onto the money.
Another video shows a rich man happily washing some cedi notes with a Clase Azul tequila worth GHS15,000 at the club. pic.twitter.com/sShs7GiAM4
Some netizens believe this is a defaming of the Cedi notes hence the gentleman should be apprehended, while others have slammed him for washing ‘common’ five cedi notes with a drink worth more than the notes.
He needs to be arrested for doing that to the currency
Earlier this month, it was confirmed that Moyes would be departing West Ham once his contract concludes. Moyes, who has been pivotal in maintaining the club’s stability, will hand over the reins to Lopetegui.
The seasoned manager brings with him an impressive track record, including tenures at Real Madrid and the Spanish national team.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Lopetegui stated, “I feel very happy, first of all, to be able to be part of the future of this big club. We will try to put our stamp on the club.
My ambition as a coach is always to be better and better, to achieve more and bigger aims and to encourage and improve the players, the team, and to compete because football is about this – to compete. We are very ambitious about this.
“I am where I want to be. I am here because I want to be here and for us it was a fantastic day when we closed our agreement here because our commitment is 100 percent to be here.
We had other opportunities but I am very happy that West Ham chose me because I chose West Ham too, so we are really happy about this.”
Joining Lopetegui at West Ham are several prominent members from his previous coaching teams.
Pablo Sanz will take on the role of assistant head coach, while Oscar Caro will be the head of performance and assistant coach.
Notably, Xavi Valero will remain as the goalkeeper coach, continuing from the Moyes era.
Say hello to the new Head Coach of West Ham United 👋⁰ Welcome to London, Julen Lopetegui! ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/2aCO0pY3Km
The recruitment process was spearheaded by West Ham’s technical director, Tim Steidten, who carefully assessed numerous candidates before selecting Lopetegui as the perfect fit.
The club also held discussions with Ruben Amorim of Sporting Lisbon, who travelled to London for meetings, highlighting West Ham’s diligent approach in finding the best candidate.
Since his departure from Wolverhampton Wanderers before the 2023-24 season, Lopetegui has declined offers from several Premier League, La Liga, and Saudi Pro League clubs.
Bayern Munich also showed interest in him as a potential replacement for Thomas Tuchel, but the Spaniard turned them down as well.
West Ham supporters eagerly anticipate the new era under Lopetegui’s leadership, hoping for a significant improvement in the Premier League standings.
Nursing students across the country are jubilant following the government’s payment of overdue allowances.
A video posted by Accra’s Neat FM on Facebook on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, captures the joyous reactions of several trainees from a nursing college as they celebrate receiving their payments.
In the video, some trainees can be heard expressing their gratitude to Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia while showing messages on their phones as proof of the payment of the allowance, commonly referred to as “allawa.”
“Allawa, allawa, allawa. Four more for Bawumia, four more for Bawumia,” one female student could be heard saying as she showed a notification on her phone.
Meanwhile, a nursing student who spoke to GhanaWeb confirmed that some of their arrears have been paid.
She said that second and third-year students in her school have received three months of arrears owed to them for October, November and December of 2023.
She indicated that they have not been paid any of their allowances for 2024.
— Samuel Koku Anyidoho🇬🇭 (@KokuAnyidoho) May 22, 2024
It can be recalled that Dr. Bawumia, the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), was confronted by a female final-year nursing student who said she had never received the government allowance (allawa) meant for students during a campaign event in the Bono Region.
“The question I want to ask is, when are we getting our ‘allowance’? Since I started school, I have not received my allowance to date, and I’m in my last semester. Some of us are not even able to pay our school fees.
“Those who are not able to pay their fees would be sacked; they wouldn’t be allowed to write the exams. If the ‘allowance’ had been given to us, they would have been able to pay their fees. So, my question is, when are we getting the allawa?” she asked.
The NPP flagbearer, in his response, promised to take up the issue with the Ministry of Finance.
“I wasn’t sure of where you were with your ‘allowance’, but I think that I will check with the Ministry of Finance immediately after I return. And I will make sure they pay you your ‘allawa’ if it has not been paid,”Bawumia assured.
Communications team member of the ruling new Patriotic Party (NPP), Saaka Salia has accused Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Okudzeto Ablakwa of being envious of Minister for Food and Agriculture and the owner of Rock City Hotel, Bryan Acheampong .
This comes after the North Tongu MP took to social media to announce the Minister’s negotiations with the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) since 2018 regarding the sale of a 60% stake in four SSNIT-owned hotels i.e Labadi Beach Hotel, LA Palm Royal Beach Resort, Ridge Royal Hotel, and Elmina Beach Resort.
During an engagement with Berla Mundi on TV3’s new day show on May 22, 2024, the NPP communicator noted that, a sale of shares of a company does not indicate a sale of the company itself.
There is nothing wrong with SSNIT resoling to sell some of its shares to a Ghanaian to make the best out of its opearations hence Ablakwa’s rants and decision to sponsor a bill against government officals procurement of state assest is out of sheer envy and dirty politics.
“This is envy, envy people are envious of Bryan Acheampong If not for envy and dirty politics. I’m telling you, Okudzeto cannot have any other reason. Envious to the extent that they think that this guy let’s bring him down.
Two reasons the thing is envious; he thinks that let’s bring Bryan Acheampong to our level. And the second one is dirty politics. Why would you go and politics” he said
On his part, the decision to sale this shares was a sole decision by SSNIT and not the government.
“You see when you offload shares, it is the shares that you have sold not the company. Currently as we speak, Ghana government has 30% stake.. But you see I can understand people just want the government to look bad, but this is SSNIT, it is SSNIT that is making a decision itself, and the decision says that we want international companies all over the world to bid for this,we want SSNIT hotels that are doing well in a way and those that aren’t doing well we want them to do better.
So we want a strategic partner that is a Ghanaian” he added.
Okudzeto Ablakwa is just envious of Bryan Acheampong and wants to take him down – Saaka Salia on the sale of SSNIT Hotels#TV3NewDaypic.twitter.com/PFn9yJNcxF
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, he announced via a Facebook post his intention to sponsor a private member’s bill in Parliament.
The bill seeks to prevent politicians and politically exposed individuals from purchasing state assets by closing all loopholes in the current legal framework.
Ablakwa’s initiatives also include a petition to the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), requesting an investigation into the sale and urging CHRAJ to halt the transaction.
He cited concerns about a lack of due process and breaches of procurement procedures.
Ace sports journalist Collins Atta Poku has argued that Black Stars players should not require any extra motivation to show up for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic.
Atta Poku believes that the significance of these two matches should be sufficient to inspire the players to perform at their best for Ghanaians.
He emphasized that the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, holds great importance for Ghanaians, and the Black Stars players should be driven enough to secure victories in both matches.
In response to reports suggesting Thomas Partey might be excluded from the games, Atta Poku strongly argued that the Arsenal midfielder should not need to be persuaded to play for the Black Stars.
While questioning the credibility of these reports, Atta Poku stated that Partey would likely want to emulate the career paths of Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien, and Sulley Muntari, who all concluded their national team careers with World Cup participation.
He explained that Ghana needs wins against Mali and the Central African Republic to be in a strong position for qualification, and that all in-form players, including Thomas Partey, should be included in the squad.
“Nobody needs to speak to Teye Partey to play that game in Bamako. If you are a player worth your salt, these are some of the matches you use to prove your mettle.
He is one of the leaders in the team, so why should we beg him to come and play this game?
“The World Cup is at stake, and I’m sure he would love to play in his last World Cup. Stephen Appiah did it in 2010, and Essien and Muntari did it in 2014. They exited the national team after the World Cup.
What has this crop of players achieved? Nobody should beg anyone to come and play this game.
“In 2009, it was then-youngster Kwadwo Asamoah who won us the game against Mali in the World Cup qualifiers. His teammates, Jorginho and Declan Rice, will be playing in the European Championship.
Partey’s equivalent of that is the World Cup qualifiers, so he should come and play. I don’t think he will turn down call-ups,” he said.
Meanwhile, coach Otto Addo is set to announce the squad for the two upcoming matches next week.
The Black Stars are scheduled to play against Mali in Bamako on June 6, followed by a game against the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadiumon June 10.
CONMEBOL has announced the introduction ofa pink card,in addition to the traditional yellow and red cards, for match officials during the 2024 Copa America.
In a pioneering effort to enhance player safety, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) has mandated the use of a pink card in the forthcoming continental tournament.
This new measure aims to tackle the serious issue of head injuries and concussions in football by establishing a clear protocol for concussion substitutions.
The Copa America, set to be held in the United States from June 20 to July 14, will feature referees using pink cards alongside the conventional yellow and red ones.
The pink card will signal the necessity for a player to be substituted due to a suspected concussion or head injury.
This rule was implemented ahead of the tournament as part of CONMEBOL’s continuous efforts to prioritize player health and safety.
This initiative permits a sixth substitute to be brought on in matches if a player is suspected of having a concussion.
According to CONMEBOL, the team’s coach must inform the main referee or the fourth official, who will then display the pink card to indicate the substitution.
Additionally, the opposing team will also be allowed an extra substitute to ensure fairness in the game. Consequently, both teams could benefit from an additional substitution if a player sustains a head injury.
A statement from CONMEBOL read: “The CONMEBOL Directorate of Competitions and Operations announced that, to the five changes per team authorised by the regulations, a potential sixth will be added to take care of the health of the footballers.
This is an extra substitution in the event of suspected head trauma and concussion.
To do so, the main referee or the fourth referee must be informed and a pink card will be used.”
Once a player is substituted under the pink card rule, they are prohibited from returning to the field of play.
The player in question will be taken to the dressing room or a medical facility for further evaluation and care.
This ensures that the player receives the necessary medical attention and minimizes the risks associated with returning to play too soon.
Team doctors are required to complete and submit a detailed report to CONMEBOL’s medical commission within 24 hours, outlining the findings of the concussion assessment, regardless of whether the player was substituted or not.
This documentation is essential for monitoring and ensuring that concussion protocols are properly adhered to.
The introduction of the pink card follows the International Football Association Board (IFAB)’s approval of permanent concussion substitutions earlier this year.
While this new rule officially takes effect on July 1, it has allowed organizers to implement it ahead of schedule.
The pink card is the latest addition to football’sdisciplinary tools, joining the familiar yellow and red cards.
In recent years, white cards have also been introduced on rare occasions to recognize acts of sportsmanship and fair play, reflecting the sport’s evolving approach to officiating with greater nuance.
Bayern Munich has reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Burnley manager Vincent Kompany as they seek to replace Thomas Tuchel with the Belgian.
The managerial search intensified after Bayern announced in February that Thomas Tuchel would be leaving the Allianz Arena this summer.
Following unsuccessful negotiations with candidates like Xabi Alonso and Ralf Rangnick, Bayern turned their attention to Kompany, who faced a tough season with Burnley, leading to their relegation to the Championship.
Sky Sports reports that Bayern and Kompany have reached a verbal agreement, and official talks with Burnley have started. Although a formal deal hasn’t been finalized yet, there is optimism about Kompany taking on this significant role.
Any transfer would involve a fee, as Kompany is under contract with Burnley until 2028. Kompany’s time at Burnley, following his managerial stint at Anderlecht in Belgium, has been a mixed experience.
Despite Burnley’s relegation this season, he showcased his managerial skills by leading the team to a dominant performance in the Sky Bet Championship in 2022-23, where they earned 101 points and secured promotion to the Premier League.
If Kompany finalizes his move to Bayern, he will face substantial challenges. The Bavarian club, known for its high expectations and competitive standards, will rely on the former Premier League star to instill a winning mentality after a trophyless season.
Kompany will need to adapt quickly to the pressures of managing one of Europe’s top clubs, a significant step up from his previous managerial roles.
Players like Harry Kane and others will be looking for new leadership to harness their potential and restore the club to its dominant position in both domestic and European competitions.
Mason Greenwood has suggested a possible departure from Manchester United by putting his £2 million mansion up for rent.
The England international, who has one cap, spent the 2023-24 season on loan with Getafe in Spain.
At 22, Greenwood has revitalized his career in La Liga following the dropping of charges against him in England, and he is now reportedly attracting interest from several European clubs.
According to The Sun, Premier League clubs are monitoring Greenwood’s situation, while Juventus, Napoli, Atletico Madrid, and Borussia Dortmund are also considering bids in the upcoming transfer window.
Greenwood appears to be preparing for a future away from Manchester, alongside his partner Harriet Robson and their baby daughter.
His fully-furnished home is listed for rent at £14,000 per month.
This season, Greenwood has scored 10 goals for Getafe, and a return to Old Trafford has always seemed unlikely.
Despite having numerous potential suitors this summer,Manchester United is reportedly seeking a transfer fee of approximately £50 million ($64 million).
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa intends to present a private member’s bill in Parliament aimed at curbing the acquisition of state assets by politicians and politically exposed individuals.
The proposed bill aims to “close all loopholes in the current legal framework” and prevent politicians from using their positions for personal enrichment.
Taking to Facebook on Tuesday, May 21, Ablakwa announced his intention to introduce the bill, emphasizing his longstanding campaign against this practice spanning 16 years.
He believes that enacting robust legislation with stringent penalties is crucial to preventing further abuses of power.
“In the coming days, I shall be sponsoring a Private Member’s Bill in Parliament to expressly prevent politicians and politically exposed persons from participating directly or indirectly in the purchase of state assets.”
“The objective will be to legally block all loopholes in the current legal regime which some politicians appear to be exploiting.
Ablakwa’s facebook’s post communicating his intentions
After 16 years of crusading against politicians purchasing state assets under conflict of interest, opaque, abuse of power and unethical circumstances; I believe it is time to have a strong piece of legislation with deterrent sanctions to end the canker.”
Amidst his petition with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) regarding the sale of four SSNIT-owned hotels to Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Minister for Food and Agriculture, Samuel Ablakwa is set to introduce a private member’s bill aimed at preventing politicians from acquiring state assets.
Ablakwa is urging CHRAJ to conduct an inquiry into the sale, alleging a lack of due process and breaches of procurement procedures.
He is also calling for the sale to be halted pending investigation.
In response, Dr. Acheamponghas expressed disappointment with Ablakwa’s actions, dismissing the allegations as baseless and asserting that they are an intentional effort to damage his reputation.
Mauricio Pochettino finds himself with a plethora of options for his next move after departing Chelsea at the conclusion of the season.
The Argentine manager has already begun contemplating his next steps following his departure from Stamford Bridge by mutual consent after just one season.
Pochettino has expressed interest in potentially taking over the England national team from Gareth Southgate, should the current Three Lions boss step down after Euro 2024.
Additionally, he is reportedly eyeing the managerial position at Manchester United, as per The Telegraph. Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad is also said to be interested in securing Pochettino’s services.
Pochettino has openly stated that he would welcome the opportunity to manage England, with the possibility of the role becoming available this summer. Southgate has hinted at retirement after Euro 2024 if England emerges victorious in the tournament.
However, Pochettino may receive alternative offers before such a scenario unfolds. Manchester United is expected to part ways with Erik ten Hag this summer, regardless of the outcome of the FA Cup final, and Pochettino is reportedly on their radar.
Under Pochettino’s guidance, Chelsea witnessed impressive attacking prowess from their young players in the Premier League this season, scoring a total of 51 goals from players under the age of 23.
This achievement marks a record in the competition’s history for the highest number of goals scored by a team in a single campaign by players of this age group.
Exiting Chelsea on a high note, Pochettino’s team concluded a challenging season with a winning streak that secured sixth place in the Premier League and European football for the upcoming season.
Joining the ranks of high-profile club managers departing their positions, including Thomas Tuchel, Massimiliano Allegri, Roberto De Zerbi, and Jurgen Klopp, Pochettino leaves Chelsea amidst a period of managerial transition.
As Chelsea embarks on the search for a new coach, they join the likes of Bayern Munich,Juventus, Brighton, and potentially Manchester United in seeking new leadership.
Supreme Court is setto render a decision on the constitutionality of the nation’s criminal law concerning consensual gay, anal, and other forms of unnatural sexual intercourse on July 27, 2024.
The panel, chaired by Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, scheduled this date following hearings involving the plaintiff, Dr. Obiri-Korang, and the Attorney General.
In addition to Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, the panel comprises Justices Omoro Amadu Tanko, Ernest Gaewu, Adjei-Frimpong, Avril Lovelace-Johnson, Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi, and Yaw Darko Asare.
During the proceedings, the panel adopted the joint memorandum of issues presented by Dr. Prince Obiri-Korang, who represented himself, and the Attorney General.
Dr. Sylvia Adesu, the Chief State Attorney, sought permission to submit a witness statement from a medical professional addressing whether anal, gay, and other unnatural sexual intercourse forms caused harm to others.
While four issues were agreed upon, the fifth issue was dismissed.
According to EIB Network’s Legal Affairs Correspondent, Murtala Inusah, there were power outages during the court proceedings.
Plaintiff’s grounds
It is the case of the Plaintiff that, it is unconstitutionality of section 104(1)(b) of Act 29 is grounded on the breaches of the said section to rights of privacy, non-discrimination and liberties of a person.
He also contended that, section 104(1)(b) of Act 29 sins against Articles 18(2), 17(2) and 14(1) of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.
The section of Act 29 complained about reads reads;
Unnatural carnal knowledge (1) A person who has unnatural carnal knowledge.
(b) of another person of not less than sixteen years of age with the consent of that other person commits a misdemeanour.
The Plaintiff seeks to cause the apex Court to tow the line of Constitutional Courtsin India and some parts of the Caribbean and other States with similar laws on unnatural sexual intercourse which have been pronounced on as unconstitutional which.
President Akufo-Addo has taken steps to enhance transparency and accountability by releasing the comprehensive KPMG report on the contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML).
Responding to public demands for clarity regarding the contract’s terms and implementation, the President made the decision to disclose the KPMG report, which offers a detailed examination of the agreement’s provisions and implications.
Commissioned to scrutinize the partnership, the KPMG report delves into the intricacies of the collaboration, aimed at bolstering revenue collection in Ghana through the utilization of advanced technological solutions.
The agreement with SML was designed to harness innovative technologies to streamline tax collection processes, mitigate revenue losses, and enhance overall operational efficiency within the GRA.
In a statement issued by Eugene Arhin, the Communications Director at the Presidency, it was revealed that President Akufo-Addo received a formal request from the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) under section 18 of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) (RTI Act), prompting the release of the KPMG report on April 24, 2024.
“Bearing in mind the provisions of the RTI Act, particularly section 5 (1) (a) and (b) (i) of the Act, the President denied the request by MFWA since the KPMG report constitutes matters exempt under section 5 of the RTI Act.
“Section 5 (1) (a) and (b) (i) of the RTI Act states that “information is exempt from disclosure where the information is prepared for submission or has been submitted to the President or Vice President for consideration or contains matters the disclosure of which would reveal information concerning opinion, advice, deliberation, recommendation, minutes or consultation made or given to the President or Vice President and is likely to undermine the deliberative process on the part of the President or Vice President.”
Harry Maguire creditshis ability to handle the intense scrutiny of playing for Manchester United for helping him overcome harsh criticism.
The defender made the switch from Leicester City to United in 2019 for a staggering £80 million ($102m), but his performances arguably did not justify the hefty price tag.
Throughout much of 2021 and 2022, Maguire struggled to find form, resulting in severe criticism directed at him. At one point, it appeared that he was on the brink of joining West Ham in 2023.
However, the 6’4″ centre-back remained determined to prove himself under Erik ten Hag’s management. This season, Maguire has shown signs of improvement in his performances, a turnaround he attributes in part to his resilient mindset.
He told talkSPORT: “First and foremost, it’s a huge honour and a massive privilege to play for a club with so much history. It’s a huge club and I love playing for it. It means so much to me and there’s so many ups and downs, the scrutiny is there, everybody knows that.
The pressure is there because we’re the most spoken-about club in the world – for sure in this country. That’s just the way it is and you have to get used to it.
You’ve got to be able to deal with it. As an individual, you can’t look too much into it, you just have to look after yourself during the week and prepare as well as you can. Then you approach the matchday with confidence. The preparation gives you the confidence to deal with the pressure of playing for such a huge, iconic club.”
Despite Harry Maguire’s improved performances, Manchester United has endured a disappointing season overall. The team finished eighth in the Premier League, failed to retain their Carabao Cup title, and ended up at the bottom of their Champions League group.
Manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly under pressure to keep his job. If Manchester United fails to secure victory in the FA Cup final this weekend, this season will be regarded as a catastrophe.
Maguire, who has been included in Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33-man England squad for Euro 2024, is set to feature for United in their FA Cup final showdown against bitter rivalsManchester City at Wembleyon Saturday.
Former RFEF president Luis Rubiales allegedly attempted to allocate UEFA funds to Lionel Messi and Gerard Pique during the COVID pandemic.
According to The Objective, Rubiales engaged in video conferences with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and Barcelona stars Messi and Pique over a three-month period to explore the possibility of using broadcasting rights revenue from UEFA matches to assist players facing financial hardships due to the pandemic.
It was suggested that four percent of these rights could be diverted to aid players who had undergone pay cuts as a result of the pandemic.
Messi reportedly emphasized the importance of maintaining confidentiality during the discussions, fearing potential backlash if details were to emerge.
The global lockdown measures implemented during the pandemic led to the suspension of football activities and resulted in many players accepting salary reductions.
At the time, Messi confirmed that Barcelona players would take a 70% pay cut to support the club in mitigating financial losses caused by the pandemic.
The Objective further reveals that leaked messages and audio recordings indicate Rubiales proposed redirecting funds to players who had experienced salary cuts directly to Ceferin.
Subsequently, the four individuals engaged in a four-hour video call to deliberate on the matter and continued to exchange messages thereafter.
As reported by AS, Rubiales allegedly told Ceferin: “I say it is important for us to have Messi and the rest with us. There is no need to spend money. We just change where the funds go.”
Rubiales also suggested Pique and Messi send a signed Barcelona shirt to Ceferin “as a token of gratitude”.
The discussions between Rubiales and the Barcelona players occurred between April and May of 2020, coinciding with the Catalan club’s resumption of La Liga action in June.
Despite their return to the field, Barcelona faced significant financial challenges, as evidenced by their announcement of a €97 million (£88m/$114m) loss at the end of the financial year due to the impact of COVID.
Ultimately, Messi departed the club a year later to join PSG, as Barcelona was unableto afford a new contract for the superstar.
Man Utd has reportedly made the decision to dismiss Erik ten Hag, regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s FA Cup final.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio via SoccerNews.nl, Ten Hag will lead Manchester United for the final time at Wembley on Saturday before departing the club this summer.
Even if Ten Hag guides the team to victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final, the Red Devils are already seeking a new manager.
The uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s future arises after a challenging season for Manchester United.
The team finished in eighth place in the Premier League standings with a negative goal difference.
Their only chance of European football next season rests on winning the FA Cup final against City.
Manchester United has been linked with potential replacements for Ten Hag.
Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna and England manager Gareth Southgate are among the names mentioned.
Additionally, former Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel and recently unemployed Mauricio Pochettino are reportedly considered candidates for the managerial position at Old Trafford.
Di Marzio said: “McKenna is the man of the moment in the football world, in the world of coaches, because he is doing great at Ipswich Town.
He is the number one choice at Brighton & Hove Albion, but he has also already spoken to Manchester United.
At the end of the season, United will say goodbye to Ten Hag.
“Manchester United will also be looking for a new coach. And their targets are McKenna and Mauricio Pochettino.
De Zerbi is also on the list, but he has not been in contact with United in recent days. If he [McKenna] goes to Chelsea, United will go for Pochettino.
But what is certain: they are saying goodbye to Ten Hag.”
Manchester United are not the only club looking for a new coach this summer.Bayern Munich, Juventus, Brighton and Chelsea are also on the hunt for a first-team coach, while Barcelona are being tipped to part ways with Xavi and could also join the list.
Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowskihas confirmed he will stay with the LaLiga club next season and is optimistic about winning “many titles” in the future.
Lewandowski, who transferred from Bayern Munich to Barça in 2022, has netted 58 goals in 94 appearances across all competitions since joining.
His contributions were pivotal in securing the team’s first league title since 2019 and the Spanish Super Cup in the 2022-23 season.
Even though Barcelona did not win any trophies this season, Lewandowski is eager to continue with the club and believes they can achieve significant success in the upcoming season.
“Of course, for me it is super clear. I want to win many titles with Barcelona and I am sure that next season we will be even stronger and we will also win titles,” Lewandowski told Mundo Deportivo when asked about rumours of a potential exit from the Catalan club.
“I always want the best, not just for me, but for my teammates and I am sure that this team will win titles next season because I see what we do each day.
For me that is what matters because this a club that I hold close to my heart and I want to give a lot for the team and the club.”
Barcelona’s season has been overshadowed by uncertainty regarding coach Xavi Hernández and the club’s financial difficulties, leading to speculation that they may need to sell players to alleviate their issues.
Among those rumored to be on the transfer list is Robert Lewandowski, the 2021 Ballon d’Or runner-up.
However, the 35-year-old striker has expressed his desire to remain with the team.
Barcelona will face Sevilla in their final game of the season on Sunday. Following this match, President Joan Laporta is scheduled to meet with Xavi to discuss the coach’s future at the club.
Jurgen Klopp is set to return to Anfield just weeks after stepping down as Liverpool’s manager to attend a Taylor Swift concert.
Klopp’s tenure at Liverpool concluded over the weekend with a 2-0 victory against Wolves at Anfield.
In an emotional farewell on the final day of the Premier League season, the German coach expressed gratitude to the players and fans for their support and urged them to back his successor, Arne Slot.
While many wondered when the former Borussia Dortmund coach would return to Anfield, it has been revealed that he and his wife Ulla will be back in a few weeks to watch Swift’s Eras Tour.
During an hour-long Q&A session with staff in the Carlsberg Dugout executive lounge in Anfield’s Main Stand, Klopp mentioned, via The Athletic, that he and his wife had secured tickets to see Taylor Swift perform at Anfield in mid-June.
He even entertained the staff by singing a few lines from her hit song, ‘Shake it Off.’
Klopp will be remembered as a Liverpool legend and a Premier League icon. His tenure saw the Reds win numerous trophies, including theChampions League and the Premier League making his departure a significant challenge for his successor, Arne Slot. The future of Liverpool’s success without Klopp remains uncertain.
Earlier this week, Liverpool confirmed the appointment of Feyenoord boss Slot, who has signed a three-year contract and will assume his new role next month. As for Klopp, his next career move is still unknown.
Ghanaian defender Daniel Amartey is set to leave Turkish club Besiktas and join the Scottish giants Celtic during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Amartey joined Besiktas from Leicester City following their relegation to the Championship in the 2023/24 season.
Despite Celtic’s earlier interest in acquiring the 29-year-old defender, Amartey initially chose to move to Turkey.
After spending one season with Besiktas, Amartey has been sidelined from the starting lineup and has spent numerous matches on the bench.
Out of 37 total matches, Amartey made 18 appearances, starting in 12 of them. His last game for Besiktas was in April 2024.
Brendan Rodgers, who previously coached Amartey at Leicester City, is keen on bringing the central defender to Celtic as they prepare for theUEFA Champions Leaguenext season.
On Tuesday, May 21, 2024, the State of Qatar officially handed over various equipment to the Ministry of Youth and Sports at the MOYS conference room.
This donation is part of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Legacy project and serves as recognition for Ghana’s successful organization and hosting of the recently concluded 13th African Games.
During the presentation, Mohammed Hamad Al Marri, the Charge d’affaires of the Qatari Embassy in Accra, spoke on behalf of the Ambassador of Qatar to Ghana.
He emphasized the importance of strengthening the ties between Qatar and Ghana and expressed his desire to continue fostering excellent cooperation between the two nations.
Al Marri highlighted Qatar’s strong interest in sports and other sectors, noting that sports extend beyond national borders and play a crucial role in national, regional, and international development.
He reiterated Qatar’s commitment to sharing equipment and facilities used during the 2022 FIFA World Cup with friendly nations like Ghana, to help develop sports infrastructure, particularly in light of Ghana’s recent hosting of the African Games.
He congratulated Ghana on successfully hosting the African Games and expressed hopes for continued progress and prosperity for the Ghanaian people, along with increased cooperation in sports development.
The Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, accepted the equipment on behalf of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
He expressed profound gratitude to the Emir of Qatar, the Qatari Minister of Culture and Sports, and the Qatari Ambassador in Accra for their generous support, which was instrumental in the successful organization of the 13th African Games.
Ussif noted that Qatar was the sole country to provide support for the event.
He emphasized the long-standing, mutually beneficial relationship between Ghana and Qatar, stating that this donation reflects the strong bond between the two countries.
The Minister also mentioned that he had submitted a proposal to Qatar to enhance cooperation between the two nations and to establish the Ghana-Qatar legacy project, aimed at improving Ghana’s sports infrastructure.
The donated equipment included Samsung mobile phones, HP laptops, media working tables, office desks, swivel chairs, and task chairs.
David Beckham has stated that he doesn’t consider himself Lionel Messi’s “boss,” even though he is the co-owner of MLS team Inter Miami.
Beckham played a pivotal role in bringing the Argentine superstar to the United States following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain in June of last year.
Messi, a former Barcelona standout, has made a significant impact in MLS, and Beckham, a former Manchester United star, admits it still feels “surreal” to have the legendary forward on the team.
Asked what it’s like to be Messi’s boss, Beckham told the Smartless podcast: “I can’t look at it like that, I can’t! I just can’t.”
He added: “It felt unbelievable [bringing Messi to Miami]. And I still can’t believe it. Every time someone turns around to me and says: ‘You have Messi on your team, you realize that, don’t you?,’ it really is surreal to say that we have probably the greatest player to have ever played the game, the most successful player to have ever played the game, and he’s playing in Miami in the MLS.”
Lionel Messi has been outstanding for Inter Miami this season.
The 36-year-old forward has netted 10 goals and provided nine assists in MLS, propelling the Herons to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Additionally, he scored twice and contributed two assists in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, although the team was eliminated in the quarter-finals.
David Beckham and the other Inter Miami directors are hopeful that Messi will continue his stellar performance and lead Tata Martino’s squad to another victory as they prepare to face the Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada for their next MLS fixture this weekend.
According to The Athletic, De Bruyne’s agents have had one conversation with the club, which is set to join MLS next season.
The midfielder is said to be considering finishing his career in the United States, making San Diego a potential destination.
However, these discussions are still in the early stages, and a move is far from being finalized. While the Belgium international has also been linked with a possible move to Saudi Arabia, he has expressed a desire to remain at Manchester City until retirement.
His current contract with City is set to expire next year.
Moving to the MLS has become an increasingly attractive option for veteran European players, especially following Lionel Messi’s high-profile transfer to Inter Miami.
Despite these considerations, De Bruyne remains a key player for Pep Guardiola’s squad, recently contributing to their fourth consecutive Premier League title.
This season, despite being hampered by injuries, the 33-year-old managed to score four goals and provide 10 assists in 18 Premier League appearances.
Given his crucial role at Manchester City and his contract running until 2025, an immediate transfer seems unlikely.
De Bruyne aims to end the season on a high note as City prepares to face Manchester Unitedin the FA Cup final this week.
Minority Leader Cassiel Ato Forson has called on Interior Minister Henry Quartey to publicly release the names of opposition MPs accused of engaging in protocol recruitment for security services.
During a May 21, 2024, interview on Neat FM, Quartey threatened to reveal the names of National Democratic Congress (NDC) MPs allegedly involved in such practices.
This came after Forson claimed that each New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP had been given 30 slots for security service recruitments.
In a statement dated May 21, 2024, and posted on his social media handles, Forson described the minister’s position as “alarming and baseless.”
“His insinuation that members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have participated in improper recruitment practices without providing any evidence is a clear attempt to divert attention from the substantive issues at hand,” the statement read in part.
It added that Quartey’s views were “a hollow threat intended to intimidate and silence legitimate criticism from the Minority Caucus,” but that the Minority won’t be cowed.
“I challenge the Interior Minister to name the individuals he claims were brought forward by NDC MPs for recruitment. Let us move away from rhetoric and towards accountability.
“If the Minister cannot provide these names, then his statements must be seen for what they are: an attempt to distract from the substantive concerns we have raised,” Ato Forson stressed.
He added that the Minority will move for a probe into recruitment since President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo came into office in 2017.
Statement: Ato Forson replies Henry Quartey:
I find the recent statements by the Interior Minister, Henry Quartey, both alarming and baseless. His insinuation that members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have participated in improper recruitment practices without providing any evidence is a clear attempt to divert attention from the substantive issues at hand.
The Minister’s remarks, made during an interview with Neat FM on May 21, 2024, and reproduced in the article below, come off as a hollow threat intended to intimidate and silence legitimate criticism from the Minority Caucus.
Our concern has been and remains the transparency and fairness in the recruitment process into our country’s security services. Specifically, we highlighted credible information suggesting that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) is manipulating recruitment processes to favor its parliamentary candidates with 30 slots each. This allegation is serious and deserves a substantive response, not deflection.
I challenge the Interior Minister to name the individuals he claims were brought forward by NDC MPs for recruitment. Let us move away from rhetoric and towards accountability. If the Minister cannot provide these names, then his statements must be seen for what they are: an attempt to distract from the substantive concerns we have raised.
Mr. Minister, I can assure you that we will bring a motion to Parliament to demand an enquiry into the recruitment into security services since 2017.
The integrity of our security services and the trust of the Ghanaian people in our institutions depend on our collective commitment to transparency and justice.
The future roles of some veteran Black Stars players are uncertain due to a strategic shift bycoach Otto Addo.
According to reports from Angel FM, ahead of announcing the squad for upcoming matches against Mali and the Central African Republic, Otto Addo has had discussions with senior Black Stars players.
Addo reportedly held individual meetings with players like Thomas Partey, Andre Ayew, and Daniel Amartey to share his vision.
The reports indicate that Addo plans to gradually reduce reliance on older players and focus on developing younger talent within the team.
Although the veteran players are expected to be part of the squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic, their future involvement may be limited.
The revamped Black Stars are set to feature Mohammed Kudus of West Ham United as a central figure, with Antoine Semenyo, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Tariq Lamptey, and others expected to take on more prominent roles.
Otto Addo is expected to announce the squad for the matches against Mali and the Central African Republic soon.
Earlier reports suggested Addo would arrive in Ghana this week for the squad announcement, but updates on Monday, May 20, 2024, indicate his arrival may be delayed until after theUEFA Champions League final.
The Black Stars are scheduled to play Mali in Bamako on June 6, followed by a match against the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on June 10.
A 56-year-old professional nurse, Clara Yanyi-Ampah, employed as a caregiver atHappy Bloomers School in Agbogba, has been handed a five-year prison term for the tragic death of an 11-month-old infant.
Yanyi-Ampah, in a plea bargain with the Attorney-General’s office, admitted guilt to manslaughter.
Under the terms of the agreement, both sides upheld the manslaughter charge and jointly proposed a five-year sentence of hard labor.
In accordance with Section 162 (h) of the Plea-Bargaining Act 1079, the court sought clarification from the convicted individual before delivering the sentence.
Senior State Attorney Mercy Arthur and defense counsel Richard Asare Baffour both affirmed their agreement to the court.
Initially maintaining her innocence, Yanyi-Ampah changed her plea in light of the agreement.
Following Justice Marie-Louise Simmons’ confirmation of the agreement, the court proceeded to formally impose the sentence.
By Court
Justice Marie-Louise Simmons after listening to the parties said “On the basis of the plea of guilty of the offence of manslaughter, the accused is convicted on her own plea and sentenced to five (5) years imprisonment.
In sentencing, “the Court has considered the eight months the accused spent in custody upon her arrest in May 2021 till she was granted bail.
“I have also considered the benefit of the plea deal which has shortened the trial and reduced the burden on both the Prosecution and the Court.”
The court said the accused (now convict) is also not known to the law and seems to have shown remorse.
However, the Court said, “her reckless act of neglect of the baby and non-chantant attitude after feeding her until another teacher found the baby unresponsive was indeed a reckless disregard for human life, hence the sentence meted out.”
Brief facts
As per the case’s summary, Randy and Patricia Ackah-Mensah, a married couple, are the complainants. They are the parents of Allegra Camille Yaba Ackah-Mensah, an 11-month-old girl who attended Happy Bloomers School in North Legon, Accra.
According to the information provided, Allegra was enrolled at the school on April 6, 2021.
The accused individual, Clara Yanyi-Ampah, a 56-year-old alleged professional nurse, was employed as a caregiver at Happy Bloomers School.
The Prosecution asserted that Yanyi-Ampah was entrusted with the care of baby Allegra along with two other children at the school.
“On May 18, 2021, baby Allegra who had turned 11 months old that morning, went to school in good health.
“At about 2:50 pm Madam Gladys Osei, a teacher at the school passed through the changing room and tried playing with Allegra whilst the accused was changing her clothes, but she found her to be unresponsive,” the Prosecution stated.
It said she asked the accused person who was attending to Allegra if the baby was asleep, and she responded in the negative.
Gladys promptly notified the school administrator, who swiftly transported Allegra to North Legon Hospital.
The Prosecution reported that around 3:07 pm, Randy received a call from the school administrator informing him that his daughter was unwell and had been taken to North Legon Hospital for medical treatment. Consequently, Randy contacted his wife, and they both proceeded to the hospital.
“The medical report indicated that Allegra was unresponsive with no heartbeat or pulse and all efforts to resuscitate her proved futile, so she was pronounced clinically dead.
“Prior to changing Allegra’s clothes, the accused person had fed her,” it said.
“A CCTV footageobtained from the school after Allegra’s death showed that the accused person pulled the hands of Allegra to her back and poured food down her throat with a cup.
“According to the school’s policy on feeding, toddlers Allegra’s age are fed with spoons.
“The school indicated that the cup the accused used in feeding baby Allegra belonged to the accused.”
Post mortem
“The post-mortem report indicated that Allegra’s trachea and bronchi and left lungs were filled with food particles. The pathologist concluded that the cause of death was asphyxiation due to aspiration of food following forced feeding.
The accused individual faced charges of manslaughter, as outlined in section 50 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960, Act 29. Subsequently, she was brought before the Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra for trial.
Popular Ghanaian celebritiesFella Makafui and Medikalhave been officially summoned to appear before the Nungua Stool concerning land documents that recently surfaced on social media.
The Office of the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse, the Overlord of the Gadangme State, issued formal invitations to both individuals, requesting their presence at the palace for document verification.
Rev. Dr. Gyasi Ankrah, Director of Administration at the Office of the Gborbu Wulomo-Shitse, issued the summons, requiring Fella Makafui and Medikal, whose real name is Samuel Adu Frimpong, to bring their complete documentation to the palace on Friday, May 24, 2024, at 11:00 am for verification purposes.
This development occurs amid the couple’s highly publicized divorce.
Fella Makafui and Medikal, once regarded as one of Ghana’s most glamorous couples, have been navigating a turbulent separation.
Their relationship, which began with a high-profile wedding in 2020, has shown signs of strain over the past year.
Despite their separation, both parties continue to live in the same house, co-parenting their daughter, Island Frimpong.
This living arrangement has led to further complications, with Medikal reportedly asking Fella to evict her cousin from the house.
Additionally, Fella has petitioned the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to investigate Medikal, adding another layer to their ongoing dispute.
The house in which they reside has now become a contentious issue.
Fella Makafui and Medikal summoned by Nungua Stool over land documents
Medikal claims he financed the construction of the house entirely with his own money but put Fella’s name on the documents due to uncertainty and for the benefit of their daughter. “I built everything with my own money but only put Fella’s name due to uncertainty and for Island’s sake,” Medikal stated.
However, Fella Makafui disputes this claim, asserting that she contributed to building the house and can prove her involvement in court. She emphasizes the financial and emotional investments she made during their marriage.
Due to these conflicting claims, the authorities have deemed it necessary to investigate the matter.
The land documents, which feature both Fella and Medikal’s names,have prompted the Nungua Stool to intervene and verify the legitimacy of these claims.
Minister of the Interior, Henry Quartey, has threatened to disclose the names of National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament who have facilitated the recruitment of individuals into the country’s security services.
This threat came as the minister responded to allegations by the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, and other members of the Minority Caucus, who claimed that the government has allocated 30 recruitment slots in the country’s security services to parliamentary candidates of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
While commending the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government’s efforts in recruiting for the country’s security services, Quartey suggested that NDC MPs had also been involved in recommending people for recruitment.
He added that if he is challenged, he would reveal the names provided by the NDC for recruitment. “When the NPP came into power, the total number of personnel at the Ghana Immigration Service was 6,000, but today, because of President Akufo-Addo, they are over 14,000. About 12,000 have been added to the Ghana Police Service.
“When you gaze into the eyes of the dead, you would see a ghost; I’m going to leave it here, I won’t go down that lane. But if they dare us, we will mention their names and the people they brought over the years, but we will leave that for now,” he said in an interview with Neat FM on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
The Interior Minister emphatically denied the claim by NDC MPs that a secret recruitment process is underway, with NPP parliamentary candidates each receiving 30 slots.
He clarified that while recruitment is planned for this year, it has not yet commenced. Additionally, there will be no sale of application forms, as the government aims to address the backlog from previous recruitment cycles.
What Ato Forson said:
Minority Leader alleged during a news conference that all parliamentary candidates of theNew Patriotic Party (NPP) have been allocated 30 slots each to select party loyalists and supporters to fill positions within the security services, including the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Army.
Dr. Forson urged President Akufo-Addo and the government to halt what he described as undemocratic behaviour. He emphasised the need for transparency and fairness in the recruitment processes within the security sector.
“Notwithstanding the fact that the Minority raised serious concerns about the criteria adopted by the NPP government to recruit personnel into the security services, it has persisted in taking additional steps in the last few days that we have seen.
“The NDC Minority can authoritatively state that not long ago, the NPP government again illegally and fraudulently gave out 30 slots to all NPP parliamentary candidates across the country for recruitment into the security services,” he alleged.
He suggested that the move was part of attempts to manipulate the upcoming election; adding that NDC MPs are committed to upholding the integrity of the electoral process and preventing any actions that could undermine the country’s democracy.
Veteran sports journalist Dan Kwaku Yeboahhas revealed that he is embroiled in a legal dispute with Ghanaian businessman and politician, Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, concerning an outstanding debt of GH¢120,000.
During an interview on Okay FM, Yeboah explained that this debt stems from services his printing firm provided for Dr. Nduom’s Today newspaper.
After the collapse of Nduom’s GN Bank, the debt remained unpaid, creating financial difficulties for Yeboah with his suppliers.
Yeboah shared that a creditor, represented by a law firm owned by Supreme Court Justice Emmanuel Yonny Kulendi, demanded GH¢35,000 for paper supplies used in the printing process.
He mentioned that Dr. Nduom initially agreed to settle the debt but subsequently became unresponsive to his calls and messages.
Kwaku Yeboah emphasized his determination to pursue the case until Dr. Nduom fulfills the alleged financial obligation.
“He (Nduom) owes me GH¢120,000, which is still outstanding. I managed the printing of the Today newspaper for him, but the payment is pending.
At first, I communicated with his representatives, but as the delay persisted, I discussed the matter with him. He promised to settle the debt while in the US but later cited health issues as a reason for further delay.
“The legal proceedings were initiated because I had obtained the printing materials on credit, and one of my creditors pursued legal action through Justice Yoni Kulendi’s law firm, resulting in a financial judgment against me.
I had to pay GH¢35,000 just for the paper, excluding other costs. This case has been ongoing for over four years, and we are still actively pursuing it in court,“ Yeboah stated.
Sports reporter Fabrizio Romano broke the news on Tuesday via X.
“Mauricio Pochettino and Chelsea part ways with immediate effect. Chelsea and Pochettino have already agreed on terms, as @Matt_Law_DT reports.
“Chelsea will consider a young manager as a priority to replace Pochettino,” he wrote.
A club statement on Tuesday confirmed that the club and Pochettino mutually agreed to part ways.
The statement noted that the Sporting Directors, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said, “On behalf of everyone at Chelsea, we would like to express our gratitude to Mauricio for his service this season.
He will be welcome back to Stamford Bridge any time and we wish him all the very best in his future coaching career.”
Reacting, Pochettino was quoted saying, “Thank you to the Chelsea ownership group and Sporting Directors for the opportunity to be part of this football club’s history.
The Club is now well positioned to keep moving forward in the Premier League and Europe in the years to come.”
Subsequently, the statement noted that Jesus Perez, Miguel d’Agostino, Toni Jimenez and Sebastiano Pochettino have left the club with Mauricio.
“The club will be making no further comment until such time as a newHead Coach is appointed,” the statement added.
Businessman Richard Jakpa,one of the two individuals still facing trial for allegedly causing financial loss to the state in the procurement of ambulances, has denied the accusations.
He dismissed the prosecution’s claims as “improper” and asserted that his prosecution was conducted in “bad faith.”
Jakpa, along with Dr. Ato Forson, former Deputy Finance Minister and current Minority Leader in Parliament, is on trial for allegedly causing a financial loss of €2.37 million to the state through a contract for the purchase of 200 ambulances for the Ministry of Health.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to five charges, including willfully causing financial loss to the state, abetment of crime, violation of the Public Procurement Act, and intentionally misapplying public property.
Dr. Forson has been granted a GH¢3 million self-recognizance bail, while Richard Jakpa received a GH¢5 million bail with three sureties, one of whom must provide documentation of a landed property.
Dr. Sylvester Anemana, a former Chief Director at the Ministry of Health and the second accused, was discharged due to health concerns following the Attorney General’s Nolle Prosequi.
In Court on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 while concluding on the reading of his 134-paragraphed Witness Statement (evidence-in-chief), he said “it is clearly not proper to contend that government has suffered financial loss when government still has the benefit of the ambulances which are in government’s possession.”
Mr. Jakpa, who is standing trial together with former Deputy Finance Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, said he had “no business transaction with the State or even Big Sea.”
Assigning reasons for his position as to the charge against him not being proper, he said “government or Big Sea also did not contract me to play any role whatsoever in the transaction from which the present proceedings result.”
It was also the case of Mr Jakpa, the third accused person that, he is “not an officer of Big Sea or government.”
The 3rd Accused also told the Court that, “It is JBL which has relationships with Big Sea and not government.”
“I am just a director and share holder of JBL unless there is a special reason for making me personally the accused person in this case, and the prosecution has established none, my prosecution is not proceeded with in good faith,” he submitted. Mr Jakpa also told the Court in the concluding part of his Evidence-in-Chief through his Witness State that, “even with JBL, it (JBL] is merely a commissioned agent of the said Big Sea company which acted as an agent for Big Sea for a fee.”
The third accused also posited that, “neither me nor JBL had any responsibility/obligation under the contract between GoG and Big Sea in the delivery of the ambulances.”
“All payments made were made directly to Big Sea through an Irrevocable Transferable Letter of Credit (LC). “Payments made to JBL were made pursuant to court orders which are still valid and not set aside,” the accused told the Court.
He added that, the ambulances have been duly supplied and “an agreement reached to rectify all defects if any.”
“The accessories to rectify all defects have since the year 2016 been shipped to government,” he told the Court.
He also said, “government has accepted the ambulances because government has not rejected them.”
EIB Network’s Legal Affairs Correspondent, Murtala Inusah is reporting that, Mr Jakpa is facing cross examination from lawyers of Dr Ato Forson before theHigh Court presided over by Justice Afia Serwah Asare-Botwe, a Justice of the Court of Appeal.
Prominent member of theNew Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe,has voiced his surprise and disappointment at the comments made by esteemed lawyer Sam Okudzeto concerning the corruption allegations against Cecilia Dapaah, the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources.
He criticized Okudzeto’s remarks, which seemed to defend the former minister, stating that such comments are inappropriate given his stature and should be condemned.
Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe stressed the crucial need for holding government officials accountable, especially in corruption cases, to maintain transparency and integrity within the system.
“I was surprised that my senior brother Sam Okudzeto came out with a statement concerning the Cecilia Dapaah case. I was really surprised. I know that I’m not annoyed. But I was surprised because if anybody even has a glass, the person should be able to account for it.
“And we have buildings springing up all over their places. Do you want to tell me that they just got there? People put them there. Where did they get their money from? And these are the things that annoy the ordinary people,” he said while speaking in an interview with Kafui Dey.
It is important to note that Sam Okudzeto previously asserted that storing money at home is not illegal, as there are no laws against it.
His defense of Cecilia Dapaah,who is currently under investigation for corruption, has sparked considerable criticism.
I am disappointed at my senior brother Sam Okudzeto's comments on Cecilia Dapaah's case – Dr. Nyaho Nyaho Tamakloe
Cecilia Dapaah is under investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for corruption and related offenses after two of her house helps were arrested for allegedly stealing over $1 million, €300,000, and other valuables from her Abelemkpe residence.
An Accra High Court initially ordered the release of Dapaah’s frozen accounts and the return of her confiscated funds. However, on September 5, 2023, the OSP re-froze her accounts.
On August 9, 2023, it was reported that the OSP had frozen the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources’ assets and bank accounts, which contained substantial amounts in both dollars and cedis.
