Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers will not be disciplined by the NFL after being involved in a domestic violence investigation earlier this year, the league said in a statement Thursday.
“Following a review, the NFL concluded there was insufficient evidence to support a finding that Zay Flowers engaged in any activity that violated the NFL’s personal conduct policy,” the league said in a statement.
“There will be no action taken by the league and Flowers remains eligible to participate in all team activities.”
Two months after Baltimore County Police suspended an investigation into domestic violence involving Flowers, who was not charged, he has reached a decision. The alleged incident took place on January 16 in Owings Mills, Maryland.
According to a police report, a woman described a “violent” domestic altercation involving an NFL player. She also mentioned that the player’s brother reportedly wielded a gun during the altercation.
Flowers, aged 23, achieved impressive milestones as a rookie for the Ravens last season, setting records with 77 receptions and 858 receiving yards.
Nagelsmann wasreplaced by Tuchel after he was sacked by Bayern in March 2023.
“This is a decision of the heart. It is a great honour to be able to train the national team and work with the best players in the country,” Nagelsmann said in a statement.
“With successful, passionate performances, we have the chance to inspire an entire country. The two wins against France and the Netherlands in March really touched me.
“We want to play a successful home European Championship together and I’m really looking forward to it with my coaching team at the Challenge of a World Cup.”
German FA president Bernd Neuendorf said Nagelsmann being on the radar of club sides was a factor in extending his contract now.
“It is a strong signal for the DFB and the national team that Julian Nagelsmann will remain national coach beyond the home European Championships because he is on the wish list of many big clubs across Europe,” Neuendorf said.
“But the national team is, for Julian Nagelsmann, more than just a job, it’s a real matter close to his heart. Now there is planning security and everyone can concentrate entirely on a successful performance at the European Championships.”
Meanwhile, Tuchelhas said he will still leave Bayern in the summer, despite leading the side to the semifinals of the Champions League after beating Arsenal 3-2 on aggregate on Wednesday.
“I’ve made an agreement with the club to part ways in June; it has been communicated and it stands,” Tuchel told a news conference on Friday.
This year is the first since 2012 that Bayern has failed to win the Bundesliga title.
Barcelona defender Ronald Araújohas chosen not to address teammate Ilkay Gündogan’s critique of his red card during their match against Paris Saint-Germain.
Araújo received a red card in the 29th minute of Barcelona’s 4-1 loss to PSG in the Champions League quarterfinal return leg. Gündogan expressed frustration, suggesting that Araújo’s dismissal contributed to their team’s defeat.
The veteran midfielder said of Araújo’s last-man challenge on Bradley Barcola: “To get a red card, to go a player down so early, it just kills the game. We just gave it away in the most simple manner. Let the goalkeeper have a chance to save us or even concede a goal.”
Speaking at a charity event in Barcelona on Thursday, Araújo responded: “I prefer to keep to myself what I think about Gündogan’s comments. I have certain values and they have to be respected.”
Barcelona players Jules Koundé and Sergi Roberto showed solidarity with Araújo.
“Now more united than ever, here we win and lose together!” Sergi Roberto wrote on Instagram, while Kounde said: “By the way, we win as a team and we also lose as a team.”
Sara Arfaoui, Gundongan’s spouse, offered her viewpoint on her husband’s critique of Araujo.
She posted a photograph of her husband lifting the Champions League with City and wrote in an Instagram post that was later deleted: “This man is a working-hard man and his football opinions are about improving and he is giving everything to this team. His mentality is a treble mentality.”
PSG progressed to the semifinals with a 6-4 aggregate victory, setting up a clash against Borussia Dortmund.
Barcelona’s exit from the Champions League is compounded by the disappointment of missing out on a spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Araújo, aged 25, is currently under contract with Barca until June 2026, and negotiations have been underway to extend his tenure.
However, amid reported interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester United, the Uruguayan international intends to assess his options at the season’s end.
“My new contract is on good course, but we’ll sit down for a proper talk once the season has ended,” Araujo said. “I am very happy to be in Barcelona, my family is happy, I am going to give everything until the end.”
Araújo opted not to address teammate Ilkay Gündogan’s critique of his red card against Paris Saint-Germain during Wednesday’s Champions League quarterfinal return leg.
Gündogan expressed frustration over Araújo’s 29th-minute dismissal, attributing it to their team’s defeat in the match.
Speaking at a charity event in Barcelona, Araújo responded: “I prefer to keep to myself what I think about Gündogan’s comments. I have certain values and theyhave to be respected.”
Arsenal is eyeinga double signing this summer, with reports from the Guardian indicating their interest in Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise.
The Gunners are intensifying their search for attacking reinforcements following their recent Champions League exit to Bayern Munich.
According to ESPN sources, Manager Mikel Arteta is considering options like Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP, and Pedro Neto from the Wolves.
Isak, 24, is a primary target for Arsenal, but acquiring him from Newcastle could command a hefty fee of £100 million.
Arsenal had previously scouted the Swedish international before his move to St. James’ Park from Real Sociedad in 2022.
Meanwhile, Olise, 22, has also caught the attention of Arsenal scouts with his recent performances for Crystal Palace, contributing to eight goals in his last eight games.
However, competition for his signature is expected from clubs like Manchester City and Manchester United, with a £65 million release clause set to become active in the summer.
Casemiro revealed that Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelottiwas visibly emotional upon hearing about his decision to join Manchester United in August 2022.
The Brazilian midfielder had spent a fruitful nine years at the Bernabéu before departing for United in a transfer deal initially valued at £60 million ($74.6m).
“I haven’t told this to anyone before,” Casemiro told El Chiringuito de Jugones. “I only doubted my move to Manchester once. I remember it was a Friday afternoon and [the transfer to United] was all but done except for my signature. People knew that it was done.
“I went to speak with Ancelotti. I went into his office and he already knew. I opened the door and when I turned [towards him], Ancelotti was crying. I told him: ‘You can’t be crying. Anyone but you.”
“He told me: ‘Case, I don’t know why I’m crying, but I’m very fond of you and I don’t want you to leave.’ That was the moment [I doubted]… I realised how many people loved me there. But I had already given my word, and my word is more important than anything else.”
Casemiro revealed that Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was visibly emotional upon hearing about his decision to join Manchester United in August 2022.
The Brazilian midfielder had spent a fruitful nine years at the Bernabéu before departing for United in a transfer deal initially valued at £60 million ($74.6 million).
The midfielder, 32, said he has no regrets about leaving Madrid at the height of his career. “I had won everything [at Madrid],” Casemiro added. “I wanted a new experience.
“It wasn’t easy to leave but I had it clear in my mind that I wanted new things, such as to learn a new language or to compete in a different league. I still had a good age where I could continue to compete and grow in a different club.
“From the first day I arrived here,Manchester [United]have treated me very well.”
Ghanaian boxer Bastie Samir has declared that he will retire from boxing if he loses a rematch against Nigerian boxer Rasheed Idowu.
In their previous bout, Rasheed secured victory over Bastie with a second-round knockout, claiming the vacant Universal Boxing Organisation (UBO) African Light Heavyweight title.
The fight concluded after the second knockdown, with Bastie losing consciousness momentarily until receiving medical attention.
Despite the defeat, Bastie is determined to seek a rematch, attributing his loss to what he alleges was a foul punch from Rasheed.
“The truth is that when he punched the back of my head, I shouldn’t have continued the fight but I continued to fight, and, that’s why it became a draw,” Bastie Samir said on Asempa FM.
At 37 years old, he expressed his desire for a rematch to redeem himself. Should he fail to defeat Rasheed, he plans to retire from boxing.
“I don’t want to talk about the whole issue; the mess has already happened. All I want now is a rematch. If he’s able to beat me in the rematch, then I will rate him as a champion.”
“I will give him a rematch and this time I am putting my boxing career on the line. If he beats me in the rematch, I will retire from boxing,” Bastie Samir said.
Initially, Rasheed Idowu’s victory was disputed despite twice knockingdown Bastie Samir during their bout. However, the UBO ultimately declared him the winner, granting him the African Light Heavyweight title.
Kingston, who had a successful playing career with clubs like Accra Hearts of Oak and Accra Great Olympics, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having earned 42 caps for Ghana and participated in two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in 2006 and 2008.
Joining Kingston in the coaching setup are former Hearts of Oak captains Jacob Nettey and Nana Agyemang.
Nettey, known for his leadership on the field, boasts an illustrious career, including leading Hearts of Oak to victory in the CAF Champions League in 2000.
He also represented Ghana at the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations and the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
Agyemang, a holder of CAF Licence A and UEFA Licence B, brings his coaching expertise from his previous stints with various football academies and clubs, including Adenta United, Barbarossa Academy, Lizzy Sports Complex Academy, and ProGen Football Club.
Together, this new technical team has been entrusted with the task of assembling a competitive squad for upcoming tournaments, including the WAFU B U-17 Cup of Nations and the TotalEnergiesU-17 Africa Cup of Nations,with the aim of achieving success on the international stage.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II,the club’s owner, expressed strong disapproval of their recent poor performances, during a meeting with the Asante Kotoko team at Manyhia on Thursday, April 18.
He made it unequivocally clear that such performances are unacceptable.
Furthermore, Otumfuo conveyed his determination to disband the team rather than see it relegated.
“I will personally call the GFA to dissolve Kotoko before you take the club to relegation,” His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said.
After Asante Kotoko’s dismal performance in their last seven games, the club’s owner, Otumfuo, has voiced his concern.
During this stretch, the team endured six defeats and only secured one draw, leaving them perilously close to the relegation zone, just three points above it.
With an imminent Week 27 fixture against Samartex FC at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium this weekend, Otumfuo has implored the team to clinch victory in the upcoming match.
This choice stems from the ongoing efforts to settle the debt accumulated by previous management.
Speaking at a gathering with players, coaching staff, and the interim management committee, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II disclosed that he has already disbursed GH₵5 million towards clearing a portion of the debt.
“I spent GH₵5 million to clear some of the debt of past management. This is the reason I don’t want to hand over my team to any individual at the moment.
“I will personally call the GFA to dissolve Kotoko before you take the club to relegation,” Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said.
In the midst of this, Otumfuo has urged Asante Kotoko to promptly reverse their string of seven winless games.
Prior to their upcomingGhana Premier Leaguematch against Samartex FC, Otumfuo has emphasised the importance of securing victory in the upcoming fixture.
Ghana Police Service apprehended the driver of a Hyundai truck with registration number GS 9018-20 for his alleged role in an accident involving the newly imported train on the Tema-Mpakadan railway line.
The incident occurred during a test run of the train on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
According to the police statement, their initial investigation revealed that the driver had abandoned the vehicle on the railway line, resulting in a collision with the train.
“Police investigation into the incident continues.”
The truck driver reportedly became stranded on the railway track while delivering cement blocks, as the vehicle was unable to pass through an underpass beneath the bridge.
Organised Labour has issued a stern warning of a looming strike on May 2, 2024, should the government continue to neglect its responsibility to pay the tier-2 pensions owed to its members.
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) and its affiliated unions have repeatedly urged the government to address their concerns, but their appeals have fallen on deaf ears.
Dr. Anthony Yaw Baah, Secretary-General of the TUC, underscored that in light of the government’s ongoing inaction, organised labour has been left with no choice but to consider resorting to strike action.
“You may know that the public sector unions under the forum have already given notice that on the 2nd of May, if they don’t hear anything about the payment of this second tier on the 30th of April, they will strike.
“We will want to send this notice to the government that if by the 30th of April they don’t do anything about this, our second tier, on the 2nd of May we will all join the forum. I can imagine what will happen in this country if they allow this thing to happen.”
The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT)has voiced serious concerns over the government’s alleged failure to fulfil its obligations towards over 700,000 Ghanaian workers.
During a press conference held on Thursday, April 18, NAGRAT President Angel Carbonu accused the government of financial misconduct, specifically citing the non-payment of Tier 2 pension scheme contributions and other third-party deductions since July 2023.
Mr. Carbonu emphasised that, despite these contributions being deducted from workers’ salaries, they are not reaching the intended institutions. This situation has raised significant doubts about the future financial security of these workers, particularly in their retirement years.
Ghana Medical Association (GMA)has expressed apprehension regarding the proliferation of new medical schools by tertiary institutions within the country.
Dr. Frank Serebour, the president of the GMA, voiced concerns to Citi News, cautioning that this trend could potentially dilute the standards and excellence of medical education and practice.
Instead, he urged the government to concentrate on enhancing existing facilities to accommodate more students.
Dr. Serebour stressed the importance of upholding quality training and adhering to established standards in the healthcare sector. He voiced discontent with the establishment of additional medical schools and proposed the adoption of the external teaching site concept as a means to maintain standards, ensure quality, and achieve adequate capacity.
“I am not happy and I think it is wrong for us to be creating new medical schools all over the place and I believe that the external teachers’ size is the way to go. And that for me would ensure that standards are maintained, quality is ensured and even good numbers, and it is also easy and cheap and it’s better than you converting every regional hospital into a teaching hospital or medical school.”
Amidst Ghana’s healthcare challenges, particularly in the delivery of medical services, the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has highlighted concerns, notably regarding the role of health facilities as teaching hospitals.
In response to these challenges, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has taken a proactive step by signing a memorandum of understanding with the Bekwai Municipal Hospital. This agreement establishes the hospital as a clinical training centre for medical students enrolled at KNUST.
The primary objective of this collaboration is to alleviate the strain on the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, which currently shoulders the bulk of medical training responsibilities for KNUST students.
Joseph Osei-Owusu, Member of Parliament for Bekwai and First Deputy Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, expressed enthusiasm for this partnership.
He emphasised the importance of medical student training and conveyed a commitment to further expansion, contingent upon the availability of funding.
“Training of a medical student is a must and a necessity. These two institutions, plus the others, are still not sufficient. And being willing to expand, of course, comes with money. And so the day you announced that Bekwai Hospital can be used as training, I’ve known no peace.”
Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, Vice Chancellor for KNUST, also emphasised the importance of maintaining standards in medical education, as health professionals play a crucial role in taking care of the population.
“Regardless of the fact that we are challenged by the huge numbers, one thing that we don’t want to get wrong is that standards must always be maintained because these health professionals are the people that will look after us when we are not, in fact, when we are unconscious. When you can’t speak, they’ll decide what to do with you and me so we better ensure that the standards are kept.”
A train recently procured by Ghana, which was intended to operate on the Tema-Mpakadan railway line after arriving from Poland, was involved in an accident during a test run in the Asuogyaman district.
In a statement dated Thursday, April 18, 2024, the Ministry of Railways Development clarified that the accident occurred around 12:10 pm on the same day.
According to the Ministry, the train encountered a stationary vehicle positioned directly across the rail track as it approached the curve at Km76+100.
“Despite the immediate application of the emergency braking system, the train was unable to come to a complete stop before colliding with the vehicle.”
The Ministry assured that no fatalities were recorded, as passengers, drivers, crew and bystanders are all safe.
“It is important to note that the vehicle was unmanned, and the location where it was found is not designated as an authorised level crossing. Thankfully, there were no injuries sustained by passengers on the train or bystanders. However, there was minor damage to the driver’s cab section of the train.”
It mentioned that the incident has been reported to the police and that investigations are currently underway.
“The incident has been promptly reported to the Police, and investigations are currently underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident. The DMU involved has been moved to the workshop for further assessment and necessary repairs.”
The Ministry assured the public of safety, stating that they are committed to ensuring the continued safe operation of the railway system.
“We assure the public thatsafety remains our utmost priority, and we are committed to ensuring the continued safe operation of our railway systems. We urge all stakeholders to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols when operating or crossing railway tracks.”
To enhance the railway transport system, the government obtained two modern diesel-powered trains from Poland.
In an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, the Minister of Railway Development, Peter Amewu, stated that engineers are presently repairing the damaged train.
“Engineers are currently working on it, the train has been brought back to the workshop. The KIA driver has reported himself to the police station. The good thing is that none of the passengers or crew on board got injured, we’re currently in the process of assessing the damage to the train. Technically, the train is still in good form, nothing in terms of the electrical system or engine have been disturbed. We’re hoping that the insurance company will work on it as quickly as possible to bring the train back on the line.”
He claimed that the test run was known to the locals.
According to sources, the state purchased 12 trains for the Ghana Railways Company, which is anticipated to run both long- and short-distance routes.
The Ghana Railway Development Authority refuted the reports, nevertheless.
Controversial and private legal practitioner,Lawyer Maurice Ampaw, slammed Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Okudzeto Ablakwa, over the MPs expose of the ‘darks’ surrounding the project and its execution.
Speaking on his “Mmra Ne Abrabo Mu Nsem show on Wontumi Media, the outspoken radio show host slammed Ablakwa for being a “Satan” against the fruition of “God’s vision and agenda,” i.e., the National Cathedral project.
“You have been surviving with taxpayer money since. Show me what you have achieved in life before you became an MP. All of you have made it with reliance on taxpayers money.
“You have turned yourself into Satan,” he noted.
His remarks follow Ablakwa’s publications of the ‘outrageous and unapproved’ funds pumped into the project, which is barely seen as a proper star aside from a foundation.
Ablakwa, along with other critics, has raised concerns about the use of public funds for the construction of the National Cathedral, especially in a country with pressing socio-economic needs. He has questioned the priority of the project and called for transparency and accountability in its financing and implementation.
However, the private legal practitioner believes that the MP’s vocability regarding the project has placed a curse on him, which his constituents are suffering from.
On his part, the damming impact of the Akosombo Dam Spillage on some parts of Ketu is a result of Ablakwa’s bad luck.
For their own good, Mr Ampaw has therefore warned the constituents to vote Ablakwa out of power or risk what he describes as “disaster upon disaster.”
“Do you even qualify to lead people? and to the people Ablakwa is leading , you better get rid of him; he is the cause of your woes. There is a curse on your life .That is what happens when you attack a national cathedral.Those Ketu disturbances and the flood. it’s a curse. A curse is following him.
Get rid of him before things get worse .Otherwise, it will be disaster upon disaster. Because this guy is attacking the vision of God,” he fumed.
He went on to warn the North Tongu MP to stay away from conversations regarding the National Cathedral.
“Let me catch you talking about the national cathedral again and you will see what I will do to you,” he warned.
The absence of Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey, known for his midfield control and game tempo, was deeply felt by Arsenal fans.
They lamented the lack of fluidity in the team’s midfield during the second half, highlighting Partey’s absence as a key factor in their defeat.
Arsenal’s hopes in the Champions League were dashed on April 17, 2024, as they succumbed to a one-nil defeat against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.
Despite a strong first-half performance, the Gunners couldn’t maintain their momentum, with Bayern’s Joshua Kimmich sealing their fate with a crucial goal.
Although Partey played in the first leg, his absence in the second leg was sorely noted by fans, sparking discussions about his importance to the team.
Check out some reactions from social media users
sworld Arsenal said Thomas Partey would have made the difference in such tight games .
Tripple_M commented: Mikel Arteta needs to find a way to include Thomas Partey.
RjArsenalBlog reacted: The whole Thomas Partey situation infuriates me in every possible way. He’s either been injured for most of the season or hasn’t been used when available.
Ghanaian footballer Emmanuel Danso has experienced a sudden surge in attention to his career, thanks to praise from his former teammateMohammed Kudus, who currently plays for West Ham United in England.
In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Kudus was asked to name the best player he had ever played with.
Without hesitation, he singled out Danso as the most talented player he has shared the pitch with, bringing attention to Danso’s skills on a global scale.
“I played with him in Ghana in the academy when I was growing up. He is one of the best players I have played with. I have played with a lot of players, there is a lot you know from here (West Ham) and Ajax, but he is the one,” he told the Sky Sports Journalist.
Who is Emmanuel Danso?
Since the interview, many Ghanaian football fans have wondered who Emmanuel Danso is, with some questioning why he has not received a call-up to any of the national teams if he was as good as claimed by Mohammed Kudus.
Information sighted byYEN.com.gh online revealed that Emmanuel Danso currently plays for Eliteserien side Strømsgodset in Norway.
Before signing for the Norwegian side in August 2022, Emmanuel had his first stint in Europe in February 2019, when he joined French club Olympique Lyonnais from Ghanaian lower-tier side Sporting Football Club based in Kasoa.
Emmanuel plays in the midfield, a typical number 6, as described by Mohammed Kudus.
He also describes himself as a player who loves to be on the ball to dictate the pace of the game, in a video sighted by YEN.com.gh on TikTok. “I’m a number six; I love to be on the ball and distribute passes with my left and right feet. That’s how I can be able to describe myself to anyone who doesn’t know me,” he said.
Promising Ghanaian footballer Charles Amofa, finds himself stranded in Belgium after his Belgianclub declared bankruptcy.
In an interview with SVTV Africa, he revealed that he has been without a club and homeless for about two years following the unfortunate incident.
Amofa explained that he relocated abroad at the age of 11 after being selected to play for the team. Initially taken to Mali, he was later transferred to Belgium, where his football career and life were flourishing.
The Makola market women, renowned for their viral dance videos and affiliation with the Happy Town Project, organized a birthday bash for their founder,Official Starter, on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
In a video posted on Official Starter’s Instagram page, the market women, predominantly dealing in foodstuffs, gathered various ingredients to prepare a sumptuous meal of fufu and soup, generously laden with meat and fish.
The entire DWP Academy crew joined in the festivities, relishing their servings of fufu and soup from earthenware bowls as they celebrated Official Starter’s special day.
As part of the festivities, the management of DWP Academy presented Official Starter and the executive assistant, Nokoslim, with a cash envelope, as they coincidentally share the same birthday.
The joyous occasion was marked by heartwarming moments, including traders carrying the talented dancer on their shoulders in cheerful support, and the presentation of cake and gifts, bringing smiles to many faces.
Thomas Tuchel,departing Bayern Munich coach, fired back at his critics following his team’s advancement to the Champions League semifinals with a 1-0 victory over Arsenal on Wednesday.
Despite Bayern’s failure to secure any domestic trophies this season, as their 11-year Bundesliga reign was terminated by Bayer Leverkusen, Tuchel’s response to criticism was pointed as he guided his team to the European semifinals.
As the club looks ahead to parting ways with Tuchel at the season’s end, his ability to lead Bayern to Champions League success remains a testament to his coaching prowess, despite domestic setbacks.
Asked after Wednesday’s win at the Allianz Arena whether he felt any gratification given how his season had unfolded with Bayern, Tuchel said: “But where did the criticism come from. From you, the media, and now you ask me if I feel any gratification?”
Bayern Munich secured their victory with a decisive header from Joshua Kimmich in the 63rd minute, sealing a 3-2 aggregate win over the two legs. Bayern president Herbert Hainer praised Tuchel’s coaching as a “tactical masterpiece.”
With this win, Tuchel has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first German coach to guide clubs from three different countries to at least the semifinals of the competition. He previously won the title with Chelsea in 2021 and led Paris Saint-Germain to the final in 2020.
“The semifinal is a huge step. The last four—that was fun. Great joy and great relief,” Tuchel told a press conference. “These are special moments. We beat one of the top Premier League clubs. We will have to see what this win does for the club. The season is not yet over.Especially not now.”
“We are very proud to have reached the semifinals and we will now see in two weeks what will happen,” he said.
Former Black Stars captain, Asamoah Gyan, has clarified his relationship with teammate Andre Dede Ayew, emphasising that while they have played together for over a decade in the Black Stars, they are not close friends off the pitch.
Gyan highlighted that, while he has always had a strong bond with Ayew on the field, their relationship does not extend beyond their professional duties.
He explained that both he and Ayew have their own separate circles of friends and social activities outside of football.
However, Gyan stressed that when they are in camp with the Black Stars, they are teammates and work together diligently to contribute to the team’s success.
“I usually say Andre is my teammate. Sometimes people misjudge. He’s a teammate that I talk to and laugh with, but we’re not friends,” Gyan said on Atinka TV.
He added, “Friends are people that you share secrets with. Andre is a teammate that I relate well to in camp and we have teamwork on the field but it doesn’t make him my friend.”
The ex-Ghana captain also asserted that people created a rivalry between himself and Ayew, which is unnecessary.
“People have created unnecessary rivalry, which is okay. But at the end of the day, we all have our people to hang out with but on the team, we are all teammates.”
Asamoah Gyan and Andre Ayew shared the pitch together and both later became leadersof Ghana’s national team.
The Akufo-Addo government has once again given yet another ‘sweetheart’ contract to Nigerian billionaire Benedict Peters, who is alleged to have amassed millions through shady COVID tests at the airport, as claimed by X (formerly Twitter) user @GhanaCrimes.
In a tweet by @GhanaCrimes on April 18, 2024, the X user asserted that President Akufo-Addo has “handed our Saglemi Housing Project” to the businessman.
“The Nigerian billionaire who made millions throughthe shady COVID tests at the airport has been handed our Saglemi Housing Project,” parts of the tweet read.
The Saglemi Housing Project, which was started in 2012 to address Ghana’s housing deficit, aimed to provide 5,000 affordable units near Prampram.
Despite starting construction, delays, funding issues, and corruption allegations led to its stall.
Discussions now centre on involving the private sector to revive and complete the project.
@GhanaCrimes, continued that Mr Peters may have made prior investments in the political campaign of Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo, which is believed to now yield significant returns, comparing the situation to the success of Tesla for Elon Musk.
“Whatever investment he made in @NAkufoAddo before he won the 2016 elections has paid off more than Tesla did for Elon Musk” he added.
The Nigerian billionaire who made millions through the shady COVID tests at the airport has been handed our Saglemi Housing Project.
Benedict Peters is a Nigerian billionaire businessman with significant investments in the oil and gas and mining industries. He is the founder and CEO of Aiteo Group, which is one of Africa’s largest indigenous oil producers.
Peters has been recognized for his role in the energy sector and has recently been involved in initiatives aimed at supporting Africa’s role in the global green economy.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, commended Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh for his outstanding efforts in bringing the project to fruition at the inauguration of the GENSER Kumasi Pipeline Project in Anwomaso, Kumasi on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, the Asantehene.
He highlighted the Energy Minister’s unwavering dedication to the project, emphasizing the pivotal role he played in its conception and execution.
“Some even said my son and grandson had even been bought by GENSER, however it was out of his pure love for Ghana and the Ashanti region. I am proud of him” the Asantehene said.
The Asantehene used the opportunity to call for the deepening of private sector collaboration as part of efforts to ensure massive industrialisation in the country.
Delivering remarks at the event, the Energy Minister paid tribute to some key persons who contributed immensely to the realization of the project.
“Being credited by the company for my modest role in conceptualizing and shepherding the project, I, in all humility also pay glowing tribute to the brilliant minds who contributed immensely to the realization of this project – notably, the Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, past Ministers for Energy, Technical Advisors and indeed, the dynamic team at the Ministry of Energy” Dr. Opoku Prempeh said.
He continued “This project, I have no doubt, will rejuvenate the industrial sector of the Ashanti Region by enhancing the supply of natural gas to key stakeholders, ultimately positioning the region as pivotal industrial hub within the overarching context of the NPP government’s industrialisation agenda”
Following the successful completion of this pipeline project, private and public entities including the VRA, AKSA, CENIT, among others have resolved to relocate or build new power plants at Anwomaso to utilize the facility.
Fear gripped upscale neighbourhoods in Accra as a series of armed robberies swept through, leaving residents traumatised and authorities on high alert.
Prominent individuals, including Matilda Yaaba Amissah-Arthur, the late Vice President of Ghana’s wife, were among those targeted.
Yahuza Osumanu, a self-proclaimed businessman from Pokuase-ACP, allegedly carried out a string of residential robberies between the second quarter of 2023 and December 2023, terrorising residents in affluent areas like Airport, Cantonments, Tesano, and Ridge.
According to police prosecutors, Osumanu’s method involved forcefully entering victims’ homes, brandishing firearms, and coercing them into surrendering valuables under the threat of violence.
On December 5, 2023, Matilda Yaaba Amissah-Arthur became a victim of Osumanu’s bold attack when he allegedly entered her residence wielding a gun and issuing threats. Mrs. Amissah-Arthur endured a harrowing ordeal as the assailant ransacked her home, making off with valuable possessions.
“On December 5, 2023 at about 4:00 a.m., the Tesano Police Division received information to the effect that the complainant, Madam Matilda Yaaba Amissah-Arthur, had been robbed.
“On receipt of the complaint, a team of police personnel was dispatched to the crime scene but on their arrival, the accused person had fled. The complainant told the police that the accused person was wielding a gun and he threatened to kill her if she did not comply with his instructions.
“She placed a call to the police guard on duty at her residence and asked him to look out for the accused. The guard spotted the accused person in the compound while he was trying to escape with the safe. He gave the accused a chase but the accused abandoned the safe and managed to escape,” a police fact sheet presented to a court in Accra stated.
The robberies were not isolated incidents. Augustine Kwesi Okere reported to theAirport Police on September 17, 2023, that he had been robbed at gunpoint in his residence, losing two Rolex wristwatches and a significant sum of cash.
Similar incidents occurred on December 4 and 5, 2023, involving Daniel Kwame Osafo and Tracy Osei-Hyeaman, who were also victimized by armed attacks. The accused stole expensive jewellery, electronics, and cash after threatening them with firearms.
On December 11, 2023, Margaret Alice Shaw’s home was invaded, and Osumanu allegedly looted valuable items, including a Rolex watch and jewellery, before fleeing.
During their investigations, the police obtained crucial evidence, including CCTV footage linking Osumanu to the crime scenes. He was identified as the prime suspect, known for his involvement in a series of residential robberies in affluent neighbourhoods.
“On the 12th of December 2023, the police gathered information that the accused person, Yahuza Osuman was the one robbing inhabitants of Accra and that he was at Dome Pillar 2.
“On the 13th of December 2023, the police, acting on a search warrant, proceeded to House No. DNC 34, Dome Pillar 2, which was the hideout of the accused, but they met his absence. They proceeded to Tantra Hill and arrested John Dela Sarbah, the shopkeeper of the accused.
“He led the police to a two-bedroom apartment where the accused person lived with his family but when they arrived there the accused person had escaped. The police opened the apartment forcefully and a search conducted revealed three power motorbikes, a toy gun, assorted jewellery, some electronic devices, a jackknife, one unregistered Toyota Prado vehicle, one unregistered Lexus vehicle and three other motorbikes which were retrieved from the house,” police prosecutors said.
Following a widespread manhunt, Osumanu was apprehended on December 15, 2023, in Kasoa. He was found seated in a vehicle and promptly arrested for interrogation.
“Onthe 15th of December 2023, the police received information that the accused person was hiding at Kasoa. The police proceeded to Kasoa and met the accused person seated in the front passenger seat of a grey Honda CRV vehicle. The police team stopped the vehicle, arrested him and took him to the CID headquarters to assist in investigation,” the prosecution noted.
The robberies were not isolated incidents. Augustine Kwesi Okere reported to the Airport Police on September 17, 2023, that he had been robbed at gunpoint in his residence, losing two Rolex wristwatches and a significant sum of cash.
Similar incidents occurred on December 4 and 5, 2023, involving Daniel Kwame Osafo and Tracy Osei-Hyeaman, who were also victimized by armed attacks. The accused stole expensive jewellery, electronics, and cash after threatening them with firearms.
On December 11, 2023, Margaret Alice Shaw’s home was invaded, and Osumanu allegedly looted valuable items, including a Rolex watch and jewellery, before fleeing.
During their investigations, the police obtained crucial evidence, including CCTV footage linking Osumanu to the crime scenes. He was identified as the prime suspect, known for his involvement in a series of residential robberies in affluent neighbourhoods.
Read the prosecution’s full report below:
Augustine Kwesi Okere is a businessman residing at Kacela Courts Apartments at Airport Residential Area, Accra.
Complainants Daniel Kwame Osafo and Tracy Osei-Hyeaman are husband and wife residing at Zollink Apartments in Cantonments, Accra, Complainant Matilda Yaaba Amissah Arthur was the wife of the late Vice President of the Republic of Ghana residing at Tesano, Accra and complainant, Margaret Alice Shaw is a 76-year-old woman residing at Alexander Nest, Ridge, Accra.
The accused person Yahuza Osumanu is a self-acclaimed businessman residing at Pokuase-ACP.
Between the second quarter of the year, 2023 and December 2023, the Police CID received several complaints of residential robberies perpetuated by a single armed man around Airport, Cantonments, Tesano and Ridge.
On the 17th of September, 2023, complainant, Augustine Okere reported to the Airport Police that at about 2:30am that morning, his residence at Kaecla Court Apartments, Airport Residential Area was robbed. On receipt of the complaint, a team of police personnel from the Airport Police Division was dispatched to the crime scene.
The complainant told the police that the accused person, entered his room, pointed a pistol at him and demanded money and other valuables. He was robbed of two (2) Rolex wrist watches valued at $38,000.00 USD and $23,000.00 USD and cash in the sum of GHC2,000.00 and £3,500.00.
On the 19th of September, 2023, the owner of the Kaeela Courts Apartments Dr. Abu Sakara Foster furnished the police with a pen drive which contained a CCTV footage of the accused person.
On the 4th of December, 2023, the police received a distress call from the complainants Daniel Kwame Osafo and Tracy Osei-Hyeaman to the effect that they had been robbed.
On receipt of the complaint, a team of police personnel was dispatched to the crime scene but on their arrival, the accused person had fled. They told the police that the accused person pointed a pistol at them whiles demanding money and other valuables and succeeded in robbing them of a Cartier wrist watch valued at Nine Thousand United States Dollars ($9,000.00USD), an iPhone Pro Max valued at One Thousand United States Dollars ($1,000.00USD), a Cartier black pen valued at Five Hundred United States Dollars ($500.00USD) and a gold chain valued at Five Thousand United States Dollars, ($5,000.00USD) all belonging to Daniel Kwame Osafo.
The accused person also made away with jewelries valued at Fifty Thousand United States Dollars ($50,000.00USD) and a Cartier wristwatch valued at Ten Thousand United States Dollars ($10,000.00USD) belonging to Tracy Osei-Hyeaman.
The CCTV footages at the premises were obtained and reviewed. On 5th of December 2023 at about 4:00am the Tesano Police Division received information to the effect that the complainant Madam Matilda Yaaba Amissah Arthur had been robbed.
On receipt of the complaint, a team of police personnel was dispatched to the crime scene but on their arrival, the accused person had fled. The complainant told the police that the accused person was wielding a gun and he threatened to kill her if she did not comply with his instructions.
She placed a call to the police guard on duty at her residence and asked him to look out for the accused. The guard spotted the accused person in the compound while he was trying to escape with the safe. He gave the accused a chase but the accused abandoned the safe and managed to escape.
On the 8th of December 2023, the police obtained CCTV footages from the crime scene and reviewed same. The accused person was identified in the CCTV footage as Yahuza Osumanu, who had been on the police radar for his involvement in series of residential robberies at Cantonments, Airport Residential Area, Ridge and Tesano.
On the 11th of December, 2023, the Papa 51 police patrol team received information about a robbery incident at Ridge. On receipt of the information, the patrol team proceeded to the crime scene. When they arrived at the scene, they met the complainant Margaret Alice Shaw who informed them that she was lying on her bed when the accused person entered her room, pointed a gun at her and instructed her to hand over all her money and valuables to him.
She told the police that the accused person ransacked her room and made away with a Rolex watch valued at Seventy Thousand United States Dollars ($70,000.00USD), a Panerai watch valued at Fifteen Thousand United States Dollars ($15,000.00USD) belonging to her son-in- law, David Adjaye, jewelleries valued at Fifteen Thousand United States Dollars ($15,000.00USD) belonging to her daughter Asheley Shaw Scott and cash in the sum of One Thousand Five Hundred Ghana Cedis (GHC1,500.00).
An initial assessment by the police revealed that the accused person gained ingress into the house through the victim’s window in the kitchen which was not properly locked. The police took photographs of the crime scene. That same day, the police returned to the crime scene with Crime Scene Management Experts. They processed the scene, reviewed the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) at the premises and obtained copies of the CCTV footage.
On the 12th of December 2023, the police gathered information that the accused person Yahuza Osuman was the one robbing inhabitants of Accra and that he was at Dome Pillar 2.
On the 13th of December 2023, the police acting on a search warrant proceeded to House No. DNC 34, Dome Pillar 2, which was the hideout of the accused, but they met his absence. They proceeded to Tantra Hill and arrested one John Dela Sarbah, the shop keeper of the accused person.
He led the police to a two-bedroom apartment where the accused person lived with his family but when they arrived there the accused person had escaped. The police opened the apartment forcefully and a search conducted revealed three power motorbikes, toy-gun, assorted jewelleries, some electronic devices, a jack knife, one unregistered Toyota Prado vehicle, one unregistered Lexus vehicle and three other motorbikes which were retrieved from the house.
On the 15th of December 2023 the police received information that the accused person was hiding at Kasoa. The police proceeded to Kasoa and met the accused person seated in the front passenger seat of a grey Honda CRV vehicle. The police team stopped the vehicle, arrested him and took him to the CID headquarters to assist in investigation.
During interrogation, the accused person admitted robbing the complainants. He told the police that he went on the robbery operations with a toy gun to prevent any resistance from the complainants. He identified himself in all the CCTV footages from the various scenes. He also led the police to the various crime scenes and demonstrated to the police how he gained ingress into the various houses to rob the complainants.
Investigations have revealed that the accused has over the period acquired a number of properties through the unlawful activities of robbery.
Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Parteyremained on the bench as Arsenal suffered a 1-0 defeat against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
Despite traveling with the team to Germany and being available for selection, Partey was not called upon by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
Instead, Arteta opted for a midfield trio of Jorgino, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard in the crucial second-leg quarter-final match.
Despite Arsenal’s efforts throughout the game, they were unable to breach Bayern Munich’s defence and find a goal of their own.
Bayern Munich secured their place in the semi-finals with a solitary header from Joshua Kimmich in the 63rd minute, sealing a 1-0 victory and a 3-2 aggregate win over Arsenal.
Following the defeat, Thomas Partey and his Arsenal teammates will return to England to focus on their remaining fixtures in the English Premier League as they continue their pursuit of thetitle in the 2023/24 season.
Ghana Police Service has reported the arrest of a suspect linked to a robbery on the Odumase-Badu Road near Sunyani, Bono Region, on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
The incident targeted students from the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) who were returning from a field trip.
The apprehended suspect is currently in custody, while efforts are underway to locate and apprehend the accomplice, who remains at large.
“The Ghana Police Service has arrested one suspect in connection with a robbery incident that occurred on the Odumase-Badu road, near Sunyani, in the Bono Region, at about 7pm on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
“The suspect, and his accomplices, currently on the run, attacked and robbed students and lecturers of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) while returning from a field trip,” the police said.
According to the police, the attack led to the death of a student, while six others sustained minor injuries.
“A student, identified as Abdul Aziz Issah, sadly lost his life during the attack. Six other students who sustained minor injuries have been treated and discharged.
“Police highway patrol teams intervened and arrested one person. A manhunt is currently ongoingto get the other accomplices arrested to face justice,” the police statement issued on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, added.
Manchester City’s Champions League journey came to a heartbreaking end as they fell to Real Madrid on penalties in the quarter-final stage.
Despite outplaying Madrid, City lacked their usual cutting edge and confidence.
Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic were unable to find a way past Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin in the shootout, sealing City’s fate after a tense 1-1 draw in regulation time and extra-time.
City had numerous opportunities to secure victory but couldn’t capitalise on their chances.
Even the presence of Erling Haaland couldn’t turn the tide, as he was substituted by Pep Guardiola following another disappointing performance in a crucial match.
Antonio Rudiger dashed City’s hopes of a comeback with a decisive penalty, putting an end to any hopes of a double-treble.
Despite falling behind early to a goal from Rodryro, City fought back valiantly. Kevin De Bruyne equalised with a powerful strike after a defensive error from Rudiger.
However, De Bruyne missed a golden opportunity to secure victory before the end of regular time.
In extra-time, City continued to dominate proceedings, but failed to find the winning goal.
Ghana Army Headquarters recently received a significant consignment of Personnel Body Protective armor from the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence, facilitated by its High Commission in Ghana.
This shipment encompasses various essential protective gear, such as bulletproof vests, helmets, gloves, and other related equipment, valued at 260,000 British Pounds.
Major General Bismack Kwasi Onwona, the Chief of Army Staff, expressed gratitude for this gesture from the British government.
He emphasized that this equipment would greatly enhance the operational efficiency of the Army, especially within the Special Operations Brigade.
“I expect this equipment to improve the combat efficiency, particularly of our Army Special Operations Brigade Forces and the personnel of the Ghana Army generally,” he said.
The gesture, he stated, formed part of the mutual support and Defence Corporation with the UK’s Armed Forces aimed at enhancing the country’s security and beyond.
“This donation is a further demonstration of a clear commitment of the United Kingdom to contribute to security and stability not only in the country but most especially in the sub-region,” he said.
Brigadier General Barimah Brako Owusu, the Chief Staff Officer (CSO) at the Army Headquarters, highlighted the fruitful defense collaboration between Ghana and the UK, which has yielded numerous benefits for the country, including logistical and training support.
The presentation of the items on behalf of theUK government was made byNaval Commander Richard Walters, the Defence Attache at the UK High Commission in Ghana.
National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has denied recent allegations concerning the registration and authorization of 14 new genetically modified (GM) products for farming.
While the NBA has indeed approved 14 products, consisting of eight maize and six soybean varieties, it clarifies that these are grains meant for direct consumption as food, feed, or processing.
The authority firmly rejects assertions of newly developed genetically modified products intended for cultivation.
Emphasising the safety of these products, the NBA underscores that they are specifically designated for consumption as food, feed, or processing purposes.
These items have been registered solely to facilitate their importation by individuals or organisations, with no authorization granted for cultivation.
“This approval was granted under Section 13 of the Biosafety Act, 2011 (Act 831) and Regulation 15 of the Biosafety (Management of Biotechnology) Regulations, 2019 (LI 2383), following the evaluation of data and information supplied by the applicant and a thorough risk assessment by the NBA Technical Advisory Committee (TAC),” the NBA said in a statement to the B&FT.
The NBA explained that after a thorough risk assessment and evaluation, there were no adverse findings with any demonstrable history of biosafety concerns as the processes conformed to the laid down procedures in line with the Biosafety Act, 2011 (Act 831) and with international best practices in deciding on any application brought before the authority.
“The authority, therefore, wishes to assure Ghanaians of the safety of GM product(s) that have received the NBA’s approval,” the statement reiterated.
The products, according to the authority, were submitted by Bayer West-Central Africa S.A. and Syngenta South Africa, including a Bt cowpea submitted by the Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (SARI).
The authority disclosed that any entity interested in bringing these products will require an import permit from the NBA, as stated by law.
Indeed, Argentina, Australia, Uruguay, Singapore, Thailand, USA and South Africa, among others, have already given similar approvals and confirmed them to be as safe as their conventional counterparts.
NBA’s CEO, Mr. Eric Amaning Okoree, expressed concern about the development and said the call to reject any GM seeds that will be supplied is unfortunate.
The NBA, he noted, recognises the need for Ghanaians to adapt to the emerging plant breeding technologies in the agricultural space for sustained crop improvement and food security.
“We wish to reiterate the fact that the improved yield and sustained food security will rather benefit farmers than impoverish them, as speculated by a section of the public.
Again, there is a robust biosafety system in place to ensure the safety of GMOs officially released in the country,” Mr. Okoree emphasised.
National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for the Ketu North constituency, Edem Agbana,has strongly criticised the conviction and sentencing of former MASLOC CEO Sedina Christine Tamakloe Attionu, to 10 years imprisonment in absentia for causing financial loss to the state.
He described the sentence as a miscarriage of justice and a blow to the justice system during a panel discussion on TV3 on April 17, 2024.
Agbana emphasised the NDC’s stance on fair and lawful proceedings, stating that while the party does not condone misconduct by public officials, it believes in ensuring that criminal proceedings adhere to Article 19(3) of the 1992 Constitution, which requires the presence of the accused.
“The NDC, as a party, believes in the principles of probity. We also believe in the principle of accountability and we believe as a party that public officials must account for their stewardship, whether past or present.
“We have nothing against the prosecution of public officials because we believe that when you are given the opportunity to serve this country, you must do that in accordance with the law,” he said.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=de-gUL8zL4E
He argued that the absence of Sedina Tamakloe during the trial constituted a violation of her constitutional rights, despite having expressly asked for the court’s permission to seek medical treatment abroad.
“However, criminal trials and criminal proceedings are supposed to be done in accordance with the law. Our position is that where we are today, with the facts available to us, what happened in court yesterday was a glaring miscarriage of justice and a dent in our justice delivery system.
“Article 19(3) of our 1992 constitution provides that during criminal proceedings or trials, it must be done in the presence of the accused, and in the present case, the basic understanding of law means either physically and also must be present or mentally. It means the person must be able to follow the proceedings fully.
“But in this case, Madam Sedina Christine Tamakloe Attionu followed or was going to court religiously until she felt sick and her lawyers sought permission from the court for her to travel abroad for medical attention,” he added.
Sedina Christine Tamakloe Attionu has been sentenced together with the former Chief Operating Officer of MASLOC,Daniel Axim, who is to spend five years behind bars with hard labour.
They were both found guilty on 78 counts of causing financial loss to the state, stealing, conspiracy to steal, money laundering, and causing loss to public property in contravention of the public procurement law.
The two have been on trial since 2019.
According to a report by citinewsroom.com, the state called six witnesses in all, with Sedina Tamakloe tried in absentia since she absconded after obtaining the permission of the Accra High Court to seek a medical checkup outside the country.
Registrar of the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, has initiated a defamation lawsuit against Member of Parliament for South Dayi Constituency, Rockson Nelson-Defeamekpor, and Multimedia Group Limited.
Dr. Agyemang, who also serves as the New Patriotic Party Parliamentary candidate for Abuakwa South, alleges that on April 13, 2024, the South Dayi MP appeared on the Newsfile program on Joynews, a subsidiary of the Multimedia Group, and made defamatory statements about his character and reputation.
“In the course of the panel’s discussion on the recent investigations into activities at The Scholarship Secretariat by a group of journalists known as The Fourth Estate, the 2nd Defendant offered the platform to the 1st Defendant to defame the plaintiff by stating that the plaintiff has been using state funds to undertake international travels every week with first-class tickets,” a statement of claim filed by the lawyers of Dr. Agyemang on April 17, 2024, stated.
Dr. Kingsley Agyemang contends that the Member of Parliament’s assertion, disseminated both nationally and internationally through online platforms, was false and motivated by ill intent to portray him as a reckless spender of public funds, tarnishing his reputation in the eyes of the public.
In his legal action, the Registrar of theScholarship Secretariathas petitioned the Accra High Court for a directive compelling the defendants to retract and offer an apology for the alleged defamatory remarks.
Additionally, he seeks an award of GH₵20,000,000 in damages against them.
A devastating scene captured in a video shared by X (formerly Twitter) user @Dek360Ghana is the lifeless body of a police officer on a motorbike who is said to be chasing an Okada driver for a traffic violation.
According to the tweet’s caption, the Okada driver broke a law and the policeman drove his motorcycle in pursuance of the rider. This happened at Tech Junction, Kumasi.
Unfortunately, they both met their untimely demise after ramming into a truck packed along the road with no proper signage.
In the video, the Okada driver lies lifeless in one lane of the road as cars drive past him, while he appears lifeless and hooked onto his bike.
The policeman is also seen lying on his back on the bike on the tarred floor, bleeding profusely from his head, with a part of the bike sliding under the ‘unlawfully’ parked truck on theshoulder of the road.
Former Black Stars strikerAugustine Arhinful shared a remarkable tale of divine intervention that led to his healing from a debilitating injury that had sidelined him from playing any form of football, even casually, for three long years.
In an interview with Dan Kwaku Yeboah TV, Arhinful recounted the frustrating period towards the end of his career when a persistent injury forced him into premature retirement and deprived him of the simple joy of kicking a ball around for fitness.
Despite these challenges, Arhinful, known for his strong Christian faith, revealed how he experienced a miraculous turnaround during a church service. It was there that a fellow worshipper received a vision concerning him, leading to his unexpected healing.
“I was in church one Sunday when the minister had a vision that angels of the Lord were present among the congregation and healing someone who had a major leg problem. The woman wasn’t a pastor, she was just a worshipper. I felt what the woman was saying and prayed to God that I should be the beneficiary of the healing.
“After the worship, I stepped outside to buy water but right at the gate, the woman approached me. She told me that I was the one she saw in the vision and that she saw two angels shaking my legs. I asked what they were doing and she said the angels were healing me of my injury.
“I told her I had stopped playing football because of the injury and that for three years, I couldn’t even play Monday football. She asked if I believed in anointing oil and I responded in the affirmative. I bought one and she prayed over it.
“A month later, I decided to go and play Monday Stars and I went about my job normally. I was running normally and everyone was surprised. They asked what happened and I told them I had been healed,” he said.
In the same interview, the former Black Stars striker opened up on how he communicated news of his wife’s death to his children.
“When my wife died, there were people who asked me to take my children away from home but I didn’t do it. I gathered them in my bedroom one afternoon and told them that their mother didn’t survive a short illness. I told them I wanted them to comport themselves and not to cry.
“They just said thank you and that was it. They know their mom is no more but theyhave never complained,” he added.
In 2009, Augustine lost his wife, BarbaraArhinful, l at the age of 32 after a brief illness at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.
Reflecting on the challenging experience in an interview with Dan Kwaku Yeboah, Augustine revealed the difficulty he faced in breaking the news to his children.
He recalled gathering his children in his bedroom and gently informing them of their mother’s demise. Despite the pain, Augustine encouraged them to remain strong and resilient, urging them not to show any signs of weakness.
“When my wife died, there were people who asked me to take my children away from home but I didn’t do it. I gathered them in my bedroom one afternoon and told them that their mother didn’t survive a short illness. I told them I wanted them to comport themselves and not cry,” Augustine Arhinful stated.
He added, “They just said thank you and that was it. They know their mom is no more, but they have never complained.”
During those challenging times, the former Black Stars player found comfort and strength in his faith in God.
“I was in the Lord and it was difficult, but I understood. After the one-week ceremony for my wife, I listened to a pastor preaching about death and it felt like he was talking to me. I was asking God a lot of questions but the preaching did the magic for me,”the ex-player said.
Chippa United, a South African club, eyes Ghanaian goalkeeper Richard Ofori as a potential replacement for their departing Nigerian goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali.
Nwabali’s departure from the club has prompted Chippa United to consider Ofori, who currently plays for Orlando Pirates, as his successor.
The 27-year-old Nigerian shot-stopper gained prominence following his stellar performance for the Super Eagles during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Several clubs, including Saudi club El-Ettifaq and English Championship side Queens Park Rangers, have expressed interest in Nwabali.
With Ofori’s contract with Orlando Pirates set to expire soon, Chippa United is keen to secure his services for the upcoming season.
The traditional drum, known as the ‘dondo,’ used by Black Stars players during their ‘jama’ sessions at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, has been added to the collections of the FIFA Museum.
According to FIFA’s announcement on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, the ‘dondo’ from Ghana is among various memorabilia from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The ‘dondo’ will be showcased at the FIFA Museum in Zurich, Switzerland, as part of the exhibition.
‘Jama’ is a customary ritual for the Black Stars during their training camps and tournaments.
The team often concludes their practice sessions with lively ‘jama’ sessions and also participates in morale-boosting ‘jama’ sessions before matches.
During the 2022 World Cup, Ghana competed in Group H, facing South Korea, Uruguay, and Portugal. Despite only securing one victory, the team demonstrated their spirited performances.
President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kurt Okraku, recently convened a highly productive meeting with the Women’s Super Cup Committee, in a bid to enhance Women’s Football in Ghana.
The meeting was characterised by a collaborative spirit and a strong determination to uplift the status of women’s football in the country.
President Okraku kicked off the session by extending heartfelt congratulations to the Committee members for their unwavering dedication to the advancement of Women’s Football.
He expressed gratitude for their invaluable service and warmly welcomed new additions to the team, emphasizing the importance of their roles in shaping the sport’s future.
During the meeting, President Okraku emphasised the significance of the off-season Women’s Super Cup competition as a platform to showcase the talent and skill of female footballers across Ghana.
He articulated his vision for the competition to not only foster healthy competition but also to inspire and empower young women to pursue their football aspirations.
Julius Emunah, Head of Competitions at the GFA, provided a comprehensive overview of the format of the Women’s Super Cup competition, offering clarity on its organisation.
The Committee engaged in fruitful discussions regarding probable dates for the tournament, with a collective commitment to selecting optimal timing to maximise participation and viewership.
A pivotal aspect of the meeting was President Okraku’s call to action for Committee members to actively seek sponsorship from corporate entities within Ghana.
Recognizing the importance of financial support in the success of such endeavours, he urged the committee to leverage their networks and forge partnerships that would enhance the stature and impact of the Women’s Super Cup competition.
Chaired by Ebenezer Adotey Allotey, with Esther Addo as the Vice Chairperson, the Committee boasts a dynamic lineup of members, including Mariam Iddrisu and Solomon Osei Wusu, whose diverse expertise and passion for Women’s Football bode well for the realisation of the tournament’s objectives.
Additionally, the presence of GFA Deputy General Secretary Ama Brobbey-Williams further underscored the GFA’s commitment to the development of Women’s Football at all levels.
As the meeting concluded, there was a palpable sense of optimism and determination among attendees, reflecting a shared resolve to propel women’s football to new heights in Ghana.
With meticulous planning, strategic partnerships, and the collective efforts of all stakeholders, the Women’s Super Cup promises to be a landmark event that not only celebrates the talent of female footballers but also paves the way for a more inclusive and vibrant football landscape.
Ilkay Gündogan expressed frustration over individual errors as Barcelona exited the Champions League on Tuesday, admitting that the Spanish side handed the victory to Paris Saint-Germain “in the simplest way possible.”
Barcelona, leading 3-2 from the first leg in Paris, initially took a commanding 2-0 lead in the tie with Raphinha’s 12th-minute goal at the Olympic Stadium.
However, the momentum shifted drastically after Ronald Araújo received a red card for a last-man challenge on Bradley Barcola, leading to PSG’s 4-1 victory on the night and a 6-4 aggregate win, securing their spot in the semifinals against Borussia Dortmund.
“I am very disappointed because we were in such a good position, not just after the first leg, but scoring the first goal as well,” Gündogan told CBS. “Everything was in our hands and we just gave it away in the most simple manner. We just gave it to PSG and that is the most disappointing part.”
Barça coach Xavi Hernández was fuming with the decision to show a red card to Araujo, labelling the performance of the referee a “disaster” and saying it completely changed the game.
Gündogan said the decision did condition the outcome of the match but did not criticise the on-pitch ruling.
“If he fouled him, I guess it’s a red card,” the Germany international added. “I haven’t seen the replay. It’s difficult to say, in these crucial moments, you need to be sure to get the ball.
“If you don’t get it, and I don’t know if he did, you have to stay away. I prefer to concede a goal there or to leave the striker one on one, even though he played the ball quite far ahead, so I don’t know if he would reach the ball. But let the goalkeeper have a chance to save us or even concede a goal.
“To get a red card, to go a player down so early, it just kills the game.”
Ousmane Dembélé made a successful return to Barcelona, where he previously played, by scoring the equaliser. He rejoined PSG for €50 million ($53m) last summer. Following his goal, Vitinha capitalised on a defensive lapse, scoring from the edge of the box after being left unmarked at a corner, which gave the French champions the lead.
“Again, [another] mistake,” Gündogan added. “We have to step out there and don’t let him shoot. He was so free.
“It’s nothing we haven’t trained, the closest man has to step out. Someone has to step out. No one did — or did too late. Again, not necessary at all.”
Kylian Mbappé addedPSG’s third goal from the penalty spot and then sealed Luis Enrique’s side’s passage to the final four in the 89th minute after Gündoğan had hit the post and had a penalty appeal turned down.
“Decisive actions, crucial situations, they will either reward you or punish you,” Gündogan said. “Unfortunately for tonight they punished us.”
Brazilian football icon Romario, aged 58, has officially enlisted himself as a player for America Football Club in Rio de Janeiro, where he currently holds the position of club president.
Following the approval of his registration on Tuesday, the former 1994 World Cup champion is now eligible to participate for the club in the second division of the Carioca Championship, scheduled to commence on May 18.
The football federation of Rio de Janeiro confirmed Romario’s player registration, clarifying that he will receive a minimum wage, all of which will be contributed to the club.
Romario’s intentions regarding his playing time with the club remain uncertain. While he stated that he will not partake in official league matches, he expressed a desire to share the field with his son, Romarinho, who recently joined America FC as a forward.
He addressed the clubs fans in a post on Instagram, saying: “I’m not going to compete in the championship, but rather play a few games for the team of my heart and make another dream come true, playing alongside my son. What do you think?”
Romario’s last official match was in November 2009, representing America FC, his father Edevair’s cherished club.
Since 2009, he has held the position of president at America FC. Subsequently, five years later, he was elected senator for Rio de Janeiro.
Beginning his career with Vasco da Gama, Romario went on to shine for clubs like PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona.
Mikel Arteta isconvinced that Arsenal advancing to the Champions League semifinals by defeating Bayern Munich would significantly impact the club’s trajectory.
Following a 2-2 draw in the first leg last week, the Gunners are set to take on Bayern at Allianz Arena on Wednesday evening with hopes of reaching the last four for the first time since 2009.
Arsenal, who have never clinched the Champions League title, recently ended a seven-year hiatus from the competition.
During this period, Bayern secured their sixth European Cup.
Asked if victory here in Germany could take Arsenal to the next level, Arteta said:“Absolutely. It would be unbelievable. If we make it happen tomorrow and we’re in the semifinals, we’ll be in a really high emotional state with something that we haven’t achieved in 15 years, and that’s the opportunity.”
Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard are expected to be available after picking up knocks in Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa, a result that leaves Arsenal chasing Manchester City in the Premier League title race with six games to play.
Arteta insisted that defeat would not have any bearing on their European hopes, telling his players: “Throw the game away, the one that we played a few days ago, because regardless of that result, it is going to have no impact on what’s going to happen tomorrow.
“Refocus and start to build the confidence, the trust and understanding of the performance that we are going to have to put in tomorrow to beat them and go through in the tie.”
Arteta also urged his team to stay true to themselves in an intimidating arena where Bayern are unbeaten in their last 14 European matches.
“For sure, I want my team to be themselves regardless of the stadium,” he added. “Sometimes you want to do certain things and the opponent doesn’t allow you to do them. We are very clear about how we are going to play the game, what we want to do in the game and what gives us the best chance to win it.
“There are lots of things we can do to write our story very differently tomorrow; we know that and it is going to be about putting in a very, very strong performance collectively and individually to earn the right to be in the semifinal.”
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández expressedfrustration over the decision to send off Ronald Araújo as his team faced elimination from the Champions League following a 4-1 loss to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the Olympic Stadium on Tuesday.
Xavi criticised Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs, labelling him a “disaster” and arguing that the red card shown to Araujo for a last-man challenge on Bradley Barcola in the 29th minute, with Barcelona leading 1-0 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate, drastically impacted the quarterfinal outcome.
Despite taking the lead, PSG rallied with a Kylian Mbappé brace and goals from Ousmane Dembélé, making his return to Barcelona, and Vitinha, clinching a 6-4 aggregate victory and securing a semifinal clash against Borussia Dortmund.
“We are annoyed,” Xavi said. “The red card marked the tie. We were well organised, 11 vs. 11. It completely changed everything. For me, it’s too much to send [Araújo] off there.
“The referee was really bad. I told him he was a disaster. He killed the tie. I don’t like speaking about referees but it has to be said. I don’t understand it.
“It’s not good going down to 10 players and from that point on, it’s another game. For as much as we speak [about the match], the red card marks everything.”
Xavi faced further frustration when he was also sent off in the second half for protesting the decision not to award a penalty for a challenge by Marquinhos on Ilkay Gündogan.
Adding to Barça’s woes, goalkeeping coach Jose Ramon de la Fuente was also dismissed as the team lost their composure.
“That was an error by me; it was my fault,” added Xavi, accepting responsibility for his expulsion.
In Tuesday’s match, Barcelona, holding a 3-2 lead from the first leg, extended their advantage to two goals in the tie when Raphinha scored in the 12th minute following excellent teamwork with Lamine Yamal.
However, the game’s momentum shifted just before the half-hour mark when Araújo was shown a red card for allegedly bringing down Barcola just outside the box as he advanced towards goal.
Dembélé and Vitinha scored on either side of halftime to bring PSG level in the tie, with Mbappé putting them ahead from the penalty spot in the 61st minute after a foul by João Cancelo on Dembélé. Despite opportunities for Barcelona to equalise on aggregate, Mbappé sealed the win for PSG with a goal on the counter-attack in the 89th minute.
“We had the chance to equalise with [Gündogan] hitting the post and could even have made it 2-0 before the red card with [Robert Lewandowski’s] shot, which went just over,” Xavi added.
“It’s just a shame that the hard work of an entire season ends because of one refereeing decision. I would have liked it to be 11 vs. 11 for the whole game. It’s an unnecessary red.” PSG coach Luis Enrique said he believed his side would have progressed to the semifinal even if Araújo had stayed on the pitch.
“I don’t speak about referees,” he said. “I have not seen it back; I just saw it live. In my time as a coach, I have never judged referees. I focus on what I can control.
“We started the game really well and the feeling when they score after a brilliant piece of play from Lamine Yamal is a bit like the first leg. We didn’t deserve to lose last week and we didn’t deserve to be behind tonight.
“But the faith and the belief of the players were exceptional. From there, we grew into the game. Obviously, the red card is a factor, but you still have to know how to play these games and not make mistakes.
“I honestly think without the red card, we still win, although I can’t prove that.”
Jude Bellingham emphasises that his move to Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund last summer lost its allure when Real Madrid expressed interest in signing him.
Despite having a standout first season at the Bernabéu, where he scored 20 goals and provided five assists, the 20-year-old midfielder experienced a comparatively subdued performance in last week’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg against City.
When asked in a news conference ahead of Wednesday’s second leg in Manchester, with the tie poised at 3-3, if he had considered joining City, Bellingham said: “I had good chats with clubs, including Dortmund.
“My family were great in helping me chew up that information because it’s difficult while you are still in the season to take in the information and process it and still have to play.
“I had conversations with other teams but when Madrid came in, it was a no-brainer, really because of the size of the club, the project, the plan going forward, and the chance to play with such amazing players. I just jumped at it. That’s why I made my decision.”
French President Emmanuel Macron has urged European clubs to release their players for the Paris Olympics men’s football tournament this summer.
He particularly emphasised the importance of Real Madrid’s cooperation, given that France star Kylian Mbappé is expected to join the Spanish giants in June after his Paris Saint-Germain contract expires.
Unlike FIFA’s international windows, the men’s Olympic tournament is not mandated for player release by clubs. Additionally, as an under-23 competition, it allows for only three senior players in each squad.
The situation is further complicated by the scheduling overlap with the men’s European Championship, which concludes just weeks before the Olympic football tournament begins.
“I think that European clubs need to play the game so that we can put on a great show,” Macron told RMC Sport.
Asked if that was directed at Real Madrid, Macron added: “Exactly. When I said European clubs, that is what I meant. The players need to think about it when they consider their preparations and training sessions because we have the Euros — I hope that we will be playing on July 14 [the date of the Euros final].
European giants Barcelona and Chelsea are showing interest in Paulo Dybala and his release clause at AS Roma, according to Rudy Galetti.
The Argentine star’s contract runs until 2025, but discussions about a renewal are yet to take place.
Dybala’s impressive season with Roma, where he has scored 14 goals and provided nine assists in 31 appearances across all competitions, has caught the attention of these clubs.
Despite being 30 years old, Dybala’s experience, including winning the World Cup and clinching five Serie A titles, makes him an attractive prospect for both Barcelona and Chelsea.
With key matches against top Serie A teams lined up, Dybala will have more chances to showcasehis talent in the cominggames.
Former Black Stars captainAsamoah Gyan expressed his dissatisfaction with a crucial substitution made by coach Milovan Rajevac during the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Egypt, labelling it one of the most perplexing decisions of his career.
Egypt secured the winning goal in the 85th minute, and Gyan was substituted off in the 87th minute.
Gyan voiced his frustration during an interview on Onua TV, recalling the pivotal moment when he was replaced as Ghana faced Egypt in the final match.
He stated, “I was pained because I predicted I would score. But when [the Egyptians] scored and were celebrating, I saw No. 3 on the substitution board. It is one of the weirdest substitutions I have seen in my entire career.”
Ghana’s hopes were dashed as they fell short against Egypt in the final, losing 1-0 after Gyan’s substitution.
It was a major setback for Ghana, who had been striving to clinch their firstAFCON title since 1982.
Ministry of Health (MoH) has addressed concerns regarding the recruitment of health personnel and the payment of overdue allowances following a demonstration by rotational nurses, midwifery associations, and unemployed nurses in Accra.
During a media briefing, Isaac Offei Baah, the Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Health, reiterated the ministry’s dedication to resolving these issues promptly.
“Unfortunately, we have gotten to this level, but we are all aware that we cannot employ without clearance from the Ministry of Finance.
That also doesn’t mean that we are not working to ensure that we get adequate clearance and clear all our nurses who are not employed.
“We have enough evidence to show that after we received the list from NMC, we forwarded it to the Minister of Finance.
Their leader, who always comes to negotiate on their behalf, can attest to the fact that we have given him copies of evidence to show that the Ministry of Health is committed to ensuring their recruitment andensuring their posting.”
National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has voiced criticism against Major General Bismarck Kwasi Onwona, the Chief of Army Staff, for his recent remarks regarding election security responsibilities.
During a program in Kumasi last month, Major General Onwona asserted that the military holds a significant role in ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections. He urged military commanders at all levels to prioritize peacekeeping within their jurisdictions.
Nketiah’s critique stems from Major General Onwona’s statements, questioning the military’s involvement in election security.
“We are in an election year and much will be expected of each and every one of us. We have a greater responsibility to ensure a free, fair and transparent election by performing our duties professionally at all times,” said the Chief of Army Staff.
But in an interview on Inside Politics on TV XYZ, Asiedu Nketia condemned the comment and said whoever said that needs to go back to the military training school to learn the duties of the military.
“He should go back to training school again; he should go and read the constitution. The work of the military is to fight Ghana’s external enemies. Is he trying to say that Ghanaian voters are enemies of the state?” he said.
The astute politician emphasised that the military bears no responsibility for overseeing election centres, a duty reserved for Ghana Police Service officials. He stressed that according to the country’s laws, the police are mandated to uphold law and order, including during elections.
“Ensuring free and fair elections is the responsibility of the police. When the police are overwhelmed during elections, that is when they call for the military to support, even with that the military will be working under the orders of the police.
“We will not allow the military to come to election centres to take over security and end up shooting innocent voters and other Ghanaians as they did in 2020…anyone who has a contrary view should come and challenge me,” he added.
Asiedu Nketiah strongly asserted that the NDCwould not stand idly by while the military assumed control of polling stations on election day, intimidating voters and inciting chaos.
Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan revealed that he has been approached with offers to run for a Member of Parliament (MP) position in the past.
The all-time top scorer for Ghana cited his influence and contributions to the nation as the reasons behind these proposals.
Speaking in an interview with Onua TV, Gyan acknowledged the consistent calls for him to pursue a political career, attributing these requests to his impact and contributions to society.
However, Gyan emphasized that any decision to enter politics would be personal and not influenced by external pressure.
“The whole Member of Parliament issue began a very long time ago, and people have been pushing it for about a decade now.
“Even in my playing days, these offers were always brought up to the table. Now, I’m not playing, and I’m back home. If I want to do it, of course, I can do it,” Gyan stated.
Gyan’s role as the chairman of the Sports Sub-Committee of Dr Bawumia’s manifesto committee positions him to play a crucial role in formulating strategic sports policies for the NPP ahead of the December 7 elections.
Frustrated Kumasi Asante Kotoko fans prevented head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum and his team from accessing the Club’s training field in Adako Jachie on Tuesday, April 16, intensifying tensions within the organization.
Disgruntled by a series of disappointing outcomes in the Ghana Premier League, the angry fans disrupted the team’s regular training session.
With the Porcupine Warriors plummeting to 11th on the league table, suffering seven defeats in nine matches, their once-solid position in the top half was relinquished torivals Hearts of Oak.
The discontented supporters demanded theremoval of head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum and his coaching staff, citing the team’s lacklustre performance as justification for their request.
The club has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident at the Adako Jachie in Kumasi.
Kotoko is scheduled to face league leaders Samartex 1996 in their next fixture at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday, April 21.
Director of Communications for theNew Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah,the is encouraging Ghanaians to seriously consider Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as a candidate for the upcoming December 2024 presidential elections.
Ahiagbah emphasised Bawumia’s capacity to stabilise the Ghanaian cedi, highlighting his strategy to leverage the nation’s natural resources, particularly gold, to support the currency.
Ahiagbah expressed strong confidence in Bawumia’s leadership abilities to steer Ghana towards economic stability.
“Be Bold with Bawumia. He will use our gold to back the cedi to make it stable. This is a Bold solution to stabilize the cedi.
“Depreciation will be a thing of the past because the cedi will be sufficiently stable under Bawumia. I pledge to be bold with Bawumia. Have you?” he said in a Twitter post on April 16, 2024.
As of April 16, 2024, the Bank of Ghana’s Interbank forex rates indicate that the Ghana Cedi is valued at 12.9907 when buying and 13.0037 when selling against the dollar.
Be Bold with Bawumia. He will use our gold to back the cedi to make it stable. This is a Bold solution to stabilize the cedi. Depreciation will be a thing of the past because the cedi will be sufficiently stable under Bawumia. I pledge to be bold with Bawumia. Have you?… pic.twitter.com/BhuvsBGc1B
