The director of public relations and external affairs of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) Nana Yaa Jantuah has expressed her displeasure over unpleasant ‘tags’ people give her on social media.
Speaking in an interview with Morning Starr’s Kafui Dey on Starr 103.5FM, she fumed and said, “I’m not a prostitute.”
Ms. Jantuah, who has been the primary spokesperson for the PURC regarding issues related to inadequate power supply, has faced increasing public backlash.
This comes after the Commission announced increases in electricity and water tariffs, despite a worsening power crisis that has led to the implementation of load shedding measures.
“I heard people say that I am wicked; I am a prostitute. They say it on social media… [it makes me feel] bad,” she complained.
She said the constant abuse has made her contemplate resigning on several occasions but she was stopped by her boss each time.
“Maybe when the time comes, I’ll resign,” she said. “I wish I could just pick up my bag one day and say I’m gone, seriously. [I’ve given it serious thought]. Last night I was thinking about, ‘Why don’t I leave’.
“I was taught by my father [F A Jantuah, who served in the Nkrumah government] to do what is right and if I decide to take up a responsibility, I have to do it to the fullest at the time that I’m still there and when the time comes for me to leave, then I’m gone.
“Ask my boss how many times I’ve said I’m leaving. Because you see some of the things and [they] hit you: that somebody will say that you are a prostitute, and a prostitute is somebody who solicits for sex openly, and I don’t solicit for sex; I don’t do that, and you find somebody you are older than just insulting you and talking to you anyhow. I’m getting to 50, but you get somebody [as young as] 24… [talking to you anyhow]. And that’s somebody I could give birth to,” she bemoaned.
“I’ll tell you a story: I was praying in church when somebody saw me and the person said he stopped praying and was looking at me to make sure it was me. So when we finished, he walked up to me and said: ‘Is that you?’ I said: ‘Why?’ He said: ‘You pray?’ I said, ‘Yes, I’m a human being.
I pray…I’m just doing a job and I do it to thebest of my ability. some people say I’m a disgrace, and some people say I’m not a good Christian, but Kafui, if you’re given a job, you do it to the best of your ability.”
Former president Jerry John Rawlings criticised state prosecutors for their sloppy handling of businessman Alfred Agbesi Woyome’s Gh¢51.2 million judgement debt case, resulting in his acquittal and discharge.
The prolonged legal battle concluded on Thursday in an Accra High Court, with Judge John Ajet-Nassam ruling that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to implicate the prominent National Democratic Congress (NDC) financier.
Woyome left the courtroom a free man after the judge cleared him of charges related to causing financial loss to the state and defrauding by false pretence.
The judge expressed doubts about the prosecution’s case, particularly noting their failure to produce key witnesses, Betty Mould-Iddrisu and Ebo Barton Oduro, who held positions of attorney general and deputy, respectively, at the time the judgement debt was paid.
Rawlings, who described Woyome as a “thief,” is unhappy about the outcome of the case, adding that Ghanaians are “not serious” when it comes to the “fight against corruption.”.
“This is the extent of corruption I keep talking about. I just read that they have freed the thief called [Alfred] Woyome. Why, because his accomplices [Betty Mould-Iddrisu and one other] in government were not produced in court for interrogation to provide vital evidence to incriminate him,” the ex-military leader told the family of one Isaac Tetteh when they called on him at his residence to inform him about the death of their loved one.
He added: “Because his collaborators were untouched, he was also freed. The rot in government keeps aggravating. The Attorney General had let loose the collaborators so how can Woyome be prosecuted?
“We are not serious! Is that how to fight corruption? They are rather holding key positions in the party. Are we so stupid? What is wrong with our support base, can’t they observe what is going on?”
Meanwhile, Mrs Mould-Iddrisu told Starr News on the eve of Thursday’s ruling that she did nothing untoward in the payment of the judgement debt to Mr Woyome.
Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, James Klutse Avedzi, disclosed that officials at the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) feel pressured to approve sole sourcing contract requests, even if they don’t meet the necessary criteria, due to fear of dismissal.
According to Avedzi, nearly all of these requests from state institutions, about 99.9%, are granted because of the influential figures in government backing such contracts.
Speaking to EIB Network’s Parliamentary Affairs Correspondent Ibrahim Alhassan, Avedzi highlighted that many of the infractions outlined in the Auditor General’s Reports revolve around procurement, despite the existence of laws governing the process.
He further explained that PPA officials often feel compelled to approve these irregular requests, fearing job loss if they refuse the powerful individuals behind them.
“What they do is to write to the Procurement Authority for approval and I can tell you that if you take a 100% of requests to the Public Procurement Authority, about 99.9% are approved.”
Mr. Avedzi pointed out that despite President Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and key members of the NPP expressing strong disapproval of sole sourcing, the practice has become prevalent.
“It is happening now more than before. The challenge that the workers or those people who are working at the Public Procurement Authority have is that, if there is a pressure from high authority, I want you to approve this request. So you choose between your job security and approval of that.”.
“The request will not be met because there are conditions under which you can do sole sourcing. Those conditions are not met by that request and if I don’t do it maybe I will be sacked, Maybe the one who put me there is asking me to do it, if I deny him this, what will happen? My job is at stake.
According to him, the other challenge with the fight against corruption is the poor working conditions of the staff of the PPA. According to Mr. Avedzi the development makes it difficult for the authority to exercise its mandate to ensure a better procurement process.
The PAC chairman related to a staff member of the PPA whose terms of engagement were varied to her disadvantage.
“The other one is the condition of service of those working at the regulatory body. There was an issue where somebody was engaged as a lawyer on contract and she was being paid around GhC4,000.00, which is also not enough, but she was managing with that and when her condition of employment was regularised, she’s now been put on government payroll. Approval had been given by the Public Services Commission and the salary came down to about GhC2,000.00, to her disadvantage. So the board of PPA had to decide what to do. They decided to top up her salary by GhC2,000.00 to still maintain the GhC4,000.00.
The auditors cited that difference and when I looked at it I said, looking at the condition under which this thing happened, I don’t think we should push it too much. So if the condition of service of the people who are working there is so bad, what do you think they will do? They are human beings, and they will be tempted to receive some packages to make them survive, so that they can take care of their family. So these two things are making it to the extent that procurement issues are becoming alarming. So how do we resolve this?”
Mr. Avedzi called for better conditions of service for the staff of PPA. This, according to him, will help address their susceptibility to corruption.
“That regulatory body must be well paid so that there will be no temptation to receive anything. It will not completely rule it out but it can cut it down to a large extent. Once I’m paid well and you want to offer me a bribe or something so that I can approve something that I know is wrong, my conscience will tell me that ‘hey look why do you want to do this?’ So let’s pay them well.”
The lawmaker also called on government officials and leading members of the governing party to refrain from putting pressure on PPA to approve sole sourcing requests which do not meet the requirements of the Act.
“To those of us who are putting pressure on them to approve something that we know is wrong because we are doing it for our own benefit must be committed to say that ‘I will not do that’ . Once we do that, we solve the problem.
Mr. Avedzi expressed frustration over the failure to act on the recommendations of the Public Accounts Committee regarding breaches identified in the Auditor General’s reports.
“The third one is that those people who are found liable must be punished and this Public Accounts Committee has cited and referred a number of people. The prominent among them is the sole sourcing which was done by Ghana Cylinder Manufacturing Company. I referred this to the Attorney General for prosecution but as we sit here no prosecution has started,” Mr. Avedzi stated.
A report byKathryn Batte in the Daily Mail shows that Taylor is on the verge of signing a new long-term contract until the end of the 2026–27 season.
City is reportedly satisfied with the progress made under the 51-year-old manager this season and is eager to secure his services with a new deal sooner rather than later.
Taylor faced scrutiny last season after City finished outside the top three in the WSL for the first time since their debut top-flight season in 2014, following significant player turnover in the summer of 2022.
Despite this, he was granted a new one-year deal for the 2023–24 season.
The club’s patience has paid off, with City currently trailing only behind Chelsea in the WSL table due to a slightly inferior goal difference.
Taylor’s team has impressively won their last 12 consecutive games across all competitions.
In addition to challenging Chelsea for the WSL title, City are set to face them in the Conti Cup semi-finals this Thursday, having recently defeated them in the league.
Following this, they will take on Tottenham in an FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday. With their current form, there’s a strong possibility that City could secure a domestic treble by the end of the 2023–24 season.
Scheduled from Friday, March 8th, to March 23rd, 2024, the Games will feature athletes, technical officials, volunteers, and special guests.
Ussif provided these details during his segment of the Ministerial Meet the Press, addressing the media.
“The 13th African Games is expected to attract over 13,000 participants from fifty-four (54) African countries, including officials, athletes, diplomats, the media and volunteers.”
The minister outlined the distribution as follows: 5000 athletes, 3000 volunteers, 3000 technicians, and 200 guests hailing from different African nations.
Mustapha Ussif clarified that Ghana bears the responsibility of providing accommodation, meals, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities for the participants throughout their stay in the country.
Furthermore, the Minister of Youth and Sports disclosed that the Games are anticipated to attract over 2 billion viewers worldwide through television, radio, and various digital platforms.
Brazil forward Neymar said on Saturday that he would like to play again with Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi in the future.
The two are good friends and played together at both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, but they will not face off in this summer’s Copa América after the Brazil international suffered a knee injury last October.
Since signing Messi in the summer of 2023, Miami has added his former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suárez to the squad.
Asked about Messi bringing his friends to Inter Miami and if he would like to play with him again, Neymar told ESPN Argentina: “Hopefully we can play together again.
Leo is a great person, everyone knows him in football and I think he is very happy and if he is happy, I am too.” The Al Hilal forward, who is not expected to return to action until August, attended the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix on Saturday.
Neymar and Messi achieved league titles during their tenure at PSG but fell short of securing Champions League glory for the club. The 32-year-old Neymar has described their time together at PSG as tumultuous, stating that they “endured hell.”
Both players departed the club in 2023, with Messi moving to Major League Soccer (MLS) and Neymar signing a two-year deal with Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.
Neymar, Brazil’s highest-scoring player of all time, had previously shown interest in playing in the MLS while still at PSG.
Asked last year if he would like to retire in Brazil, Neymar, 30, said on the Fenômenos podcast: “I don’t know. I have some doubts about that. I don’t know if I’ll play in Brazil again.
“I’d love to play in the U.S., actually. I’d love to play there, at least for a season.”
The 25-year-old forward has informed the club of his desire to leave on a free transfer and is currently in discussions with Real Madrid.
Sources revealed to ESPN that, despite potentially forgoing bonuses amounting to around €100 million by leaving on a free transfer, Mbappé sees no issue with his decision.
However, Al-Khelaïfi is dissatisfied with the situation, and recent events within the club indicate underlying tensions.
Mbappé was substituted at halftime during Friday’s 0-0 draw with Monaco, following a similar substitution in PSG’s previous draw with Rennes the week before.
In an attempt to address the growing tension surrounding these substitutions, the French forward met with PSG manager Luis Enrique at the club’s training center on Saturday, as reported by sources to ESPN.
Barcelona’s medical team conducted tests on Frenkie de Jong and Pedri Gonzalez on Monday morning, following their injuries during the La Liga match against Athletic at San Mamés.
The results revealed that de Jong has a sprained external lateral ligament in his right ankle, while Pedri has an injury to the rectus femoris in his right thigh.
Both players underwent examinations shortly after arriving at the ‘Cules’ training complex.
“De Jong suffers a sprain in the external lateral ligament of the right ankle” and “Pedri has an injury to the rectus femoris of the right thigh” are the words used by the Catalan giants in their statement, published on their social networks.
It is also added that “both are out and their recovery will determine their availability,” so there is no specific or official deadline for Xavi Hernandez to call them up again.
Despite this, it’s been acknowledged that the Dutch player will likely be sidelined for approximately a month. However, precise estimations are challenging due to the lack of specific details provided by the ‘Cule’ club regarding the severity of his sprain.
What’s clear is that he won’t be participating in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Napoli.
Similarly, caution must be exercised with his teammate, who has a history of multiple injuries this season. Remarkably, this marks his eighth injury within a span of two and a half years.
PSG and Kylian Mbappé relationship is getting worse as the season continues in its latest months. Mbappé seems more relaxed and unbothered after the news broke of his announcing his departure from PSG to his teammates at the French club.
The relationship between PSG coach Luis Enrique and Mbappé seems to be dissolving while the season continues at a crucial time for the team.
Foot Mercato reports that the relationship between Kylian Mbappé and Luis Enrique has completely broken down. PSG sources even claim that the two men “can no longer stand each other in private.”
Luis Enrique subbed off Mbappé for two games in a row and hinted that Mbappé will no longer be with PSG in the near future. Enrique said, “I have been in football for quite a long time; you must know that everything is important in this kind of club. Sooner or later, we will play without Mbappé; we have to get used to that.”
According to L’Equipe, Kylian Mbappé suspects PSG of leaking his departure to the media prematurely, as it deviates from the agreed timeline between the player and the club. Mbappé feels betrayed, believing PSG has reneged on their agreement and acted deceitfully.
Nevertheless, despite the alleged breach of trust, the French football star remains determined to proceed with negotiations with Real Madrid.
It appears likely that Mbappé will join the Spanish giants, with his contract with PSG expiring this summer, facilitating a move to Madrid on a free transfer. Additionally, it’s reported that Mbappé will receive bonuses from Real Madrid as part of the deal.
PSG fans are not happy with Mbappé at the PSG stadium
Outside the PSG stadium, fans are displaying signs of frustrationtowards Kylian Mbappé following theannouncement of his imminent departure from the club.
They express their disappointment at his apparent lack of concern about not playing for PSG anymore. Banners held up by PSG supporters outside the stadium convey their sentiments: “Kylian Mbappé: I can’t wait for June 30!”—the date his contract expires.
If the letter did not come with funding, email the programme coordinator or professors to inquire about graduate assistantship opportunities.
If that doesn’t work, explore the school’s website for possible on-campus work, or maybe try another department office.
If all else fails, consider student loans or obtaining a legitimate bank statement.
How to obtain an I-20:
If you have received funding (assistantship, research assistantship, scholarship, or loan letter), submit it to the international admissions office.
If not, provide a bank statement (6-3 months old) with sufficient funds (higher than your total cost of attendance or total fee for one year). Your total fees is $20,0000; you need a bank statement of $30,000.00.
Visa application process:
Create your DS-160 and fill in the first page with your details.
Save the first page and use the confirmation number to book a date in your CJI portal. https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/
Register with GT Bank (for Ghana) and generate a coupon.
Schedule an appointment and input your DS-160 confirmation number, I-20, and passport details.
Pay the fee and select an earliest available date.
How to continue a saved DS-160 form:
Visit the CEAC website and enter the location where you submitted your form. Visit https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV/Default.aspx
Enter the DS-160 confirmation number and continue with the application.
Note: Make sure to have all necessary documents (I-20, passport, and DS-160confirmation number) when booking a visa appointment.”
Chief of Staff of the Republic of Ghana, Akosua Frema Osei Opare, orchestrated a special reception at the Flagstaff House on Sunday, March 3, 2024, to honour officials of the Black Queens.
Leading the Black Queens officials was Dr. Gifty Oware-Mensah, Chairperson of the Management Committee and Executive Council Member. Also in attendance were Nora Häuptle, head coach of the Black Queens, and team manager Hannah Asare.
Representing the Chief of Staff were Hon. Freda Prempeh, Member of Parliament for Tano North, and Jamaldeen Alhassan, Personal Assistant to the Minister of Youth and Sports.
The reception followed the return of the Black Queens to Ghana on Friday, March 1, 2024, after their determined performance in the Olympic Games third-round qualifiers against Zambia.
Despite a 3-3 draw in Ndola on Wednesday, Ghana missed out on advancing to the fourth and final round of qualifiers after a 1-0 loss to the Copper Queens in the first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium.
During the reception, the Chief of Staff commended the team’s efforts and encouraged them to continue striving for success during the rebuilding phase.
She also acknowledged the team’s dedication with an undisclosed financial commitment and pledged to provide further support as they prepare for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Additionally, the Chief of Staff reiterated her commitment to the development of women’s football and the national women’s teams.
Ghana boasts four registered women’s national teams under the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA: the Black Damsels, the Black Maidens, the Black Princesses, and the Black Queens.
The national U-20 team, known as the Black Princesses, will compete in the women’s football event at the 13th African Games in Accra in 2024.
Ayew’s introduction to the Premier League with Swansea was highly successful, marked by an instant impact as he scored a debut goal against Chelsea and was honored as the Premier League’s Player of the Month in his first month at the club.
After his stint with Swansea, Ayew made a transfer to West Ham for a then-record fee of £20.5 million.
When reflecting on his decision to join Swansea in 2015, Ayew mentioned financial considerations as one of the factors influencing his choice.
“In France, we didn’t really know about Swansea. Some bigger clubs showed interest, but they didn’t play the same style of football. I had a crucial role to play, and the financial aspect also played a part.
For me, it was the perfect decision. And as soon as I arrived, I was recognised as the Premier League’s best player for the month.”
After eight years since his transfer toSwansea, Ayew, now a player for Le Havre in Ligue 1, has been recognized as the Player of the Month for February by his current club.
Former presidents of the German Football Association (DFB), Theo Zwanziger and Wolfgang Niersbach, along with a former secretary general, are to be tried on Monday, facing accusations of tax evasion in connection with the organisation of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
At the core of this lengthy legal saga, which has spanned several years and involved various investigations, including one commissioned by the DFB, is a payment of 6.7 million euros ($7.27 million) tied to a World Cup-related event that never occurred.
Niersbach, who stepped down as DFB president in 2015 due to this scandal, his predecessor Zwanziger, and former secretary general Horst Schmidt are alleged to have orchestrated the submission of inaccurate tax returns for 2006, allowing the DFB to evade paying millions in taxes.
Despite the accusations, Niersbach, Zwanziger, and Schmidt maintain their innocence.
According to prosecutors, the tax return included a 6.7 million euro payment from the DFB to FIFA for the 2006 event, although the funds were actually used for a different purpose and should not have been used to offset taxes.
“I always wished for the truth to be on the table. That goes only through an open process,” Zwanziger told reporters as he arrived in court.
“As I am certain that I did not evade any tax—and only that is the matter at hand here—I am relaxed going into this process.”
The payment had sparked numerous investigations in recent years amid allegations that it was utilised as a slush fund to secure votes in support of Germany’s bid to host the 2006 tournament.
A probe commissioned by the DFB in 2016 concluded that the sum represented the repayment of a loan through FIFA from former Adidas chief Robert Louis-Dreyfus.
Despite the loss, United manager Erik ten Hag, aged 54, dismissed the notion of a significant difference in class between the two teams.
The match saw Marcus Rashford score an early goal for United, but City responded with two goals from Phil Foden and a late strike from Erling Haaland, securing the victory for Pep Guardiola’s side.
City now sit just one point behind league leaders Liverpool.
This defeat marks the 11th consecutive season that United are set to finish below their rivals.
However, when questioned about whether the result highlighted the gap between the teams, Ten Hag adamantly disagreed, stating,
“No, I don’t think so, absolutely not.”We have many problems now with injuries, but we still had an opportunity. By a very small margin. We could have scored the second goal. You see, the gap is not that big.
“When we have everyone on board, we can be really competitive and we also showed, for instance, in the FA Cup final against them when it can be really close. But don’t forget this, City is, at the moment, the best team in the world.
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has suggested that the club’s new minority owners should look to Manchester City as a model to guide them in returning the team to the pinnacle of English football.
United suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of City at the Etihad Stadium, despite initially taking the lead through Marcus Rashford.
The match served as a stark reminder of the disparity between the two sides, especially following the confirmation of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s stake in Old Trafford.
Asked whether he sees positive signs from the new minority ownership group and if there is a long way for United to go to reach City, Casemiro told ESPN Brasil: “That is the big objective, we also have to be humble to accept that they are at the moment, not in history, as the history of Manchester United speaks for itself, but they are today the team to beat. Everyone wants to beat City.
“We have a mirror here, which is City, and they have been doing a great job.” Ratcliffe, chairman and CEO of chemical company INEOS, has pledged to “knock City off their perch” within three years.
There is hope that the arrival of the British billionaire, 71, will trigger a resurgence after more than 10 years without a title — a period during which City have won the Premier League six times.
“Of course, when people from outside arrive, who want to add to and evolve the club’s level, it is always important,” Casemiro said.
“It is very clear that the company [INEOS] and the new owners want to do this. I hope that they [new owners] arrive and grow together with us, as it is important for the club to have people who want to grow here.”
United seized the lead against City courtesy of a spectacular goal from Rashford, but found themselves outplayed for the majority of the match.
Guardiola’s side registered 27 shots on goal compared to United’s mere three attempts. However, Erik ten Hag contended that the outcome did not accurately reflect a substantial difference between the two teams.
“No, I don’t think so, absolutely not,” the United manager said.
“You can see we have many problems with injuries and still we had an opportunity. Really small margins and we could have scored the second goal in a debatable moment.
“It’s not that big [a gap] and when we have everyone on board, we can be competitive. I think we also showed up in the cup final against them when it was really close but City is, at this moment, the best team in the world. Don’t forget this. We were really close to winning or at least get a point here.”
Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG), Kylian Mbappé, reportedly had a meeting with manager Luis Enrique at the club’s training centre over the weekend to address tensions arising from recent instances where the Spanish coach substituted him during matches, as per sources cited by ESPN’s Julien Laurens.
Mbappé was replaced at halftime during PSG’s 0-0 draw against Monaco, following a substitution the week before against Rennes, where he was taken off after 65 minutes.
After the Monaco match, Luis Enrique stated that it was his decision to substitute the French captain with Randal Kolo Muani.
Sources revealed to ESPN that Mbappé, aged 25, expressed dissatisfaction with being substituted and sought to discuss the matter with Luis Enrique.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWYkw0GfAEg
In response, the coach assured Mbappé that the decision wasn’t personal and wasn’t related to the striker’s choice to leave PSG.
Luis Enrique explained that he substituted Mbappé due to concerns about his fitness and a desire to preserve him for more significant challenges, according to sources.
Additionally, he mentioned considering the team’s future, as he has previously addressed in news conferences following speculation about Mbappé’s departure.
Despite this explanation, sources indicate that Mbappé perceives the substitutions as a consequence of his decision to depart the club at the end of the season.
Further reports from ESPN’s Rodrigo Faez and Julien Laurens suggest that Mbappé is still engaged in discussions with Real Madrid, with the Spanish club feeling optimistic about securing the striker’s services.
It was a remarkable weekend for Ghanaian players plying their trade abroad, with more than five of them making their mark for their respective clubs across leagues in Europe and the USA.
Among the standout performances was Antoine Semenyo’s stunning goal for Bournemouth against Burnley, earning him the title of ‘goal of the week’ for Ghanaian players abroad.
Semenyo’s spectacular left-footed strike from the right flank secured a crucial 2-0 victory for Bournemouth in the 87th minute.
Mohammed Kudus, though not on the scoresheet, contributed an assist for West Ham in their 3-0 triumph over Everton.
His assist on Tomas Soucek’s goal played a pivotal role in sealing the win for the Hammers.
In Greece, Baba Rahman continued his impressive form, netting his fourth goal of the season for PAOK in a 2-0 win against Lamia in the Greek Super League.
Rahman’s goal showcased his skill as he expertly converted a cross with his right foot, solidifying his status as the highest-scoring Ghanaian defender in Europe with four goals and three assists.
Stateside, Joseph Paintsil made a memorable impact for the LA Galaxy in the Major Soccer League, notching a goal and two assists in their victory over the San Jose Earthquakes.
Paintsil’s left-footed strike and creative play helped secure a 3-1 win for his side.
In Serbia, Osman Bukari found the back of the net for Red Star Belgrade in a 3-1 win against TSC, marking his seventh league goal of the season and aiding in Red Star’s pursuit of the league title.
Lastly, in the Belgian league, Denis Odoi opened his scoring account for Club Brugge with a debut goal in their 3-0 victory over Genk.
Odoi’s goal, doublingBrugge’s lead in the 73rd minute, highlighted his contribution to the team’s success alongside Belgian midfielder Maxim De Cuyper.
🇬🇭Mohammed Kudus provided a sumptuous assist to ensure Westham snatched all three points at the Goodison park..pic.twitter.com/ywQDuIfaFR
Baba Rahman’s outstanding season with PAOK Thessaloniki in Greece continues to impress, as he notched his fourth goal of the campaign.
The Ghanaian defender has emerged as the highest-scoring defender from his country in the 2023–2024 season, marking a significant achievement.
This season stands out as Rahman’s most prolific since his departure from Chelsea, with seven goals already contributed halfway through the season.
Despite facing an injury scare and collapsing during the Greek Cup semi-final against Panathinaikos, Rahman returned to the squad for Sunday’s match.
Beyond his attacking prowess, the 30-year-old has also demonstrated reliability in defence, contributing to PAOK’s solidity at the back.
Rahman’s impressive goal tally places him atop the scoring charts among Ghanaian defenders in European leagues.
Other defenders, such as Dennis Odoi, have also found the back of the net this season.
Additionally, players like Mohammed Salisu and Tariq Lamptey have been instrumental in providing assists for their respective clubs in league competitions.
A 38-year-old man has ended up in the hospital after being stabbed with a pair of scissors after a suspect accused him of gossiping.
The victim, Saidu Dauda, reportedly sustained stab wounds to his left rib and shoulder during the altercation with the suspect, Musah Fuseini.
The incident occurred around 6:50 PM on February 14, 2024, when Dauda and Fuseini got into a physical fight over the gossip accusations.
Following the altercation, Fuseini fled the scene but was later apprehended by the police.
Fuseini has since been arrested, detained, and remanded by the court for further investigation.
“On February 14, 2024, at 7.30, one Sulemana Seidu of Moshie Zongo, Kumasi, called at the station and reported that the same day, at about 6.50 , his elder brother, Saidu Dauda, aged 38, was stabbed on the left rib and shoulder by one Musah Fuseini and fled after perpetrating the act.
“According to the complainant, it is alleged that the suspect accused the victim of gossiping about him. Subsequently, a misunderstanding ensued between them, which resulted in a quarrel between the two.
“Both were separated. Unknown to the victim, the suspect passed behind him and stabbed him on the left rib and left shoulder with a sharp instrument, believed to be either a knife or a pair of scissors,” the report said.
The Tafo-Pankrono District Police statement also said the victim sustained stab wounds, bled profusely and was rushed to KATH, “where he remains on admission.”
The same day, the police said, Musah Fuseini was arrested at his hideout at Moshie Zongo, and he was arraigned before the Old Tafo Circuit Court on February 16, 2024, where he was remanded into police custody to assist with investigations.
Ghana’s leading goal scorer, Asamoah Gyan, has offered a witty comeback to NDC Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, following the MP’s claim that Gyan intentionally missed a crucial penalty during the 2010 World Cup quarter-final against Uruguay.
In response to critical tweets directed at the MP, Gyan suggested that Dafeamekpor made the accusation while intoxicated.
In another retort, the former Sunderland forward humorously implied that the politician may be seeking an autograph from him, thus framing his request in a peculiar manner.
“Maybe he wants an autograph. Don’t worry. I will sign one for him soon,” he wrote.
Some Ghanaians have strongly criticised the lawmaker, labelling his remarks as foolish and nonsensical.
During a Radio XYZ interview, Dafeamekpor asserted that Asamoah Gyan’s allegiance to the New Patriotic Party throughout his life had influenced his actions during his football career.
@ASAMOAH_GYAN3 you dey suffer for the hands of Ghanaians eeii..Bro God should still grant you the strength to go through because I don’t get it with some people… even the world best misses PK’s but they always want to link the wrongs in this country to your spoilt kick . Sorry🙏
Specifically, he suggested that Gyan’s missed penalty in the 2010 World Cup quarter-final against Uruguay was politically motivated.
Dafeamekpor also expressed disapproval of Gyan’s decision to join the manifesto committee for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s candidate in the 2024 elections.
Per Dafeamekpor’s assertions, Asamoah Gyan should not have accepted the role, as he is a national figure whose popularity and admiration cut across the two major political parties.
“I am of the opinion that Asamoah Gyan intentionally threw away that penalty because it was under NDC. It’s today that I’ve come to the realisation that he threw away the penalty in the 2010 World Cup and the African Cup because the glory would have come to the NDC.
“Asamoah Gyan is now part of the Bawumia campaign team. There is everything wrong with that, because when you are a national figure and you become partisan, I can reasonably say that it’s because of politics that you threw that penalty away so that the NDC government will not get the glory. I am telling you that I feel the pain,” he said.
Presidential staffer, Stan Dogbe has expressed discontent over the wave of criticism directed towards him and other government officials following their party’s significant loss in the recent general election.
The ruling party appears to be experiencing internal turmoil in the aftermath of the defeat on December 7, with some factions pointing fingers at young appointees like Mr. Dogbe for the electoral setback.
Montie FM, known as a staunch supporter of the ruling party, launched scathing attacks on individuals they believe contributed to the party’s defeat during a programme on Friday.
Panellists on the show specifically named John Dumelo, Stan Dogbe, and Edward Omane as government appointees whose actions or inactions led to public dissatisfaction with the outgoing president.
Mr Dogbe took to his Facebook page on Friday to address the issue, saying, “We all know them—the people who engage in these acts, their sponsors, and in some cases, the basis of these actions. The Lord does not leave his own. Despite the scheming and many deliberate acts, I have survived the 8 years, painfully though, because I have had to remain quiet while dirt and lies were thrown at me and my silence led to people believing what they hear.
According to him, his silence over the last eight years in the face of relentless attacks on his person, was not a sign of foolishness or cowardice, but the respect we have had for my bosses, the system, the party, and my colleague.”.
Below is Stan’s lamentations:
“The Lord is with us.
Let them and all their collaborators know that the silence of some of us over the last 8 years is not a sign of foolishness or cowardice, but the respect we have had for my bosses, the system, the party, and colleagues.
We all know them—those who engage in these acts, their sponsors, and, in some cases, the basis of these actions. The Lord does not leave his own. Despite the scheming and many deliberate acts, I have survived the 8 years, painfully though, because I have had to remain quiet while dirt and lies were thrown at me and my silence led to people believing what they hear.
These are not anti-political actions, but purely internal. My joy is that I have worked with all my heart, all my strength and all that I have. I sacrificed for a man I so much admired, JM, and spent my days and nights working for a man I call Daddy, a man I have known for years, a man I loved and still love and will forever love, and who gave me a chance to work for him, and I am happy that I distinguished myself within the remit of my work.
Daniel Bugri Naabu, the Northern Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has indicated his intention to donate a vehicle reportedly given to him by former President John Mahama as a bribe, to charity.
“… I think we are going to give it to charity. We are not going to use that car,” he told Joy FM’s Elton Brobbey on Tuesday, January 24.
Mr Naabu said late last year that he did not need the controversial GHS500,000 and cars doled out to him by Mr Mahama.
“What is GHS 500,000? What is a car? Me, when I started buying cars, expensive cars, John Mahama was a student. He was a student at Ghana College,” Mr Naabu had said when he received some regional and constituency executives of the All People’s Congress at his residence in Tamale in December 2016.
In December last year, at a press conference by then NPP flag bearer Nana Akufo-Addo’s spokesperson, Mustapha Hamid, the party alleged that Mr Mahama and his brother, Ibrahim, in October of the same year, attempted buying Mr Naabu so he would resign from the NPP and launch an acerbic tribal campaign against Mr Akufo-Addo by painting him as a “hater of northerners”.
“He [Bugri Naabu] was supposed to resign from the NPP, damage Akufo-Addo as an anti-northern person, a rabid hater of northerners, and, in turn, they were going to give him: a brand new V6 Mitsubishi vehicle, a brand new V8 Land Cruiser [and] GHS3.3m.
“Bugri Naabu is owed by government to the tune of GHS247,000 from road contracts that he has done which government has not been paying for several years. They promised to pay that money instantly and then on the spot, they brought him GHS 500,000 cash in GHS50 notes. Ibrahim Mahama dropped it right in front of him [Bugri Naabu].
“It’s terribly sad. This country is in serious trouble, we need to rescue this country from serious trouble. The presidency has been so depraved, so muddied, so dirtied that I tell you in all sincerity as a Ghanaian that I feel terribly sad as a Ghanaian,” Mr Hamid said.
He continued: “And then they gave the money to Bugri Naabu and he took the money and left, it was a Friday, 28th of October 2016, so the very next day was a Saturday and Bugri Naabu found the one Prudential Bank that he knew would be opened at that time; that Abossey Okai branch of Prudential Bank and then he went and deposited the money in his account.
His account number is 0090985590013, account name is Daniel Bugri Naabu. And out of that money, immediately Ibrahim Mahama told Bugri Naabu to take GHS50,000 out of it and give it to Alhaji Awal – the go-between; the man who facilitated the meeting and that they will replace the GHS50,000 later. A few days later at Bugri Naabu’s daughter’s funeral in Tamale, true to word, President Mahama sent a high-powered delegation to Bugri Naabu’s daughter’s funeral, led by Deputy Chief of Staff Kenneth Wujangi.
There was Dr Mustapha Ahmed in that delegation, there was Ibrahim Mahama himself in that delegation and then the president went and gave Bugri Naabu an additional GHS 10,000. In other words, a donation of GHS 10,000 was made on behalf of the president and Ibrahim Mahama himself gave GHS 20,000 as funeral donation.”
He said days later “… they delivered the brand new Mitsubishi V6 – it is actually parked in this yard now – when we finish, journalists can go and have a look at it. Now these are the original documents of the Mitsubishi V6. This is Bugri Naabu’s picture that they have put on it. 2 November 2016 was when the change of ownership was done but this vehicle was imported in August of 2016 and it originally was imported and is owned by a company called Malin Investment Company Limited.
So we ourselves did a check with the Registrar General to find out who are the owners of Malin Investment Company Limited and the two directors of Malin Investment are one Hawa Hayifi Ayi Mahama and Frank Nuhu Alormator (Frank Alor). And Frank Alor everybody knows is the personal assistant to President Mahama. … Hawa Mahama, I leave you to go and find out [who she is] … but I’m sure you can infer that she is a sister of the President but you can find that out. But what we are sure of [which] everybody knows is, Frank Alor, who is a personal assistant to President Mahama.
I’m sure all of you journalists know him. So they jointly own Malin Investment which is the company that originally imported the vehicle which they have given to Daniel Bugri Naabu to bribe him to destroy Akufo-Addo and make sure that northerners hate him and that he doesn’t get a vote in the north. Ladies and gentlemen, we cannot run a country like that.
You recall that just a few days ago they brought Harruna Attah who they’ve given an ambassadorial position in Namibia to lie through his teeth that Akufo-Addo had told him that no northerner can ever lead our party. Now this revelation should tell you that it is just a carefully orchestrated scheme. When I refuted it, I’m sure a lot of you were saying: ‘Um, is it really true that Akufo-Addo didn’t say that?’ But now it is very clear that there’s an ethnic, ethnocentric, tribal agenda that is meant to incite hatred against a good man who has been fighting all his life for the Ghanaian project, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Allah shall fight for Akufo-Addo.”
Following the allegation, General Secretary of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, said only fools will believe that Mr Mahama and his brother attempted bribing Mr Naabu.
Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has officially launched its campaign to host the FIFA World Cup 2034.
Following the declaration of its bid intention in October 2023, SAFF has unveiled its bid logo, website, and a short film celebrating football in Saudi Arabia, all under the slogan “Growing. Together.”
This represents Saudi Arabia’s inaugural bid to host the esteemed global tournament.
Yasser Al Misehal expressed the significance of sharing their football narrative with the world, stating, “Telling our football story to the world is of massive importance.
And we believe ‘Growing. Together.’ is the perfect, yet simple description of our approach to hopefully hosting the tournament in 10 years’ time.”
“Bidding to host a FIFA World Cup is only made possible by the rapid transformation the country is enjoying. We’ve made unprecedented progress in both the men’s and women’s game and our bid is an open invitation to the world to join us on this exciting journey. As we proved when we welcomed over 100 nationalities to the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023 in Jeddah, the future is bright when we grow together.”
Hammad Albalawi said: “This campaign is powered by the hopes and dreams of 32 million people in Saudi Arabia. Our responsibility is to submit the best possible bid to FIFA, make our country proud, and fulfil the trust placed upon us by more than 130 member associations across the world that supported our bid.
Under Vision 2030 and the unconditional support of our country’s leadership, sport is helping unlock the passion and potential of our people, and as our campaign slogan says, Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034 is all about being part of a global football family, with fans, players and federations all growing together.”
The Growing. Together. slogan seeks to capture both the rapid rise of Saudi Arabia and the positive impact hosting the tournament would have on international football and the FIFA World Cup itself.
The three pillars underpinning the bid are: Growing People. Together. – Growing Football. Together. – Growing Connections. Together. Saudi Arabia has hosted over 100 international events across almost 40 sports over the past six years and the campaign slogan aims to capture the spirit of that bond to help build a better future.
The logo aims to encapsulate the essence of Saudi Arabia’s youthful nation, vibrant society, and rich heritage. Comprising intertwined rows of multi-colored ribbons, it showcases iconic football and cultural symbols, forming the number ”34’—symbolizing the year Saudi Arabia aspires to host the FIFA World Cup.
The five distinct colours represent the nation’s diversity: Desert Amber symbolises warmth and generosity; Oasis Green reflects valleys and mountains; Radiance Red draws inspiration from the Red Sea coral reefs; Rich Lavender celebrates blooming wildflowers; and Sunrise Yellow signifies a promising new era for the country.
Saudi Arabia aims to make history by hosting thefirst-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup in a single country, welcoming teams from six confederations.
To follow the journey of the bid campaign, visit Saudi2034bid.com. Fans can support and celebrate the launch of the bid campaign by using the hashtags #Saudi2034bid and #GrowingTogether
Ghanaian US-based broadcast journalist and the founder of Loud Silence Media, Kevin Taylor, has alleged that the outspoken Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and lead sponsor of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill,Sam George, is gay.
A video posted by blogger and social media critic Albert Nat Hyde @Bongo Ideas and sighted by The Independent Ghana shows the silence media founder accusing Sam George of being gay. The MP has the opportunity to come and defend himself and prove to Ghanaians that he isn’t gay, Kevin said.
“Do you know Sam George is gay? Yeah, I’m sure you have opened your mouth in awe. Yes, Sam George is gay. Can you prove it to me? Sam George is not gay; I want you to prove me wrong. If Sam George is listening , I want him to come and tell Ghanaians that he is not gay.”.
On his part, Ningo-Prampram’s obsession with the bill and its passage is questionable.
He contended that if just a look at an individual could reveal the person’s sexuality, then Sam George should be able to come out to defend himself against the allegations he is making.
“You can just look at someone and say the person is gay. You can’t say he isn’t gay because he is married, Because people are married and they are gay, there are strapping men and even muscular athletes who are still gay. So I want to state on record this evening that Sam George is gay
“As he said earlier , he wants us to have an intellectual conversation, and this is exactly what we are doing right now. So if you are listening tome right now, producer on record, let it go out…Sam George is gay. If he says he is not, he needs to prove to Ghanaians that he is not.
The Dutchman, whose future at Old Trafford remains uncertain, has remarked that within the two months since the Glazers greenlit INEOS’s involvement, he has already observed a shift in the club’s direction.
Ratcliffe has taken proactive steps by appointing Manchester City’s Omar Berrada as the next CEO of United, and discussions are scheduled regarding the potential appointment of Dan Ashworth as the sporting director.
Speaking to the media, Ten Hag said [via The Daily Mail]: “The club has fallen down in standards, but now we are back. I have already seen some examples of how (INEOS) can support us in really setting (sic) the right standard.
We know when performances are not right; we have to look in the mirror, tell each other the truth and get things right. There are always many fans away and home standing behind us, but it starts with us; we have to put energy into the stands and then it comes back.”
Since Ten Hag assumed the managerial role in 2022, Manchester United’s fortunes have seen a significant upturn.
The Dutch coach put an end to the team’s six-year trophy drought by securing the Carabao Cup and successfully guiding them back into the Champions League.
However, United’s second season under his leadership hasn’t been as remarkable. The team was eliminated from Europe before Christmas and currently sits in sixth place in the Premier League standings.
Despite on-field struggles, off the pitch, fans are filled with optimism, largely due to the minority control of the club by the INEOS group. There’s a renewed belief that United will once again challenge for league and European titles.
Manchester United will return to Premier League action when they face city rivals and defending champions Manchester City on Sunday, March 3. A victory could propel Ten Hag’s side above Tottenham into fifth place in the standings.
Undefeated Ghanaian boxer Faisal Abubakar is poised to challenge Uganda’s unbeaten champion, Latibu Muwonge, for the World Boxing Organization’sAfrica Super Lightweight title on Saturday, March 2, 2024.
The highly anticipated bout will take place at the Lord Commey Sports Complex in Shukura, Accra.
Faisal Abubakar, the current National Super Lightweight Champion of Ghana, boasts an impressive record of 13 fights without a loss. On the other hand, his opponent, Latibu Muwonge, holds the ABU Africa Champion title and remains undefeated after eight matches.
Following their initial meeting upon arriving in Accra, Latibu Muwonge expressed confidence in his ability to defeat Faisal in front of his opponent’s home fans in Shukura.
He is determined to claim the WBO Africa title and return home victorious.
“Faisal Abubakar, I understand your feelings, but when we meet in the ring on March 2, you will see. I came all the way from Uganda to claim this title. You’re going to see who the better fighter is,” the Ugandan boxer said.
In a swift response, the Ghanaian boxer vowed to effortlessly handle his opponent, asserting his readiness to confront any style Latibu employs in the ring.
“I want to assure the Ghana Boxing President that I am going to win this title for him. We are determined and experienced. I don’t know which style he is going to use to beat me, but I have faced many boxers,” Faisal Abubakar stated.
Priceless Life Entertainment, the organisers of the fight, have guaranteed fans a thrilling evening of boxing and entertainment. CEO Edwin Elikem Amenyeawu reiterated that ensuring fan safety is their utmost priority.
“We are a world-class event management company, so I can assure you of the best. We want to entertain our audience, and we are expecting over 3,000 fans. For that matter, we are taking security seriously to ensure law and order for corporate institutions wanting to be part of boxing,” he said.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has disclosed that Thiago Silva and Marc Cucurella may be included in the matchday squad for the upcoming game against Brentford this weekend.
Both defenders have resumed full training, and during his pre-match press conference, when questioned about their potential involvement in Saturday’s fixture at the Gtech Community Stadium, Pochettino stated:
“We need to assess him [Thiago Silva] and Marc Cucurella. Maybe it is possible to be involved in the squad. Good news, if they will be possible to be in the squad.”
Silva has missed the last three games due to a groin problem he picked up during the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace last month.
He sat out the draw against Manchester City, the defeat to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, as well as the victory over Leeds in the FA Cup midweek.
Cucurella, meanwhile, hasn’t been seen in action since December. The left-back sustained an ankle injury during the 2-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park and he needed surgery.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYEL2xo7Swg
Pochettino has provided further details on Nkunku’s latest setback
Ahead of the Leeds victory, Chelsea manager Pochettino confirmed Christopher Nkunku’s latest injury setback, estimating his absence to be around a month due to a hamstring issue.
The player is currently undergoing rehabilitation, and the club will monitor his progress in the coming weeks.
Additionally, six other Chelsea players are still in the rehabilitation phase.
Carney Chukewuemeka (ankle), Benoit Badiashile (groin), Romeo Lavia (thigh), Lesley Ugochukwu, and Reece James (both hamstrings) remain sidelined.
Pochettino also shared disappointing news regarding Wesley Fofana’s recovery from an ACL injury sustained during pre-season. It appears unlikely that Fofana will return to action before the end of the campaign in May.
Football fans are in for an exciting showdown as Manchester City prepares to host arch-rivals Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium this weekend.
The Cityzens are eager for a victory, sitting just one point behind table-toppers Liverpool. With so much on the line, the team needs all hands on deck for this crucial fixture. However, it appears they may have to face the challenge without some key players.
During his press conference, Pep Guardiola provided a significant update on Manchester City’s injury situation. Despite his confidence in the team’s abilities, Guardiola acknowledged that they might have to navigate the game without a few key names.
One such player is winger Jack Grealish, who sustained a groin injury during the team’s recent 6-2 victory over Luton in the FA Cup. Guardiola confirmed that Grealish will be unavailable for the match against United, with no clear timeline for his return.
Additionally, there are concerns that he could miss upcoming international fixtures in the coming months.
The Spaniard stated, “He has to recover well to use him as much as possible. I didn’t speak to Gareth [Southgate].”
While the injury to Jack Grealish poses a challenge for the Cityzens, the team boasts several players who can fill his position. However, there are concerns surrounding Kevin De Bruyne’s fitness, despite his impressive performance against Luton.
Reports indicate that De Bruyne is still not at full fitness, even though he returned from a hamstring injury in February. Pep Guardiola and his management team must exercise caution as they navigate a demanding series of fixtures.
Although De Bruyne was available for the game against Luton, he was rested for subsequent matches against Everton and Brentford to ensure sufficient recovery time.
The upcoming clash against Manchester United will be a test of De Bruyne’s fitness, as both teams employ high-pressure tactics. Any setback for the Belgian midfielder could prove detrimental to City, especially with challenging fixtures against Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham on the horizon.
The question remains whether Guardiola will opt to playDe Bruyne in consecutive matches in the coming weeks. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Juventus star Paul Pogba expressed his profound disappointment regarding the four-year ban imposed on him by the Tribunale Nazionale Antidoping of Italy.
In a statement released on Thursday, February 29, 2024, Pogba conveyed his heartbreak, stating that the ban, which he deems as ‘incorrect,’ has robbed him of his football legacy.
“I have today been informed of the Tribunal Nazionale Antidoping’s decision and believe that the verdict is incorrect.
“I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me,” he wrote on Instagram.
The 2018 World Cup winner indicated that he intends to provide a comprehensive explanation of the events once he is cleared of the legal restrictions.
“When I am free of legal restrictions, the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations.
“As a professional athlete, I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances and have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for or against.”
“As a consequence of the decision announced today, I will appeal this before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”
Paul Pogba received a four-year football ban following a doping violation. He was suspended in September 2023 after failing a drug test on the first matchday of the Italian Serie A.
Reports from Corriere dello Sport and Sport Mediaset revealed that Pogba tested positive for testosterone after Juventus’ season opener against Udinese on August 20.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has announced that Jude Bellingham will make his comeback from injury in the upcoming match against Valencia this weekend.
Bellingham had been sidelined for three weeks after twisting his ankle during the match against Girona at the beginning of February, causing him to miss the subsequent three games. During this period, Real Madrid only managed to score three goals.
Despite Bellingham’s absence, Real Madrid’s performance hasn’t suffered significantly, with their only dropped points occurring in a 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano.
Bellingham returned to training on Friday, and Ancelotti confirmed that he is fully fit and ready to play.
“He is one hundred percent; everything he has done and needed to do on an individual level is fine, he is comfortable with his ankle; he is at his best; he is going to play.”
Ancelotti further confirmed that Joselu Mato would be making his return from injury, having missed several games due to ankle swelling. Despite initial expectations of a longer recovery period, the veteran forward has managed to recuperate ahead of schedule.
This development brings Real Madrid closer to full strength ahead of their upcoming matches against Valencia and RB Leipzig in the Champions League.
Currently, only David Alaba, Eder Militao, and Thibaut Courtois remain sidelined as they continue their recovery from anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Ancelotti also mentioned the possibility of Courtois and Militao returning to action next month.
Former Asante Kotoko coach, Isaac ‘Opeele’ Boateng, has urged the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to consider appointing Black Queens coach Nora Haptle as the next manager for the Black Stars.
Boateng emphasised the importance of being forward-thinking and suggested that Ghana could make history by appointing a female coach for their senior men’s team.
In a tweet, Opeele expressed his unwavering confidence in the Swiss trainer, stating that she would be an excellent choice for the Black Stars job.
“Sometimes, I wish Ghana could live in the future to be the first to appoint a woman as their senior national team coach. The first to gain independence in Southern Sahara can be the first to do this. Nora can coach the Black Stars, trust me. Unthinkable, right?” he wrote.
The Black Stars coaching position has remained vacant since Chris Hughton’s dismissal following the 2023 African Cup of Nations.
In a recent announcement, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) revealed that the Black Stars coach search committee has concluded its evaluation process and submitted its report.
Nora Hauptle has garnered praise from Ghanaians for her accomplishments with the Black Queens. Since assuming the role of Black Queens coach in January 2023, she has overseen significant achievements, notably guiding the team to qualify for the WAFCON for the first time since 2018.
Under her leadership, the team has demonstrated remarkable performance, winning 10 out of 13 games, with two draws and one loss.
The rejuvenated Black Queens have netted 37 goals while conceding just six.
However, Nora Hauptle’s project faced a setback when the Black Queens narrowly missed out on qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games after a 4-3 aggregate loss to Zambia.
Sometimes, I wish Ghana can live in the future to be the first to appoint a woman as their senior national team coach. First to gain independence at Southern Sahara can be the first to do this. Nora can coach the Black Stars trust me. Unthinkable Right? 🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/pmPySagWP3
Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has launched a strong critique against legendary Ghanaian footballer, Asamoah Gyan, alleging that he intentionally missed a penalty during the2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Speaking in a Radio XYZ interview, Dafeamekpor claimed that Gyan, a known supporter of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), allowed his political affiliations to influence his actions on the field during his playing days.
The incident in question occurred during a quarter-final match against Uruguay, where Gyan failed to convert a penalty kick that could have propelled Ghana to the semi-finals, marking a historic achievement for African football.
Dafeamekpor asserts that Gyan’s penalty miss was politically motivated.
Furthermore, Dafeamekpor criticised Gyan’s acceptance of a role on the manifesto committee for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s candidate in the 2024 elections.
According to Dafeamekpor, Gyan’s status as a national figure should have prevented him from aligning himself so closely with a single political party, given his widespread popularity transcending political divides.
“I am of the opinion that Asamoah Gyan intentionally threw away that penalty because it was under NDC. It’s today that I’ve come to the realisation that he threw away the penalty in the 2010 World Cup and the African Cup because the glory would have come to the NDC.
“Asamoah Gyan is now part of the Bawumia campaign team. There is everything wrong with that, because when you are a national figure and you become partisan, I can reasonably say that it’s because of politics that you threw that penalty away so that the NDC government will not get the glory. I am telling you that I feel the pain,” he said.
Asamoah Gyan, who was recently inaugurated as part of the manifesto team on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, has addressed the criticism surrounding his alignment withDr. Bawumia and the NPP.
The legendary footballer responded to the backlash by stating that he was unfazed by the attacks. He believes that the appointment provides him with a platform to utilise his extensive experience gained over two decades as a footballer, boxing promoter, and sports event organiser.
“They have their own opinions,” said Gyan at the inauguration of the NPP’s campaign team for the 2024 general elections, at the Alisa Hotel, when he was quizzed about his thoughts on his critics.
“I have been there [before]. I have been to Stadia, and been booed in front of 80,000 people, I am used to it.
“At the end of the day, the work shows. Sometimes, you go to the enemy’s territory and you come out with applause. I have confidence in myself and I know what I can do to help. I am here to help because of my 20 years of experience. I can’t just sit at home and keep it. I have to share it with the new generation to benefit from it.
“At the end of the day, when everything is said and done, we see what we did or what we couldn’t do. The criticism will come. It is also good for me personally and for my team to push harder,” he added.
Asamoah Gyan hasbeen appointed as the head of the youth and sports sub-committee within Dr. Bawumia’s manifesto team.
The French football legend has been absent from the managerial scene since his second stint with Real Madrid concluded in 2021.
During his tenure with Los Blancos, Zidane achieved remarkable success, securing two La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies.
Despite ongoing speculation linking him with a return to coaching, particularly with Manchester United reportedly expressing interest, Zidane is purportedly uninterested in taking on the role at Old Trafford.
While Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe is said to envision Zidane as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag, journalist Julien Laurens remains convinced that the 51-year-old icon would not entertain the idea of a move to Manchester United.
He told RMC Sport: “I’ve always been told that the language barrier in terms of his English, which he doesn’t speak and doesn’t necessarily want to learn, has always been an obstacle to him arriving in the Premier League.
“I don’t think he likes life in England either.
“He didn’t want to come as a player, nor does he want to come as a manager.”
Reports indicate that Zinedine Zidane would only be tempted back into management by positions at Bayern Munich, his former club Juventus, or the French national team.
Meanwhile, the conclusion of the season could determine the fate of Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
Despite recent challenges, including a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, United remains in contention for a Champions League spot.
Currently positioned sixth in the table, their upcoming match against Manchester City holds significant importance.
Le Havre faced a challenging streak without securing a single victory, despite participating in five matches—four league fixtures and one in the Coupe de France—during the month of February.
Luka Elsner’s team managed to draw against Monaco initially but encountered disappointing defeats against Strasbourg, Rennes, Lille, and Reims.
Amidst this tough period, the club struggled to find the net, only managing to score twice throughout February. One goal came from Ayew, the Black Stars skipper, while the other was an unfortunate own goal.
Despite the overall struggles, Ayew’s notable contributions earned him the title of Le Havre’s player of the month.
“He was the author of some great performances; you elected André Ayew player of the month for February!” the club announced on X (formerly Twitter).
Following Ayew’s remarkable strike against Lorient, which was voted Goal of the Month in Ligue 1 for January, his impressive form continued.
His spectacular bicycle kick earned Le Havre a crucial away point in their 3-3 draw with Lorient.
Ayew’s consistency in performance has been notable since his participation in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, despite Ghana’s group stage exit.
The former Olympique Marseille forward played a significant role in two of the Black Stars’ matches, thereby equaling the record for the most AFCON appearances made.
Saudi Pro League (SPL) teams are eyeing several Premier League stars ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window according to a source speaking to ESPN.
Established players such asKevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson, Raphaël Varane, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Andreas Pereira are reportedly targets for the next season.
Additionally, there’s a focus on signing younger talents, including Juventus’ 20-year-old forward Matìas Soulè.
While Saudi Arabian sources anticipate that SPL teams won’t match the record-breaking £757 million ($957 million) spent in 2023, they assert that this summer’s transfer strategy will be equally aggressive, with significant outlays on player fees expected.
In 2023, SPL’s transfer spend ranked second only to the Premier League’s £1.1 billion ($1.39 billion).
Specific team objectives have been highlighted, with Al Ahli seeking a striker, Al Nassr aiming for a goalkeeper, and Al Ittihad looking to strengthen their defence and midfield.
Al Hilal, currently leading the SPL table, has made significant signings in the past, including Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain last summer. It’s worth noting that the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) holds controlling stakes in Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Hilal.
Moreover, Al Qadisiyah, poised for SPL promotion as they top the second division, is anticipated to invest heavily. Owned by Saudi Aramco, valued at over $2 trillion, they are expected to contribute to the SPL’s growing financial muscle.
Furthermore, the SPL aims to attract more high-profile coaches, with names like Thomas Tuchel, Sergio Conceicao of FC Porto, and Mauricio Pochettino of Chelsea mentioned as potential candidates.
Javier Tebas, the president of La Liga, has expressed his lack of concern regarding Mason Greenwood’s past and voiced his desire to see the on-loan Getafe forward extend his career in Spain.
Greenwood joined Getafe on loan from Manchester United last September, following the announcement by the Crown Prosecution Service that criminal proceedings against him over an alleged attempted rape had been dropped seven months prior.
Prior to this, Greenwood had been suspended by United, and his trial was scheduled for November.
Despite these circumstances, Greenwood has been well received at his temporary club, having scored five goals in Spain’s top flight. Tebas is eager to see him continue his career in La Liga for the foreseeable future.
“I’m a lawyer,” he said, speaking at the Financial Times business of football summit. “For someone who has come out of a legal case innocent, there’s nothing to say.
I think it’s good because he’s another great player. Maybe the circumstances have made it easier for him to come, but he’s a great player and I have no other comments to make.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76lEHq79I3s
“He’s doing really well at Getafe as a player and I hope he continues to be successful and continues to stay in Spanish football, because that’s always good for us. When someone isn’t condemned, what should we have done? This is what courts exist for. It is not up to me to know his case in detail. He is just another player.”
Asked about an investigation being conducted into Jude Bellingham after the Real Madrid player was alleged to have called Greenwood a “rapist” during a match on February 1, Tebas said, “La Liga investigated Bellingham and let’s see what happens. It is not the first time we have done a lip-reading investigation and maybe he didn’t say what we think.”
Tebas’s responses revealed a misunderstanding regarding Greenwood’s legal status.
Greenwood was cleared of the charges after the CPS dropped them, citing the withdrawal of key witnesses and the emergence of new evidence, which led to the conclusion that there was no longer a realistic chance of conviction by a jury.
Ace sports presenter Bright Kankam Boadu dismisses rumours suggesting that the Ghana Football Association is preparing to pay $2 million to Borussia Dortmund for the release of Otto Addo to Ghana.
Boadu vehemently refutes these claims, asserting that such a financial arrangement lacks credibility.
During a panel discussion on his Pure FM sports show, Boadu adamantly rejected the allegations, going as far as threatening to organise a protest if they were proven to be true.
“There are rumours that Ghana will have to pay $2 million to Borussia Dortmund for Otto Addo. I’m not sure it’s $2 million. I don’t want to believe it. It is not true. Only a mad person will pay such an amount.
“Are we going to pay Dortmund $2 million and also pay Otto Addo for doing his work as Black Stars coach? Assuming we pay that $2 million and also pay Otto Addo $50,000, we would be spending $600,000 on him per year.
“In two years, it will be $1.2 million. If you add it to the $2 million, we would be spending $3.2 million on him for two years. $3.2 million can hire a coach of Mourinho’s calibre,” he said.
Following reports of Otto Addo’s interview for the Black Stars position, speculations have arisen regarding the Ghana Football Association’s potential payment to Dortmund for the release of their youth coach.
Otto Addo is reportedly the frontrunner to replace Chris Hughton, who was relieved of his duties following Ghana’s disappointing performance in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
During the tournament held in Ivory Coast, Hughton’s Black Stars managed two draws and suffered one defeat in the three Group B matches played.
Anti-Smuggling Task Force is still cracking down on illicit vegetable oil imports, seizing 1,450 gallons lacking proper documentation.
The exercise, which is aimed at curbing the illegal influx of smuggled vegetable oil on the Ghanaian market and protecting the local industry,
The Anti-Smuggling Task Force started the work in Madina, Atomic Junction, Dome market and ended in Okaishie and CMB.
The exercise commenced on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, with a task force comprising the Tree Crop Development Authority, the Oil Palm Development Association of Ghana, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, and National Security.
Leader of the task force, Paul Amaning, underscored the positive results the exercise has yielded since it started.
Mr. Amaning emphasised the importance of having proper documentation for the confiscated vegetable oil before proceeding with any further actions.
He also warned the public against buying oil packaged in water bottles, citing concerns about its safety for consumption.
He added that while some individuals opt to smuggle goods across land borders, others choose the legal route, transporting their products through ports and fulfilling tax and duty requirements.
However, adherence to regulations is affecting their sales, as smuggled goods, sold without paying duties or taxes, are priced as low as GH¢341.
“Some are doing a great job and must be commended but they are doing what is right. They are running out of business because, after paying the right taxes and duties, their wholesale price shot up,” he said.
The team will continue with its operation in various markets in Accra and proceed to other regions.
During the inspection at McCarthy Hill, Perfect End Logistics was directed to halt operations following the discovery of suspected smuggled vegetable oil on its premises.
Despite assertions from attendants that the oil was domestically produced, the task force deemed it necessary to suspend operations.
Cristiano Ronaldo (CR 7) has been handed a one-match suspension by the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the Saudi Football Federation (SAFF) for an alleged obscene gesture following Al Nassr’s 3-2 victory over Al Shabab.
The incident occurred after the final whistle, where Ronaldo was seen cupping his ear and making repeated hand motions in front of his pelvic area, seemingly directed towards rival Al Shabab supporters.
Chants of “Messi” could be heard in the background, alluding to Ronaldo’s long-time football rival from Argentina.
As per the committee’s decision, Ronaldo must pay a fine of 10,000 Saudi riyals ($2,666) to the Saudi Football Federation and an additional 20,000 riyals to Al Shabab to cover the costs of the complaint filing fees.
Notably, the committee emphasised that the ruling is not subject to appeal.
This isn’t the first time Ronaldo has been involved in such a controversy. In April 2023, the 39-year-old was seen appearing to grab his genitals after a league game against Al Hilal, which Al Nassr lost 2-0.
Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in December 2022, has been a standout performer, leading the league with 22 goals. In the recent match against Al Shabab, he scored the opener from a first-half penalty.
Al Nassr’s upcoming match is on Thursday, and Ronaldo’s absence will surely be felt as they pursue further success in the league.
Al Nassr currently lags behind fellow league leader Al Hilal by four points, despite having played one more game.
Additionally, the team finds itself in the quarterfinals of the Asian Champions League, a tournament that Al Nassr has yet to secure victory in.
Proposals have been put forward to name the gates of thenew Camp Nou after significant figures in the club’s history.
For instance, gate number 10 is slated to be named after Lionel Messi, while gate number 20 will honour Sergi Roberto, and so forth.
Camp Nou, the renowned home stadium of FC Barcelona, stands as one of the world’s most successful and beloved football arenas.
Originally opened in 1957, the stadium boasts a seating capacity of 99,354.
Presently, Camp Nou is undergoing a significant renovation initiative known as Espai Barça, aimed at modernising and enhancing the facility.
Upon completion, the renovated stadium will feature an expanded seating capacity of 105,000, along with amenities such as a retractable roof, a state-of-the-art 360-degree screen, solar panels, and other environmentally friendly features.
Premier League clubs will convene on Thursday to deliberate on the potential abandonment of current profit and sustainability regulations in favour of adopting a financial framework similar to UEFA’s.
Presently, clubs are required to limit losses to £105 million over a three-year period.
However, executives anticipate a gradual transition to new regulations, with plans for a soft launch next season and full implementation by the 2025–26 campaign.
It is widely believed that a significant majority of teams support the proposal to align with UEFA’s financial structure, with up to 19 clubs reportedly endorsing the transition.
UEFA announced plans two years ago to replace the previous financial fair play system with a squad cost ratio approach, which correlates a club’s spending on areas like wages, transfer fees, and settlements with its turnover.
Beginning next season, such expenditures must not exceed 90% of turnover, decreasing to 70% from 2025–26. The Premier League is expected to adopt a similar cap, with a suggested figure of 85%.
Richard Masters, the Premier League’s chief executive, recently stated that clubs were being consulted on this potential shift.
In a previous statement to the Culture, Media, and Sport Select Committee, he highlighted that over a third of the league’s clubs participate in continental competitions annually and must adhere to UEFA’s regulations.
“Over time we have historically aligned with Uefa, because seven or eight of our clubs play in European competition,” he said. “We need to consider whether that is an appropriate move for us, how we do that and when.”
Both Everton and Nottingham Forest have been found in breach of league regulations, resulting in penalties for each club. Initially, Everton faced a deduction of 10 points, later reduced to six following a successful appeal.
Nottingham Forest’s hearing is set to begin next week, focusing on the £47.5m sale of Brennan Johnson to Tottenham outside the 2022–23 financial year.
Despite declining lower bids from Brentford earlier in the transfer window, Forest opted for maximum profit.
A verdict is expected in early April, with Forest likely to appeal any sanction. Everton may face further deductions after being referred to an independent disciplinary commission for a second charge related to the period up to 2022–23.
Top-flight clubs anticipate a transitional phase next season with the introduction of new rules.
There is optimism that such a system will allow for real-time financial monitoring and provide more flexibility for in-season penalties, reducing the likelihood of prolonged disputes. UEFA outlines predefined financial penalties and sporting measures for breaches of regulations.
Xavi announced in January that he would be stepping down as Barcelona’s head coach at the end of the season due to a series of disappointing results.
Deco refuted recent rumours suggesting that Barcelona had initiated the search for a new manager and had already compiled a short list of potential candidates.
“We don’t talk about that because we are not looking for a coach, it is not the time,” Deco told Catalunya Radio. “The season is not over. There is a lot we have ahead of us.”
Since Xavi’s announcement, Barça have gone on a six-game unbeaten run and when asked if the club would consider keeping Xavi if he reconsidered his decision, Deco said: “If something changes, I won’t say we can’t bring it up. We have nothing against him. It’s not a decision that was taken by the club or the sports management. At the moment, there is no such possibility. If it happens, we will discuss it.”
Deco further explained that Barcelona must first finalise their plans for the 2024–25 campaign before considering a replacement for Xavi.
“First of all, we have to consider what project we want, knowing exactly what we can do and what players we [will] have,” he said. “The majority of players want to remain here.There are not many high-level coaches available on the market. The majority [of coaches] have a contract, there will be many movements, and when the time comes, we will make the right decision. It’s not the time.”
The former United and England forward’s tenure at Birmingham City lasted just three months before his termination. During this brief period, the club suffered nine defeats in fifteen games.
Despite that harrowing experience, Rooney remains undeterred by management.
“Managing Manchester United or Everton is the aim, these big jobs are where you want to get to,” Rooney said on Match of the Day, where he was working as an analyst for United’s FA Cup game against Nottingham Forest.
“But it’s a process; I have got to go through the steps and get myself back on track. I want to get myself back into management to make sure that in the next 10 years I’mhopefully in a position to go into one of the big jobs.”
Recent reduction of the monetary policy rate by 1 percent [from 30% to 29%] by theBank of Ghana (BoG) has been criticised by Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of Asogli State, who described it as a joke.
The Central Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee made this decision during its first meeting of the year on January 29, 2024, following a review of economic developments in the country.
According to Dr. Ernest Addison, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, the decision was influenced by a decline in core inflation figures and various factors supporting the disinflation process.
However, Togbe Afede XIV strongly opposes the Central Bank’s decision, questioning the actual impact of the 1 percent rate reduction on lending rates, inflation, exchange rates, or overall economic growth.
In a write-up sighted by GhanaWeb Business, the economist wrote, “I wonder whether they have determined the correlation between interest rates, inflation, and exchange rates in our country.”
“The hesitant 1% rate cut to 29% is particularly surprising given their expectation that headline inflation would “ease to 15%±2% by the end of 2024 and gradually trend back to within the medium-term target range of 8%±2% by 2025.”
I do not see the relationship between the expected or target15%±2% inflation and the high 29% monetary policy rate. It gives the impression that our top economists do not believe in themselves or their own forecasts,” he explained.
Togbe Afede XIV also voiced concerns regarding the credibility of Central Bank officials and economic managers, suggesting that their recent assertion of “emerging recovery” contradicts previous statements indicating the economy had “turned the corner.”
While acknowledging the complexity of interactions among macroeconomic variables, Togbe Afede XIV emphasised that the Central Bank’s policy rate and open market operations should ideally influence the inflation rate.
“But BOG officials still have a fixation on headline or year-on-year inflation, and so they cannot depart from their reactionary monetary policy approach, which responds to what has transpired, that is, past one-year price changes, instead of their expectation of inflation (15%±2% this year).
So, the 1% reduction in the policy rate appears to be a reaction to the 3.2% fall in headline inflation in December to 23.2%, from 26.4% % in November,” Togbe Afede XIV emphasised.
Osimhen’s recent outstanding performance, including a hat trick in Napoli’s 6-1 victory over Sassuolo, has boosted his goal tally to five in his last three matches across all competitions.
Napoli recognises the importance of Osimhen’s top form for the remainder of the season to narrow the eight-point gap on fourth-placed Bologna for Champions League qualification.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ehaoya1Cjlo
However, they also acknowledge the likelihood of his departure at the end of the season and aim to secure €130 million for their prized striker.
Expressing his desire to play in the Premier League, Osimhen has caught the attention of Arsenal, who are seeking a striker ahead of the 2024–25 campaign.
The Gunners have also shown interest in Brentford’s Ivan Toney.
Although PSG holds a strong interest in Osimhen, especially with the impending departure ofKylian Mbappé to Real Madrid when his contract expires, the competition for the Napoli striker’s signature remains intense.
Head coach of Dreams FC, Abdul Karim Zito, has disclosed that he refrained from applying for the vacant Ghana coaching position due to his aversion to social media insults, especially from individuals he supports.
He expressed his belief that applying for the coaching roleunder Kurt Okraku’s presidency at the Ghana Football Association would expose him to negative comments from critics.
“If I had applied, people would say it was because Kurt Okraku is the GFA President; that is why I applied. So I decided not to apply at all,” he told Asempa FM, as monitored by footballghana.com.
“If you look at it, it’s like anything coming from Kurt; that thing is not good. Some people will go to social media; people that you can even take care of will talk trash about you and I don’t like that.”
Following the dismissal of Chris Hughton due to Ghana’s disappointing performance at the 2023 AFCON, the Ghana Football Association opened applications for interested coaches.
By the deadline, over 600 coaches had submitted their applications.
Despite the three-week period given to the search committee, no announcement has been made regarding the appointment of a new coach.
Chairperson of the sub-committee responsible for drafting the youth and sports segment of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s manifesto for the 2024 elections, Asamoah Gyan, has responded to critics of his appointment by affirming that his role on the committee aims to contribute to the advancement of sports in the country.
Named as a member of the manifesto committee for Dr. Bawumia’s presidential bid on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, Gyan assumes the position of chair for the youth and sports sub-committee.
His responsibility involves leveraging his expertise to devise strategies for sports development and the empowerment of Ghanaian youth.
Addressing criticisms during the inauguration of the committee on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, Gyan acknowledged the scrutiny he has faced.
However, he remains undeterred by the backlash, viewing the appointment as an opportunity to apply his two decades of experience as a footballer, boxing promoter, and sports event organiser.
“They have their own opinions,” Gyan said at the inauguration of the NPP’s campaign team for the 2024 general elections at the Alisa Hotel when quizzed about the thoughts of his critics.
“I have been there before. I have been to Stadia and been booed in front of 80,000 people; I am used to it.
“At the end of the day, the work shows. Sometimes, you go to the enemy’s territory and you come out with applause. I have confidence in myself, and I know what I can do to help. I am here to help because of my 20 years of experience. I can’t just sit at home and keep it. I have to share it with the new generation to benefit from it.
“At the end of the day, when everything is said and done, we see what we did or what we couldn’t do. The criticism will come. It is also good for me personally and for my team to push harder,” he added.
Comprising 316 members, the manifesto committee is tasked with the crucial responsibility of crafting the document that will serve as the cornerstone forDr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign.
Ranking Member of the Finance Committee in Parliament and MP for Bolgatanga Central, Isaac Adongo, delivered a public lecture titled “Ghana’s Economic Mess: Victim of Poor Economic Governance?” at UPSA in Accra on February 28, 2024.
As a vocal critic of the Akufo-Addo government, Adongo did not hesitate to point fingers at Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, holding him responsible for overseeing the current economic crisis while serving as Head of the Economic Management Team.
He also addressed Ghana’s ongoing IMF programme and criticised the government’s decisions leading up to the need for a 17th bailout package.
“Where was our much touted and overhyped economic whizkid, the man with the magic wand, Alhaji Bawumia, the inventor of the Mallam-Atta Market inflation calculator and the rate of change cedi depreciation calculator specialist?,” the lawmaker questioned.
Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA) has voiced apprehension regarding the forex exchange crisis currently unfolding in neighboring Nigeria and its possible repercussions on Ghana.
In response, the association is urging the government and the Bank of Ghana to implement stringent measures to prevent the situation from affecting Ghana adversely.
Dr. Joseph Obeng, the President of the Union, emphasised during an interview with GhanaWeb Business that it is imperative for the Central Bank and the government to work together to address and regulate what he described as the illicit cross-border money transactions from Nigeria to Ghana.
“The Union is cautioning the Government and the Bank of Ghana to effectively put in measures that will control and contain the illegitimate cross-border trade in money as well as the transactions nicodemously done through the banks without the notice of the Bank of Ghana.”
“The Union therefore asks the government to take these developments seriously and act upon them with the utmost urgency,” Dr. Obeng added.
In recent weeks, Nigeria’s local currency has experienced multiple declines against the US dollar, prompting worries among market observers and the broader trading and business community across West Africa.
A report from Bloomberg reveals that Nigeria’s currency depreciated by 2.1% to 1,615.94 per dollar in the NAFEM window on Tuesday, based on data provided by FMDQ, which tracks the exchange rate.
Amid promises from political parties to abolish theElectronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy) following the 2024 general elections, Charles Addae, the Assistant Commissioner of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), has urged whichever party emerges victorious to retain the tax measure.
He emphasised the importance of maintaining this revenue source to bolster the state’s finances, cautioning that its elimination could result in heightened government reliance on loans.
Addae underscored the significance of sustaining the E-Levy in enhancing the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio and stimulating the local economy.
He emphasised that adequate revenue is essential for effective governance and urged the government to prioritise fiscal sustainability.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the Taxing Mobile Money: Lessons and Ways Forward Conference held in Accra on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, the GRA Assistant Commissioner said, “It is good that people pay tax. We are having some political talks about whether the tax may be cancelled in the future.
“We are pleading that it is better we sustain the revenue that is coming from it. The GHC1.2 billion that was raised in 2023 helped fill some holes in the country; otherwise, we may be depending too much on loans, which is not helping the economy.”
“My plea is that we maintain and help increase the tax on the GDP of the nation to help the development agenda of the government. Whichever government is in power needs revenue to run. Without tax revenue, the country cannot run,” he added.
It may be remembered that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), declared his intention on February 7, 2024, to eliminate the electronic transfer levy if he were to be elected as Ghana’s president.
“To accomplish this, there will be no taxes on digital payments under my administration. The E-Levy will, therefore, be abolished,” Dr. Bawumia stated.
Unfair E-Levy tax will be scrapped if I’m made president – Mahama
John Dramani Mahama, his opponent, also pledged to abolish the E-Levy during a speech at the University of Ghana. The NDC flagbearer argued that the tax was unjust and hindered citizens from embracing a cashless society.
“It is an inequitable tax; it’s not a fair tax It prevents people from taking advantage of our move towards a cashless society and so when NDC comes, we will remove that tax. I’ve said it bluntly,” Mahama said.
The government introduced the E-Levy as part of its efforts to enhance domestic revenue mobilisation. In response to considerable criticism, the E-Levy tax was subsequently reduced from 1.5% to 1%.
