Bank of Ghana (BoG) has announced revisions to the balance and transaction limits of mobile money wallets, effective March 1, 2024, in response to the growing trends in transactional activities and evolving customer demands.
This decision follows a surge in mobile money transactions, as highlighted in the 2023 Fintech Sector report released by the Bank, according to the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications.
The report disclosed a significant 79 percent increase in the total value of mobile money transactions, reaching GH¢1.9 trillion compared to figures recorded in 2022.
Moreover, the total value of mobile accounts (funds) held with commercial banks witnessed a 40% increase, reaching GH¢18.3 billion.
Under the newly approved guidelines, the transaction limits for various customer accounts have been adjusted.
Minimum Account, Medium Account and Enhanced Account:
Previous Limits: GH¢2,000, GH¢10,000, and GH¢15,000 Revised Limits: GH¢3,000, GH¢15,000, and GH¢25,000, respectively
Additionally, theBank of Ghana has raised the monthly transaction limit for Minimum KYC Accounts from GH¢6,000 to GH¢10,000. Meanwhile, there will be no changes to the transaction limits for Medium and Enhanced accounts, which previously had no set limits on monthly transaction values.
As an advocacy institution, the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunication urges the public to seek clarification at any of their members’ customer service centers nationwide.
Despite their disappointment in failing to qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris, France, players and officials of the Black Queens have received praise on social media for their dedication and resilience shown in their matches against Zambia.
Although they were ultimately eliminated from the Olympic Games qualifiers with a 4-3 aggregate loss to Zambia, the Black Queens fought hard in both legs of the contest.
Following a 1-0 defeat in Accra on Friday, February 23, 2024, the Black Queens faced a challenging task in the return fixture in Ndola, Zambia.
Despite the setback, the team exhibited determination and resilience as they battled against Zambia.
Their performance in the match played on Wednesday, February 28, 2204, was commendable, with the team looking poised to force the game into extra time.
However, their hopes were dashed by a last-minute goal, ending their quest for Olympic qualification.
How the game unfolded
Zambia took the lead in the thrilling contest through their skipper, Barbra Banda, in the 11th minute.
Gifty Assifuah pulled Ghana level four minutes later, with the first half ending 1-all.
Ghana claimed the lead five minutes after recess through Doris Boaduwaa.
Kabange Mupopo pulled parity for the Copper Queens and reclaimed the lead on aggregate in the 61st minute.
Four minutes later, substitute Azumah Bugri put Ghana in front again and levelled the aggregate score.
The Queens were well on course to force the game into extra time but conceded a freekick at the edge of the box with a few seconds to end the game. Jennifer Cudjoe, who was the culprit, picked up a second booking and got sent off.
Barbra Banda stepped up for what was the last kick of thegame and dispatched the freekick beautifully to restore parity and put Zambia back in the lead on aggregate (4-3).
Dear Black Queens ..I Salut you and we are proud of you ..????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????you never gave up ????????????????????????keep going and growing together ????????????????????????????????
— Anthony Baffoe ???????????????????????? (@AnthonyBaffoe) February 28, 2024
This is what proper show working means
Nora Hauptle ❤️????
What a transformation she’s brought to the Black Queens ????????
In a year or two time we will be competing with the big teams on the content, Nigeria ????????, South Africa ????????, fasten your belts Ghana ???????? is coming!!!! pic.twitter.com/E9ss0WXlTi
— Mutala Yakubu???????? (@Mutalayakubu10) February 28, 2024
Full Time:
Zambia ???????? 3-3 Ghana ???????? (4-3 agg)
The Black Queens’ journey to Paris 2024 ends in heartbreak in Ndola.
Gallant performance from the Queens nonetheless. I’m very proud of them.
— Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo (@Fentuo_) February 28, 2024
Gallant Black Queens. Mighty proud of you. The sky is your oyster. Better days ahead.
— Veronica Commey (@VeronicaCommey) February 28, 2024
I don't recall being this tense about a Black Queens match.
— Gary Al-Smith (@garyalsmith) February 28, 2024
Gutted not to have seen the team advance but credit to this coach Nora who has done an incredible job with the the Black Queens. Give her the necessary support and time. She will make sure the team rub shoulders with the Elite soon pic.twitter.com/YgCDHg4ilz
— Ayim Derrick (@Derrick_Ayim10) February 28, 2024
If there was any national team whose bonuses should be paid even before they kick a ball, it should be the BLACK QUEENS how do we empower women when we treat our dear women like this? pic.twitter.com/BwU8pCNVlx
— Chief Seidu Adamu ???????? (@Chiefseiduadamu) February 21, 2024
Social media reactions
On social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), the Black Queens are being hailed by Ghanaians for the sheer dedication and fight they displayed in the game.
Some Ghanaians also applauded head coach Nora Hauptle for the improvement the team has experienced since her arrival.
Black Queens of Ghana faced a devastating exit from the 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers, succumbing to a 4-3 aggregate loss against Zambia.
Despite a spirited performance in Ndola on February 28, 2024, the Black Queens suffered heartbreak when they conceded a stoppage-time goal, shattering their hopes of qualifying for the next Olympic Games.
In the second leg, Ghana managed to secure a 3-3 draw against the Copper Queens. However, Zambia’s 1-0 victory in the first leg in Accra proved decisive, propelling them into the final round of qualifiers.
Barbra Banda, Zambia’s captain, opened the scoring in the thrilling encounter with a goal in the 11th minute.
Gifty Assifuah swiftly equalised for Ghana four minutes later, ending the first half with a 1-1 deadlock.
After the break, Doris Boaduwaa put Ghana ahead five minutes into the second half.
However, Kabange Mupopo’s goal for the Copper Queens in the 61st minute levelled the match and secured Zambia’s lead on aggregate once again.
Just four minutes later, substitute Azumah Bugri regained the lead for Ghana, levelling the aggregate score once again.
With the game seemingly heading towards extra time, the Black Queens suffered a setback as they conceded a free kick on the edge of the box just seconds before the final whistle.
Jennifer Cudjoe, the culprit, received her second booking and was subsequently sent off.
In a dramatic twist, Barbra Banda stepped up to take the free kick, which turned out to be the last action of the game.
She expertly dispatched the free kick, restoring parity and putting Zambia back in the lead on aggregate (4-3).
This heartbreaking elimination meansthat the Black Queens of Ghana have now failed to qualify for the Olympic Games in seven attempts.
On the other hand, Zambia will advance to face Morocco in the final round of qualifiers, after Morocco eliminated Tunisia in their match.
The highly-regarded midfielder has been sidelined since October 2023 due to an injury sustained while on duty with the Black Stars.
Despite being cleared to play multiple times upon his return to Arsenal, Partey has been unable to shake off a recurring issue, keeping him out of action for the past four months.
His absence has caused him to miss more than 20 matches.
However, there is positive news as Partey has shown significant progress in his recovery and is now actively participating in daily training sessions with his Arsenal teammates.
During a recent training session on Wednesday, February 28, Partey impressed both his teammates and the technical staff with his sharpness and movement.
He is set to undergo further assessment beforeArsenal’s upcoming fixture against Sheffield United in the English Premier League, scheduled for Monday, March 4, 2024.
National Democratic Congress (NDC) is set to unveil its vice presidential candidate for the 2024 general elections, accompanying presidential nominee John Dramani Mahama, by February 29, 2024.
This disclosure came from the party’s National Communications Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, during an interview with GhanaWeb’s Daniel Oduro on the Election Desk on February 28, 2024.
Gyamfi mentioned in the interview that both the party and the public should anticipate a formal announcement later in the week, following the finalisation of the decision by the council of elders and the national executive committee of the NDC.
“The rank and file of the party and the general public should be expecting to hear a formal announcement tomorrow when the decision is eventually finalised, subject to the advice of the Council of Elders and the national executive committee.
“I am very optimistic that this is a decision that would resonate not just with our grassroots but also with the entire nation,” he stated.
He added that the flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, had been thinking and consulting on the matter for a long time and that he had made his choice.
He said that the flagbearer, however, needed to seek the formal advice of the major stakeholders for approval before the announcement.
“The flagbearer has been thinking and consulting on this matter. He is ready with his consultation, and he has a choice.
But as the constitution and systems of ourparty require, he needs to seek formally the advice of the Council of Elders and present the same to the National Council of the party, which is the second highest decision-making body in the party, for advice before the same is announced,” he stated.
“… The candidate is very clear in his mind as to who he wants to be his running mate to complement him and deliver his vision,” he added.
More than 200 Ghanaians find themselves stranded in Cote d’Ivoire, as announced by Assistant Superintendent of Immigration (ASI) Rickey Nana Yaw Boakye, an officer at the Sampa Command of theGhana Immigration Service (GIS) in the Bono Region.
These individuals appear to be among the unfortunate victims of “Q-Net,” a notorious fraudulent online scheme known for deceiving people into parting with substantial sums of money under the false promise of securing lucrative job opportunities abroad.
ASI Boakye noted that the Sampa Command is actively collaborating with its counterparts in La Cote d’Ivoire to rescue and repatriate the stranded Ghanaian migrants, including women and girls, back to their homeland.
Last year, the Command, with support from other security agencies, successfully rescued and brought approximately 200 victims back home through the Ghana-Cote d’Ivoire border in the Jaman North District of the region.
ASI Boakye shared these updates during a stakeholder’s meeting organized by ActionAid Ghana (AAG), a non-governmental organization, held at Abesim, near Sunyani, to validate a project it implemented in the region.
The implementation of the three-year Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD)-funded multi-country project concluded in December 2023.
ASI Boakye expressed disgust about the forms of human rights abuses the victims went through, saying, “Now as we speak, about 200 of the victims are locked up in a room in Ivory Coast and they are not allowed to go out.”
ASI Boakye highlighted the challenges in locating the victims, noting that they often took routes through unapproved areas along the border communities, often with the assistance of local motorbike and ‘pragyia’ riders.
He cautioned aspiring youth travellers to seek theGhana Immigration Service for proper documentation, emphasising that those resorting to the illicit services of “Q-Net” were exposing themselves to unnecessary risks.
Kwame Afram Denkyira, the Bono Regional Programme Manager for AAG, stated that the project’s results significantly contributed to the advancement of people-centered national regulatory frameworks and policies, particularly in ensuring decent work within the agricultural value chain.
Academic and researcher, Dr. Amanda Odoi, has voiced concerns regarding the potential escalation of brain drain following the recent passing of the Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill by Ghana’s Parliament.
This bill prohibits any form of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) activities within the country.
It stipulates harsh penalties, including up to three years of imprisonment for individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ and up to five years for those involved in forming orsupporting LGBTQ+ groups.
Despite efforts to replace these prison sentences with community service and counselling, MPs thwarted such attempts.
During an interview on JoyNews’ PM Express, Dr. Odoi pointed out a concerning trend observed in various countries where discriminatory legislation has led individuals to feel targeted or unsafe, prompting them to leave.
She emphasised that the passage of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill could potentially trigger a significant exodus of skilled individuals who have received training within Ghana.
“The passage of the Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill will increase the rate of brain drain. We’ve realised that in most countries, people who feel that they are being targeted are leaving. So right now, by passing this bill, a lot of skilled people we have trained may have to leave this country at this point because they do not feel safe,” she said on Wednesday.
Furthermore, Dr. Odoi elaborated that Ghana has invested considerable time and resources in training these skilled individuals. Losing them due to the enactment of the bill could detrimentally impact the nation’s development and progress.
On Wednesday, February 28, Parliament unanimously passed the anti-LGBTQ+ bill after completing its third reading.
TheAnti-LGBTQ+ Bill has sparked intense debate and discussion since its introduction to the legislature three years ago. While proponents argue for the preservation of cultural and religious values, opponents contend that certain provisions of the bill violate human rights and perpetuate discrimination.
Since its passage, many opponents have voiced their discontent, with some civil society groups threatening legal action should President Akufo-Addo assent to the bill, thereby making it law.
Former Manchester United defender aged 42, John O’Shea, has been appointed as Ireland’s interim coach for the upcoming friendly internationals against Belgium and Switzerland, the FAI announced on Wednesday.
O’Shea, who clinched five Premier League titles with United and accumulated 118 caps for Ireland, will take charge of the team for these fixtures.
“It will be an incredible honour to lead the side into the March international window,” O’Shea said in a statement.
“As everyone will know, I’ve always had immense pride in representing my country, whether that be during my playing career or very recently, as part of the coaching staff for the men’s senior team and the Under-21s.
FAI appoint John O’Shea as Interim Head Coach of the Men’s National Team 🇮🇪
O'Shea, who has 118 caps for Ireland, will take charge of the two international friendlies in March against Belgium and Switzerland at the Aviva Stadium, assisted by Paddy McCarthy 💚
“I’ve got great belief in this group of players to win football matches and am looking forward to some positive results.”
The FAI stated that they intend to unveil a permanent head coach in April. Stephen Kenny vacated his position as Ireland’s head coach in November after the team’s failure to qualify for Euro 2024.
FC Midtjylland midfielder Kristoffer Olsson, who also represents Sweden, is currently hospitalised in Denmark after losing consciousness at his home last week.
The club announced on Tuesday that the 30-year-old player is on a ventilator and receiving treatment for a brain disease at Aarhus University Hospital.
The club said his hospital admission was “not caused by self-harm of any kind, nor is the cause due to external factors.”
Midtjylland added: “A team of Denmark’s leading medical experts is currently working under high pressure to make a diagnosis and initiate the right treatment.”
“Since admission, Kristoffer has been surrounded by his immediate family and parts of FC Midtjylland’s staff, and is being treated by specialists in the field.
“FC Midtjylland urgently requests the public to show respect and understanding, so that Kristoffer, the family and the doctors get the necessary peace of mind to ensure Kristoffer’s recovery as well as possible.”
Midtjylland said it was “forced” to release the information about Olsson because of “increasing rumours” about his absence from the team.
Olsson completed his youth development at Arsenal in 2013 but did not feature for the senior team. Subsequently, he moved to Midtjylland in 2015, followed by stints at AIK, Krasnodar, and Anderlecht.
He rejoined Arsenal on loan in 2022, eventually making the move permanent the following summer. With 47 international caps, Olsson has also represented Sweden at the 2021 European Championship
“We’re with you, Koffe,” Sweden’s Football Association said in a post on X.
“On Tuesday morning, we received the terrible news that men’s national team player Kristoffer Olsson suffered a sudden illness and is now on a ventilator in hospital.
“The entire Swedish football family is thinking of you and hopes that you will recover soon. Our thoughts also go to Kristoffer’s loved ones at this difficult time.”
Erik ten Hag expressed indifference towards Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s delay in publicly confirming his position as Manchester United manager for next season, stating that he “doesn’t care” about the uncertainty.
Despite speculation surrounding his role amid a disappointing season where United have slipped to sixth in the Premier League table, Ten Hag remains contracted to Old Trafford until 2025.
Ratcliffe’s recent acquisition of a 27.7% stake in the club has raised questions, but the Dutch coach remains unfazed, asserting that the new management team “believes” in his capabilities for the role.
Asked whether it would be beneficial for Ratcliffe to confirm he will stay on as manager, Ten Hag said: “I’m under contract for three seasons, so I don’t care.
“I am in this process, I’m only focusing on the process, so I don’t care what’s going on around me. I have many talks with Sir Jim Radcliffe, also with Sir Dave Brailsford and others in that group, so I know where we are talking about and I have a strong belief and I feel that they believe in me.”
Fiorentina’s right-back, Michael Kayode, has attracted interest from several prominent clubs, such as Arsenal and Inter Milan.
However, his agent asserts that, at present, he is content with his current situation.
Despite being just 19 years old, Kayode has demonstrated promising performance with one goal and three assists in 25 appearances across all competitions since his promotion to the first team this season.
Despite his contract extending until 2028, top clubs in Europe continue to monitor his development closely.
“Fiorentina need not worry,” agent Andrea Ritorni told Radio FirenzeViola. “There is a contract that speaks for him: Michael is doing well with this club and in this team. Of course, various premier teams follow him and have followed him, but this is normal, it’s part of football and life.
“However, Fiorentina has secured him with a nice contract and many bonuses let’s think about doing well now and in the future for the purple shirt.”
Barcelona has reportedly narrowed down their search for a new coach to just four candidates: Roberto De Zerbi, Hansi Flick, Thomas Tuchel, and Julian Nagelsmann, according to Sport.
Since January, sporting director Deco has been diligently assessing potential options, following the announcement by current manager Xavi Hernández that he will step down at the end of the season.
Working closely with President Joan Laporta, Deco aims to finalise the decision on Xavi’s successor within the next month.
While De Zerbi has received positive feedback and expressed interest in the role, his €15m release clause poses a challenge in negotiations with Premier League outfit Brighton.
On the other hand, the trio of Flick, Tuchel, and Nagelsmann are deemed more accessible.
Flick, the former Bayern Munich and Germany coach, is currently available, while Tuchel’s tenure atBayern concludes in the summer, and Nagelsmann’s contract with Germany expires after the upcoming European Championships.
Barcelona is monitoring the progress of young Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono according to Sport, .
At just 16 years old, Mastantuono has already made eight appearances for River Plate this season. He made headlines by becoming the youngest player ever to feature in a Superclásico when he came off the bench in the recent draw against Boca Juniors.
Known for his versatility, Mastantuono can play out wide or in a more attacking central midfield role. His rapid rise has attracted interest from some of Europe’s top clubs.
Barcelona is one of the clubs keeping a close watch on Mastantuono, especially after missing out on his teammate Claudio Echeverri, who has already agreed to join Manchester City from River.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo expressed grave concern over the performance of theBlack Stars at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations during his State of the Nation(SONA) address on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
He characterised it as a clear indication of the team’s current dire state and the urgent need for intervention.
President Akufo-Addo pointed out that the Black Stars have been on a steady decline since 2014, with the 2023 AFCON serving as a stark reminder of the depth of their decline.
He stressed the necessity for immediate action to reverse the downward trajectory that Ghanaian football has experienced over the past decade.
“It is fair to say that, since the sad events of Brazil in 2014, many Ghanaians have been left disappointed by some of the recent results of the Black Stars. Various attempts have been made to revive the fortunes of the national team and rebuild the enthusiasm of the people with varying degrees of success.
“The recent AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire was probably the nadir of the performance of the Black Stars, and has left the nation saddened. However, I am quite certain that the young men and the technical handlers would, themselves, have wanted to make our nation proud, and I believe that the captain, Andre Dede Ayew, meant every word when he rendered heartfelt apologies on behalf of his team-mates to all Ghanaians for the team’s early exit,” he said.
To address the continuous downward spiralling of Ghanaian football, President Akufo-Addo says his government will institute the Presidential Policy on Football.
This policy, according to the president, will see the government working with the Ghana Football Association to develop football at the grassroots level.
“Mr Speaker, I believe it is time for us to take a long-term, far-sighted approach to correct what has gone wrong. It is time to return to scouting, grooming and developing talent at the district grassroots level under a Presidential Policy on Football that I intend to unveil.
The school sports department of the Ministry of Education will work hand in hand with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, in collaboration and synergy with the Ghana Football Association (GFA), to build district, regional and national juvenile teams for both boys and girls,” he said.
The Black Stars endured a disappointing campaign in the 2023 AFCON, failing to secure a single victory in any of their three matches.
Ghana suffered defeats to Cape Verde and managed only draws against Egypt and Mozambique, accumulating a mere two points out of a possible nine.
In the aftermath of their premature exit from the tournament, the GFA took decisive action by dismissing coach Chris Hughton. They are currently in search of a suitable replacement to lead the team forward.
Following their 1-0 victory over Bournemouth in an FA Cup match on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, players and technical team members of Leicester City celebrated by dancing to Fuse ODG’s ‘Antenna’.
A video shared by the club on its TikTok handle captures the jubilant atmosphere as players congratulate each other while dancing to the song.
The winning goal came from Ghanaian winger Fatawu Issahaku, who scored a trademark curler in the 105th minute after a goalless regulation time.
This victory propelled Leicester to the quarter-final stage of the competition, with fans showing their appreciation to Issahaku by chanting his name after the final whistle.
Issahaku’s loan move from Sporting Lisbon to Leicester has been hailed as one of the success stories of Ghanaian players in Europe during the 2023–2024 season.
Spokesperson of the Local Organising Committee for the2023 African Games, Dan Kwaku Yeboah, has dismissed Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s recent disclosures regarding the government’s budget and planned expenditures for the event as politically motivated.
Yeboah, who expressed his admiration for Ablakwa in the past, suggested that the latter’s allegations were driven by partisan interests, particularly in favor of the National Democratic Congress.
During an interview on Neat FM, Yeboah did not dispute Ablakwa’s figures but criticised the political narrative accompanying them.
He argued that Ablakwa’s analysis was oversimplified, particularly regarding the $48 million budget allocated for operational expenses, which Yeboah clarified to cover expenses before and after the 18-day event period.
Yeboah emphasised the need to consider expenses beyond the competition dates in understanding the budget’s scope accurately.
“Some of the claims he made are due to the season we find ourselves in. The intelligent Okudzeto, I know, wouldn’t make that analysis on a regular day. The LOC was formed in October 2020, so if you calculate our expenses based on just the 18 days the tournament will be held, then you are being too simplistic. Per his calculation, we are going to spend GH₵33.4m per day. If you convert to the old currency, it is 33 billion cedis daily. Are we going to kill cows every day at the LOC?” he asked.
Dan Kwaku Yeboah also reminded Ghanaians of the cost-intensive nature of putting together a tournament like the African Games.
He highlighted some things that contributed to the budget that Okudzeto Ablakwa described as elephantine.
“We need to understand that African games are expensive.Unlike FIFA and CAF, who give you money to host their tournaments, the African Union rather takes money from you for winning the rights to host their tournaments.
“We are hosting 29 disciplines, and we have to buy equipment for all athletes who will be partaking in all 29 disciplines. According to WADA, Ghana doesn’t have a standard laboratory for anti-doping, so all the doping tests that will be conducted during the competition will be finalised in Switzerland,” he added.
Kenpong Football Academy, a renowned talent production hub, has declared that they are organising trials for promising young footballers.
The Winneba-based club made the announcement through their social media channels on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, inviting young talents to showcase their skills and vie for spots on the team.
Below is the statement
KENPONG FOOTBALL ACADEMY NOW OPEN FOR TRIALS
Football players under the age of 18 who are interested in joining KENPONG Football Academy in Winneba can now register for trials at the official website, www.kenpongacademy.com
Go to the official website and register to showcase your talent as a football player.
There is also an opportunity for those who want to learn and develop their football skills.
Ghanaian prodigy Araphat Mohammed has officially signed with Danish Superliga team FC Nordsjaelland.
At just 18 years old, Mohammed joins a long line of talented players from the Right to Dream Academy who have made their mark at the Danish club.
Although Mohammed made the move to Denmark in January, he had to patiently wait for his work permit before being eligible to play for the Wild Tigers.
“It feels really good to be here atFC Nordsjaelland. I can’t wait to get started. I have already attended some training, and it has been really good so far. But of course, also hard. It is a high level and you have to fight and perform at every training session if you want to be able to keep up,” he said after signing for the club.
“I am determined to give everything I have to achieve the best results with FC Nordsjaelland. Of course, I want to show everyone what I’m capable of on the pitch, but that first requires me to show myself on the training pitch – and that’s where my focus is now,” he added.
The left-footed midfielder is anticipated to emulate the success of other Ghanaian players from the Right to Dream Academy who have ascended to the top leagues.
“Naturally, I have been able to follow the journey that many of the Right to Dream players who have been at the club have taken. And it is a huge inspiration for me to see the steps they have taken – both in FC Nordsjaelland and subsequently in the bigger leagues,” he concluded.
The Black Stars head coach search committee has completed its report and recommendations, which were presented to President Simeon-Okraku on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
ow, the Executive Council will review these recommendations to determine the next steps in appointing the Black Stars coach.
Following the resolution of the coaching decision, the FA plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and other key stakeholders for their support.
The Executive Council had previously tasked a five-member committee, chaired by Vice President Mark Addo, to find a new coach for the senior men’s national team after the departure of Chris Hughton.
The committee’s mandate included identifying suitable and competent coaches for consideration, even if they did not formally apply for the position.
Comprising Vice President Mark Addo, Banker Kojo Addae Mensah, Professor Joseph Kwame Mintah, Technical Director of the Ghana Football Association, Ghana Football legend Opoku Nti, and William Kartey, Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the five-man search committee worked diligently to fulfil their responsibilities.
The club recently announced the dissolution of its board on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, which included prominent figures such as Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, Alhaji Akambi, and Vincent Sowah Odotei.
With the old board dissolved, preparations are underway to form a new one during the club’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in March 2024.
Stephen Appiah, a former player for Hearts of Oak, has emerged as a strong candidate to join the 11-member board, reportedly endorsed by fellow ex-footballers of the club.
The proposed new board will feature 11 members, chaired by Togbe Afede, with Elvis Herman Hesse representing the supporters and a representative from Hearts Ladies.
Togbe Afede will appoint two board members, while the remaining members will be elected by shareholders during the AGM in March 2024.
In other news, Hearts of Oak secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Real Tamale United in the Ghana Premier League over the weekend, propelling them to ninth place in the GPL standings.
German coach Winfried Schäfer has expressed his commitment to leading Ghana to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup if appointed as the Black Stars coach by the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
Schäfer emphasised that the Black Stars have not performed up to their potential in recent tournaments, and he believes that with the opportunity to coach the team, he can instill the necessary improvements to build a competitive squad capable of securing qualification for the World Cup.
“The team hasn’t been that impressive in their recent tournaments, and I am very ready to help build a good team and also ensure the team qualifies for the next FIFA World Cup,” he told SportsWorldGhana.com.
Additionally, he showcased his familiarity with the Ghana Premier League, affirming his intention to closely observe and consider players from the league for national team call-ups if appointed as the coach of Ghana.
“I know the Ghana League has abundant top talents. A senior team coach needs to be in the country to monitor players and give call-ups to those performing well. I would spend much of my time in the country to help get qualified players in the league to be part of the Black Stars,” he added.
Winfried Schäfer has officially applied for the vacant Black Stars coaching position and is optimistic about securing the role.
With previous experience in African football during his tenure in Cameroon from 2001 to 2004, Schäfer brings valuable expertise to the table.
According to a statement released by theGhana Football Association (GFA) on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, the FA’s Black Stars coach search committee has compiled a list of reputable candidates for the position.
The GFA’s Executive Council is now tasked with deliberating on the list and subsequently announcing the new technical team for the Black Stars.
Ghana’s standout player for West Ham United, Kudus Mohammed, leads the Premier League’s list of players with the most successful dribbles in the 2023–2024 season.
The Ghanaian midfielder has dominated the charts with an impressive 64 dribbles completed in just 21 matches.
His remarkable performance was further highlighted in West Ham’s 4-2 victory over Brentford on Monday, February 26, 2024, where he added five more successful dribbles to his tally, making him the player with the most dribbles in week 26 of the Premier League.
Take into perspective he didn’t start the first 6 games of the season and spent 2 weeks away at AFCON
Following closely behind Mohammed Kudus in the top five list are Jeremy Doku with 61 dribbles, Matheus Cunha with 52 dribbles, Chiedozie Ogbene with 50 dribbles, and Ross Barkley with 48 dribbles.
Mohammed Kudus’s debut season in the Premier League has been nothing short of exceptional, with six goals and three assists to his name.
The Dispute Resolution Chamber of FIFA has rejected Liga Portugal 2 side CD Santa Clara financial and disciplinary action demands against Kennedy Boateng and SC Austria Lustenau, the Austrian Bundesliga outfit has announced.
After sealing a move to the Lustenau-based club on a free transfer, the relegated Portuguese top-tier side filed a complaint to FIFA claiming the player and the club should be brought to book, citing a breach of contractual obligations on the part of the 27-year-old defender as their employee.
After all the parties were made to present their statements of defence in January this year, those in charge of the Planet Pure Stadion have said that the Dispute Resolution Chamber of FIFA has quashed the claimant case against them as well as the experienced guardsman.
A statement from the club’s official website read: “Today, Monday, FIFA informed the parties involved about the decision of the “Dispute Resolution Chamber” in connection with the procedure surrounding the employment relationship and the signing of the player, Kennedy Kofi Boateng. CD Santa Clara’s claims against the player and therefore also against SC Austria Lustenau were completely rejected.
“At the beginning of January, SC Austria Lustenau was informed that our player Kennedy Boateng’s former club CD Santa Clara had made both financial and disciplinary demands to FIFA against the players—and therefore also against the player’s new club. After all parties involved have submitted their statements over the last few months, FIFA’s responsible “Dispute Resolution Chamber” today announced its decision in this case.
The decision states that all allegations and demands from the Portuguese club have been completely rejected and therefore both the player and SC Austria Lustenau do not have to fear any consequences.”
Board of directors spokesperson Bernd Bösch added this to his outfit’s communications network.
“Even though, as we have often emphasised, we were not aware of any wrongdoing on our part at any point in the process and carried out everything properly when signing us, we are of course all relieved that the responsible body at FIFA has confirmed this view. We are very happy that we can now hopefully finally close this chapter and focus fully on the other important issues in the club relating to staying in the league. In this context, we would like to once again thank Luca Tettamanti from ELITE LAW SE, who provided us with excellent support throughout the entire process.”
Bayern Munich has expressed interest in signing Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson, according to the Daily Mail.
The 29-year-old is reportedly the top choice for the Bundesliga side to replace Alphonso Davies, who is being linked with a €50 million move to Real Madrid in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Bayern Munich’s hierarchy has been actively gathering information on left-back options throughout the season in anticipation of Davies’ potential departure.
While they acknowledge that securing Robertson could be challenging due to his significant role at Liverpool, they are determined to ensure a suitable successor is identified.
Despite being set to captain Scotland at the European Championships this summer, Robertson has been in impressive form since returning from injury in January.
Emmanuel Macron shared a light-hearted momentwith Kylian Mbappe regarding his rumoured move to Real Madrid during a state dinner at the Elysee Palace.
Mbappe, accompanied by the Emir of Qatar, was invited to the dinner on Tuesday, where he had the opportunity to meet with French President Macron.
Upon his arrival, Macron is reported to have jestingly remarked to Mbappe, “You’re going to create problems for us,” with a smile on his face. This remark is believed to allude to Mbappe’s anticipated transfer to Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain, which is owned by Qatar.
Mbappe’s potential move to Madrid has been the subject of long-standing speculation, with Macron previously playing a role in influencing the forward’s future. Macron disclosed that he advised Mbappe against joining Los Blancos in 2021, encouraging him to remain in the French capital.
Despite Macron’s efforts last summer to keep Mbappe at PSG, it now seems likely that the 25-year-old will make the switch to the Santiago Bernabeu during the upcoming transfer window.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/J2Kuhlg5yhk
Macron also spoke about the 2022 Qatar World Cup, which saw Mbappe and France beaten in the final by Argentina: The French president said: “There are also so many beautiful memories, in less serious but as vibrant moments as this 2022 World Cup. Kylian Mbappe’s extraordinary game, the memory of (Randal) Kolo Muani’s saved shot, which still remains bitter in French hearts.
“But that’s the thing with the king of sports. They have had a fantastic tournament, with what I think was the most spectacular final in history. France was there with its fans, its security forces, its companies like RATP and its footballers.”
Madrid has not yet made an official announcement regarding Mbappe’s signing, but the confirmation is anticipated once it is certain that Los Blancos cannot face PSG in this season’s Champions League. Upon his move to the Spanish giants, Mbappe is expected to receive a world-record signing fee for a five-year contract.
Meanwhile, PSG is already scouting for a replacement and has been linked with several players, including Napoli’s Victor Osimhen andManchester United’s Marcus Rashford.
Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto has reportedly turned down an offer from Saudi Arabia in favour of joining Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer (MLS).
According to Mundo Deportivo, Roberto declined a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian second division side Al-Qadisiyah, despite their ambitions of promotion to the Saudi Pro League next season.
Personal reasons were cited for his decision to reject the move.
Roberto’s current contract with Barcelona expires in the summer, and with manager Xavi leaving the club at the end of the season, the likelihood of a contract renewal appears slim.
Inter Miami, a Major League Soccer club, is reportedly interested in acquiring Roberto’s services, following their signings of former Barcelona stars Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez alongside Messi.
Multiple reports indicate Roberto’s desire to join MLS in the future.
TheBarcelona skipper is scheduled to appear in the next La Liga fixture on Sunday, as Xavi’s side prepares to face Athletic Club.
Four out of Erling Haaland’s five goals in the FA Cup match against Luton Town were assisted by Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgian midfielder provided a total of four assists as Haaland secured a remarkable five goals, propelling Manchester City to a convincing 6-2 victory over Luton Town and securing their place in the FA Cup quarter-final.
Following their dominant performance against the Hatters, De Bruyne took to social media to humorously message his teammate Haaland.
On Instagram, De Bruyne shared a series of photographs from their demolition of Luton and wrote a caption that read, “Good morning, how may I assist you?”
Since joining Manchester City, the Norwegian goal-scoring sensation has shattered numerous records and achieved multiple hat-tricks.
However, his latest feat marked the first occasion where he scored three or more goals in an away match for the club.
Following the game, he expressed gratitude towards Kevin De Bruyne for his assists and praised the 32-year-old as ‘massive’.
With their confidence soaring, Pep Guardiola’s team will now prepare to face their rivals Manchester United in a crucial Premier League clash on Sunday, as they aim to maintain their winning momentum.
Palkin, having closely observed the Ukrainian youngster, maintains confidence in Mudryk’s exceptional abilities and suggests personalised attention from Pochettino could enhance his performance.
He emphasises the importance of one-on-one interactions between the coach and Mudryk to unlock the winger’s full potential.
Speaking to beIN Sports, Palkin said: “I can tell you that, for me, Mudryk is the most talented and unique player in the world. I believe that in order to get the maximum from Mudryk, as they anticipate, you need to invest in him. And these investments are not money. The investment is time with the coaching staff to communicate with him and work closely with him.
“He is a young boy and he changed from the Ukrainian Championship to the English Premier League. It’s a completely different world, with completely different levels, with football that’s completely different. I believe that if the coaching staff dedicates some time to him, he will return three, four or five times more.”
Since his transfer from Ukraine to England in January 2023 for a staggering £89 million ($109 million), the 23-year-old has struggled to replicate the impressive form he displayed while playing for Shakhtar.
During his time at Shakhtar, he scored 12 goals and provided 17 assists in 44 appearances.
However, in his initial six months with theWest London club, Mudryk failed to find the back of the net. Even in the 2023–24 season, he has only managed to score three times in 19 Premier League matches.
Despite his underwhelming performance, the Ukrainian international was the subject of interest from Bayern Munich during the January transfer window.
However, Chelsea opted to block the move at that time. Recent reports now suggest that Arsenal, who lost out to Chelsea in the battle to sign him last year, have reignited their interest in the player.
Accra Hearts of Oak has officially announced the dissolution of its board, as revealed in a statement shared on the club’s X platform, previously known as Twitter.
The club has stated that further details regarding the dissolution of the board will be disclosed on Wednesday, February 28th.
“BREAKING NEWS: THE HEARTS OF OAK BOARD ARE DISSOLVED. Watch out for more details tomorrow,” the post by the club said.
Sancho’s prospects at Manchester United have been uncertain, particularly after a challenging season.
The winger faced exclusion from the squad under Erik ten Hag’s management and was subsequently loaned out to Borussia Dortmund.
However, his return to the Bundesliga hasn’t been smooth, with criticism from the German media following his recent performance in a 3-2 loss to Hoffenheim.
Despite this, Cole suggests that recent comments made by Sir Jim Ratcliffe regarding Mason Greenwood could indicate a potential opportunity for Sancho to return to Old Trafford.
Cole told BetFred: “Whether he does or doesn’t stay at Manchester United in the long term, the kid is still a very talented player. You can all sit here and say he’s got to get his head right, but I think everyone needs to get their head and mindset right at times.
It’s not worked out for him at the moment at Manchester United, but you just never know what’s going to happen.
“I listened to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments the other day regarding Mason Greenwood and how a decision regarding his future will be made in the summer, so it looks like they’re going to go back to that situation and review it, so I believe that Sancho will be in that discussion as well.
Yes, he’s had a tough time, but can they address this problem? If they can’t address this problem, what is the best thing for Jadon Sancho and Manchester United? That’s the way they’ve got to look at things.”
Manchester United, along with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, face significant decisions in the upcoming summer transfer window, particularly concerning Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho.
Greenwood’s reluctance to return to Manchester United has sparked interest from La Liga clubs such as Barcelona and Atletico Madrid during his loan spell at Getafe.
Meanwhile, Sancho’s hopes of making a strong impression back at Dortmund following his United exile have been dampened, with just one assist to his name so far. Dortmund has acknowledged the challenge of securing Sancho on a permanent basis.
Sancho is expected to complete the season with Dortmund before returning to Manchester United. However, his prospects under Erik ten Hag remain uncertain, given his failure to reconcile with the Dutchman.
Nevertheless, there’s a possibility of changes in his situation at the club if Manchester United decides to make coaching alterations in the summer.
Manchester United legend Gary Neville has offered advice to West Ham United winger Mohammed Kudus, urging him to improve his decisiveness to elevate his game.
While Neville was impressed with Kudus’ performance against Brentford on February 26, 2024, he noted that the Ghanaian player could have been more effective with the ball.
Neville specifically highlighted Kudus’ final decision-making as an area for improvement, emphasising the importance of being decisive in crucial moments.
As a former manager of Valencia, Neville also encouraged Kudus to embrace unpredictability in his playing style, suggesting that adding this element to his game could further enhance his performance on the field.
“Kudus has got something, but he just needs to be a bit more mature in his final choices. Sometimes wingers can be unpredictable, but they need to be unpredictable not just to the opposition but also to their own teammates.
In the first half, he took one or two wild shots instead of making a final pass.
“And I did say in that first half that the one thing David Moyes could say at halftime was for him to be a little bit more precise in what he was doing and that third goal came from him being more direct and putting in that lovely cross for Jarrod Bowen, which was a big moment in the game,” he added.
Mohammed Kudus contributed an assist in West Ham United’s 4-2 victory over Brentford at the London Stadium.
With this assist, Kudus has now accumulated six goals and two assists in the Premier League this season, marking an impressive debut campaign for the talented player.
Ghanaian musician Peter Famiyeh Bozah, popularly known as Fameye, has criticised Ghanaians for subjecting Black Stars players to harsh criticism, which he views as unjustified abuse.
Drawing a parallel between the criticism faced by musicians and that endured by footballers, he argues that both groups are equally affected by insults, which ultimately lead to frustration.
“You frustrate the players and put them under pressure. That is what you do to musicians. You insult the players and their families because of football,” he said on the Lound Lounge show on YouTube.
According to him, the insults weaken both singers’ and footballers’ morale and thus urge Ghanaians to be more constructive in their criticisms.
“You are killing our spirit. Present it well. You can be right, but present yourself in a way that will make people feel that this person is talking out of passion. Present it in a way that won’t be insulting. We can solve it without destroying it,” he submitted.
Following their early elimination from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, the Black Stars encountered harsh criticism from Ghanaians.
The England-born midfielder, of Ghanaian descent, has made a significant impact on the Red Devils’ team this season, solidifying his position as one of the most promising players globally.
Lampard’s commendation extends to comparing Mainoo favourably to established midfielders Rodri and Casemiro at a similar age.
The Chelsea legend asserts that Mainoo, despite his youth, surpasses the abilities of Rodri and Casemiro when they were at their stage of development.
In Lampard’s view, Mainoo has evolved into the backbone of the Manchester United team, showcasing remarkable skill and maturity beyond his years.
“I don’t think even Rodri or Casemiro were as good as he is at his age. He is the backbone of a club like Manchester United, as young as he is. I think he’ll outlive many big names,” Frank Lampard said.
At 18 years old, Kobbie Mainoo has already featured for England in junior national team competitions. However, he retains eligibility to represent theBlack Stars of Ghana on the international stage.
Ace sports journalist, Saddick Adams, has commended legendary Ghanaian footballer Asamoah Gyan for accepting the call by the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for him (Asamoah Gyan) to serve on the committee that will be drafting his manifesto for the 2024 elections.
Saddick Adams, who is the head of sports at Angel Broadcasting Network (ABN-Accra), believes that Gyan’s decision is a positive step that must be welcomed by Ghanaians.
He reasons that Gyan, a sports technocrat, has the potential to contribute significantly to policy decisions that will shape the future of sports in the country.
Sports Obama, as he is fondly called, encouraged more sports personalities to take up political roles as their presence in the political field could be to the benefit of the sports sector.
He chided Ghanaians who have been critical of Gyan’s move, questioning the logic of their attacks on the former Sunderland striker.
Sports Obama warned that Ghana risks losing out on the resourceful and brilliant contributions of technocrats if the politics of insults continue to fester.
“If he’s done with football and wants to be a politician, I don’t find anything wrong with it. He has to be encouraged to make a choice and he has to choose what he wants. The only problem is that people elsewhere do not get attacked for saying they like this or that. We’ve seen actors join politics and nothing happened.
“This idea that once you enter politics, you must be insulted is not good and we must do away with it. We have to stop the insults and make our politics better. People with experience must be allowed to enter politics.
“We have to make it an arena where anyone who has anything to contribute can enter and make an impact. I don’t support the idea of Gyan being attacked. He has not offendedanyone,” he said.
On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, Asamoah Gyan was appointed as a member of the manifesto committee for Dr. Bawumia’s presidential campaign. Specifically, he was designated as the chair of the youth and sports sub-committee, tasked with leveraging his expertise to formulate strategies for sports development and the advancement of Ghanaian youth.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on the same day, February 21, 2024, Gyan expressed his readiness to contribute to the cause. Drawing from his extensive career experience, he emphasised his capability to utilise his knowledge for the betterment of sports in the country.
“I always ask myself, How do we create change if we don’t want to change? How do we spectate without being on the bench and how do we score without being on the field?
“How do we pass on the baton to the next generation if we don’t share our experience? How do we achieve this without a clear path ahead? I believe that with collective experiences, we can orient the next generation to do better than what we did. We can give hope where hope is lost and we can inspire when all hope seems lost,” excerpts of his post read.
Erling Haaland etched his name in history by netting five goals in Manchester City’s commanding 6-2 victory over Luton in the FA Cup.
Kevin De Bruyne also played a pivotal role, contributing four assists in what proved to be an extraordinary match.
However, it was Haaland who stole the spotlight, becoming the first Manchester City player since 1926 to score five goals in an FA Cup fixture.
This achievement matched the feat of Frank Roberts, who accomplished a similar feat nearly a century ago in an 11-4 demolition of Crystal Palace.
Haaland wasted no time in making his mark, finding the net within minutes of kickoff after De Bruyne expertly set him up with a precise pass from Matheus Nunes.
The duo continued to wreak havoc on Luton’s defense, with Haaland adding another goal following an impressive long ball from Stefan Ortega, expertly assisted by De Bruyne.
Despite Luton’s goalkeeper thwarting Haaland’s attempts at securing a hat-trick, the Norwegian striker capitalised on another sublime pass from De Bruyne, gracefully chipping the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper, Tim Krul.
The match also saw Luton clawing their way back into contention, with Clark unleashing a stunning strike from 25 yards out, assisted by Barkley, to bring the score to 3-2.
However, City’s dominance prevailed as they continued to assert their superiority, ultimately sealing a convincing victory in a memorable FA Cup encounter.
However, it clarified that there will be no adjustment (0%) in prices for lifeline consumers (0–30 kWh) and residential consumers using between 0-300 kWh.
According to PURC, the marginal tariff reduction of 6.56% will specifically benefit residential consumers whose consumption exceeds 301 kWh.
Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced that water tariffs for all customer categories will remain unchanged in the upcoming period.
This decision was conveyed through a press release regarding the commission’s first-quarter tariff review for electricity, natural gas, and water in 2024.
The release, signed by Dr. Ishmael Ackah, Executive Secretary of the PURC, was disclosed by Citi News.
In its previous tariff review conducted in the fourth quarter of 2023, which took effect on December 1, 2023, the PURC announced a slight 0.34% increase in water tariffs alongside a 1.52% reduction in electricity tariffs.
Specifically, residential water tariffs rose from GHS/m³ 4.72 to 4.74, while non-residential tariffs increased from GHS/m³ 14.13 to 14.19.
Water sachet producers experienced a tariff hike from GHS/m³ 22.26 to 22.34, while industrial consumers saw their tariff move from GHS/m³ 25.29 to 25.38.
In a post dated February 19, 2024, on platform X, Dr. Boako raised concerns about the appropriateness of Avle’s suggestion for the government to explore a Negative Interest Rate Policy (NIRP).
He expressed surprise at Avle’s stance, particularly in light of his previous commentary on exchange rates and interest rates.
Dr. Boako’s remarks underscore the significance of Avle’s proposal and invite further discussion on its merits within the context of economic policy.
“In this country of highly opinionated people, let the Central Bank bring a negative interest rate policy, and you would hear the same people talking as if the country is collapsing,” his post read in part.
The Tano North parliamentary candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) went on to give an economic explanation of how unrealistic Avle’s position was.
In his concluding remarks, he asked whether criticism of the government was just for the sake of it.
“Let’s be measured in our policy prescriptions in our attempt to criticise. Is there a reward for overly criticising the government? I would like to know,” Boako asked.
According to a 2020 article on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) website, a negative interest rate is a concept that has emerged as central banks seek to navigate economic cycles through monetary policy.
Traditionally, central banks have implemented positive nominal interest rates when lending short-term funds to regulate economic activity.
However, in response to persistently weak growth following the 2008 global financial crisis, several central banks, such as the European Central Bank and those of Denmark, Japan, Sweden, and Switzerland, have adopted low-rate policies, including experimenting with negative interest rates.
In essence, negative interest rates entail central banks charging financial institutions for holding excess reserves, essentially incentivizing banks to lend out these funds rather than keeping them idle.
The objective is to stimulate lending activity and boost economic growth by discouraging banks from hoarding cash.
This unconventional approach challenges conventional notions of finance: savers may experience negative returns on their deposits, while borrowers may effectively receive payments to borrow money.
Fundamentally, interest represents the cost of borrowing or the price of money. It reflects the compensation a borrower agrees to pay a lender for the use of their funds, taking into account associated risks and market conditions.
However, the implementation of negative interest rates introduces complexities and nuances to this traditional understanding of interest dynamics.
Read his full post below:
I listened to my friend @benkoku on many things he considers the ills of government. He may have some points right, but the talk about this government inheriting a cedi-dollar exchange rate of 3.8 in 2017 is a bit surprising.
Where is that figure coming from? Also, is he asking the central bank to come up with a negative interest rate policy (NIRP)?. And why?
Yes, we need to get the current levels of nominal interest rates down but the call for a negative interest rate is not the way to go, if indeed we understand what a negative interest rate is/means.
In this country of highly opinionated people, let the Central Bank introduce a negative interest rate policy, and you would hear the same people talking as if the country were collapsing.
It is instructive to note that while the real interest rate can flexibly fall into the negatives when inflation exceeds the normal interest rate, the latter is bounded by zero.
The zero bound nominal interest rate means that to have a negative interest rate, it is simply saying the nominal interest rate must fall below zero.
The practical effect is that instead of earning interest on your savings, you would rather be required to pay the banks to keep your money for you. In a crude way, negative interest rates impose a tax on your savings instead of earning income from them. Is this something @benkoku will support if it happens in Ghana?Central banks only adopt the policy of negative interest rates as a ‘desperate’ measure to stimulate spending.
Yes, we need interest rates to go down but the call for stepping beyond the theoretical bound of zero is not something that will ultimately be beneficial to Ghana and its citizens. Let’s be measured in our policy prescriptions in our attempt to criticize. Is there a reward for overly criticising the government? I would like to know.
Bayern Munich has appointed Max Eberl as their new sporting director, following his dismissal from RB Leipzig’s managing director for sport role several months ago.
Eberl, a former Bayern player, has been signed on a contract until June 2027 and will assume his duties on March 1, the club announced on Monday.
Having previously served as the director of sports at Borussia Monchengladbach for 14 years, Eberl joined Leipzig in 2022.
However, he was dismissed by Leipzig in September amidst speculation linking him with a move to Bayern.
The Bavarian club, currently facing challenges in their pursuit of a 12th consecutive Bundesliga title, has now welcomed Eberl into their ranks.
“It is a great joy to come back after 30 years—the joy of returning home,” Eberl, who will become a board member for sports, told a news conference in Munich.
“The goal is in these three months to get the most out of the season. It is unusual to be in the chasing role eight points behind in the league.” “We are also on the back foot in the Champions League but that is not impossible to turn around. Maybe even win a title. You never know.”
The Bavarians, who last week decided to part ways with coach Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season following a bad run, are eight points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen in the league.
“There is a lot of speculation at the moment [on the next coach] but these are talks and thoughts that we need to make calmly. We have to find a fitting coach for Bayern and then the fitting players for our club and our coach,” Eberl said. “For us, it is about finding the right coach for Bayern.”
President Akufo-Addo revealed that the government has successfully secured an alternative funding solution for the reconstruction of the La General Hospital project.
He announced this during his State of the Nation Address in Parliament on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.
This comes after the project was stalled over claims of a lack of funds.
Former Majority Leader Kyei Mensah Bonsu mentioned that the sponsors of the project had become lackadaisical in the release of funds for the project since Ghana entered into an engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
In August 2020, President Nana Akufo-Addo cut the sod for the commencement of construction of the Hospital Redevelopment Project after his government demolished the hospital following the management’s complaints of severe structural problems in 2015.
However, in a new development, the president said “an alternative source of funding has been secured for the reconstruction of the La Hospital Project as a fully functional modern hospital, with the necessary equipment for diagnosis and treatment.
The contractor has been paid an advance mobilisation of 15%, representing some US$7.5 million, and work has begun.”
He went on to assure the completion of the project in twenty-eight months.
“The project commenced effectively in January of this year and will be completed in 28 months.
The President emphasised that the hospital project, which has been eagerly anticipated and has garnered widespread public interest, will undergo a remarkable transformation.
With the recent acquisition of funding, the hospital will undergo reconstruction and be furnished as a fully operational modern healthcare facility, equipped with the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies.
Autopsy report has revealed cerebrospinal meningitis as the cause of the death of a first-year student atAburi Girls Senior High School (SHS), Stacey Okyere,who tragically passed away after complaining of stomach pains.
This was revealed by the sister of the deceased Nora Danso during an interview with Accra-based radio station Starr FM.
To clear any doubts, Nora mentioned that additional tests were conducted at the Ghana Standards Authority.
However, the family has yet to receive copies of the autopsy report, according to Nora.
The family will receive an original copy and copies of the report will be given to the school and the Ghana Police Service.
“Yes, the report has been endorsed. On Monday, we will get the report itself—the hard copy. The CID officer said that after endorsement, they need to run several copies. The school needs a copy from the Ghana Police Service, and then they will bring the original copy to the family.
So they need to run all these copies before they hand them over to us,” she stated.
The burial of Stacey at Ablekuma is scheduled for Saturday, March 2, 2024, according to Nora.
Stacey Okyere began experiencing severe stomach pains on Monday, February 5, 2024, and tragically passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
Initially, there were conflicting reports surrounding the cause of her death. Some sources suggest she was suffering from malaria and was being tended to by her dormitory mates.
However, others allege that she was denied medical attention by the school nurse, who accused her of feigning illness.
The school authorities announced her death and extended their condolences to her family and friends.
Upon receiving the news,her family was devastated and accused the school of negligence and irresponsibility.
In a poignant tribute, a relative shared a video capturing her grandparents and other relatives mourning her loss.
A court has rejected a lawsuit brought by Real Madrid and Athletic Club, contesting the legality of La Liga’s CVC investment deal.
The “Boost LaLiga” initiative, introduced in December 2021, saw LaLiga and its clubs receive nearly €2 billion ($2.17 billion) from the private equity firm CVC in exchange for an 8.2% stake in the league’s broadcasting and sponsorship rights income over the next 50 years.
Initially, 37 of Spain’s 42 first- and second-division clubs voted in favour of the agreement. However, Madrid, Barcelona, and Athletic objected to the plan and were subsequently excluded from its provisions.
They subsequently opted to sue La Liga with the backing of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), alleging that the agreement was illegal and encroached upon clubs’ rights. However, Barcelona and the RFEF later withdrew from the case.
In response to the court’s ruling, La Liga issued a statement on Tuesday confirming the dismissal of the lawsuit filed by Athletic Club and Real Madrid CF against the league.
“The ruling confirms the legality of the agreement with CVC, stating that it complies with the legal and statutory frameworks in force.
Furthermore, it stresses that neither LaLiga’s statutes nor the applicable regulations for the management and administration of the audiovisual and economic rights of sports organisations were violated.
This implies that the operation was carried out in compliance with the powers and procedures established by law and La Liga’s statutes.
“The ruling also concludes that the transaction with CVC does not infringe on the rights of the participating LaLiga clubs, arguing that the agreements reached ‘were made in a manner that respects the rights and obligations of the clubs, without imposing unfair conditions on them or significantly altering their participation and rightswithin the competition.’
“It also recognises LaLiga’s autonomy to manage and administer its commercial and audiovisual rights, as long as this is done within the existing legal framework. This includes the ability to carry out financial and commercial operations that are considered beneficial to its members collectively while always respecting the applicable laws and regulations, as is the case with Boost LaLiga.”
The agreement with CVC was initially revealed in August 2021 and subsequently ratified by the league’s general assembly four months later. Of the total €1.994 billion, the majority was designated for investment in infrastructure, technology, and international expansion. Fifteen percent was allocated for transfers, while another fifteen percent was earmarked for debt reduction.
Three-quarters of this amount have already been received, with the remaining portion expected to be received by the end of 2024.
Madrid, Barcelona and Athletic argued that the deal was “an illegal transaction that causes irreparable damage to the Spanish football sector as a whole” and proposed an alternative investment package, which they said offered better value for money.
LaLiga and Real Madrid have regularly clashed over the league’s management of its TV rights in recent years, with the club bringing frequent legal actions against the organisation.
In his speech to theclub’s AGM in November 2023, president Florentino Perez accused LaLiga of “attacking the club’s financial wealth” and said he would “take measures so that Real Madrid and its members, as owners, have the ability to protect our club.”
Pep Guardiola expressed his desire for Kevin De Bruyne to remain at Manchester City for the upcoming season but acknowledged the possibility that the midfielder might be enticed by a move to Saudi Arabia.
Despite having a contract with the Etihad Stadium until 2025, De Bruyne continues to be linked with a potential transfer to the Saudi Pro League (SPL).
There was interest in the 32-year-old last summer and he is back on the agenda for Saudi clubs ahead of the next window. “It’s a question for him, I’d love for him to stay but I don’t know,” Guardiola said.
“I heard some links but I don’t know if there’s an offer, I don’t know if Saudi Arabia wants him. I would love for him to stay until the end of his career, but everyone is everyone.”
Guardiola, preparing his team for an FA Cup fifth-round clash against Luton Town on Wednesday, also commended Xabi Alonso, amid rumours linking the former Liverpool player with the managerial position at his former club.
Alonso previously played under Guardiola at Bayern Munich from 2014 to 2016. Since taking charge as Bayer Leverkusen manager in 2022, Alonso has steered the German side to the top of the Bundesliga table.
Asked how good a job Alonso is doing at Leverkusen, Guardiola replied, “Wow. The only team unbeaten in all competitions [this season], fighting all the way with Bayern Munich.
“Now they have the best time of the season, they cannot win the Bundesliga but they can lose the Bundesliga because everybody thinks it’s done. That’s the most difficult thing, it’s not done until it’s done.
“Not just the way they play, they didn’t lose one game in the Europa League, the Pokal [German Cup], or the Bundesliga. I was incredibly fortunate to have him. He was such an intelligent player. Such an intelligent player.”
Antony’s tenure atManchester United has fallen short of expectations, prompting Sir Jim Ratcliffe to consider selling the underperforming Brazilian winger as part of a significant overhaul.
Despite joining the club from Ajax for a hefty £86 million fee in the summer of 2022, Antony has struggled to make a significant impact, tallying just nine goals in 70 appearances.
With his playing time dwindling in recent weeks, Ratcliffe, now in charge of United’s football operations, is orchestrating a major revamp of the squad’s transfer strategy, aiming to offload up to ten players, including Antony.
However, the club is unlikely to recoup anywhere near the initial £86 million investment, with reports suggesting they may struggle to even secure half of that amount.
Despite having over three years remaining on his contract, Antony has fallen out of favour under manager Erik ten Hag.
The United boss recently warned Antony over his form. Asked why Omari Forson started over the Brazilian against Fulham, the Dutchman replied: “It had nothing to do with fitness. He is fit but we have many options on the right side where we lack other positions due to injuries.
“The form Antony is in we have all have seen and he has to step up.I see it in training, but also Omari [Forson], Amad Diallo and Garnacho deserve to play.”
Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the 13th African Games has strongly refuted allegations made by Member of Parliament forNorth Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, regarding the government’s purported expenditure of US$48 million for ‘operational expenses’ on the competition.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, the LOC dismissed Ablakwa’s claims as “erroneous and disingenuous,” asserting that they are a deliberate distortion of facts aimed at diverting attention from the progress made thus far.
While the LOC did not outrightly deny the $48 million figure, they clarified that this amount falls under ‘recurrent expenditure’ and emphasized that the exact expenditure on the tournament will be disclosed to the public upon its conclusion.
Furthermore, the LOC reiterated their commitment to accountability and transparency, urging Ghanaians to consider the substantial financial obligations associated with hosting events like the African Games.
They also sought to reassure the public regarding concerns about potential mismanagement.
“Firstly, what the Honourable MP put out is a misrepresentation of the facts. The Local Organising Committee (LOC) was inaugurated by His Excellency Nana Addo a Akufo-Addo, almost four years ago and the operational budget of the LOC cannot be limited to the 18 days of the Games.
“The impression created by Hon. Ablakwa that the sum of USD$48 million will be spent within the period spanning March 8–23 is an erroneous and disingenuous ploy to divert the attention of Ghanaians from the excellent work done by the Government of Ghana and the LOC to organise and host the 13th African Games.
This is the first time Ghana has had the opportunity to host the most significant sporting tournament in Africa since it was first established in 1965.
“Secondly, the $48m quoted in the letter leaked to the Hon Ablakwa as the operational budget for the hosting and organisation of the Games goes into recurrent expenditure, and the LOC will be in a better position to give a breakdown when the Games are over.
“It must be noted however, that hosting 54 African countries comes with huge cost implications in the areas of Medical and Anti-doping, Transport, Accommodation, Catering, Branding, Games Management System- Team Ghana preparation, Broadcasting and Equipment for 29 sporting disciplines among others,” the statement read.
On Monday, February 26, 2024, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, armed with documents, revealed what he purports to be the budget for operations at the 13th African Games.
He accusedPresident Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the sports ministry, and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the games of being complicit in the ballooned expenditure.
The three groups, he said in a February 26, 2024, post on social media, “have shockingly agreed to spend an elephantine, wrongful and unconscionable US$48million on so-called ‘operational expenses’ for the 13th African Games to be hosted in Ghana between the period — March 5 to March 23, 2024. [Refer to intercepted documents attached]
“2. It must be noted that this staggering US$48 million is an entirely different amount from the mega US$195 million (GHS2.4 billion) already spent on infrastructure for the games.
“3. At the prevailing exchange rate, US$ 48 million is equivalent to a colossal GHS602 million,” he added.
Hopeson Adorye has characterised President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s 2024State of the Nation Address (SONA) as his farewell speech, suggesting it be his official handover of power.
According to the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) communicator, the party is heading into opposition at all costs. “It is his last State of the Nation Address and it is this same State of the Nation Address that is taking them into opposition.
So it is a handing over State of the Nation Address,” he stated in an interview with Atinka TV. “They cannot win the 2024 election no matter what,” he emphasised.
On the chances of NPP flagbearer, Mahamudu Bawumia in the 2024 elections, he said: “Mahama lost by over one million votes as an incumbent. So, Bawumia will be trounced convincingly.
Majority Leader Alex Afenyo-Markin has disclosed how he still maintains his healthy friendship and ‘bromance’ with the outspoken Assin-North Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong relationship after he openly supported the Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Bawumia, during the 2023 primaries.
During an interview with CitiTV’s Bernard Avle on February 26, 2024, Mr. Markin revealed that they both threw their support behind Dr. Bawuia until Kennedy Agyapong announced his intention to contest the party’s ‘preferred’ candidate, Dr. Bawumia.
Given the friendship he had with Kennedy Agyapong and his inability to retract his commitment to Vice President Bawumia as a Catholic and a free mason, he revealed to the Assin North MP he could not support him, which he believes Kennedy Agyapong appreciated most.
“Both of us were Bawumia and out of the blue, he informed me that, Alex, I want to contest. I said okay, but as it is, I am a Freemason and a Catholic.
“I know how to respect friendship, and if you give your word to a brother, you have to keep it. So I told him that our friendship would remain, but it would be difficult to be seen outthere doing this or that.
On February 22, 2022, Alves was sentenced to four years and six months in prison for raping a 23-year-old woman at a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022.
Additionally, he was ordered to pay €9,000 (£7,700) for the physical damage caused to the victim.
Alves, who denied any wrongdoing, intends to appeal the verdict, as stated by his lawyer, Inés Guardiola.
In response to Alves’s sentence, Barcelona has removed him from their official list of club legends, which includes 102 players, including club founder Joan Gamper and Lionel Messi.
Notably, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Gerard Pique were the most recent players to be inducted, with Alves’s name no longer appearing on the club’s official website.
Despite his recent legal troubles, Alves enjoyed a distinguished career, making 408 appearances for Barcelona across two spells and winning six league titles and three Champions League trophies, among numerous other honours.
He also had successful stints with Sevilla, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain, and earned 126 caps for Brazil at the international level.
Alves was playing for Mexican club PUMAS when he was arrested in January 2023, leading to the immediate termination of his contract.
During the trial, the prosecution sought a nine-year jail term for Alves, while the victim’s legal team demanded 12 years.
Mason Greenwood was reportedly “upset” by an alleged slur directed at him by Jude Bellingham but does not wish for the Real Madrid star to face a ban, according to the Sun.
The incident in question occurred during a Liga match between Real and Getafe on February 1, where Bellingham was captured on camera apparently saying something to Greenwood after a robust challenge.
Spanish authorities have initiated an investigation into the matter, raising the prospect of a potential suspension.
Despite being affected by the incident, Greenwood hopes for the situation to be resolved without any punitive action.
Greenwood is reportedly eager to avoid seeing such action taken, with The Sun claiming to have been told by a source: “Mason has told them he doesn’t want Jude to be punished and has asked them to drop it. He doesn’t want bad publicity and wants to get on with playing football.
“He was very upset at the time, as he didn’t expect it from someone like Jude. But he knows he’s always likely to be a target for that kind of stuff so he’s accepted that he’ll need thick skin.”
After being out of action for over 12 months, Mason Greenwood saw allegations of attempted rape, assault, and controlling behaviour against him drop in February 2023.
Currently on a season-long loan spell in Spain, he has made a significant impact for Getafe, contributing seven goals and five assists.
This impressive performance has sparked discussions of interest from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Additionally, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United’s new minority shareholder, has hinted at the possibility of a return for the 22-year-old winger to Old Trafford.
Pep Guardiola has addressed speculation surrounding Kevin De Bruyne’s potential departure from Manchester City, amidst reported interest from the MLS and Saudi Pro League.
De Bruyne, whose contract with the Cityzens runs until 2025, has emerged as a target for clubs in both the Saudi Pro League and Major League Soccer.
With negotiations for a new deal with the Premier League outfit yet to materialise, the 32-year-old could entertain the possibility of leaving the team during the upcoming summer transfer window.
In response to queries about De Bruyne’s future, manager Guardiola expressed his desire to see the Belgian midfielder conclude his career at the Etihad Stadium.
However, he emphasised that the ultimate decision rests with De Bruyne himself.
Speaking to reporters, the Catalan manager said, “It’s a question for him; I’d love for him to stay but I don’t know. I heard some links but I don’t know if there’s an offer. I don’t know if Saudi Arabia wants him. I would love for him to stay until the end of his career, but everyone is everyone.”
Numerous reports indicate that the Saudi Pro League is gearing up to present a tempting offer to lure the Manchester City star to the Middle East for the upcoming season.
In contrast, The Athletic suggests another potential path for the former Chelsea player, hinting at a scenario akin to Lionel Messi’s recent contract, which could see him earning approximately $150 million over two years.
The star midfielder’s next appearance for his club is set forTuesday, as they face Luton Town in a fifth-round FA Cup clash at Kenilworth Road.
Former Ghana coach Avram Grant visited the Copper Queens of Zambia ahead of their Olympic Games qualifier against the Black Queens.
Grant, currently serving as the head coach of Zambia’s male national team, is lending his support to the Copper Queens in their quest to secure a qualification spot for Paris 2024.
In preparation for Wednesday’s crucial match, Grant met with coach Bruce Mwape to provide guidance and advice in Ndola.
Zambia holds a first-leg advantage, courtesy of Racheal Kundananji’s goal in Accra, and can secure qualification for the Olympic Games with a draw at home.
On the other hand, the Black Queens are determined to make their first appearance at the multi-sport event and have left no stone unturned in their preparations.
Led by Swiss trainer Nora Hauptle, they have been trainingrigorously throughout the week and are poised for a strong performance in Zambia.
