The specific financial terms of the deal were not revealed, but sources informed ESPN that Fulham will provide a loan fee of £4 million ($5.1 million) for the 22-year-old.
Additionally, one source mentioned that the loan fee would be eliminated if the Albanian international achieves 10 starts for Fulham.
“I’m very excited that we’ve reached an agreement to bring Armando Broja to Fulham on loan until the end of the season.
He’s a young and talented striker who is happy and motivated to join our squad,” Fulham CEO Tony Khan said in a club statement.
Broja has played 19 games for Chelsea this season, scoring his only Premier League goal against Fulham in October and another in the FA Cup third-round match against Preston North End last month.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino mentioned last month that the striker would play a crucial role for his team in the absence of Nicolas Jackson, who was away with the Senegal squad at the Africa Cup of Nations.
While Broja was part of the Chelsea squad that lost 4-1 to Liverpool on Wednesday, he didn’t get a chance to play.
The 22-year-old’s addition will be beneficial for Fulham, which has struggled to score with only 28 goals in 22 Premier League games.
The whole technical team of the Black Stars had to leave after a disappointing performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is now looking for a new coach and has set February 2, 2024, as the deadline for coaches to submit their applications.
Local reports suggest that the Serbian coach has applied for the position, wanting to have a second chance with the national team.
Goran Stevanovic managed the Black Stars from 2011 to 2012, leading them to the semifinals of the continental competition.
At 57 years old, he has experience managing various clubs, including Cukaricki Partizan and Qingdao Jonoon.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed a significant mistake in how Ghana’s participation in the AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast was handled.
Surprisingly, the $8.5 million budget for the event was not approved by Parliament before the national team took part.
Ghana’s disappointing exit from the AFCON, not making it past the group stage for the second time, is now coupled with the discovery that proper parliamentary procedures were not followed.
It seems both the Sports Ministry and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) didn’t fulfil their duty to go before Parliament to explain and defend the budget, as required by law.
Mr. Ablakwa, speaking on Luv FM, pointed out the strange behaviour of the Sports Ministry and the GFA. He mentioned that their hesitance to present the budget raised suspicions among members of Parliament.
According to him, their reasons were weak, and attempts to get information about the allocated funds for AFCON were met with resistance.
Ghanaian youngster Charles Sagoe Jr expresses his eagerness to contribute to Swansea City’s success by leveraging his explosive playing style.
Swansea City has finalised the loan acquisition of the 19-year-old forward from Arsenal, a deal that extends throughout the 2023/24 season.
Charles Sagoe Jr is expected to enhance the offensive options available to head coach Luke Williams, offering a dynamic combination of width and speed in the attacking areas.
Having debuted for Arsenal in a Carabao Cup encounter against Brentford earlier this season, Sagoe Jr. arrives at the Swansea.com Stadium with a promising track record.
“When I had that conversation with the manager, it put a smile on my face. I just want to help us win as many games as possible and help us climb the table,” he said.
After making his debut for the Gunners in a Carabao Cup match against Brentford earlier this season, Sagoe Jr. brings a promising track record to the Swansea.com Stadium.
Originally linked with Fulham, he made the switch to Arsenal in 2015 and has been a notable presence in the EFL Trophy, showcasing his talents for their under-21 side in recent seasons.
A consortium of sports journalists has obtained approval from the Ghana Police Service to stage a demonstration against the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, addressing concerns about the declining standards of football in Ghana.
Citi Sports has verified that the Ghana Police Service will issue an official statement at 14:00 GMT today, revealing details about the demonstration route.
Among the prominent members of the group are esteemed sports journalists Veronica Commey, Saddick Adams, and Patrick Osei Agyemang.
Commey expressed her frustrations regarding the deteriorating state of Ghanaian football during a segment on Citi FM’s Sports Panorama.
Scheduled for Wednesday, February 14, the demonstration aims to voice discontent over the current state of football in Ghana and is set to transpire in the capital, Accra.
According to Saddick Adams, the event is “a peaceful walk to present a petition” that the passion of thenation—football—is dying and that “there is no hate” but a “positive anger” to change the state of affairs.
The planned demonstration comes on the heels of Ghana’s first-round exit from the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, which had the Black Stars fail to win a game in three outings.
Dede Ayew reacts to Ghana’s 2-2 draw with Mozambique
For the second consecutive AFCON edition, Ghana has been eliminated in the group stage.
The 2021 AFCON marked the nadir of Ghana’s performance in the history of the competition, securing just a single point.
Mohammed Kudus made a comeback for West Ham in their English Premier League encounter against AFC Bournemouth, resulting in a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium on February 1, 2024.
AFC Bournemouth secured an early lead with Dominic Solanke scoring in the third minute.
However, West Ham leveled the score through James War-Prowse’s penalty in the 61st minute, which was orchestrated by Kudus.
His forward run was obstructed by a Bournemouth defender, initially overlooked by the referee. Following a Video Assistant Referee review, a penalty was awarded and expertly converted.
In the post-game press conference, West Ham manager David Moyes acknowledged Kudus’ recent participation with Ghana’s Black Stars at the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, citing it as a contributing factor to Kudus’ slower start in the game after returning from the continental championship.
Moyes said, “We didn’t find any rhythm to it at all. Even Mo coming back from the Africa Cup of Nations, it took a bit of time for him to find his level. He got us a penalty kick later on.”
Kudus played the full 90 minutes against Bournemouth in his first start after returning fromthe 2023 AFCON, where he had an impactful performance for Ghana despite their early exit from the competition.
Renowned Kenyan lawyer and committed Pan-Africanist, Patrick Lumumba, recently revisited the events surrounding the abrupt cancellation of a programme he was slated to speak at in Accra earlier this year.
During an interview on African Streams, a prominent Kenyan channel, on January 22, Lumumba detailed the unexpected turn of events, sharing how he and fellow participants received the news of the highly anticipated event being cancelled by the government at the last minute.
“It was unfortunate because I know that we were invited by the New Dawn Foundation,” he said before stating the prowess of their host, Nana Kwame Bediako, alias Cheddar, in the Pan-African space.
“This is an individual we work with in the pan-African space and Bediako, who invited us, is quite a serious entrepreneur in many areas of real estate and you can see what he wants,” he added.
When questioned about the potential motivation behind the government’s decision, Lumumba suggested that it might stem from apprehension regarding the well-known stances he and the other participants hold on current political developments, particularly within the West African subregion.
“Barely two hours later, we were driving to the place when we received a letter that the government was going to use the same space and they never used it anyway. So, it was a clever way of cancelling the thing. It is sad that we do not allow ideas to germinate.
“The government must have known about it. While people have been talking about coups, we have said these are revolutions that are in their early days. I am sure when they looked at us, some would have said these are dangerous individuals who must not be allowed to share this dangerous information,” he added.
WHY GHANA FEARS PAN-AFRICANISTS
What happens when you try to hold a pan-African convention on Kwame Nkrumah square in Ghana’s capital on Constitution Day? Simple answer, it gets cancelled by the government two hours before it’s due to start, over claims there’s been a double… pic.twitter.com/t45zyYdbcn
English player with Ghanaian roots,Kobbie Mainoo, expressed joy after scoring his first goal for Manchester United in the FA Cup.
In an exciting FA Cup match on Sunday, Kobbie Mainoo demonstrated his goal-scoring skills by scoring his first-ever senior goal for Manchester United.
The Red Devils fought hard for a 4-2 victory against Newport County from League Two, advancing to the fifth round.
After the intense match with six goals, Mainoo shared his thoughts on achieving this significant milestone during a post-match interview with MUTV.
The 18-year-old said, “It’s a big point in my career. Obviously, coming in and scoring my first goal. I’ve been dreaming of this moment for a long time. It’s been amazing.”
Reacting to the significance of the cup victory, Mainoo said, “Every cup win is important; it’s the next step to the final goal, which is winning a trophy. So it’s very important.”
Mianoo, who has represented England in youth-level competitions, is still qualified to play for theGhana national team.
With the need to replace Chris Hughton, Ghana is considering Saintfiet, who is also being pursued by Cameroon, Algeria, and Tunisia.
Ghana would have to compete with these football powerhouses to secure Saintfiet’s appointment as their manager.
The 50-year-old coach brings extensive experience in African football, having managed six countries since his first coaching role on the continent in 2008.
Saintfiet has previously managed Malawi, Namibia, Ethiopia, Togo, Zimbabwe, and The Gambia.
In addition to national teams, he has also coached South African side Free State Stars and Tanzanian giants Young Africans.
His notable success with The Gambia, including qualifying for their first AFCON in 2021 and achieving their best finish by reaching the quarterfinals, has garnered interest from top countries in Africa.
After stepping down from his role in 2023 following the group stage exit at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Saintfiet remains a sought-after coach in the African football landscape.
Chelsea needs to believe in themselves more if they want to improve their poor performance in away games, according to manager Mauricio Pochettino (51).
After the 4-1 loss to Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday, Pochettino emphasised the importance of trust and confidence.
Despite spending over 400 million pounds ($506 million) last season, Chelsea has struggled in away matches, losing five of their last six Premier League games.
While they have been successful at Stamford Bridge, Pochettino acknowledges that closing the gap will take time.
“It’s (because of) part of our personality and character. We need to be more confident in ourselves,” Pochettino said about the disparity in home and away forms.
“We need confidence and trust. We need to have the capacity to have the same performance we have at home when we play away from home. It’s a matter of time.
“We were competing against a team that is on the top and of course, it’s good for us to feel that we need to improve.”
Chelsea will meet Liverpool again on February 25 in the League Cup final at Wembley and Pochettino hopes the neutral venue might make a difference.
“For sure we are going to be at Wembley, and it isgoing to be different at a neutral place. Of course, that is always different,” he added.
The Super Cup is the curtain-raiser for the Brazilian season and pits together the Brazilian Serie A winners and the Copa do Brasil champions.
League champions Palmeiras will take on Cup winners São Paulo in Sunday’s Super Cup in Belo Horizonte.
Often referred to as “O Rei” (The King), Pele scored 77 goals for Brazil in 92 appearances and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.
The three-time World Cup winner died at the age of 82 in 2022.
“Pele deserves all the tributes,” CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues said.
“His legacy will always be revered by the CBF. The Supercopa Rei is a way of giving even more importance to the competition…The idea of calling the competition Supercopa Rei is within the context of utmost importance for the CBF, which is to preserve the memory of Brazilian football and ensure that new generations do not lose the reference of the great football idols, in this case, the greatest reference of all time.
Pep Guardiola has mentioned Julian Alvarez as already among the best players globally after scoring twice in Manchester City’s 3-1 victory over Burnley.
Álvarez, who celebrated his 24th birthday on Wednesday, increased his season goal tally to 15 with a first-half double at the Etihad Stadium.
Despite his relatively short career, the forward has already secured the Premier League title, Champions League, and World Cup. Guardiola believes that Álvarez has firmly established himself as one of the world’s top players.
“For his age, for the numbers in the Premier League, and for what he gives to the team, he is unbelievable,” Guardiola said.
“He’s a world champion, playing alongside [Leo] Messi, [Ángel] Di María and Enzo Fernández. If you are not good you cannot play in that team. He can play in three different positions and he has an incredible sense of urgency to run. He’s really good.”
Álvarez’s performance was one of several positive aspects for Guardiola, who gave Kevin De Bruyne his first start since the season’s opening day.
With the victory secured in the second half, the City manager also brought on Erling Haaland for his first appearance in two months after recovering from a foot injury.
“If it was 7-0 at halftime, he would have played more minutes,” said Guardiola.
“If it was 0-0 maybe he wouldn’t have played a minute. I saw him sharp, the feeling that he was there.
“He didn’t have clear chances but he had three or four when the control from Jérémy [Doku] didn’t see him but he can score with his quality.
“It has been really good without him for the last two months but with him we are a better team and we are really pleased that he is back.”
A22 Sports Management, established to assist in creating the European Super League, publicly released a letter on Wednesday addressed to UEFA.
In the letter, A22 requests an immediate halt to what they describe as anticompetitive behaviour.
The decision to share the letter on the social media platform X came after A22 claimed that UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin had mischaracterized a previous letter demanding UEFA’s compliance with EU rules and court rulings.
Ceferin made these comments at the Spobis sports business congress in Hamburg on Wednesday.
In the letter sent on Tuesday, A22 accuses UEFA of engaging in anticompetitive behaviour since April 2021.
This allegedly includes damaging A22’s reputation and threatening European clubs to dissuade them from considering projects involving A22.
Despite a December ruling by the European Court of Justice stating that UEFA and FIFA violated EU law by obstructing the formation of a Super League, A22 claims that UEFA has persisted in anticompetitive actions.
“Consequently, we hereby demand that UEFA and its executives, with immediate effect, a) cease and desist from any form of anticompetitive action against A22, its business initiatives, its partners and its directors,” the letter said.
African footballers are now earning salaries on par with players from other parts of the world, reflecting a growing recognition of their talents in the contemporary game.
Several African footballers have secured spots among the top 20 highest earners globally, setting a positive example for the future and reshaping the perception of African talent.
In light of this, let’s examine the five highest-earning African footballers.
Mohammed Salah
Mohamed Salah needed just over six minutes to score his hat-trick against Rangers
The list is led by Egypt and Liverpool winger, who earns an annual income of $53 million. Of this amount, $35 million comes from on-field activities, while an additional $18 million is earned off the field through brand influencing.
Sadio Mane
Sadio Mane has had a tough first season in Germany after struggling with fitness and form for Bayern Munich. Photo by Odd Andersen
Source: Getty Images
Sadio Mane, the winger for Al Nassr and Senegal, comes in second on the list with $48 million earned on the pitch. He also makes $4 million off the pitch, bringing his total yearly earnings to $52 million.
Riyad Mahrez
Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City
Algeria skipper and Al Ahli forward, Riyad Mahrez is the third-highest earner on the list. He earns a total of $32 million yearly – $30 million on the field and $2 million off the field.
Kalidou Koulibaly
Chelsea recruited highly-rated defender Kalidou Koulibaly this summer
Senegal’s captain and Al Hilal defender, Kalidou Koulibaly, comes next on the list with an annual income of $26 million. He makes this amount through his on-field earnings, along with an additional $0.05 million off the field.
Achraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi
Morocco’s PSG star, Achraf Hakimi, is the last player on the list, earning $20 million annually. His on-field earnings are $15 million, and he adds another $5 million off the field.
This comes after some journalists were seen wearing their national team jerseys and vocally supporting their teams during games, loudly celebrating any goals or victories, dancing shirtless or performing in the media work spaces after their team’s win, fighting , attacking, or insulting other journalists or players from different countries.
These acts are quite unprofessional, as AIPS stated in a statement.
“Being a journalist means behaving properly and, above all, exercising restraint. Certain behaviours are simply unworthy of a profession as noble as journalism,” a section of the statement read.
The AIPS also stressed that sports journalists cannot act as supporters, saying, “Even if the journalist is not a UFO (Unidentified Flying Object), he cannot be considered a supporter. This is why AIPS Africa invites colleagues to be reasonable and to work in compliance with the rules of ethics and professional conduct.”
The tournament has received widespread praise for the competitive games, quality of play, effective coaching, and successful use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Jurgen Klopp has praised Conor Bradley for his outstanding performance against Chelsea and shared that a Liverpool staff member spotted his talent.
The young player, who graduated from the Reds academy, scored his first Liverpool goal in a remarkable 4-1 victory over Chelsea on Wednesday evening.
The 20-year-old played a crucial role, contributing two assists to set up goals for Diogo Jota and Dominik Szoboszlai. Bradley received a standing ovation from the enthusiastic crowd when he was substituted in the second half.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Klopp was questioned about his knowledge of Bradley’s ability and said, “What a great night, what an atmosphere, what a football game; it was a screamer. Yeah, I knew it for a while because in the left ear is Pep Lijnders and in the right ear is Vitor Matos. I remember Pep sat in my office and saying, ‘I’d put both hands in fire for him!’ I loved him from the first day; I didn’t need a lot of convincing.
“The thing is, Conor showed up extremely well in pre-season and did extremely well at Bolton [on loan]. Comes back, looks top in pre-season, wow, and then is out for five months [or] four months, [with] these kinds of issues that only young people have, but thank God then time can sort it out. At our age, it would not get better but in that age group, it gets better.
“He is incredible. The fans were already singing his name. He is flying and rightly so. He is working hard and he is a great footballer. People said in the summer we needed another right-back but we were very positive about Conor.”
Conor Bradley is experiencing his dream at Anfield and has been a standout performer for Klopp recently. He made a significant impact during the 5-2 victory against Norwich in the FA Cup, providing two assists, and also contributed to another goal in his league debut against Bournemouth on January 21.
Bradley’s exceptional form as a right-back may prompt Klopp to utilise Trent Alexander-Arnold more in midfield. However, the full-back will face a tough challenge when he travels to the Emirates to face fellow title contender Arsenal this Sunday in a highly anticipated Premier League match.
UK’s Minister of State for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, expressed happiness about Ghana’s successful review of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout program.
He is pleased with the disbursement of a second tranche of US$600 million, seeing it as a sign of resilience and progress in steering the economy back to a path of growth despite challenges.
During a meeting with Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as part of the 9th UK-Ghana Business Council in Accra, Mr. Mitchell praised Ghana’s efforts. He also encouraged the government to closely follow the conditions outlined in the IMF program.
“The UK-GBC is the foundation of our economic trade and investment partnership with Ghana. Since its establishment in 2018, we’ve witnessed a commendable boost in trade, investment and the forging of stronger partnerships, laying a robust foundation for growth,” he said.
Acknowledging the difficulties faced by Ghana’s government in adhering to the conditions of the IMF programme, he conveyed the UK’s support for the programme’s reforms, saying: “We understand it has not been easy, which is why we are backing you to stick with the conditions of the IMF programme this year. By doing so, Ghana can continue to alleviate the economic pressures its citizens face.”.
He mentioned various ways the British government can contribute to economic growth, citing the longstanding partnership between the central banks, tax authorities, and statistical agencies of both countries.
Mr. Mitchell also revealed that the UK is currently developing a new program to aid Ghana’s long-term economic and financial stability. As part of this collaboration, officials from both countries have already been in discussions.
In the UK’s recent roadmap for international development white paper, he highlighted the importance of modern equal partnerships that extend beyond aid to bring about mutual benefits.
“Here in Ghana, with these partnerships and the UK-GBC, I believe we are ahead of others.
“The economic context of our discussions has been challenging over the last few years. But let me assure you that Britain will continue to support Ghana. We will deepen mutual trade and investment opportunities, creating more jobs and prosperity,” he added.
He further said the value of trade between the two countries currently stands at £2.1 billion, representing a £647million increase compared to the previous year.
For his part, Vice President Dr. Bawumia acknowledged the growing cooperation in mutually beneficial areas of trade and investment between Ghana and the UK.
He envisioned that the 9th UK-GBC meeting would further enhance bilateral and economic relations as well as strengthen strategic partnerships in various areas. “A platform such as this aims at boosting economic and commercial relations between our two countries and is most encouraging,” he added.
Given these circumstances, he is optimistic about the future of trade relations between the two countries. He mentioned significant improvements in various areas of cooperation, such as agro-processing, garments and textiles, pharmaceuticals, roads, and airport infrastructure, since the inception of the UK-Ghana Business Council.
Dr. Bawumia acknowledged the support received through UK-GBC in identifying new investment opportunities and assisting the country’s economic recovery plan.
He emphasised that Ghana remains an attractive business destination in Africa for foreign direct investment (FDI). With the AfricanContinental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) now in effect, trade activities are expected to increase, contributing to economic growth, with Ghana serving as the gateway to a population of 1.3 billion Africans.
Despite economic challenges, he stated that Ghana’s positive growth projections can facilitate the expansion of trade and investment activities with strategic partners.
Therefore, he anticipates that UK businesses and the investor community can capitalise on Ghana’s favourable environment and foundation to enhance the momentum of such exchanges.
David Moyes is optimistic that Kalvin Phillips can achieve success similar to Jesse Lingard at West Ham.
The Manchester City player, who has only played for 89 minutes in the Premier League this season, recently joined The Hammers on loan.
Manager David Moyes is now hopeful that Phillips will rediscover his previous good form and contribute to the club in the remaining matches of the 2023–24 campaign.
Speaking to reporters, Moyes said, “His pedigree over the years has made me feel like he’s a player I’d like to have at the club. For some time, he’s been a mainstay of the England national team. He’s someone who has been a really good player. The move to the city hasn’t worked as well as he would have liked.”
He added, “This time a couple of years ago, we got Jesse Lingard; he really helped us. I’m hoping Kalvin can have a similar impact as Jesse had. Everybody has something to prove. Jesse had something to prove and Kalvin has as well. There is a big competition at the end of the season, where he’ll be hoping to be in good form.
“We’re talking about a boy with really good character. I heard Pep Guardiola’s comments about him and I would agree with those, having had him here for a week now. We want to see his footballing ability now. I think he’s got a chance now to get himself back on track. We’ve brought in another England international to our squad and that’s a big plus.”
Lingard joined West Ham on loan from Manchester United in the second half of the 2020–21 season. During his six-month stint at the club, the winger played in 16 Premier League matches, scoring nine goals and providing five assists.
West Ham finished sixth in the league that season.The former England international is currently not associated with any club, having been a free agent since leaving Nottingham Forest at the end of the 2022/23 season.
Moyes’ team, which hasn’t won in their last four games in all competitions, will be playing their next Premier League match against Bournemouth on Thursday.
Everton Under-21s have completed the signing of promising Ghanaian attacker Kingsford Boakye Yiadom.
The talented 19-year-old winger has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the English Premier League side.
The deal is expected to run until the end of June 2026, pending the approval of a work permit.
“Kingsford Boakye has joined #EFCU21 on a two-and-a-half-year deal until the end of June 2026, subject to a work permit,” a statement from the club said.
Boakye, who started his soccer journey with MSK Zilina Africa, showed his skills and moved up the ranks before joining AC Milan last year.
After becoming a part of Everton as a free agent, the young Ghanaian has proven to be a skilled attacker, showcasing his abilities during his time at Zilina.
Importantly, Boakye adds flexibility to his game by being good on both the left and right wings.
His signing is an exciting new addition to Everton’s Under-21 squad, demonstrating the club’s dedicationto developing young talent.
The position of head coach for theGhanaBlack Stars has been vacant for a week after the dismissal of Irish manager Chris Hughton.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) is now accepting applications, and reports suggest that among the applicants is former German footballer Jurgen Kholer.
Jurgen Kholer is seen as a leading candidate to succeed Chris Hughton as the Black Stars’ head coach. Kholer had an illustrious playing career, featuring for top European clubs Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Juventus.
He notably played a key role in Germany’s 1990 World Cup victory, contributing to their defense.
After retiring as a player in 2002, Kholer transitioned to coaching. Starting with the Germany U-21 national team, he has accumulated 17 years of coaching experience.
Despite his successful playing career, his coaching journey has included managing clubs like MSV Duisburg, Aalen, Bonner, EGC Wirges, Hauenstein, Alfter, Viktoria Koln U-19, and Viktoria Koln (caretaker).
While Ivory Coast expressed interest in hiring him in 2006, Kholer declined the offer.
Despite his coaching experience, he has not securedany trophies and has been without a coaching position since 2019.
A team of sports journalists, including Songo and Obama, has received permission from the police toorganise a protest addressing the challenges currently faced by Ghanaian football.
Saddick Obama, a member of the group, informed the media on January 31, 2024, that they were content with the support received from the police following a meeting at the regional command earlier that day.
“The police wish they could join because we all love football; we don’t have a fight with anyone or hatred towards anyone. The agreed timelines and conditions are favourable.
“It is a simple march to present a petition to the authorities; this is about a common passion that we want to protect,” he explained.
Per reports, other journalists participating in the march include Countryman Songo, Veronica Commey, and Charles Osei Assibey.
The march follows the disappointing performance of the Black Stars at the 2023 African Cup of Nations, where they exited in the first round with only two points in a group that included Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) has faced criticism for forming a committee to select the next Black Stars coach after firing Chris Hughton.
Journalists have urged the government to intervene and stop the GFA’s decision, emphasising the need for comprehensive reforms to address fundamental issues in football administration in the country.
Security and safety analyst Dr. Adam Bonaa expresses that he expected the loss experienced by retired Commissioner of Police George Alex Mensah in the recent parliamentary primaries of the New Patriotic Party.
Dr. Bonaa states that COP Alex Mensah’s behaviour and words in the leaked tape, where he sought the removal of the current Inspector-General of the Ghana Police Service, indicate that he is not suitable for the role of a parliamentarian.
“I am not surprised by the results at all. I am not surprised in the sense that anyone who followed the leaked tape and the kind of things he said—every level-headed person—will shy away from electing such a person to represent him or her as a Member of Parliament.
“I want to believe that the people of Bekwai are wise enough to ensure that such a person does not represent them in the august house of parliament, so I am not surprised,” he stated.
Regarding COP Alex Mensah’s political future, Dr. Bonaa argues that the statements made by the senior officer during his appearance before the parliamentary committee investigating the leaked tape and its subsequent developments clearly suggest the conclusion of his political aspirations.
“Going by the leaked committee report and going by the sittings of the committee, obviously he confirmed that he said all the things that were captured on the leaked tape.
“He confirmed it was him and he also confirmed one way or another that he had been doing partisan politics while he was still in office. All these things and some lies that were told under oath, if you put these things together, you know that such a person is likely to be cited for perjury and you and I know that himself and the other senior officers who were captured conspiring to remove their IGP and destabilise this country is treasonable if the report indicts them,” he stated.
“I want to believe that if the report comes out and they are culpable, they are obviously going to face criminal charges once they are indicted.
“So as for his political career, I don’t want to go there. He couldn’t win a parliamentary primary. So, as far as I am concerned, his political career is over,” he said
COP George Alex Mensah lost the New Patriotic Party’s primary in the Bekwai constituency to his rival, Ralph Poku-Adusei. He garnered only 245 votes, while Poku-Adusei secured victory with 662 votes.
The other candidates, Henry Opoku Ware and Kingsley Opoku Agyemang, received 30 and 1 vote, respectively. The total votes cast were 938.
The defeat follows the leak of a tape featuring COP Alex Mensah, Superintendent George Asare, and Superintendent Emmanuel Gyebi seeking support from the NPP’s former Northern Regional Chairman, Bugri Naabu, to remove IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.
In their efforts, they portrayed themselves as dedicated NPP members committed to ensuring the party stays in power in December 2024 at any cost.
In 2019, five businessmen were arrested at Kotoka International Airport for attempting to bring in 2,200 grams of cocaine. Recently, they were found guilty and collectively received a total sentence of 60 years in prison.
The individuals convicted include Frank Asante (First Accused), Kweku Antwi (2nd Accused, who managed to escape after jumping bail), Alhassan Iddrisu (3rd Accused), Clifford Boakye (4th Accused), and Isaac Kwakye (5th Accused).
Their convictions were based on three charges: conspiracy to commit a crime, specifically possession of narcotics; importation of narcotic drugs; and possession of narcotic drugs. The High Court in Accra, presided over by Justice Lydia Osei Marfo, delivered the verdict after a thorough trial.
Justice Osei Marfo then imposeda minimum sentence of 10 years each on all the convicts under the old Narcotics Control Law PNDC Law 236, which has since been updated by Act 1019.
“I have listened to Counsel on both sides and I have looked at the old (PNDC Law 236) and the new law Act 1019). And I am satisfied that, (under) the old law, the punishment of the offenses for which they have been charged is lesser in severity than the new law in the same offense,” Justice Marfo said.
She explained that, “anybody that is convicted for the offences of possession and importation of Narcotics drug is sentenced to a minimum of 10 years in prison.”
While, “the new law, however, in respect of the same offence comes with same minimum of 10 years (jail term) and some heavy fines and the two go together.”
Justice Marfo also mentioned that the Court is mindful of the constitutional provisions outlined in Article 19(6) of the Constitution. She stated, “I cannot impose punishment stipulated under the new law.”
Before pronouncing the sentence, the Court also considered the factors presented by the defense lawyers in mitigation and evaluated the behavior of the convicts.
“I have considered the conduct of the accused persons except (A2) during their bail and attendance in court during the trial although some were coming from Kumasi, always were present and where they could genuinely not be present in Court, they asked permission from the court,” the Court said.
Considering the information above, the court has sentenced all five individuals to a minimum of 10 years in prison for charges related to conspiracy to commit a crime, specifically possession of narcotics.
Among them, Asante (First Accused) and Kweku Antwi (2nd Accused, who is currently on the run after jumping bail) received separate 10-year sentences for the importation of narcotic drugs.
The court specified that the four individuals present in court—Frank Asante (First Accused), Alhassan Iddrisu (3rd Accused), Clifford Boakye (4th Accused), and Isaac Kwakye (5th Accused) – will serve their sentences concurrently. However, Kweku Antwi (2nd Accused), who escaped bail, will serve his punishment consecutively upon being apprehended.
As per EIB Network Legal Affairs Correspondent, Murtala Inusah, the four individuals will each serve a 10-year sentence, while Antwi will face a 20-year sentence for evading bail.
Brief facts
Information gathered by the Intelligence Unit of the Narcotic Control Board (NACOB) revealed that Frank Asante, the 1st Accused, along with his associates, had been importing and dealing in narcotics from Brazil and other countries.
The intelligence team conducted surveillance on Frank Asante and his accomplices, monitoring their travels and activities. In March 2019, they observed Frank Asante arriving from Brazil at Kotoka International Airport, where he was picked up by the 3rd accused, Alhassan Iddrisu.
In May 2019, the team noted Frank Asante’s arrival from Brazil, where he was met by Alhassan Iddrisu, Clifford Aboagye, and Isaac Kiakye at the airport. They drove to a location in Achimota Mile 7, where Frank Asante handed over a backpack from his travel bag to Alhassan Iddrisu.
On July 13, 2019, Frank Asante and the 2nd accused, Kweku Antwi, arrived on an Ethiopian Airline from Brazil to Ghana. The 2nd accused was hired by the 1st accused to transport narcotics, and both had bags with suspected narcotic drugs.
During arrival formalities, two black backpacks with suspected narcotics were found in the 2nd accused’s bags. The 3rd accused was seen pushing a trolley with the luggage of the 1st accused after disembarkation.
The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd accused, along with the 4th and 5th accused, were arrested at Kotoka International Airport before leaving and taken to NACOB headquarters for further investigations.
“The two black backpacks retrieved from the travelling bags of the 2nd accused was cut open in the presence of all the accused persons.
“Whitish substances wrapped in foil was discovered in a false compartment of each of the backpacks.
“The substances which were field tested proved positive for cocaine. A subsequent search at the residences of the 3rd accused person at Race Course and New Fadama, Accra, disclosed 4 similar backpacks, 2 of which had their bottoms ripped off, weighing scales suspected to be used to weigh the narcotic substances, a test tube, different passports and gallons containing liquid substances.
“A similar gallon also containing liquid substance was retrieved from the vehicle of the 3rd accused person at the time of arrest.
“The whitish substances and the gallons containing the liquid substances were forwarded to the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) for analytical examination.
“The report from the GSA indicated that the substances from the 2 backpacks retrieved from the travelling bags of the 2nd accused tested positive for cocaine with an 82.5 percentage purity and a net weight of 2,200.0 grams.
“Two of the gallons containing the liguid substances were identified as alcohol and a 3rd gallon tested positive for an organophosphorus pesticide,” it stated.
Executive Secretary of theNational Labour Commission (NLC), Ofosu Asamoah, has strongly criticised the labour unions in the education sector currently on strike, calling their actions ‘unjustified’ and ‘unnecessary.’
The Senior Staff Association of Universities of Ghana, the Federation of Universities Senior Staff (FUSSAG), the Teachers and Educational Workers Union of Ghana (TEWU), and the Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA) are already on strike due to the government’s failure to address their pressing concerns.
Some of the unions complained about the employer’s lack of attention to their welfare needs, such as tier-two pension funds, vehicle maintenance allowance, and overtime allowance, among other issues.
During an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM with Umaru Sanda Amadu, Mr. Ofosu criticised the unions for their quick decisions despite ongoing negotiations with the Commission.
“There was an agreement between the parties involved. You leave the commission and go and declare a strike, and all others have also joined. You have put something across, and you have agreed. Why go on strike when your issues have been resolved? Why do you want to be on strike when those issues that have not been resolved are being resolved by your good self?”
“It’s quite an unfortunate situation. It’s like, at the moment, the strike is becoming a tool that is being misused. I failed to find the legs on which they were standing to declare the strike and close all universities. As if they just want to close it for fun. Their strike is unmeritorious; it’s needless,” he pointed out.
He went on to characterise the actions of the labour unions as ‘incorrect’ and unlawful.
“As theExecutive Secretary of the NLC, with my experience, knowledge, and everything of the law, I think this is an unlawful [strike],” Mr. Asamoah insisted.
Nana Yaa Brefo, a radio and TV broadcaster, has recently joined Onua TV in Accra, which is part of the Media General company.
She left her previous position at Angel Broadcasting Network on December 1, 2023, where she served as the co-host for the Morning Show and Head of News TV at Angel FM/TV.
Nana Yaa Brefo is now part of Onua TV, alongside other prominent media personalities like Captain Smart and Nana Ama McBrown.
However, her specific role and responsibilities at Onua TV are not currently known.
We're thrilled to welcome the amazing Nana Yaa Brefo to the MG family 🤩
Media General (MG) is a major media company in Ghana, running successful TV, radio, digital media, and production ventures in the country.
Media General has a diverse range of businesses, including two TV stations that reach across the nation (TV3 and Onua TV), four radio stations spread across the country (3FM and Onua FM in Accra, Connect FM in Takoradi, and Akoma FM in Kumasi), as well as online news platforms like 3News.com and 3Xtra.tv.
Controller and Accountant General,Kwasi Kwaning-Bosompem did not appear before the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament (PAC) last Monday, leaving some committee members puzzled by his absence.
Mr. Kwaning-Bosompem was scheduled to respond to questions on behalf of his office, an agency of the Ministry of Finance, but he failed to attend without seeking permission from the committee.
The Controller and Accountant-General, who sought to represent the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as a parliamentary candidate at New Akyem Swedru, was unsuccessful in the polls on Saturday, January 27, 2024.
Votes
Kwaning-Bosompem suffered defeat at the hands of the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Kennedy Osei Nyarko, securing only 94 votes compared to the incumbent’s 194.
During the PAC session on Monday, Deputy Minister for Finance, Abena Osei-Asare, who led the ministry and its agencies, attempted to explain the Controller and Accountant General’s absence. However, her explanation was not well received.
Yusif Sulemana, the MP for Bole Bamboi and a PAC member, mentioned that Kwaning-Bosompem had indicated that his participation in the NPP primaries would not impact his work. Therefore, he should not have been absent just because he lost in the primaries.
Outburst This comment by the MP led to an outburst of laughter at the committee sitting.
“I want to ask whether the controller is on leave.
If he is on leave, let us know because we were told that he was contesting for an election, and he said that he was still at post and was capable of handling the two activities, so why is he not here?He should have been here, regardless of the loss,” the Bole Bambi MP said.
The MP insisted that Osei-Asare should give a tangible reason why the Accountant-General was absent, but the Chairman of PAC, James Klutse Avedzi, came to the rescue of the deputy minister by asking members of the committee to shelve their questions on Kwaning-Bosompem for a later date.
Richard Saviour was found guilty of sexually abusing his wife’s niece and giving her the HIV virus; the victim, who was 14 years old at the time of the incident, is not identified.
During the trial, State Counsel Mr. Ola Azeez called three witnesses to support the prosecution’s case, and Saviour, the defendant, testified in self-defense.
A High Court in Ikeja sentenced Saviour to life in prison.
On Tuesday, January 30, Justice Oyindamola Ogala handed down her decision in the case, noting that the victim’s account was corroborated by the State Ministry of Youth and Social Welfare’s PW3 social worker and the prosecution’s witnesses, all of whom testified in a consistent and truthful manner.
In her ruling, Justice Ogala concluded that the witnesses had successfully established the convict’s guilt for the crime of defilement.
As quoted by Arise TV, the judge said: “The testimony before the court clearly depicts the ‘evil’ perpetrated on this young girl and how she was abused both mentally and physically by the defendant and his wife for years.
“Revealing how she indeed ‘cried out’ for help and was betrayed by those who were supposed to help and support her.
“It is imperative to state at this juncture that the actions of the principal of PW2’s school and the social worker (PW3) are commendable, as same eventually brought some succour and relief to PW2, who unfortunately has been permanently ‘scared’.
“Having carefully considered the entirety of the facts before the court, it finds that in this instance, the prosecution has satisfactorily proved the one-count change the defendant is faced with.”
The judge mentioned thatafter the victim was taken to the Mirabel Centre by the police, she underwent testing and was diagnosed with HIV. She was then relocated to Mary’s Home Orphanage and received care with the assistance of Positive Action for Treatment Access, a non-governmental organisation.
Ogala stated that the accused was eager to disassociate himself from the accusation by refuting the charges. PW2 clearly recounted the events between her and the defendant, which the defendant contradicted.
Ghanaian actor and musician John Dumelo expressed concern about the exorbitant cost of rent in Ghana, which is causing hardships for individuals with limited financial means.
According to him, the substantial rent charges imposed by landlords are challenging, not to mention the demand for a two-year advance payment, putting many people in distress regarding their housing situation.
He emphasised that it is crucial for authorities responsible for rent regulations in Ghana to implement measures to address the high rental costs and the increasingly common practice of demanding a two-year advance payment.
“2-3 years Rent in advance is ‘killing’ a lot of Ghanaians… #rentinGhana,” John Dumelo wrote on his X page.
When he asked his followers to share stories about their rent predicament in the country, one individual wrote, “ Young graduate gets a job in Accra and moves here… Where is he/she going to gather all that money to pay rent? Accra rent for 2 years in advance ranges from 3600 – 99999000000 GHC, depending on the area.”
John Dumelo is the parliamentary candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency.
He aims to challenge the incumbent, Lydia Alhassan, in the upcoming general elections with the goal of representing the constituency, following his initial unsuccessful bid.
Executive Director of Peace Watch Ghana, Madam Nyonkopah Daniels, has ridiculedCOP Alex Mensah for his unsuccessful attempt to secure the parliamentary candidature for the Bekwai constituency.
She claimed that the retired police officer’s defeat was the will of the Lord.
Madam Daniels prayed that God would not let the retired officer win the primary, describing him as lacking integrity and being a dishonest individual.
During an appearance on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM, she asserted that she had informed God that she would cease to serve Him if the man had emerged victorious.
She told host Kwabena Agyapong that a person who engages in lying or fabricating allegations about others should not be elected as a parliamentary candidate to represent constituents in Parliament.
“I was excited when he lost, and he will continue to lose in every election he contests until he offers an apology to the IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare.
“You have lost the election. You want to go to Parliament with this character. You will not go to parliament with this terrible character of yours because Ghanaians are discerning people and know the evil you plotted,” she said.
“They know the quality of work your IGP has done. They appreciate him. He is humble and human-centred. He is human and may not be perfect, but he is an exceptional human being.
You will never win an election in Ghana unless you apologise to the IGP. You have lost, and anytime you contest an election, you will lose unless you apologise because the level of prayers we invoked against you was serious. I, therefore, advise you to go to him and also come to me and apologise. I told God I would abandon my Bible if COP had won. I will therefore continue to pray and thank God for what he has done,” she added.
Retired Police Officer COP George Alex Mensah faced defeat in his attempt to represent the Bekwai constituency in Parliament. He was outperformed by his competitor, Ralph Poku-Adusei, in the New Patriotic Party’s primary.
Mensah secured only 245 votes, while Poku-Adusei emerged victorious with 662 votes.
The other contenders, Henry Opoku Ware and Kingsley Opoku Agyemang, garnered 30 and 1 vote, respectively. The total number of votes cast in the primary was 938.
He deleted nearly all his Instagram posts, including ones related to the Black Stars, and kept images from his current club, Besiktas.
Rumors circulated that Amartey was unhappy, especially since he did not get much game time during the 2023 AFCON and deleted the images while in the Black Stars camp.
However, he clarified that the decision to remove his posts had nothing to do with being sidelined by the Black Stars coach.
“Why would I delete my Black Stars pictures from my Instagram? It would be so childish. Everyone who knows me knows I am not a social media person; it’s all part of life, and it’s not because of the coach’s decision not to field me,” he said, as quoted by Happyghana.com.
During the AFCON, Daniel Amartey, who had been a regular starter in almost all the qualifying games, found himself on the bench for all three group stage matches.
He only got to play about 10 minutes, entering the field in the final moments of Ghana’s 2-2 draw against Mozambique.
Ghana concluded the group stage in third place with two draws and one defeat, conceding a total of six goals and failing to advance to the next round.
Arsenal’s manager,Mikel Arteta, has confirmed that Thomas Partey won’t be playing in the upcoming match against Nottingham Forest.This adds to the team’s challenges as they get ready for Premier League action this week.
After a convincing 5-0 win against Crystal Palace in their last game, Arsenal aims to continue their winning streak.
However, they had a bit of a rough patch towards the end of 2023.
To get back into the race for the league title, Arsenal knows they need victories in the upcoming matches. Nottingham Forest, fighting to avoid relegation, poses a potential challenge.
Arteta stressed the importance of being well-prepared for this match.
In addressing the team’s fitness concerns, Arteta disclosed that Thomas Partey remains unavailable for the forthcoming fixture.
The manager also provided an update on Declan Rice’s status, stating, “We’ve got some late decisions to make. Thomas won’t be one of those. We are still uncertain about a few players. Thomas is not in the squad.”
Tonight, the Gunners aim to overcome challenges and put on a strong performance against Nottingham Forest as they try to make a mark in thePremier League title race.
A concerning trend has been observed among young women in Ghana, where a significant portion are engaging in unprotected sex despite being aware of the potential risks, including HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).
The 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), reveals that 80 percent of women between the ages of 15 and 24 are involved in unprotected sex.
Surprisingly, this behaviour persists even though 79 percent of these young women are well-informed about the health benefits associated with the consistent use of condoms.
The statistics are particularly alarming given the existing data that indicates a higher rate of HIV contraction among women compared to men.
In August 2023, the Ghana AIDS Commission reported that females accounted for two-thirds of the total new HIV infections in the country.
Out of the 16,574 new HIV infections recorded in 2022, 10,927 cases were among females, while males accounted for 5,647 cases.
Brazilian football starNeymar Dos Santos Jr. has reportedly requested a DNA test to confirm his paternity regarding a potential third child with Brazilian model and influencer Amanda Kimberly.
Reports from Brazil’s Portal LeoDias indicate that Neymar engaged in an affair with Kimberly, leading to her pregnancy revelation four months later.
While Neymar is said to be receptive to the news, he is insisting on a DNA test to verify paternity. This situation arises following Neymar’s split with his ex-girlfriend Bruna Biancardi, with whom he shares a daughter named Mavie, born in October 2023. The breakup occurred in November due to Neymar’s infidelity.
In June 2023, Neymar publicly apologised for cheating on his pregnant girlfriend, Bruna Biancardi. The incident involved an alleged message exchange with a lover on Valentine’s Day, and he was also spotted with his ex-girlfriend Bruna Marquezine in Miami.
Neymar acknowledged his mistake in a lengthy Instagram post, expressing his commitment to making their relationship work.
“Bru. I do this for both of you and your family. Justify the unjustifiable. No need to. But I need you in OUR lives. I saw how much you were exposed to, how much you suffered with all of this, and how much you want to be by my side. And I stand beside you.
“I did wrong with you all. I risk saying I’m wrong every day, on and off the pitch. Only I solve my mistakes in personal life at home and in my intimacy with my family and friends. All of this hit one of the most special people in my life. The woman I dreamed of following beside me, mother of my child.
Has it touched his family, which is my family today? She touched her intimacy in such a special moment that is maternity,” he wrote.
The 31-year-old then clarified why he decided to apologise publicly, although he has already apologised privately.
“Bru, I already apologised for my mistakes and for unnecessary exposure, but I feel obligated to come publicly reaffirm that. If a private matter has become public, the apology has to be public.
“Can’t imagine without you. I don’t know if we’ll work out, but TODAY you’re sure I want to try.
“Our purpose will prevail, our love for our baby will win, and our love for each other will make us stronger.
‘ALWAYS US. I love you.’
According to a report by Em Off, the couple has supposedly agreed to three conditions that grant the player the freedom to flirt and engage in intimate relationships with other women despite his commitment to Biancardi.
These conditions specify that the former PSG winger must be discreet with his external relationships, must use protection, and must avoid kissing them on the mouth during such encounters with other women.
Neymar and Bruna are thought to have started their relationship in 2021 and made it public in January 2022 through an Instagram post.
A video featuringReverend Eastwood Anaba addressing the prevalent focus on entertainment within churches has surfaced online.
In the video, the founder of Eastwood Anaba Ministries voices concerns about the church’s excessive inclination towards entertainment, emphasising that it often overshadows the fundamental purpose of the church, which is to attentively engage with the word of God.
“When you go to these churches, sometimes I just imagine. If there is no drummer, no organist, and no guitarist, and you take away all the music and entertainment, many of our churches will die.
I mean, if you remove that, it will be like the oxygen support has been removed and that is because the entertainment in our churches sometimes, I think, is too much,” he said.
He further stated that a pastor is invited to a convention to speak and for about two hours, there will be “one song after the other, one dance after the other, choreography and somersaulting and all that.”
Citing kiosks, mosques, truck stations and chop bars as examples, he said each of these places has its purpose and wouldn’t trade that for anything else.
“I’ve never entered a ‘chop bar’ and they said ‘praise and worship’ before the food is brought. They know exactly why they exist so as soon as you sit down, they come to you with a menu. They want to know what you want to eat because the purpose there is eating,” Reverend Anaba noted.
He, therefore, stressed that the purpose of the church is not entertainment yet. “You see a lot of the singing but the singing is not for worship. The singing is actually for entertainment and there is nothing wrong with that. But when the harp, the viol, the tabret, the pipe and the wine are in their feast, they regard not the work of the Lord nor consider the operations of his hands.”
Explaining further, he said it means the churches have followed the entertainment until they have lost power.
“How many pastors walk into church on Sunday and their aim is that today there is a leper in my church; he should be cleansed; if a dead person is there, he should be raised; if there is a cripple, the person should walk?” he asked.
Reverend Anaba pointed out that a significant number of pastors are primarily concerned with offering entertainment, delivering appealing sermons, and collecting offerings.
He emphasised the need for a shift in the church’s approach, highlighting the importance of prioritising healing and salvation over mere entertainment.
The exact date of Reverend Eastwood Anaba’s sermon is unclear, but some speculate that the video may spark a debate leading to potential changes in the church’s operational methods.
On the other hand, some argue that music and entertainment hold unique psychological and spiritual healing effects that should not be overlooked or underestimated.
Karim Benzema is set to complete the season at Al Ittihad despite his desire to leave Saudi Arabia this month, as confirmed by sources to ESPN.
Earlier in January, ESPN reported that the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner had been exploring transfer options due to a less-than-satisfactory first six months in Jeddah.
Although Benzema considered a return to Europe, both Chelsea and his hometown club, Lyon, inquired about his availability, sources revealed.
However, Al Ittihad, unwilling to let Benzema depart, attempted to loan him to another club in the Saudi Pro League, but the former Real Madrid striker declined the offer.
Having signed a three-year deal with Al Ittihad in the summer as a free agent, Benzema expressed disappointment with his initial half-season with the team.
Despite scoring 15 goals in 24 games across all competitions this season, the 36-year-old forward faced criticism from the Saudi media.
Currently seventh in the Saudi Pro League, Al Ittihad trails leader Al Hilal by 25 points.
Despite the challenges, Benzema has returned to the squad, preparing for the King’s Cup quarterfinals against Al Faysali on Sunday, following a 15-day absence from training due to being stranded in Mauritius after a storm hit the island.
Saudi Arabia’s head coach, Roberto Mancini, issued an apology after inadvertently leaving the pitch before the conclusion of his team’s penalty shootout against South Korea in the Asian Cup on Tuesday.
The Italian witnessed his team surrender a 1-0 lead in the ninth minute of stoppage time at Education City Stadium, leading to extra time and ultimately a penalty shootout where they missed two crucial kicks.
Following the dramatic turn of events, Mancini, in a regretful move, walked off without witnessing Hwang Hee-Chan’s decisive penalty that secured South Korea’s advancement to the quarterfinals with a 4-2 victory on penalties.
This sets up a quarterfinal clash with Australia on Friday.
“I apologise [for leaving early]. I thought it was finished. I didn’t want to disrespect anyone,” Mancini told a news conference. “I want to say thank you to all my players for what they did. They are improving a lot.”
“We, as a group, improved a lot. We’ve worked for one month together [for the Asian Cup] and this is important.
Saudi Arabia initially took the lead in the round-of-16 match with Abdullah Radif’s goal in the 46th minute.
However, Cho Gue-Sung’s late header for South Korea levelled the game, forcing it into extra time.
The subsequent penalty shootout witnessed South Korea’s goalkeeper, Jo Hyeon-Woo, making crucial saves from Sami Al Naji and Abdulrahman Ghareeb.
Roberto Mancini, who was vying for his second major international title as a coach after guiding Italy to victory in the 2021 European Championship, saw his aspirations dashed.
On the other side, South Korea’s head coach, Jurgen Klinsmann, could potentially add the Asian Cup to his achievements, having previously won the Concacaf Gold Cup with the U.S. in 2013.
João Félix is uncertain for the initial leg of Barcelona’s Champions League round-of-16 clash against Napoli after sustaining ligament sprains in his ankle during Tuesday’s training session.
Sources suggest the 24-year-old forward may face an absence of approximately one month, potentially ruling him out for the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona match on Feb. 21, with the second leg scheduled for March 12 at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona.
Having joined on loan from Atletico Madrid in August, Félix has been a regular contributor for Barça this season, scoring seven goals in 28 appearances.
Adding to Barcelona’s injury concerns, left-back Alejandro Balde will be sidelined for the remainder of the season following surgery for a hamstring injury.
Balde’s operation took place in Finland on Tuesday, and the recovery period is expected to be around four months. However, there is still a possibility that he could participate in the European Championships for Spain if selected.
Félix and Balde now join a growing list of absentees for Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández, who announced his departure from the club in the summer.
Gavi is out for the rest of the campaign due to an ACL tear, while Marcos Alonso is set to miss an extended period after back surgery.
Raphinha and Sergi Roberto are also nursing injuries, but Xavi remains optimistic about the potential return of defender Iñigo Martínez and goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen in the near future.
“Iñigo won’t be ready for Osasuna on Wednesday but he will be available for Alavés at the weekend,” Xavi said.
The Barcelona manager also revealed centre-back Andreas Christensen has been playing with discomfort to help the team.
“We will maybe have Marc back for Granada in La Liga [on Feb. 11].”
After the surprising 5-3 home defeat against Villarreal on Saturday, Barcelona is set to host Osasuna at the Olympic Stadium before embarking on a journey to Vitoria for a clash against Alavés.
Subsequently, they will have home encounters against Granada and an away match against Celta Vigo. These fixtures precede their pivotal Champions League knockouttie against Napoli, marking their first such encounter since 2021.
According to the survey, 17.5% of married men in Ghana have two or more partners outside of their marital relationship, and 18.4% have had sexual intercourse with individuals other than their wives.
Furthermore, the survey revealed that 18.7% of divorced, separated, or widowed men in Ghana have two or more partners, with 69.9% engaging in sexual intercourse with individuals who are not their wives.
In another aspect, the data indicates that approximately 10% of men aged 15–24 have two or more partners, and 35.2% have engaged in sexual activities with individuals other than their wives.
In a related finding, the report highlighted a concerning pattern, with 80% of females aged 15–24 having sex without condoms.
Interestingly, despite 79% of young women being aware that consistent condom use can reduce the risk of HIV, the survey points out that risky behaviour persists.
As of 2022, the Ghana AIDS Commission reported that females constitute two-thirds of new HIV infections in the country. Out of the total 16,574 new HIV infections recorded, females accounted for 10,927 cases, while males accounted for 5,647 cases.
The latest FIFA Global Transfer Report 2023, Ghanaian footballers secured the 7th position among the most transferred players.
A total of 630 Ghanaian players participated in transfers during the period, marking a 19.1% increase from the previous year.
The report revealed that 179 different nationalities represented professional players involved in international transfers.
In the top ten nationalities with the highest number of transfers in 2023, Ghana and Nigeria were the only two African countries, highlighting the significant interest in talent from these West African nations.
While Ghana and Nigeria featured in the top ten for the number of transfers, the list for spending was dominated exclusively by nationalities from South America and Europe.
Notably, Kudus Mohammed’s high-profile transfer from Ajax Amsterdam to West Ham United for $48 million contributed significantly to Ghana’s overall figure.
Furthermore, Ghana witnessed a notable 36.8% increase in transfers in Women’s Football, securing the 8th position overall,with a total of 52 players involved in transfers.
Manchester City’s promising talent, Claudio Echeverri, is set to undergo a medical evaluation after reporting intense chest pains while on international duty with Argentina.
Echeverri, part of the Argentina squad, actively contributed to a 5-0 victory over Chile in an Olympic Games qualifier for the Under-23 side.
Following the match, the 18-year-old, who has committed to joining Manchester City from River Plate, disclosed experiencing chest pains during the game.
He affirmed his intention to consult with the medical team to address and assess the issue.
He told TyC Sports: “I had a very strong pain in my chest; I couldn’t breathe well and I was very scared. Just in case, I’m going to talk to the doctors to see what it is because something like this had never happened to me and I felt very scared.”
Echeverri received on-field treatment for several minutes during the first half of the match and was subsequently taken off on a stretcher.
Despite briefly returning, he was eventually substituted in the 64th minute. Argentina’s victory secures their qualification for the second round with a match to spare as they pursue a spot in the 2024 Paris Games.
The situation has sparked genuine concerns for Echeverri and Argentina, with the young player set to undergo an assessment before obtaining clearance to resume action.
Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez has shed light on his partnership with prolific goal-scorer Erling Haaland, anticipating the Norwegian’s return from injury.
Alvarez and Haaland, both acquired in the summer of 2022, experienced a dynamic on-field relationship.
Although the Argentine striker played a supporting role for Haaland for a significant part of the previous season, making the most of substitute appearances, the duo consistently started every league game together in the 2023–24 season until Haaland suffered a foot injury against Aston Villa in December.
Their on-field collaboration during this period proved to be highly productive.
“I think that we have demonstrated that together we can do very good things to help the team; you can see it on the pitch but the statistics show it too in terms of goals and assists,” Alvarez told GOAL in an exclusive interview. “I always say that playing with the best players makes you better and Erling is one of them.”
Alvarez and Haaland both made a special effort for the city’s Halloween party in their first season at the club. Haaland dressed up as a Viking, while Alvarez came as a gladiator. “He looked great; it suited him very well,” said the Argentina international of his strike partner.
Haaland and Alvarez, City’s dynamic duo, have collectively netted an impressive 32 goals and provided 12 assists in the current season.
Haaland’s outstanding performance includes a record-breaking 52 goals in 53 games across all competitions last season, while Alvarez, with only 23 starts, emerged as the club’s second-highest scorer, tallying 17 goals.
Haaland is poised to make a comeback on Wednesday against Burnley, marking his return to action since sustaining a foot injury against Villa on December 6.
His return is a significant boost for City as they strive to close the gap withPremier League leaders Liverpool in the title race. This return coincides with Kevin De Bruyne’s anticipated first start since recovering from a hamstring injury suffered in August.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino says his love of football ensures he’s never stressed, following news Jurgen Klopp is leaving Liverpool.
Klopp’s announcement that he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season shocked the football world, with the German admitting he was “running out of energy” after almost nine years in the job at Anfield.
Pochettino has been asked how he is able to switch off from the pressures of running a football club and he says his passion for the game gives him all the energy he needs.
He told reporters, “Football never stresses you. It never makes you spend energy in the wrong way; it’s always in the right way. It always affects the environment. In football now, it’s business, so maybe that affects a little bit the coaches. But specific football, when I am involved in the training session, when we are in the game, even when I am with you here [at the press conference], we recharge the energy. It’s like, you feel the boost of energy because you love to coach and you love to do your job.
“There are new things that appear in football and this business, and I think that affects a lot, maybe the energy. It’s difficult to explain. It’s important to have good people around you to provide the moments when to stop and when to go away. I remember 10 or 15 years ago, it was really weird to see a manager or coaching staff spending more than 12 hours on the training ground. But now, it’s the normal way. We all arrive at 7 a.m. and are leaving at 5 p.m., 7, 8 or 9. It’s not easy to manage because it’s almost 24 hours, but then when you go home after 12 hours at the training ground, [you are on the] phone to the owners, sporting directors, and all sorts of different people. That is also difficult to disconnect and that’s why sometimes it’s difficult.
“But football is our passion. And of course, Jurgen, after a few months away or at home, for definitely start to miss the adrenaline of the competition, the training sessions, and communicating with your staff, the players, and the people. I think when you are involved in the game, you miss another part of it, but when you are in another part, you start to miss the part that was really important for you.”
Klopp isn’t the only manager to open up about the huge pressures on football managers. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta recently explained how he uses meditation to relax. Meanwhile, Barcelona coach Xavi, who will also leave his job at the end of the season, has said it’s a “cruel” job where he has been made to feel “worthless every day.”
Chelsea is set to face Liverpool at Anfield in the upcoming Premier League clash on Wednesday night. A triumph for the home team would mark Jurgen Klopp’s 200th Premier League win with the Reds. Notably, achieving this victory would make Klopp reach the milestone in record time, surpassing any other manager in the club’s history.
Member of Parliament for the North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has advocated for the halt of all budgetary allocations to the Black Stars.
This suspension, he suggests, should pave the way for an impartial forensic audit of the expenditures related to their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
Ablakwa emphasised that this suspension of financial allocations should extend to the current efforts to seek a new head coach, replacing Chris Hughton.
The call for an independent forensic audit reflects concerns about the transparency and accountability of the funds allocated to the national football team during the AFCON tournament.
“It is clear to me that the only way out of this grand mess is to immediately curtail any further expenditure on the Black Stars, including that ill-advised, rushed and misguided search for a new coach, and to urgently commission an independent forensic audit.
“Parliament must also assert its constitutional oversight authority when the House resumes. These outlandish breakdowns, illegalities and insulting opacity must be probed and sanctioned; we cannot afford to let the people down.”
His unwavering stance follows his interception of letters purportedly from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Finance Minister, and the Controller and Accountant General’s Department detailing the expenditure of the Black Stars during their unsuccessful AFCON campaign in Cote d’Ivoire.
On Monday, the lawmaker shared a letter from the Ministry of Youth and Sports to the Finance Ministry, requesting a substantial amount of US$8 million as a budget, causing public outcry.
Subsequently, on January 30, he released two documents claiming to confirm payments of the requested amount. One document, supposedly from the Minister for Finance to the Controller and Accountant General, instructed the release of a partial payment of US$5,071,840.36, equivalent to GHS60,306,717.80, out of the budgeted US$8,506,450.00.
The document detailed expenses, including GHS15.3 million for the Black Stars’ preparation days before AFCON, GHS14 million for air transport and per diem, GHS14 million for provision for Group stage bonuses, and GHS2.1 million for honorarium.
A bank transfer advice from the Controller and Accountant General confirmed the release of funds to the Ministry of Sports.
Ablakwa also alleged the existence of a separate budget for the supporters of the Black Stars, further adding to the controversy surrounding the team’s financial management.
“Deep throat sources inform me that the budget was managed by National Security. Nothing will stop us from demanding full accountability on this too,” he noted.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) reacted to the publication of the budget by the legislator, calling it cheap politics.
“He should concentrate on his job of passing bills in Parliament and stop engaging in small, cheap politics in football. It is not the best,” Nana Oduro Sarfo, an Executive Council member of the GFA is quoted as saying by JoyNews.
Black Stars captain, Andre Dede Ayew, has issued a heartfelt apology for the team’s disappointing performance at the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.
Despite being in Group B, the Black Stars failed to advance to the round of 16, managing only two points from three games.
The team suffered a 1-2 defeat to Cape Verde and secured 2-2 draws against Mozambique and Egypt, leading to an early exit from the competition for the second consecutive edition.
The lacklustre performance sparked criticism from Ghanaians, who expressed frustration over the team’s perceived lack of drive and patriotism.
In response to the backlash, veteran forward Ayew took to video to express a sincere apology for the Stars’ AFCON 2023 campaign.
He assured fans that the team is committed to restoring Ghana’s pride, promising to elevate the national flag to its rightful place.
“I would like to apologise for the results in the AFCON that we just exited. We know that we should have done better and that we should have brought better results to the nation. As the captain of the squad, I take full responsibility for what happened on the pitch.”
“For the playing body , we should have done better,” he added to the apology released exactly a week after Ghana’s elimination from the 2023 AFCON was confirmed.
Current Member of Parliament, Adwoa Safo, representing theDome-Kwabenya Constituency has conveyed her gratitude to the members of the New Patriotic Party in the region.
In the recent primary election held on January 27, the current Member of Parliament lost the NPP parliamentary slot to her longstanding contender, Mike Oquaye Junior.
The incumbent MP has clarified that, contrary to speculation in certain circles, she has no intention of running as an independent candidate in the upcoming December 7 parliamentary election.
“My attention has been drawn to several recent misinformations and speculations in the media regarding my political future in the Dome-Kwabenya Constituency in particular and the New Patriotic Party as a whole.
I wish to clarify that, despite the setback and outcome of last Saturday’s parliamentary primaries in Dome-Kwabenya, I remain steadfast in my commitment to the shared values of the New Patriotic Party and our corporate quest to break the 8 with H.E. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia come December 7, 2024,” she said in a press release dated January 30.
Madam Adwoa Safo assured that “As a three-term Member of Parliament and a true party person, I am cognizant of the fundamental principles that underpin the Danquah-Dombo-Busia tradition for which internal competition and afterwards cooperation remain the guiding light.
For the avoidance of doubt and without any shred of ambiguity, I reiterate that I have no intention whatsoever of running as an Independent Candidate in the upcoming December 7, 2024, presidential and parliamentary elections, or, for that matter, at any point in the foreseeable future.”
“For the next few months, I remain dedicated to working collaboratively with the leadership of the party in the constituency in collectively pursuing goals to unite us for the task ahead in campaigning to maximise our votes for both Parliamentary and Presidential candidates and, in Parliament, to execute government business expeditiously,” she further assured.
In a press release issued on January 30, Madam Adwoa Safo extended her thanks to the party’s rank and file for affording her the privilege of serving them for three consecutive terms.
“I take the opportunity to express my eternal appreciation to the good people of Dome-Kwabenya Constituency, especially our hard-working Polling Station Executives for the opportunity to represent their interests and aspirations in the august house of Parliament in the last 12 years.
It has been a real honour and privilege working for and with you on matters and issues that border on our common interests and for which I do not take lightly. From the depths of my heart, I say Thank You,“ she stated in a letter that refuted widespread speculation that she intends to run as an independent candidate in the December 7, 2024 elections.
Ghana Football Association (GFA) has issued a public apology to the Ghanaian people regarding the lackluster performance of the Black Stars during the ongoing 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.
Failing to progress beyond the group stage, the national team endured a campaign without a single victory, suffering a defeat to Cape Verde and securing draws against Egypt and Mozambique.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, January 30, the GFA acknowledged the palpable frustration and disappointment felt by the passionate football-loving nation. They took full responsibility for falling short of the expectations placed on the team and expressed their regret for not meeting the standards anticipated by the Ghanaian supporters.
“The Ghana Football Association extends our sincerest apologies to the good people of Ghana and all stakeholders for the recent disappointing performance of the senior national team, the Black Stars at the Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023,” the statement read in part.
In the aftermath of the Black Stars’ elimination from the 2023 African Cup of Nations, head coach Chris Hughton has been relieved of his duties, and the entire technical team has been disbanded.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has taken decisive action by initiating a search for a new head coach. To oversee this process, a five-member committee, led by Vice President Mark Addo, has been appointed.
In addition to the coaching change, the GFA has announced a comprehensive review of various aspects of the national team. This examination will encompass strategies, training methodologies, compensation structures, and the overall team framework.
The Association has underscored its unwavering commitment to the revitalization of Ghanaian football. The objective is to not only rebuild but also elevate the standards, with the ultimate goal of reinstating pride and success to the Black Stars.
“We value the unwavering support of our stakeholders, and we commit to working tirelessly with you to ensure a stronger and more competitive team. Your loyalty and passion are the driving forces behind our efforts to rebuild and elevate the standard of Ghanaian football,” the GFA assured in its statement.
Football Association (FA) has come under intense scrutiny in the aftermath of the Black Stars’ dismal showing at the AFCON, with some critics levying accusations of gross incompetence against the association.
Before the FA issued its official statement, a faction of critics had vociferously called for an apology, holding the association accountable for its perceived role in the team’s subpar performance. Concurrently, there were calls from another segment of critics urging the dissolution of the FA.
In the midst of this controversy, numerous members of the Black Stars team have taken to their individual social media platforms to extend apologies for the team’s underwhelming performance at the AFCON.
Pep Guardiola has officially stated that Erling Haaland is ready to make his comeback forManchester City in Wednesday’s match against Burnley, marking the end of his nearly two-month absence due to a foot injury.
Haaland’s last appearance was in the 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa on December 6. He resumed training during Manchester City’s journey to Saudi Arabia for the FIFA Club World Cup before the Christmas break.
Despite missing the past 10 games, the 22-year-old striker has managed to score an impressive 19 goals this season. His return to the squad against Burnley this week is eagerly anticipated by fans and adds a significant boost to Manchester City’s attacking prowess.
“First time he is back,” Guardiola told a news conference on Tuesday.
“We have all the squad, we are stronger. He is an important player for us.”
Pep Guardiola has hinted at different approaches for the return of two key players for Manchester City.
While he previously suggested a gradual reintroduction for midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who has been sidelined for five months with a hamstring injury, Guardiola indicated that Erling Haaland might be ready for an immediate comeback into the team at the Etihad on Wednesday.
The contrasting strategies reflect the careful management of player fitness and the specific circumstances surrounding their respective injuries.
“Haaland had a stress of the bone, so it is a completely different approach, but step by step,” he said.
As Manchester City prepares to face Burnley, they bring with them the momentum of a seven-match winning streak, which notably includes a 1-0 victory over Tottenham in the FA Cup on Friday.
Heading into the second half of the season, Pep Guardiola’s team is positioned five points behind league leaders Liverpool in the Premier League. The pursuit of a record fourth consecutive title adds an extra layer of significance to their upcoming fixtures.
City’s form and ambitions underscore their determination to maintain their winning streak and secure another title in the ongoing season.
“It’s one game at a time,” Guardiola said.
“We made these [winning] runs in the past because it was just one game. It’s Burnley, Burnley, Burnley.
“It doesn’t matter what we have done in the past, but I am delighted we have almost all of the squad fit. [Manuel Akanji] is back. He trained really well without knee problems and John [Stones] as well.
“That is the best news for an important part of the season. Of course, with the FA Cup and Champions League, it is important to have everybody.”
In the midst of recent revelations about England defender Kyle Walker’s private life, Pep Guardiola has affirmed that Walker will continue as the captain for Manchester City.
Walker addressed the situation in a media interview, providing an explanation for his actions and offering an apology to his family. Guardiola, while acknowledging the circumstances, has decided that the 33-year-old will retain his role as club captain.
In a significant move aimed at ensuring the authenticity of educational materials, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) has introduced a QR code Scanner.
This technology is designed to authenticate a range of educational resources, including textbooks and teacher guides available in the market.
The implementation of the QR Code Scanner aligns with NaCCA’s commitment to advancing the quality and efficiency of education delivery, particularly focusing on enhancing learning outcomes within the pre-tertiary level (from KG 1 to SHS 3).
The scanner provides schools, teachers, parents, publishers, and the general public with the capability to check the real-time approval status of instructional materials, confirming whether NaCCA has sanctioned the material.
NaCCA, in conjunction with this initiative, has issued a cautionary statement to the public, urging vigilance against the proliferation of unapproved materials circulating in the market.
These materials may falsely claim‘NaCCA-GES’ approval, often accompanied by unauthorized seals.
For further details, including the press release and instructions, please refer to the information provided below.
Case Management Focal Person of theNational Malaria Elimination Programme, Dr. Paul Boateng, has raised a significant concern regarding the presence of mosquitoes in hospital wards.
He emphasised the urgency for health authorities to address this serious issue and highlighted the crucial role of ensuring the cleanliness of insecticide-treated nets.
According to Mr. Boateng, the National Elimination Programme supplies these nets to patients upon their admission to health facilities.
Speaking on the AM Show, he underscored that the effectiveness of these nets is directly impacted by the maintenance of their hygiene.
Therefore, the cleanliness of the nets stands as a crucial factor in the battle against malaria, urging health authorities to prioritise and address this issue promptly.
“The challenge was that hygiene-wise, people sleeping under them keeping the net clean became a challenge, and so I think that just a few facilities are practicing that. I think that I would encourage health facilities across the country to look at managing their environment very well. Most likely,if there is a collection of water around the hospital or health facility environment,
Case Management Focal person stressed the need for hospitals to take proactive measures beyond providing bed nets and waiting for the National Malaria Elimination Program’s residual spraying in wards. He highlighted the importance of hospitals actively eliminating mosquito breeding grounds, particularly standing water around the facility.
In emphasising the shared responsibility, he pointed out that both citizens and health facilities have roles to play in the eradication of malaria. He underlined the significance of individual and collective efforts to effectively combat the disease.
This approach, which goes beyond bed nets and residual spraying, involves taking measures to preventmosquito breeding, contributing to a more comprehensive strategy in the fight against malaria.
Sevilla announced on Tuesday that Ivan Rakitic, after his second stint with the club, has departed ahead of his upcoming move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab.
The LaLiga side revealed that the player’s contract was scheduled to conclude at the end of the ongoing campaign.
“We have agreed a deal with Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab Club for the transfer of Ivan Rakitic, who will bring his second spell with us to a close,” Sevilla said in a statement.
After initially playing for the Spanish club between 2011 and 2014, Ivan Rakitic made a return to Sevilla in September 2020, following a six-year stint at Barcelona.
Last year, his contributions played a pivotal role in Sevilla securing their seventh Europa League title, further solidifying his place in the club’s history.
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Rakitic holds the distinction of being the foreign player with the most appearances for Sevilla, surpassing 300 games.
Notably, Rakitic was part of Barcelona’s triumphant team in the 2014–2015 season, achieving a historic treble by winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League.
During his time with Barcelona, the midfielder amassed an impressive total of 13 trophies.
The 35-year-old Croatian international, who earned 106 caps for his country between 2007 and 2019, chose to retire from national duty in 2020.
Rakitic’s illustrious career has left an indelible mark on both Sevilla and Barcelona, contributing to the success of these prominent football clubs.
