Ghanaian tactician James Kwasi Appiah has shed light on his decision to transfer the captaincy fromAsamoah Gyan to Andre Ayew in 2019.
In an interview with Sienu TV, the former Black Stars coach explained that the change was prompted by Gyan’s diminishing physical strength, making it unlikely for him to start games during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
Appiah’s decision to entrust the captain’s armband to Andre Ayew was a strategic move aimed at ensuring leadership on the field aligned with the team’s performance goals.
“I knew that his performance could not go to the level I wanted because modern football is not about name and his strength was not that high compared to years back.
“In actual fact, that was the main reason. Looking at the games he had played and personally, I don’t believe I will be the captain and I will be on the bench. The captain should be on the pitch to control things,” Coach Kwesi Appiah said.
The coach went on to reveal that, despite harbouring reservations about Asamoah Gyan’s fitness due to his limited game time in the months leading up to the AFCON, he held firm in his belief that the veteran still possessed valuable contributions.
This conviction led him to include the Ghanaian legend in the squad for the tournament, recognising Gyan’s experience and potential impact, even if not as the team’s captain.
“The reason why I took Gyan to the competition was because Gyan had helped the nation for a period of time and I said if you are not injured, no matter what, I will take you to the tournament and I want you to finish on that note,” Kwesi Appiah shared.
Amidst Ghanaian Chef Failatu Abdul Razak’s remarkable attempt at a Guinness World Records cook-a-thon, the online sphere has been graced with the captivating pre-wedding and wedding photos of the culinary artist and her husband.
Laa Bang Paha took to Facebook to share the enchanting pre-wedding snapshots, while Shaharan Suhuyini showcased the couple’s official wedding photograph on his Facebook page.
These images add a touch of personal joy and celebration to Chef Razak’s culinary feat, creating a harmonious blend of professional achievement and personal milestones.
Accompanying the beautiful pre-wedding images of the couple with a caption, Laa Bang Paha wrote. ”All she asked for was true love, someone who’d give her the same love she had always tabled before others. Alhamdulillah and a BIG congratulations to you, my dear sis Jah Bless Fail #REGFA2020.”
Suhuyini, on the other hand, explained why Chef Razak has received massive support from Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) personnel. ”When you arrive at Modern City Hotel to support Jah Bless Faila and see many military men, don’t be scared. They’re there to give more MORALE to boost her energy. The husband is a military officer. Tin breaki record maa in shaa Allah,” he said.
Embarking on her endeavour to secure the Guinness World Records title for the longest individual cooking marathon, Chef Razak commenced her cook-a-thon on Monday, January 1, 2024.
The culinary maestro is set to conclude her impressive feat on Friday, January 5. This ambitious undertaking follows the heightened interest in cook-a-thons sparked by Nigerian chef Hilda Baci’s record-setting achievement in late 2023.
Notably, Irish chef Alan Fisher clinched the title a few months later, having cooked tirelessly for an astounding 119 hours, 57 minutes, and 16 seconds.
Intriguingly accompanying this culinary tale are the pre-wedding and wedding photos of Chef Failatu Abdul Razak and her husband. The visuals add a personal touch to the narrative, showcasing the chef not only as a dedicated record-breaker but also as celebrating a significant milestone in her personal life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY5ydzZPAVs
How peeps gushed over the pair reactions followed the pictures of the couple after the images appeared online. Comments under the post of Laa Bang Paha Yussif
Alhassan Hikma commented: Congrats, Faila. Jah Bless Faila replied: Thank you so much, babe.
Zology Hamza posted: Congratulations!
Maridia Ibrahim reacted: Congratulations, Faila.
Jnr Arabian commented: Wish her all the best.
Sanny Amid commented: Brave woman. You have broken the record already. Fuseini Hardi Nyagsi Okay, I understand now! Fusheini Abdul Malik All the best, my dear
Former Black Stars coach Otto Addo has provided valuable counsel to the Ghanaian national football team as they gear up for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Emphasising the need for a strategic approach, Addo urges the team to prioritise a step-by-step method rather than being fixated solely on clinching the trophy.
Ghana is slated to face formidable adversaries in Group B, including Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique, during the AFCON tournament scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11, 2023.
Speaking in anticipation of the competition, Otto Addo, who previously helmed the Black Stars during their 2022 World Cup campaign, underscores the importance of cultivating a gradual mindset. As the team navigates through the challenges ahead, Addo’s advice serves as a reminder to focus on the process rather than solely fixating on the end result.
“Step-by-step thinking is far better. If you are aiming too far away, it is difficult to fulfil them because you have to work daily. You have to train hard, you have to win each game, and the rest will come,” he told GTV.
When questioned about Ghana’s chances of breaking the 41-year wait for an AFCON trophy, the former Black Stars boss highlighted the importance of doing the groundwork first.
“It doesn’t make sense to always think about the cup or whatever; you have to do your homework first. There is some work you have to put in to survive the group stage and go to the next stage, and at the end, to win it, it is so much work,” he added.
Addo stressed the importance of instilling the right mentality within the entire Black Stars entourage as they enter the tournament. “Having the correct mindset is crucial in every moment. Even with the goal of winning, it’s essential to understand that sustaining that level requires continuous hard work. Therefore, my advice is for them to approach it game by game,” he emphasised.
Ghana’s questfor AFCON glory has been a prolonged one since their last triumph in Libya in 1982. The journey to end this title drought demands meticulous planning and precise execution, making Addo’s counsel on a focused, game-by-game approach all the more pertinent.
Former Ghana coach James Kwasi Appiah has expressed support for the Black Stars squad chosen for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
On January 1, 2023, current Ghana coach Chris Hughton unveiled the 27-man squad for the continental tournament, with a notable inclusion of only three local players: Abdul Fatawu Hamidu and Jonathan Sowah from Medeama, and Richmond Lamptey from Kotoko.
Star players such as Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew, Inaki Williams, and Mohammed Kudus were also part of the squad.
Unfortunately, deputy captain Thomas Partey will miss AFCON due to an ongoing hamstring injury, emphasising a cautious approach to his recovery.
James Kwasi Appiah, now the head coach of the Sudan national team, expressed his satisfaction with the selected Black Stars squad in an interview with Sienu TV, as monitored by Footballghana.com.
“I think we’ve got a good squad. I’m in support of the players selected by the coach for the tournament but the only thing I am hoping for is the coach being bold to take decisions as to who should play or who should be on the bench and ones he is able to do that, looking at the list, I think they can compete at any level,” he said.
After the successful accomplishment ofAfua Asantewaa’s Guinness World Record-breaking feat, a wave of Ghanaians has initiated attempts at setting new world records.
Presently, Chef Failatu Abdul Razak is in the midst of her fourth day, striving to break the existing Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon.
Her ambitious goal is to achieve a 120-hour cook-a-thon, taking place at the Modern City Hotel in Tamale.
Additionally, several other Ghanaians have announced their intentions to break world records, creating a buzz on social media. Here’s a compilation of Ghanaians gearing up for Guinness World Record attempts.
1. Dela Gomey
Ghanaian nurse and makeup artist, Dela Gomey, is gearing up to set a newGuinness World Record for the most lipstick applications in 30 seconds.
His ambitious plan involves applying lipstick on five models within the given time frame, aiming to surpass the current record of four applications held by Chinese makeup artist Li Jiaqi.
The event is slated to unfold on January 6, 2024, at the Efa Guest House in Dodowa, Greater Accra Region.
2.
A Ghanaian graduate and passionate reader are gearing up to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest reading-aloud marathon.
His ambitious goal is to read aloud continuously for six days, aiming for a total duration of approximately 145 to 150 hours.
3. Adu Safoa
Ghanaian actress and media personality, Adu Safowaa, has declared her intention to attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest individual speech marathon.
She revealed that she has secured official approval from Guinness World Records, expressing confidence in surpassing the current record held by a Nepalese man, which stands at over 90 hours.
Adu Safowaa shared this exciting news across her social media platforms using the hashtag #ADUSAFOWAAH_SPEECH_A_THON.
4. Mawuena Benedictus is also expected to embark on readmania, thus the longest marathon of reading aloud.
5. Patrick Amenuvor is also anticipated to embark on a stand-a-thon beginning on January 14th to January 21.
Former Ghanaian defender Frimpong Manso has voiced apprehensions regarding theBlack Stars’ group-stage matchups in the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Grouped with Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique in Group B, Manso anticipates challenges and foresees the team encountering difficulties in these contests.
In an interview with Kessben FM, Manso said, “I think we will struggle a bit in the group stage but I believe we will qualify for the next round. The next round is going to be very difficult. Because we are likely to face Ivory Coast or Nigeria, who are strong contenders in the competition.”
Manso believes that the team needs to focus on their performances in the group stage in order to advance to the knockout stages.
“Indeed, that’s where our competition will begin. I remember that in Angola 2010, we kept winning by a small margin, which took us to the final stage of the competition. It’s not going to be easy for us. But I believe we will struggle in the group stage but we will qualify.”
Manso’s apprehensions are reasonable, considering Ghana’s lacklustre showings in recentAfrica Cup of Nations editions.
The team’s recent track record has been less than stellar, and facing formidable opponents like Cape Verde, Egypt, and Mozambique in the group stage adds to the challenge.
Nevertheless, with a well-devised strategy and judicious player selection, Ghana possesses the capability to surmount these obstacles and stage a commendable performance in the tournament.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) has recently declared a substantial 40% boost in prize money for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire in 2023.
The victor of the tournament is now set to receive an impressive $7 million, while the runner-up will be awarded $4 million.
There’s also an increase in financial incentives for the semi-finalists and quarter-finalists, with each semi-finalist securing $2.5 million and each quarter-finalist earning $1.3 million.
This significant surge in prize money aims to elevate the competition’s intensity and excitement, making the 2023 AFCON even more captivating for both fans and participants.
CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe emphasised the organization’s substantial progress in enhancing prize money for major competitions in the past two years.
He expressed confidence that a portion of the prize fund will contribute to football development and benefit all stakeholders, including member associations in need of administrative support.
The augmented prize money for the 2023 AFCON is poised to generate heightened interest and attention for the tournament, which is already highly anticipated in African football.
With elevated stakes and increased financial rewards, fans can anticipate witnessing even greater passion, determination, and thrilling performances from the participating teams.
The 2023 AFCON, commencing on January 13, 2024, is expected to deliver an unforgettable experience for football enthusiasts across the continent and beyond.
In a remarkable feat, Isaac Amoako, a young Ghanaian graduate, has secured approval fromGuinness World Records to undertake an extraordinary reading challenge—a nonstop reading attempt lasting an impressive six days.
In an exclusive interview with GhPage, Isaac Amoako expressed his joy upon receiving the confirmation email, considering it one of the proudest moments of his life.
Currently unemployed, the graduate from the University of Education (Winneba) aims to set a new record for the longest reading-aloud marathon, a dream that has intensified his passion for reading.
In a recent interview, Isaac Amoako disclosed that he had received a confirmation email from Guinness World Records, validating his eligibility for the upcoming reading marathon.
This significant achievement has filled him with pride and enthusiasm, paving the way for a challenging yet rewarding endeavour.
For Isaac, breaking the record for the longest reading-aloud marathon holds deep personal significance—it is a dream transformed into reality.
The aspiring record-breaker explained that his passion for reading, combined with the inspiration drawn from the prevalent reliance on social media in today’s generation, served as the driving force behind this extraordinary undertaking.
Isaac Amoako is optimistic about the upcoming reading marathon, setting an ambitious goal of reading continuously for 145 to 150 hours.
With three years of meticulous planning behind him, he is determined to make a lasting impact in the realm of literary achievements.
The jersey numbers have been assigned to the 27 players representing Ghana at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, as reported by Onuaonline.
The numbering starts with Richard Ofori at number 1 and concludes with Jonathan Sowah at 27. Andre Ayew will sport his favored number 10, while Mohammed Kudus opts for the number 20 shirt.
Jordan Ayew takes on number 9, with Ashimeru donning the iconic number 8 shirt. Kumasi Asante Kotoko’s Richmond Lamptey will wear jersey number 22.
Ghana’s campaign in the tournament begins on Sunday, January 14, 2024, against Cape Verde, followed by a match against Egypt four days later. The group stage concludes with a game against Mozambique on Monday, January 22, 2024.
In their quest to secure an AFCON trophy after over 40 years, head coach Chris Hughton has called up 27 players.
The squad, announced on Monday, January 1, 2024, has been in training in Kumasi ahead of the tournament. Notably, Richard Ofori and Jordan Ayew joined their teammates on the second day of training.
The arrival of these players means that Chris Hughton has 25 of the 27 players in camp.
Mohammed Kudus and Inaki Williams are the two players yet to join the camp. The Black Stars will conclude their preparations with a friendly against Namibia on Monday, January 8, 2024.
Grouped in Group B, Ghana will faceEgypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique in the group stage. The 2023 AFCON is scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11.
Check the full list below:
Goalkeepers
Lawrence Ati Zigi, Richard Ofori and Jojo Wollacott
Defenders
Alidu Seidu, Dennis Odoi, Kingsley Schindler, Gideon Mensah, Hamid Abdul Fatawu, Daniel Amartey, Nicholas Opoku, Alexander Djiku and Mohammed Salisu
Midfielders
Samed Salis, Baba Iddrisu, Majeed Ashimeru, Elisha Owusu, Richmond Lamptey Mohammed Kudus, Andre Ayew, Ransford Konigsdorffer, Osman Bukari, Joseph Paintsil, Jordan Ayew and Ernest Nuamah
Strikers
Iñaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo and Jonathan Sowah
Ghanaian dancehall artiste Shatta Wale has responded to artiste manager and pundit Mr Logic in their ongoing exchange.
Shatta Wale, in a Facebook live video on January 3, returned to criticise Mr Logic for the accusations made in a previous video. Displaying a significant amount of cash, Shatta Wale accused Mr Logic of being a liar.
He refuted allegations of engaging in a threesome with Moesha Budong, stating that she was just a friend to him.
“Mr Logic is a liar, all he said in the live videos are all lies. He said that I had engaged in a threesome with Moesha Budong, That was a lie, Moesha is just my friend. I have friends like Hajia 4 Real, Moesha Budong and Efia Odo. You can’t destroy my career.
“You guys said you will haunt me. I would rather haunt you! All the things you come out to say are all lies. Everyone in the media knows how Mr Logic is. Do you want to play with Shatta Wale? You said your elders are advising you to calm down, at age 48 you have elders? Refer to them as your mobile money senders.
He urged his fans to refrain from following and paying attention to such entertainment pundits, emphasising that they contribute nothing substantial to the entertainment industry.
“You people should stop listening to stupid boys and girls on these radio stations! They are poor and jobless,” Shatta Wale fired.
The controversy began whenShatta Wale, in a Facebook post on December 29, listed eight individuals he believed were obstructing the growth of the music industry. The individuals mentioned were Akwasi Aboagye, Andy Dosty, Arnold, Ola, Mr Logic, Bullgod, Sally, and Abeiku Santana.
In response to Shatta Wale’s post, Bullgod declared his intention to haunt Shatta Wale like a ghost in a social media post. Shatta Wale, angered by this reaction, lambasted Bullgod and Mr Logic, accusing them of constantly begging for money and engaging in promiscuous activities.
Mr Logic, in his reply to Shatta Wale, denied the claims and asserted that he was the one who helped Shatta Wale when he was broke and homeless.
He further accused Shatta Wale of sending nude pictures to his ex-partner’s girlfriend, stealing the idea of “Dancehall King” from him, spreading false rumours about Jupita, engaging in a threesome with Moesha Budong, and mistreating his girlfriend, Shatta Michy. Mr Logic concluded by labelling Shatta Wale as a liar and a disgrace to the music industry.
This incident is not Shatta Wale’s first clash with media personalities. In September, he had a spat with industry pundit Ola Michael after the latter suggested that Shatta did not deserve a diplomatic passport due to his attitude.
Shatta Wale responded by hurling insults at Ola Michael and even composing a diss song aimed at him.
Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons seems to have supported the assertion made by former President John Dramani Mahama regarding an increase in examination malpractices in the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) under the current government.
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, Mahama, faced criticism, particularly from supporters of the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government, after expressing concerns about the credibility of the 2023 WASSCE results. His concerns stemmed from the significant number of passes recorded.
Mahama raised issues related to lax invigilation and teacher involvement in student cheating, warning about potential consequences for the country’s educational system. The comments received attention and were met with criticism from some quarters of the public.
“In many places, they let the children cheat. You go to places, and the teachers are conniving with the students to cheat. The effect will be seen later,” Mahama said.
On whether exam cheating is worsening in Ghana, why aren't education stakeholders simply plotting the trends like they do in Nigeria (see attached)? We know that cancellations for malpractice in Ghana have increased from 0.13% of results in 2014 to 0.81% in 2023 (600% increase). pic.twitter.com/QenReckPiK
Bright Simons has presented data to support the claim that examination malpractice has risen under the current administration.
In a post on X dated January 4, 2024, Simons shared statistics indicating an increase in the percentage of cancelled West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) papers during the current government’s tenure.
According to the figures provided, less than 0.2% of WASSCE papers were cancelled in 2014. However, in 2023, over 0.8% of WASSCE papers were cancelled.
Simons highlighted that this represents approximately a 600% increase in paper cancellations attributed to cheating during WASSCE examinations.
“On whether exam cheating is worsening in Ghana, why aren’t education stakeholders simply plotting the trends like they do in Nigeria (see attached)?
Hilda Baci’s cook-a-thon seems to have inspired several others to attempt breaking and setting new records for the Guinness World Records (GWR).
The current attempt by Northern Region’s Chef Faila has earned the admiration of many, including Nigerians. An X user, while lauding Chef Faila’s skills in cooking, has called out Hilda Baci to go to Ghana to eat “jollof to learn sense,” as Ghana jollof “dey give” sense.
He said this while pointing his hands to a TV screen that was broadcasting the Ghanaian chef stirring a colourful and bright-looking jollof, he exclaimed in pidgin:
“I tell you before that Ghana rice sweet pass Nigerian rice times 100. See am, look am, you dey see am, oh my goodness, see jollof ruice, Hilda see Jollof Rice; see Hilda! Hilda, I say see Jollof rice wey be like say Ghanaian chef dey cook”.
The disappointed young man went further to express his desire to have a taste of the meal but for distance.
Afua Asantewaa Owusu Aduonum, the Ghanaian who aimed to break the Guinness World Record (GWR), shared that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia procured medication to expedite the recovery of her lost voice during the Sing-A-Thon.
During an interview on GHOne TV with Lily Mohammed, Madam Asantewaa highlighted that the presence of the Vice President, along with the support of many other Ghanaians, served as a significant motivation that kept her going.
“All that was running through my head was, was he watching at home? Was he watching me? Why did he come there? I had these conversations on my mind.
“Interestingly, he was watching and monitoring and realised that I had lost my voice so he actually ordered drugs for me. Only for the drugs to arrive when I had finished the attempt.
“So he sent me the drugs, which I have with me. The drug was the fastest remedy to have healed my voice to the point that I lost it,” she narrated.
“Everybody is involved; there was no escape route because this was something I needed to do for Ghana and the unity that it brought. The love, even though he (Vice President Bawumia) was there, I think I saw many more politicians,” she added.
Mrs. Asantewaa Aduonum further stated that there was nothing like politics during theSing-A-Thon, and Ghanaians were excited about unity.
A video has surfaced featuring popular Ghanaian media personality and marriage counsellor, Maame Yeboah Asiedu, discussing her stance on divorce.
The video, from 2020, reveals her belief that divorce should not be the immediate solution to marital challenges.
At that time, she emphasised the importance of working on marriages and suggested that divorce should only be considered when all other options have been thoroughly explored.
The emergence of this video comes amid speculation and allegations regarding her own divorce and subsequent remarriage.
“I don’t believe in divorce; I believe in working out marriages. God has his reasons for putting you in a marriage. Because, come what may, you should be able to work at it.
“Divorce is not an option for me; that is why I always advise people to marry the right people. But if the marriage deteriorates to the point that they can’t go further, then they can understand,” he said.
Maame Yeboah further said that marriages should be unions between mature individuals and should be embarked upon with the right mindset.
“Marriage is for the mature mind. You shouldn’t go into marriage with the mindset that you are a star or a better person than your partner. You will get it all wrong. You are marrying your husband as a normal person and he is marrying you as a normal person.
“Marriage is about one’s mindset; if you have the mindset that you are going to test the waters, it won’t end well.
Maame Yeboah Asiedu has recently addressed the reasons behind her divorce from her previous husband and subsequent remarriage within a year.
Ghanaian seeking to set the world record for the longest singing marathon, Afua Asantewaa, shared details about a harrowing experience she faced a day before embarking on her Guinness World Record challenge.
In her account, she revealed that armed robbers invaded her home at midnight on Sunday, December 24, 2023, just before the start of her sing-a-thon.
Fortunately, there were no casualties, and the robbers didn’t take valuable items like phones and laptops. Instead, they only took her husband’s deodorant and spray.
During an interview with GhOne TV, Afua Asantewaa explained that the traumatic incident affected her psychologically, impacting the initial day of her sing-a-thon challenge.
“Monday, before the actual sing-a-thon began, we were attacked in the night by robbers (armed men) in our house. We couldn’t get in. And then, I think, the Wednesday before, I started on Sunday too. When we got home, they had broken into our home. But we don’t know how they got in; they just scattered all our stuff.
https://youtu.be/YTH2h2QAwaI
“They didn’t take the money; they didn’t take anything. All they took was my husband’s deodorant and spray. There were laptops, there was money, and they didn’t take anything. They just came to mess the place up. That was the Wednesday before I started. So we had to leave home and then go lodge in a hotel and all that. So after the sing-a-thon, we couldn’t have gone back home.
We had to lodge in a hotel.”
When asked how it affected her psychologically, she retorted, “Thursday was terrible. Anybody who saw me on Thursday would have said somewhere that I’m stressed already. But they didn’t know what was happening to me. Because it was Wednesday night, we couldn’t sleep in our bedroom. We slept in the living room.”
Afua Asantewaa concluded herGuinness World Record ‘singathon’ on Friday, December 29, 2023, having achieved an impressive 126 hours, surpassing the previous 105-hour record.
The determination of whether she officially broke the record will depend on the review conducted by the Guinness World Record team.
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, led by Russia, plan to convene their first Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) of 2024 in early February, although the specific date has not yet been determined, according to three sources within the alliance.
These meetings, held every two months, serve to monitor the implementation of production agreements.
The JMMC includes key countries such as Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In its last full ministerial meeting on November 30, OPEC agreed to voluntary output cuts of approximately 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) for the current quarter, with Saudi Arabia extending its existing voluntary cut.
The upcoming February meeting will assess the deal’s implementation in January. Angola recently announced its departure from OPEC, citing a focus on membership status rather than serving the group’s business interests.
If Angola follows through with its exit in January 2024, it will be the third country to leave OPEC, following Ecuador in 2020 and Qatar in 2019.
Reports suggest that the decision is influenced by disagreements with Saudi Arabia, which is perceived to be out of touch with global corporate, financial, and political developments.
Media personality and influencer Nana Aba Anamoah criticised theGhana Football Association (GFA) amid reports of the senior national team struggling to secure a standard pitch for their pre-African Cup of Nations (AFCON) camp.
“The FA should be ashamed that they do not own a training facility befitting our national teams,” she tweeted on January 3, 2023.
Social media users widely supported her stance.
Earlier in the day, Ghanasoccernet.com reported that Ghana coach Chris Hughton and his backroom staff expressed frustration and anger over the poor camping facilities in the country.
The players were also dissatisfied with the state of the training pitch and overall conditions in the camp, just 11 days before the start of the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.
The team had initially planned to train at the Baba Yara Stadium but changed to the privately owned Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex due to the unsuitability of the national facility upon inspection by the technical team.
Despite the setback, the Black Stars remain dedicated to their goal of preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The challenges posed by the suboptimal pitch conditions have, however, heightened the technical team’s disappointment, emphasising the importance of suitable training environments for optimal performance in the upcoming tournament.
An exciting moment unfolded when Ghanaian actor Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as LilWin, met with Afua Asantewaa, the Ghanaian attempting to break the sing-a-thon record, during a show on United Television (UTV).
LilWin commended Afua Asantewaa and her team for successfully taking on the sing-a-thon challenge without any setbacks and for involving the general public.
During the encounter, LilWin playfully questioned Afua Asantewaa about why she didn’t include any of his songs in the sing-a-thon that had captured the nation’s attention.
In response, Afua Asantewaa explained that she had to omit some of the initially selected songs during the final rehearsal of the main contest because they were straining her voice.
This exchange occurred on the UTV ‘Day With Celebrities’ program, where celebrities and prominent personalities take on various roles on TV, including journalism.
“You [Afua Asanteewaa] is the one that made everybody, from celebrities to political leaders and others, support you for the first time. It means you are blessed. Secondly, I would like to thank your team, especially your medical doctors.
“They are God-fearing looking at the way they took care of your feeding and making sure you don’t endanger your health for the sake of the contest. But why didn’t you sing my song? I have gospel songs; I have morale songs.”
Afua Asantewaa then responded, “I had your song on my list; I can even show it to you. However, during the final rehearsal, some of the songs were straining my voice. Also, some of the songs involve my emotions a lot so by the time I end, it would seem like a concert.”
Afua Asantewaa concluded herGuinness World Record ‘singathon’ journey on Friday, December 29, 2023, having achieved an impressive 126 hours, surpassing the existing 105-hour record. The determination of whether she will officially be recognised for breaking the record awaits review by the Guinness World Record team.
Popular Ghanaianrapper Okyeame Kwame has talked candidly about his experiences celebrating Christmas with his wife and kids, who are Jehovah Witnesses and don’t commemorate the holiday.
Okyeame Kwame stated in a TV3 interview that he respects his family’s religious convictions and does not coerce them into participating in his celebrations.
He stated that he did not want to renegotiate his decision to allow his children to follow their mother’s beliefs at this time because he made it before he married her.
“My family, my wife, and my children are complete individuals. Independent of what I like and what I don’t like. So the beauty of that is the diversity or the unity in that diversity where we all let each other be.
“So you celebrate this one. Go ahead and do it. It’s not about forcing people to like what you like. After all, the fewer, the merrier,” he said.
Kwame also said that he does not see celebrating Christmas as a big deal and that he focuses more on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ than on his birth or death.
“Plus, celebrating Christmas or not is not consequential. It’s not about the death or the birth for me; it’s more about the life; it’s more about the forgiveness; it’s more about the service; it’s more about the kindness. It’s all about enlightenment and being kind. I look at the life of Christ and the quality of life. Can I be Christlike? That is where my focus is,” he said.
Well-known in Ghana as a rapper and performer, Okyeame Kwame is best known for hits like “Woara,” “Woman,” and “Made in Ghana.”
In addition, he is an activist and a philanthropist.
Real Betis manager Manuel Pelligrini says the timing of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) must be respected by European clubs.
The decision to release players for the tournament during the winter, which is a crucial time of the season, has become an issue of huge debate between clubs and countries.
Pelligrini, who worked with 2015 AFCON winner Yaya Toure, will lose Youssouf Sabaly of Senegal and Morocco duo Chadi Riad and EZ Abde to the 2023 edition in Ivory Coast.
The seasoned manager, however, says he is proud of them for representing their countries, so he is not concerned about their absence.
However, the veteran manager is not worried by their absence, as he explains his pride in representing their nations.
“ I don’t have all the information on this subject (whether it should happen in the winter or not). I think I’ve always said it: I’m completely a supporter of the national teams. Nations like to see their selection play.
“The national teams or local football teams of each country must have their own space (competition time),” he said, as quoted by Wiw Sport.
“In Africa, we have the CAN in January. Every club that recruits African footballers therefore knows that it cannot count on them during this CAN period,” he added.
Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Real Betis boss Manuel Pellegrini had disclosed why his tenure at Real Madrid was never going to be successful.
The Chilean manager managed the Los Blancos for one season, where he went trophyless despite having a star-studded squad.The 70-year-old finished second in the 2009/2010 campaign in La Liga despite getting 96 points.
They lost the title to Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, who beat them twice that season.
Cisse includes Sabaly in AFCON squad
It was earlier reported that Aliou Cisse supported his choice to select three injured players and Youssouf Sabaly in his team for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast the following month.
The stars of Saudi Arabia, Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Edouard Mendy, are among the 27 players in the former Teranga Lions captain’s team for the tournament, which was revealed on Friday.
The reigning winners are hoping to hold onto the championship they earned in Cameroon last year as they head to Ivory Coast.
Kaakie departed Ghana’s borders in 2018 to pursue her education in the United States.
This came about following the termination of her contract with the High-Grade family.
However, she revealed in an interview on Accra’s 3FM that she was going back to the scene.
According to Kakie, she has the backing of her spouse and other prominent figures in the music industry, and she is confident that she will eventually establish her own position.
“Actually I came in purposely…So by God’s grace, I’m coming back to the scene, and we are working hard. I haven’t just been silent.
“I have been working behind the scenes and I haven’t been alone. I’ve had genuine support from my husband; he’s been pushing me, and I’ve also metpeople that were in the scene,” she said on Accra-based 3Fm.
The sports network, owned by Multichoice, announced that they won’t be airing the tournament taking place in Ivory Coast from January to February.
The broadcasting rights were awarded to a Togo-based broadcaster instead.
Despite being a reliable broadcaster of African competitions in the past, SuperSport has shown less interest in showcasing Caf competitions lately.
They also declined to air the newly launched African Football League, where Mamelodi Sundowns emerged as the inaugural champions.
On January 3, Multichoice issued a statement revealing their inability to secure broadcasting rights for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The rights were awarded to Togo’s New World TV by Caf.
Caf President Patrice Motsepe praised the agreement as a historic mega deal, emphasising its significance as the largest investment by a Pan-African broadcaster in Caf’s history.
Motsepe expressed pride in partnering with New World TV, recognising its global competitiveness and innovation in adapting to modern football audience demands.
TheAfrica Cup of Nations is set to commence on January 13, featuring exciting matchups, including Ivory Coast vs. Guinea-Bissau and Egypt vs. Ghana on January 18, with Senegal and Cameroon defending their titles on January 19.
In the lead-up to the parliamentary primaries of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), significant attention is directed towards Amb.
Michael Oquaye Jr., who has secured the highly sought-after ‘No.1’ position for the upcoming primaries in the Dome-Kwabenya Constituency.
Commencing on January 3 and concluding on January 5, 2024, the NPP has initiated a comprehensive vetting process, spanning across regional capitals nationwide.
This crucial phase is marked by the formation of vetting committees for Greater Accra TEAM A: Madam Kate Gyamfua (chairperson), Isaac Jay Nii Amahtey Hyde (Member), and Kwesi Abeasi (Member).
The constitution of this committee underscores the NPP’s commitment to a transparent, impartial, and thorough vetting process.
As the political tension intensifies in Dome-Kwabenya, Amb. Mike Oquaye Jr.’s securing of the number one position firmly establishes him as a prominent contender in the parliamentary primaries of the constituency.
The ongoing vetting process acts as a meticulous assessment, scrutinizing aspiring parliamentary candidates to ensure that the NPP is represented by the most qualified individuals in constituencies with incumbent Members of Parliament.
Anticipation is elevated as the journey progresses towards the parliamentary primaries, culminating on January 27, 2023.
Amb. Michael Oquaye Jnr. approached the vetting process with determination, setting the stage for a crucial election in Dome-Kwabenya that holds the promise of reshaping the political landscape.
The residents ofDome-Kwabenya eagerly await a new leader and transformative change.
Italian football legend Gianluigi Buffon has spoken up in support of his compatriots, Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Fagioli, who are currently serving bans for betting violations.
Newcastle midfielder Tonali received a significant 10-month suspension for betting on matches in which he had participated with AC Milan.
Juventus star Fagioli also faced repercussions for placing bets on unauthorised platforms, resulting in a seven-month ban and a €12,500 (£11,000/$13,000) fine.
Buffon has defended both players, emphasising the systemic issues within the sport and the pervasive nature of betting within it.
Speaking to Corriere della Sera, the legendary goalkeeper said, “This is a very sensitive issue. I think it is wrong to criminalise and not to make distinctions.
Betting in itself is not a crime; the stadiums themselves and sports broadcasts are full of App advertisements of this kind, and the state encourages gambling. If, on the other hand, a footballer bets on football, he faces punishment, and rightly so; but if he bets on volleyball, basketball, or dog racing, he is not committing a crime. And it gets worse when people talk about gambling, again missing the point: gambling is not a problem of how much you spend but of the time you devote to this activity.
“And we have to explain this to the children: it is not that if you make continuous 1 euro bets by spending hours and hours in front of the App, then it is OK; whereas if one spends 1 million on one occasion, then he is a gambler. We can say he’s a moron; that’s fine; but the disease stems from the addiction, the continuity with which one does something.”
Buffon was involved in a betting scandal during his own playing days, being accused of betting on five Juventus matches between 2004 and 2005.
The veteran shotstopper was eventually cleared despite a torrent of negative press, a tendency he has since called out. “I don’t like bigots who judge with an aberrant superficiality without really knowing what the motives are,” Buffon added. “I’ve been there myself, being muddied without having committed anything; when things are cleared up, you forget to explain and apologise and leave people with a label on them. I find that deeply wrong.”
Buffon’s remarks, particularly regarding the deep-seated influence of betting in today’s football, resonate as several players face legal consequences for violating betting regulations.
Brentford’s Ivan Toneyis on the verge of making a comeback after serving an eight-month suspension for admitting to 232 breaches of the English FA’s betting rules.
Despite scoring 21 goals in 35 appearances for the Bees last season, the English star’s lengthy ban might prompt interest from other clubs.
While Tonali and Fagioli weren’t as fortunate as Buffon in avoiding punishment, it is believed that their cooperation contributed to reducing their sentences from a potential three-year ban.
Both Italian stars will now undergo a rehabilitation program before making their respective returns to the field.
Getafe manager Jose Bordalas has disclosed the comments made by Mason Greenwood to the referee that led to his straight red card against Rayo Vallecano.
Greenwood was sent off after just 50 minutes into Getafe’s match on Tuesday, reducing the team to nine players.
The Manchester United loanee received a straight red card for dissent, and manager Jose Bordalas shared post-game what Greenwood had communicated to the match official.
Getafe ultimately suffered a 2-0 defeat, and the match concluded with three of their players receiving red cards.
Juanmi Latasa was the first to be sent off after receiving a second yellow card, followed by Greenwood and Damien Suarez, who also saw red upon leaving the pitch after being substituted.
Greenwood is now set to serve a suspension due to his red card, and this incident may have repercussions for his future.
The forward has reportedly attracted interest from various clubs, including La Liga giants Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
However, the red card is unlikely to leave a positive impression on potential suitors.
Ghana Revenue Authority has provided reasons for the delay in implementing five tax bills passed by Parliament in 2023.
Parliament passed five new tax bills, including the VAT Amendment Bill, which could lead to a more than 30% increase in motor insurance this year; the Emission Levy, which imposes an additional annual charge of 100 cents on petroleum and diesel car owners; and the Betting Tax, before their December 2023 break.
However, the Commissioner General of the GRA, Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, explained that certain conditions must be fulfilled before enforcement can take place.
“Normally, once Parliament has approved the bill, there could be some amendments and changes in the approval process. So even though our team has put together patterns for the approval processes, we cannot put them out until the final bill is given to us.”
“If you implement it and there are changes to be made, you have to go back and make all those changes.
“That is why we need to wait. The aim was to start on January 1, 2024, but we need to wait for the final bill,” Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah said on Rainbow Radio Accra.
Pedri has urgd Barcelona to pursue Manchester City’s Erling Haaland as a future replacement for the ageing Robert Lewandowski.
With Lewandowski currently 35 years old and showing signs of decline, Pedri sees Haaland as the ideal successor, referring to the City striker as a “cyborg” with a prolific goal-scoring record.
While expressing his dream signing preference, Pedri mentioned that signing Lionel Messi at a younger age would have been ideal, but currently, he would opt for Haaland.
Haaland, known for his remarkable record of 71 goals and 14 assists in 75 appearances for City, played a crucial role in their historic treble in the 2022–23 season.
However, he is currently sidelined due to a stress fracture in his foot, causing him to miss the FIFA Club World Cup and City’s recent Premier League fixtures.
Barcelona is already planning for the future and has secured Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense in a €35m deal.
Roque, assigned the No.19 shirt for the season, is seen as a player who could follow in the footsteps of Lionel Messi, who wore the same number during his initial seasons at Camp Nou.
Pedri, currently recovering from an injury, is expected to make a return to action after the Spanish Super Cup in the third week of January, facing Real Betis in La Liga.
Meanwhile, Haaland’s absence will be felt by City in their upcoming FA Cup third-round clash against Huddersfield, with no confirmed timeline for his return.
Spain’s football player, Jenni Hermoso, has testified in court that a kiss from Luis Rubiales during the Women’s World Cup in 2023 was “unexpected” and not consensual.
Hermoso provided her account of the incident in a Madrid court following Spain’s World Cup victory in August 2023.
Luis Rubiales, then the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), kissed Hermoso, who informed the judge that the act was non-consensual.
Following the incident, Spanish prosecutors initiated a criminal investigation, and a judge will determine whether Rubiales will face charges of sexual assault and coercion.
Hermoso told the court the kiss was “unexpected and in no way consensual.” The World Cup winner also said she believed she had been a “victim of assault.”.
Hermoso refused to say any more after leaving the court, telling reporters only: “All is in the hands of justice; that’s all I can say.”
Rubiales has refuted the accusations and declined to apologise, asserting that the kiss was a “mutual” act.
Despite his denial, he was compelled to resign from his position as the president of the RFEF and received a three-year ban from football imposed by FIFA in light of the controversy.
If found guilty of sexual assault, Rubiales may be subject to a four- or five-year prison sentence, as reported by the Guardian.
Hermoso has acknowledged the challenging nature of life following the scandal, revealing that she has sought the assistance of a psychologist due to receiving threats.
Despite the difficulties, the 33-year-old has made a comeback to the Spain squad, registering a goal in her first game back against Italy.
Additionally, she recently concluded a transfer from Pachuca to Tigres.
Media personality and marriage counsellorMaame Yeboah Asiedu has addressed criticisms surrounding her divorce and subsequent remarriage.
She explained that her decision to divorce her previous husband, after nearly two decades of marriage, was influenced by the man’s legal actions to annul the marriage—a move she disagreed with but couldn’t prevent.
Contrary to public perceptions, Maame Yeboah Asiedu asserted that her divorce doesn’t contradict her counseling principles, emphasizing that it was not her choice to end the marriage.
She expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to remarry within a year of her divorce.
“I haven’t made up my mind to divorce but with all that you hear about me, there is one question I want to ask you, who divorced the other? The only thing I can say is that my husband divorced me; it was not my decision.
“I’m not a deceiver like people say, that I don’t practice what I preach but I have been practising. it’s just that it was taken from me. If your husband seeks a divorce in court, there is nothing you can do about it.
“I am married now and what surprises you is why I married so early after my divorce but I’m a favoured child of God. If I divorced ten thousand times, I would marry ten thousand times. I know why I’m trending but I’m the only woman who has married after divorcing in just a year.”
The recent marriage ceremony ofMaame Yeboah Asiedu, which surfaced on social media, has triggered intense reactions from the public.
Several netizens criticised her for divorcing, especially considering her previous strong advocacy against the same act.
In a bid to enhance their goal-scoring capabilities, Manchester United has compiled a list of four attacking players they are considering signing in the January transfer window, as reported by The Athletic.
The highlighted players on United’s radar include Bayern Munich’s Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Thomas Müller, RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner, and the in-form Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy.
The intention is to provide additional support to their recent acquisition, striker Rasmus Højlund, who has struggled with only one goal in 15 Premier League appearances.
Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, the existing options, have also faced challenges in goal production.
However, financial constraints are reportedly limiting United’s ability to make signings promptly as they await funding approval from new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Ineos group.
Considering Bayern’s interest in Guirassy, Choupo-Moting and Müller emerge as potentially affordable short-term solutions.
Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho’s departure from United seems imminent, with talks of a loan deal to Borussia Dortmund until the end of the season in progress.
West Ham Unitedhad previously shown interest, but Dortmund is now the front-runner for Sancho’s return, where he aims to rejuvenate his career after a successful stint in the Bundesliga.
In a widely circulated video on social media, Ghanaian actor and comedian Yaw Dabo disclosed certain regulations he has established for his football academy, known as Dabo Soccer Academy.
In the video, Dabo is seen addressing a group of aspiring young boys interested in joining his football academy, which was established in 2020 to nurture and promote football talents in the country.
Dabo emphasised that his academy is not merely for leisure but a serious institution requiring discipline and commitment from its players.
He made it clear that any form of indiscipline would not be tolerated.
Additionally, Dabo stressed the importance of strict adherence to rules, including a mandatory 8 p.m. bedtime and early morning training sessions.
He warned that failure to comply would result in expulsion from the academy without leniency.
Dabo expressed his goal of developing players who would bring pride to Ghana on the international stage.
He urged the boys to seize the opportunity seriously, work diligently, and strive to achieve their dreams of becoming professional footballers.
Ghanaian chef Faila Abdul Razakhas garnered widespread admiration for the impeccably presented meals she is offering during her Guinness World Record attempt for the longest cook-a-thon.
The dishes being presented during Faila Abdul Razak’s attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cook-a-thon are gaining attention.
Images of Faila Abdul Razak’s dishes are circulating online as the Ghanaian chef strives to set a new record, aiming to surpass Irish Chef Alan Fisher’s 119-hour and 57-minute cooking feat.
Beyond breaking records, Faila also seeks to elevate the prominence of Ghanaian cuisine globally.
Online spectators have praised the visually appealing and delectable meals that Faila is preparing during the cook-a-thon. The diverse menu includes traditional Ghanaian dishes such as fufu, tuo zafi, jollof, and waakye.
Ghanaian actor and comedian, Lil Win, has revealed his intentions to run for the Afigya Kwabere South parliamentary seat in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
In a widely circulated video on social media, the comedic actor showcased the savings he had accumulated to finance his political aspirations.
Displaying a small piggy bank, he claimed it contained all the funds he had diligently saved throughout the year, setting aside coins and notes from his earnings.
Lil Win mentioned that despite seeking financial support from various institutions, such as banks and NGOs, his attempts proved unsuccessful.
Undeterred, he explained that he had opted for an alternative approach, relying on his personal resources to drive his campaign forward.
The actor emphasized his vision to bring positive change to the Afigya Kwabere South Constituency, currently held by the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Lil Win expressed his desire to enhance development, education, health, and entertainment for the constituents, declaring his candidacy as an independent candidate.
Renowned Ghanaian actress Lydia Forson garnered significant attention on the internet as she shared stunning photos of herself, opting for a topless look and instead adorning her body with gold glitter.
Lydia Forson shines in her New Year photos, sharing captivating images on her Instagram page to welcome the start of the year.
In these snapshots, she chose a shirtless ensemble, embellishing herself with gold glitter that brought a sparkling allure.
In the caption of the post, she wrote a message saying, Happy 2024!! This year, we are Being bold & beautiful!!! We are looking for hairstylists, Makeup Artists, Barbers, Nail nail techs who want to take their brand to the next level!!!
The talented actress fashioned her hair into two ponytails, each intricately arranged in a traditional manner using a wig, with the ends left in puffs.
Ghanaians react to Lydia Forson’s shirtless pictures : The pictures caught the attention of many of Lydia Forson’s followers such that they filled the comment section with compliments.
kofikoomsongh_ said: These are Lydia’s best and most iconic pictures!!! She needs to frame these moments!!! It’s so beautiful and gody like a god!
kobirana said: Okayyyy it will be a HOTTT year
saque_maddish said: This is a true definition of an African woman. enyonamsateklah said: This is Womanhood is shaded Gold and bold
❤️ akosuah_diva said: Pure gold. As pure as ur heart ❤️ arreallared said: You are the ICON kingsmultimedia said: Beautiful shots ❤️
Man Utd Erik ten Hag aims to maintain his influence in Manchester United’s recruitment decisions even after the approval of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority investment in the club, as per a source reported by ESPN’s Rob Dawson.
A team led by Ratcliffe, the chairman and CEO of INEOS, is poised to take charge of football operations at Old Trafford upon finalizing the $1.3 billion deal for a 25% stake.
Sir Dave Brailsford, the director of sport at INEOS, intends to overhaul United’s player recruitment strategy. However, Ten Hag, as per the source, is eager to ensure that he retains a significant role in the decision-making process.
Since assuming the managerial role in 2022, the Dutchman has held a veto on all transfers and wishes to continue playing a major part in determining the ins and outs of players at Old Trafford.
Questions have been raised about United’s transfer policy, notably after spending €100 million to acquire Antony from his former club Ajax.
According to ESPN’s source, the veto is a contractual provision for Ten Hag, and he anticipates this clause to be honoured despite changes in the leadership of the football department.
Ten Hag is scheduled tohold discussions with Ratcliffe, Brailsford, and the rest of the INEOS team ahead of the official ratification of the investment deal.
Ghana coach Chris Hughton and his coaching team are expressing frustration and anger due to the subpar camping facilities, leaving players upset about the poor conditions of the training pitch and overall camp environment just 11 days before the commencement of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
The contentious decision to change the camp location from South Africa to Ghana is now causing significant dissatisfaction within the team.
The Black Stars initiated their nine-day camp in Kumasi at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex, diverging from their initial plan to train at the Baba Yara Stadium.
However, an unfortunate turn of events occurred when the technical staff found the Baba Yara Stadium’s pitch unsuitable during the planned inspection, causing a setback to the team’s preparations.
The condition of the field was deemed unplayable, necessitating a change in their training location.
Despite this setback, theBlack Stars remain committed to their goal of preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Nevertheless, the challenges posed by the unsatisfactory pitch conditions have intensified the disappointment of the technical team, underscoring the crucial need for suitable training environments to ensure optimal performance in the upcoming tournament.
Ghanaian chef aiming to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon, Chef Faila, has gained attention worldwide during the global competition.
Her spouse, Lt. Reginald Ofosuhene Adjei, is a military member dedicated to ensuring the safety of the public through his tireless service.
As reported by GhPage.com, their splendid wedding took place on November 1, 2020, with no confirmation yet regarding the existence of children, despite speculations about Chef Faila giving birth.
During the cooking marathon, Lt. Reginald Ofosuhene Adjei provided insights in an interview with Gossip 24TV, shedding light on the preparations for the challenge.
He emphasised his role as a military professional, having adequately trained his wife and arranged everything necessary for the cook-a-thon attempt.
“I knew that small training and other. I believe in training a lot and I just figured out that there’s an event that we have done financially. This one is competition it’s meant for. So, yes, money and training, but whatever, I think I was able to.
“I’m here off work because I’m looking for the safety of my wife. Talking to the medical. That’s why I’ve been running. I just want to ensure that I tell them that the record is one way it’s going to change.
He further called on Ghanaians to come out in their numbers and show massive support to Chef Faila in her quest to break the cook-a-thon record.
“I want them to come out in their numbers to support her. So just come, enjoy, tour the place and give the morale. It’s bringing that unity among us.”
Director of Research at the Institute of Economic Affairs Dr. John Kwabena Kwakye has urged the government to address the country’s exchange rate issues by boosting its export activities.
This statement was made in response to a discussion about the nation’s capacity to secure the second installment of the loan from the International Monetary Fund.
He said: “The solution is to increase export earnings and maximise the benefits from natural resources.”
Previously, Professor Peter Quartey, the Director of the Institute of Statistical, Social, and Economic Research (ISSER), conveyed optimism about the nation’s capability to reach an agreement with bilateral creditors by February.
He asserted that such an arrangement would contribute to the stabilisation of the exchange rate.
“For us to get the second tranche [funds], it is dependent on us getting into an agreement with external creditors.
“If that happens, then certainly we are likely to see some stability in the exchange rate market and that drives inflation and a lot of activities on the business front. So, if the exchange rate is relatively stable, we are likely to see some gains,” he was quoted by myjoyonline.com.
During the ‘Day With The Stars’ event organised by United Television (UTV) on January 1, 2024, there was a noteworthy moment when veteran Ghanaian actor Akwasi Boadi, widely known asAkrobeto, and media personality Nana Aba Anamoah took on the roles of news anchors.
In the course of presenting the news, Akrobeto, discussing a story about Member of Parliament Sarah Adwoa Safo’s apology to her constituents (a significant event in 2023), made several pronunciation mistakes.
Nana Aba Anamoah, his co-newscaster, promptly pointed out the errors and provided corrections.
The unique dynamic between the two, consideringNana Aba Anamoah’s proficiency in English and Akrobeto’s strength in the local language, sparked comical reactions from viewers as they delivered the news in their distinctive styles.
Ghanaian defender Baba Rahman has clarified the rationale behind his choice to withdraw from Ghana’s ultimate squad for the tournament in Ivory Coast. The PAOK Salonika left-back was notably absent when Ghana coach Chris Hughton revealed the final 27-man squad for the competition.
In a statement posted on the micro-blogging site X, the former Chelsea and Reading left-back explained that he made the decision to prioritize his career.
“Hear me out:
“I just wanted to say that the decision to opt out of the AFCON was solely based on footballing reasons and nothing else.
“Playing for my country will always be the highest point of my career and every time I have been lucky to wear the shirt, I have given my all,” his message read in part.
Baba Rahman, who has accumulated 51 caps for Ghana since his debut in 2014, has faced substantial criticism lately due to his underwhelming performances.
The player’s relationship with fans has been strained, exacerbated by former Ghana coach CK Akonnor’s statement suggesting that Rahman was selected for the national team as a form of obligation.
Baba Rahman experienced disapproval from the crowd during Ghana’s 1-0 victory over Angola at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Chris Hughton’s inaugural game as the Black Stars coach.
Ghana is set to commence their pre-tournament training camp in Kumasi on Tuesday.
The four-time African champions are scheduled to face Namibia on January 8 in their sole preparatory friendly before departing for Ivory Coast on January 10.
As per a news report, the acclaimed waakye seller died today, Wednesday, January 3, 2023, at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) in Accra after a brief illness.
Auntie Muni’s son, Arafat, in an interview with Asaaseradio confirmed his mother’s demise.
“Mummy was sick; she was complaining of pain, so we took her to the SSNIT Hospital. There were complications, so she asked that they discharge her.
“When they discharged her, after two days, we realised she was still not feeling well. So we rushed her to the University of Ghana Medical Centre for medical attention and this morning at 3 a.m. she passed away,” Arafat is quoted to have said on the Asaase Breakfast Show.
About Auntie Muni:
Originally from Tamale in theNorthern Region, Auntie Muni received education up to the middle school level before relocating to Accra slightly over two decades ago following disagreements with her husband.
Leaving behind her thriving banku, gari, and beans business in Tamale, she initially assisted her aunt in the ‘waakye’ trade in Accra before eventually taking over.
Starting her Waakye venture from home, Auntie Muni later moved to a roadside location based on her customers’ suggestions, seeking greater visibility.
🕊️/ Auntie Muni Dies: Arafat, the son of Auntie, explains the possible cause of her unfortunate demise on #AsaaseABS. Take a listen. ⤵️
Despite encountering occasional challenges in her successful waakye business, she persisted through a tough period three years ago when her children advised her to quit due to a six-month downturn.
Auntie Muni’s determination paid off as business picked up again.
Auntie Muni Waakye, situated in Labone, stands as the most renowned ‘waakye’ spot in the capital.
In an interview, she revealed that her clientele includes high-profile government officials, the children ofex-President John Agyekum Kufuor, former President John Dramani Mahama, musicians, top businessmen, and ordinary Ghanaians who patronize her meals daily.
The clash between West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion concluded with a scoreless deadlock.
The Hammers hosted the Round 20 match in the ongoing English Premier League campaign at the London Stadium on January 2, 2024.
Mohammed Kudus was absent from West Ham United’s matchday squad as he had been released to join Ghana in preparation for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
In Kudus’ absence, West Ham felt the void of his skills but managed to field an equally competent replacement.
Despite both teams creating numerous opportunities throughout the 90 minutes, neither side could find the back of the net, resulting in a goalless draw.
At 23 years old, Mohammed Kudus is anticipated to miss a minimum of three West Ham matches while representing Ghana in the 2023 AFCON.
If the Black Stars progress to the AFCON final, the prominent forward may be absent for additional games.
Renowned Nigerian comedian Chukwuemeka Emmanuel, popularlyknown as Sabinus, has expressed his strong support for Ghanaian actor Kwadwo Nkansah, famously called LilWin.
Sabinus eagerly mentioned that he would be thrilled to collaborate on a comedy skit with LilWin and share enjoyable moments with the actor, given his deep admiration for him.
Sabinus also urged those in close proximity to LilWin to convey this message to the actor, emphasising that he is an ardent fan eagerly anticipating a potential collaboration.
“I would love to do a skit with @ OfficialLilWin and @Ericomondi. Abeg, make who de close to them tell dem, say I be fan o,” Sabinus wrote on his Twitter page.
Sabinus, the Nigerian comedian, has solidified his position in Africa as one of the top humorists, specialising in delivering jokes that bring laughter and serve as a source of stress relief for his audience.
New Patriotic Party (NPP) has unveiled committees responsible for overseeing the vetting process of Parliamentary aspirants in constituencies with incumbent MPs.
This announcement came through a press statement dated January 1, 2024, signed by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong.
As outlined in the statement, the vetting of aspiring Parliamentary Candidates is slated to occur in all regional capitals from Wednesday, January 3, 2024, to Friday, January 5, 2024.
Additionally, the NPP has directed all Regional Executive Committees to ensure the prompt dissemination of information concerning the date, time, and venue of the vetting process to their respective constituencies and aspiring parliamentary Candidates.
The press statement also disclosed that the party has designated specific individuals to serve as National representatives on the vetting committees across different regions.
Furthermore, the vetting process for aspiring Parliamentary Candidates in the Bawku Central, Ketu North, and Akatsi North constituencies has received confirmation from the party.
In addition, the statement outlined the establishment of a National Parliamentary Appeals Committee (NPAC) tasked with addressing appeals from aspirants and other stakeholders.
The NPP conveyed its expectation of full cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure the seamless conduct of the primaries and extended its best wishes to allaspiring candidates.
UK is considering the trial of “smart” passport gates that could allow travellers to cross the border without presenting a physical passport.
Phil Douglas, the director-general of the UK Border Force, aims for a “much more frictionless facial recognition” system, hoping to upgrade the current eGates to enable arriving passengers to enter the UK by simply looking into a camera and keeping their passports in their pockets.
The existing eGates use facial recognition, checking each traveler’s face against the data encrypted on the passport. The proposed system would rely on centralised data.
Currently, eGates are accessible to travellers aged 10 or above from the UK, EU, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea.
However, the new smart gates would require travellers to be registered on a centralised database.
The phased implementation of the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorization Scheme is expected to provide the necessary information for eligible travellers.
Mr Douglas told The Times, “We will know a lot more information about people upfront.”
Other countries are already using advanced facial recognition, with the world’s busiest international airport, Dubai, deploying the technology for some travellers.
Dubai Airports claims: “Smart Gates allow you to get through immigration procedures in as little as five seconds.” Families with children under 15, as well as travellers under 1.2 metres tall, are unable to use the smart gates in Dubai.
Australia employs similar technology at some of its airports.
In the UK, an initial trial for the proposed “smart” passport gates is expected to occur at a single airport, involving a limited number of travelers.
Subsequently, a procurement exercise will follow, and the cost of upgrading the existing eGates, numbering in the hundreds, is anticipated to be in the tens of millions.
However, passengers who experienced the collapse of the entire UK eGates system in May 2023 might approach these proposed enhancements with caution.
The failure of a systems upgrade over thelate May bank holiday resulted in tens of thousands of passengers queuing for many hours.
The local police have reported the discovery of the body of Ugandan athlete Benjamin Kiplagat in Kenya, indicating a possible murder with a knife wound to his neck.
Various media outlets, including Uganda’s Daily Monitor, have reported that Kiplagat, 34, was stabbed to death.
Kiplagat, originally from Kenya, had represented Uganda in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at various international events, including the Olympic Games and World Championships.
His lifeless body was found in a car on the outskirts of Eldoret, situated in the Rift Valley, on Saturday night.
Eldoret is renowned for being a hub for athletes who undergo training in the high-altitude region.
“An investigation has been launched and officers are on the ground pursuing leads,” local police commander Stephen Okal told reporters in Eldoret on Sunday.
He said Kiplagat’s body had a deep knife wound to his neck, suggesting he was stabbed.
‘Shocked and saddened’: condolences pour in
“World Athletics is shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Benjamin Kiplagat,” the global athletics governing body said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter.
“We send our deepest condolences to his friends, family, teammates and fellow athletes. Our thoughts are with them all at this difficult time.”
Peter Ogwang, state minister forsports in Uganda, expressed similar sentiments on X.
Daughter ofBishop Dag Heward-Mills, Founder and Presiding Bishop of the United Denominations Originating from the Lighthouse Group of Churches, Dr. Daniella Cookie Elisabeth Heward-Mills, joyfully celebrated her marriage to James Nii-Tetteh Chinery-Hesse at an elegant wedding ceremony in Accra on December 23.
Numerous photos from the event, widely shared on social media, captured the beauty of the garden wedding, graced by distinguished personalities.
Notable attendees included Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, the Presiding Archbishop and General Overseer of the Action Chapel International Ministry, Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo.
The grand ceremony unfolded at the prestigious Anagkazo Bible and Ministry Training Centre in Mampong, creating a memorable and picturesque setting for the joyous occasion.
Check out some of the pictures from the wedding as shared by one of the pastors in attendance, below:
Ghanaian artist Black Sherif was recently spotted in the studio with Odumodublvck, sparking anticipation for a potential hit collaboration. A video capturing their studio session has gone viral on TikTok, creating a buzz of excitement and curiosity among fans.
In the video, Black Sherif and Odumodublvck can be seen immersed in the creative process, vibing to a beat and singing lyrics.
Many viewers have expressed that the snippet of the song suggests it could be another chart-topping hit, given the duo’s impressive rap and vocal skills.
The TikTok video has garnered numerous comments from eager fans eagerly anticipating the release of the full song.
Having previously joined forces on the track “Wotowoto Seasoning,” featured in Odumodublvck’s album “Eziokwu,” Black Sherif and Odumodublvck have demonstrated a seamless collaboration once again.
The earlier song proved to be a massive success, amassing over 1.3 million views on YouTube and earning acclaim from both critics and fans.
In the comments section of the video, enthusiastic fans engaged in a lively debate about who would deliver the standout verse in the tune, showcasing the anticipation and excitementsurrounding their creative partnership.
Manchester United has opted not to activate a one-year extension in Raphaël Varane’s contract, as per a source informed ESPN.
This decision grants the defender the opportunity to engage in negotiations with clubs outside the Premier League starting January 1, potentially paving the way for a free transfer from Old Trafford in the upcoming summer.
Although manager Erik ten Hag views Varane as a crucial part of the squad, United is hesitant to trigger a one-year option that would commit the 30-year-old to wages exceeding £300k-per-week until June 2025.
While the club hasn’t ruled out extending Varane’s tenure, discussions around a new contract are likely to center on a performance-related agreement.
Varane’s current contract is set to conclude in June 2024, mirroring a strategy previously employed with former goalkeeper David De Gea.
The club decided against activating a one-year option in De Gea’s contract, resulting in his departure on a free transfer last summer.
Both Varane and De Gea were among United’s highest earners last season, alongside Casemiro and Jadon Sancho.
Marcus Rashford joined this group with a new long-term contract in July worth approximately £315k-per-week.
United is expected to trigger one-year extensions for Victor Lindelöf and Aaron Wan-Bissaka to retain them at Old Trafford until 2025, with their contracts initially set to expire next summer.
Anthony Martial’s contract extends until the summer, but United has chosen not to exercise the option for extension until 2025.
Despite scoring two goals in 19 appearances this season, the 28-year-old has been absent for the past three weeks due to illness, as confirmed by Ten Hag before the 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Women’s World Cup standout from Spain, Jenni Hermoso, has officially joined the Mexican champions Tigres Femenil after parting ways with her former team, Pachuca.
The 33-year-old confirmed her departure from Pachuca on December 31 and announced her commitment to continuing her professional career in the Liga MX Femenil.
“Nothing makes me more excited than announcing that I will be part of this incredible club. All my desire and enthusiasm to wear the shirt,” the World Cup winner wrote on X.
Having scored 26 goals and contributed 10 assists in 41 games for Pachuca since joining in the summer of 2022, Hermoso has made a notable impact.
The Spanish forward has now transitioned to Tigres, where she will be under the guidance of Spanish coach Milagros Martinez.
However, the official unveiling of Hermoso at Tigres is temporarily postponed.
This delay is attributed to her current commitment in Madrid, where the former Barcelona player is providing evidence in court against Luis Rubiales, the former president of Spain’s Football Federation.
