Jurgen Klopp experienced a shift from delight to dismay during Liverpool’s significant Premier League victory, as he briefly misplaced his wedding ring in the post-match celebrations on Monday.
A sharp-eyed TV cameraperson played a crucial role in spotting the ring in the midst of the Anfield pitch. Klopp, visibly relieved, responded by kissing the ring in front of the cameras.
“I had a massive shock,” Klopp said, “but it’s back.” The incident occurred shortly after Liverpool secured a 4-2 victory over Newcastle United, elevating Klopp’s team three points ahead of Aston Villa in the standings.
After congratulating his players and moving towards the fans with applause, Klopp suddenly noticed the absence of his wedding ring. In a quest to find it, he thoroughly searched the grass around his location, even seeking assistance from a steward.
Fortunately, the person operating the camera for British broadcaster Sky Sports informed Klopp about the whereabouts of his ring, resolving the brief moment of concern.
“Oh my God, that would have been really awful,” Klopp said. “I lost it once in my life — I needed a professional diver because it was in the sea.
“From time to time, when I lose one or two kilos, it’s not the right fit anymore.”
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah adopted the iconic Mohammed Kudus celebration, sitting on the advertising board, following his brace against Newcastle United.
The Egyptian forward replicated Kudus’ customary celebration after scoring for West Ham.
Salah’s goals contributed to Liverpool’s 4-2 victory, allowing them to start the year at the top of the Premier League table.
Despite this success, Salah, aged 31, is set to depart England on Tuesday to join his national team for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
Interestingly, Salah is anticipated to face Kudus in the second Group B game of the continental championship, creating an exciting matchup between the two Premier League stars.
In a twist of fate, Kudus’ journey to Ghana has been postponed due to a minor injury, which West Ham’s medical team is expected to address before his departure from London.
Vice President and flagbearer of theNew Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has generously contributed GHÂą30,000 to Chef Faliatu Abdul Razak, a Ghanaian aiming to establish a Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon.
The Northern Regional Minister, Shani Alhassan Saibu, presented the funds on behalf of Dr. Bawumia during his visit to Chef Faila at the Modern City Hotel, demonstrating support and encouragement.
Clarifying the Vice President’s absence from the occasion due to official government duties abroad, Minister Shani Alhassan Saibu conveyed Dr. Bawumia’s commitment to Chef Faila’s cause.
In an interview with JoyPrime TV, monitored by GhanaWeb, Minister Saibu expressed that the entire nation stands united in supporting Chef Faila’s endeavor to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon, aiming to bring pride to the nation.
âWe are here on behalf of His Excellency the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and on behalf of His Excellency the Vice President and flagbearer of the party [NPP], Dr. Bawumia.
“He has asked us to donate on his behalf because duty has taken him out of the country and we would be presenting the donation to the team, which would help her do what others couldn’t do.
“I know that she’s very resilient and she’s going to break the record and even set a record that will be too difficult for anybody to challenge very shortly. We are here to donate GHÂą30,000 from the vice president [Dr. Bawumia] to aid her in her ambition to break the Guinness World Record.
“On my behalf, I want to wish Chef Faila well and hope that she makes me proud because others have done it, she too can do it that wise. I say it is possible,â he said.
Even as hundreds and thousands crossed over into the year 2024 in churches and places of worship, others did so at places of entertainment or with friends and families.
Over in the north, Chef Failatu Abdul Razak has started an attempt to break the current Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon.
She is aiming to clock a 120-hour cook-a-thon with the event hosted at the Modern City Hotel in Tamale.
Initial videos shared by the state broadcaster, GTV, showed Failatu and her assistants in their glass-shielded kitchen setup embossed with images of Chef Faila.
Cook-a-thon became popular in 2023 after Nigerian Chef Hilda Baci broke the then-world record. An Irish chef, however, overthrew her months later.
Alan Fisher cooked for 119 hours, 57 minutes and 16 seconds.
Ghanaian gospel artistDiana Asamoah has expressed scepticism regarding assertions of severe economic challenges in the country.
During the UTV Day With the Stars event, where numerous celebrities gathered to contribute to program production, she questioned the validity of claims about Ghana’s tough economic conditions.
Asamoah pointed to the recent Christmas and New Year celebrations in Ghana as evidence that such claims might be unfounded.
She specifically credited President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s leadership and suggested that if the economic situation were truly dire, the festivities would not have been observed as well as they were.
âLooking at the way people celebrated Christmas in 2023, I have never seen such a thing anywhere. I donât see the reason why Ghanaians are complaining that the economy is hard.
“Those saying the country is hard are lying. We should be grateful to Nana Addo because if the economy were indeed hard, Ghanaians wouldnât be celebrating like this,â she said.
Additionally, she declared her endorsement for the Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, expressing confidence in his potential victory in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
Diana Asamoah has consistently and proudly declared her support for the NPP, actively defending the party’s policies. On multiple occasions, she has refrained from blaming President Nana Akufo-Addo for the prevailing economic challenges in the country.
The NPP, led by its flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, aspires to “break the 8” in the upcoming 2024 general elections, aiming to become the first political party to secure three consecutive terms in office.
Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced its intention to pursue the accounts of Ghanaians residing abroad who are not fulfilling their tax obligations.
This decision comes following the examination of 70,000 accounts belonging to Ghanaians in 40 different countries.
Revealing this information, Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, the Commissioner General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, shared these details during an episode of PM Express Business Edition with host George Wiafe.
âFor the 40 countries in which we have completed work, the value of money in these accounts is pegged at $2.8 billion,” he stated.
âHowever, the Ghana Revenue Authority has been able to raise a tax liability of $1.6 billion.
This is an assessment, but that doesnât mean that we have already collected the taxes on these accounts, the GRA boss added.
Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah emphasised that this initiative is the result of two months of work conducted by the GRA.
The Commissioner General further disclosed that his department anticipates receiving additional data in the first week of January 2024, potentially enhancing the anticipated revenue inflows.
Reasons and legal basis by GRA
The Commissioner-General of the GRA stated that the organisation is obtaining information through the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Agreement.
This agreement involves both the automatic exchange of information among member countries and information exchange upon request.
He explained that 150 countries, including Ghana, have endorsed this agreement facilitated by the OECD. It enables member countries to share information either through requests or automatically. This agreement empowers Ghana to engage in the reciprocal sharing of information with other member countries.
âThis means that Ghana can go to theUK and ask for information on Ghanaian residents in that country and the UK can also request that GRA share information on their residents in Ghana,” Dr. Owusu-Amoah pointed out.
The development, he added, will also help in checking money laundering.
âGhana is one of the 5th countries in Africa that, in 2022, managed to satisfy all the conditions to be part of the OEDC agreement on sharing data for tax purposes on residents in their countries,â the GRA Boss revealed.
What will happen to residents in Ghana who donât cooperate?
Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah added that individuals failing to meet their tax obligations would be granted a grace period to comply with the GRA. However, if they fail to do so within the stipulated time, the Authority will proceed to impose the necessary penalties.
In addition, the Commissioner General disclosed that the GRA is set to launch a Special Voluntary Disclosure Program (SVDP) tailored for foreign nationals and businesses operating in Ghana.
Under this program, foreign individuals and businesses in the country can voluntarily disclose any unreported or underreported information regarding their financial activities outside Ghana for tax purposes.
This initiative operates within the framework of the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement (MCAA) and the Standard for Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information in Tax Matters Act, 2018 (Act 967).
Rev. Dr. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah clarifiedthat the Voluntary Disclosure Programme encourages participants to voluntarily disclose any errors or omissions, with the potential for a reduction in the penalties that would typically be applied to such violations.
He also added that âAll information provided under the Voluntary Disclosure Programme will be treated with utmost confidentiality, whilst stringent protocol measures have been put in place to protect the security and privacy of your data.
Currently running for the MP position in the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency, Dumelo shared on his Twitter handle on January 1st that he intends to address the issue of exorbitant rent charges.
Expressing his concern, Dumelo highlighted that Ghanaians are supposed to pay a maximum of 6 months’ rent for residential properties.
However, he pointed out that many landlords demand an upfront two-year rent advance before leasing properties. If elected, John Dumelo has pledged to prioritize addressing this issue as one of his initial actions in office.
âThe first thing I will champion when I become a member of parliament is the rent issue. Ghanaians must pay a maximum 6-month rent advance for residential properties,â he posted.
The Rent Control Department of Ghana has cautioned landlords against demanding more than six months’ rent in advance from their tenants, saying this is against the law and can lead to prosecution.
The department’s PRO, Emmanuel Kporsu, in an interview earlier in the year that tenants can voluntarily pay more than six months’ rent in advance if they wish, but landlords cannot force them to do so.
The first thing i will champion when I become member of parliament is the rent issue. Ghanaians must pay maximum 6 months rent advance for residential properties.
The Crystal Palace attacker achieved the highest number of completed dribbles, totaling 84, securing the top position on the chart at the conclusion of an exceptional year.
Ayew continues to have a remarkable season with the South London club, showcasing his skills by scoring two goals and providing five assists in 19 Premier League matches.
His standout performance was evident as Crystal Palace emerged victorious against Brentford on Sunday.
However, Ayew has left for Ghana in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations, posing a significant setback for the Eagles in his absence.
âIt was important to win. Todayâs my last game because I’ll be off to the Africa Cup of Nations. I wanted to go with a win,” said Ayew after the game.
In the meantime, Erling Haaland concluded the year as the top goal scorer with an impressive tally of 29 goals, while Mohamed Salah topped the assist chart with 15.
Bernard Leno of Fulham emerged as the goalkeeper with the most saves, and Bruno Fernandes from Manchester United led in creating chances, amassing a remarkable total of 133.
In anticipation of the general elections scheduled for December 2024, Fitch Solutions is forecasting a notable rise in public expenditure.
Providing further details on its projection, the UK-based financial firm suggests that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) is expected to engage in substantial spending efforts to garner public support in its competition against the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ghana’s primary opposition party.
âA more expansionary fiscal stance will inject additional demand into the economy. While the authorities have confirmed their commitment to implementing fiscal reforms in line with Ghanaâs IMF programme, we anticipate significant public expenditure overruns ahead of the December 2024 general election, particularly given that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) trails behind in the polls,â parts of a report from Fitch Solutions read.
According to Fitch Solutions, in the last century, the expenditure of successive governments during election years has increased by 3.0 per cent, representing the governmentâs tendency to subsidise utilities and implement social welfare programmes to garner public support.
âWe anticipate that such measures will be implemented again in 2024, improving disposable incomes and stimulating household spending. All told, we forecast private consumption growth to tick up to 3.8% in 2024, up from 3.2% in 2023, contributing 2.9 percentage points to headline real GDP [Gross Domestic Product] growth.â.
Furthermore, the probable initiation of social support programs leading up to the December 2024 elections is expected to bolster disposable incomes and stimulate domestic consumption.
Afua Asantewaa Owusu Aduounum, the Ghanaian singer who aimed to establish a new Guinness World Record for the longest individual singing duration, has clarified that her team is still in the process of officially submitting her attempt for recognition.
She elaborated that the judges and technical team have completed their assessments and will soon forward the necessary documentation for verification by Guinness World Records.
The official announcement of her record attempt will follow this verification.
Afua Asantewaa provided this clarification as she celebrated the New Year by participating in a worship session at the Potterâs City, led by Prophet Nanasei Opoku-Sarkodie in Prampram.
Upon her arrival, she received an enthusiastic welcome, with Prophet Opoku-Sarkodie personally guiding her and her husband to their seats. The couple was accompanied by members of her production hub, ASKOF Productions.
Expressing his excitement about meeting Afua Asantewaa, Prophet Opoku-Sarkodie shared that he had been inspired and motivated by her confidence, making her a topic in his teachings since learning about her.
He prayed for them, presented them with a prayer mantle, and prophesied a new beginning in their lives.
Earlier in the day, the team attended a Thanksgiving service at Glorious Word Power International, led by Apostle Dr. Isaac Owusu Bempah.
Afua Asantewaa, who holds the title of Tourism Ambassador, embarked on her Guinness World Record attempt for the longest singing time by an individual from December 24 to December 29.
She successfully sang for a total of 126 hours and 53 minutes, surpassing the previous record of 105 hours set in 2012 by Indiaâs Sunil Waghmare.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is set to conduct parliamentary primaries this month in constituencies where there are currently sitting Members of Parliament.
In some cases, experienced MPs are choosing not to seek re-election, while others are competing to represent the party in its stronghold of the Ashanti Region.
According to Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, who serves as the regional chairman, nine sitting MPs have officially confirmed their decision not to seek re-election.
These MPs, along with their respective constituencies, are as follows:
A group of Ghanaian Members of Parliament has visited the Modern City Hotel in Tamale, the capital of the Northern Region, to show support for Failatu Abdul Razak, the Ghanaian chef attempting to break thecurrent Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon.
Among the visiting legislators were Haruna Iddrisu, the Member of Parliament for Tamale South, and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, his colleague for Tamale Central.
During a media interaction on Monday, January 1, 2024, Haruna Iddrisu commended Chef Failatu Abdul Razak for her ambitious attempt.
He expressed admiration for the chef’s hard work, emphasising that her dedication has brought global attention to Tamale and Ghana.
Haruna Iddrisu praised the widespread support from Ghanaians and stated that he, along with his colleagues, was present to encourage Chef Failatu to break the cook-a-thon record.
He emphasised the potential benefits such an achievement could bring to Tamale and Ghana as a whole.
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, MP for Tamale South and Hon. Mutala, MP for Tamale Central passes by to support Faila's Cook-A-Thon attempt. Go Ghana đŹđâ€#FAILACOOKATHONpic.twitter.com/E2fd7LbaNO
Following media personality Afua Asantewaa Aduonum’s recent sing-a-thon world record attempt, another Ghanaian has commenced a new effort to break a Guinness World Record.
As people ushered in the year 2024 in various settings, Chef Failatu Abdul Razak in the northern region embarked on a mission to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon.
Her goal is to achieve a 120-hour cook-a-thon, and the event is taking place at the Modern City Hotel in Tamale.
Initial videos shared by the state broadcaster, GTV, depicted Failatu and her assistants in a glass-shielded kitchen adorned with images of Chef Faila.
The concept of a cook-a-thon gained popularity in 2023 whenNigerian chef Hilda Baci broke the then-world record. However, an Irish chef, Alan Fisher, later surpassed her by cooking for 119 hours, 57 minutes, and 16 seconds.
Some netizens expressed surprise, questioning her age at the time of marriage, while others believed she was already married.
aba_the_great1: Rev. Maame Yeboah Asiedu ties the knot? Thought she was already married đ€
iamqueenmary40: When you follow this preachers you will missed heaven. They donât practice what they preach
kleny4519:We wish her all the very best in her second marriage. May it be her final
sarahmorgan751:How?maybe blessingđ
sweetlips131: Tot she was married oo
splendys_arena: Since when did she divorce?
During the ceremony, Maame Yeboah Asiedu radiated joy as her husband placed the ring on her finger, followed by a warm embrace.
Despite her public persona as a television personality renowned for hosting marital shows and offering relationship and marriage counselling, her nuptials have generated intrigue and discussion within theonline community.
Nearly 200 entrepreneurs and businesses in the Volta region have received certification to engage in exports to the African market under theAfrican Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative.
This effort was facilitated by the National AfCFTA Coordination Secretariat, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with support from the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
The initiative aims to connect entrepreneurs and businesses, allowing them to trade among themselves on the continent.
During a media soiree organized by the Regional Coordinating Council, Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa, the Volta Regional Minister, announced this significant development.
He highlighted that the initiative provides businesses with the opportunity to export to the rest of the continent “quota-free and duty-free” in alignment with AfCFTA principles.
The businesses involved, many led by young entrepreneurs and first-timers, aspire to create business empires, expand job opportunities, and enhance the local economy.
Dr. Letsa emphasised the positive economic results and progress resulting from the Volta Fairs, noting that some entities are already exporting directly to the US and European markets.
Notable success stories include Suncity Farms, supplying Monarch Spices to multinational supermarkets in the US, and Maphlix Trust Ghana Limited and Farms, a leading exporter of fresh produce. Other noteworthy participants include Kawa Moka, Leklebi and Ziavitutu, known for their production of organic coffee; Del Christ; and Volta Winery.
The Regional Minister acknowledged that his administration’s commitment to positioning the region as a favourable tourism and economic destination is becoming a reality, with records indicating positive growth figures.
Dr Letsa said, âTourism numbers have gone up as well as revenue,â with the region turning out to be a popular meeting hub for corporate Ghana, an attestation that âwe are doing something right.â
He said, âWe have won the best Regional Coordination Council in the country, back-to-back,” and he was not ready to relinquish that.
The Minister said Volta remained the true microcosym of corporate Ghana, from the sea, landscape, forest, mountains, and rivers, and these would translate into creating jobs and industries at the back of the regionâs tourism potential.
He said the initiative âVisit Volta Region, Experience Ghanaâ is a reality and is urging investors to do business here.
âI was in Kenya and the US to woo investors to the region, and itâs just a matter of time for the gains to flourish,â he said.
Regarding the Ho Aerodrome, Dr. Letsa mentioned that PassionAir and AWA were compelled to discontinue services on the route due to challenges with breaking even, primarily caused by inadequate patronage.
He disclosed that the government’s plan to activate all domestic airports nationwide is anticipated to revive air travel between Ho and other parts of the country in the coming year.
Dr. Letsa emphasised that the region presents an attractive opportunity for investors seeking partnerships.
With the FA Cup third-round clash against Liverpool on the horizon, Arsenal won’t feature in the league until January 20. Arteta expressed the need for his team to rectify their course after another disappointing performance, following Thursday’s loss to West Ham.
“We certainly need that reset after today, because that’s going to be in our tummy for a few days,” Arteta said.
“The game against West Ham feels very different, so you can move on. It’s football; it can happen.
“What happened today cannot happen again, because if you do that, we will never have the chance to be where we want to be. Today could have been a beautiful day to end the year, that’s for sure.
“But these are the margins, and you have to try and find the bar. We have to look at ourselves in the mirror because today’s performance is the worst we have played all season.
“Painful and a sad day, that’s how I would sum it up. We had the chance to be top of the table after 20 games with the consistency that we’ve shown.
“We haven’t managed well enough to earn the right to win the game. Three days ago, we lost a game that we deserved to win; today was a very different story.”
Midfielder Declan Rice insisted Arsenal needed to be more ruthless after Saka’s early opening goal.
“Today, when you go 1-0 up, you need to take more control, have more self-belief, have more desire and your mentality needs to be better. We need to demand more from each other,” Rice said on Sky Sports.
“I am not saying we didn’t do it, because we still tried to push for more. But ultimately, Fulham have won the game and we have to look at why they won the game.
“Once we went 1-0 up, we had to push on again and go for more. In this league, there is no room to mess up. There are so many good teams around you, and obviously we want to be pushing up the top end of the table. It is a tough one to take today.”
Ghanaian gospel artist,Empress Gifty Adorye, and her husband, Hopeson Adorye, joyously celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary. Empress Gifty, visibly elated during the celebration, struggled to find words to express the remarkable journey of their marriage.
Their union initially faced scrutiny from the public, with questions raised about Empress Gifty’s ability to sustain a marriage following a previous divorce.
However, the couple’s journey has proven to be positive.
In a video observed by GhanaWeb, Empress Gifty and her politician husband, Hopeson Adorye, were seen on the streets, sharing romantic moments, including affectionate kisses.
In the course of the action, the couples were heard saying, âIt is five, andAdorye is at five.â
Cocoa’s most substantial annual gain in 15 years poses a challenge for chocolate consumers worldwide. The surge in cocoa prices is expected to have a more pronounced impact on shoppers in the coming year as chocolate manufacturers deplete stocks acquired at lower prices and face the full force of the rally.
White sugar futures have marked a fifth consecutive annual gain, contributing to inflation in the sweets aisle. Adverse weather conditions, including relentless rain and the onset of the annual harmattan, have hampered cocoa crops in West Africa, the world’s top-growing region.
The most active cocoa contract in London has surged by 70% this year, reaching ÂŁ3,506 per tonâthe largest annual gain since 2008.
The rally stands out, especially considering the downturn observed across other staple crops; the Bloomberg Agriculture Spot Index has experienced a 14% decline, the most significant in a decade.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9Y4qC42UFc
Cocoa’s supply concentration, with Ivory Coast and Ghana contributing 60% of the output, leaves little room for alternative growers to bridge the gap. While some countries, like Brazil and Ecuador, aim to expand their production, the process of producing new tree-bearing pods takes several years.
Despite the potential impact of seasonal dusty winds on fieldwork progress, the weather pattern El Nino poses a risk of exacerbating the dry spell. While lower demand may temporarily alleviate prices, Rabobank anticipates London futures to remain above ÂŁ3,000 per tonne until the second half of next yearâa historically high level.
Furthermore, buyers in the European Union are preparing for new deforestation regulations that could increase costs throughout the cocoa supply chain. Cocoa futures in New York have risen by over 60% this year, heading for the most significant gain since 2001.
Interest rates at the recentTreasury bills auction experienced a slight decline as the government witnessed a marginal oversubscription of Treasury bills.
The latest data from the Treasury Market reveals that the government successfully secured GHÂą4.212 billion, surpassing the targeted amount by 3.38%.
The oversubscription had an impact on the interest rates of Treasury bills, leading to a decrease. The rate on the 91-day bill saw an 11 basis point reduction to 29.24%.
Similarly, the rate on the 182-day bill decreased from the previous 31.94% to 31.88%. The yield on the one-year bill also dropped to 32.48% from the preceding week’s 32.49%.
The decline in the profit rate of Treasury bills contradicts predictions from financial experts who anticipated an increase in T-bills yields due to the government’s need for funds to support its budget.
In terms of distribution, approximately GHÂą2.147 billion came from the 91-day bill, constituting about 50.9% of the total bids.
The one-year bill followed with about GHÂą1.646 billion tendered, and all were accepted, making up 39.07% of the total bids. The 182-day bill received bids worth GHÂą417.80 million, of which GHÂą416.33 million were accepted.
Founder and leader of Perez Chapel International, Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, has predicted that the economic challenges facing the country will be resolved in the coming year.
The Archbishop emphasised that this transformation would not be attributed to political parties but rather to the divine intervention of God.
Speaking at the Church’s 31st ‘Night of Prophecy and Power’ in Accra, Archbishop Agyinasare urged Christians to prepare themselves for a more favourable year ahead.
âThis country is going through difficulties, but there are difficulties that will be resolved in 2024, not because of political parties, but because God has decided that it is His year of great power,â he said.
Ghana has grappled with economic challenges since 2022, marked by high inflation, an elevated cost of living, and the depreciation of the cedi against the dollar. Seeking assistance, the country has turned to the International Monetary Fund to stabilise and restore confidence in the economy.
In a positive turn, the last quarter of 2023 exhibited signs of economic recovery, with inflation reaching as low as 26.4 percentâthe lowest in 13 months.
Archbishop Agyinasare characterised 2023 as the Year of God’s faithfulness, highlighting God’s steadfastness in the face of political turmoil and challenges witnessed in some African countries. He prophesied that 2024 would be a year of experiencing the power of God, hence the Church adopting “Our Year of God’s Power” as its theme for 2024.
Encouraging Christians, Archbishop Agyinasare urged them to commit themselves to the work of God in 2024. Additionally, he appealed to affluent individuals to invest in the church, contributing to the broader dissemination of the gospel across all areas.
Managing Director of Despite Media Group,Fadda Dickson, is marking his birthday today, January 1, 2024, in a lavish manner.
In photos seen on GhanaWeb, the media mogul is adorned in an impeccably tailored white traditional garment, accentuated with substantial and opulent neck chains and rings on his fingers.
Fadda Dickson’s regal ensemble, reminiscent of royalty, has garnered significant attention on social media. Many have praised his fashion sense, while others have lauded his accomplishments in the media industry.
There is collective encouragement for him to persist in his endeavours, uplifting the standards of journalism in the country.
The birthday pictures of Fadda Dickson shared by United Television (UTV) on their X platform had the caption, âHappy Birthday to the esteemed Managing Director of Despite Media, Dr. Fadda Dickson! Your leadership and dedication have been truly inspiring.
“May this special day bring you happiness and fulfilment.â
One individual in reaction to the post wrote, âFada Dickson always wearing and I just love him for that. God bless you, Fadda may we 2025 birthday together.â
âHappy happy birthday to you, Boss,â another person commented.
During a press conference held at the Alisa Hotel, Hughton not only disclosed the selected players but also fielded questions from the media.
The roster includes familiar names such as Mohammed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Andre Ayew, and Daniel Amartey, among others.
However, the list of notable absentees comprises Thomas Partey, Tariq Lamptey, Baba Rahman, Fatawu Issahaku, and Kamaldeen Sulemana.
Notably, three local players, including Kotoko’s Richmond Lamptey and Medeama duo Hamid Abdul Fatawu and Jonathan Sowah, have earned spots on the squad.
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, and Richmond Lamptey Mohammed Kudus, Andre Ayew, Ransford Konigsdorffer, Osman Bukari, Joseph Paintsil, Jordan Ayew and Ernest Nuamah
The coach is currently meeting with representatives of the Ghanaian media at the Alisa Hotel, where he will not only announce the squad but also provide insights into some of the decisions he has made.
Leading up to the squad announcement, speculations have circulated that both Baba Rahman and Fatawu Issahaku might be absent from the team.
Reports suggest that both players requested to be excused from the squad, citing their commitment to focus on their respective club activities.
Baba Rahman, currently in the recovery process from injury, has sought permission to concentrate on his club career, aiming to secure consistent playing time at the club level.
Additionally, reports from Saddick Adams of Angel Broadcasting Network indicate that Fatawu Issahaku has requested exclusion from the national team, expressing concerns that his participation could impact his efforts to establish himself at Leicester City in the Championship.
âPer his loan agreement at Leicester, thereâs a clause that requires Fatawu Issahaku to meet a threshold of matches to secure a permanent stay with the English side.
âThe AFCON will mean he misses a good number of games, the reason heâs opted out of the Ghana squad,â Saddick Adams tweeted.
Commenting on Issahakuâs chances of playing at the AFCON, the Leicester City coach said, “We are still waiting for the federations’ answer. We will see if we can have them available for the next game,” says Maresca.
Issahaku has made a significant impact with two goals and seven assists in 21 Championship appearances for Leicester this season.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to commence on January 12, 2023, and conclude on February 11, 2023.
Ghana has been placed in Group B alongside Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique.
The Black Stars will hold their pre-tournament camp in Kumasi.
Ghanaian ‘Tiktok couple’ Joycelyn Chayah, widely recognised as Empress Lupita, and her husband, ‘Godpapa The Greatest,’ who gained fame after they attracted attention following their bizarre videos and ‘weird’ domestic activities, went viral.
However, their fame turned into infamy when they were arrested and remanded by the police for allegedly killing two of their three children and burying them.
After prosecution, the courts have officially declared the couple to be mentally unstable, hence the need for psychiatric treatment.
As reported by Ghanaian journalist Kofi Adoma Nwanwani, the Attorney-General recommended, during the court proceedings, that Empress Lupita and her husband undergo treatment at a psychiatric hospital.
However, in a video of the couple sighted on social media, they appear to have gained weight and are looking good compared to how they were looking previously.
This new development seems to have won the hearts of many Ghanaians who have expressed admiration for their transformation.
18.03.muse: “Awww they looking so good! Praise God. May they receive full healing and everlasting love. â€ïž Lupi lupi!”
ohemaastirling: “But they are looking good, ooo.”
adjhoa: Aaw, they look super good đ
Meanwhile, when âGodpapa The Greatestâ was asked to share some words with the general public after the court sitting, he retorted, âI donât want to talk but I wish Ghanaians a Merry Christmas. Next year by this time everything will be fine with everyone alive too.â
Joycelyn Chayah, popularly known as Empress Lupita, and her husband, ‘Godpapa The Greatest,’ have reportedly been declared mentally unstable during a court proceeding by the Attorney-General, Godfred Dame.
As per Ghanaian journalist Kofi Adoma Nwanwani’s report, the Attorney-General recommended that Empress Lupita and her husband be referred to a psychiatric hospital for treatment.
The decision was made after the court deemed the couple to be mentally unstable, and the Attorney General advised that treatment would be essential for their recovery.
In a video shared by MariGyata on Instagram, Kofi Adoma highlighted that this directive aims to facilitate Empress Lupita and her husband in overcoming their mental health challenges.
âAs you can see, âGodpapa the Greatestâ and Empress Lupita are exiting the court premises. The good news is that the Attorney General [Godfred Dame] has advised that they should be taken to the [psychiatric] hospital for treatment because they are deemed mentally unsound.
“So as the family and most Ghanaians were looking for an outcome like this, it has indeed come to pass. As it stands, both of them would be allocated to two different hospitals,â he said.
When âGodpapa The Greatestâ was asked to share some words with the general public after the court sitting, he retorted, âI donât want to talk but I wish Ghanaians a Merry Christmas. Next year, by this time, everything will be fine, with everyone alive too.â
Evangelist Mama Pat, widely knownas Nana Agradaa, has shared that she would not be bothered if her husband, Angel Asiamah, engaged in sexual intercourse with any woman who attempted to seduce him.
Expressing her perspective, she mentioned that, despite being married, she has granted her husband the freedom to engage in such encounters if any woman tries to flirt with him.
Agradaa emphasised her bewilderment at why some women would pursue a relationship with a married man.
During a discussion on her Thunder TV, as reported by GhanaWeb, Agradaa conveyed that she receives numerous benefits from her husband, Asiamah, and encourages him to engage in intimate relations with any woman who attempts to entice him.
âThose of you who want to flirt with my husband should be careful. Is there anything wrong with conversing with someone on the phone?
“The benefits I get from my husband and the way he loves meâif you try to seduce him, I will let him have sex with you and it will not go anywhere. Prophet, I am telling you that for anyone who comes your way, make sure you utilise her sexually,â said Agradaa.
Agradaa and Asiamahrecently tied the knot, which sparked reactions from netizens on social media, questioning whether their marriage will survive the test of time.
Ghanaian Dancehall artiste Stonebwoywas recently spotted at what appeared to be a nightclub, sharing a festive moment with award-winning Nigerian artist Davido.
In a video circulating on social media, the two artists were seen enjoying a song and having a good time.
Davido, dressed in black, playfully kissed Stonebwoy on the mouth and cheek during their interaction.
Did Davido and Stonebwoy just share a kiss in the club? đ
Stonebwoy, seemingly unfazed, welcomed the gesture and expressed his enthusiasm.
The viral video has sparked mixed reactions online.
Some people praised the strong bond between Stonebwoy and the Nigerian superstar, while others raised concerns about the public display of affection and questioned the intentions behind it.
Ghana’s national team head coach, Chris Hughton, reportedly turned down a request from West Ham for Mohammed Kudus to join the Black Stars after their game against Brighton & Hove Albion.
According to the gathered reports, the coach declined the request to avoid risking injury to his key player.
In compliance with FIFA regulations, players are to be released on New Year’s Day for travel to training camps beginning on January 2, ahead of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Consequently, Mohammed Kudus will be unavailable for selection in West Ham United’s match against Brighton & Hove Albion on Monday, January 1.
The Black Stars forward is expected to travel to Ghana to join the national team’s camp, initiating preparations for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
The camp will open in the afternoon, following an announcement of thefinal AFCON squad by Ghana’s head coach, Chris Hughton, during a morning press conference in Ivory Coast.
In a culinary endeavour set to create a historic spectacle, Chef Faila Abdul Razak has undertaken an ambitious cook-a-thon with the goal of achieving the longest continuous cooking session lasting five days.
The venue for this remarkable event is the Modern City Hotel in Tamale.
Commencing precisely at midnight on January 1st, Chef Faila is resolute in showcasing her culinary skills and unwavering resilience throughout the entirety of this extended cooking marathon.
Undertaking an extraordinary challenge, Chef Faila Abdul Razak is determined to surpass the current record of 119 hours and 57 minutes by aiming to cook for 120 hours or more.
This ambitious endeavour not only serves to highlight Chef Faila’s culinary expertise but also seeks to establish a new benchmark in the world of gastronomy.
In her quest for this culinary feat, Chef Faila has called upon Ghanaians to support her, emphasising the importance of putting the nation on the global culinary map.
Meanwhile, in a recent development,Afua Asantewaa concluded her attempt at the longest sing-a-thon marathon, achieving a record of 126 hours and 52 minutes, pending confirmation from the Guinness World Records.
In Ghana,a new and captivating trend is taking the fashion scene by storm: the rise of male hair dye. This trend has caught the interest of citizens, with Ghanaian creatives proudly flaunting their unique hair colours, sparking discussions about its deeper implications.
Breaking away from the past association of hair dye with women and limited colour options, Ghanaian men are boldly redefining self-expression through vibrant hair colours.
Local barbershops are witnessing a surge in requests for hair dye services, introducing bright blues, reds, and electric greens to the streets of Accra.
While the trend gains momentum, controversy among citizens arises. Some express concern, questioning if thereâs a deeper meaning or if itâs merely a matter of personal choice.
Exploring male hair dye in Ghana reveals it as more than a passing fad; itâs a statement of individuality and a celebration of creativity.
This revolution challenges norms, empowering men to express themselves in a society where stereotypes often dictate fashion choices.
Interviews with Barbers and clients:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7Gx-I_6tCc
Barbers perspectives:
In an interview with some barbers, Spanky De General at Lapaz said, âIâve been in this business for a while, and the demand for hair dye has definitely increased. Clients come in seeking different looks, and I think itâs great. It adds an extra flair to their style, and I enjoy helping them achieve the perfect colour.â
Kwesi is also a barber at Unique Barber Shop:
âRecently, Iâve noticed a surge in clients wanting bold hair colors. Itâs more than just a trend; itâs a form of self-expression. Men are embracing the chance to showcase their personalities through vibrant hair, and itâs exciting for us barbers to be a part of that.â
Clients insights:
Joshua, who is a resident of Abeka: âI saw some pictures on social media, and it looked cool. I wanted to try something different. Now, every time I look in the mirror, I feel like Iâm making a statement. Itâs a fun way to express myself. Although my mom is not in support of this, I really love to dye my hair.â
JezQid, who is an upcoming artiste, stated, âAs an artiste I needed something unique to add to my style, so me dying my hair is to add to my style, and so far I havenât seen someone do my same hairstyle.â
Some prominent celebrities in Ghana,like Shatta Wale, DancegodLlyod, RJZ of La Meme Gang, Bosom P Yung, and Darkovibes, among others, like dying their hairs.
Regardless of views, the male hair dye trend in Ghana has undeniably captured attention. The vibrancy and creativity displayed by these Ghanaian males reflect the evolving landscape of fashion and self-expression.
What the future holds for this trend remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the conversation has just begun.
Director of Research at the Institute of Economic Affairs, John Kwakye, drew a parallel between the Ghanaian government’s approach and the current struggles of the Premier League football club, Manchester United.
Drawing attention to the ongoing discussions about Manchester United’s lacklustre performance, Kwakye remarked that, similarly, Ghana possesses all the necessary resources for prosperity but laments that these resources are not being effectively utilised.
He attributed the country’s underperformance to issues of poor leadership and governance.
John Kwakye wrote on X: âMan U reminds me of Ghana. As a country, we have abundant resources and talent. Yet we can’t perform. And it’s all because of bad leadership. The NPP and NDC are like “Konongo Kaya.” They can’t do the job, yet they won’t allow anyone else to do it. It is a hopeless situation!â
Previously, the economist characterised the 2023 Christmas period as the most costly in Ghana’s history.
Through a series of posts on X, where he expressed concern about the state of Ghana’s economy, Dr. Kwakye pointed to the noticeable decrease in both economic and social activities as evidence supporting his assertion.
âWhen inflation skyrocketed to 54% in December 2022, it took prices to record highs. While it has decelerated since then, prices have continued to rise, though at lower rates. This Xmas will go down as the most expensive in our history! The relatively low activity is a testimony to that,â he posted.
Acknowledging the recent economic challenges in Ghana,President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo asserted in his 2023 Christmas message that the country is on a path to recovery, attributing this positive shift to prudent management by his government.
ManU reminds me of Ghana. As a country, we have abundant resources and talent. Yet we can't perform. And it's all because of bad leadership. NPP and NDC are like "Konongo Kaya." They can't do the job, yet they won't allow anyone else to do it. It is a hopeless situation!
Al-Nassr superstar Cristiano Ronaldo made a grand gesture for his mother, Maria Dolores Aveiro, during her 69th birthday celebrations. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star, upon returning home, spared no expense to treat his beloved mother.
In a touching moment on New Year’s Eve, Ronaldo presented her with a new Porsche Cayenne as a birthday gift.
The emotional surprise moved Maria Dolores Aveiro to tears, especially when she was led to the car by Ronaldo’s son, Cristiano Jr.
Ronaldo made a midnight journey from Saudi Arabia to be with his mother on December 31 in Madeira for her birthday celebration.
His sister, Katia Aveiro, later shared images on social media capturing the moment when Ronaldo surprised Maria Dolores with the new Porsche Cayenne.
The entire gathering was left in awe by this unexpected and generous birthday gift.
Katia also praised Ronaldo for his kindness in a message to her Instagram followers, stating: “If she is happy, it is because her son remembers her and not because of the value of the gift.
Honour your father and your mother and your days on earth will be long.”
Ronaldo is now set for a brief hiatus from football to spend time with his family.
His Saudi Pro League team, Al-Nassr, is not scheduled to play again until early February when they face off against Al Feiha in the AFC Champions League.
The 38-year-old center-forward concluded the year 2023 with a total of 54 goals for both club and country. This impressive tally included a goal in Al-Nassr’s final Saudi Pro League match against Al-Taawoun.
DJ Cuppy, the disc jockey and singer whose real name is Florence Otedola, has sparked reactions with a recent tweet from her official account, X.
In her message, Cuppy, who is one of the daughters of Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola, expressed a hope for divine intervention in addressing her challenges as she looks ahead to 2024.
The tweet has since garnered attention and responses from her followers.
Having shared that she shed many tears throughout the year, the DJ expressed a wish that the tears she cried in 2023 would serve to nurture the seeds of whatever endeavours she embarks on in the coming year.
This sentiment reflects a hope for personal growth and positive outcomes in the future, as conveyed by the artist.
“May the tears I cried in 2023 water the seeds I’m planting for 2024.”See her tweet below
May the tears I cried in 2023 water the seeds I'm planting for 2024 đ„Čđ± #IJN
One significant revelation was his prediction that former president John Dramani Mahama would secure re-election, marking a triumphant return after facing two consecutive defeats.
Gaisie also delved into the parliamentary arena, suggesting that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) could potentially increase their seats to around 170, a notable rise from their current 137 seats.
However, amidst these projections, Gaisie issued a cautionary note to the NDC, advising them to remain vigilant in light of potential attempts to manipulate the election results by the ruling government.
Furthermore, Gaisie expressed concern about a yet-to-be-named police chief, urging them to uphold fairness during the elections to ensure their retention under the incoming government.
This dual warning underscored Gaisie’s emphasis on the need for integrity and transparency in both the electoral process and the conduct of key figures within law enforcement.
âA police chief who can take care of security will likely be retained as IGP; if he will order his steps well, he will be retained,â the prophet said adding: âIf he is careful, he will be called upon to be a running mate (later).â
Leading the current police administration is George Akuffo Dampare, serving as the Inspector-General of Police. However, he has faced criticism from religious leaders, particularly from men of God.
This backlash stems from allegations that his directives, which aim to curb prophecies inducing fear and panic, are deemed ungodly and unacceptable by these spiritual figures.
The controversy surroundingDampare’s stance on prophetic messages has sparked a debate, highlighting tensions between law enforcement policies and religious freedoms.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola strongly criticised his team for their negligent defending and an unnecessary late-game penalty that led to a costly 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on Saturday, asserting that they earned the result.
“It’s not bad luck; it’s deserved,” an angry Guardiola told reporters after the game. “We give away two points. When you give away this penalty, you deserve it. You see the chances we created and concededâit’s quite similar to all this seasonâbut we are not able to close the games. That is the feeling.”
City has displayed an unusual vulnerability recently, enduring a six-game
win. Jack Grealish and Rico Lewis found the net in the first half at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. However, Jean-Philippe Mateta pulled one back for Palace, and Michael Olise converted a penalty in the 95th minute after Phil Foden fouled Mateta in the box.
The draw left the treble winners in fourth place in the tightly contested title race with 34 points.
However, City has played one more game than the three teams above them: Liverpool, who top the table with 37 points, Arsenal, and Aston Villa, all scheduled to play on Sunday.
“At the end, be patient, don’t concede transitions and don’t concede,” Guardiola said of the disappointing result.”But of course, in the first action (Palace) run and score a goal and in the last minute, we give them (a penalty). In the 18-yard box, you have to be careful and we weren’t. We don’t deserve to win.”
Grealish cut a dejected figure after the game
City has relinquished nine points this season due to conceding goals after the 80th minute.
Compounding the team’s challenges is the absence of the league’s top scorer, Erling Haaland, who has missed two consecutive Premier League games with a stress reaction in his foot that could potentially progress into a more severe stress fracture.
The 23-year-old striker has amassed 14 league goals this season.
Entertainment pundit Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo has expressed disappointment with individuals who dismissed Sonnie Badu’s accident as a publicity stunt.
Badu shared images on social media revealing injuries sustained a few days before his Rhythms of Africa concert in Accra.
Some netizens suggested the accident was a publicity stunt, but Arnold, part of Sonnie Badu’s team, understands the scepticism, acknowledging that such incidents are often perceived as hype. Speaking on UTV’s United Showbiz, Arnold emphasised that Ghanaians are accustomed to treating such situations with scepticism.
“Before Sonnie was about to start his show, people said he had faked his injury and that before the event, he had crutches and at the event, he put away the crutches and then after, went back for it. He is fake, his injury is fake and he only wants hype. I don’t begrudge all those who said that.
“Maybe if I were on the other side, I would say that it’s true because a couple of days before your event, like a week, you claim you have an injury, you’ve had surgery and you are using crutches.”
“Probably it’s a stunt. And I will say that because in Ghana, more often than not, a lot of things are perceived to be stunts. Do you remember Wendy Shay having a similar experience when she came here? So our mindset is such that anything that happens, the first thing we think or say is that it’s a stunt and hype. It’s fine because hype is part of the industry. But all those who said that are ignorant and that’s not an insult,” he said.
Arnold added that Sonnie Badu had initially assured the public of his readiness for the show despite the accident. The musician had mentioned that doctors informed him they would provide medications to alleviate the pain on the event day.
Arnold drew parallels with sports, where athletes receive medical treatment for injuries during crucial games.
He emphasised that if such measures are acceptable in sports, Sonnie Badu’s incident and his ability to perform seamlessly on the concert night should not raise eyebrows or prompt doubts.
Ghanaian striker Inaki Williams achieved a significant milestone in his career with Athletic Bilbao, making his 400th appearance in a game against Atletico Madrid.
The 29-year-old played a pivotal role as Athletic Bilbao secured a 2-0 victory over the former La Liga champions, with goals from Gorka Guruzeta and his younger brother, Nico Williams.
Williams, a Spanish-born Ghanaian, has dedicated his entire career to playing for Athletic Bilbao, earning him legendary status at the club.
Celebrating the achievement, the Athletic Club shared, “Fireproof. Add and continue. 400 matches vigorously defending the red and white shirt, Zarionak, Williams.”
Despite his significant contribution, Williams will be absent from the club during the Africa Cup of Nations in January and February.
In the current La Liga season, the Black Stars striker has scored eight goals and provided three assistsfor Athletic Bilbao.
Ghanaian-born boxerSena Agbeko faced a challenging bout against Cuban defending champion David Morrell Jr. in their WBA middleweight match held at The Armoury in Minneapolis on Saturday, December 16.
From the outset, it was clear that Agbeko had a formidable opponent in the Cuban-born Morrell, who unleashed a flurry of punches.
Unfortunately, Agbeko struggled to match his opponent’s intensity.
Morrell’s powerful punches proved too much for Agbeko, prompting referee Mark Nelson to step in and halt the fight at 1:43 in the second round.
Morrell’s decisive victory allowed him to retain his WBA secondary super middleweight title, securing his ninth knockout in 10 fights.
The turning point occurred when Morrell stunned Agbeko with a left hand, rendering him defenceless against a relentless onslaught of punches. Referee Nelson had no choice but to intervene to protect Agbeko, sealing Morrell’s victory.
Sena Agbeko, based in Nashville, entered the fight with a record of 28 wins, including 22 knockouts and 2 defeats. However, he experienced his second knockout defeat in his professional career, marking his third overall career defeat.
This defeat follows Agbeko’s previous bout, where he encountered challenges securing a licence in April 2023. Despite hopes for a triumphant return, Morrell’s dominant performance dashed those expectations for Agbeko and his Ghanaian fans.
A group of disgruntled Accra Hearts of Oak fans expressed their frustration through a protest at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex during the team’s match against Nations FC in the Ghana Premier League on Saturday, December 16, 2023.
The supporters, adorned with red headbands and holding placards, used the match as an opportunity to voice their discontent over the team’s lacklustre performance, having failed to secure a victory in their last five matches.
The sentiments were noticeable as the placards bore messages such as “We need a competent local coach,” “We need strikers,” and “Hearts is bleeding,” among other expressions of frustration.
The top brass of the Hearts of Oak board found themselves at the centre of blame, with calls for their dismissal gaining momentum during the protest.
The fans demanded accountability, expressing sentiments such as “We don’t need Nyaho,” “Hearts keep sinking under Togbe Afede,” and “Some board members are interfering with the coach’s job.”
Despite the pressure exerted by the demonstration, Hearts of Oak failed to secure a victory against Nations FC, conceding a late goal that resulted in a 1-1 draw.
The protest by the Hearts of Oak fans follows their team’s recent defeat at home in the Ghana Premier League against arch-rivals Asante Kotoko.
This demonstration occurs during a challenging period for Hearts of Oak in the league, marked by their struggle to secure a win in their last five matches.
With three draws and two defeats in recent outings, the Phobians find themselves in the 9th position on the league table, raising concerns of further descent after matchday 15.
In addition to these challenges,Hearts of Oak faced elimination from the MTN FA Cup at the prelims, suffering a setback at the hands of Nania FC.
The difficulties prompted the club to part ways with their Dutch coach, Martin Koopman, in the wake of the team’s poor run.
The highly anticipated Plotting and Planning concert featuring Ghanaian rapper Medikal took place at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel on Saturday, December 16.
A star-studded lineup of Ghanaian artists, including Shatta Wale, Kofi Kinaata, Wendy Shay, and other acclaimed musicians, graced the stage, delivering an electrifying performance that thrilled the audience.
The collaboration between Shatta Wale and Medikal radiated infectious energy and vibes, captivating the crowd with their back-to-back hit songs.
Check out some videos from the concert to experience the exciting moments.
In a delightful live conversation, celebrity couple actressFella Makafui and rapper Medikal showcased their affection as they playfully bantered, attempting to outsmart each other.
The unique footage kicks off with Medikal humorously asking his partner to send him money since his credit card wasn’t working. However, Fella Makafui playfully countered, stating she was also strapped for cash.
Fella Makafui celebrates husband Medikal
She amusingly mentioned using borrowed data for an internet connection and urged Medikal to speed up the conversation as her device was running out of power.
Thecouple shared laughs over their playful exchange and their lighthearted failure to outwit each other.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has expressed admiration for Barcelona boss Xavi amid speculation that the Blaugrana coach could be at risk of losing his job.
Despite Barcelona’s recent struggles, finding themselves seven points behind league leaders Girona, Ancelotti has urged the Catalan team to support Xavi through the challenging period.
In a pre-match press conference, Ancelotti stuck up for the under-fire manager, telling reporters: “In general, itâs normal for a coach to have criticism.
We have to accept it and then everyone can choose the criticisms that they consider fair and unfair.
“The judgement of the coaches is only based on the results. No one cares about the coachâs methodology or ability to manage the locker room. Itâs only if he wins or doesnât win and Xavi knows this very well. For me, he is a great coach.”
Despite the increasing pressure on Xavi, Barcelona has experienced relative success in Europe this year. The Blaugrana advanced to the Champions League knockout stages for the first time in three years and secured the top spot in their group.
Ancelotti will be on the sidelines asReal Madrid face Villarreal tomorrow evening. A victory would temporarily place them at the top of La Liga, with Girona scheduled to play on Monday night.
Manchester City’s Jack Grealish extended his congratulations to UFC fighter Leon Edwards following his victory over Colby Covington.
Edwards successfully defended his UFC welterweight title with a clear decision win in Las Vegas.
Grealish, a fellow Birmingham native, expressed his support for Edwards on Instagram both before and after the fight, posting messages to the British UFC ace.
After City surrendered a 2-0 lead on Saturday, drawing 2-2 with Crystal Palace, Grealish, who scored the opening goal, may have needed to shift his focus.
Despite his efforts, the champions couldn’t secure the win, prompting manager Pep Guardiola to publicly criticise his players.
Grealish, who has scored three league goals this season, will now temporarily shift his attention from domestic duties as the club heads to the Club World Cup, where they will face Urawa Reds on Thursday.
Luton has officially confirmed that their captain, Tom Lockyer, experienced a cardiac arrest during Saturday’s match against Bournemouth.
The club provided an additional update on Lockyer’s condition after he collapsed on the pitch during the Premier League clash. Lockyer received on-field treatment, was subsequently stretchered off, and was taken to the hospital.
The Premier League fixture was abandoned following the incident. Luton has now reported that Lockyer is in a stable condition, recovering in the hospital, and is with his family.
The club said in a statement: “Our medical staff have confirmed that the Hatters captain suffered cardiac arrest on the pitch but was responsive by the time he was taken off on the stretcher.
“He received further treatment inside the stadium, for which we once again thank the medical teams from both sides.
“Tom was transferred to the hospital, where we can reassure supporters that he is stable and currently undergoing further tests with his family at his bedside.
“We would like to thank everyone for their support, concern and loving messages for Locks.”
Lockyer previously collapsed while playing for Luton during the Championship play-off final. He was taken to the hospital and underwent treatment, telling the BBC in June that he’d been given the all-clear.
“Iâve had the operation to fix it and it shouldnât happen again. Thereâs not really any reason to say why that happened,” he said. “Iâve been given the all-clear; it is what it is and I just want to draw a line under it now and move on. Iâve had my full heart checked and double checked with all the scans and tests they can do on a heart, and theyâve all come back positive.”
Following his second on-pitch collapse this year, Lockyer will undergo additional tests in the hospital.
Luton’s match againstBournemouth was abandoned, with the club confirming that the players and staff “were in no mind to continue” after witnessing their teammate’s collapse.
Manager Rob Edwards, visibly emotional, returned to the pitch to applaud supporters after the game had been called off.
Nigerian international and newly crowned CAF African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, showcased his exceptional skills for Napoli in a league fixture on Saturday, December 16, leaving a lasting impression beyond just scoring.
While his goal initially put Napoli ahead against Cagliari in Serie A, it was his remarkable assist for the second goal that garnered widespread attention.
Osimhen skillfully collected an over-the-top pass on his chest, deftly manoeuvred around defenders using precise footwork, and delivered a perfectly timed pass to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for the winning goal.
The online community widely shared the goal, praising Osimhen’s exceptional display.
Despite Cagliari pulling a goal back, Napoli secured the victory, and Osimhen received more congratulations from teammates, emphasising the impact of his stellar performance in their title defence.
Ghanaian rapper M.anifest has expressed his non-support for the proposed passage of Ghanaâs draft Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill (Anti-LGBTQ+), currently being deliberated in parliament.
Highlighting his rationale, he asserted that the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill, if enacted, would constitute a significant violation of human rights as individuals have the right to make choices in line with their beliefs.
While clarifying that he does not endorse gay and lesbian relationships, M.anifest argued against criminalising such acts, emphasising that it would encroach upon the rights of those involved.
In an interview with Pulse TV, M.anifest underscored the importance of not relying on religious beliefs to criminalise actions that impinge on human rights.
âI am not in support of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill. I’m not in support of anything that is a human rights violation. I think a lot of things in life are very basic. My viewpoints in life in terms of human rights are very basic.
“You can have disagreements, whether they’re religious or whatever, but when it comes to human rights, it’s quite clear. It’s not here to infringe on anybody’s rights, whether you disagree or not. So then, that’s quite simple. And that cuts across; for me, that’s a basic thing in life,â he said.
The Anti-LGBTQ+ bill is currently under consideration in parliament and it is championed by the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram constituency, Sam Nartey George.
Some celebrities in the country have voiced concerns about the bill, citing human rights violations.
It remains to be seen whether the bill will be passed by parliament or not.
Controversial media figure and musician Blakk Rasta has issued an apology to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his previous statement suggesting that the president “must visit his early grave.”
Blakk Rasta explained that his comment was made in a moment of frustration during his show, emphasising that he never intended harm or wished for the president’s demise before his natural time.
He acknowledged that his choice of words was inappropriate, expressing regret for the uncalled-for utterance.
Despite the apology, Blakk Rasta maintained his criticism of President Akufo-Addo’s governance, describing him as a leader who has failed Ghanaians, but he pleaded for the president’s pardon.
âI want to send an apology to the President (Akufo-Addo). Do you know why? No matter how much you hate a man, you should never wish him dead. I was not brought up like that.
“Spiritually, mentally, physically and behaviorally. I will never wish a man dead. Out of frustration, we may make some utterances. I just saw the video and told myself, ‘No, this is a low blow’.
“Honourably, I apologise to the president of the Republic of Ghana. As much as you are a useless president, I don’t want to see you die. I want to see you live and suffer so that when you finally die, Satan can humbly and honestly sodomise you in hell.
“But I do not want to wish you dead. No. Even when my enemy dies, I don’t jubilate; I pray for him. It was a slip of the tongue. As useless as you are, you and your vice president do not die. Don’t visit an early grave,â he said during the UrbanBlend show on 3FM.
Blakk Rastaâs apology comes after he was vehemently criticised for asserting that he wished President Akufo-Addo would visit an early grave to free the nation from bad governance.
Despite Manchester United’s elimination from European competition, manager Erik ten Hag affirmed that he still enjoys the support of the club.
He expressed confidence and emphasized that he is “not concerned” about the potential escalation of pressure on his job, even as his team heads to Anfield following a series of less-than-ideal results, including the recent 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
With one win in their last five games, United faces Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday, but Ten Hag remains resolute, maintaining that another loss will not undermine his position.
“I am not concerned about that,” Ten Hag said in a news conference on Friday. “I want to win and progress the team in the right direction.
“I feel [the support of the club] and they say it but actually that is fine and that is OK, but I am focusing on the process to make this team play better and make the individuals better and that is my concern.”
Despite a challenging beginning to the season, marked by more losses (12) than victories (11) for United, Ten Hag remains optimistic about the team’s future.
He believes that a turnaround in their current poor form could pave the way for a brighter outlook.
“The future for Man United is very good,” he said. “You can see how many good players we have in the squad, how many good young players who have really high potential to play at top levels worldwide.
“But we have to develop that. I am sure that when the injuries come back we will perform better.”
Barcelona FemenĂ’s successful coach, Jonatan GirĂĄldez, who led the team to a Champions League victory, has informed the club that he intends to depart when his contract expires at the end of the season, according to a source cited by ESPN’s Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens.
The 32-year-old GirĂĄldez has communicated his decision now, providing Barcelona with time to devise a contingency plan for the upcoming season.
While local reports suggest GirĂĄldez has attracted interest from multiple NWSL teams, including a notable offer, the source could not confirm these details to ESPN.
GirĂĄldez is expected to address the media on Wednesday, preceding Barcelona’s Champions League game against RosengĂ„rd.
Barcelona clinched Liga F titles in the last two seasons, including an unbeaten league campaign in 2021â22 with 30 wins out of 30 games.
Additionally, they reached the finals of the last two Champions League editions, losing to Lyon in 2022 but securing a thrilling comeback victory against Wolfsburg with a 3-2 win in this year’s final, marking their second Champions League triumph.
GirĂĄldez’s remarkable coaching performance earned him a nomination for The Best FIFA Women’s Coach Award 2023, alongside Chelsea’s Emma Hayes and England’s Sarina Wiegman.
While GirĂĄldez has been linked to potential opportunities in the United States, details about his future plans remain unconfirmed at this stage.
The Spanish giants believe that setting a deadline of January 15 provides ample time for the French international to decide on representing the LaLiga team.
Led by their founder, Official Starter, the crew showcased their captivating performance live on stage, replicating the fame they’ve garnered on their social media platforms.
A video capturing the Happy Town Market women’s appearance on stage during the MTN Ghana Christmas Carol festivities has generated significant reactions online.
Notably, Mama Toli stole the show when handed the microphone to present her unique rendition of Asake’s “Lonely At The Top,” a version that had previously gone viral.
True to form, Mama Toli delivered her performance with unparalleled confidence.
The former fish seller turned content creator held the audience spellbound, prompting them to sing along to her rendition of Asake’s song instead of the original version.
This isn’t the first time theGhanaian market women have caught the attention of Nigerian musicians; previously, they created dance clips for songs by Burna Boy (“CityBoys”) and Mr Eazi (“Show Dem”).
Ghanaian actress Gloria Sarfo stole the limelight at the private premiere of “The Second Coming of Nkrumah,” Africa’s grandest theatrical venture, held at the Accra International Conference Centre on Friday, December 15, 2023.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Glow City fashion brand adorned the red carpet event in an elegant kente suit dress that gracefully highlighted her curves, complemented by designer Gladiator high heels.
Gloria Sarfo exuded glamour with a short bob hairstyle, completing her stylish ensemble with a gold necklace featuring a striking red pendant.
Her presence and fashion statement added an extra touch of elegance to the exclusive premiere.
