Ghanaian artiste manager and entertainment critic, Lawrence Nana Asiamah Hanson, also known as Bullgod has dismissed the idea that Ghanaian artists should promote their songs in Nigeria to gain popularity in the country.
This suggestion was put forward by Nigerian entertainment blogger and media personality, Adesope Olajide, who, during an interview with Hitz FM on November 20, encouraged Ghanaian artists to promote their songs in Nigerian media houses to enhance their visibility in the Nigerian market.
Responding to Adesope’s comments on Hitz FM’s Daybreak Hitz show on November 21, Bullgod argued against the necessity for Ghanaian artists to travel to Nigeria for promotion.
He emphasised the availability of digital alternatives, many of which emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bullgod suggested that Ghanaian artists could effectively market their songs using social media platforms like TikTok rather than physically going to Nigeria.
“If the sun in Ghana is hot, the sun in Nigeria is also hot. Everything is digital. Even on this show, we don’t have to be here. If we say we want to do this show, we don’t even have to come here. All of us. Your channel can run normally; we can be in our bedrooms and be online and people will still listen to us. Corona taught us that.
“There is no need to go to Lagos; we do not have the time. We should rather go to the office of TikTok and market our songs there,” he said.
Bullgod’s comments join the heated debate about the state of the music industry in Ghana and how it can be improved. about the state of the entertainment sector in Ghana.
It may be surprising to discover that the actress and media personality Nana Ama McBrown did not initially possess that name.
In a live-streamed Q&A session with her fans, she disclosed that the name McBrown was bestowed upon her by her late uncle, Papa Kofi McBrown. She explained that her late uncle had acquired the McBrown name through his endeavours while working abroad.
“May God bless my uncle, Papa Kofi McBrown. I can never let go of my name; the name ‘McBrown’ is exceptional.
“My uncle taught me a lot of things. He didn’t get that name by chance; he was a good person and God took him to a good place. His honesty and loyalty caused someone to give him that name. I will talk about it later,” she said.
She added that upon his return to Ghana, he decided to take her as his own and changed her name from Felicity Agyeman to Nana Ama McBrown with the promise to take care of the name.
“When he came back to Ghana, he didn’t recognise me because he left when I was younger. He later came around my house and got introduced to me. That was when he decided to take me as his own. He took me, gave me the ‘McBrown’ name, and asked me to take care of the name.
“My name was Felicity Agyeman; all my mates in Kwadaso and Prince of Peace Girls SHS can attest to that. When he changed the name, it went from Felicity Agyeman to Nana Ama Agyeman McBrown. So I can let go of it,” she disclosed.
Nana Ama McBrown gained fame for her portrayal in the television series Tentacles. Subsequently, she achieved widespread recognition through her performance in the Twi-language film Asoreba.
In 2016, she tied the knot with her longtime boyfriend, Maxwell Mawu Mensah, and welcomed a baby girl in February 2019 in Canada.
Her acting career boasts a diverse array of movies, and she has garnered numerous awards for her outstanding contributions to the industry.
Following a deeply moving performance at Rev. Isaac Obofour’s church, Cecilia Marfo’s efforts were rewarded with a substantial amount of GH¢20,000.
The founder of Anointed Palace Chapel, a self-proclaimed fan of Cecilia Marfo, openly acknowledged that one of her songs played a significant role in helping him overcome a challenging period through divine intervention.
Attributing his improved situation to Cecilia Marfo’s music, Rev. Obofour pledged to express his gratitude whenever he had the opportunity to meet her.
True to his commitment, he presented GH¢20,000 in cash to Cecilia Marfo in front of the congregation as a token of appreciation for the positive impact her music had on his life.
“To date, the only song that inspires me is ‘Efunumuba’. God takes you through suffering and then it transcends to grace. So, stay strong. God will never disgrace you, there is nothing they haven’t said about me. But if God has called you, no man can destroy you. We know those who are anointed and no man can destroy that.
“There was this day I was going through a hard time and at that same time I was listening to your song. I promised God that if I triumph in my situation while listening to your song, whenever I meet you, I’ll do my best for you,” he said as he handed over the money to her.
Touching on the back-to-back controversies that Cecilia Marfo has encountered in recent times, Obofour expressed that he usually creates an enabling environment in his church for individuals like her.
“There are some types of people that Ghanaians have a wrong perception about. These are the people I invite to my church.
“Ernest Opoku was in my church some time ago, when negative stories about him were flying on social media. In this country, one single rumour can destroy your reputation. People believe these things without even verifying them,” he added.
In appreciation, Cecilia Marfo who was shocked at the development said; “I don’t know what to say. I didn’t know you were this handsome. When you were preaching, I was just staring at you. Thank you so much.”
Rapper A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, is set to face trial on charges of firing a pistol in a dispute with a former childhood friend, as ruled by a Los Angeles judge on Monday.
The decision followed the second day of a preliminary hearing attended by Mayers.
Prosecutors assert that the 35-year-old Mayers pointed and discharged a handgun at Terell Ephron two years ago, resulting in minor injuries.
Mayers, who has pleaded not guilty and has two children with singer Rihanna, is charged with two felony counts of assault with a firearm. If convicted, he could face up to nine years in prison.
Terell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli and a member of the A$AP Mob hip-hop collective, alleges in a separate lawsuit that he is a victim of assault and battery, negligence, and emotional distress.
Ephron claims that Mayers lured him to a secluded location outside the W Hotel in Hollywood to discuss a disagreement.
CCTV footage presented in court allegedly shows Mayers brandishing and firing a gun, as testified by an LA detective. Mayers’s legal team disputes that their client is the individual seen in the video.
During the preliminary hearing, Superior Court Judge ML Villar determined whether there was sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial, not whether a crime had been committed.
Preliminary hearings have a lower burden of proof compared to full trials.
Mr Ephron is also suing Mr Mayers, claiming that after a verbal altercation, Mr Mayers “pulled out a handgun and purposefully pointed it in the direction of [Mr Ephron] and fired multiple shots”.
Mr Ephron was “struck by a bullet projectile or fragment” in his left hand and required medical attention, according to the court papers. He is seeking at least £25,000 (£20,000) in damages.
In an August 2022 court hearing, a judge mandated that Mr. Mayers must maintain a distance of 100 yards (300 feet) from Mr. Ephron at all times.
Previously, Mr. Mayers received a two-year suspended sentence for his involvement in a brawl in Stockholm, Sweden, in August 2019.
Joe Tacopina, the attorney representing Mr. Mayers in the Los Angeles case, is also concurrently representing former President Donald Trump in his New York civil fraud trial.
Known by his stage name A$AP Rocky, he emerged as one of the prominent breakout stars of the 2010s, achieving eight platinum singles in the US, including hits like “Wild For The Night,” “Everyday,” “LSD,” and “A$AP Forever.”
His rise to fame was propelled by the support of artists such as Drake, and he has collaborated with notable figures like Alicia Keys, Lana Del Rey, Skepta, Selena Gomez, and Kendrick Lamar.
Estevao, the 16-year-old forward from Palmeiras, is gaining attention from prominent European clubs following standout performances at the Under-17 World Cup.
Notably, he scored two goals in Brazil’s 3-1 victory against Ecuador on Monday and earned the title of player of the match, propelling Brazil into the quarterfinals.
Despite Palmeiras rejecting an offer from Paris Saint-Germain, as reported by Globo, Estevao’s performances continue to attract interest.
Drawing comparisons to Neymar, the young talent has excelled in Palmeiras’ youth teams but has yet to make his debut with the first team.
Having signed a professional contract until April 2026 earlier this year, Estevao carries a buyout clause set at €45 million.
It’s important to note that he can only make a move to Europe once he reaches the age of 18 on April 24, 2025.
AC Milan standout Rafael Leao has provided insights into his connection withZlatan Ibrahimovic and disclosed his closest friend in the San Siro dressing room.
The Portuguese international noted that Ibrahimovic never directly approached him after a good game but did offer valuable advice on aspects like dribbling and ball control.
While Leao shared a positive rapport with Ibrahimovic before the Swedish striker’s retirement, he identified Algerian midfielder Ismael Bennacer as his best friend at Milan.
Since joining AC Milan in 2019, the 24-year-old has played a key role in the club’s success, notably contributing to their Serie A triumph in the 2021–22 season alongside Ibrahimovic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzZ4V0hsk08
The emotional retirement announcement from football by the 41-year-old Ibrahimovic occurred in June of the same year, with a tearful farewell in front of AC Milan fans at San Siro.
He concentrated on the details a lot; he wasn’t interested in dribbling. Sometimes he would tell me, ‘Rafa, you have to control it like this and immediately take it towards the goal. With your talent, you can’t make mistakes with a touch like that.’”
When asked who he considers his best friend at San Siro, the player replied, “(Ismael) Bennacer. I’ve got a great relationship with him; he’s my brother.”
Omitted from Portugal’s squad for their last Euro 2024 qualifying matches, it remains uncertain whether Leao can recover in time for his club’s upcoming fixture against Fiorentina on Saturday.
Paim, in a recent podcast hosted by PT Clipes, asserted that he deserves at least one of Ronaldo’s five Ballon d’Or awards.
He further claimed that possessing even half of Ronaldo’s intelligence would place him on par with the Portuguese star and Lionel Messi in terms of career accomplishments.
The 38-year-old Al-Nassr player did not take kindly to Paim’s comments, responding with a cutting remark on the video posted on PT Clips’ Instagram page.
Speaking on the podcast, Paim said, “Cristiano Ronaldo should offer me one of his Ballon d’Ors. I went to Sporting when I was seven years old; I grew up there. There were years of glory in which I won everything I could.
“I didn’t reach where I could have reached, but I marked a generation. If people don’t forget, it’s because I marked them.
“I said when I was happy that I thought Cristiano Ronaldo could offer me a Ballon d’Or. But it was with humility. If I had half of Cristiano’s head, it wouldn’t be him and Messi. It would be me, him and Messi, and maybe he wouldn’t have won the Ballon d’Or that he has. Maybe one of them was mine.”
Cristiano Ronaldo seemed less than pleased with the tactical advice offered by Bruno Fernandes during Portugal’s match against Iceland.
Despite Fernandes contributing a goal in the 37th minute, Ronaldo, evidently expecting more from his teammates, engaged in an animated discussion with Fernandes in the tunnel before the second half.
As the Manchester United playmaker and club captain sought to convey his thoughts to Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, and Diogo Costa, Ronaldo appeared to pay little attention.
In a decisive moment,Ronaldo turned away and returned to the pitch, directing a smirk at Silva and raising his eyebrows towards a nearby camera.
Nevertheless, Portugal managed to secure a second goal in the second half, courtesy of Ricardo Horta, maintaining their flawless record in Euro 2024 qualification. Ronaldo, their influential No. 7, now boasts 205 caps and 128 international goals.
The 29-year-old defender has initiated legal action by filing a claim with the Employment Tribunal, citing “unauthorised deductions from wages.”
Mendy was acquitted of single counts of rape and attempted rape in July of this year, following an earlier jury decision in January that cleared him of six alleged rapes and one attempted sexual assault.
The accusations had led to a suspension of Mendy’s football career for over two years, stemming from incidents during lockdown-busting parties at his Cheshire mansion.
Having returned to professional football with French Ligue 1 side FC Lorient just five days after his acquittal, making his debut in September, Mendy is now seeking reimbursement for unpaid wages until the conclusion of his contract, which expired in June, according to reports from Sky Sports News.
A statement from lawyer Nick De Marco KC, acting on behalf of Mendy, said: “Nick De Marco KC (instructed by Laffer Abogados (Madrid) is acting for the former Manchester City player Benjamin Mendy in a multi-million-pound claim for unauthorised deductions from wages.
“Manchester City FC failed to pay Mr Mendy any wages at all from September 2021, following Mr Mendy being charged with various offences, all of which he was subsequently acquitted of, until the end of his contract in June 2023.
Benjamin Mendy’s most recent Premier League match occurred in August 2021, where Manchester City suffered a 1-0 defeat against Tottenham.
Former Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy leaves Chester Crown Court after being found not guilty on July 14, 2023 in Chester, England.
In a statement released through his solicitor after being acquitted, Mendy expressed his commitment to “rebuilding his life.”
Jenny Wiltshire, the head of serious and general crime at Hickman & Rose, acknowledged the jury’s focus on the trial’s evidence rather than the rumours and innuendo that had surrounded the case from the beginning.
“This is the second time that Mr Mendy has been tried and found not guilty by a jury.
“He is delighted that both juries reached the correct verdicts.
“It has been almost three years since the police started investigating this matter.
“Mr Mendy has tried to remain strong but the process has, inevitably, had a serious impact on him.
“He thanks everyone who has supported him throughout this ordeal and now asks for privacy so he can begin rebuilding his life.”
Everton’s aspirations to waive a £10 million fee for Dele Alli may be dashed after they attributed responsibility to Tottenham for their points deduction.
Dele Alli made a free transfer to Everton from Tottenham in January 2022, concluding his seven-year tenure in North London.
As part of the agreement, Everton committed to paying Spurs £10 million once the English midfielder reached 20 appearances, and he is currently seven games away from that milestone.
According to the Daily Mail, Everton engaged in discussions with Spurs last month regarding a potential reevaluation of the Alli deal.
Given Everton’s existing financial challenges, paying the fee in full would be challenging, and Tottenham appeared open to a resolution that would be mutually beneficial.
However, the report also indicates that Spurs reacted strongly to Everton’s assertion in the 41-page written judgment released by the Premier League last week concerning Richarlison’s transfer to Everton in the summer of 2022.
Everton contends that Daniel Levy’s reluctance to spend £80 million ($100 million) on the Brazilian forward resulted in their points deduction for violating the Premier League’s financial regulations.
The Toffees ended up settling for a fee that was £20m ($25m) short of their original valuation, which the club says was “directly attributable to PSR calculation difficulties”.
The Mail states that Spurs find the accusation against their chairman ‘absurd’ and it has been suggested that the relationship between the two clubs has been damaged beyond repair.
Despite Everton’s efforts to leverage the Richarlison deal as a mitigating factor for their excessive spending, the independent commission ultimately rejected this appeal, leaving Dele Alli in a state of uncertainty.
The 27-year-old midfielder has been sidelined from competitive football since sustaining an injury while on loan at Besiktas in February.
However, the former England international has not only been contending with physical injuries but also grappling with mental health issues outside of the playing field.
The timeline for his return to action remains unclear.
Juventus’ pursuitof signing Jadon Sancho may receive a boost from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, according to Tuttosport.
The 23-year-old forward has faced exclusion from the Manchester United side due to a reported falling out with manager Erik ten Hag, despite his £73 million transfer just two years ago.
Reports suggest that Juventus, heavily interested in Sancho, could benefit from the involvement of former Juve executive Jean-Claude Blanc, expected to be appointed as United’s new CEO.
Blanc, a trusted associate of INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is responsible for overseeing INEOS’ entire sporting portfolio.
Notably, Blanc played a significant role in the revival of Juventus during his five-year tenure and maintains a strong relationship with the Serie A giants.
Sir Jim Ratcliffeset to become a new minority shareholder of Manchester United, is inclined towards resolving the dispute between Sancho and Ten Hag or facilitating a transfer, recognizing the financial impracticality of the ongoing feud.
The INEOS chief’s strategic involvement, along with Blanc’s influence, could potentially pave the way for Sancho’s move to Juventus.
In Ghana’s second 2026 World Cup qualifier against the Comoros,coach Chris Hughton faces the challenge of navigating the match without two key players who have been sidelined due to injuries.
Mohammed Kudus and Daniel Amartey are notable absentees from the crucial Group I game scheduled for Tuesday, November 21, 2023.
Defender Daniel Amartey, having undergone a late fitness test, was deemed unfit for the match, as revealed in a statement released by the Ghana Football Association on Monday morning.
Amartey sustained an injury just over an hour into the game against Madagascar at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Friday and was subsequently replaced by Kasim Adams.
Adding to the setback, reports indicate that Mohammed Kudus is also set to miss the game after suffering an injury during the Black Stars’ training session on Monday leading up to the match.
The absence of the West Ham United midfielder poses a significant loss for the team, particularly as they aim to secure consecutive wins in the qualifiers.
National Sports Authority (NSA) has officially communicated that the Accra Sports Stadium will be unavailable for sporting activities throughout the month of December.
In a press statement issued and signed by the director-general, Professor Peter Twumasi, Ghanaian clubs accustomed to utilizing the stadium for their league matches are advised to seek alternative venues for their December games.
“The National Sports Authority wishes to inform you about the unavailability of the Accra Sports Stadium for sporting purposes.
By this letter, all the clubs that use the Accra Sports Stadium are entreated to use their alternative venues to honour their league matches in December,” the statement dated October 20, 2023, reads.
In a letter dated October 20, 2023, the National Sports Authority (NSA) has requested all clubs accustomed to using the Accra Sports Stadium to seek alternative venues for their league matches in December. The statement emphasises the need for clubs to honour their league commitments at these alternative locations.
The decision to temporarily close the Accra Sports Stadium in December is attributed to the hosting of two major concerts, namely the Freedom Concert and the Bhim Concert.
These events, featuring headlining performances by dancehall artists Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy, are slated to take place at the stadium during that period.
Traditionally serving as the home grounds for the Ghana Premier League teams Hearts of Oak and Accra Great Olympics, both clubs will now shift to the alternative venues previously submitted to theGhana Football Association at the commencement of the current campaign.
On Tuesday, November 21, Ghana has the opportunity to claim the top spot in Group I if they secure a victory over Comoros.
This follows their recent narrow triumph against Madagascar at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, where striker Inaki Williams found the net in added time of the second half, earning them three crucial points.
After their Saturday journey to Comoros, the Black Stars utilised the Moroni Training Centre for their practice session on Sunday.
Today marked the team’s final training session at the same venue, affirming their readiness for the impending showdown with Comoros under the guidance of coach Chris Hughton.
In the broader context of the group standings, a win for Madagascar against Chad today, coupled with a draw between the Central African Republic and Mali, sets the stage for Ghana to claim the top position in Group I with a victory over Comoros tomorrow.
The highly anticipated match between Comoros and Ghana is scheduled to commence at 4 p.m. at the Moroni Stadium.
Deputy Attorney-General Alfred Tuah Yeboah has reassured the public that the recent death of contractor Andrew Clocanas, a key figure in the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project trial, will not impact the ongoing prosecution’s case.
Clocanas, who passed away in October 2023, was facing trial alongside former Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, Collins Dauda, and three others in connection with the Saglemi Affordable Housing Project.
Deputy A-G Yeboah emphasized that the core of the case remains unaffected by the contractor’s death, and the trial will proceed as planned, as reported by graphic.com.gh.
During the recent court proceedings on Monday, November 20, 2023, Collins Dauda was noticeably absent.
His lawyer, Thaddeus Sory, explained to the court that Dauda had received an emergency invitation to attend a pan-African conference in South Africa as part of parliamentary duties, emphasising that his absence was not intentional.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Yvonne Atakora Obuobisa, raised concerns about Dauda’s absence, questioning how he managed to travel outside Ghana when his passport was supposed to be in court custody.
Thaddeus Sory responded by stating that an application had been filed for Dauda to have access to his passport, leading to the withdrawal of the application.
“The notice came to him impromptu and he instructed us to make the application but apparently travel arrangements had been made and were required to leave before the hearing of the application,” he added.
The court further inquired about Dauda’s ability to travel without the required passport. Sory explained that the invitation was sudden and travel arrangements had been made before the hearing of the passport application.
The court proceedings also featured the first prosecution witness, Rev Stephen Yaw Osei, the Acting Chief Director of the Ministry of Works and Housing. He is set to read his witness statement to the court and undergo cross-examination on Tuesday, November 21.
Collins Dauda, Dr. Kwaku Agyeman-Mensah, Alhaji Ziblim Yakubu, and Nouvi Tetteh Angelo are currently on bail and have pleaded not guilty to 72 counts related to willfully causing financial loss to the state, misapplying public property, issuing false certificates, and dishonestly causing loss to public property.
Member of Parliament for the Ningo-Prampram Constituency, Sam Nartey George, has earned praise from a segment of the public for his speech at the 5th Transatlantic Summit held by the Political Network for Values at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Friday, November 17, 2023.
Many Ghanaians commend the MP for championing Ghanaian and African values, particularly on issues related to gender, sexuality, and marriage.
During his approximately 6-minute address, Sam George emphatically asserted that Ghanaian and African cultures recognise only marriage between a man and a woman.
He further articulated that the sex of an individual, often confused with gender, is determined by God at birth and cannot be reassigned after birth.
“…Sex is a biological construct that transcends race, ethnicity, religion and jurisdictional jurisprudence. Sex is binary – either male or female. God determines it at the moment of conception. A foetus carries either the XY or XX chromosomes, determining whether it is born male or female. From my beloved Ningo-Prampram Constituency in Accra to New York and Rio de Janeiro to Madrid or Delhi to Perth, the interpretation of XY and XX is constant.
“Gender, on the other hand, is a social construct that has evolved based on the peculiarities of various societies. From the onset, matching the binary nature of sex, we see different recognitions of gender across the world today.
“There is no universality in the concept of gender, as gender is highly fluid, and as such, gender cannot form the basis for any convention, covenant or treaty that seeks to be globally acceptable and binding.
“This is the basis for my avowed position that the letter and spirit of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights is apt and meets the needs of our global world today. It emphasises in Article 2 the Rights and freedoms outlined in the Declaration and is clear that there shall be no distinction based on SEX. Yes, it says SEX, not gender. This is definite and must be defended by all progressive forces.”
Joojo Fosu, an appointee of President Akufo-Addo and acting Board Chairman at theGhana Free Zones Authority, has publicly declared his support for Independent Presidential Candidate Alan Kyerematen.
Fosu, clad in the symbolic ‘butterfly cloth’ of Kyerematen’s Movement for Change, maintains his position in the NPP government despite this notable shift in allegiance.
Accompanying Alan Kyerematen to the State Funeral rites for former First Lady Theresa Kufuor, Fosu’s decisive move to endorse an independent candidate is perceived as a vote of no confidence in the Akufo-Addo government and the NPP’s prospects in the 2024 general elections.
According to Article 3(9)(1) of the NPP Constitution, Fosu’s support for a presidential candidate other than the party’s chosen nominee automatically leads to the forfeiture of his NPP membership.
This provision was reiterated by NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong in a statement issued on November 20, 2023.
Meanwhile, the NPP leadership announced earlier today that Adorye, along with Yaw Buaben Asamoa, Nana Ohene Ntow, and Boniface Abubakar Saddique, are no longer members of the party due to their public endorsement and campaign for independent presidential candidate Alan Kyerematen.
In an official statement, the NPP cited the quartet’s “flagrant breach” of the party’s constitution, specifically referring to Articles 3(5) (A)(4) and 3(9)(1). The party emphasised the importance of members abiding by and publicly upholding party decisions, as per Article 3(5) (A) (4).
Moreover, Article 3(9)(I) specifies that any member endorsing an independent candidate against the officially elected party nominee automatically loses party membership.
The NPP encouraged its members to stand firm in supporting the officially elected Presidential Candidate, Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, and to work together to secure victory in the forthcoming 2024 polls.
The Bank of Ghana has declared that it has fined and suspended the forex licence of fintech company Zeepay Ghana Limited for violating clause 7.3(a) of the Inward Remittance.
The Central Bank issued the statement in a communication signed by the Secretary of the BoG, Sandra Thompson.
According to the forex regulation, clause 7.3(a) states that the settlement bank shall “use the average interbank exchange rate published by the Ghana Association of Banks on the day the transfer is received or as prescribed by Bank of Ghana for the conversion of settlement funds into local currency”.
Following the non-compliance by the Ghanaian-owned business, the BoG has “suspended the Forex Licence of Zeepay Ghana Limited from November 27th, 2023, to December 8th, 2023, for violation of sections 3(1) and 15 (3) of the Foreign Exchange Act, 2006 (Act 723),” the statement detailed.
The statement additionally warned participants in the industry to strictly adhere to the relevant regulations and guidelines of the forex market.
Ghanaian artist Kwesi Arthur sparked discussions on Twitter following his performance at Davido’s Away Festival in the United States.
Despite being excited when he was announced as one of the performers, fans expressed disappointment, criticising his subpar performance with a slow tempo that left the crowd seemingly dispersed.
Some argue that he has fallen off in a changing music landscape.
https://youtu.be/1D4_b8CzcP4
Defenders suggested he might be facing personal battles.
Kwesi Arthur, thanking Davido for the opportunity, responded to critics, stating he would have continued even with just two patrons in the auditorium.
The ‘Ground Up’ crooner, without mincing words, jabbed his critics to “shove their opinions up their asses”.
I see y’all comments. Even if there were 2 people in the arena I would have still performed. I go need y’all to shove your opinions up your ass.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has expressed his admiration for young Benfica midfielder João Neves, who has been linked with interest from Old Trafford.
Scouts from the Premier League side reportedly attended Benfica’s 2-1 victory against Sporting CP, witnessing the 19-year-old’s crucial stoppage-time goal.
Neves has been a standout performer for Benfica this season, earning his senior international debut for Portugal.
His impressive form has attracted attention, including interest from Manchester United, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
“It has to be the Manchester United coach who says whether he has a place in the team or not,” Fernandes told reporters ahead of Sunday’s 2-0 win over Iceland.
“He’s a great player, I don’t know if he would have a place or not. It depends on the coach and his ideas. But he’s an excellent player and an excellent kid, very professional. He will have a bright future wherever he goes.
“I would love to have him by my side, because he has quality and will have a bright future. It depends on him.What I want most is the best for him.”
In a strong defence of formerPresident John Mahama’s promise to eliminate the Teacher Licensure Exams (TLEs) if elected President in 2024, Sammy Gyamfi, the Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has argued that the exams are a tactic by the current administration to hinder teacher recruitment.
During his ‘Building Ghana Tour’ in the Bono Region, Mahama pledged to do away with the Teacher Licensure Exams, stating that subjecting teacher trainees to an additional assessment for qualification is unnecessary.
This position has faced criticism from the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG), which emphasises the exams’ importance.
In response to these concerns, Gyamfi emphasised that teacher trainees already undergo rigorous four-year Bachelor of Education programs, covering at least fifty courses and eight semesters of intensive study.
He questioned the necessity of an additional exam after such comprehensive training.
Gyamfi decried the Teacher Licensure Exams as a “dubious ploy” by the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government to cut down on teacher recruitment due to financial constraints.
He disclosed that a significant number of qualified teacher trainees experience failure in the exams, leading to unemployment and pushing some to resort to bribery to secure licenses.
Gyamfi highlighted the lack of transparency in the Teacher Licensure Exams marking scheme, pointing out that pass marks are arbitrarily adjusted to meet the government’s hiring requirements. He also noted that even those who eventually pass the exams often face delays in securing employment.
In reiterating Mahama’s commitment to education, Gyamfi emphasised the NDC’s plan to concentrate on enhancing pre-certification education standards and examinations in Colleges of Education.
He emphasised that this approach would better ensure the quality of future teachers without imposing unnecessary barriers to employment.
Below is the full statement by the Sammy Gyamfi
MAHAMA’S PROMISE TO ABOLISH OBNOXIOUS TEACHERS’ LICENSURE EXAMINATION IS SOUND AND SENSIBLE
H.E John Mahama and the NDC fully support the Licensing and Registration of Teachers as required by sections 12 & 13 of the Education Act (ACT 778), 2008. What we are vehemently opposed to, is the use of a needless Licensure Exam as the basis or precondition for licensing teachers. It’s as simple as that.
Below are the reasons why the Teachers’ Licensure Exam is obnoxious and hence must be abolished:
Currently, Teacher Trainees undertake 4-year (Bachelors of Education) degree programs in various Colleges of Education. During the 4-year academic period, Teacher Trainees are taught and examined in not less than fifty (50) courses over eight (8) semesters, that is, two semesters per year.
It is worthy of note, that the curriculum for each semester includes a mandatory field practical course called Supported Teaching in Schools (STS). This practical academic activity is climaxed with a rigorous full-semester mandatory internship course during the first semester of level 400. During this period, Teacher Trainees are assigned to the field to understudy mentors in classrooms and practically guided to teach. Trainees are required to prepare lesson notes, reflective journals among others, for assessment. After successfully passing eight (8) semester examinations involving not less than 30 courses, including the mandatory full-semester internship course, Teacher Trainees graduate from school and are issued with Bachelors of Education Degree certificates.
One would have thought that the right thing for government to do after this, would have been to simply license and employ these teachers and pay them the appropriate salary, as the practice had always been, before the current NPP government took office. Sadly, this is not the case now.
In a dubious ploy by the failed Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government to suppress teacher recruitment, they now require Teacher Trainee graduates who have successfully passed all their course exams in school including the mandatory field internship program, to undertake another examination called Licensure Examination before they are licensed to teach- an examination that has no active guide whatsoever.
To add insult to injury, Teacher Trainees are also forced to undertake a one-year compulsory National Service. This is despite the fact that their 4-year academic curriculum already involves intense teaching support services to the state.
Many Teacher Trainee graduates end up being failed after taking the obnoxious licensure exam without even knowing why they were failed. These qualified teachers are made to stay home without any job. Out of desperation, some are compelled to pay bribes to officials of the National Teaching Council in order to get a license. The marking scheme for the obnoxious licensure examination remains a mystery. The pass mark is whimsically and capriciously adjusted depending on the number of qualified teachers government intends to deny employment every year. Even worse is the fact that, some teachers who failed the obnoxious licensure exam on their first attempt but have eventually managed to pass the the exam have been denied posting and are siting home idle.
The reason for this injustice is simple; the failed Akufo-Addo government/Bawumia government simply does not have the financial capacity to employ all Teacher Trainee graduates, hence has devised a plan to use the obnoxious licensure exam to suppress the number of teachers they have to employ every year under the guise of licensing teachers. This elimination by rough tactic is simply unfair. This is why, the visionary Nation Builder, H.E John Dramani Mahama has promised to abolish it when elected in 2024.
For those who are concerned about quality assurance, it is worthy of note, that section 13 of the Education Act requires professional certification as the basis for licensing and registering Teachers. Thus, any policy or proposal intended to improve quality assurance must focus on improving pre-certification education standards and examination in Colleges of Education. This is precisely what John Mahama is talking about.
If government thinks that all the academic examinations and field works Teacher Trainees are taken through during their 4-year programs in school are not enough for quality assurance, then what government ought to do is to improve pre-certification teaching and examination standards in line with best practices. Once that is done, there will be no need for another exam to license teachers after they have successfully graduated.
Using myself as an example, the pre-certification course and exam in the law school where I attended is very rigorous and competitive. Once you pass it and successfully undertake the mandatory internship course, you are licensed and called to the Bar. You are not required to write another licensure exams before you are licensed as a lawyer. Neither are you required to undertake compulsory national service before you are licensed. You are only required to do pupillage after you are licensed as a lawyer. This practice is the same for doctors and other professional bodies.
For the avoidance of doubt, licensing is not the same as Licensure Examination. I am a licensed lawyer but I was not required to write any licensure exam before I was licensed as a lawyer. The NDC started piloting the licensing of teachers in the year 2016 without examination. We were ready to fully rollout the policy for the 2016/2017 academic year before we lost power. See https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/new-teacher-licensing-starts-from-2016-17-academic-year.html
The visionary Nation Builder has spoken in very clear terms on this matter. No attempt to spin to this well-thought out policy will wash. The obnoxious Teachers’ Licensure Exams and superfluous National Service will be canceled after John Mahama is sworn in as President on 7th January, 2025. “Insha Allah!” Teacher trainees deserve to be automatically licensed and employed after successfully completing their 4-year programs.
SAMMY GYAMFI ESQ. National Communications Officer, NDC
Chelsea and manager Mauricio Pochettino are taking a cautious approach with Christopher Nkunku’s return from a knee ligament injury, prioritising his full recovery before returning him to the pitch.
The club is unwilling to take any risks with Nkunku and will only reintroduce him to match action when both Pochettino and the player himself are completely confident in his fitness, according to The Standard.
Nkunku, a French international, has yet to make his competitive debut for Chelsea since sustaining the injury in a pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund.
Despite being in contention for the club’s matchday squad against Newcastle United, Pochettino has not provided the latest update on his condition.
In a recent conversation with Nkunku, Pochettino revealed that the player expressed his desire to return to the pitch after the November international break.
Additionally, other Chelsea players like Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia are also on the road to recovery from their respective injuries.
Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to face the “phenomenal” Lionel Messi, having only encountered the Argentine superstar in video games before.
Martinelli is part of the Brazil squad preparing to play against the reigning world champions at the Maracanã on Tuesday.
This match holds significant importance in the qualification race for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Even though Messi will be a star attraction in Rio de Janeiro, opponents like Martinelli are excited about sharing the pitch with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Martinelli, at 22 years old, acknowledges Messi’s status as a phenomenal player, considering him the best in the world once again this year.
I want to enjoy the moment of being able to play against him, being in the same stadium as him, and watching him up close because I’ve only seen him in video games. It’s going to be a wonderful experience.”
The intense rivalry between Brazil and Argentina will persist when they face each other, but for Gabriel Martinelli, the opportunity to share the field with his football idol,Lionel Messi, is a moment to relish. There might even be a desire to exchange shirts with Messi at the end of the match.
A self-proclaimed Ghanaian prophet has prophesied 2024 as a year of doom for Ghanaian socialite and former co-host of TV3’s Lady Circle, Abena Korkor .
During an interview on VIM Buzz TV, the prophet claimed to have had a vision of Abena Korkor standing naked on a wooden stool in her family house while water was being poured on her.
According to the prophet, he interprets this vision as a sign that Abena Korkor is facing a difficult destiny, influenced by negative forces.
The prophet expressed concern that Abena Korkor’s potential greatness is being hindered by witches in her family, who, according to him, have bound her.
He warned that if prayers are not offered on her behalf, she may suffer from mental health issues.
The prophet contends that these alleged witches view Abena Korkor as a person of significant potential, and their attacks on her have resulted in her current struggles.
He asserts that their influence has caused her to experience mental health challenges, preventing her from realising her full potential.
“I think he should rather think of how to do away with bleaching nu because, by next year, the heat in gh nu won’t do justice to him kraa . Nsemhunu keka nkoaa,” one netizen wrote.
“He wants to use Abena Korkor to trend but enfa, 😂😂cos this one be prophecy 😂,” another fan said.
There are circulating reports on social media suggesting that the results of actress Jackie Appiah’s son, Damien Agyemang, have been cancelled.
According to the information, although provisional results of the WAEC examination have been released, Damien’s results have been withheld due to alleged cheating during the exam.
The report indicates that Damien was caught cheating in the examination hall.
He reportedly arrived an hour late to the exams wearing an arm cast, and initially, it was assumed that he was injured.
However, the invigilator later discovered that he had the answers to the questions written on the arm cast.
It is stated that Damien did not admit to cheating and refused to hand over his papers or the foreign material he had to the coordinator.
Egypt’s management team has addressed concerns overMohamed Salah’s safety following a pitch invasion during Egypt’s World Cup qualifying game against Sierra Leone.
Fortunately, the Liverpool star emerged unharmed, as security prevented the intruders from reaching him. The Pharaohs secured a 2-0 victory, with Trezeguet scoring both goals.
The military escorted Salah off the field.
A day later, the Egyptian team management assured fans and Liverpool that the incident was not serious.
They explained that the pitch invaders were passionate Premier League followers and emphasised that many people in Sierra Leone are fans of Liverpool or Arsenal. Seeing Salah and Mohamed Elneny play in their home country was considered a rare and exciting experience for them.
Speaking to The Athletic, the team manager for the Egypt national team, Mohamed Ghoraba said: “The story of it being an assault is not there at all. Here, the people are very kind and they support Liverpool or Arsenal.
“For them, Mohamed Salah and Mohamed Elneny are icons, so their presence in the country is something they wish to happen again. For them, that’s the only opportunity to have Salah play in their ground, so it’s normal like any fan enter the pitch.”
The Liverpool star is in excellent form this season, scoring 10 goals and providing four assists in 12 Premier League appearances.
He is currently only three goals behind Manchester City’s prolific scorer Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot. The 31-year-old will be back in action against Manchester City in the league on Saturday.
Scholarship Amount: Full Tuition Fee and Monthly Stipend of $1000
Eligible Degrees: AFAM, Master’s, PhD
The Italian government consistently endeavours to make its education system accessible to international students. One notable initiative is theItalian Government Scholarships for Foreign Students, among the premier Italian scholarships for international students.
Introduced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, these programs aim to provide support to students from various parts of the world, particularly those facing financial challenges.
This scholarship in Italy is strategically designed to enhance international cooperation across technological, cultural, and scientific domains.
Available to eligible international students enrolled in Italian universities, the scholarships cover partial or full tuition fees based on the number of qualified students and their academic merit.
Additionally, recipients receive monthly allowances, totaling approximately $1000, disbursed on a quarterly basis. Before initiating the application process, you can verify the eligibility of your country on the scholarship page.
2. University of Bologna Study Grants for International Students
Scholarship Amount: $13,000 Grants and Tuition Fee Waivers
Eligible Degrees: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Several universities in Italy provide institutional financial aid to eligible students. One such example is the University of Bologna, which offers study grants to students meeting the qualification criteria. Some students may also be eligible for full tuition waivers throughout the duration of their current programs, applicable to First, Single, or Second Cycle Degree Programmes at the University of Bologna.
To qualify for this scholarship in Italy, it is essential to possess academic qualification documents that meet the requirements of the selected course. Ensure that all necessary documents are ready by the time of registration. Additionally, only individuals who have not previously benefited from this grant are eligible. For further information and a comprehensive guide on the application process, visit the official scholarship website.
3. Padua International Excellence Scholarship Programme
Scholarship Amount: Tuition Fee Waiver and $9,000 Annual Stipend
Eligible Degrees: Bachelor’s, Master’s
As one of the premier universities in Italy, the University of Padua is dedicated to fostering the growth of its international community. In line with this commitment, the institution has established a scholarship program offering 50 scholarships to highly promising students seeking to pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. All courses are conducted in English, making this scholarship opportunity accessible to a wide pool of eligible international students.
Given the substantial number of applicants, the competition for these scholarships is intense. Due to its high level of selectivity, students with exceptional achievements and outstanding academic records will be chosen for this award. The maximum duration of the scholarship for Bachelor’s degrees is approximately three years, while for Master’s degree candidates, it is around two years.
Also offered by the University of Padua, Regione Veneto Scholarships were established for students who came from low-income families. In order to be considered for this scholarship, eligible applicants must first be admitted into one of the programs offered by the University of Padua, and they also must be eligible to obtain an Italian visa, which is an ideal requirement for an international applicant.
To accommodate as many students as they can, the scholarship award mainly depends on your family income, which means that a low family income means high financial aid. Even though the duration of this scholarship is only one year, scholarship recipients renew their scholarship duration by meeting the renewal requirements.
Scholarship Amount: 50% or Full Tuition Fee Waiver
Eligible Degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Another university with a program(s) geared towards improving the welfare of international students is the University of Bocconi. It has two popular programs for international students. Merit Awards, for one, cover full tuition fee costs for those who meet the requirements. Undergraduate students who are beneficiaries of these awards receive up to $14,500, while graduates can receive up to $15,700.
It’s worth noting, though, that the acceptance rate of those who apply for this scholarship is very low. This can be attributed to the huge amount of funds awarded to each beneficiary. Nevertheless, you always have a chance of being considered provided you meet the minimum requirements set by the university.
Are you a student in the fields of Engineering and Architecture? Consider Politecnico di Torino as your potential destination. The institution provides Italian scholarships for international students interested in their programs. There are five distinct scholarship projects available at the institution.
For example, the Alta Scuola Politecnica targets talented international students interested in the Master of Science programs. The COLFUTURO scholarships are specifically designed for Colombian students enrolled in Engineering and Architecture programs at the Master of Science and Ph.D. levels. Additional scholarship opportunities include the Eni Project (Petroleum Engineering), TOPoliTo, and Invest Your Talent in Italy. For more details on each of these programs, visit the official scholarship page.
Nana Appiah Mensah, the embattled CEO of Menzgold and Zylofon Media, popularly known as NAM 1, has initiated legal proceedings against entertainer turned politician Kwame A-Plus.
The lawsuit is in response to A Plus describing NAM 1 as a fool and a criminal.
In addition to A Plus, Fadda Dickson, UTV, and, by extension, Despite, are also listed as defendants in the legal action.
Nana Appiah Mensah asserts that A Plus’s characterization of him as a criminal and foolish during an episode of United Showbiz is defamatory. A Plus made these claims following NAM 1’s announcement of his intention to charge consumers to ascertain if Menzgold owed them money.
“NAM 1 shouldn’t be allowed to be walking around and misbehaving and doing all of these things but they cannot arrest him because they (Government) are thieves… that guy is a criminal,” A-Plus said on the show.
NAM 1 contends that the statement has significantly damaged his reputation and inflicted substantial harm upon him. He emphasizes that he has never been convicted in any court of law and, therefore, should not be labeled a criminal.
He is appealing to the Accra High Court to award him GHC $1 million in damages for defamation.
Additionally, he is seeking an extra GHC $1 million in damages for the infringement of his presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial as guaranteed by the Constitution.
Mr. Joseph Aloba, the father of the late afrobeat singer Mohbad, has expressed disapproval of the decision to retrieve his son’s body from police custody for a dignified funeral.
Several celebrities, including Bella Shmurda and Tonto Dikeh, had advocated for the removal of the deceased singer’s body from the mortuary to ensure a fitting burial.
This proposal arose two months after Mohbad’s exhumation by the police for investigative purposes.
In a recent video, Mohbad’s father condemned such actions and insisted that he should be consulted and given the authority to make such decisions rather than having them carried out without his knowledge.
He further emphasised the significance of obtaining bodily samples from his late son for a DNA test to establish paternity for Liam Light.
In his words, “I’ve been hearing maybe some people want to go and carry Mohbad’s body. When this boy was alive, he was my son. Now that he’s gone, he still retains my name. Nobody should go and carry Mohbad’s body from there.
“If there’s anything you want to do, I should be the one to authorise it. Let’s get justice for Mohbad; after burial, wetin remain? Let justice prevail first; the DNA is necessary.”
Gospel musician Nacee expressed his disagreement with the Food and Drugs Authority’s decision to prohibit Ghanaian celebrities from endorsing alcoholic products, deeming it nonsensical.
During an appearance on United Showbiz on Saturday, November 18, 2023, Nacee raised questions about the disparity that allows foreign personalities to promote such products while imposing restrictions on local celebrities.
Nacee, who serves as both a musician and a music producer, underscored the point that even if less-known individuals are granted the opportunity to advertise, they could eventually gain celebrity status.
Therefore, he argued, the ban on celebrities would be ineffective in the long run.
“A continued posting of images and videos of people makes them popular. Nobody knew Michael Power until Guinness kept pushing his commercials,” he said. “If we feature an ordinary person in ads and keep promoting the said ads, they will rise to become popular in a couple of months so much so that they may not be able to buy food from the roadside.”
Nacee continued: “It is surprising that we won’t let our local celebrities advertise but our foreign counterparts are allowed to. It is good to regulate whatever we do, but it should not be discriminatory. We love foreigners more than ourselves; it doesn’t make sense. Let’s stop starving ourselves while giving foreigners juicy deals.”
In 2015, the FDA implemented a ban on Ghanaian celebrities endorsing alcoholic beverages, citing compliance with a World Health Organisation policy. The regulatory authority emphasised that the decision was part of ongoing initiatives to safeguard children and deter them from being enticed into alcohol consumption.
Despite facing criticism and appeals for a reconsideration of the policy, Kofi Essel, the Head of Industry Support Services Department at the FDA, stated in an interview that the organization is unable to lift the ban on well-known figures endorsing alcoholic beverages.
“Well-known persons have the potential to influence their followers who are not legally permitted to possess alcohol or use alcohol,” he argued. “In view of that, guidelines have been set to guide the operations of alcoholic beverage companies, including the advertisement of their products and this is the reason well-known persons are not allowed to endorse the products.”
Court case
Mark Darlington Osae, the artist manager of Reggie ‘N’ Bollie and Skrewfaze, has taken legal action against theFood and Drug Administration (FDA) and Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame over the prohibition on celebrities endorsing alcohol-related products.
Osae filed a writ of summons on November 11, 2022, asserting that the FDA’s 2015 guidelines are unjust to the creative arts sector.
His central argument revolves around what he claims is an inconsistency and violation of articles 17(1) and 17(2) of the 1992 Constitution.
These articles guarantee equality before the law and prohibit discrimination based on factors such as social or economic status and occupation.
“No well-known individual or professional may be used in advertising for alcoholic beverages; this is against the 1992 Constitution’s provisions 17(1) and 17 (2).
“Articles 17(1) and 17 (2) of the 1992 Constitution guarantee quality before the law and prohibit discrimination against persons on grounds of social or economic status, occupation, among others, and consequently are null, void, and unenforceable,” Osae argued.
On November 15, 2023, the case was adjourned until January 17, 2024.
In a joyful moment, Chioma was seen singing and dancing to Davido’s popular “I’m Unavailable” song, perfectly mimicking the dance steps associated with the track.
After cancelling his Away Festival last year due to the tragic loss of his son, Davido successfully hosted his highly anticipated African concert at the State Farm Stadium, which turned out to be a sold-out show.
Despite maintaining a low profile following the passing of their son and the recent birth of their twins, Chioma surprised everyone by making an appearance at the concert.
Videos circulating online capture the new mom showing support for her husband, tightly holding onto him as they left the show. This marked the first public appearance of the mother of two at her husband’s concert since hisreturn to the stage.
On Monday, November 20, 2023, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) took the step of revoking the membership of certain individuals who openly expressed their allegiance to Alan Kyerematen, a former party member.
In an official statement, the NPP announced the suspension of Hopeson Adorye, Nana Ohene Ntow, Boniface Abubakar Saddique, and Yaw Buaben Asamoa. The basis for this suspension was their violation of the party’s stance against endorsing the candidature of individuals not officially representing the party.
Noteworthy is the absence of Sylvester Tetteh, the Member of Parliament for Bortianor-Ngleshi-Amanfro, a prominent figure in Kyerematen’s campaign during his tenure with the NPP.
According to Article 3(5)(A)(4) of the NPP constitution, all members are required to “abide by and publicly uphold the decision of the party.”
The clause further states that “a member who stands as an independent candidate against the officially elected party member, or supports another political party or independent candidate when the party has sponsored a candidate in an election, automatically forfeits party membership.”
However, Sylvester Tetteh adeptly avoided inclusion in the list of suspended members, a move credited by GhanaWeb to his timely response when Alan Kyerematen withdrew from the November 4, 2023, contest and later resigned from the New Patriotic Party.
Swiftly distancing himself from the Alan campaign following his former ‘boss’s’ departure, Tetteh promptly redirected his allegiance by providing steadfast support to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s candidature for the party’s flagbearer position.
In a GhanaWeb report on September 13, 2023, – when Alan withdrew from the race, the MP stated, “It is obvious that the NPP rank and file support the candidature of Vice-President Bawumia, and, in that light, I have decided, in consultation with my constituents, to join Team Bawumia.”
He emphasised that with Alan Kyerematen no longer in the race, he needed to choose among the remaining candidates, and his choice was Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia because he believes Bawumia would make an excellent president.
“I am making a firm commitment that I will support Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the November 4 elections,” Tetteh stated.
Sylvester Tetteh’s adherence to the party’s constitution during this transition spared him from suspension, distinguishing him from his colleagues who have recently faced disciplinary measures from the party.
In contrast to Sylvester Tetteh and the others—Hopeson Adorye, Nana Ohene Ntow, Boniface Abubakar Saddique, and Yaw Buaben Asamoa—the party deems them to still maintain allegiance to Alan Kyerematen and his new Movement for Change, leading to their dismissal.
The proposal by John Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), to eliminate licensure exams for teacher trainees has faced staunch opposition from the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG).
Mahama had announced his intention to abolish these exams during his ‘Building Ghana Tour’ in the Bono Region, contending that subjecting teacher trainees to an additional assessment is unnecessary.
In contrast to Mahama’s position, CETAG firmly asserts that licensure exams play a crucial role in ensuring the competence and quality of future teaching professionals.
Prince Obeng Himah, the President of CETAG, emphasized the unique nature of teacher training in comparison to other professions, underscoring the profound impact educators can have on entire generations.
In an interview with Citi News, Himah stated, “In my opinion, it is something that is good and it shouldn’t be cancelled.
“That is CETAG; we have stated that we should implement what we agreed two years ago when we had a conference that the students wanting to enter the teaching profession should be subjected to entrance exams.”
On Sunday, November 19, 2023, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, made a majestic entrance at the St. Peter’s Basilica in Kumasi, riding in his distinguished 88-year-old Rolls Royce. The purpose of this grand entrance was the Thanksgiving Service held in honour of the late former First Lady, Theresa Aba Kufuor.
This vintage Rolls Royce carries immense ceremonial importance for the Asante Kings and was originally purchased in the 1940s by the then Asantehene, Otumfuo Prempeh II.
The unique vehicle, known as 20/25, is adorned with the traditional colours of Asanteman—Yellow, Black, and Green.
The historic Rolls Royce made its debut in 1935 at a durbar in Kumasi, commemorating the reunification of the Asante Confederacy during the reign of Otumfuo Sir Osei Agyeman Prempeh II. Safo Kantanka, an Asante historian, highlights that Prempeh II was the first to utilize the vehicle during this significant event.
After Prempeh II’s passing in 1970, Opoku Ware II succeeded him and continued to use the Rolls Royce for an impressive 29 years. In 1999, Osei Tutu II became the thirdAsantehene to inherit and utilise this historic vehicle.
Spain secured a 3-1 triumph against Georgia in their last Euro 2024 qualifying Group A encounter on Sunday.
Despite being a bittersweet victory for the hosts, who had already clinched the top spot, the win was overshadowed by midfielder Gavi (19) suffering a knee injury.
Spain concluded the qualifying campaign with 21 points from seven wins in eight matches, their only loss coming against second-placed Scotland, who also qualified for the finals with 17 points after a 3-3 draw with Norway.
Georgia finished in fourth place with eight points, trailing behind Norway in third.
Cyprus ended up at the bottom of the group without securing any points.
For Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, it marked the most poignant victory of his career as Gavi, who plays for Barcelona, left the field in tears during the first half while clutching his injured knee.
“It is a very difficult moment for Gavi, Barcelona, and the national team and for me, it seems as if we have lost the game,” De la Fuente told a news conference.
“This is the ugly part of football. I am very sorry. Let’s wait for the tests to confirm the extent of the injury. This is the most bitter victory I have ever experienced in my life.”
Spain took an early lead in the fourth minute when Ferran Torres delivered a free kick from the left, finding Robin Le Normand’s head for his inaugural international goal.
However, Georgia swiftly equalized six minutes later through a rapid counterattack, culminating in a straightforward finish by forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The joy of the moment was dampened for Spain as Gavi suffered an injury in a collision with an opponent.
“We can’t celebrate as we would have liked. Gavi’s injury is a hard blow, I’m really gutted,” said Le Normand. “It wasn’t my best game with the national team, there are things to improve”.
The hosts restored their lead 10 minutes into the second half with a header from Torres, who celebrated by holding up the number nine jersey of his Barca teammate Gavi.
Georgia’s Luka Lochoshvili put the ball in his own net in the 72nd minute to seal the Spaniards’ win.
Colombian pop sensation Shakira has reached an agreement with Spanish prosecutors to resolve a tax fraud case just as her trial was set to commence.
The singer has paid a €7.5 million (£6.5 million) fine, averting the possibility of an eight-year jail term and a €23.8 million (£20.8 million) fine, as initially sought by prosecutors in the event of a guilty verdict.
The allegations involved tax fraud amounting to €14.5 million (£12.7 million) in a Barcelona court.
Shakira, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, said she settled “with the best interest of my kids at heart”.
In a lengthy statement, she said her children “do not want to see their mom sacrifice her personal well-being in this fight”.
Having declined an earlier settlement proposed by prosecutors, the artist chose to proceed with a trial. The focus of the case revolved around Shakira’s residence during the years 2012–2014.
“Throughout my career, I have always strived to do what’s right and set a positive example for others,” she said.
“Unfortunately, and despite these efforts, tax authorities in Spain pursued a case against me as they have against many professional athletes and other high-profile individuals, draining those people’s energy, time, and tranquillity for years at a time.
“While I was determined to defend my innocence in a trial that my lawyers were confident would have ruled in my favour, I have made the decision to finally resolve this matter with the best interest of my kids at heart who do not want to see their mom sacrifice her personal well-being in this fight.”
She added she needed to “move past the stress and emotional toll of the last several years and focus on the things I love – my kids and all the opportunities to come in my career”.
Dispute over residency
The focal point of the dispute revolves around Shakira’s residency status from 2012 to 2014, during which prosecutors asserted that she resided in Spain while officially declaring another location as her residence.
In accordance with Spanish law, individuals spending more than six months in the country are deemed residents for tax purposes. However, Shakira contends that Spain was not her primary residence during that period.
In July, prosecutors presented documentation claiming she purchased a house in Barcelona in 2012, which served as a family home for her and her then-partner, Barcelona footballer Gerard Piqué.
According to her legal representatives, a significant portion of her income until 2014 was derived from international tours, and she spent extended periods outside of Spain during this time.
“The Spanish tax authorities saw that I was dating a Spanish citizen and started to salivate. It’s clear they wanted to go after that money no matter what”, she told Elle magazine.
Shakira officially designated Spain as her tax residence in 2015, affirming that she has fulfilled her tax obligations by paying €17.2 million (£15 million) and has no outstanding debts.
In an unrelated case in 2019, Mr. Piqué received a fine of €2.1 million (£1.8 million) from the Spanish national court for tax evasion spanning the years 2008 to 2010.
The couple, who announced their separation in early June after 11 years, shares two sons aged seven and nine.
Declan Rice (24) expressed being “very nervous” about his high-value transfer to Arsenal from West Ham United.
Upon arriving in North London, the midfielder was aware of the club’s anticipation for him to make an immediate impact.
Arsenal secured the services of the England international in July for a record-breaking fee of 105 million pounds ($130.84 million), surpassing the previous record set by Manchester City’s payment of 100 million pounds for Jack Grealish from Aston Villa in 2021.
“When the transfer was going through, I was very nervous because of the price tag,” Rice told reporters ahead of England’s final European Championship qualifier against North Macedonia.
“You’re a human being bought for 105 million pounds, it doesn’t feel very normal. But that was because of what I’d done at West Ham, what they valued me at.
“It’s 100 million pounds; it’s a lot of money. I could understand the pressure that comes with it.
“Not only the pressure you put on yourself but there’s an expectation of being bought for that much money we need to see performances straight away. They have invested a lot of money in me, I need to prove why I can go there and change things.”
Rice additionally mentioned that he comprehended the challenges faced by his England teammate Grealish, who achieved a treble with City last season but might have encountered difficulties initially following his transfer.
“He was a 100 million-pound footballer but as he wasn’t playing as much, it was probably as bit different for him. Now he’s flying and it’s the same for me,” added Rice.
Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sané has reportedly left the possibility of a departure from the Bundesliga champions open, as per Sport.
The forward, whose contract extends until 2025, has attracted significant attention from LaLiga powerhouses Barcelona and Real Madrid in the recent months.
In early November, reports emerged that no concrete agreement had been made between Bayern and the 27-year-old to extend his contract.
Now, while on international duty with Germany, Sané has said that he “hadn’t thought about it yet; the club wants to have conversations, but for now I want to focus on this season.”
The ex-Manchester City player seamlessly aligns with Barcelona’s winger criteria, particularly amid speculation of Raphinha departing from Camp Nou.
Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association has ordered a temporary ban on Bofoakwa Tano FC from using Sunyani Coronation Park as its home venue, with immediate effect.
This decision has become necessary due to the unfortunate incidents that occurred after the Match Day 11 match between Bofoakwa Tano FC and Nsoatreman FC played on November 19, 2023.
The decision is in accordance with the GFA Premier League Regulations Article 14(2), which states, inter alia, “the GFA may order the closure of any league centre where the safety of clubs, Match Officials or Spectators cannot be guaranteed.”’
The Competitions Department is hereby directed to designate a venue for the Club’s future home matches, as per Article 14(3) of the Premier League Regulations.
It is important to note that this directive does not preclude the ongoing case before the Disciplinary Committee, which has been tasked with hearing the matter in compliance with the relevant Regulations.
The GFA expresses strong disapproval of the misconduct exhibited by the supporters of Bofoakwa Tano FC during the match. The Association unequivocally condemns the breaches of GFA Safety and Security Regulations and Premier League Regulations that occurred.
GFA Prosecutors are now reviewing all video evidence and matching reports to promptly file appropriate charges. The Disciplinary Committee is expected to expedite the proceedings on this matter.
Bofoakwa Tano FC is urged to collaborate with the Regional Police in apprehending those involved in the attack on the away team and the unlawful detention of match officials, as promised during engagements with the Inspector General of Police.
Pending the case’s resolution, theCompetitions Department is instructed to determine venues for Bofoakwa Tano FC’s upcoming home matches, considering the distances for the away teams. (Note: Matches may be scheduled at the away team’s home if necessary.)
All clubs are reminded to strictly adhere to the Safety and Security Regulations and the GFA Disciplinary Code. The GFA issues a stern warning to all members, particularly clubs, emphasising that any harassment or assault on Players, Team Officials, Match Officials, and sports media will be dealt with promptly and decisively.
His Excellency, Prince Tetteh, the CEO of the Pribet Group of Companies, is in advanced negotiations to acquire a substantial 60% stake in Ourense FC, a Spanish football club.
This strategic move has garnered support from a distinguished consulting group featuring key figures from the football and legal sectors.
The consultancy group is composed of Mr. Julio Vazquez Dominguez, Antonio Nuñez Tena (former Real Madrid and Liverpool player), and Ms. Laura Vazquez, a notable football activist and lawyer representing Mr. Prince Tetteh’s interests.
Upon a warm reception by the club’s President, Mr. Camilo Diaz, Prince Tetteh was provided with a comprehensive briefing on the club’s activities. Diaz also personally guided him through the club’s stadium and gallery room, showcasing the numerous trophies the team has won over the years.
The Mayor of Ourense, Mr. Gonzalo Pérez Jácome, expressed his commendation for Mr. Tetteh’s potential involvement in the club. He articulated hope for increased opportunities for young African players to join not only Ourense FC but also other teams in Spain and Europe as a whole.
In recognition of his potential partnership with the club, Mr. Tetteh was honoured with prestigious awards, symbolising the community’s esteem.
As a gesture of goodwill, he invited Mr. Augusto César Lendoire, former Deportivo La Coruna President and owner, to witness the promising initiatives and contribute to the future plans for the club.
Mr. Prince Tetteh is the visionary leader of the Pribet Group of Companies, a diversified conglomerate specialising in construction, civil engineering, security services, multimedia, energy production, fuel importation, agriculture technology, and ICT solutions.
The group operates in both Europe and Africa, serving as the local partner for Karpower and providing electricity for Guinea-Bissau.
In recognition of his achievements, he was appointed as Ghana’s Consular to Guinea-Bissau in 2021 by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, exemplifying his commitment to serving and representing his country in diplomatic capacities.
Ourense CF, formerly known as Ponte Ourense Club de Fútbol since its establishment in 1977 and rebranded in 2014 following the dissolution of CD Ourense, competes in Segunda Federación, Group 1.
The club plays its matches at Estadio O Couto, accommodating up to 5,659 spectators, and currently holds the 2nd position in their league table.
This potential collaboration signifies a significant opportunity for Mr. Tetteh to apply his business acumen to the club, potentially elevating the visibility of young African talents in European football.
The acquisition of shares in Ourense FC holds promise for mutual growth and development for both the club and the broader football community.
Coalition of Aggrieved Customers of Menzgold, Ghana, has called on the Attorney General to exercise caution in distributing the GH¢2.5 million handed over by Nana Appiah Mensah (NAM1), the embattled CEO of the now-defunct Menzgold company.
In a petition dated November 17, the customers urged the Attorney General to avoid disbursing funds to a list provided by NAM1, expressing concerns about the list’s credibility and the potential for discrimination.
The Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, had confirmed that NAM1 had delivered GH¢2.5 million to the authorities, which is currently held in an exhibit account at the Bank of Ghana, awaiting further instructions.
The Coalition of Aggrieved Customers of Menzgold, Ghana, in its petition, cautioned the Attorney General “not to succumb to any pressure from NAM 1 nor any amorphous group to disburse the GH¢2.5 million paid by NAM 1 to the so-called attached list since we cannot verify the credibility of the so-called names.”
The coalition reiterated its endorsement of the initial decision made by the Attorney General and the Ghana Police Service to keep the funds in the exhibit account, considering the ongoing court proceedings related to the Menzgold case.
“We do agree with the initial decision taken by the Honourable Attorney General and Ghana Police authorities that the money be kept in the exhibit account since the matter is pending before the court.
Nana Appiah Mensah should never be allowed to determine who should be paid first or last. All customers are entitled to their money at the same time, and as a coalition, we will resist any attempt by NAM1 and his Menzgold to discriminate against customers in the matter of payment”, they stated in their petition.”
Renowned radio broadcaster and host of the Kokrookoo morning show on Peace FM, Kwami Sefa Kayi, has issued an apology to Deputy Minister of Finance, Abena Osei-Asare, citing miscommunication regarding her absence on the show on November 16, 2023.
On that morning, the deputy minister was scheduled to appear at 9 a.m. to discuss the budget presented by the finance minister to parliament on November 15.
Sefa Kayi disclosed that the minister had indeed come to the studios but requested permission to attend the funeral of the late Theresa Kufuor.
This led to criticism from other panellists, who questioned her decision to prioritise the funeral over explaining the budget to the public.
Sefa Kayi clarified that the misunderstanding arose due to miscommunication between the minister and the production team and extended an apology to her for any offence caused.
“Yesterday, I and the Deputy Finance Minister, Abena Osei-Asare, were supposed to have a discussion that couldn’t come on. I said some things that I should not have said. This was due to a miscommunication. It could have gone better.
“Abena Osei Asare, if you’re listening to this,I would like to render my sincerest apologies to you if I said some things that were not good or did not go down well with you,” he said.
During theBlack Stars’ match at the Baba Yara Stadium on Friday, November 17, 2023, some Ghanaian football supporters took a break to enjoy the popular Ghanaian dish, beans and gari, commonly known as ‘Gobe.’
In the midst of the 2026 World Cup qualifier match, a supporter wearing the Ghana jersey pulled out his ‘Gobe,’ and as he began eating, other supporters joined in, chanting, “Y3 b3 di” (We will eat).
Men are a whole different vibe all together. I doubt they even know each other pic.twitter.com/7r1lC0bo1U
Despite the unexpected communal feast, the owner of the ‘Gobe’ maintained composure, nearly breaking down in tears at one point.
Some supporters were even captured requesting to partake in the meal.
The match saw Athletic Bilbao forward Iñaki Williams scored a last-minute goal for Ghana against Madagascar, marking his inaugural goal for the Black Stars at the vibrantBaba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
Boateng, who played alongside Balotelli at AC Milan, witnessed the Italian’s qualities up close.
Balotelli scored 33 goals and provided nine assists in 77 games during his time at AC Milan.
However, it was in Man City that Balotelli’s meteoric rise began, with impressive performances that garnered attention.
Despite early promise, Balotelli’s career trajectory did not lead him to the pinnacle of European football, as he later made moves to clubs such as Swiss side Sion and Turkish club Adana Demirspor.
“I love Mario Balotelli; I think he could have won three Ballons d’Or,” Boateng,who is a former Ghana international, said via (GOAL).
Chelsea women’s manager Emma Hayes has praised Lauren James as the “most naturally gifted footballer in the country” following her recent goal-scoring performance.
James scored a hat-trick in Chelsea’s 5-1 victory over Liverpool, helping the team extend their lead in the WSL.
Despite not starting in the Champions League draw against Real Madrid, the 22-year-old demonstrated her value with a left-foot finish to open the scoring and provided an assist for Aggie Beever-Jones before half-time.
In the second half, Lauren James quickly secured her hat-trick with two goals, while Sjoeke Nusken compounded Liverpool’s misery by tapping in from Rytting Kaneryd’s enticing cross.
Despite the comprehensive victory, the standout performance ofLauren James stole the headlines, with her manager Emma Hayes expressing admiration for her undeniable talent.
“Lauren got into such good positions because of the work she did off the ball,” Hayes said, as cited on the BBC.
“What she did out of possession was outstanding—the way she back-pressed, counter-pressed, dominated her duels, did it for 90 minutes and was very selfless in her work.
Hayes stated that James is the most naturally gifted footballer in England, highlighting her ability to effortlessly execute actions on the pitch.
The Chelsea boss added, “She’s the most naturally gifted footballer in the country. She does things with very little backlift. Lauren is a really, really intelligent footballer. Forget the technical bit; she’s really intelligent.”
Ancelotti’s future at Real Madrid hangs in the balance as his existing contract in the Spanish capital approaches its conclusion at the close of the 2023–24 season.
The Italian manager, currently in his second stint with the La Liga powerhouse, has steered the club to two successful seasons, prompting varied opinions on Real Madrid’s decision after his current contract concludes.
Reports from Marca suggest that the Brazilian national team is closely monitoring Ancelotti, expressing admiration and a desire for him to potentially become their coach in the future.
Despite Ancelotti consistently downplaying links with the Selecao, speculation about his potential takeover of the Brazilian national team persists.
Amidst the ongoing discussions regarding the future of the former AC Milan manager, Spanish outlet Relevo has reported that Real Madrid is contemplating extending Ancelotti’s tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
According to Relevo’s report, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez views Ancelotti as the ideal candidate to lead the team, and discussions are underway regarding a contract renewal.
Perez seeks to deter Ancelotti from the prospect of coaching Brazil by proposing a contract that could include an initial year with a 12-month extension option.
Conversely, the Brazilian national team is reportedly inclined towards offering a straightforward deal.
However, the final decision rests with the 64-year-old manager, who must determine if he remains motivated by the challengesReal Madrid presents, along with the added expectation of securing at least one major trophy in 2024.
Saudi champions Al Ittihad have named Argentine Marcelo Gallardo (47) as coach through 2025 following the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo (49), the club said on Saturday.
Gallardo returns to management after leaving River Plate last year following an eight-year spell that saw him guide the team to 14 titles, including two Copa Libertadores, making him the club’s most successful coach.
“The Board of Directors of Al Ittihad announces the signing of a new coaching staff, led by the Argentinian Marcelo Gallardo, to coach the football first team with a contract extending for a year and a half,” the club said.
Al Ittihad are fifth in theSaudi Pro League, having won only once in their last five games.
They also slumped to a 2-0 loss at Air Force Club in their last Asian Champions League match, though they still lead Group C with nine points from four games against seven for the Iraqis.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente selected 28-year-oldDavid Raya to start against Cyprus, marking a shift from his previous role as a substitute since being called up by Luis Enrique in March 2022.
Raya has become a consistent presence in the national team, making his debut goal for Spain in March 2022 in a memorable match against Albania held at the RCD Espanyol stadium in Barcelona.
The friendly, which Spain won energetically, saw a packed stadium saluting Raya with full honours.
Known as a self-made goalkeeper, Raya is recognized for his relentless work ethic and chose his position inspired by the resources available at home.
“When I was four or five years old, I started as a goalkeeper. My middle brother was a winger and I had to play goalkeeper at home and I liked it. My parents signed me up for the village team and that’s where I have my first memories of playing in the garden at home and then on the village team,” he explains nostalgically.
At 28, Raya has made a name for himself in England, now at Arsenal after seasons at Blackburn, Southport and Brentford, with whom he made his Premier League debut.
David Raya is in action for Arsenal He is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the top flight, and it is no coincidence that that is how specialists describe him.
“I left the country when I was very young, just 16 years old, and I had to work hard to get to where I am now. You value a lot of things, like when I left to play in the fifth division at 18 to 19 years old.
“It’s very different from professional football or training and from the facilities I was used to at Blackburn. They taught me a lot of things there and it helps you appreciate what you have.I wouldn’t change my career for the world.”
Sadio Mane, aged 31, celebrated his 100th cap for Senegal by scoring two goals in a comfortable 4-0 home victory over South Sudan as they kicked off their World Cup qualifying campaign.
The Group B match in Dakar saw Mane set up the opening goal for Pape Matar Sarr in the first minute and add a goal himself five minutes later.
Debutant Lamine Camara scored the third just before halftime, and Mane netted his second from the penalty spot in the second half.
Senegal aims to qualify for their third consecutive World Cup, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo expected to be their toughest opponents in the group.
In other results, South Africa secured a 2-1 home victory over Benin in Group C, with Percy Tau and Khuliso Mudau scoring for the hosts, while Tanzania won 1-0 away against Niger in Marrakech, Morocco, with Charles M’Mombwa scoring in his debut for Tanzania.
South Africa now leads Group C, with aspirations of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010. The winners of the nine qualifying groups will advance to the 2026 finals, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the US.
Five moreAfrican qualifiers are scheduled for Sunday, featuring challenging away games for heavyweight contenders Algeria, Egypt, and Nigeria.
England players aspiring to participate in the upcoming European Championship in Germany must ensure their fitness meets the required standards, cautioned manager Gareth Southgate.
UEFA has reduced the permitted squad size to 23 players, down from the increased limit of 26 at the previous Euro edition.
The adjustment was initially made to address the potential challenges posed by COVID-19, such as player shortages due to infections and quarantine measures.
During the 2021 Euros, Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson made the England squad while recovering from injuries, and in the last World Cup, players like Kyle Walker, James Maddison, and Kalvin Phillips were included despite grappling with similar fitness issues.
“We can take far fewer gambles than we were able to take for the last two tournaments, where it was 26,” Southgate told reporters ahead of England’s Euro 2024 qualifier against North Macedonia.
“The size of the squad makes it a different sort of thought process because you’ve had that leeway in the last couple of tournaments to take players that weren’t going to be fit for the first couple of games.
“This time the physical conditioning of players is going to be really important. The ability for players to bat out six, seven games…If you can only take two for each position, players that are adaptable are helpful.”
England, who have already qualified for the Euro 2024 finals, top Group C with 19 points from seven games. They face North Macedonia in Skopje on Monday.
