Renowned Ghanaian broadcaster and fashion designer Kofi Okyere Darko,popularly known as KOD, revealed that he was requested to pay a fee for the use of the Adinkra symbol on products from his Nineteen 57 clothing line.
Speaking on the New Day Show on TV3 on November 30, KOD expressed dismay over the situation where cultural artifacts like Kente, Ahenema, and Ghana Must Go materials are appropriated and sold by foreign fashion brands like Balenciaga.
He attributed this to Ghanaians not asserting ownership of such artifacts.
“It’s what globalisation does… We did not claim it as ours,” he said.
KOD, however, bemoaned the case where attempts by Ghanaians to promote Ghanaian culture are met with barriers such as demands for payments from the National Folklore Board (NFB).
“In my quest to promote Ghana and everything I do, you know, even on our 1957 bags, we have the Ghana flag. And then we decided to start using the Adinkra symbol, the one that connotes wisdom and tradition.
“And I got an email from whoever Folklore people saying, “Oh, Charlie, you for pay for using,” and I’m like, “Okay, we’re projecting Ghana. Other people are using it.They should pay.” They should find a way of getting those,” he said.
“Well, there are people who work there. They should follow it up,” KOD added.
Esteemed Highlife artist Ofori Amponsah, also known as Mr. All 4 Real, has expressed regret over some of his iconic hits, revealing that he recorded songs he is not proud of due to financial constraints.
Despite boasting a repertoire of hit songs such as “Emmanuella,” “Otoolege,” “Sardine,” and more, Ofori Amponsah acknowledged that certain tracks were produced out of necessity rather than genuine creative inspiration.
In an exclusive interview with Graphic Showbiz, the “Otoolege” hitmaker disclosed that financial challenges compelled him to create songs that didn’t align with his artistic integrity.
He explained, “In this music business, you sometimes do certain things to survive. I did a couple of songs that were popular all over Ghana, but honestly, I am not proud of those songs because hunger pushed me to do them.”
“Those songs didn’t come from within and I wouldn’t have done them if I were financially okay back then. But I had to pay the bills—utility bills, school fees among other things,” he disclosed.
Ofori Amponsah asserts that if a musician’s primary motivation for recording songs is financial gain, they may achieve a hit that trends briefly. However, both the artist and their hit will likely fade away quickly.
“Musicians who make their ‘stomachs’ their priority become irrelevant after a period of time. When you are a musician and you are always thinking of making money to pay bills or sort yourself out, you may not come out with a very good song.”
He underscored the significance of crafting music that emanates from personal inspiration, pointing to songs like“Abele” as exemplars of timeless and enduring tracks that leave a lasting impact.
Famous Ghanaian socialite Afia Schwarzenegger has strongly criticised Kuami Eugene’s former housekeeper, Mary, and her mother for their allegations against the highlife musician.
In her assessment, Afia Schwarzenegger deemed the accusations implausible, emphasising the significant support the artist has reportedly provided to them in the past.
Having closely followed their revelations, Afia Schwarzenegger suggested that there might be underlying mental health issues contributing to Mary and her mother’s statements.
“Now Kuami Eugene’s house helps. Mary is on a media tour, right? She is a fool; she and her mother are suffering from mental issues. She said Kuami Eugene left the house without giving her food. Meanwhile, you are paid, like, 600 cedis. So if one day you take your money to buy food, is it a sin?
“You live in a house without paying utility bills yet you don’t want to spend a penny on food. It is because of some of these things that I don’t want to help people because human beings are ungrateful,” she said.
She continued: “Do you know the rent in Accra alone? Her mother is also claiming that her daughter is now sick after staying with Kuami Eugene. Is he the only person to dismiss his housekeeper? This is not news; do you know the workers I have sacked?”
Meanwhile, the likes of Akuapem Polo, Broda Sammy, and many others have shared their two cents on the situation.
Background
Not too long after Mary stormed the media with some allegations about her former boss, her mother joined in the fray.
It would be recalled that Mary, in an interview with Der Mad King TV, claimed that she had starved and even collapsed multiple times while working at Kuami Eugene’s house.
Mary’s mother also claimed that her daughter, after being sacked from the musician’s home, returned with an unidentified sickness that left her in a coma for a while.
“When my daughter left my place, she was totally healthy, but when she came back from his house, she had a serious sickness that no one knew about.
“She even fell into a coma. We had to take her to a clinic but the doctors there couldn’t do anything about it. So we had to refer her to Tetteh Qwashie,” she said.
Rapper Yaw Tog, whose birth name is Thorsten Owusu Gyimah, expressed that fame has played a role in toughening him.
During a conversation on Class 91.3 FM’s drive-time show on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, host Yaw Mawutor Fianu inquired about the impact of fame on him.
“Tough!” was Tog’s answer. “It’s made me learn plenty of things about life. Fame has made me mature.
He said there “is a whole lot” that comes with fame.
“You get to meet people—disappointments—a whole lot so… It’s good,” he explained.
The Sore hitmaker reflected on the moment he first realised he was gaining significant attention, even garnering a mention in a Billboard article: “I was overwhelmed.”
However, with the passage of time, he adopted the perspective that fame is transient, acknowledging that it “will come and go,” and proceeded to navigate his life accordingly.
Describing himself as “the shy type,” Yaw Tog revealed that venturing into showbiz at the age of 18 and creating a successful hit song came as a surprise to those around him, including his mother.
Yaw Tog disclosed that, given his newfound prominence from Sore, particularly the collaboration on the Sore Remix with Stormzy and Kwesi Arthur, he predominantly invested the earnings he garnered.
“I was calm; I was just investing,” he said. “I don’t like to spend a lot.”
He revealed his album, Young and Matured, will be out in March 2024, and it has highlife and other genres of music apart from the Asakaa he is famous for.
“I had to release the album last year but one or two things [stopped me]. It’s been a lot but next year, we’re dropping it… Say less,” he assured.
He emphasised that he views conflicts within hip-hop as an inherent aspect of the “business.” However, his primary objective is not to engage in disputes but rather to “make the bag,” which is another expression for ‘earning money.’
In 2021, Tog, along with associates such as O`kenneth,City Boy, Reggie, and Jay Bahd, all hailing from Kumasi, known as Kumerica, sparked a musical revolution.
Their efforts led to the establishment of a genre recognized by the 2023 Grammy/Recording Academy, referred to as Ghanaian Drill or Asakaa.
Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana expressed visible frustration as his errors proved costly, causing his team to lose three crucial points in the Champions League.
Manchester United’s aspirations for Champions League advancement were left in jeopardy after twice squandering a two-goal lead, ultimately settling for a 3-3 draw against Galatasaray on Wednesday.
Andre Onana found himself at fault for two of the conceded goals, evident in his visible disappointment as he threw off his gloves and shook his head in disbelief after the final whistle.
Manager Erik ten Hag, while refraining from attributing blame solely to Onana, acknowledged the impact of individual errors in football.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJMQz6LDzg4
He emphasised that despite taking responsibility for such errors, the focus always remains on the collective effort of the team.
“We scored quickly after each other. It’s about the point when you are 2-0 up and you have to manage the game. It is not so easy when we give free kicks away and we have to defend the free kicks better. Hakim is brilliant; I know that, and he is extraordinary.”
As a result of Wednesday’s outcomes, Manchester United find themselves at the bottom of Group A, heading into the decisive round of fixtures.
To secure a spot in the last 16, the Red Devils must secure a victory against Bayern Munich in their final match, coupled with Copenhagen drawing with Galatasaray in the other group game.
Despite the recent errors, manager Ten Hag is anticipated to maintain faith in Onana for the time being. However, Onana’s position in the team might face increased scrutiny if he continues to make notable mistakes.
Additionally, with the goalkeeper set to embark on international duty with Cameroon for AFCON 2024 in January, this could provide Altay Bayindir with an opportunity to stake his claim for a starting role.
Dutch defender of Ghanaian descent, Paul Appiah, has finalised a short-term loan move to Maidstone United.
As confirmed by his parent club,Leicester City, the youngster is set to represent the National League side until the conclusion of December 2023.
This strategic move is aimed at providing Paul Appiah with valuable game time to contribute to his ongoing development.
“Leicester City Under-21s defender Paul Appiah has joined Maidstone United on a short-term loan deal.
“He will remain with the National League South outfit until the end of December
“The 21-year-old, who signed for the Foxes in the summer of 2022, will now further his development with the National League South side,” an official statement from Leicester City said.
At Maidstone United, Paul Appiah is anticipated to assume a pivotal role for the team in the matches he features in.
Embracing the challenge, he is determined to give his utmost for the National League side throughout his tenure at the club.
Black Stars defender Tariq Lamptey is facing the likelihood of missing the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after sustaining an injury during his return over the weekend.
Brighton and Hove Albion manager Roberto de Zerbi confirmed on Wednesday that the 23-year-old will be sidelined for an extended period.
Lamptey suffered the injury during Brighton’s match against Nottingham Forest, prompting his substitution halfway through the first 45 minutes.
During his press conference ahead of their Europa League match against AEK Athens on Thursday, De Zerbi mentioned that both Lamptey and Ansu Fati will be absent for an extended period.
“We have lost Ansu for a long time. Same for Lamptey; they will be out for a long time.”
After just 35 minutes into the game, the defender had to be substituted due to discomfort. Lamptey’s participation in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is now in jeopardy, considering he already missed the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Madagascar and Comoros due to injury.
Additionally, he was absent from the team during the October international break.
Gospel minister Broda Sammy has entered the ongoing controversy involving Kuami Eugene and his former housekeeper, Mary.
Following a careful examination of Mary’s revelations and the evolving situation on social media, Broda Sammy has come to the conclusion that she was sent with the intent to harm the highlife musician.
Expressing his conviction that Mary harbors malicious intentions, Broda Sammy remarked that individuals with unique grace, such as Kuami Eugene, are often targeted by such individuals.
“If there is a special grace upon your life, demons are being sent after you. The lady is a witch who was on a mission; she was sent.” He stated this in a discussion with GHPageTV.
In one of Mary’s expressions of discontent, she pointed out instances of neglect and inadequate care as key reasons for her departure from Kuami Eugene’s house. Mary alleged experiencing hunger and having to use her limited salary to buy drinking water.
However, Broda Sammy found these claims perplexing and deemed them irrational.
“Is she trying to say she has never been ill since she lived in that house? You no longer live with Kuami Eugene; you live with your mother now. Yet, when you collapsed at your mother’s house, you were blaming him. You are mentioning his name. if you had died, Kuami Eugene would have been blamed. You were embarrassing him by saying that you never had water to drink when you were living in his house. How much is water?” he established.
Broda Sammy, who claims to have faced a similar fate countless times, recalled an instance where his houseboy nearly broke his marriage.
“Those I have helped, nurtured and supported are now my greatest enemies. None of them have even picked up a phone to call me since they left my house. I remember the boy who lived in my house and tried to destroy my marriage. He was always calling my wife in the US, feeding her with information and several lies just for a few dollars,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kuami Eugene is yet to react to the tonnes of allegations by his former housekeeper.
Background
In Mary’s two sets of widely circulated interviews, she detailed the reasons behind her dismissalfrom Kuami Eugene’s residence, involving allegations of neglect and more.
Initially, Mary took responsibility for the strain in their relationship, citing her inability to efficiently manage certain tasks as the catalyst for Kuami Eugene’s change in demeanour.
Having parted ways with Kuami Eugene, Mary disclosed that she was confronted with two choices: either accept a reduction in her salary from GH₵600 to GH₵400 or vacate the premises.
Furthermore, she shared incidents where she collapsed while residing in the highlife musician’s house, attributing it to an inadequate diet and other undisclosed factors.
Former house help ofKuami Eugene,Mary, revealed that her recent revelations about her ex-boss have resulted in numerous threats directed towards her.
She shared that the threats are coming from Kuami Eugene’s camp, specifically from his school father, known as ‘Father.’ Mary disclosed that ‘Father’ recently contacted her, advising her to cease granting interviews for her own well-being.
“Kuami Eugene’s school father, I call him Father. He recently called me and said if I want peace of mind, I should stop talking. I don’t know what he means by that. He could send someone to come hurt me, because he asked about my location and all that.
“After the first interview, he kept calling, but I refused to pick up. So, I returned the calls later and he told me that instead of keeping quiet and choosing peace, I had chosen to grant interviews.
“He said it’s been just a few weeks since I left Kuami’s house yet I am granting interviews,” she retorted in an interview with Der Madking TV.
Mary’s mother has also claimed that her daughter, after being sacked from Kuami Eugene’s house, returned with an unidentified sickness that left her in a coma for a while.
“When my daughter left my place, she was totally healthy, but when she came back from his house, she had a serious sickness that no one knew about. She even fell into a coma. We had to take her to a clinic but the doctors there couldn’t do anything about it. So we had to refer her to Tetteh Quarshie,” she said.
In two widely circulated interviews, Mary disclosed the reasons behind her dismissalfrom Kuami Eugene’s residence, amidst allegations of neglect and other grievances.
Initially, Mary acknowledged being the source of their discord, attributing Kuami Eugene’s change in behavior to her failure to efficiently handle certain tasks.
Additionally, she pointed out concerns of neglect and inadequate care as contributing factors that led to her decision to leave the house.
Ofori Amponsah is the latest individual to rebuff the notion of being Ayisha Modi’s husband, following in the footsteps of Abass Sariki, who did the same a few months ago.
The highlife singer vehemently denies any past marital ties to the popular socialite and music investor.
This denial contradicts previous statements made by Ofori Amponsah and Ayisha, who had publicly asserted on multiple occasions that they were once married and shared a daughter, now 16 years old.
The initial revelation occurred during an interview with Delay in 2020, where Ayisha disclosed that she and the highlife musician had married approximately 18 years ago but eventually went their separate ways after a few years.
“I met him when I was 17 years old. I got married to Ofori Amponsah at age 18 when I had my first child, who is currently 16 years old. This marriage lasted for a few years and after that, we reunited as friends and I also helped him on a few of his projects,” she told Delay.
In a Class FM interview earlier this year,Ofori Amponsah seemed to confirm the previously circulated claims, stating, “Ayisha is really my wife. We are still together. Although we have broken up and made up several times, which is normal, we are still together.”
However, in his recent conversation with Zionfelix, Ofori Amponsah contradicted these assertions.
He clarified that while they had been in a relationship, resulting in the birth of a child, they never formalised their union through legal marriage.
“It is not true we married. I have not been married. Yeah, we dated as young man at that time. When I met her, she was also very young. Something went on between us but we never got married. There’s been a bit of distance. Sometimes, it’s hard for me to grant interviews because people don’t report exactly what I said,” he retorted.
Reacting to Ayisha Modi’s claims that he was her first boyfriend and the one who broke her virginity, Ofori Amponsah said, “How will I know? There was no blood on my bed. (Laughs out loud.) We were young so I’d never know.”
Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has expressed discontent with Ghanaian courts for interfering in the operations of his office, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
Addressing the media at a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, Kissi Agyebeng lamented the consistent issuance of injunctions by justices of the courts against OSP investigations.
He emphasised that the court’s role is to interpret Ghana’s laws, not to dictate which individuals should undergo investigation by the country’s investigative bodies, including the OSP.
Agyebeng argued that halting OSP investigations through court orders is entirely inappropriate and establishes an unfavourable precedent for criminal investigations in the nation.
“The duty and mandate of the courts is to apply and enforce the laws of the Republic, not to clothe persons with immunity from criminal investigations and prosecution. A court cannot injunct the OSP from investigating or prosecuting any person.
“The decision to investigate and prosecute lies with the investigation and prosecution authorities such as the OSP and the OSP has at all material times carried out its power to investigate with candour and professionalism, being mindful of the rights of suspects under its investigation,” he said.
He added that the decision by the court to stop two of its investigations is detrimental to the fight against corruption and could prevent even murderers seeking injunctions from being investigated.
“The danger of this startling decision is once again obvious. A judge has granted two persons immunity from investigation for suspected corruption and corruption-related offences, and hence immunity from prosecution.
“This decision opens up a calamitous deluge as every person under criminal investigation would be encouraged to take out suits to injunct investigation and prosecution bodies from investigating and prosecuting them. The real and present danger looms largely on the consideration that, by so doing, persons under investigation would conscript the judiciary to clothe them with immunity from investigation and prosecution,” he said.
New Patriotic Party’s aspiring parliamentary candidate, Michael Ansah, has emphasised the essential requirement of a united and robust NPP in the Asuogyaman Constituency for securing victory in the parliamentary seat.
The CEO of the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) expressed this sentiment during an interview conducted at Atimpoku, where he launched his campaign.
Ansah conveyed that his leadership aspirations stem from a genuine commitment to strengthen and fortify the party.
‘The motivation really is to make sure that we can build a strong united party in Asuogyaman,” he said.
According to him, what the party needs is the right leadership that can steer the party’s affairs in the right direction.
Underscoring his vision for the people of Asuogyaman, the aspiring PC said, “My whole campaign is anchored on what we can do to actually help our people, what we can do to impact the lives of our people, what we can do to transform the communities that we have here.”
In addressing the 1200-vote deficit for victory in the 2024 polls, Michael Ansah, the New Patriotic Party’s aspiring parliamentary candidate, highlighted key proactive measures.
He emphasised the importance of prioritising polling station executives, respecting their autonomy to contribute to the party’s success, and maximising voter turnout.
Ansah, a former NPP-UK chairman and first-time contender, stressed the need for a unifying figure capable of rallying the party, citing his message of unity, renewed hope, and transformation as essential. Describing Asuogyaman’s genuine industrial potential, he underscored the opportunity to establish industries, generate employment, and transform the region into a thriving economic hub.
Graduation of forklift operators:
Mr. Ansah, under his Forklift Training Programme, graduated some 120 beneficiaries. The program is aimed at impacting lives, investing in the people of Asuogyaman, equipping people with skills for employment, and improving livelihoods.
Since its launch in October 2022, the Forklift Training Programme has trained over 117 men and 3 women, with the latter as forklift operators, and the Women in Entrepreneurship Support Scheme (WESS) has also offered financial support to over 200 women since it was launched in May 2023.
Despite the record prize money in the2023 Women’s World Cup, a FIFPRO poll released on Wednesday revealed that many players in the tournament still lack sufficient financial compensation.
According to the Global Players Union, one in five players supplements their income with a second job.
The poll also found that one in three World Cup players earn less than $30,000 annually from football with their national teams and clubs combined, excluding the pre-tax $30,000 minimum World Cup prize money guaranteed by FIFA.
While the total prize money for the women’s World Cup increased to $150 million, it remains significantly less than the $440 million prize pool for the men’s World Cup in Qatar last year.
“The players gave everything they had to put on a brilliant World Cup, but there are still important gaps that need addressing,” said Sarah Gregorius, FIFPRO’s director of policy and strategic relations for women’s football.
In a surveyconducted by FIFPRO, 260 players from 26 of the 32 national teams participating in the World Cup were interviewed.
Some players have experienced delays in receiving the money guaranteed by FIFA, and according to FIFPRO, these delays are often attributed to factors such as payment schedules.
FIFA is reportedly working with the concerned countries to address the issue.
“A lot of players have been paid and we’re getting a lot of feedback on how life-changing this is for them, and at the end of this, hopefully we’re in a position to say 100% of the players have been paid and that’s really shifted the needle when it comes to compensation, gender equity and pay equity in football more broadly and in sport more broadly.”
According to the poll, 53% of players expressed dissatisfaction with the amount of rest they had before their initial World Cup match.
Two-thirds believed they were not in their physical prime when the tournament began, and 60% stated that the post-tournament rest period was inadequate.
Additionally, 86% reported having less than two weeks off before rejoining their club.
The survey also revealed that 10% of players did not undergo a pre-tournament medical examination, and 22% did not have an electrocardiogram (ECG), both of which are required by FIFA tournament regulations.
“Anything below 100% when it comes to accessing an ECG or undertaking a pre-tournament medical is not acceptable,” said Alex Culvin, FIFA’s head of strategy and research for women’s football. “Regulations need to be applied and adhered to in full.”
Napoli’s key striker, Victor Osimhen, may not have a definite starting position in the Champions League match against Real Madrid on Wednesday, despite his recent return to Serie A, as stated by new coach Walter Mazzarri on Tuesday.
Osimhen made his comeback in Saturday’s 2-1 victory against Atalanta after being sidelined for a month with a thigh injury.
However, Mazzarri, who recently took charge for his second stint at the club, replacing Rudi Garcia, expressed ongoing concerns about the Nigerian striker’s condition.
“Tomorrow I will talk to the doctors and Osimhen,” Mazzarri told a press conference. “We will see if he will be able to do a quarter or a half. Such an important player should not be overloaded. We’ll see whether to start him or bring him into the game.”
Mazzarri said the Group C match in Madrid would be no easy task for Napoli after they lost 3-2 to Real in their last meeting in October.
“Tomorrow we have a very important head-to-head against one of the strongest teams in the world and we will see where we stand. In the meantime, let’s start winning again,” he said.
Mazzarri offered words of admiration for his Italian counterpart and Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, aged 63, as well as expressing appreciation for the team’s 20-year-old midfielder, Jude Bellingham.
“It is clear that Bellingham is phenomenal; he can become great. Ancelotti, he’s the best, because he is the one who has won it all. But it’s not me and him on the pitch; the teams will face each other and we’ll see what happens.
“Real on paper are one of the strongest in the world. How do you put Real in difficulty? Tomorrow, when we take the field, we’ll see.”
Napoli are second in the group with seven points, five behind Real and four ahead of Braga, who host bottom side Union Berlin on Wednesday.
Paul Okoye, popularly known as Rudeboy from the legendary P-Square group, has offered advice to his fellow entertainers, especially emerging artists, regarding the challenging realities faced by some veteran actors in recent times.
The singer emphasised the importance of investing to secure a stable future and prevent situations where celebrities have to seek public support due to health-related challenges.
Paul Okoye’s counsel comes in response to the increasing trend of veteran actors facing health issues and resorting to social media to seek financial assistance.
Notably, Mr. Ibu recently underwent leg amputation due to an undisclosed illness, and actor Amaechi Monagor’s camp has been seeking support for his battle against diabetes, kidney disease, and stroke.
Expressing concern about the uncertainties ahead, P Square shared his insights and urged emerging artists to prioritise investment for a more secure future.
“Seriously, a lot is going on in the industry, including depression and all But abeg, if e reach your turn to shine, ehh!Abeg, try to invest. It’s no easy at all. AVOID STORY THAT TOUCHES Me sef don Taya to hear stories, E come be like na loose guard industry.”
See reactions below
kevin.sjj14′:Most of these artists wantto Flex like Davido but they don’t know that Guy might probably invest some of his funds in his father’s company.. They are buying necklaces that depreciate in value within a year instead of houses.
emeka_: In short, invest in your future whenever possible because nothing is guaranteed.
xpensive_fatima: This advice is for shallipopi and not portable, cos I Kuku trust that one.
nnenna_blinks_: The Basic law of gravity will touch most individuals in that moment. Make use of what you have and preserve some for rainy days. You can shine forever and life is unpredictable.
eniola__sarah: It’s not only about musicians; this is for us all. A word is enough for the wise and Yoruba will say, Abo oro la so fun omoluwabi, to be denu re a di odidi.
thick_madame_lifestyle: I hope they hear . Thanks for this . Make hay while the sun shines.
The controversy arose when businessman Nana Kwame Bediako imported the tigers, expecting public enthusiasm for the presence of non-native wildlife.
However, his neighbours were not impressed and took legal action against the decision.
“My family and I feel very unsafe and terrified any time we see these tigers,” Pamela Agba said.
They were brought in from Dubai as cubs last year but now the wild cats appear to be fully grown.
Mr Bediako has not said how much the process cost him but described what he had done as an “achievement”.
“I went through the right process, and I brought experts from outside to create a safety cage for them so that they don’t become a danger to the public,” he told reporters last year.
“I can guarantee you that there’s millions in Africa who have never seen a tiger and that’s the common yellow and black. Now we have the white tigers, which are very rare in this world.”
Mr. Bediako keeps the tigers enclosed in a pen adjacent to his residence within a gated compound that includes five other houses in an upscale section of Accra.
Ms. Agba and her family share a garden with Mr. Bediako on his Wonder World Estate, and her decision to pursue legal action garnered significant attention in the country.
According to the Agba family, in addition to the fear of the tigers, the animals are noisy and emit an unpleasant odour.
The court sided with the Agba family, instructing the Forestry Commission, responsible for wildlife, to remove the pet tigers within three days in November of the previous year.
Forestry Commission lawyers informed the court that the animals could only be removed once Mr. Bediako completed a new enclosure in a different location to house them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USelqg2Ar1I
In February, three months after the initial ruling, the Forestry Commission requested an additional three months, but the tigers have yet to be relocated.
Mr. Bediako explained to the BBC that he needed more time as constructing a new enclosure in a different part of Accra, away from residential areas, has taken several months.
“We have written to the Forestry Commission to give us a month because we are almost through with the shelter to house the animals.”
He said any attempt to forcefully move the tigers would only harm them or create danger for society since there is currently no facility available to keep them.
“It took us almost five months to get land and another four months to build the facility. We want to be the first country in Africa, apart from South Africa, to successfully manage those animals,” he told the BBC.
Last month, the Agba family returned to court, which found the head of the Forestry Commission in contempt of court and issued a warrant for his arrest.
This has not yet been carried out. The Forestry Commission’s lawyer told the BBC it needed more time to remove the tigers. One of the possible reasons for the delay is that the commission does not have the expertise to handle these dangerous animals as it has never dealt with them.
For Mr Bediako, all that matters is the safety of the animals.
On the issue of his neighbours being afraid,Mr Bediako said he was surprised. He said none of the other people who have bought apartments in the complex he owns have complained.
“They have lived with them for the past few months since the animals were brought and there hasn’t been any problem.”
Ms Agba’s lawyer said that other residents had moved out because of the tigers.
Ms Agba just wants the whole issue to be over.
She said she was fed up seeing the tigers every time she opened her window.
Starting in January 2024, the Port of Tema is set to become the primary port of call in West Africa for the Maersk-CMA-CGM West Africa Express (WAX) service on the Far East-West Africa maritime trade route, as confirmed by Mohamed Samara, the Chief Executive Officer of Meridian Port Services (MPS) Ltd.
This development adds to the existing direct call by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) at the port.
Samara emphasized that these milestones underscore the confidence placed by major shipping lines in the state-of-the-art Terminal 3 in Tema, Ghana.
He further highlighted that this shift will lead to a reduction in the transit time for transhipped goods reaching Ghana and improve transit times for landlocked countries utilising Ghana’s ports.
“Basically, what this means is that the ship leaves TPT in Malaysia and lands in Tema in 21 days, which is the shortest transit time for a port in Africa with the Far East and that is quite an achievement enabled by the the infrastructure at Terminal 3,” Mo stated.
He disclosed that this, coupled with the enviable location of Tema has boosted the port’s fortunes in the transshipment segment.
“We have attracted trade between China and some countries that have challenges in taking the big ships. The big ships came to us and then we transhipped the cargo to neighbouring ports. Trade between China and Brazil, for example, involves some big lines called Tema and the Cross-Atlantic service picks it up and sends it to Brazil.
“Another line was exporting citrus from Cape Town to Europe. They have a service coming from Europe and another from the Middle East and they all crisscross in Tema. The Middle East via Cape Town service picked up the containers in Tema and a day later, the Europe service docked in Tema. We loaded it with the citrus from Cape Town into Europe. We have created here an intercontinental hub. This model was never done before because of port capabilities and infrastructure,” Mr. Samara indicated.
This new WAX service, he said, will have an exponential effect on Ghana’s transshipment numbers.
He was speaking on the back of the launch of phase 2 of theTema Port Expansion, where a fleet of 15 state-of-the-art gantry cranes were delivered at the terminal in addition to the commencement of civil works for a 270,000-square-meter area, which will expand the terminal’s footprint from 100 hectares to an impressive 127 hectares.
https://youtu.be/5uQ6XWSV9Y8
He mentioned that the entire yard space is anticipated to be finished by September 2025, with 50,000 square meters of yard space expected to be ready by July 2024.
Mo emphasised that with the successful completion of phase 2 of the port expansion, Terminal 3 will possess a handling capacity of 3.5 million TEUs, solidifying its status as “the largest port in West Africa.”
Despite the port’s impressive infrastructure, the CEO of MPS attributed the success of the container terminal to his dedicated team, embracing technology for customer satisfaction, and the supportive environment created by the government and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.
He highlighted that interactions with stakeholders at MPS Terminal 3 are now 100% digital, representing a significant increase in digital integration compared to MPS’ operations at Terminal 2 of the Port.
“The truck turnaround today in our port is impressive, with the integration of our Terminal Operating System that keeps track of the movement of all equipment in the terminal from the gate to the quay. This makes our port competitive and efficient for the benefit of all stakeholders,” he added.
“It’s quite an efficient process. Every driver is a pre-registered person known to the terminal and every truck that comes is a pre-registered machine known to the terminal when a customer, through a freight forwarder, books to pick up or drop off a box. By approaching the gate at his time slot with a finger, he gains access,” he added.
The man at the helm of affairsat MPS for almost two decades said continuous training of human resources and teamwork are at the core of the company’s values. He pointed out that MPS has adopted the Lean program intended to cut costs and boost employee productivity.
He said Terminal 3 is ready to support the infrastructure needs expected to promote the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.
Renowned disc jockey Master Que clinched the ‘Electronic Music DJ’ accolade at the 11th edition of theGuinness Ghana DJ Awards, marking him as the inaugural winner of this newly introduced category in Ghana.
Master Que, known for his passion for electronic music, has consistently advocated for the acknowledgment of the hard work and impact of musicians and DJs within this genre.
His victory is seen as a significant milestone in recognising the contributions of electronic music DJs in the Ghanaian music scene.
In a post-award media interaction, Master Que dedicated his achievement to fellow DJs who have long championed the inclusion of the ‘Electronic Music DJ’ category.
He said, “This win is not just for me; it’s for every electronic music enthusiast in Ghana. It’s a recognition of our collective passion and a milestone in the journey to raise the electronic music scene in our country.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to the organisers of the Guinness Ghana DJ Awards for not only acknowledging the significance of electronic music but for embracing its vibrant culture. Special thanks to Merqury Republic for spearheading an event that celebrates the diversity of our music landscape.
“This award is a testament to the progressive spirit of the Ghanaian music industry, and I am honoured to be a part of this beautiful moment.”
The event showcased electrifying performances from top-tier artists such as Shatta Wale, Keche, Edem, DJ Faculty, Gal Dem DJ, DopeNation, and several others.
VAR official Tomasz Kwiatkowski, who suggested a contentious penalty review during Paris St-Germain’s Champions League match against Newcastle United, will not be included in the officiating team for Wednesday’s game between Real Sociedad and Salzburg.
In the 1-1 draw on Tuesday, PSG players contested a handball as the ball rebounded off Newcastle defender Tino Livramento’s chest and onto his elbow.
Referee Szymon Marciniak, urged by the VAR, checked the pitchside monitor.
BREAKING: The VAR who controversially reviewed the late penalty awarded to PSG against Newcastle has been replaced for a game tonight, Sky Sports News understands. pic.twitter.com/nEb4EOqVZl
Despite rejecting a more plausible penalty earlier, Marciniak awarded a penalty in the eighth minute of stoppage time, leading to Kylian Mbappe’s goal that secured a draw for PSG.
Tomasz Kwiatkowski will be replaced by Marco Fritz.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe criticised the penalty decision, contending that Livramento’s hand was not in an unnatural position.
Speculation and discussions have surged on social media following a recent video post by renowned songstress Rebecca Acheampong, professionally known as Becca.
In the video shared on November 29, showcasing her post-gym body, many fans raised questions about a perceived difference in her skin tone, prompting concerns about potential skin bleaching.
This isn’t the first time Becca has faced accusations of skin bleaching.
In 2018, similar allegations arose, which she vehemently denied.
The claims resurfaced in 2020, with suggestions that the alleged bleaching was to appease her Nigerian husband.
Earlier in 2023, these accusations gained traction once more, although Becca chose not to respond, stating her decision not to engage with trolls.
Rio Ferdinand’s claim thatLionel Messi unfollowed Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho after his impressive goal against Everton was met with a strong response from Garnacho’s brother, Roberto.
Following Garnacho’s standout performance, Ferdinand suggested that Messi unfollowed the winger on Instagram due to his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, Roberto Garnacho firmly countered this assertion, stating that Messi was never a follower of his brother on Instagram in the first place.
“Fake, Messi never followed him,” posted Roberto Garnacho on X (formerly Twitter), quoting a video of Ferdinand. “Stop making stuff up just to create hate; Garna [Alejandro Garnacho] loves and admires both of them and you all are trying (sic) to create a rivalry.”
Ferdinand replied to the post a few hours later, claiming, “Was sarcasm, bro?”
Argentinian players typically express clear preferences in the ongoing Messi vs. Ronaldo debate. However, Alejandro Garnacho presents a unique case.
Recently breaking into the Argentina squad and having only shared the field with Messi for a brief 16 minutes, Garnacho’s perspective is distinct.
As a former teammate of Ronaldo during the Portuguese star’s return to Old Trafford, training daily and playing alongside him on several occasions, the 19-year-old holds a profound respect for both of these modern football greats.
AsManchester United faces Galatasaray in Istanbul on Wednesday night, the GOAT debate is likely to be the least of concerns for the talented young winger.
Erik ten Hag’s team is in desperate need of a positive result to salvage their struggling Champions League campaign.
Reports suggest that betPawa, the headline sponsor of theGhana Premier League (GPL), has allegedly terminated its contract with the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
The termination has reportedly been communicated to all GPL clubs.
However, there has been no official confirmation from either the GFA or BetPawa regarding this supposed contract termination.
BetPawa officially became the headline sponsor of the GPL, signing a three-year deal worth $6 million.
The agreement, signed on August 3, 2022, committed $2 million per season for the promotion of the Ghana Premier League.
The sponsorship also included the introduction of ‘Locker-room Bonuses,’ offering winning bonuses to players and the technical teams of victorious clubs in the GPL.
Additionally, part of the sponsorship was earmarked for the construction of an astroturf at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre in Prampram, set to be named the BetPawa pitch, with construction anticipated to begin in October 2022.
Klopp disclosed that while the injury to his top goalkeeper, Alisson, was not as serious as initially thought, he would still be sidelined for several crucial matches.
Alisson sustained the injury during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City over the weekend, visibly holding his lower leg in injury time. Klopp expressed concern after the game and was uncertain about the goalkeeper’s return timeline.
Although Alisson’s recovery is expected to be quicker than initially feared, Klopp expressed a more pessimistic outlook for Portuguese forward Diogo Jota, who also picked up a knock in the match against City.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s Europa League clash with Austrian side LASK, Klopp said: “Both [Alisson and Jota] are out. Ali is a bit less [worrying]. It is day by day. He cannot play tomorrow—not on Sunday, probably not the week after. Not as bad, but bad enough. Diogo should take a little bit longer. We don’t know exactly how long, but it is more severe. We have to see.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1mP6_Qbrdg
Alisson, regarded as one of the world’s best goalkeepers, faces a challenging period of absence, posing a potential setback to Liverpool’s pursuit of the title this season.
Despite this, there remains a hopeful prospect of his return for the crucial clashagainst rivals Manchester United on December 17.
The injury to Alisson opens a rare opportunity for Caoimhin Kelleher to showcase his skills as the goalkeeper for Liverpool in the Premier League. Although Kelleher has yet to make a league appearance for Liverpool, he has featured in three European matches.
However, Liverpool’s injury woes persist, with Jota and Alisson joining the list of absentees, including Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic, and Andy Robertson.
In their upcoming match against LASK, a victory would secure Liverpool’s qualification to the Europa League knockout stage.
Nevertheless, they are likely to face challenges in the Premier League games against Fulham, Sheffield United, and Crystal Palace, with the potential return of Alisson against Manchester United.
Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo is facing a class action lawsuit in the US over his promotion of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange.
The plaintiffs allege that Ronaldo’s endorsement resulted in them making unprofitable investments, and they are seeking damages exceeding $1 billion (£790 million).
The BBC has reached out to both Ronaldo’s management company and Binance for comments.
In November 2022, Binance introduced its inaugural “CR7” collection of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in collaboration with Ronaldo. The footballer expressed that these NFTs would serve as a reward for fans who have supported him over the years.
NFTs are digital assets with no physical existence, representing ownership of online content such as images or videos.
Ronaldo’s “CR7” branding, derived from his initials and shirt number, is widely used in various products, contributing to his status as one of the world’s wealthiest athletes, ranging from footwear to fragrances.
In a social media video announcing the collaboration, Ronaldo stated, “We are going to change the NFT game and take football to the next level.”
The cheapest NFT from the collection initially sold for $77 in November 2022, but its value had dropped to around $1 a year later.
The claimants assert that Ronaldo’s endorsement of Binance resulted in a “500% increase in searches” for the cryptocurrency exchange, which is registered in the Cayman Islands.
They also contend that this promotion led individuals to use the platform for investing in what they describe as “unregistered securities,” including Binance’s BNB cryptocurrency.
As per the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), these assets may be considered securities, and therefore, celebrities endorsing them are required to adhere to US law.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pMZtuW8NtQ
SEC chair Gary Gensler has previously emphasized that celebrities must “disclose to the public from whom and how much you are getting paid to promote investment in securities.”
“When celebrities endorse investment opportunities, including crypto asset securities, investors should be careful to research if the investments are right for them, and they should know why celebrities are making those endorsements,” he said.
Nigel Green, boss of consultancy firm DeVere Group, said the problems at the heart of the case went wider than just one footballer.
“It is crucial to recognise that blaming Ronaldo alone oversimplifies a complex issue,” he said.
“Instead, attention should also be directed towards global regulators who have been slow to establish clear guidelines for this evolving financial landscape.”
Future plans
Ronaldo and Binance seem to have future collaborative plans, as indicated by a recent social media post from the footballer mentioning that they are “cooking something up.”
Neither Ronaldo nor Binance has responded to the BBC’s requests for comment.
The filing of the class action lawsuit occurred a week after the US Justice Department directed Binance to pay $4.3 billion (£3.4 billion) in penalties and forfeitures.
The department accused Binance of aiding users in circumventing global sanctions and facilitating the movement of money for criminals and terrorists. Following admissions of money laundering violations, Binance’s CEO, Changpeng Zhao, resigned from the company.
On the same day, Major League Baseball, Formula 1, and Mercedes-Benz also faced class action lawsuits related to their promotion of the failed crypto exchange FTX.
Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has raised concerns about the challenges and toxicity prevalent on social media, emphasising the need for users to be mindful of their engagement on these platforms and the potential impact on their well-being.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Sarkodie highlighted the profound influence of social media and the dynamics of user interactions.
He underscored the complexities presented by the digital world, noting that navigating this landscape requires strong mental resilience.
Sarkodie further offered a valuable piece of advice to social media users, urging individuals to use these platforms judiciously and to be aware of their limitations.
“Social media changed how we deal with reality. Only the strong will survive the mental battle. Note: only use it for what it’s worth,” he posted.
Social media changed how we deal with reality … only the strong will survive the mental battle … Note: only use it for what it’s worth
Sarkodie’s post aligns with remarks from various public figures concerning the impact of social media on their mental well-being. Notable personalities such as Kuami Eugene, Kidi, and Nana Ama McBrown have openly discussed the challenges they face, including persistent comparisons and personal attacks from social media trolls.
These situations have, in turn, contributed to their struggles with their mental health.
The tenth edition of the Gold Fields PGA Golf Championship commenced on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, marked by a ceremonial tee-off conducted by Michael Van Der Merwe, the Vice President in Charge of Operations at Gold Fields West Africa.
The opening ceremony at the Damang Golf Course in the Western Region set the stage for the start of the competition.
Given the special nature of this year’s edition, Hans De Beer, the chairman of the organising committee, assured that all necessary measures for a successful tournament have been implemented.
De Beer emphasised the committee’s efforts to address on-course security and safety concerns, ensuring that golfers can focus on delivering exceptional performances with peace of mind.
Gold Fields’ Michael Van Der Merwe encouraged the participating golfers to showcase world-class performances befitting the significance of the competition.
The tournament features thirty-three Ghanaian pros and nine foreign pros from Togo, Cote d’Ivoire, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria, competing for both monetary rewards and honours in the expanded version of theGold Fields PGA Golf Championship.
Notable golfers expected to participate include defending champion Kojo Barnni from the Tarkwa Golf Club, Vincent Torgah, Emos Korblah, Lucky Ayisah, and Francis Torgah.
The female players include Jessica Tei from Achimota, Constant Awuni from Kumasi, Mary Werner from Celebrity, and Felicity Gyeabour from Kumasi.
The total cash prizes for the 10th edition have increased significantly to GHC 385,000, with the regular pro contest winner receiving GHC 80,000.
The senior pro champion is set to receive GHC 25,000, which is GHC 5,000 more than the 2022 edition.
CEO of the popular Radio & Television Personality (RTP) Awards, Prince Mackay, appears intrigued by how highlife musician’s single “Monica” has made such a hit after the musician’s ‘sleep mode’ following the demise of his grandmother and father.
Speaking on Accra 100.5 FM’s Entertainment Capital on Saturday, November 25, the event entrepreneur said he had heard the story behind the song and found it “inspirational,” urging Kuami Eugene to look for the ‘mystery Monica’ and thank her for inspiring a hit from him.
He said, “You have to lookfor Monica, Kuami Eugene,” said Prince Mackay, CEO of the popular Radio & Television Personality (RTP) Awards.
“Monica has been of immense help to Kuami Eugene so Kuami Eugene must go and help Monica,” he added, amidst what appeared to be stifled laughter.
The CEO went on praising ‘Monica’ for bringing Eugene out of ‘darkness’ and making him lively again.
“Monica, you’ve done well. You’ve given Kuami Eugene a massive hit. You’ve brought Kuami Eugene back home [to familiar territory]. I’m a realist and that’s why people don’t understand me. I’m straightforward.
“Look, bro, for some time now, we know he’s been struggling. From the time of his issues with Lynx, when he released Single and then came other ones, you could clearly see Kuami Eugene was lost. I was telling myself that the Kuami Eugene we know is lost. It looked like he was getting off his normal [path].
“It looked like he was going through some tough times,” he noted.
During his hosting stint, Prince Benjamin (PB) recalled Eugene sharing the recent consecutive losses of his grandmother and father. This revelation, he explained, is the inspiration behind Eugene’s latest album, titled “Chaos and Love.” The term ‘love’ in the album title signifies the unwavering support Eugene’s fans have consistently provided him during challenging times.
“I didn’t have this information you’re giving me but I could tell that at that time he was going through something because he was not the Kuami Eugene we know… Something had changed about the way he composes music. You could tell he had gone off track a bit,” Prince Mackay reacted.
He asserted, thereafter, that “Monica, the female, has provoked Kuami Eugene to come back on track. That’s why I said he should go look for her.
Just as he says in the song, “he should buy one of these little cars, Vitz, for her to do Uber business with, so she can stop what she currently does,” Mackay added. “Monica, tell Kuami Eugene you’ve helped him get a hit. You’ve restored him to his former [glorious] position.”
Moreover, Prince Mackay strongly asserted that despite the recent release of Eugene’s “Monica,” it has the potential to surpass King Promise’s globally renowned “Terminator” and clinch the accolade for the most popular song of the year at prominent music award ceremonies in 2024.
Additionally, considering the success of “Monica,” Prince Mackay expressed his intention to recommend Eugene to the RTP management for a performance at the media awards show scheduled for Friday, November 29, 2023, at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).
In a television interview with Berla Mundi on Accra-based TV3, Kuami Eugene disclosed that his latest hit, “Monica,” is essentially about a devoted fan who persistently shares content on Snapchat. He playfully hinted that the content included nude photos, evoking laughter from both the in-studio audience and Berla herself.
“So Monica is about her.
“I’ve never seen her before but she’s on my snap.”
Stressing that he was telling “a real story,” he indicated the unnamed Snapchat user had been sending him nudes “for a year and a half now.”
Asked why he had not blocked communication with the unnamed female, Eugene lightheartedly answered, “I’m like a cat. I’m curious.”
Viewing her persistence as loyalty, Eugene said he had a private Snapchat conversation with her, during which she broached a one-on-one physical meeting.
According to him, he declined, telling her, “I have a lot of shows,” and they could rather “meet at some of my shows.”
She has yet to attend any, he observed, allowing, however, that she may have come to a show or two without approaching him.
On the back of this, he explained why, in the song, he tells Monica he “wants her closer than the nudes so she should stop sending whatever she’s sending—I prefer seeing her.”
Eugene declined to affirm or denounce his amorous feelings for the mystery Snapchat user.
Shortly after Mary, Kuami Eugene’s former household member, went public with certain allegations against the artist, her mother also joined in making her claims.
Mary, in an interview with GhPage TV, asserted that she had faced starvation and had collapsed on multiple occasions while working for Kuami Eugene.
She also alleged receiving warnings from the artist’s girlfriend to stay away.
In tandem with these accusations, Mary’s mother, who remained unnamed, has asserted that following Mary’s dismissal, her daughter returned from the artist’s residence with an unidentified illness that led to her falling into a coma.
The family, according to Mary’s mother, had to urgently transport her to a clinic and subsequently to another hospital for further treatment.
“When my daughter left my place, she was totally healthy, but when she came back from his house, she had a serious sickness that no one knew about.
“She even fell into a coma. We had to take her to a clinic but the doctors there couldn’t do anything about it. So we had to refer her to Tetteh Kwashie,” she said.
The mother further alleged that a man who claimed to be the school father of Kuami Eugene had called Mary and warned her to stop granting interviews to the media about her ordeals.
“Even when a man claiming to be Kuami Eugene’s school father called, he never bothered to ask about her health or how she was doing. He warned her to stop granting interviews, or else she would regret it,” she said.
Kuami Eugene, however, has not issued any statements or responses regarding these allegations.
Nigerian afrobeatssensation Davido has expressed admiration for Dr. Louisa Satekla, the wife of Ghanaian afro-dancehall artist Stonebwoy, lauding her culinary skills on his social media platform.
In a recent post observed by GhanaWeb, Davido showered compliments on Stonebwoy and his family, expressing gratitude for the warm reception he experienced during a recent visit to their home.
“I’m still full from the fufu n light soup wey we chop for @stonebwoy house two days ago …. @drlouisa_s God bless u my sister… Love you guys!” Davido posted on his X page on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.
In response to the complement, Stonebwoy tweeted back, alluding to a popular Spanish adage implying that Davido is always welcome to his home.
He further described the opportunity to host and feed Davido at his home as a great honour.
“It’s an honor For Trusting Me With That Which Enters Your Belly… it means A Lot! Mi Casa, Su Casa,” he tweeted.
001 it’s an honor For Trusting Me With That Which Enters Your Belly… it means A Lot! Mi Casa Su casa.. 🇬🇭🇳🇬!! @davidohttps://t.co/vdxVPN2Oes
Stonebwoy and Davido have cultivated a strong personal relationship that extends beyond their professional collaborations.
In the beginning of 2023, the dancehall artist featured Davido in his hit song “Activate,” a single from his highly successful 5th Dimension album, which was released later in the year.
Ghana Premier League icon Emmanuel Yartey sadly passed away on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.
According to sources, Yartey is set to be laid to rest today, following Muslim customs.
Yartey, renowned as one of the most electrifying wingers in the Ghana Premier League during the late 1990s, left an indelible mark playing for both of the country’s prestigious clubs, Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko.
Recognised as a formidable right-winger with versatility to also play on the left, he earned the nickname “Dr. Panie” or “Doctor’s Niddle.”
Yartey has faced personal challenges in recent years, battling with mental illness. His heartbreaking condition came to public attention in 2017 when a distressing image of him went viral.
Since then, he had been under medical supervision until hisunfortunate demise.
Ghanaian veteran actor Agya Kooasserts that the decline of the Kumawood movie industry is attributable to his exclusion from roles during a critical period.
Speaking on Ezra FM, a radio station based in Kumasi, he contends that his absence had a substantial impact on the industry, emphasizing his status as the most marketable actor.
This perspective differs from others who attribute the industry’s decline to the rise of CDs.
“Though I was not the only one acting at the time, at the time people wanted to watch Ghanaian movies, they mentioned the name Agya Koo. Why didn’t they ask for someone else’s name?” he stated.
Agya Koo fondly recalled the vibrant days of Kumawood, where his name was synonymous with Ghanaian cinema, especially among Ghanaians abroad, notably in the USA.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTacthb4mkg
He argued that his unmatched marketability and influence were evident when people inquired about Ghanaian movies, often asking if he was part of the cast.
In a recent display of support, Agya Koo endorsed Kennedy Agyapong’s presidential aspirations through a newly released song ahead of the New Patriotic Party’s Presidential elections.
Despite the electoral setback, Agya Koo continues to be an outspoken advocate for the Member of Parliament for Assin Central.
Just a week after a new video featuring Emmanuel Nii Adom Quaye, popularly known asStrika from Beasts of No Nation, surfaced on social media, the former child actor has once again received support from compassionate individuals.
In 2019, Strika was first spotted on the streets, where he shared the hardships he faced before and after his role in the movie, resorting to petty trading to make ends meet.
Despite promises of help, he continued to face challenges and, in 2021, revealed that he hadn’t received the promised support.
In 2022, another video surfaced, depicting Strika’s struggle with drugs and financial difficulties.
Now, in 2023, a new video of Strika in a distressed state circulated on social media, prompting influential individuals to rally to his aid once again.
Notably, skit comedian Rass Nene, also known as Dr. Likee, extended a helping hand by offering Strika a place on his team, hinting at a forthcoming collaboration between the two.
A behind-the-scenes video on social media showcased Strika participating in a shoot with the comedian.
Additionally, popular YouTuber and philanthropist Nana Tea, in collaboration with teacher, dancer, and content creator The Dancing Teacher, orchestrated a wardrobe makeoverfor Strika, treated him to lunch, and pledged further assistance.
These acts of kindness have garnered positive reactions on social media, with many expressing hope for a lasting solution to Strika’s challenges and brighter days ahead for the actor.
Renowned YouTuber Kwadwo Sheldon has accused Twitter influencer Receipt Guy of bias, alleging that the latter’s recent promotion of old tweets has a partial focus on key members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Receipt Guy’s ‘name and shame’ agenda, which involved displaying disparaging tweets from NPP members on billboards, has now been associated with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), given the majority of tweets highlighted.
This development caught the attention of Kwadwo Sheldon, who criticised Receipt Guy for not equally publicising the unfulfilled promises of the NDC.
In reinforcing his argument, Sheldon uncovered old tweets from NDC stalwart Felix Kwakye Ofosu, indicating plans for the government to construct a bridge larger than the ‘Adomi’ in 2016.
Felix, a former deputy information minister during the Mahama administration, posted this a month before the transition of power to the Akufo-Addo administration.
“Work will soon start on a new and bigger bridge over the Volta River. The Volivo Bridge will be 200 metres longer than Adomi. Check out the design,” the post read.
Kwadwo Sheldon recouped that particular tweet, lambasting the politician over his failed promises while prompting the Receipts Guy to publicise that as well.
“Make Receipt Guy put this on the billboard too, or eno dey make sense given the narrative he spearheads?” Sheldon wrote.
In response to the situation,Ofosu Kwakye expressed his displeasure on Twitter. He defended the NDC, stating that the failure to implement the mentioned project was not the party’s fault.
According to him, the responsibility for executing the project rested with the NPP, as funds had been approved by parliament before the transition period.
“Comical ignorance. It is your Akufo-Addo and Bawumia who have refused to execute that project after Parliament approved funds for it in November 2016. Philistinism on stilts!” the former government appointee fumed.
German Bundesliga is at the forefront of expressing condolences on behalf of the football community in Germany following the untimely death of Ghanaian player Agyemang Diawusie.
Born in Germany to Ghanaian parents, the player’s shocking demise was reported on Tuesday, November 28, by his club, Jahn Regensburg.
“Jahn Regensburg mourns his player, Agyemang Diawusie, who died at the age of 25. The club is shocked and deeply affected by this tragic event,” the German club said.
The statement from the club continued, “The Jahn family mourns with the bereaved and their thoughts are with Agyemang’s family, relatives, close friends, and companions.
“Because of the terrible situation and out of respect for his family, we ask for their privacy to be respected.”
After learning of the news, the German Bundesliga and the Bundesliga 2 on behalf of the football community are mourning the loss of Agyemang Diawusie
Agyemang Diawusie was the cousin of Black Stars winger Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer, who plays for German Bundesliga 2 side Hamburger SV.
Erling Haaland has added another set of goal-scoring records to his impressive resume, prompting Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola to humorously express on Tuesday that he was getting accustomed to fielding questions about his prolific striker.
In the 54th minute of the match against RB Leipzig, the 23-year-old achieved the feat of being the fastest player to score 40 goals in the Champions League, contributing to City’s 3-2 comeback victory and securing the top spot in Group G with one matchday still to go.
Just three days prior, Haaland had already made headlines by becoming the quickest player to reach 50 Premier League goals during a 1-1 draw with Liverpool.
“Again? I have to tell you again?” Guardiola laughed, when asked for comment. “A thousand million times, I’m really impressed. They won today. Another record. Congratulations. He’s a fantastic player. I tell you many times, we’re really, really pleased.
“We love him, not just for the goals he scores, but for many, many other things.“
Manchester United is reportedly considering replacing summer signings Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat, both of whom have faced criticism for their performances since joining Old Trafford, as per The Guardian.
Mount, 24, and Amrabat, 27, have failed to meet expectations, leading to dissatisfaction among fans.
United manager Erik Ten Hag seems to share this sentiment, as he is reportedly open to offers for the £55 million signing, just six months after his transfer from Chelsea.
Additionally, a permanent deal for Fiorentina loanee Amrabat is not on the table.
Ten Hag is poised to be active in the January transfer market to strengthen the squad, following a recent run of five, albeit unconvincing, wins in six games.
The club is reportedly interested in RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner as well as Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo. Other names linked to United include Benfica center-back António Silva and AS Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana.
Securing Silva might pose a challenge, asBenfica has stated their reluctance to part with the Portuguese international for anything less than his release clause of €100 million.
Ex-Arsenal forward Emmanuel Adebayor has granted his social media followers a glimpse into his extensive shoe and clothing assortment.
The Togolese football legend showcased a diverse collection of shirts, suits, sneakers, shoes, and other outfits in a ‘goodnight’ message sent to his fans on Tuesday, November 29, 2023.
In the video, Emmanuel Adebayor, while preparing for bedtime, was seen concluding his day with a final toothbrush session.
“Getting ready to sleep! Goodnight, my people, the message shared by the Manchester City forward reads.
It remains unknown if the massive wardrobe put on display is from his Lome mansion, which recently became a topic on social media after a visit by Ghanaian football icon Asamoah Gyan.
A viral video captured Adebayor hosting the Ghanaian football icon at his residence, with the two football stars sharing a great time.
In the video, Gyan seemed to be enjoying a relaxed and cool time in the multi-million-dollar mansion, stating that ‘I’m in Adebayor’s heaven”.
Keen on maintaining humility and not appearing to be boastful, Adebayor quickly chimed in, “I’m in Adebayor’s mansion.”
Adebayor’s intervention sparked laughter among players and others present at the hangout.
Asamoah Gyan holds a prestigious position in Ghana’s football history as the all-time leading scorer for the Black Stars.
Across 109 appearances, he netted 51 goals, with memorable strikes against the Czech Republic (2006 World Cup), the USA (2010 World Cup), and Algeria (2015 AFCON) standing out as favourites.
Gyan retains the title of Ghana’s and Africa’s highest goal scorer in the history of the World Cup, having scored six goals in the three tournaments he participated in.
His contributions have left an indelible mark, solidifying his status as one of the continent’s most accomplished footballers.
While Gyan excelled on the national team stage, Adebayor’s global acclaim is largely attributed to his performances in the Premier League, representing clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham.
The esteemed Ghanaian footballer, Asamoah Gyan, has embraced a sermon delivered by Prophet Johnson Adu Boahen, extolling the virtues of Gyan’s elder brother, Baffour Gyan.
In the widely circulated sermon across various social media platforms, Prophet Adu Boahen expressed profound admiration for Baffour Gyan, acknowledging his instrumental role in Asamoah Gyan’s illustrious football career.
The prophet commended Baffour Gyan for his humility, highlighting that despite being the elder sibling and having his own career in professional football, he graciously stepped back to allow Asamoah Gyan to shine when it became evident that his younger brother possessed the talent and charisma for a more successful football journey.
The sermon emphasized that Asamoah Gyan’s remarkable success, including becoming the highest scorer in the history of the Black Stars, was made possible by the unwavering support provided by Baffour Gyan.
Prophet Adu Boahen underscored the crucial role of Baffour’s selfless support in shaping Asamoah Gyan’s trajectory in the world of football.
The prophet went on to describe Baffour Gyan’s admirable character as something almost unreal, noting that in a culture where many elder siblings might prefer to be the face of the family’s success, Baffour chose a path of support, enabling his younger and more talented brother to take the forefront in their shared journey of achievement.
“One person I really respect in this country is Asamoah Gyan’s elder brother, Baffour. I respect him so much because he’s not greedy. Even though he is older than Asamoah Gyan, he has been very supportive of him. Once he realized that Asamoah Gyan could become the next big thing in Ghana football, he retired and supported him.
“Both of them are married but they enjoy a great relationship because Baffour is not greedy and selfish. In today’s Ghana once an older sibling sees the younger one making progress, then he or she starts to pull strings to bring him or her down. The little mistake you make, your own sibling will poison you.
“Baffour Gyan doesn’t shy from doing the little things to enable his brother to succeed. He takes pride in supporting his brother and sometimes even serves as a bodyguard to protect his brother. Every family has someone destined to be the star so when you see that just support him or her to succeed because there’s nothing you can do to bring him or her down,” he said.
Asamoah Gyan, on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, reacted to the video, stating, “Preach on.”
Gyan has never hidden his respect and admiration for his elder brother, who he perceives to be his ‘second god.”
“We all serve the living God but I will say he is my second god because he has done everything for me.” Those were the exact words Ghanaian striker Asamoah Gyan used in describing the influence of his brother Baffour Gyan on his career. “We all serve the living God but I will say he is my second god because he has done everything for me,” the former Sunderland player told Max TV.
“The mistakes he made in life, he made sure I didn’t go through them. He is like a guardian angel till now.” He added.
Detailing the impact and influence of his brother on his career, Asamoah recalled that it was Baffour’s advice that succeeded in making him decide on schooling in Accra, although he had different plans.
“He went to Adisadel College and I wanted to follow in his footsteps when I completed JHS. I had to choose Adisadel College, so I chose all the Cape Coast schools,” Baby Jet said.
Erling Haaland has made football history by achieving the dual distinction of being both the fastest and youngest player to score 40 goals in the Champions League, eclipsing Kylian Mbappe’s previous record.
The Norwegian phenom contributed a goal as Manchester City staged a comeback from a 2-0 deficit to triumph 3-2 against RB Leipzig, maintaining their unblemished record in this season’s premier European competition.
Haaland’s 40th goal in the Champions League came in only his 35th appearance, establishing him as the quickest player ever to reach this milestone, surpassing the previous record held by Ruud van Nistelrooy by 10 matches.
At the age of 23, Haaland also secured the title of the youngest player to reach 40 Champions League goals, breaking Mbappe’s record set in November 2022.
This remarkable achievement adds to Haaland’s week of records, having recently become the fastest player to score 50 goals in the Premier League. His goal against Liverpool in his 48th match in the English top-flight surpassed the previous mark of 65 games set by Andy Cole.
Speaking about City’s win, manager Pep Guardiola expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasising their ability to maintain high standards and consistency over the years. Looking ahead, Guardiola highlighted the significance of finishing first in the group stage to secure a favourable position in the Round of 16.
Pep Guardiola said: “Of course we are incredibly happy to have qualified with two games left. Finish first. We have time to think about it. Maybe we were not… clinical is not the right word… not clear, sweet, soft enough in the last moment to score more goals. But I love to see the team.
“The word that has defined this group of players for many years is consistency. We have high standards, and that is why we are still in the Premier League and qualified for the Champions League. People say, ‘Yeah, the group stage is easy’, but you have to do it. In life, you have to do it when people expect you to do it. Two games left.
“Leipzig are the toughest opponents in this group and we have to try and finish further. It is important in the last 16 to have the weapon of second game at home rather than away.”
After helping City clinch the top spot in their group, Haaland may be allowed a rest for their final match against Crvena Zvezda in December. And the Norwegian will be looking to further boost his Premier League goal tally when the Cityzens take on title rivals Tottenham Hotspur back at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
The last quarter has been challenging for Ghana football, with the unfortunate passing of several football legends and cult heroes within the past few weeks.
Overall, 2023 has been a somber year for Ghanaian football, marked by the devastating loss of some of the nation’s most celebrated footballers.
Regrettably, the toll has intensified in the final stretch of the year, with Ghana mourning the loss of three former players and one active footballer in a brief span.
Papa Arko
The former captain of Asante Kotoko passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023, after battling an illness.
Papa Arko, as the former Asante Kotoko captain was known, captained Kotoko to their last Champions League victory in 1983, securing the title as a captain who won the Champions League.
Joe Debrah
Asante Kotoko legend Joe Debrah passed away in October due to an unknown cause.
Former Black Stars defender Anthony Baffoe, in a post on X on October 27, 2023, confirmed the news, stating that ‘we belong to Allah and to him we shall return.’
Raphael Dwamena
Late Ghanaian footballer, Raphael Dwamena
Former Black Starsplayer Raphael Dwamena passed away on November 11, 2023, after collapsing on a pitch during an Egnatia Rrogozhinë game against Partizani Tirana.
The Ghanaian striker suffered a heart seizure and fainted on the pitch in the 23rd minute, which unfortunately turned out to be his last moment on earth.
Robert Eshun
The late Robert Eshun
Former Black Stars and Asante Kotoko player Robert Eshun was confirmed dead on Monday, October 23, 2023.
According to reports, Robert Eshun died after he experienced a heart attack while driving to work in the morning.
Executive Secretary to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Nana Bediatuo Asante, has addressed reports suggesting his involvement in the unsuccessful deal to sell theTema Oil Refinery (TOR)to Terentco, a private company.
In a statement released by Bediatuo Asante and presented by his legal team, Marfo and Associates Legal Practitioners, he declared his lack of awareness regarding the mentioned deal. Additionally, he clarified that he does not own Terentco, contrary to assertions made in the media reports.
“In the said publication, your paper stated, among others, as follows: ‘In June this year, The Herald’s insider mentioned that the Energy Minister, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, and a cousin of President Akufo-Addo, Nana Bediatuo Asante, who doubles as his Executive Secretary, have for some time now been haggling over the TOR State Facility. Terentco is alleged to be the baby of Nana Bediatuo and is about to take away the State facility almost for free to a company that hadn’t sold even a one-liter bottle of kerosene before’.
“We are instructed to inform you that our client does not have any dealings with the subject matter referred to supra and the same cannot be said to be the baby of our client. Moreover, our client has not haggled with anyone for the said TOR facility. Basic journalistic etiquette required you to at least cross-check your facts prior to publication but you deliberately published this false story for malicious reasons,” part of the statement reads.
About the Terentco-TOR deal:
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has issued a directive to suspend a proposed partnership agreement between the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) and Tema Energy and Processing Limited (TEPL). This directive comes after the Special Prosecutor’s Office conducted an analysis of the corruption risks associated with the proposed partnership.
In a letter dated November 21, 2023, addressed to TOR’s Managing Director, Daniel Osei Appiah, the OSP instructed TOR to provide all necessary documentation related to the agreement by the close of Tuesday, December 5, 2023.
The letter explicitly mandated TOR to immediately halt the proposed partnership agreement, ongoing negotiations, operations, and any other activities linked to the agreement until further notice from the Special Prosecutor.
While the exact reasons behind the OSP’s decision remain unclear, recent discontent among TOR staff has surfaced, particularly regarding five colleagues and two board members.
Allegations suggest that these individuals registered an entity named ‘TOR Workers’ Charity Fund’ to clandestinely acquire shares in the TOR-Torentco deal without the knowledge of over 500 workers.
The aggrieved workers claim that the TOR Workers’ Charity Trust, registered on August 29 of this year, was intended to support Torentco Asset Management Limited (TAML), now known as Tema Energy and Processing Limited (TEPL), as the new lessee for the proposed transaction.
Accusations include collusion among two Board Members, two management staff, two UNICOF executives, and one junior staff to ensure the TOR-Torentco deal’s approval.
Despite having a refining capacity of 45,000 barrels of oil per day, TOR has faced operational inconsistencies, ongoing losses, management crises, political interference, and challenges with outdated equipment. The Special Prosecutor’s intervention adds a new layer of scrutiny to the proposed partnership,further delaying the resolution of TOR’s operational challenges.
Tony ‘Oneweek’ Muonagor, a singer and cousin to actor Amaechi Muonagor, has provided an update on the actor’s current health condition.
In a detailed post on his Facebook page on Monday, Tony revealed that Amaechi isbattling kidney disease, diabetes, and strokes. He further explained that the actor is undergoing weekly dialysis and physiotherapy to address the paralysis resulting from the stroke.
Sharing the picture of his visit to the hospital, Tony wrote: “This picture was taken two weeks ago when I visited my cousin Amaechi Monagor at the Nnewi Teaching Hospital. I initially wanted to quietly assist the way I could but later decided to make this post so that the online community could be better informed.
“Amaechi is currently down with kidney disease, diabetes and stroke. He had been managing his diabetes over the years and living his life.
“He is undergoing weekly dialysis and other treatments. The recent stroke made his case more expensive to battle alone, hence the publicity.
“Amaechi is my first cousin. Many groups have been donating money for his hospital bills. As of today, there’s been some improvement. His blood sugar is under control, but he is still on weekly dialysis, physiotherapy and other treatments.
“His full treatments and recovery require sustained funding.No amount is too small. Please keep Amaechi and his family in your prayers. May God grant him full healing.
Upper East Region is facing a significant rise in new HIV infections among adolescents, prompting a call for intensified efforts to address underlying causes and provide targeted support to this vulnerable group.
Sulemana Majeed, the Regional HIV/AIDS Focal Person, has expressed concern, stating that the HIV prevalence among adolescents ranges from 1.8 to 2.0 percent.
Majeed emphasises that without pragmatic measures to reduce the prevalence rate, the future for adolescents in the region appears bleak.
“The cause for worry is that the future generation, the adolescents whom we feel should stay negative and maintain their status because they are the productive force for the future, are those who are getting the new infection.”
The worrying aspect, according to Mr. Majeed, is that “it is not even the late adolescents; it is early adolescents between 10 to 14 years who are getting infected with the virus.”
The increasing trend of HIV infections among adolescents in the Upper East Region is attributed to factors such as a lack of HIV education, ignorance, and the vulnerability of young individuals to peer pressure for early sexual activity.
The Regional HIV/AIDS Focal Person, Sulemana Majeed, highlighted that with a population exceeding 1 million, over 7,000 people in the region are estimated to have been infected with the virus.
Approximately 5,000 individuals are still receiving medications at health facilities, while others have discontinued treatment for various reasons, such as feeling better, travel without informing facilities, or unfortunate deaths unrelated to HIV.
Majeed conveyed these concerns to the media after a health walk held in commemoration of World AIDS Day, celebrated over the weekend due to the concurrent National Farmers Day on December 1.
The theme for this year’s World AIDS Day celebration was “Let Communities Lead,” aiming to encourage individuals infected and most affected by HIV and AIDS to take on roles and initiatives that contribute to ending the disease as a public health concern by 2030.
A health walk, organized by the Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET) in collaboration with the Network of Persons Living with HIV (NAP+) and other stakeholders, marked the occasion. The event served as an opportunity to raise awareness about HIV self-testing (HIVST) and address various aspects related toHIV and AIDS.
The National Public Relations Officer of GHANET, Patrick Anamoo, said Ghana has now included blood-based methods of HIVST owing to the successful evaluations of the oral method. “CheckNOW is a blood-based method of HIVST that gives test results in just 15 minutes.
It is based on 3rd generation HIVST technology, which detects HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies in a fingerstick blood sample,” he explained.
Mr. Anamoo expressed confidence that the multiplication of HIVST testing options will help Ghana achieve the first 95 of the 95-95-95 UNAIDS targets. The Upper East Regional Chair of NAP+ says stigma remains a challenge to the fight to reduce the virus.
Former Black Stars captain, Stephen Appiah, is optimistic that winning the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is within reach for the Black Stars, despite their recent poor performance.
Appiah believes that the team has the capabilities to overcome the challenges in Ivory Coast and bring an end to Ghana’s trophy drought, provided all the necessary factors align.
“I am very confident that Ghana can win the Afcon,” he is quoted to have said at an event in Accra on Monday, November 27, 2023.
Commenting on Ghana’s recent run of poor results with just one win in four matches, Stephen Appiah reckoned that it is indicative of the evenly spread nature of footballing talents across the globe.
According to him, nations that hitherto were no match for the Black Stars have developed their game and now competing for success.
“Today football is played everywhere and that’s why you’ll find it difficult to even play Comoros. We should believe in ourselves and in the team. They should go out there and represent Ghana the best they can,” he said.
Black Stars have been placed in Group B for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, which will take place in Ivory Coast. In the group stage, Ghana will compete against Egypt, the record holders, as well as Cape Verde and Mozambique.
The 2023 AFCON is scheduled to commence on January 13, 2024, with the final set to be played on February 11, 2024.
Popular Nigerian singer and songwriter Teni has denied undergoing liposuction surgery to lose weight.
She expressed sadness that, after all her efforts at burning out excess fat and trimming down, people still claim she went under the knife to get her body done.
Teni revealed that she went through a “strict diet” for two months to achieve her current physique, stating that if she had done surgery, she would have a flat tummy by now.
In her words: “I went through a lot. I went through a lot of changes. I lost weight and some unfortunate fellows said I had surgery.
“If I did surgery, my stomach will be flat. I wish but I was scared. Surgery is not easy. It’s life-threatening. It’s not easy to go under the knife. I was on a strict diet. Ask my managers. No carbs. I was on a strict diet for two months.
Nigerian musician, Teni
“But it taught me discipline. The mind is also a muscle. The way you flex your arms, discipline helps you flex your mind. It was not easy. Do you know what it means for me to take people out on dinner when I can’t eat what they are eating?
“I made the decision to lose weight after I hadsurvived the life-threatening COVID-19. I had COVID-19 twice: in 2020 and 2021. So, in January 2022, after the COVID-19, I just said, ‘Omo, it’s time [to lose weight].”
Import Restrictions Bill, advocated by theMinister of Trade and Industry, KT Hammond, faced another setback in Parliament on November 28, 2023, as the minister was once again barred from presenting the Legislative Instrument (LI) in the house.
This marks the third instance where the minister has been prevented from laying the LI before Parliament. The proposed Export and Import (Restrictions on Importation of Selected Strategic Products) Regulations, 2023, seek to limit the importation of 22 selected strategic goods into the country.
Despite holding pre-laying meetings with the Caucus of the House, KT Hammond’s efforts to present the LI were thwarted when the Minority staunchly opposed the move.
The minority contended that various business groups had petitioned Parliament to reject the LI, insisting that their concerns needed to be addressed.
Moreover, the minority argued that the LI posed dangers and would adversely impact numerous businesses in the country. Minority Chief Whip Ibrahim Ahmed cautioned the government to proceed cautiously with the LI, while former Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu expressed concern about potential impact and reactions from retaliatory actions from affected countries against Ghana.
The Minority Whip, Ahmed Ibrahim, said, “Mr. Speaker, the matter is a very serious one that hinges on the survival of businesses in this country. Mr. Speaker, we are not just objecting, and care should be taken. Let’s reflect on the serious issues that have been raised on this floor, and the minority has raised objections. Which of them didn’t go back to come and fight for this country? And this is one of them.”
“Mr. Speaker, just yesterday, six associations—Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA), Food and Beverages Association of Ghana (FABAG), Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF), Chamber of Automobile Dealership Ghana (CADEG), and Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI)—wrote a petition, having confidence in members of this house, that we should take that petition into consideration.”
Despite the efforts of the sector minister, KT Hammond, to alleviate the concerns of the Minority by stating that many of their issues had been addressed in an updated draft policy document, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, opted to postpone the laying of the bill. The new date for this action is set for Thursday, November 30, 2023.
Speaker Bagbin instructed the Minister to provide the updated draft policy document to members of the Subsidiary Legislation Committee. This measure aims to ensure that all concerns are thoroughly addressed before presenting the document to the House, thereby preventing any further delays.
The draft policy will mature 21 days after it is laid in Parliament.
Bruno Fernandes remains firm in his belief that he is the right choice to captain Manchester United, despite facing criticism from figures like Roy Keane and Paul Ince.
The Portuguese midfielder has been under scrutiny for his demeanour since taking on the captaincy, with pundits arguing that his frequent complaints and interactions with referees don’t contribute positively to the team.
Fernandes, however, attributes the criticism to a decline in his goal and assist contributions since his impressive start at Old Trafford following his move from Sporting in January 2020.
In the beginning, everything was perfect, because when you arrive in the first game, if you do something different than anyone else is doing, is gonna be all flowers. But after that, I understand the tough part is always coming, because when the result is not coming, when the performance is not what everyone expects it to be, because the expectations are always higher and higher.”
Roy Keane, the legendary United captain, has been particularly vocal in his critique of Fernandes, expressing dissatisfaction with his decision to concede a penalty to Marcus Rashford against Everton on Sunday.
Paul Ince has also voiced his disapproval, suggesting that Fernandes tends to make everything about himself instead of rallying his teammates.
The United skipper told a press conference: “Obviously you don’t like to be criticised; everyone is the same, but at the same time, I have to do what I think is best for my team. It is quite normal that when you play for Manchester United, you are going to get criticised, even if you do well or badly, if you do the wrong or the right thing. I just have to deal with that; it is normal since I arrived at the club.
Fernandes added: “I know since I arrived at the club, my numbers have made me a target so not keeping the same numbers on goals and assists is sometimes a problem for me in the criticism because they are going to (sic) take it from there. Now is the captaincy; there is gonna be always something. Now my focus is on the team, the staff, and everyone who works with me day by day, I think they are pretty happy with me, the way I am is the same since I arrived at the club; it has not changed since being captain. I don’t think it has to change. I am really open with everyone so no one until now has had a problem with me, so I think I should keep it like that; everyone is pretty happy with my leadership.”
The captain will lead United into one of the most intimidating atmospheres in the world when they face Galatasaray in the Champions League on Wednesday, needing a victory to ensure they remain inEurope’s elite competition.
Mary shared details of incidents where she experienced health issues, even collapsing while residing in the singer’s house, citing an improper diet and undisclosed factors.
During her recent interview with Der Madking TV, she claimed that on one occasion, she informed Eugene about her condition. However, despite being out of the country at the time, he allegedly only sent money for her to buy drugs, not encouraging her to seek proper medical attention.
Mary explained that the funds provided were for purchasing blood tonics and vitamins, which proved insufficient in addressing her health concerns. As the situation worsened, she had to seek assistance from a neighbour and eventually had to be rushed to the hospital.
“I didn’t eat well and it created problems for me. There was food but not always. Sometimes the food gets finished. There could be rice but nothing to prepare it with. And when instances like that happen, he steps out and when I ask him for money, he tells me he will be back soon but never returns early. If I don’t have money to buy food, I’d have to starve till he gets back.
“I have collapsed about four times, both at home and outside. In one of the instances, he travelled outside the country and I informed him about the situation. But he sent me money and told me to buy drugs. I told him I wanted to go to the hospital but he insisted that I buy drugs instead.
“I bought some blood tonic and vitamin C, but my condition worsened at night so I called one of our neighbours and complained about my plight. My teeth were even clenching at the moment; my palm turned white and I was palpitating. When I regained consciousness at the hospital, I kept mentioning his name. I won’t sit here and lie,” she expressed.
Veteran gospelmusician Amy Newman has revealed that she is among the women who won their husbands over with exceptional culinary skills.
Addressing the notion that some men marry for food, Mrs. Newman shared that her husband was captivated by her light soup recipe, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Amy Newman mentioned that she discovered her cooking talent at a young age, which played a significant role in her early marriage.
During a conversation on United Showbiz, she emphasised that in her heyday, the criteria for attracting a husband were not complex. According to her, all a man sought was a woman with excellent homemaking skills.
“It’s true that some men marry because of food. For instance, in my case, my husband married me because of light soup. I was young at that time but I was a very good cook. In our time, food landed us husbands; it was all about knowing how to cook and serving your man.
Reacting to Hilda Baci’s statements that Ghana jollof lacks flavour, she said,
“I don’t agree our jollof isn’t good.My jollof has no size. I’ve got the skills and ideas that make my food come out really good.”
