Brazilian forward Neymar has vehemently dismissed reports circulating in Brazil that suggested his departure from PSG this summer was prompted by physical issues.
In response to claims from Brazilian digital outlet futebolusadia, Neymar referred to them as “fake news.” According to the outlet, one of the cited reasons for Neymar’s PSG departure related to physical problems uncovered during preseason tests.
Neymar responded and wrote: ” Night passes, day passes and things don’t change … there are accounts (like this one) that are not part of the player’s daily life, they don’t know what really happens … I still believe in a future without fake news.”
Back in September, Neymar said that only few people knew what was the motivation behind his €90m move to Saudi club Al Hilal.
“Obviously, there were a lot of guesses everywhere, a lot of know-it-alls who knew the truth of what happened, and no one knows,” he said. “Only I know, few people know what happened for me to arrive at Al-Hilal, but it’s not up to anyone, it’s not up to you.
Football Insider has reported thatManchester United has shifted its focus away from potential January transfers for young center-backs such as Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, Goncalo Inacio from Sporting CP, and Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice.
Manchester United is actively seeking a young center-back due to injuries impacting Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, and there’s the possibility of Harry Maguire departing when the transfer window reopens.
Although these three players have been linked with the club, financial constraints at Old Trafford mean that transfer fees for any of them could reach €60 million or more.
Instead, Manchester United is reportedly considering a move for Uruguayan international Sebastian Caceres, who currently plays for Club America.
Somanya in the Eastern Region has witnessed another armed robbery incident, marking the second such occurrence in just 12 days.
On the evening of Monday, October 23, 2023, between 6:30 and 7:00 pm, four robbers, including a female, executed a daring robbery at the Gaso Filling station and a mobile money vendor situated in Ogome, a suburb of Somanya.
Notably, a similar event took place on October 11, 2023, where eight robbers, one of them female, targeted the SP Gas filling station, located less than 200 meters away from the Goaso filling station.
There is strong suspicion that the four robbers from the recent incident are part of the same gang that carried out the robbery at the SP Gas station two weeks earlier.
Armed with pump-action guns, with the female member actively participating in the gunfire, the criminals robbed the fuel station of an undisclosed sum of money.
Furthermore, a nearby mobile money operator fell victim to the robbers, reportedly losing over GHC 28,000 to them.
In the course of the robbery, an employee of the filling station and two additional witnesses were shot.
Two of the victims are currently receiving treatment at the Yilo Krobo Municipal Hospital, while one was treated and discharged from the Somanya Polyclinic.
The robbers fled into nearby bushes following their criminal act before the arrival of the Somanya Police.
Although the police pursued the criminals, they were unable to apprehend them.
In light of the previous incident, the police issued directives to major businesses, urging them to close their shops and offices by 8 pm to prevent similar incidents.
Regrettably, many businesses are not adhering to this directive.
The police have initiated an investigation into thisrecent armed robbery, as they continue to address the concerning trend of criminal activities in the area.
Manchester United is said to be “open to any offer” for Jadon Sancho in the upcoming January transfer window, drawing comparisons to Cristiano Ronaldo’s situation.
Much like how Erik ten Hag excluded Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, in 2022 before the Portuguese star’s contract was terminated, Sancho, the English winger, has not been featured in a match for United since August 26.
The first hints about his uncertain future arose when he was left out of the matchday squad against Arsenal on September 3, with his commitment in training coming under scrutiny. Consequently, he has been training separately from the main first-team squad.
Crisis talks have taken place, but Sancho is now expected to be on the move in the winter window.
Fabrizio Romano has told his Daily Briefing podcast: “I think they [United] know at the moment that it’s not going to be a permanent transfer, that could be a loan deal with a buy option included.
“So, I think in January that they will be open to any opportunity of course. Of course, they would prefer a permanent transfer, that would be perfect to have their money back after what they spent on Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.
But, at the moment, they know in January to find a top class club in Europe prepared to pay, and this is my opinion and not the official price, somewhere between £50m-£55m is not going to be easy. So we will have to see what happens there.”
Romano added: “At the moment, the people from Manchester United is very clear. It looks like it’s 90 per cent over between Jadon Sancho and Man United. We keep a 10 per cent because we know that anything can happen in football, but as of today, it reminds us of the situation with Cristiano Ronaldo one year ago.
The feeling is that Jadon has to find a new club in the January transfer window.”
Sancho has seen a return to Borussia Dortmund speculated on, while he has also been linked with Barcelona and Juventus – with it claimed that teams from Turkey have now joined the race for the 23-year-old forward.
Ghanaian lawyer and businessman, Gabby Otchere-Darko, along with Arsenal fans, extended their congratulations to Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey after he and his partner, Janine Mackson, unveiled the gender of their forthcoming baby.
Thomas Partey and Janine Mackson made this joyous revelation during a brief ceremony with close family and friends.
They shared a video of this special moment on their social media accounts, triggering an outpouring of well-wishes from fans and acquaintances, including Gabby Otchere-Darko, a close friend of Partey, who retweeted the video with the message: “Congrats to @Thomaspartey22 and Janine! Wishing for you a lovely, healthy, and happy family life together!”
Numerous Arsenal fans also joined in to celebrate the occasion, expressing their delight for the impending addition to the Partey family and sending their best wishes to the couple.
Although Thomas Partey and Janine have maintained a degree of privacy regarding their relationship, they have shared a few photos of their time together on social media, reflecting their happiness.
Cocoa prices have reached a 44-year peak due to global supply shortages, resulting in increased expenses for chocolate manufacturers.
In New York, futures trading experienced a surge of up to 2.5%, marking the highest level for a most-active contract since 1979.
These price hikes are attributed to the anticipation of subpar harvests in leading cocoa producers Ivory Coast and Ghana, coinciding with an uptick in demand.
“The supply and demand situation remains bullish,” Jack Scoville, a vice president for Price Futures Group in Chicago, said in a report.
Cocoa for December delivery surged to $3,786 a metric ton in New York, the highest since January 1979. The price exceeded an earlier peak reached in March 2011, when civil war in Ivory Coast resulted in a cocoa export ban.
Bean deliveries to ports in Ivory Coast are about 16% behind this season, according to a person familiar with government data. Analysts are expecting a third consecutive deficit for the key chocolate ingredient.
All of that is happening as a strong El Niño threatens to bring dryness to West Africa, further hurting crops. Demand is also improving, with bean processing in Europe turning out better than expected.Ivory Coast and Brazil are also boosting grindings.
Previously, supply shortages drove up cocoa prices back in the 1970s, with the commodity reaching a peak of $5,379 a ton in July 1977, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus has identified Liverpool’s captain, Virgil Van Dijk, as the most formidable adversary he has encountered in his professional career.
Kudus, who made a notable transition to West Ham from Ajax in the summer transfer window for a reported £38 million, expressed his deep respect for the highly acclaimed Reds’ central defender during a recent interview on the Iron Cast podcast.
Speaking about his toughest opponent, Kudus said, “Obviously Van Dijk, I played against him in the Champions League, both home and away. He’s the hardest opponent I have faced. Strong, fast, and he wins all the duels. Yes, he tries to get into your head.”
Kudus had two memorable clashes with Van Dijk during his tenure at Ajax when they faced Liverpool in the Champions League group stage.
While Liverpool emerged as the victor on both occasions, Kudus left a lasting impression in the initial encounter at Anfield.
During that match, Kudus scored an emphatic goal against Liverpool, unleashing a powerful shot into the top of the net to nullify Mohamed Salah’s opening goal.
The game seemed destined for a draw until Joel Matip secured a late win for Liverpool.
In a subsequent meeting at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam, Liverpool claimed a comfortable 3-0 victory, with Kudus making a second-half appearance as a substitute, although he couldn’t significantly influence the outcome.
Kwame Baffoe, commonly referred to asAbronye DC and serving as the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is gearing up to lead a 36-day march aimed at conveying appreciation to the president and his administration.
This procession, organized under the banner of the Patriotic Forum for Accountable Governance (PaFFAG), is scheduled to take place in Accra, commencing on December 1, 2023, and concluding on January 5, 2024.
In a letter dated October 23, 2023, and addressed to the Ghana Police Service, as reported by GhanaWeb, Abronye clarified that the primary objective of this march is to express gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his government.
The group underscored that the government merits recognition for its management of the COVID-19 pandemic and its efforts in steering the nation’s economic recovery following the pandemic’s impact.
“We are writing to request permission to hold a peaceful procession in Accra from 1st December 2023 to 5th January, 2024, the purpose of this procession or assembly is to express our heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency President Akufo Addo for sustaining the nation through Covid-19 pandemic and setting the nation on a path of economic recovery,” parts of the letter read.
“We have carefully selected 37 bus stop to Jubilee House as the route for this demonstration due to its visibility and accessibility. We assure you that we will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of all participants and the general public,” it said of the chosen route.
“We would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with a representative from the police department to discuss our plans in more detail and address any concerns or questions you may have,” it concluded.
Zelia Amsat Osman was part of a group of over 1000 individuals called to the Ghana Bar by the General Legal Council. The event was overseen by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo on Friday, October 20, 2023.
Expressing her enthusiasm to GhanaWeb, Zelia reflected on her journey to this accomplishment, highlighting that she is the first in her family to attain a degree.
“I am the only child of my parents and the first to obtain a university degree in my family, making this achievement a very exciting one for my family and the people of Bawku in the Upper East Region,” she told GhanaWeb.
While studying at the Ghana School of Law, Zelia actively participated in the electoral race for the Students Representative Council (SRC) presidency, although she did not emerge victorious.
Additionally, she is involved in the management of an NGO called Hammys Foundation, dedicated to assisting the underprivileged in Ghana, with a particular focus on supporting girls and the elderly.
Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Freda Prempeh, has expressed her discontent over the blame games currently happening as far as the repurcussions of the Akosombo Dam spillage is concerned.
The Minister said, Volta River Authority (VRA), the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), and the Water Resources Commission (WRC) right from the beginning of the year, warned the affected residents of the impending spillage, and the need for their evacuation and relocation, however, “they refused to leave”.
She said “A stitch in time saves nine, we cannot sit back and allow situations like that …now people are blaming government, people are blaming VRA, people are blaming NADMO but these three institutions did a lot of education right from January till September,” she added.
“The Akosombo spillage even though VRA, NADMO, the Water Resources Commission came together to educate the people in the community, did simulation exercises with them even at Mepe, yet they refused to leave, they didn’t want to be evacuated”.
On her path, the “millions of money” the government is currently spending to resolve the current menace could have been avoided if the victims had headed to the warnings of the VRA, NADMO among others.
“They stayed on till the end when we started spilling, unfortunately, look at what is happening and government has to spend millions of money on relief items, education; the whole area, the water is contaminated,” she said at an event in Accra on October 23.
Amid all of this, she assured that the government however in collaboration with relevant agencies, is presently allocating funds to assist individuals who had chosen not to evacuate, despite warnings from the aforementioned agencies’ education, sensitizations and numerous warnings.
In mid-September, the Volta River Authority (VRA) initiated the discharge of excess water from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams to prevent the hydroelectric facility from potential collapse.
This water release resulted in a substantial deluge that swiftly inundated communities surrounding the dam, spanning several kilometers. It impacted eight districts across three constituencies: North, Central, and South Tongu.
To address the crisis, the government has established an inter-ministerial committee, led by the Chief of Staff, to oversee an emergency response.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo personally visited Mepe last week to gain a firsthand understanding of the situation.
Former Vice Chairman of the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry, Dr. Adam Bonaa,has refuted a statement made by Prof. Stephen Adei, the former Chairperson of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC). Prof. Adei alleged that government officials demand one million cedis before awarding road contracts.
Dr. Bonaa countered this claim by pointing out that although there may be elements of corruption within the road construction industry, contractors have not received payment for work performed dating as far back as 2018, a period during which Prof. Adei served as the Board Chairman of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Dr. Bonaa expressed his bewilderment at Prof. Adei’s decision to raise such allegations now, given that he did not do so during his tenure as a government appointee.
“People who all of a sudden wants us to think they are a voice of conscience when they talk, we should ask them to bring proof because as far as I am concerned the same contractors, he is saying are paying money to be given contracts have not been paid.
“So if contractors have worked and they are not paid, on what grounds will the same contractor come to you to pay you for you to give him a contract to do because they are not getting paid. You can ask any contractor in this country,” he stated in an interview with GhanaWeb.
Describing the comment by Prof Adei as coming from a bitter place, Dr Bonaa noted that a person of his standing cannot be regarded as a voice of conscience.
“I feel he is bitter because he was sacked as chairman of GRA Board. He is bitter and therefore he is finding excuses and sounding as if he is a voice of conscience. For me, he should be disregarded, the public should disregard him because when he was chairman what was he able to do before he was sacked? Did he improve upon collection? We need to know.
“Did we not hear about some members of Council of State who had brought in things and were not paying? Was he not there? This lady who was a member of the Council of State, Labianca, was he not there? And so as far as I am concerned, I think he is bitter. I think he should be disregarded.
“Prof. Adei is bitter because as far as I am concerned contractors in Ghana are burdened with the inability of the Finance Ministry to pay them after working,” he stated.
In a recent interview with TV3, Prof. Adei criticized the government led by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, among other issues, alleging that government officials were involved in corrupt practices related to the awarding of contracts, particularly in the field of road construction.
He went on to express his belief that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo should feel a sense of shame if he is aware of such questionable dealings taking place within his administration.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Roads and Highways has taken the step of referring Prof. Adei’s allegations to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for a thorough investigation.
The ministry, while maintaining its commitment to ensuring transparency in the contract award process, deems these allegations to be of a significant and serious nature, thus warranting a comprehensive inquiry.
In recent matches, the Black Stars have struggled to make a positive impression, causing growing anxiety among Ghanaians who are eagerly anticipating a victory in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
During the international break in October, Ghana participated in two friendly matches against Mexico and the USA.
Unfortunately, both of these encounters witnessed lackluster performances by the Black Stars, leaving little room for optimism.
The team suffered a 2-0 defeat to Mexico and a harsh 4-0 loss to the US Men’s national team.
Expressing his concern about the team’s recent uninspiring displays, GFA President Kurt Okraku emphasized his unease. He firmly believes that the national team must overcome these setbacks and strive for improved performances in the future.
“Our Black Stars must rise again but I’m a disturbed servant,” Kurt Okraku said in a post on Facebook.
Ghana next month will commence the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
During the second installment of the ‘Accounting to the People’ initiative by theGhana Water Company (GWCL), Managing Director Ing. Dr. Clifford A. Braimah vehemently denied any claims suggesting that the company was on the verge of being sold.
In his address, the managing director emphasized the competence of the company’s officials in effectively overseeing the state-owned institution.
He urged the Ghanaian public to dismiss any rumors circulating in both traditional and social media regarding the alleged sale.
Ing. Dr. Clifford A. Braimah clarified that the company was currently undergoing some structural changes in compliance with company law.
He assured the public that, at the appropriate time, they would provide a comprehensive update on these changes.
Regarding the company’s workforce, he revealed that the GWCL currently employs 5,438 individuals.
Notably, 2,000 of them have received promotions at various levels, recognizing their qualifications and adherence to the established promotion procedures.
Metres and customers
During the event, he also shared with journalists that the company has successfully distributed 923,000 meters, serving numerous customers across the nation. By multiplying this figure by five, the MD estimated that these meters are benefiting over 4,615,000 people nationwide.
Furthermore, he unveiled the company’s foray into a technological advancement with the introduction of a drone metering system for meter reading. This innovative system, he explained, will streamline the meter reading and billing procedures, offering advantages to both customers and GWCL.
The initial pilot fly-by meter reading took place in select districts in the Accra West Region and is slated for expansion into other regions. In a mere 14 minutes during a walk and cycle exercise, the drone successfully read 477 meters out of the 508 smart meters installed.
The incorporation of drones for meter reading is emphasized as a means to enhance staff safety, eliminate challenges related to accessing gated properties, and ultimately improve the overall meter reading process for faster decision-making.
Ajax has made the sudden decision to terminate their association with manager Maurice Steijn, effective immediately, according to an official statement from the Eredivisie club.
This move comes in response to a series of four consecutive losses in the league, resulting in Ajax’s current second-to-last position in the standings.
Maurice Steijn, aged 49, assumed the role of manager at Ajax in June, initially inking a three-year contract following his stint with Sparta Rotterdam.
Unfortunately, the club’s solitary league triumph for this season transpired at the commencement of the campaign against newly-promoted Heracles.
“We came to the conclusion that this is what is best for Ajax, although I regret that,” Steijn told the club website.
“Everyone who knows me knows I have done everything to take Ajax back to the place where this club belongs. But I failed to do so.”
Ajax have five points from seven games. They visit Brighton in theEuropa League on Thursday before a trip to leaders PSV on Sunday.
Ajax and Maurice Steijn will part ways with immediate effect. The club management and Steijn have agreed that the coach will step down from his position.
Greek Super League encounter between fierce rivals Panathinaikos and Olympiakos had to be prematurely ended on Sunday following an incident where a player was hit by a firework.
The unfortunate incident occurred as Panathinaikos’ left-back, Juan ‘Juankar’ Carlos, was going through his warm-up routine along the sideline shortly after the start of the second half. He was struck by a firework, which led to him being carried off the field on a stretcher.
The match, which was taking place at Olympiakos’ home stadium, had to be abandoned with the score tied at 1-1.
“The derby … was not completed as there was an interruption in the 50th minute due to an injury to Juankar,” Panathinaikos said in a statement.
“A firecracker was launched from the home team’s stand and exploded at the spot where the (Panathinaikos) football players were warming up. Juankar fell to the ground in a daze, while he also had a problem with his hearing.
“The game did not restart and the referee closed the match sheet in a match whose fate will be decided in the courts…”
The Greek Super League and the Greek Football Federation have not yet provided a response to the request for comment.
Historically, matches between the two sides in the Athens derby have frequently been tainted by incidents of violence and crowd disturbances.
Back in 2019, a Panathinaikos home fixture against Olympiakos was prematurely halted when Panathinaikos fans assaulted players seated on the visiting team’s bench and clashed with law enforcement.
Furthermore, four years prior to that incident, a match was canceled before kick-off due to violence both within and around the stadium, coupled with the throwing of flares onto the pitch.
Argentina forward Papu Gomez (35) has blamed a failed doping test on his son’s cough syrup after Serie A club Monza said on Friday that theirWorld Cup winner had been handed a two-year ban.
Gomez was banned by FIFA after terbutaline – a drug taken to calm a bronchospasm crisis – was found in his sample, Monza said in a statement.
However, Gomez said on Instagram on Sunday: “I have never used, nor ever had any intention (of) using doping methods.
“The alleged infringement stems from the presence of terbutaline in my system as a result of accidentally, involuntarily and unintentionally receiving a spoonful of my toddler’s cough syrup by mistake.
“It should be pointed out, however, that the therapeutic use of terbutaline is permitted for professional athletes and that it does not in any way improve performance in football.”
The test sample was taken in October 2022 when Gomez was playing for LaLiga side Sevilla.
This ball, created by Puma, pays tribute to Ivorian football icon Laurent Pokou.
Laurent Pokou holds the distinction of being Ivory Coast’s all-time leading scorer, having notched 71 goals in 83 national team appearances.
Additionally, he remains the sole player to have scored five goals in a single AFCON match, a feat he accomplished in 1970.
The ball’s design draws inspiration from the colors of African nations and incorporates vibrant elements of African culture and art.
The 2023 AFCON tournament is scheduled to take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024, marking Ivory Coast’s first time hosting the competition since 1984.
The unveiling of this official match ball marks a significant step in the preparations for the2023 AFCON.
Former Ghanaian national team player, Joe Addo, has responded to the President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku, following Okraku’s criticism of Addo’s comments on former Black Stars coach Otto Addo.
Okraku had labeled Addo’s remarks as negative.
Joe Addo clarified that his intention was not to tarnish the image of the FA but rather to contribute to the improvement of the sport. He emphasized that the timing of these discussions is vital for the game’s development.
In an interview with Dan Kwaku Yeboah TV, the former Hearts of Oak player also recalled that there was a time when Kurt Okraku paid to watch him play, highlighting the cyclical nature of their roles in football.
He said it is time and now it is his time as FA President. For us during our time, he used to pay money to watch us play. I don’t hold any grudges for anything. I’m a senior than him and I won’t have a back and forth confrontation with him.
“There is something on my mind which will be useful to the development of our game and I spilled it out. If maybe I did not say it right, there is a way to respond to it. I don’t disrespect him in anyway”, he told Dan Kwaku Yeboah.
“But for him to go that far and even mention my name in the presence of my colleagues wasn’t the best to have done from him. I have a child who has completed University and this is not the time for me to go to the gutters to exchange words.
“I know Kurt very well and he expected me to call him but it was a TV program and honestly, I said what was right, and not to condemn Otto Addo”, he added.
Addo played for Ghana at the1996 Summer Olympics for the senior team where he played 44 times for Ghana and scored two goals.
Fabrizio Romano in his Daily Briefing column for Caught Offside, there is a possibility that Manchester United’s midfielder, Hannibal Mejbri, could be on his way to Spain.
Mejbri, who is 20 years old, has made his way into the Manchester United first-team squad this season following a loan spell at Birmingham City.
Despite being an international player for Tunisia, his contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
However, United retains the option to extend his contract for an additional year, making it improbable for clubs outside of England to engage in precontract talks starting in January.
The report indicates thatSevilla is keeping a close eye on his situation, ready to make a move if a long-term extension with Manchester United is not agreed upon.
Chelsea’s defender, Thiago Silva, continues to be a transfer target for Fluminense.
Despite his veteran status, Silva has been a revelation during his tenure at Stamford Bridge, maintaining a crucial role in the heart of Chelsea’s defense.
With a total of 126 appearances in all competitions, the 39-year-old has significantly contributed to Chelsea’s success, including triumphs in theChampions League and Club World Cup.
Notably, he has retained his place in the current starting lineup.
As an ever-present figure in the Premier League under the management of Mauricio Pochettino, Silva is regarded as the preferred choice in his position.
However, his contract has less than a year left, leaving his future with Chelsea uncertain.
Speculation about a return to Fluminense has circulated for some time, as Silva has shown an openness to the idea of a third stint at the Maracanã before retiring.
The report suggests that Fluminense may attempt to negotiate a deal with Chelsea midway through the season, though it appears somewhat unrealistic if Silva maintains his place in the starting lineup.
Chelsea is already dealing with the absence of Wesley Fofana for a significant portion of the season, making further limitations in this key area less desirable for Pochettino.
Fluminense currently holds the ninth position in the Brasileiro standings, just two points away from the sixth spot, which would grant them entry into the Copa Libertadores qualifiers.
This ongoing spillage has impacted numerous communities across eight districts, leading to the submersion of numerous homes and business establishments, and consequently, the displacement of a significant number of residents.
During a visit to some affected communities in the lower Volta Region, the Agbogbomefia said “We are all one people, we are all Ghanaians, and we are all from Volta Region, our lives are inextricably linked, so whatever impacts our people here, positively or negatively, has implications for all of us as well.”
“Indeed, meeting the people and talking to the chief, it’s really a bad thing they are living through. To have woken up one day and lost your property, or house, it’s very difficult in our country. It’s hard to imagine their plight, I have tried so many times to imagine that in my shoes.”
“This could have been avoided. Standing right at GRIDCO sub-station almost fully submerged, we have seen the situation in people’s homes, it’s really mind-boggling. They will live with the pain for some time. It’s not that it will have a clear path and go down the slope, this will be stagnant water for a very long time.
“People cannot go about their jobs as they used to do, schooling, and working, are all disrupted. People are suffering from the kind of things they eat. Truly, my heart, our hearts go out to them, we want to be able to stand by them, it’s a difficult moment and that is why we are here. We indeed share in their pains,” he emphasised.
Togbe Afede XIV further presented GH¢100,000 as a form of relief for victims severely impacted by the spillage.
He urged all Ghanaians to support the government in bringing the situation under control.
“It behoves all of us as Ghanaians to share in their pains and see what we can do as individuals to alleviate their sufferings. We are happy the MP and the chiefs are doing their best. And we all should take it very seriously.
“We have come to lend our widow’s mite to them, in an attempt to alleviate their problems to minimize their sufferings. We will give cash donations to support the fund, as the first attempt by us, and we have contributed GH¢100,000, towards that,” he reiterated.
He recommended that the Volta River Authority (VRA) implement measurements for both the inflow of water into the dam and the outflow of water into the spillways.
Starting from October 9, 2023, extensive areas of land and downstream communities near the Akosombo and Kpong dams experienced flooding. This occurred during the second-phase release of water from these two dams, which collectively contribute around one-third of Ghana’s electricity supply.
The controlled spillage was initiated by the Volta River Authority (VRA) at the Akosombo and Kpong dams, both located in the Eastern Region, beginning on September 15, 2023, due to an abundance of water in both reservoirs attributed to substantial rainfall.
The consequences of this spillage have been felt by almost all communities along the lower Volta Basin, leading to widespread power outages in the affected areas.
Newcastle United has come to terms with the fact that Sandro Tonali is potentially facing an extended ban due to his violation of gambling regulations in Italy, according to a report from Football Insider.
Consequently, the club is now poised to enter the transfer market in the upcoming January window.
Sandro Tonali, a 23-year-old who made a £55 million switch from AC Milan to Newcastle during the summer, has been a significant asset to the Magpies.
His potential absence is a considerable setback, especially as the team aims to manage both domestic commitments and their return to the Champions League.
Beppe Riso, the agent of the Italy international, holds out hope that his client won’t face excessively severe penalties.
“Sandro will pay for what he did wrong but he won’t be punished for what he didn’t do,” Riso told Dazn Italia. “I’ve already read too many sentences around this. I hope the correct sanction is given for what he represents for our football, he is an Italian asset.”
The return of league action following the October international matches brought with it a slew of goalkeeping errors, particularly evident in the London derby.
In response to these developments, Transfermarkt has released an updated list of the world’s most valuable goalkeepers.
The website employs various criteria to assess the market value of a player, including factors like age, remaining contract length, and their importance to both national and club teams.
FC Porto’s goalkeeper, Diogo Costa, has been deemed the most valuable goalkeeper in this ranking. At 24 years old, he has seemingly become the preferred choice for Selecao under Roberto Martinez.
In second place is Gianluigi Donnaruma, also 24 years old, and the primary goalkeeper for Paris Saint-Germain and Italy.
An unexpected inclusion is Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, who holds the fourth position despite being sidelined for the entire season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, as reported by 90MIN.
Surprisingly, no Arsenal goalkeeper makes it into the top 10. Mikel Arteta’s decision to promote David Raya from Brentford as the number one choice over Aaron Ramsdale raised eyebrows.
However, there is a spot for Andre Onana, who ranks sixth on the list despite a somewhat uneven start to his career at Manchester United.
Marc Guiu couldn’t conceal his elation after making history by scoring the winning goal on his debut forBarcelona against Athletic Club.
At the young age of 17, Guiu made a remarkable impact, finding the back of the net a mere 23 seconds into his first appearance for Barca.
He entered the match in the 79th minute, replacing Fermin Lopez during their La Liga encounter with Athletic Club.
Guiu capitalized on a superb pass from Joao Felix, displaying remarkable composure as he positioned himself before calmly sliding the ball beneath Unai Simon and into the goal.
Barcelona held on to secure a vital 1-0 victory, bringing them within one point of their arch-rivals, Real Madrid, at the top of the league table.
Guiu struggled to find the right words to express his feelings when speaking to reporters after the match.
“I can’t believe it, I’m out of breath. I’m enjoying the moment. I’ve been working my whole life for this opportunity and it turned out perfect,” he said.
According to Opta, Guiu is now the youngest player to score on his debut forBarcelona in the 21st century at 17 years and 291 days.
Speaking on the teenager’s impact and his willingness to promote youth from Barca’s famed La Masia academy, Barca head coach Xavi told reporters post-match: “I personally like Marc Guiu. I’ve always said that I have no problem looking at La Masia players. You have to give them trust. When you see that the kid is ready, you take him to the playground.
“Guiu’s face on the bench didn’t look scared. He was looking at me with the ‘coach, put me on!’ face. I saw that he was ready and I subbed him in. You can tell that he can score goals, and everything went well. I’m so happy.”
Guiu will now focus on furthering his development with the first team and may have the opportunity to play when Barcelona faces Shakhtar Donetsk in the upcoming Champions League match scheduled for Wednesday.
AC Milan found themselves in a situation where they had to make a sacrifice in the attacking department due to Malick Thiaw’s red card against Juventus.
Stefano Pioli, the Milan manager, explained his rationale for substituting Christian Pulisic.
The Rossoneri were left with 10 players at San Siro, with Thiaw, the German international center-back, receiving a red card just five minutes before half-time. This situation forced Pioli into making significant tactical choices.
While he had the option to maintain his faith in the players remaining on the field and make minor adjustments, Pioli chose to bolster the defense by substituting American forward Pulisic and bringing on Pierre Kalulu.
Despite Pulisic’s evident displeasure at being substituted, Pioli defended his decision, even though Milan went on to suffer a 1-0 defeat.
Pioli told DAZN of why Pulisic had to make way on the back of an untimely dismissal: “I removed an attacker to maintain the same defensive structure that we had prepared during the week. I decided to make [Rafael] Leao and [Olivier] Giroud work against the three Juve defenders and maintain the defensive set-up we had, as there were some good reference points against them.
“We believed that the contribution of the midfielders like [Yunus] Musah and [Tijjani] Reijnders, or Giroud holding up the ball for Leao, could allow us to continue being dangerous in attack. The second half started pretty well, but then we lacked a little intensity above all in midfield. It’s also true that we allowed Juventus barely any chances, so with a little more intensity I feel we could’ve taken home a very important result even down to 10 men.”
Manuel Locatelli netted the only goal of the game forJuventus just past the hour mark, with Weston McKennie and Tim Weah able to celebrate picking up three points in a domestic meeting with United States international team-mates Pulisic and Yunus Musah.
Edison Azcona has disclosed that, as part of their efforts to safeguardLionel Messi from potential injuries, Inter Miami occasionally refrains from including him in training matches.
The MLS team is elated to have the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner as part of their squad and witnessed his influence in securing a historic Leagues Cup victory shortly after his arrival in the United States.
However, Messi has encountered a minor injury that ruled him out of the U.S. Open Cup final and hampered his participation in the late-season push to secure a playoff spot.
Inter Miami are aware of the need to handle Messi with care, with Azcona telling Infobae of how the all-time great is treated behind the scenes: “Everyone understands that we are not going to try to hurt him.
“One tries to defend, but they are a little more careful. We don’t let him play in the games we play among ourselves, we defend him, but with caution. Nobody gets into it very hard.”
It is not just in training that Inter Miami stars are changing their ways for Messi, with Dominican Republic international Azcona revealing that a number of players are learning a new language. He added: “I have not heard Leo speak English… Sometimes, he has said ‘good morning’ when he comes in, but those who speak English and do not know Spanish are learning to speak Spanish.”
Messi has scored 11 goals in 14 appearancesfor Inter Miami and has no plans to go out on loan in January, despite rumors of a potential return to Barcelona. His primary focus is to maintain peak physical condition for the commencement of the 2024 MLS season.
Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino has officially stated that Josef Martinez is not part of Inter Miami’s future plans, coinciding with reports connecting the club to the legendary striker Luis Suarez.
For Inter Miami’s Saturday MLS finale against Charlotte FC, Martinez was notably absent.
The match ended in a 1-0 loss for the Herons.
Throughout this season, Martinez contributed 10 goals in 32 appearances across various competitions for the club. After the match, Martino confirmed that it was a collective decision for all parties to part ways.
: “Josef didn’t travel because it would be very difficult for him to continue with our club next season,” Martino said. “We spoke, and the wisest decision was for him not to travel for this last game and not take a totally unnecessary risk.”
The possibility of Martinez leaving the club coincides with reports connecting Inter Miami to Luis Suarez, who enjoyed his most successful years alongside Lionel Messi at Barcelona.
Messi has already been joined by fellow former Barcelona players Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba at Miami. Furthermore, Suarez’s current club, Gremio, has agreed to his departure in December, clearing the path for a move to MLS.
Given their elimination from playoff contention,Inter Miami is set toembark on a brief tour in China before commencing their offseason.
The Croatian football sensation has been the subject of extensive transfer rumors, with numerous Saudi Pro League clubs and even MLS side Inter Miami expressing their interest.
Sanchez, however, has unequivocally stated that the five-time Champions League winner will not be leaving the club during the upcoming January transfer window.
“There are no official negotiations on the part of Saudi League officials to include Luca during next January, and we have no idea about his departure from the team at the present time.” he told Arriyadiyah [Goal Arabic].
While the club is certain that their star midfielder will not leave this winter, Modric has made it very clear that he is unhappy with the playing time he has received under Carlo Ancelotti this season.
It is very likely that the player may leave the club at the end of the season.
Modric and Real Madrid will be in action next when they take on SC Braga on Tuesday, October 24 in the Champions League.
Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte expresses optimism that Nico Williams will remain with the club beyond the upcoming summer.
Despite interest from Aston Villa, Barcelona, and Liverpool, the 21-year-old winger has yet to agree to a contract extension with Athletic.
His current deal is set to expire at the end of the season.
“We are calm,” Uriarte told Diario AS. “We want an attractive project for Nico and other players, like Unai Gomez, who renewed his contract this week.
“We trust that Nico will find the project attractive and we believe that will be the case. His family is loyal to Athletic and it’s the best for his career. As for possible rumours, we have no idea.”
A youth product of Athletic, Williams broke into the first team in 2021.
Manchester City has strongly condemned the “offensive” chants that were directed at the late Sir Bobby Charlton during their match against Brighton and Hove Albion.
The football legend, who represented England and Manchester United, passed away at the age of 86 on Saturday, prompting clubs throughout the English Football League to pay their respects in the latest round of fixtures.
Regrettably, a section of Manchester City fans engaged in derogatory chants aimed at the 1966 World Cup winner during City’s 2-1 victory over Brighton at the Etihad Stadium.
In response, as reported by BBC Sport, Manchester City has issued an official statement expressing their disappointment and their commitment to identifying and banning the individuals responsible for these offensive chants.
“The club condemns these chants in the strongest terms and apologises unreservedly to the family and friends of Sir Bobby, and to all those at Manchester United,” the statement reads.
“On this day of all days, when the stadium stood to pay tribute to our own legend in Francis Lee, Manchester City supporters should understand and appreciate as keenly as anyone the need for respect in our game.
“Our security team are studying CCTV footage of the concourse areas. We are thankful to those who have already come forward to report this matter.
“We continue to appeal for any information that can help us identify the individuals involved so that we can take the appropriate action to issue banning orders.”
In the upcoming Manchester derby of the 2023-24 Premier League season, which will be hosted by Charlton’s former club, Manchester United, City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, has confirmed that his team will participate in a special pre-match tribute.
This tribute will honor Sir Bobby Charlton, a footballing legend who scored an impressive 249 goals in 758 appearances for the Red Devils.
Mauricio Pochettino jokingly mentioned that had he chosen to rest Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in the match against Arsenal, Chelsea’s owners might have taken extreme measures.
The midfield duo, Fernandez and Caicedo, had returned from international duty, representing Argentina and Ecuador, just early on Wednesday morning.
Pochettino acknowledged the wisdom of gradually reintroducing this £222 million midfield pairing to the lineup.
However, he also recognized that this wasn’t a viable option for the highly-anticipated London derby scheduled for Saturday.
“It’s crazy for players to come back from South America on Wednesday and play on Saturday,” Pochettino said [via The Standard].
“But if I say ‘OK, I’m going to give them a rest’ you will kill me, for sure if they don’t play – and the owner also!
“Today Caceido and Enzo arrived after two games in America and they were not fresh. But they are important players for us. It’s really tough to arrive like that.
“I hope now they can recover and train and in one week be at their best.”
The Blues marked their return from the international break with a thrilling match at Stamford Bridge over the weekend.
Chelsea initially took a two-goal lead, courtesy of Mykhailo Mudryk’s fortuitous cross and Cole Palmer’s successful penalties.
However, Mikel Arteta’s team staged a comeback, leveling the score.
Declan Rice capitalized on a mistake by Robert Sanchez to halve the deficit, and then substitute Leandro Trossard found the back of the net, securing a valuable point and maintaining their flawless Premier League record.
With Chelsea not participating in European competitions this season, they have a midweek break to allow their players some rest and recovery.
They are set to face Brentford on Saturday, October 28.
Juventus technical director Cristiano Giuntoli wants to improve the club’s midfield by signing Tottenham Hotspur’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in January and then Nice’s Khephren Thuram over the summer, reports Calciomercato.
The Bianconeri have already been in contact with Hojbjerg’s agents several times and have even had in-person meetings regarding a possible move for the 28-year-old.
Hojbjerg has become a peripheral figure at Spurs — not being called upon to start a single Premier League match so far this season — and would be happy to leave the north London club.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is expected to make things more difficult, though, as he is not open to the idea of a loan.
There is also competition from Atletico Madrid, who already have a verbal agreement with the midfielder and just need to decide whether or not to make the move.
It is felt that a move for Thuram could be more likely, and the 22-year-old could join for less than the €40m Nice demanded during the summer.
Giuntoli is hoping to convince Thuram to join based on Juventus’ sporting project — which Khephren’s father and former Bianconeri defender, Lilian, wants his son to focus on rather than finances.
Juventus could also benefit from the fact that his brother, Marcus, would be in close proximity having moved to Inter Milan last summer.
Member of Parliament (MP) representing the Bibiani Anhwiaso Constituency, Alfred Obeng-Boateng, has made it clear that he is fully willing to financially support delegates of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to secure the party’s parliamentary ticket for the upcoming 2024 general election.
In a widely circulated audio clip broadcasted by Sompa FM, the MP revealed that he had previously allocated substantial amounts, up to GHC3,000 per delegate, during the previous primaries.
He further emphasized his readiness to match or exceed any financial offers made by his competitors to gain the favor of the delegates in the upcoming selection process.
“I knew from day one that upon all the resistance I faced during my coming (into office), this time people will regroup more forces, pull their resources together and fight one person.
“So knowing all this, I know everyone’s financial strength; I know everyone’s financial limit here. So I know how much they can easily pull without being worried about it. When you have say a million Ghana cedis, you can give away GHC1,000 each without flinching.
“So we are about to go for primaries with about a thousand-two hundred delegates, the other time we paid around GHC3000 minimum per person and the primaries is coming again,” the MP said.
He stressed that he has deliberately set aside funds in US dollars to shield himself from the effects of inflation and is ready to provide up to GHC20,000 to each of the 2,200 delegates within the constituency to ensure his nomination for the party’s parliamentary ticket.
“I am telling you that the money I will use for the primaries is in dollars and that money has been secured long ago, I must be frank with you. That is money I am not touching under any circumstance.
“So I laugh seeing all that they are doing, I have dollars there for that primaries. What I can tell my delegates is that I will pay more than double of what anyone who will contest me will offer them, they should take that from me. If they come together and decide to pay GHC10,000 per delegate I will pay more than that.
“Whatever they pay, even if they pay GHC20,000 I will pay more than GHC20,000 because I know how much I have put there; I know how much I have reserved. That is why I saved in dollars so that the money will not lose value,” he noted.
Alfred Obeng-Boateng, a noviceMember of Parliament, presently holds the position of Vice Chairperson on Parliament’s Government Assurance Committee.
The NPP is gearing up for the selection of its presidential candidate and parliamentary nominees in anticipation of the 2024 general elections.
Chair of the Board of Directors of Absa Bank, Ghana, Mrs. Frances Adu-Mante, along with Abena Osei-Poku, the Managing Director, and eight other bank executives, have been served with a citation for contempt by a Kumasi High Court.
Solicitor Kwasi Afrifa Esq, representing the plaintiff, Mrs. Benedicta Gyamfua Appiah-Asante, has filed a notice of motion requesting the court to issue a contempt order against the ten respondents, which includes the Board Chair and Managing Director.
The case was originally set for a hearing on October 10, 2023.
However, Absa submitted a petition to the Chief Justice, alleging bias on the part of the presiding judge.
In response, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkonoo, the Chief Justice, has called for the docket in Suit No. GJ2/09/24, titled “Mrs. Benedicta Gyamfua Appiah-Asante Versus Absa Bank (Ghana) Limited.”
The Judicial Secretary, Justice Cyra Pamela C. A. Koranteng, acting on the instructions of the Chief Justice, issued a letter dated October 9, 2023, directing the Registrar of the Kumasi High Court to transfer the docket to Accra.
This has resulted in the postponement of the determination of the contempt and substantive lawsuit.
Chair of the Board of Directors of Absa Bank, Ghana,Mrs. Frances Adu-Mante, along with Abena Osei-Poku, the Managing Director, and eight other bank executives, have been served with a citation for contempt by a Kumasi High Court.
Solicitor Kwasi Afrifa Esq, representing the plaintiff, Mrs. Benedicta Gyamfua Appiah-Asante, has filed a notice of motion requesting the court to issue a contempt order against the ten respondents, which includes the Board Chair and Managing Director.
The case was originally set for a hearing on October 10, 2023.
However, Absa submitted a petition to the Chief Justice, alleging bias on the part of the presiding judge.
In response, Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkonoo, the Chief Justice, has called for the docket in Suit No. GJ2/09/24, titled “Mrs. Benedicta Gyamfua Appiah-Asante Versus Absa Bank (Ghana) Limited.”
The Judicial Secretary, Justice Cyra Pamela C. A. Koranteng, acting on the instructions of the Chief Justice, issued a letter dated October 9, 2023, directing the Registrar of the Kumasi High Court to transfer the docket to Accra. This has resulted in the postponement of the determination of the contempt and substantive lawsuit.
The plaintiff stressed that only the Court’s decisive intervention could compel the respondents to release the title deeds, making their committal for contempt of the Court’s order necessary.
The 82-year-old retiree from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) argued that granting the application to hold the respondents in contempt would be just, while a refusal would cause irreparable harm and further mental distress, increasing her legitimate efforts and costs to recover the title deed from the bank.
The plaintiff’s anxiety over her title deed is heightened by recent revelations that some unscrupulous bank staff members in Ghana are involved in the illicit practice of using customers’ title deeds to secure loans at various banks for a fee, jeopardizing clients’ properties in case of default.
The plaintiff further claimed that the bank’s behavior was deliberate and deserving of the most severe punishment. She urged the court to assert its authority and ensure that its processes and orders are treated with the necessary respect to prevent chaos, anarchy, and a complete breakdown of law and order.
Now, all eyes are on the Chief Justice, as her administrative directive has temporarily halted the case.
Benedicta Atigodo, a 35-year-old single mother of three, has been forced out of her home due to flooding in Mepe, a town located in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region.
She is apprehensive that when the floodwaters eventually subside, she may find herself without a place to live.
Benedicta, a skilled hairdresser, suffered not only the loss of her personal possessions but also her hairdressing salon, which is the main source of income for her family.
Her present situation isparticularly difficult, and managing her family’s needs without a steady income is a significant challenge while living in the camp where she has taken refuge.
Former General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana,Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, has called for accountability regarding the scale of the damage resulting from the controlled water release from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams.
He emphasised that those accountable for the spillage should be held responsible.
The Volta River Authority (VRA) initiated the controlled water release on September 15, 2023, in response to a sustained increase in the inflow pattern and water level of the Akosombo reservoir.
This action resulted in the flooding of numerous homes in various areas, including South Tongu, North Tongu, Central Tongu, and Asuogyaman.
In an interview with Citi News, Rev. Dr. Opuni Frimpong underscored the necessity of identifying the consultants responsible for conducting feasibility studies and assessments of the anticipated consequences of the spillage.
“We need to find out who the consultants were who did the feasibility studies and what impacts they were expecting for this spillage,” he stated.
He emphasised the importance of holding individuals accountable for the consequences that people in parts of Ghana are currently facing, stating, “We need to let people take responsibility for their actions. We cannot let this pass.”
On Saturday, residents in Kpong, Eastern Region, made a grim discovery: they found the lifeless body of a man hanging from a tree near the Volta Lake in their neighbourhood.
The deceased individual was recognized by locals who had seen him wandering in the area the previous night and a few hours before his lifeless body was found.
Gershon Amaglo, the Assemblyman for the Kpong Zongo Electoral Area, promptly alerted the Kpong Police about the situation.
He clarified that the deceased was not a familiar face in the immediate community where he tragically took his own life.
In a bag discovered with the deceased, who was estimated to be in his fifties, were a mobile phone and a brown envelope containing a white envelope bearing the stamp “666.”
Additionally, a small red purse containing a ring was found within the white envelope.
According to police sources cited by GhanaWeb, the deceased, based on his appearance, appeared to be a traveller and a stranger to the community, as nobody could identify him.
“…we were not able to identify the body and it’s like the person was travelling from one place to another and he came to Kpong and I don’t know what actually happened because we saw his luggage, his bags and other things. All the people around us say they don’t know him,” said the police source.
The deceased, though spotted Friday evening and Saturday dawn by some residents of the area, is yet to be identified by any member of the community.
The police source intimated: “According to them, he was in town the previous night, moving from one place to another… but nobody told us he knew him… Even this dawn, people said they saw him.”
Examinations conducted on the body at the scene uncovered some cuts and bruises on the deceased’s forehead. Nevertheless, the police have cautioned that it is premature to speculate about foul play in this presumed case of suicide.
“If you check his forehead, there was a small mark there, and then he was bleeding from the nose as if he fell on the forehead. We cannot actually tell [if there was foul play] but we’re doing some investigations,” he disclosed.
Meanwhile, the body has been moved to the Atua government hospital for preservation and post-mortem examination.
Mikel Arteta has incurred the wrath of Arsenal fans for omitting Thomas Partey from the lineup in the club’s recent draw against Chelsea on Saturday, October 21, 2023.
Numerous supporters have raised questions regarding Arteta’s choice of playing Jorginho instead of Thomas Partey, whom they believe greatly enhances the team’s performance.
In the London derby that concluded with a 2-2 draw, Partey remained an unused substitute, despite Arsenal’s remarkable comeback from a two-goal deficit.
Thomas Partey, who recently returned from a month-long injury, has yet to secure a starting position in the team and has only played for 15 minutes since his recovery.
Despite his limited involvement, Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard scored crucial goals to help Arsenal recover from their two-goal deficit, maintaining their unbeaten record.
The match saw goals from Cole Palmer and Mikhialo Mudyk for Chelsea as well.
In the aftermath of the draw, Arsenal is now level withManchester City at the top of the table, with both teams amassing 21 points each.
Don't understand why Arteta started with Jorginho, especially after this match I would always start Partey instead of him. #CHEARS
However, he emphasized that there is still much work to be done in the field of food and nutrition.
Dr. Aboagye mentioned that, thanks to the support of USAID, significant strides have been taken to reduce issues such as stunting, underweight, and anemia in children.
He also highlighted the improvement in rates of early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding.
While acknowledging these achievements, Dr. Aboagye pointed out that a substantial portion of the population continues to face slow progress and inequality, enduring ongoing nutritional challenges.
He made the remarks at a USAID “Advance Nutrition National Learning Event” held in Accra on the theme: “Deepening the Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Agenda: The USAID Advancing Nutrition Story”.
According to the Director-General of the GHS, the progress in reducing malnutrition, particularly anemia and stunting, has been slow and uneven in certain regions, rural areas, and impoverished urban areas.
This challenge has been further complicated by the emergence of over-nutrition as a problem, encompassing various aspects of malnutrition such as poor child growth, micronutrient deficiencies, and increased rates of adult overweight and obesity.
Evidently, significant disparities in malnutrition rates persist across different regions, localities, and wealth brackets, underscoring the necessity for targeted and comprehensive interventions to address these multifaceted and varied challenges.
Dr. Aboagye emphasized that nutrition is unquestionably a critical determinant of health and overall well-being. He stated that the nutritional status of young children serves as a comprehensive indicator reflecting the level and pace of development at the household, community, and national levels.
Mr. Mike Foley, the Deputy Project Director of USAID Advancing Nutrition, explained that the advancing nutrition project is a flagship initiative aimed at addressing the diverse factors contributing to malnutrition.
He further noted that USAID’s efforts are focused on sustaining positive outcomes by creating an enabling environment to save lives, enhance health and nutrition, and bolster resilience.
“We are facilitating local level planning and implementing programmes to address malnutrition and we are very proud of what we are doing to support Ghana to ensure the success of the food and nutrition security project,” he said.
Mr Selorme Kofi Azumah, Chief of Party, USAID Advancing Nutrition Ghana, speaking about the Advancing Nutrition project in Ghana, said it commenced in June 2020 to confront sectors in addressing malnutrition, inadequate capacity, multi-sectoral nutrition planning and implementation, poor financing of nutrition and gaps in capacity of health workers.
The goal, he said, was to improve district planning for equitable delivery of services that promoted household resilience and early childhood growth and development.
The project commenced in 17 districts in the Upper East and West regions, North East, Northern and the Savannah regions, but had increased to 55 districts in same regions.
Among the key accomplishments of the project, Mr Azumah said, was contribution to the development of Ghana’s commitment statements for the “Nutrition for Growth and Food Systems Transformation Summit.”
With the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), he said they developed policy matrix and results framework of the food systems national medium-term plan.
The USAID also supported the NDPC to develop the Ghana Multi-sector Food and Nutrition Security Guidelines and trained 63 officials from the 16 regions on food and nutrition security.
Mr Azumah said they also provided maternal and child health record books for new mothers in health facilities and said that 250,000 more had been printed to be distributed.
Vice President of the policy think tankIMANI Africa, Bright Simons, has suggested that the government is coming to terms with the likelihood that there is no easy resolution to the $140 million judgement debt claim by GPGC, a subsidiary of the international commodities company Trafigura.
Consequently, he mentioned that the government is contemplating a strategy to restructure payments in upcoming years as part of the negotiation for a payment arrangement.
He wrote on X: “Our sources indicate that the govt of Ghana has begun to realize that it has to beat a legal retreat & start negotiating a payment plan with Trafigura re the $140m judgment debt as it has no other leverage with them. As usual, they want to shift payment tranches to future years.”
Background
Trafigura subsidiary is at risk of seizing Ghanaian state properties in London to fulfill a US$140 million award. This comes after a court ruled that there was no need to serve interim charging orders through diplomatic channels, as reported by the Global Arbitration Review.
In the United Kingdom, the High Court has dismissed the Government of Ghana’s challenge regarding the procedures used to serve the country’s proceedings related to a judgment debt claim by GPGC, a subsidiary of the international commodities company Trafigura.
The company had taken legal action against the Ghanaian government over the termination of two power agreements and was granted a judgment debt of US$140 million by a UK court.
Ghana argued that, under existing laws, the company should have served the government through diplomatic channels, contrary to a ruling that allowed alternative services.
The High Court ruled that Ghana’s attempt to use the State Immunity Act provisions as a basis for preventing Trafigura from serving them with judgment debt documents via postal and email methods was not valid.
Trafigura subsequently used email to send court documents through the finance ministry, with all correspondence duly acknowledged, and court dates were agreed upon, as the Government of Ghana instructed its legal representatives to engage with the company.
“Trafigura, a multinational commodities-trading company based in Singapore, is the majority owner of GPGC, a power company that secured the award in January 2021 after an arbitral tribunal found that Ghana had unlawfully terminated a contract for the installation and operation of two power plants,” Global Arbitration Review wrote in an October 13 publication.
In GPGC v The Government of the Republic of Ghana, GPGC was represented by James Willan KC and Catherine Jung of Essex Court Chambers, instructed by Stephenson Harwood.
Ghana was represented by Stephen Houseman KC and Luke Tattershall, also of Essex Court, instructed by White & Case.
Former Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, Prof. Stephen Adei, has strongly criticised President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for the current state of affairs in Ghana.
In a TV3 interview shared on X on October 20, 2023, Prof. Adei expressed his disappointment, noting that President Akufo-Addo has let down the hopes of Ghanaians who had anticipated a genuine transformation of the country during his tenure.
Furthermore, the aggrieved professor continued that the government and its cohorts seem to influence Ghanaians on who to choose as their next president.
“They think that Ghana is for them and without them, Ghana would not be there. And even some of them think they can tell us who should be our next president. God forbid!” he added.
that unless significant changes occur in the time remaining for Akufo-Addo’s term, he may be remembered as one of the poorest-performing presidents in the nation’s history.
“One of the greatest disappointments of Nana Akufo-Addo’s regime is that, honestly, he raised the hope of Ghanaians.
Ghanaians expected that they had gotten a leader with a vision, with charisma, and with determination, and it seems if he doesn’t redeem himself in the next 14 months, he would go down in history as one of the most disappointing leaders,” he said.
The former chairman of the NDPC indicated that what gets to him the most is “the corruption, the arrogance”.
During his discussion on the matter of corruption in the awarding of government contracts, including road projects, Prof. Adei, a former Director-General and Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, made these statements.
He conveyed that if the president is cognizant of the questionable dealings transpiring within his administration, he should feel a sense of shame.
“This road contract would be given to you, provided you put one million upfront, not after you have gotten the money. This is what Akufo-Addo must be thinking about and if he knows about it, he must be ashamed.
“That now his people demand from you a certain amount before you would be considered for a job. Why? Because when they get it, whether the government pays you or not, they have gotten their money. It is as if people are in a hurry to loot the country before the end of Akufo-Addo’s term,” he added.
Former Ashanti Regional Minister, Daniel Ohene Agyekum, has made a critical assessment of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, characterising him as a politically shrewd figure who, in reality, lacks the substance and the grandiosity attributed to him.
In an interview on Kumasi-based Ultimate FM, which was monitored by MyNewsGh.com, the NDC elder expressed the view that time has proven him and others right, including individuals from both the NPP and the NDC who had previously questioned Akufo-Addo’s suitability as a leader.
Mr. Agyekum contends that the president’s style of governance and his perceived deficiencies in leadership have become evident, thus shedding light on his abilities in the eyes of conscientious Ghanaians who genuinely care about the country.
“Some of us said it and we were told we hated him and were talking too much, but today it is clear for all to see. Tell me what is so special about Akufo-Addo. He only appears as a street-smart guy but I tell you he is empty. In 1992, some of us saw through him and we realised he was not the real deal.
“SomeNPP spoke against him becoming the leader of their party, but people said those people were not speaking the truth. Tell me today, will well-meaning Ghanaians say the same today? This man has ruined everything in this country under his tenure as president, and you say he is smart and a good leader; come on, give me a break”, he wondered.
A tense situation unfolded during a meeting in Tamale on Saturday, October 21, 2023, involving presidential aspirant Hon. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong and Alhaji Dagoma, theNPP Constituency Chairman for Sagnarigu, along with his delegates.
As part of his tour in the Northern Region, the aspirant convened with delegates from the Sagnarigu and Tamale North constituencies in Tamale.
During the gathering, Hon. Kennedy Agyapong claimed that the constituency chairmen had been offered GHC100,000 each to influence their votes in the special delegate conference.
This accusation didn’t sit well with the outspoken Sagnarigu chairman, known for his straightforward approach. In response, he immediately requested the microphone and addressed the delegates, vehemently asserting that the presidential aspirant was spreading baseless falsehoods.
Chairman Dagoma said, “The man is telling lies. He is lying. I am the chairman of the constituency. I voted in the superdelegates conference, and nobody gave me GHC100,000 to vote. I will not accept such lies from somebody who wants to lead this party.”
The response by the no-nonsense chairman attracted loud applause from the delegates, prompting a few supporters of the aspirant to start casting insults at the delegates.
It was reported that tempers went so high that the elders had to intervene to calm the situation, and the meeting was hurriedly concluded by the presidential aspirant.
Head coach of Hearts of Oak, Martin Koopman, has firmly asserted that he should not be held accountable for his team’s goal-scoring issues, as he believes it is a nationwide concern.
In the sixth matchday fixture, the Phobians played to a goalless draw against FC Samartex 1996 at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday.
Hearts of Oak have managed to score just one goal in the ongoing 2023/24 Ghana Premier League, with Ramos Kashala credited for that solitary goal against Nsoatreman FC during the second matchday.
In a post-game statement, the Dutch coach emphasised that the entire country is grappling with the challenge in finding the back of the net.
He went on to state that he, personally, is not the root of the problem within the club. Koopman assured that they would persist in their efforts to secure the necessary victories and results.
“Look, there is a deep problem in Ghanaian football,” he told StarTimes.
“The problem is also with the national team. The wingers and the strikers cannot score goals, as I keep saying, and it is not only with us but it is happening in the national team and other clubs.
“We will do everything to win games and they must come and look at how we work with the boys.
“I think I am not the problem and also not the players because they gave everything but we need experience and then goals then we can move on from the problem,” he added.
Hearts of Oak will be hosted by the Bibiani Gold Stars in the matchday seven games at DUN’s Park next weekend.
Director of International Relations for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alex Segbefia,has expressed astonishment regarding the string of controversies surrounding the construction of the National Cathedral project.
His comments come in the wake of the recent resignations of two prominent clergymen, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams and Rev. Eastwood Anaba, from the Board of Trustees.
Their decision was prompted by their earlier call for an audit of the project.
During an appearance on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 21, 2023, Mr. Segbefia characterised the situation as “unbelievable” and implied that it casts an unfavourable light on the leadership style of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
He commented, “The kind of scandal around the cathedral, an edifice that is supposed to be to the glory of God, is unbelievable.
“And it stands as a blot, a big blot on the leadership style, the leadership of Nana Addo and the NPP government because they all pushed it, and the way and manner in which they went about it was wrong.”
Mr. Segbefia stressed the importance of asking legitimate questions about such projects, especially when government funds have been involved.
He commended the church leaders who distanced themselves from the project.
“I have no problem with the leaders of the churches who have left previously and currently because I think that at any time you must assess where you are with anything.
“And if it comes to the fore that mistakes have been made and the way this is going, and I have to come out of it, then kudos to them for recognising that’s the case,” he noted.
In reaction to the clergymen’s resignations, Richard Ahiagbah, the Director of Communication for the NPP, conveyed his astonishment, particularly considering the assertion by the secretariat that audit procedures were already in progress for the project.
Pep Guardiola has distanced himself from recent reports suggesting he informed Brighton’s players that Roberto De Zerbi would be the next manager of Manchester City.
Roberto De Zerbi has made a significant impact since taking over as Brighton’s manager just over a year ago, leading the team into European competition for the first time in the club’s history with an attack-minded and free-flowing style.
As Brighton prepares to face Manchester City at the Etihad this Saturday, there have been speculations about De Zerbi potentially being considered as a future replacement for Guardiola, possibly even with the Spaniard’s endorsement.
According to The Telegraph, during City’s match at the Amex Stadium in May, Guardiola was seen conversing with several Brighton players in the tunnel.
Allegedly, he gestured towards De Zerbi and remarked, ‘That’s the next Manchester City manager.’ However, Guardiola has since stated that he cannot recall making such a statement, despite his admiration for the Brighton manager.
Asked about the reports, the city manager replied, ‘I don’t remember that. Maybe I have a bad memory but I’m sure Roberto can train with any team around the world. I don’t have any doubt.
‘I don’t remember saying that to the players. I remember saying before he arrived, one or two games in, about sustaining the manager, but I don’t remember saying that honestly. ‘It’s none of my business. If the chairman asks for my opinion, I will give my opinion, but it’s none of my business. ‘I’m not the sporting director. It’s not my responsibility to say what’s going right or wrong.’
Although Roberto De Zerbi made a name for himself with impressive stints at Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk, he was relatively unknown in England before joining Brighton.
Guardiola believes that De Zerbi’s impact demonstrates that managers don’t necessarily need to be widely recognised names to achieve success.
‘It doesn’t mean you have to be at the top clubs to be manager of the top clubs. I was appointed Barcelona first-team player, coming from the fourth division with no experience at the top level,’ he continued.
‘You have the idea of the club; the sporting director follows the idea; they hire the manager for this idea; they hire players to follow the idea. When that happens, it’s going well.Man City have done this, Liverpool with Jurgen Klopp, for many years—winning titles with the same process and same ideas.’
The One District, One Warehouse project, initiated by the government through the Ministry of Special Development Initiatives (MSDI) and located in Amobaka within the Upper Denkyira West District, has sadly been left in a state of abandonment.
This facility, originally constructed and fully prepared for operation, now lies overrun by weeds, snakes, and other reptiles. Materials and equipment have started deteriorating due to neglect.
Regrettably, the project has not achieved its intended purpose, primarily because the district doesn’t produce a substantial quantity of agricultural goods that would require such a storage facility.
A local farmer, who preferred to remain anonymous, explained that they lack the capacity to generate the large quantities of maize, rice, and other food items that would necessitate the use of the warehouse.
Furthermore, they haven’t received the necessary authorization from the Assembly to utilise the facility.
This information came to light during GhanaWeb’s inspection of various government projects in the region. Concerned residents have expressed their dismay over the facility’s neglect and have urged the government, through the local assembly, to ensure that the warehouse fulfils its intended purpose.
The One District, One Warehouse initiative, part of the MSDI’s efforts to support the government’s Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP), has been implemented in five districts in the Central Region.
These districts include Upper Denkyira East and West, Assin Central, Efutu, Awutu Senya, and Twifo Atti-Morkwa.
Despite the completion of these warehouses, local residents are puzzled by their abandonment.
The community believes that if these warehouses were put into operation, they could provide more job opportunities for the local youth, potentially reducing levels of criminal activity in the area.
In an interview with the DCE, Richmond Koduah attributed the situation to the low production of foodstuffs by the farmers in the area.
“The area is unable to produce large quantities of foodstuffs for storage but the facility is not abandoned”, he said.
He explained that the government had implemented the second tier of thePlanting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) program, with a specific focus on involving the youth in increasing agricultural production for the facility’s use within the district.
However, he noted that the local youth had been largely unavailable for labor-intensive work due to their involvement in mining activities, which had adversely impacted their participation in PFJ projects.
As a result, the government’s one District, one Warehouse project in Amobaka now stand overrun by weeds and inhabited by reptiles.
A manhunt is underway in the Eastern Region for an individual named Danso, who serves as a youth leader and works as a miner in Asamang Tamfoe, Atewa East District.
He is the prime suspect in the shooting of Major Patrick Don-Chebe, the Commanding Officer of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners Taskforce.
According to sources from Citi News, Danso, along with his accomplice Joe, who is also a miner, visited a mining site in Asamang Tamfoe.
The taskforce, acting on intelligence, had arrived at the site to crack down on illegal mining activities.
The intention was to prevent these individuals from being apprehended.
Joe was visibly armed when they approached the taskforce.
However, members of the task force managed to disarm him.
In a shocking turn of events, Danso, concealing a pistol under his shirt, unexpectedly shot Patrick Don-Chebe at close range, hitting him in the ribs. Following this, Danso and Joe fled the scene as the task force rushed to assist their injured commander.
Patrick Don-Chebe was swiftly transported to the Kibi government hospital for initial treatment, but medical professionals there subsequently referred him to the 37 Military Hospital in an ambulance.
He underwent immediate surgery.
Local law enforcement officers were notified of the incident and were successful in apprehending Joe, but Danso remains at large.
The General Secretary of theGhana National Association of Small Scale Miners, Godwin Armah, confirmed the incident and urged the Inspector General of Police, George Akufo-Dampare, and local authorities to expedite their investigations to locate and arrest the suspect.
As of the latest information available, the Commanding Officer of the Taskforce, Patrick Don-Chebe, continues to receive medical care at the 37 Military Hospital.
A TikTok video, which has gained substantial attention, featured a fervent young supporter expressing his unwavering loyalty to Kennedy Agyapong, an aspiring flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In a disconcerting tone, the young man issued a threat, insinuating that delegates who choose to vote for Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia in the forthcoming delegates’ election would potentially encounter violence.
This ardent supporter left no room for ambiguity as he underscored the imperative for delegates in the constituency to wholeheartedly endorse their outspoken Member of Parliament (MP) from Assin Central. The video has since gone viral, drawing significant public interest.
VIDEO: We’ll beat any delegate who votes for Bawumia in Assin Central, Ken Agyapong’s supporter declares#INDNews UPSA | King Sark | Queen Elizabeth | Mo Salah | Rwanda #CeasefireNOW BET AT 26 Mahama pic.twitter.com/KmRkDtsm65
He emphasised that on November 4, 2023, there will be no tolerance for delegates who fail to align their votes with MP Agyapong. The video has since garnered significant attention on TikTok.
“I am saying that we will not give you the chance to come and vote in the first place,” the young man said in the video. “You cannot step foot in the voting centre to come and vote, and nobody can bring any police from anywhere; nobody can bring a soldier from anywhere; nobody can bring any colonel from anywhere to Assin Central.”
“I am telling you. This (Kennedy Agyapong) is our own and we in Assin, if Kennedy becomes president and he doesn’t even do anything, all that we want is to have Assin in the history books,” he added.
He rained curses on any delegate in Assin Central who would vote for Bawumia on November 4.
“If you vote for Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, God’s wrath will be upon you. Someone has taken care of you and you can’t show gratitude to him but by rewarding him in this manner, God will bring his wrath on you,” the TikToker added.
He did not spare the people of Assin Central, referring to them as villagers in his effusions.
“It is because Assin Central is a village and the people are foolish and do not travel; they don’t know Kumasi nor Accra; f**l, if God wills it and Kennedy Agyapong wins, you would see how shameful you would be,” he added.
For declaring their support for Bawumia, the Kennedy Agyapong devotee used unprintable words to describe the delegates.
A tragic incident unfolded as a 27-year-old man lost his life, while two others are currently grappling with life-threatening injuries, all stemming from a communal clash between the youth of Tafo and Adabraka-Zongo in the Ashanti Region.
While the exact cause of the altercation, which transpired on Wednesday, October 18, remains unclear, it has been reported that at least two individuals have been apprehended by the Tafo Divisional Police Command.
In the wake of this unfortunate event, the family of the deceased, Owusu Banahene, has implored the police to ensure that the responsible parties are brought to justice.
“It’s the youth who have been having problems with Pankrono. They always come here, either to steal or fight. If something happens, they don’t know how to resolve their issue.”
“They always come and fight, and it has been going on for centuries. When they come, we call the police, and they come to arrest the person, and the next day the person is walking freely.
“We will not let it slide unless one of them dies too; the deceased was set to travel today to Canada, and every document was ready. And the next day, you guys just stabbed him. I was told that someone had stabbed him to death over an area fight,” he narrated.
He added, “I expect the police to arrest anyone involved or else actions that do not concern the police will take place. We will not sit down and allow our brother to be murdered just like that; if they don’t arrest all of them, action will be taken”.
These regions are frequently marred by communal conflicts, often resulting in loss of life and property damage.
