Reports indicate that Jadon Sancho has been excluded from the WhatsApp group used byManchester United players to receive important messages from coach Erik ten Hag.
This development underscores Sancho’s fall from grace at Old Trafford, where he is no longer in the immediate plans of the team.
As reported by The Sun, the 23-year-old winger is no longer part of the manager’s messaging service.
Additionally, he has been training away from the first team, utilising the academy facilities at Carrington.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dRu2xD3Tqc
Sancho has not featured for Manchester United since August 26, and he was initially left out for a trip to Arsenal in September due to concerns about his commitment in training.
In response to criticism of his perceived lack of effort, he claimed to have been unfairly targeted in Manchester.
Since that time,Erik ten Hag has not reintegrated Sancho into the squad, waiting for an apology that has not materialised.
It is now expected that a deal will be reached in the January transfer window, allowing all parties involved to go their separate ways.
Frank Lampard has revealed that during his tenure as Chelsea’s manager, the club declined to approve a £20 million transfer deal for Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham.
Lampard, a Chelsea legend, assumed the managerial role at Stamford Bridge in 2019, marking his first managerial stint with the London club.
During his time as manager, Lampard expressed a keen interest in acquiring Bellingham, the English international who was just beginning to make a name for himself at Birmingham.
However, the Chelsea board turned down the proposal, expressing concerns about the hefty price tag of more than £20 million ($25 million) for a teenager who had yet to gain significant experience at the highest level.
“When I was managing at Chelsea for the first time, I was desperate to bring Jude Bellingham in,” Lampard revealed during a chat on the Obi One Podcast.
“But I couldn’t get it through upstairs—the idea of paying £20 million for someone his age (at the time)”.
Following this, there were reports of Manchester United expressing interest in Bellingham, and the legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson personally escorted him on a tour during a visit to the club’s Carrington training complex.
This ignited a competition between Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund for Bellingham’s signature, with Dortmund ultimately securing the acquisition of this young talent.
Bellingham subsequently made 132 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit before his sensational summer transfer to Real Madrid in a staggering €131 million (£114 million/$138 million) deal.
He has already achieved remarkable success, with an impressive record of 13 goals in 14 appearances for Los Blancos and the honour of winning the Kopa Trophy as the best U21 player of the 2022–23 season.
The question now looms as to whether Bellingham will be available for Real’s upcoming match, as he had a recent scare with a shoulder injury against Rayo Vallecano.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team is scheduled to face SC Braga in the Champions League on Wednesday, November 8.
Arsenal’s midfield powerhouse, Thomas Partey, has become a growing source of concern for the club, with reports from England suggesting that his absence might stretch into the year’s end.
The situation took a worrisome turn following recent statements from Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, confirming that Partey would be out of action for “weeks” due to a groin injury suffered in September, further complicated by a subsequent muscle injury.
The repercussions of Partey’s prolonged absence extend beyond the confines of the Emirates Stadium, as his home nation, Ghana, closely monitors the situation.
His unavailability could potentially affect Ghana’s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Comoros and Madagascar later this month.
The impact of Partey’s absence in Arsenal’s lineup has already been deeply felt this season, with the midfielder missing a total of nine games.
His recurring injuries have cast a shadow over his influence within the team, a regrettable turn of events considering the high expectations that accompanied his 2020 transfer from Atletico Madrid for a substantial fee of 50 million euros.
Unfortunately, Partey is currently more renowned for his frequent injuries than his on-field prowess, despite shining moments in the previous season when he played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s pursuit of the Premier League title.
Both Arsenal and Partey’s supporters are eagerly awaiting his return and hoping for a sustained period offitness and stellar performances in the future.
Arsenal, an English Premier League club, remains committed to keeping Ghana international Thomas Partey on their roster despite his recurring injury woes.
Since his transfer from Atletico Madrid to the Gunners, Thomas Partey has been plagued by a series of injuries, resulting in his absence from multiple games each season.
Just last month, Arsenal faced another setback when the midfielder sustained yet another injury during training.
Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that it was a muscle injury.
Subsequently, Thomas Partey has missed four matches for Arsenal, with his absence expected to continue into the next game before the November international break.
Despite the concerns raised by his numerous injuries, reports suggest that the club still values Thomas Partey as a pivotal player. Consequently, there are no plans to consider his sale during the upcoming January transfer window.
In the meantime, Thomas Partey will be unable to represent the Black Stars of Ghana in the initial round of qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Information from other sources also suggests that there is a possibility that he may not make a return to the field until the following year.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga, has criticised theGhana Armed Forces for their failure to provide him with information regarding the killing of innocent civilians in Bawku.
Despite an order by the Commission of Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the MP stated that the military has not supplied him with the requested information.
As a result, he urged the commission to establish a deadline for the Ghana Armed Forces to provide the required information.
“l have seen copies of letters your office wrote to the Ghana Armed Forces to respond to my complaints. Since then, I have not heard anything in relation to the matter. I will not accept any attempt by the military to avoid accountability for the killings of innocent people in Bawku.
“Therefore, demand that you give the military a deadline to respond to your inquiries,” part of a letter the MP wrote to CHRAJ.
He also urged the commission to visit Zoogin, a community in Bawku, to get evidence of the crime committed by the army there.
“I also expected that CHRAJ would have visited the community to speak to victims to gather evidence of whatever the Ghana Armed Forces would say in their response but this has not happened.
“Please rest assured that the people of the Zoogin community will continue to demand justice for those who were unjustly killed by members of the Ghana Armed Forces in their community,” he added.
GhanaWeb also sighted correspondence between the army and CHRAJ, where the military was told to comment on a request by Mahama Ayariga.
Asamoah Gyan continues to hold a special place in his heart for his late mother, even 12 years after her tragic passing.
The former Black Stars captain lost his mother in November 2012 in a tragic car accident.
Madam Cecilia Amoako’s car collided with a pillar at the Teachers’ Hall in Accra, and despite efforts to save her, she was sadly pronounced dead at the Ridge Hospital.
This incident was particularly devastating for Gyan, who was playing for Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the time.
In remembrance of his mother, Gyan recently took to Instagram to mark the anniversary of her passing, emphasizing that she will forever hold a special place in his heart.
“You left us exactly this day (6th November) with a broken heart. I always prayed that you should guide me wherever you are,” he wrote.
“Now everything has fallen in place exactly around this time. You have really answered my prayers. Wooooow, thank you soo much mum. You will forever be in our hearts.”
In a tragic incident, two students from Ada Senior High School (SHS) in the Greater Accra region lost their lives in a drowning accident in the Volta River.
This heartbreaking event unfolded on Sunday, November 5, 2023.
The students, who have not been identified yet, were reported to be in the age range of 16 to 18 years old. It is alleged that they left the school without having their meals and ventured to swim in the Volta River, which is situated near the school.
According to reports, nearby residents noticed the students in distress and attempted to rescue them.
However, their efforts came too late, and the students tragically lost their lives.
An eyewitness mentioned that the students had gone to the river to fetch water because of a shortage of water in the school. It was noted that students often rely on the river as an alternative water source during such shortages.
He said, “The school authorities came yesterday and they went and reported it to the Ada police station so they have taken them to the district hospital.”
Senior lecturer at the University of Ghana Business School, Professor Kobby Mensah, believes that Ghanaian voters may find it challenging to trust the promises of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), once more.
He asserts that Vice President Dr. Bawumia has failed to fulfil many of his promises, eroding trust among Ghanaians.
In an interview on Accra-based Neat FM on Monday, November 6, 2023, Professor Mensah expressed concerns about the influence of money in politics and how it allows politicians to secure leadership positions.
He called for political parties to take action against members who use money to sway voting patterns, suggesting that such individuals should be referred to security agencies for investigation.
Professor Kobby Mensah also emphasised that people are more likely to volunteer to work for their political parties when they have faith in the leadership and that political parties should not resort to paying delegates to carry out the party’s work.
For him, it is wrong for delegates to expect to be paid by their parties for doing the party’s work, saying becoming a delegate affords “you the opportunity to learn leadership skills.”
Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly, which recently secured the top position in the Public Financial Management Compliance League Table among all 261 metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana, is on the verge of unveiling thelargest FIFA-standard artificial turf pitch in the country.
During a visit to the 80% completed project site at the New Gbawe Cluster of Schools, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Patrick Kwesi Brako Kumor, and the Member of Parliament (MP) of Weija-Gbawe, Tina Nana Ayeley Mensah, took stock of the 700-capacity facility.
The MP praised the contractor, Oxygen Capital Group Limited, for their commendable work and emphasized that the project is funded by the government of Ghana through a $1 million allocation from the Coastal Development Authority (CODA), which was under the now-defunct Ministry of Special Development Initiatives.
In 2018, the MP approached CODA to request the construction of an astroturf pitch, fulfilling her 2016 campaign pledge to the youth of the New Gbawe Electoral Area.
MCE Patrick Kwesi Brako Kumor commended the MP for delivering on her promise and underscored the significance of this historic astroturf pitch for the municipality.
“I would like to express my wholehearted support and enthusiasm for the development of the largest artificial turf pitch in Ghana within the Weija-Gbawe municipality. This initiative reflects a commitment to improving the quality of life for residents and fostering the growth of sports and recreational activities in the region,” he said.
“The introduction of such a facility not only offers a state-of-the-art sports infrastructure but also promotes physical fitness, encourages community engagement, and provides a platform for nurturing talent in various sporting disciplines.
“It’s a testament to the forward-thinking leadership and the dedication of the community towards the betterment of its people.
“Moreover, a project of this magnitude will undoubtedly have economic benefits, as it can attract local and even international sports events and tournaments, bringing in revenue and boosting the local economy. It also serves as a focal point for social interaction and bonding, fostering a stronger sense of community among the residents.
“I commend theWeija-Gbawe municipality for their prudent financial management and their vision in investing in projects that enhance the overall well-being of their constituents.
“I believe that this astroTurf pitch will be a source of pride for the community and a symbol of progress for Ghana as a whole. Let’s continue to support initiatives like this that contribute to the growth and development of our regions and our nation,” he told the media.
The Gbawe Sports Centre, as it will be officially known, according to the contractor, is expected to be completed by the end of November this year.
Nigerian artist Ayodeji Balogun, also known as Wizkid,has declared a temporary hiatus from the music industry and is contemplating a career shift towards sports.
Wizkid shared these thoughts through a series of posts on his Instagram page in response to a fan’s demand for new music.
In the initial response, Wizkid used a laughing emoji, but he subsequently took to his Instagram to announce that he is currently on vacation.
He wrote, “Una papa dey holiday, make I enjoy”.
Furthermore, he humorously indicated that he might consider a 4- to 5-year sabbatical from music to explore alternative career opportunities in the realm of sports.
In a lighthearted manner, Wizkid listed various sports, including football,golf, ‘FIFA hoe,’ and ‘wrestling bitches,’ as potential paths he might pursue during his music hiatus.
The singer’s remarks have sparked substantial online discussion, with many individuals offering their reactions in the post’s comments section.
Seven Ghanaian cyclists successfully achieved their audacious goal of completing a 600-kilometer cycling journeyfrom Accra to Tamale on Sunday, October 5, 2023.
The five-day expedition, which began in Accra, involved overcoming numerous challenges and obstacles as they embarked on a remarkable mission to raise awareness about mental health.
The Zen Riders embarked on their journey from Nsawam, accompanied by an ambulance, a videographer/photographer, a police escort, and several mental health experts.
Along the way, they made stops in various communities, engaging with residents, educating them about mental health, and offering insights on overcoming mental barriers.
During their expedition, they utilised traditional media to convey their message to a broader audience. Stops were made in locations like Apedwa, Nkawkaw, Kumasi, Offinso, Techiman, Dawadawa, Buipe, and more.
Despite facing unexpected challenges such as flat tyres, navigation issues, steep hills, and scorching sun, the group persevered and successfully conveyed their message to achieve their goal.
Ghanaian journalist Bright Kankam Boadu admitted that he had to issue an apology after making a derogatory remark aboutBlack Stars goalkeeper Richard Kingson’s trainer.
Kankam explained that he had made the comment during the team’s training session in the USA in October.
Recognizing the disrespect in his statement, he felt compelled to apologize.
“I’ve seen people only complaining about the coach but what about those on the bench? We have to sack all of them. What is Olele (Kingston) doing? Our goalkeeper is good enough.”
He proceeded to recount the situation that had prompted his disrespectful remark during the training session.
“I said something that made me apologise. Right there, I said, ‘I’m sorry’. They were training and we went to watch them. We were very close to them. So he shoots and the goalkeeper saves, then the goalkeeper shoots for Olele to save.
“The goalkeeper saved one of Olele’s shots and Olele said, ‘No, no, move your body.’ Then I said, ‘Look at what he is doing.’ It didn’t come out well and it wasn’t right so I said, ‘I’m sorry’ and they took me out.”
CAF stadium inspector, Emmanuel Newton Dasoberi, has emphasised the need for experts and technocrats to oversee stadium management in Ghana, ensuring that these venues complywith FIFA and CAF standards for matches.
Dasoberi pointed out that the National Sports Authority (NSA), responsible for state-owned stadiums, has not effectively ensured that Ghana’s stadiums meet the necessary standards established by football governing bodies like FIFA and CAF.
In an interview with Graphic Sports, the CAF official stressed the importance of a national dialogue to address the effective management of stadiums in order to align with the requirements outlined by football regulatory organisations.
“We need a national dialogue on this matter. If we don’t agree as a nation that we do not have what it takes to host international matches, then we are going nowhere.”
“The long-term plan is to agree and prioritise whatever we need. We cannot say that we are going to renovate all five. It is not possible to maintain five stadia at the level CAF or FIFA wants.
“We must agree as a long-term measure to get the experts involved, get a contractor like CAF has rightly mentioned, get the pitch experts, people who are seriously into construction, to do the right thing,” Mr Dasoberi suggested last Friday.
“If we don’t have the right management approach, nothing is going to work. We must, as a country, understand that things have changed. Football is changing and playing in a stadium is not only about the playing field,” he said.
Emmanuel Newton Dasoberi’s comments followed CAF’s observation that the Cape Coast Stadium falls short of the requirements for hosting CAF Champions League matches.
Reports reaching Happy Sports suggest that theGhana Football Association (GFA)is close to imposing sanctions on Asante Kotoko football club due to allegations of assaulting a referee during their week 9 betPawa GPL fixture.
The match was filled with drama as Dreams FC secured a dramatic victory, thanks to Abdul Aziz Issah’s first-half strike.
However, it was marred by controversy, and concerns about the safety of the match officials almost led to its abandonment.
At halftime, a shocking incident occurred when referee Robert Musey and his officiating team were attacked.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, casting a shadow over Ghanaian football and raising questions about security and sportsmanship.
In the second half, unidentified individuals stormed the dressing room, causing further disruption and escalating security concerns.
This prompted officials to consider abandoning the match to prioritise the safety of everyone involved.
This incident comes at a challenging time for Asante Kotoko, with four consecutive winless matches, fan unrest, and doubts about the future of Coach Prosper Ogum in his second term.
The club is grappling with on-field struggles and off-field issues, adding to the existing tension.
As investigations into the referee assault continue, the GFA is expected to take decisive action to ensure the safety and integrity of football matches and participants.
The football community, fans, and stakeholders are closely monitoringthe GFA’s response to this alarming incident, hoping it upholds the principles of fair play, sportsmanship, and security in football.
Arsenal have expressed their full support for managerMikel Arteta following his criticism of the officiating during Saturday’s Premier League loss to Newcastle United.
Arteta called on the referees’ body (PGMOL) to examine the refereeing standards.
Arteta openly expressed his feelings of being “embarrassed” and “sick” after Anthony Gordon’s controversial goal in Newcastle’s 1-0 victory over his team.
He delivered a harsh critique of the match officials and the overall standards of the Premier League.
Despite an extended VAR review that considered whether the ball went out of play, if there was a foul in the build-up, and for potential offside, the goal was allowed to stand. This defeat marked Arsenal’s first loss of the league season.
“Arsenal Football Club wholeheartedly supports Mikel Arteta’s post-match comments after yet more unacceptable refereeing and VAR errors on Saturday evening,” the club said in a statement on Sunday.
“The Premier League is the best league in the world, with the best players, coaches and supporters, all of whom deserve better.
“PGMOL urgently needs to address the standard of officiating and focus on action, which moves us all on from retrospective analysis, attempted explanations and apologies.”
The PGMOL has been under increasing pressure this season after several VAR decisions stirred debates, the most high-profile being the “human error” that led to a legitimateLiverpool goal against Tottenham Hotspur being chalked off.
Legendary Ghanaian footballer Asamoah Gyan has shifted his attention to the well-being of his children following the successful annulment of his marriage with their mother, Gifty.
Speaking on Asempa FM in response to the Accra High Court’s judgment on October 31, 2023, Asamoah Gyan expressed his primary commitment to responsible parenting.
He also conveyed his contentment with the court’s decision, expressing his satisfaction.
“The reason why we went to court was that I annulled the marriage and my wish has been granted because the things I unravelled were the truth,” he told Asempa FM, as quoted by the Daily Graphic.
He further stated that his children were “the most important thing. I am very, very happy with my life; I am a family man; my children like and love me; and I also love and like all of them, so that is where my focus is.”
Meanwhile, Edwin Kusi Appiah, the legal counsel representing Asamoah Gyan, has revealed the specific statement that prompted Asamoah Gyan to pursue the annulment of his marriage.
During an interview with Kofi TV, Kusi Appiah disclosed that Gyan had been subjected to threats from the spouse of his now-former wife, casting doubts on the paternity of their three children.
The breaking point that led to the discord and the subsequent decision to annul the marriage was an alleged threat by Gifty Oware’s husband. The threat revolved around their eldest child, born in 2005, with the husband disputing Gyan’s paternity.
In response to this statement, Asamoah Gyan gathered evidence and initiated the annulment proceedings.
“Asamoah Gyan married his wife in 2013 but had been with her since 2003. He got information that, prior to marrying her, the lady had married another man. Their marriage had three kids, with the firstborn coming in 2005.
“Asamoah Gyan told me he was threatened by someone who said that the children, particularly the firstborn, were not his and that they belonged to him (the person issuing the threat).
Gyan was indeed the father of the children, and his happiness stemmed from his genuine love for them.
This deep affection for the children was the primary motivationbehind Asamoah Gyan’s decision to pursue legal action.
Lawyer Kusi Appiah also emphasized that Gyan’s love for the children remained unwavering, and he expressed contentment with the court’s ruling.
He has become the first player to win over 250 duels, an impressive achievement.
Additionally, he has surpassed his peers by earning more fouls and successfully completing more take-ons than any other player in the league during the same period.
Jordan Ayew’s dedication to his profession is clear through his strong work ethic.
Jordan Ayew is the first player to win 250+ duels in the Premier League in 2023.
He's also won more fouls and completed more take-ons than any other player in that time. 💪 pic.twitter.com/f1e91BmH8j
His loyalty to Crystal Palace hasn’t gone unnoticed, and recently, he delighted the club’s supporters by signing a new contract that will see him remain with the team until 2025.
Crystal Palace’s manager, Roy Hodgson, praised Ayew’s performance, saying, “He’s had a really good start to the season, Jordan. If we can keep him going for 38 games, we’ll be very happy.”
Hodgson’s words highlight the high regard in which Ayew is held within the club and the positive impact he continues to have as an integral part of the team.
At 31 years old, Jordan Ayew has been a consistent presence on the field, not missing a single game this season.
He has contributed with a goal and two assists to his name, and he aspires to replicate his remarkable achievement from the previous season, where he played in all 41 of Crystal Palace’s games.
Fans of the club can look forward to more exceptional performances from this talented striker.
This comes after Real Madrid played out a 0-0 draw against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Sunday.
The match at the Santiago Bernabeu resulted in Real Madrid failing to score for the first time this season.
As a consequence, they currently sit in second place in the league, trailing the surprise leaders, Girona, by two points.
Jude Bellingham, who has netted 10 goals in 11 La Liga appearances this season, completed the full 90 minutes of the game.
However, he will undergo medical tests on Monday due to an awkward fall in the first half that required treatment on his shoulder.
“Bellingham had a shoulder problem and he’ll be assessed tomorrow,” Ancelotti said in his postmatch news conference. “He was able to carry on. Tomorrow he’ll undergo tests; let’s hope it’s not serious and he’s able to play on Wednesday [against Braga in the Champions League].”
Ancelotti insisted that Madrid have enough goal scorers in their squad to cope if Bellingham can’t get on the scoresheet or is unavailable.
“No. We have a lot of resources,” he said. “Today we created [chances] with [Fede] Valverde, with Vinícius [Junior], Joselu, and Rodrygo [Goes]. We weren’t clinical.”
Gremio coach Renato Portaluppi says it would take nothing short of a miracle to retain Luis Suarez’s services at the club in 2024.
The 36-year-old Uruguayan forward’s contract with Gremio is set to end at the end of this year, and he is anticipated to make a move to Inter Miami for the upcoming season.
“In my opinion, he will not stay,” Renato said of Suarez. “Not that we don’t want him to.
“He probably already has a contract out there. Our desire is the fan’s desire—that he stay.
“But he won’t stay. Only if a miracle happens. I’m not going to deceive our fans.”
Inter Miami made an attempt to secure Luis Suarez’s signature during the previous transfer window.
The former Barcelona sensation has impressively contributed with 23 goals, including the decisive strike against Bahia on Saturday, and has also provided 16 assists in his 48 appearances for Gremio since joining as a free agent in January.
“He is an above-average player; he has helped us a lot,” Renato said of Suarez. “It’s a privilege to work with him. But let’s not dream; he already has plans for 2024.”
Given PSG’s focus on French talent and his own status as a key member of the French national team, Konate sees the appeal of joining the Ligue 1 giants.
However, he emphasised that this is not his primary concern at the moment.
After the draw against Luton Town, the 24-year-old, who was raised in Paris, was asked if he had ever imagined himself wearing a PSG shirt. He answered in an interview with French outlet Canal Plus: “If I said no, I’d be lying, but if you’re asking, is it one of my objectives? Not at all.”
The Frenchmen continued by complimenting PSG for recruiting French internationals: “PSG has made sure to recruit players who understand each other well and who play with each other for the France national team.
“Even for the people and the Parisian fans, it makes them happy. It’s what they’ve been waiting for years: having Parisian players or at least French players in the team.”
Since joining Liverpool in 2021, Konate has been a key contributor, featuring in 64 matches across all competitions. This season, he has played in 11 games and remains a crucial presence in the heart of Liverpool’s defence.
Additionally, Konate has represented France in international competitions with 12 appearances.
Arrigo Sacchi has criticised AC Milan for signing “too many foreign players,” including Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah, and believes they are part of the club’s problems.
The USMNT stars had a strong start at San Siro following their summer moves from Chelsea and Valencia. Pulisic made notable contributions in Serie A, and Musah impressed in midfield.
However, Milan has recently faced a four-game winless streak, falling six points behind Inter in the title race and struggling in the Champions League group stage.
This has put head coach Stefano Pioli under pressure, with fans even booing their team during a 1-0 loss to Udinese.
Legendary former Rossoneri boss Sacchi has told Gazzetta dello Sport of the issues in Milan: “Is there somebody thinking it is Pioli’s fault? I hope not. I think the biggest error was made at the start. That’s where all the problems began. Too many foreign players were signed.
“Those coming from abroad take a while to understand our league and our methods. These guys seem confused and the result is that Milan do not always look like a team. I think boos were fair because the performance had been terrible. The fact is that there isn’t enough time to enter the player’s heads and convince them to become a collective.”
Sacchi has told Pioli that he needs to find “leadership” within his squad, with the likes of Pulisic and Musah required to raise their game in order to avoid seeing their debut campaign in Italy become a write-off at home and abroad.
The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF), which holds a majority stake in four of the country’s major clubs, is exploring the possibility of signing United’s captain at the end of the season.
Representatives of PIF believe this move could materialise in 2024 and intend to initiate discussions with Fernandes’ representatives regarding the potential for future negotiations.
Since his arrival at Manchester United in 2020 from Sporting CP, Fernandes has recorded 66 goals and 57 assists in 199 appearances.
In the current season, despite the team’s inconsistent form, he has scored three times in 11 matches.
Although the 29-year-old midfielder serves as the captain under Erik ten Hag, the team is facing challenges in its second season under the Dutch coach’s guidance.
Fernandes is among several targets identified by Saudi investors, and if he departs from England, he could join a growing list of stars who have already made the move to the Saudi Pro League, including former club teammate and compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo.
Following Jeremy Doku’s impressive performance in Manchester City’s 5-1 victory over Bournemouth,Pep Guardiola faces a selection dilemma for the left-wing position, where Jack Grealish and Doku are vying for the spot.
Doku, who joined the team for a significantly lower fee than the former Aston Villa winger, was instrumental in City’s triumph, contributing with one goal and four assists.
Guardiola’s acknowledgment of Doku’s performance sends a clear message to Grealish.
“I want Jack angry and I want him to play well. And then Doku—be angry that he hasn’t played the past two games,” Guardiola told BBC Sport.
“This is the way to maintain the consistency at that level. We need everyone. The way Jack played at Old Trafford to give us more composure was decisive for us.”
Doku is in excellent form, having provided seven assists in his last seven matches for City, while Grealish, who is yet to score for the club in the 2023-24 campaign, has managed just one assist.
Manchester City’s upcoming fixture is against Young Boys on Tuesday, November 7, in the Champions League.
Following a thrilling match betweenDreams FC and Kotoko, a shocking incident marred the aftermath as referee Robert Musey and his officiating team were subjected to an alarming attack during halftime.
The match had been filled with high drama and was on the brink of being abandoned due to concerns over the safety of the match officials.
Dreams FC secured a dramatic victory thanks to Abdul Aziz Issah’s first-half strike, but the match had already been tainted by controversy.
During the second half, reports surfaced that unidentified individuals had forcibly entered the dressing room, raising security concerns and raising the prospect of the game being called off.
The motives behind this attack remain unclear, casting a dark shadow over Ghanaian football and prompting serious questions about security and sportsmanship.
This incident has only intensified the tension surrounding Kotoko’s challenging season, characterised by four consecutive winless matches, fan discontent, and doubts about Coach Prosper Ogum’s second term.
As investigations into the attack continue, ensuring the safety and integrity of football matches and all participants becomes a top priority.
Erling Haaland’s unconventional off-field habits have been described as “a bit sick” by Dominik Szoboszlai, who admits he doesn’t follow the advice of the Norwegian striker.
Manchester City star Haaland has made it clear that he doesn’t conform to typical lifestyle rules when he’s not on the field.
The 23-year-old forward had a remarkable season last year, scoring 52 goals and finishing as the runner-up in the 2023 Ballon d’Or voting.
He has openly discussed his unique diet and practises, such as wearing special glasses and using mouth tape, to enhance his sleep quality.
Szoboszlai, who is now in the Premier League at Liverpool, experienced Haaland’s unusual behaviour up close during their time together at Red Bull Salzburg and has told Fodball of how the larger-than-life Norway international breaks the mould: “When we played in Salzburg, I meditated with [Haaland] two or three times because we were in the same room and at first I looked stupid and then I got in.
“He had a pair of glasses that he wore, and I used them for a while because he said they would make me sleep better and sleepy faster, but if I had, I would wear them now. It didn’t help me, but maybe it’s because I didn’t believe in them as much as he did, but that’s everyone’s own business. He does a lot of things that people probably don’t know, but I’ve been to his apartment. The guy is a bit sick.”
Hungarian midfielder Szoboszlai is now looking to take inspiration from Mohamed Salah at Anfield, with the Egyptian superstar proving to be a better role model. He added, “I talked to [Salah] a lot because I was interested in how he saw things. He didn’t do [meditation] until he was about 28 years old, then he decided not to eat pasta or bread; basically, he doesn’t drink alcohol.
He’s been doing this since then, and if there’s training at noon, he’s already in the gym at 10.30. I don’t judge anyone; everyone can do whatever they want.”
Szoboszlai has made a positive impact at Liverpool on the back of his 2023 transfer toEngland, while Haaland has hit 13 goals through 16 appearances for City this season, but he did pick up a knock during his latest Premier League outing against Bournemouth.
Diaz scored a late equaliser against Luton on Sunday and used the moment to send a powerful message by revealing the words “freedom for papa” on his shirt.
After the game, Diaz further addressed the situation by posting a statement on Instagram, earnestly pleading for his father’s safe release.
“Every second, every minute, our anguish grows. My mother, my brothers and I are desperate, distressed and without words to describe what we are feeling,” he wrote on Instagram.
“This suffering will only end when we have him back home. I beg you to resolve this immediately, respecting your integrity and ending this painful wait as soon as possible.
“In the name of love and compassion, we ask that you reconsider your actions and allow us to get him back.”
In the message, Diaz also thanked the Colombian and the international community for their support: “I thank Colombians and the international community for the support received; thank you for so many demonstrations of affection and solidarity in this difficult time that many families in my country find themselves living.”
Diaz’s parents were taken hostage on October 28 by leftwing guerrillas of the National Liberation Army (ELN) in their hometown of Barrancas.
TheLiverpool forward’s mother has been found but his father remains missing.
On Thursday, the government of Colombia said that the kidnapping had been carried out by the ELN.
The rebels subsequently issued a statement announcing that Díaz’s father would be released in the next few days.
Liverpool managed a late comeback, securing a 1-1 draw against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road.
Liverpool squandered 23 goal-scoring opportunities, with Darwin Nunez having an unfortunate evening, including a glaring open-goal miss.
Luton seemed to take advantage of Liverpool’s wastefulness when former Manchester United youth player Tahith Chong scored from a sharp counter-attack with 10 minutes left.
In response, Luis Diaz was substituted onto the pitch, and in the fifth minute of injury time, he rewarded his manager’s trust by scoring a header from Harvey Elliott’s cross.
Diaz celebrated the goal by revealing an undershirt bearing the message “Freedom for Papa,” in reference to his father’s kidnapping in Colombia.
The Brazilian had a quiet first half but commanded his area well to collect crosses in the second. Could do nothing about the Luton goal.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (7/10):
Once again, he dazzled with passing vision and technique and was unlucky not to get an assist when Nunez smacked the crossbar after latching onto his superb through ball. Struggled to contain Chiedozie Ogbene.
Ibrahima Konate (6/10):
I made a few silly fouls in the first half but escaped a booking. I came close with a late header.
Virgil van Dijk (6/10):
Little to do defensively and made himself a nuisance by attacking set pieces. Caught up the pitchwhen Luton countered and scored.
Joe Gomez (6/10):
I didn’t really put a foot wrong but I contributed little to the attack. Withdrawn for Tsimikas with 25 minutes left.
Between 2017 and 2022, the country spent about GH15.8 million on payments to unqualified people, including the deceased, and overspending under the Livelihood Empowerment against Poverty (LEAP) Programme.
This was stated in an audit report on LEAP management issued by the Auditor-General’s Department and forwarded to Parliament.
Out of the figure, GH¢396,620.00 was paid to 170 beneficiaries under the scheme whose socio-economic status had improved and who no longer qualified for the grant and an amount of GH¢84,480 was paid to representatives of some 44 deceased beneficiaries.
The report blamed inadequate record-keeping practises by the LEAP Management Secretariat (LMS) as a cause of the leaks in the disbursement of funds, which have cost the country about GH¢15,369,309.97 and risked the sustainability of the programme.
It was recommended by the audit report that the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGSCP) improve its records-keeping regime to increase accountability.
Consequently, the report recommended an immediate enhancement of record-keeping practises by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) to strengthen accountability measures.
It advised that moving forward, “all accountants on the LEAP programme maintain records and report on a quarterly basis to the Chief Director on all financial information related to cash grants and administrative costs relevant to the programme.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSV5P_rtukE
Moreover, it asked the LEAP secretariat to reconsider and review its decision to rely solely on the Ghana National Housing Register (GNHR) to identify beneficiaries while conducting a reassessment to exit ineligibles.
“The LMS should adhere to the LEAP Fund utilisation guidelines during programme implementation to promote sustainability,” the Auditor-General urged.
LEAP, a government-run social protection initiative, was launched in 2008 and is currently in its 15th year.
The programme focuses on supporting disadvantagedsegments of the population, including orphans and vulnerable children, nursing mothers, elderly individuals, and those with significant disabilities.
It offers bimonthly cash grants to qualified households in numerous districts throughout the country.
By the end of December 2020, the programme had successfully enrolled 335,015 extremely impoverished households in 259 districts.
Following Anthony Gordon’s controversial winning goal, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe responded to Arsenal counterpart Mikel Arteta’s post-match criticism of the refereeing decisions.
Gordon’s fourth goal of the year was initially awarded after three VAR reviews, involving a potential ball out-of-play situation, a foul by Joelinton on Gabriel, and Gordon’s potential offside.
Arteta expressed his frustration with the decision to the media after the game.
Howe disagreed with the Spaniard, as he said [via Shields Gazette]: “We’re stood by the side of the pitch, seeing VAR on the screen but with no pictures. I haven’t seen anything other than what I saw at the time. It looked like a good goal to me.
“Maybe he’s seen something I haven’t. I’ve only seen it with the naked eye, live. I had no idea what was going on with the VAR checks either so we were in the lap of the gods, really waiting like everyone else in the stadium.
“With every check it was going through, you’re thinking they’re going to find something wrong with it. It’s very bizarre to have three VAR checks but the goal was given.”
Arsenal suffered their first loss of the season, dropping them to third place in the standings.
They are currently three points behind defending champions Manchester City and two points behind Tottenham Hotspur, who have a game in hand.
This statement seems to be a response to the criticism from the renowned former Manchester United captain, Roy Keane, who suggested that Fernandes should be relieved of his captaincy duties.
Keane’s remarks on Sky Sports came after Fernandes delivered a lacklustre performance in Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at Old Trafford in the Premier League last Sunday.
De Gea, on the other hand, is currently a free agent after departing from Manchester United during the summer transfer window.
Professor at theUniversity of Ghana has noted that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, as the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), will encounter a substantial challenge in persuading Ghanaians that the economy has improved during his time as Vice President in comparison to when he assumed office.
While recognising Dr. Bawumia’s political acumen, Professor Gyampo highlighted that clarifying that the present economic situation is superior to when he assumed the role of Vice President will be a daunting undertaking for him.
He also commended Dr. Bawumia for his political acumen and ability to connect with various segments of the population.
“How he is able to defend the track record and embarrassing situation of this government is an issue. Explaining that things are better today than when he became vice president is a huge task ahead of him.
“I congratulate him for winning. He has mastered the game of politicking, he knew how to talk to those who mattered; he knew how to reach out to those whom others could not reach out to,” he said on TV3.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia secured victory in the NPP’s presidential primary, receiving 118,210 votes, which accounted for 61.47% of the total, while Kennedy Agyapong garnered 71,996 votes, or 37.41%. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto came in third with 1,459 votes (0.76%), and Francis Addai-Nimoh received 731 votes (0.41%).
The 2024 election is anticipated to be a fierce contest betweenDr. Bawumia and John Mahama, with both candidates vying for the presidency, one as a returnee and the other seeking to retain the seat for the NPP, making it a closely watched race.
Member of Parliament for theAyawaso West Wuogon constituency, John Dumelo, an aspiring has subtly criticized his contender, Lydia Alhassan, following her preferred candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s underwhelming performance in her constituency during the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries.
Kennedy Agyapong, Bawumia’s key rival, secured 535 votes, emerging as the top choice in Ayawaso West Wuogon during the November 4 primaries.
In response to this outcome, Dumelo took to Twitter and expressed his lack of surprise at Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s lower vote count compared to Kennedy Agyapong’s.
He seemed to raise questions about why his contender couldn’t rally delegates in the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency to vote for her preferred presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
“So Ken Agyapong won in Ayawaso West… Someone couldn’t whip her delegates in line for Bawumia. I’m not surprised,” John Dumelo said.
In Ayawaso West Wuogon, Kennedy Agyapong garnered 535 votes, while Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia received 441 votes.
Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto secured 1 vote, and Addai Nimo garnered 3 votes during the presidential primaries.
However, at the conclusion of the presidential primaries held on Saturday, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerged as the winner and the NPP’s flagbearer for the 2024 presidential elections.
Dr. Bawumia secured his victory with 61.43% of the total votes, with Kennedy Agyapong, his closest rival, receiving 37.41% of the vote share.
This critique follows Bawumia’s recent triumph in the NPP’s flagbearer election held on November 4, 2023.
Felix Ofosu Kwakye highlighted that, based on the election results, nearly 40% of NPP supporters appear to have reservations about the vice president’s bid to lead the party.
He suggested that Dr. Bawumia’s prior statements and actions, which have been captured in various videos and statements, might potentially be used against him in the upcoming 2024 election.
Kwakye Ofosu’s post on social media, accompanied by a video of Bawumia, read: “NPP delegates have elected the worst NPP Prez candidate ever.
Nearly 40% of NPP folks do not like him and rightly so, because his own words of the past will be his undoing. For instance, in the video below, he explains why he should be thrown out at the polls in 2024.”
NPP delegates have elected the worst NPP Prez candidate ever. Nearly 40% of NPP folks do not like him and rightly so, because his own words of the past will be his undoing. For instance, in the video below,he explains why he should be thrown out at the polls in 2024. pic.twitter.com/dULAzqYN6o
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo officially handed over the leadership of the NPP to Dr. Bawumia after a 16-year tenure.
Akufo-Addo had served as the party’s leader since 2007. According to the NPP’s constitution, Dr. Bawumia assumed the role of the new leader of the party following his victory in the presidential primaries.
Dr. Bawumia secured his victory with 61.43% of the total votes, with Kennedy Agyapong, his closest rival, receiving 37.41% of the vote share.
Director of Research at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), Dr. John Kwakye, has criticised the General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Frimpong Kodua, for a statement he made regarding the party’s intentions to secure victory in the 2024 general elections.
He referred to this statement as using inappropriate language and encouraged Mr. Kodua to adopt a more humble tone while appealing to the electorate to support the NPP.
John Kwakye further clarified that the NPP’s General Secretary cannot compel the Ghanaian people to vote for his party.
In a tweet, the IEA Director of Research said, “What do you mean by “whatever it takes”? It’s bad language. Be modest and appeal to the electorate to vote for you. You can’t force them to vote for you!”
Justin Frimpong Kodua, on October 29, 2023, indicated that the party will go to all lengths to retain power.
He said the focus of the party was to break the eight; therefore, anything that would make the dream a reality would be done.
Justin Kodua Frimpong made this known when he was asked if the party would consider talking to Alan Kyerematen about returning to the NPP.
He said, “Our focus is to win the elections in 2024, and for anything that needs to be done for us to win the elections, we are all up for it.”
In the latest development, the NPP has chosen Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as its flagbearer for the upcoming 2024 presidential elections.
Dr. Bawumia clinched the victory with a substantial 61.43% share of the total votes, while his closest competitor, Kennedy Agyapong, received 37.41% of the vote share.
Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East, Mavis Hawa Koomson, has expressed her disappointment with the outcome of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primary in her constituency.
Despite being a known supporter of Mahamudu Bawumia, her constituency was won by Kennedy Agyapong after the conclusion of the polls.
According to the constituency’s results, Agyapong garnered 724 votes, while Bawumia received 679 votes. Agyapong also secured victory in the region, along with the Volta Region, while Bawumia claimed victory in the remaining 14 regions, emerging as the winner and the NPP’s next flagbearer.
Following the declaration of results in the constituency, Hawa Koomson addressed journalists, attributing her loss to payments made to delegates and allegations of misappropriation of funds.
“I am not surprised, honestly; if all 1,400 plus were to vote, that would have been good for me. So, what we have done is good. My people should not be disappointed; we should wait for the general outcome, which I know is going to be good.
“Like I said, I am happy that on the 24th of August, I was able to beat Kennedy in the region, so if he has beaten me in my constituency, well, it could be, but that doesn’t mean he is stronger than me in the constituency,” she stressed.
On November 4, 2023, Vice President Bawumia emerged victorious in the NPP flagbearer election.
The announcement of Bawumia’s victory was made by Dr. Serebour Quaicoe, the Director of Elections at the Electoral Commission, at the Accra Sports Stadium.
According to the official results, Bawumia secured a landslide victory with 118,210 votes, which accounted for 61.47% of the total votes cast.
His closest rival, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, came in second with 71,996 votes, representing 35.52% of the total valid votes.
The remaining two contenders received less than one percent of the vote each, namely Owusu Afriyie Akoto and Francis Addai-Nimoh.
Bawumia’s win marked his formal succession to Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the party’s leader, becoming the fourth flagbearer in the party’s history.
He is set to lead the NPP into the 2024 general elections.
The General Secretary of the rulingNew Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has provided assurance to the people of Ghana that the prevailing economic challenges in the country will soon be resolved.
He expressed confidence that the NPP, as a political party, possesses the necessary capabilities to address and improve the economic situation.
These statements were made during his address at a press conference where he unveiled the details of the NPP’s presidential elections scheduled for November 4.
“When it comes to managing Ghana’s economy, our opponents do not have a comparable record. It is the case that today, the NDC feels emboldened because COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine War have vanquished the gains we made immediately upon taking over on January 7, 2017.”
He said, “Under President John Agyekum Kufuor, from January 7th, 2001, to January 7th, 2009, the NPP pulled Ghana’s economy out of the stagnation the NDC left.
“Again, under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, we grew the economy by an average of 7 percent from another NDC stagnation for three consecutive years before the disruptions of theCOVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The truth is that we are fixing the economy, and soon the hardships of today will be history. The assurance to Ghanaians that we will regenerate the economy is manifest in our record.”
During the summer, the newly signed player achieved a historic feat by becoming the youngest player inPremier League history, achieving five goal involvements in a single game at the age of 21 years and 161 days.
This remarkable performance came to light after he scored a goal and provided four assists in the match against Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium.
Not only did he score, but he also became the youngest player to provide four assists in a single game.
In the 30th minute, the winger found the back of the net, and he went on to set up Bernardo Silva twice, as well as Manuel Akanji and Phil Foden, contributing significantly to the Cityzens’ impressive performance.
Nathan Ake also got on the scoresheet for the team, which resulted in them taking the top position in the league table.
On the other side, Bournemouth managed to pull one goal back through Luis Sinisterra, but they currently sit in the 17th position in the league.
5 & 4 – With one goal and four assists at the age of 21 years and 161 days, Jérémy Doku has become both the youngest player in Premier League history with five goal involvements in a single game, as well as the youngest player to assist four goals. Griddy. pic.twitter.com/ipIAYBqK6C
Doku made his move to City during the summer, transferring from Ligue 1’s Rennes for a fee of €65 million (£56m/$70m)($68.5m). While he had showcased glimpses of his quality earlier in the season, this particular game marked the moment when the Belgian international truly introduced himself to the Premier League.
City’s upcoming match is scheduled for Tuesday in the Champions League, when they will be hosting the Swiss side Young Boys.
On November 4, 2023, at the Accra Sports Stadium,President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo expressed his unwavering dedication to ensuring the triumph of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the forthcoming 2024 general elections.
This commitment was made during the official unveiling of Dr. Bawumia as the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
President Akufo-Addo underscored the party’s strong commitment to democracy and commended the transparent nature of the flagbearer election process that led to Dr. Bawumia’s selection.
He urged the people of Ghana not to permit the leadership of John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to return to power for a second term.
He stated, “You have shown that today, Ghana’s democracy is safe in your hands. I am confident that Mahamudu Bawumia will unite the party with the assistance of Ken Agyapong, Addai-Nimoh, Afriyie Akoto, and others.
“The second message, a very simple one, is congratulations to the flagbearer, Mr. Vice President Flagbearer. Today I’m passing on the flagbearer of our party to a new leader. I want to thank everyone here for the honour done to me to serve my party and to serve the people of this great country.”
He added, “I have done my best, but I still have one more task to do, and that is, with all my strength and all my energy, to help the new flagbearer, Mahamudu Bawumia, win the election of 2024.
“Ghana cannot afford the return of the NDC, especially under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama,” he charged.
After a 16-year tenure, Akufo-Addo passed on the leadership of the NPP to Bawumia. Akufo-Addo had held the position of the party’s leader since 2007. In accordance with the NPP’s constitution, Dr. Bawumia, following his victory in the presidential primaries, assumes the role of the new party leader.
Dr. Bawumia secured his victory with 61.43% of the total votes, with Kennedy Agyapong, his closest rival, receiving 37.41% of the vote share.
Erling Haaland suffered an injury and had to be substituted at half-time during Manchester City’s match against Bournemouth, despite their dominant 6-1 victory in the Premier League on Saturday.
Haaland’s exit from the game raised concerns among Cityzens as he limped off the field following a collision on the ground.
Nathan Ake, Haaland’s teammate, expressed uncertainty about the striker’s condition after the match but hoped that the injury wasn’t too severe.
Pep Guardiola later provided an update on Haaland’s injury status, acknowledging that he might miss the upcoming Champions League fixture in midweek.
“Twist in the ankle; we didn’t want to take risks with him; he didn’t feel comfortable,” he said. “He’ll be back, maybe Tuesday, but maybe next Sunday.”
Jeremy Doku, Manchester City’s recent acquisition, had a remarkable performance against Bournemouth and achieved two Premier League records.
By contributing four assists and scoring a goal, the Belgian winger, at just 21 years and 161 days old, became the youngest player in Premier League history to record five goal involvements in a single game.
He also set a record as the youngest player to provide four assists in a single match.
With three victories in their first three Champions League matches, Pep Guardiola might consider giving the star from Borussia Dortmund some rest during their midweek fixture against Young Boys.
Real Madrid has categorically denied rumours suggesting that they are in negotiations with PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe.
Reports from Spanish outlet AS had previously claimed that the French World Cup winner had agreed to forfeit around €100 million (£87 million) in loyalty bonuses that he would have been entitled to, potentially alleviating PSG’s concerns about losing him for free in the summer of 2024.
While there have been previous reports suggesting that Mbappe had tentatively agreed to join Real Madrid, the Spanish club has consistently refuted such claims.
“Given the information recently issued and published by different media outlets, in which there is speculation about alleged negotiations between the player Kylian Mbappé and our club, Real Madrid CF would like to state that this information is completely false and that no such negotiations have taken place with a player who belongs to PSG,” read a club statement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XIAia7Y3uA
Mbappe extended his contract with PSG for an additional year during the summer.
Nevertheless, it was revealed that the last year of that contract is discretionary, granting him the option to depart in 2024 instead of 2025.
Notably, clubs like Liverpool and Real Madrid have been associated with the French star, suggesting that this protracted transfer saga is far from over.
Dr. Bawumia secured a resounding victory in the Ashanti Region with 22,205 votes, which translates to 65.6% of the total vote count.
His closest rival, Kennedy Agyapong, managed to gather 11,390 votes, equivalent to 33.7% of the ballots.
In contrast, former Agriculture Ministers Dr. Afriyie Akoto and Francis-Addai Nimoh received a combined total of 167 votes, constituting 0.5%, and 74 votes, making up 0.2%, respectively.
Manchester City is considering a move for teenager Kobbie Mainoo, who currently plays for their rival club, Manchester United, according to reports.
Mainoo, a UK-born Ghanaian with Ghanaian heritage, is highly regarded in English football and recently received praise for his performance, which included two assists, with Manchester City’s Under-21 team.
The talented midfielder had previously impressed during pre-season and was named the man of the match in a friendly game against Arsenal, though he later suffered an injury setback.
However, he has since recovered, and Manchester City is reportedly interested in signing him, despite the rivalry between the two clubs, as per Four Four Two.
The report doesn’t indicate whether Manchester United would be open to considering an offer from their fierce rivals.
Furthermore, the potential transfer fee remains unknown.
The interest from Manchester City is partly attributed to their commitment to nurturing young and talented players, while Manchester United is facing financial constraints due to financial fair play regulations.
Mainoo, who hails from Stockport, made his senior debut for Manchester United last season in the Carabao Cup match against Charlton.
He also played a significant role in the academy’s victory in the FA Youth Cup. The 18-year-old made his Premier League debut as a substitute in a 3-0 win against Leicester City.
Notably, Mainoo has only made one appearance forManchester United but has already contributed two assists during that time.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo chose not to directly address an economic question when he voted at the New Patriotic Party (NPP) headquarters in Accra.
In response, he inquired whether the time and place were suitable for such a discussion.
After participating in the November 4 Presidential Primaries of his party, reporters approached the president, posing inquiries about his observations of the process and his opinions on the potential winner of the flagbearership race among the four contenders.
“It is the people who decide,” he said before a question on the economy was asked by another journalist.
“Mr President, would you say you’ve managed the economy well?” the yet-to-be-identified journalist asked.
Pausing briefly and turning to the direction of the said journalist, the president retorted, “You want me to come and have this interview here today?”
After making this statement, the president signalled to the party’s general secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, with a nod, indicating his readiness to leave the centre.
The NPP is holding a crucial election to choose its flagbearer for the upcoming 2024 general elections in Ghana. This election is significant as it aims to break the traditional eight-year election cycle pattern in the country.
There are four contenders in this flagbearer race.
Among them, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is considered a frontrunner, while Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, the Member of Parliament forAssin Central, is expected to be a strong competitor, particularly after his surprising second-place finish in the party’s Super Delegates Conference, which took place in August.
Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has expressed scepticism regarding the possibility of Ghanaians favouring the National Democratic Congress over the ruling New Patriotic Party in the 2024 elections.
He emphasised that the government has been confronted with unprecedented global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but remains committed to addressing these issues.
“We don’t know that. It’s amazing when you think that something that has not happened in 100 years has happened and we are where we are compared to other countries.
And knowing that we understand the problem and are committed to solving it,” he told journalists when they appeared to vote during the NPP delegates conference.
Furthermore, he suggested that Ghanaians would have a clearer understanding of which decision to make at the 2024 polls as the year approaches.
“I think Ghanaians will make up their minds at that time. I’m sure the economy will be stronger; we have a growth agenda that tackles the issue of jobs and we will prevail. We’ve done it before and we will do it again,”Ofori-Atta said.
Presbyterian Senior High Technical School, located in Aburi, within theAkuapem South Municipality of the Eastern Region, is currently grappling with numerous obstacles that are significantly impeding the teaching and learning processes.
Among these challenges are the absence of a library, a dedicated ICT centre, a fully-equipped science laboratory, an incomplete girls’ dormitory, a shortage of classrooms, insufficient teaching and learning resources, laptops for educational and research purposes, a vehicle for administrative duties, and a workshop that lacks necessary equipment.
Furthermore, there is a shortage of furniture, a lack of perimeter fencing to ensure students’ security against potential intruders and criminals, and an absence of metal beds to protect students from bed bugs.
Compounding these difficulties is the fact that the teaching staff does not have access to residential accommodation.
Consequently, all teachers reside off-campus and commute to the school daily, with the exception of the headmistress and a select few other staff members.
These challenges were highlighted during the school’s 12th speech and prize-giving day ceremony, which recently took place.
Challenges
A stalled one-storey classroom block
At the event, which was on the theme “Preparing the next generation for the future: A shared responsibility for stakeholders in secondary technical schools”, the head of school, Joyce Appiah, devoted much of her time to enumerating the challenges facing the school.
She said the challenges had made it difficult for teaching and learning, especially for the National Science and Mathematics Quiz (NSMQ) competition.
The teachers, Mrs Appiah also indicated, had to face the brunt of the problem because they had to stay outside the school and attend classes daily.
She, therefore, appealed to all stakeholders, especially the government and other benevolent organisations dedicated to the welfare of schools, to come to their aid.
She said despite such challenges bedevilling the school, which was established in 1991 as an experimental school and upgraded to its current status, it had been progressing academically.
For instance, Mrs Appiah told the gathering that students whoparticipated in the NSMQ competition were able to reach the quarter-final stage in 2016 when the school participated for the first time.
She said the school was also adjudged the second-best Presbyterian Senior High School in the country after the Presbyterian Boys SHS (PRESEC) at Legon.
The ceilings of the school’s science laboratory are in a bad state
She explained that despite the school’s challenges, teachers were committed and dedicated to imparting knowledge to the students and that the school was also doing well in the NSMQ competition.
She described the students as practical-oriented because they were eager to learn and make good grades to climb the academic ladder higher.
Mrs Appiah commended the government for assisting with the infrastructure of the school, such as the construction of a girls’ dormitory, classroom blocks and a boys’ dormitory, among others.
She said some of the projects, nonetheless, had been delayed and, therefore, urged the contractor to speed up work for its completion.
Some innovative products made by some of the students on display
Addressing challenges
Deputy Minister of Education responsible for Technical, Vocational, Education, and Training (TVET),Gifty Twum Ampofo, expressed her satisfaction with the school’s current performance.
She emphasised the government’s dedication to addressing the challenges faced by senior high schools in the country.
Ms. Ampofo pointed out that the government is fully committed to nurturing the potential of the youth, which is why STEM and TVET educational institutions have been introduced in the country.
She also stressed the role of parents and guardians in teaching their children moral values, cooperation, empathy, and other life skills that cannot be solely acquired in schools.
Despite the current challenges faced by the school, she noted that its academic performance is commendable and encouraged students to maintain their excellent work. The Deputy Minister in charge of TVET further acknowledged the varying levels of parental cooperation with teachers in moulding children into responsible citizens.
Shared responsibility
Ms Ampofo noted that the future of the children was a shared responsibility, with the number one beneficiary being the children, second the parents and lastly the teacher.
“We have a lot of resources in the country. However, the ultimate resource will be to develop without any class or limitations,” Ms Ampofo stated.
Otoobour Djan Kwasi II, who serves as the Aburihene and holds the title of Adontenhene in the Akuapem Traditional Area, recognized the importance of providing support to the school. He commended the school for its academic achievements and appealed to the government to provide assistance in terms of infrastructure and equipment. This support, he emphasized, would help the students fulfill their aspirations of becoming productive citizens in the country.
Otoobour Kwasi also encouraged the students to maintain their dedication to learning, while respecting their teachers and parents.
Accommodation Jennifer Agyei, one of the school’s educators and the recipient of the title of Overall Best Female Teacher at the school, echoed the issue of inadequate staff accommodation, emphasising that all the teachers had to reside outside the school premises.
This situation was negatively impacting the teaching and learning environment, as the teachers had to commute from nearby communities to reach the school.
Mrs. Agyei made a heartfelt plea to the government and other well-off individuals, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs), to promptly step in and address these challenges.
These included the poor state of the school’s science laboratory, a shortage of furniture, the absence of a library, the lack of a protective fence wall, and the need for metal beds to address the issue of bed bugs within the dormitories.
She emphasised the critical importance of providing these facilities to ensure a brighter future for the students. Matilda also called upon the government and charitable organisations to extend their support to the school in acquiring these essential items.
As part of the event, several deserving students and teachers were recognised and honoured for their exceptional hard work and dedication, which contributed to the school’s overall performance.
AC Milan has publicly denied any prior knowledge of Sandro Tonali’s gambling addiction amid concerns of further repercussions for the Newcastle player.
The 23-year-old Italian international recently faced disciplinary action for violating gambling regulations sanctioned by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
As a consequence, he received a 10-month ban from all football-related activities, along with an additional eight months of therapy-assisted rehabilitation.
Furthermore, FIFA has officially ratified this suspension, making it applicable on a global scale.
Tonali’s transfer to Newcastle occurred earlier in the summer from AC Milan for a reported £55 million ($68 million), sparking speculation about whether the Rossoneri were aware of his gambling addiction.
In the midst of these discussions, Newcastle’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, acknowledged the possibility but emphasised that confirming such knowledge is “really difficult.”
“It’s really difficult for me to get into what other clubs do or don’t know,” said Ashworth. “All we can do is look at our own internal investigation and internal process. It’s a really difficult question for me to answer; I just don’t know.”
This prompted the Lombardy Club to release an official statement as a response to Ashworth’s statement.
“We first learned about Tonali’s addiction through media reports and what we know is only what we read. We don’t know anything else.”
The FA have also reportedly started a separate investigation to find out if Tonali continued with his habit after shifting base to the shores of England, as his agent, Giuseppe Riso, admitted that the player was struggling with a gambling addiction.
Tonali will not be available for selection for Newcastle until the end of August 2024 and the club is mulling over bringing in a replacement in the winter transfer window for the midfielder.
Some delegates have confirmed to have received between GHC 200 and GHC 750 from the camps of bothVice President Bawumia and the Assin-North Member of Parliament (MP).
Delegates from Ablekuma Central, Adenta and Suame have confirmed receiving GHC 300 from Kennedy Agyapong and GHC 400 from Vice President Dr. Bawumia.
Which they describe as transport fare and chop money.
However, the contender for the New Patriotic Party flagbearership role, Hon. Francis Addai-Nimoh, expressed optimism about his win in the November 4 polls.
Speaking to the media after casting his vote at the NPP headquarters at Asylum Down in Accra, Addai-Nimoh exclaimed with surprise after being asked about inducing delegates with GHC 1000 in Brekum South constituency. ”
He said, “Eeei me ? me? Then I’m sure that is not me to vote for me ? I’m sure that is false”, he denied.
However, he went on to say that he has nothing to offer but peace, unity and prosperity.
“I have not given any money. Silver and gold have I none, but what I have is peace, unity, and prosperity, he said.
Francis Addai-Nimoh is one of four candidates vying to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 general elections.
The other three candidates are the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, a former Minister of Food and Agriculture,Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia.
A total of 420 delegates are expected to cast their ballots at the party’s headquarters in Accra.
President of theNational Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Angel Carbonu, has emphasised the need for the educational system to grant teachers their rightful annual leave entitlement in accordance with Ghana’s Labour Laws.
He pointed out that although Ghana’s labour laws stipulate that teachers are entitled to leave, this benefit is not typically provided to them.
He emphasized that leave cannot be replaced by the vacation breaks that students enjoy, as teachers are still engaged in tasks such as grading students’ exam papers during those breaks.
During a radio interview with Citi FM on November 3, 2023, Mr. Carbonu expressed concern that the well-being of teachers seemed to be disregarded, noting that many educators are facing health issues and even death due to excessive work and lack of rest.
He further expressed his apprehension that, despite the demanding nature of teachers’ roles, their compensation remains inadequate.
