Ghanaian midfielderMohammed Kudus has captured the admiration of numerous young West Ham supporters after his outstanding performance in the EFL Cup, where he scored West Ham’s third goal in a 3-1 victory against Arsenal.
Kudus’ moment of brilliance occurred when he scored West Ham’s second goal in the match. His exquisite touch, which can only be described as magical, left spectators in awe.
The confident Hammer unleashed a fierce strike into the far-right corner of the net.
Not only did Kudus make an offensive contribution with his unforgettable goal, but he also displayed defensive support and fueled the attack with his exceptional ball-handling skills.
In post-game interviews with West Ham Fan TV, some young fans of the club could barely contain their excitement as they effusively praised the Ghanaian’s remarkable goal-scoring effort.
“It was a great finish, good control and a great finish,” one of the young fans said.
Another young fan who watched the game at the London Stadium described Kudus as the master of the game for West Ham.
“He was all over the pitch for the Hammers in the game, tracking back defensively and pushing the team forward with the ball. When was the last time we beat Arsenal?” he said.
West Ham’s victory against Arsenal secured their spot in the EFL Cup quarterfinals.
Upon their return home after a defeat to FC Samartex 1996, Legon Cities experienced a distressing incident as they were attacked by armed robbers along the Bibiani-Kumasi highway around 11 p.m.
In an official statement, the club confirmed the incident, stating that “On our way back to Accra after playing the Ghana Premier League match against FC Samartex, our team was targeted by armed robbers at Toase.”
The robbers made off with various belongings, including phones, laptops, and money.
The club also indicated that the team made it safely back to Accra, but they have not yet lodged a formal complaint with the police.
Photographs from the scene depicted a damaged driver’s side window, and one image showed Osman Amadu with a bandaged hand.
The unfortunate incident involving Legon Cities being targeted by armed robbers on a highway is not an isolated occurrence for the club. Previously known as Wa All Stars, the team experienced a similar highway robbery while en route to a match against Hearts of Oak in 2008.
It’s worth noting that other Ghanaian football clubs, such as Asante Kotoko and AshantiGold, have also encountered similar incidents in the past. The unfortunate incident involvingLegon Cities being targeted by armed robbers on a highway is not an isolated occurrence for the club.
Previously known as Wa All Stars, the team experienced a similar highway robbery while en route to a match against Hearts of Oak in 2008.
It’s worth noting that other Ghanaian football clubs, such as Asante Kotoko and AshantiGold, have also encountered similar incidents in the past.
In March 2022, the team bus of Ashantigold, which was suspended at the time, fell victim to an attack while heading back after a match against Hearts of Oak. As for Asante Kotoko SC, in 2015, when they were lodged at a hotel in Accra before a match against Hearts of Oak, they also experienced a similar incident.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has chosen Ghanaian defender Jarell Quansah as the Man of the Match in recognition of his performance against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup match on Wednesday night.
During the match, Quansah, who was born in England but represents Ghana, played the full duration as Liverpool secured a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth, allowing them to advance to the next stage of the Cup competition.
Quansah formed a defensive partnership with Joel Matip and was impressed with his performance. Notably, he made the most pass attempts out of all players in the game, totaling 97 passes with an 89% completion rate.
Speaking after the game, Klopp heaped praise on the Ghanaian defender following his outstanding performance during the game.
“Jarell Quansah was my Man of the Match. Super game!”.
“Strong in the tackles. We gave him the ball a lot. He had a lot to do. Great”. He added.
Liverpool opened the scoring at the Vitality Stadium through Cody Gakpo after 31 minutes into the game.
Dutch international Justin Kluivert scored in the 64th minute to restore parity for the hosts before Darwin Nunez sealed a win for Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Ghana striker Antoine Semenyo lasted 74 minutes as his team bowed out of theCarabao Cup competition.
Brentford is reportedly seeking a transfer fee of £100 million for their striker Ivan Toney, who has garnered interest from Arsenal and Chelsea, as per Sky Sports.
The Bees are planning to retain Toney at least until the end of the season, given his return following an eight-month ban for betting offenses on January 16.
Although Toney’s comeback is a positive development for Brentford manager Thomas Frank, it has also attracted the attention of several Premier League clubs looking to acquire his services.
However, any potential transfer would require a significant offer, as offers in the range of £60 million are said to have been dismissed at the Brentford Community Stadium.
Toney came third in the Premier League goal-scoring charts last season, with 20 goals. Leading Frank to say in the summer: “£100m plus?… What would you pay for a striker who guarantees you 20-plus goals? And this is 20 goals for a mid-table club. What can he do in a bigger club?”
The IT Manager of Legon Cities shared a harrowing account of how a police patrol team seemed unresponsive when their team fell victim to armed robbers on their way back to Accra after playing against FC Samartex during the eighth week of the 2023–24 GPL season.
After a challenging journey to Samreboi that concluded with a3-0 defeat to FC Samartex, the Legon Cities team bus encountered armed robbers in Kwanfifi, a town along the Bibiani to Kumasi highway.
During an interview with Asempa FM, Super, the IT Manager of Legon Cities, revealed that the robbers compelled the bus to halt in the middle of the road and forced all passengers to lie down on the ground while they looted their possessions.
“You can’t raise your head, but you were like four and they made us lie on the ground and took all our monies up to 9000 cedis, 11 phones, bags with boots and my laptop. They hit me and one of our players.”
He noted that after the robbers made away with the booty and fled the scene, they rushed into their bus and also took off.
According to him, they were shocked to meet a police barrier three minutes away from where the robbery happened and yet they never came to their rescue.
“Less than three minutes later, we saw a police barrier and they were just sitting down.
“So our driver furiously asked them why they failed to act despite hearing gunshots. But they said nothing, so some of us thought they connived with the robbers; they made no comment,” he said.
This alarming incident highlights an ongoing security issue encountered by not just Legon Cities but also numerous other clubs in the Ghana Premier League.
Sadly, women’s Premier League teams like Perpia Ladies and Savannah Ladies have also experienced attacks by armed robbers under similar circumstances.
Inter Milan is set to initiate talks with their star striker, Lautaro Martinez, regarding a contract extension.
Martinez, aged 26, currently leads Serie A in scoring with 11 goals in 10 matches this season.
His agent, Alejandro Camano, has confirmed that he will engage in discussions with Inter’s management in the upcoming days to negotiate a new contract for his client, as his existing deal is set to expire in June 2026.
“We have a great relationship with the Nerazzurri,” Camano said. “And we are discussing getting together to talk about Martinez’s renewal. Inter wants to renew Lautaro’s contract. And we want to extend it. We’ll see each other in the next few days.
“We’re talking about a very important player for Inter. And of a very important club for Lautaro. It’s not just money that matters. There are various factors.
“For Lautaro, it’s not just about money; it’s about a feeling for the club, a city that loves him and that he loves.”
A 2022 World Cup winner with Argentina, Martinez helped Inter win the Coppa Italia last season and reach the Champions League final, though they lost 1-0 to Manchester City.
Luis Suarez is on the verge of joining Inter Miami after his contract with Brazilian club Gremio expires in December, according to TyC.
The 36-year-old striker is excited about the prospect of playing alongside his friend and former Barcelona teammate, Lionel Messi, at Inter Miami next year.
In his 46 appearances for Gremio, Suarez has scored 19 goals and provided 16 assists in all competitions.
Inter Miami had attempted to sign the Uruguayan in the previous transfer window but were unsuccessful.
Suarez is expected to travel to Miami in December once he becomes a free agent to finalise his contract with The Herons.
Ghanaian musician Gasmilla has cautioned Ghanaians against categorising artists into specific music genres or styles, emphasising that creativity thrives when artists have the freedom to explore different genres instead of being restricted to a single category.
“I don’t think people should box artistes into one style of music. That singular act kills creativity,” he said.
Gasmilla expressed his belief that constraining artists to a specific style can impede their creative potential and advocated for an end to this practice.
He also insists that he values the process of crafting music meticulously, striving to create songs that will be treasured over the long term; hence, he doesn’t rush into producing songs as frequently as others do.
He made these known during an interview with Graphic Showbiz.
“I don’t rush to make quick songs. I take my time with my music, crafting each one carefully. My goal is to make music that people will love for a long, long time”, the words of Gasmilla.
Gasmilla’s remarks contribute to the broader discussion regarding the state of the Ghana music industry and its comparative performance with that of other nations, notably Nigeria, where its artists have gained recognition on global stages
The Ministry of Finance has issued a statement urging shippers and importers to disregard a letter titled “Re-enhancing Shipping Data Collection and Management in Ghana through Smart Port and Electronic Cargo Tracking,” which is claimed to have been sent from the Ministry.
The letter, dated September 15, 2023, states that all shipments to Ghana, including transit shipments, must obtain an Electronic Cargo Transit Number (ECTN/SPN) and submit it to Antaser Afrique BVBA for verification.
The Ministry has clarified that the letter and its contents are fraudulent and should not be taken seriously.
Finance Ministry on Smart Port
The Finance Ministry expressed its gratitude to shipping agents and stakeholders who brought this matter to their attention and assured the public that any new government tax policies would be communicated through official channels.
“We thank all stakeholders who alerted us and made inquiries and wish to assure them that, as is done with all policies, extensive consultation will be done with relevant stakeholders wheneverthe government wishes to introduce a new policy or tax,” parts of the statement read.
Six additional individuals associated with theWestern Togoland Foundation have received varying prison sentences totaling thirteen years and six months, along with a collective fine of 1300 penalty units equivalent to GH¢15,600.
These six individuals were allegedly involved in road blockades in Sogakope and attacks on police stations in Aveyime and Mepe on September 25, 2020, as part of a secessionist movement aimed at detaching parts of the Volta, Oti, and Northern regions from Ghana.
Initially, ten accused persons were on trial, all pleading not guilty to charges of attending a meeting and being members of a prohibited organization.
Following the trial, four of the accused were acquitted and discharged, while the remaining six were convicted.
The convictions were made under the Prohibited Organisations Act of 1976 (SMCD 20), which allows for a maximum prison sentence of five years or a maximum fine of 1000 penalty units, or both, for those found guilty under the Act.
Prior to sentencing, the lawyers of the six convicts appealed to the court for leniency, requesting that fines be imposed as punishment instead of custodial sentences.
For the third accused person, Godfred Gabriel Govina, his lawyer asked the court to consider a fine, emphasizing that he was a first-time offender and the breadwinner of his family. The lawyer pointed out that the convict is a husband to two wives with nine children, and any further imprisonment would significantly affect the family.
However, Justice Mary Yanzuh sentenced the third accused to three years in prison and ordered a fine of 300 penalty units, taking into account Gabriel Govina’s status as a retired teacher and stating that he should have known better given his status.
The fourth accused, Benjamin Gbadago, was sentenced to 24 months in prison and a fine of 200 penalty units for being a member of the prohibited Western Togoland Restoration Front and Homeland Study Foundation. His lawyers had pleaded for a non-custodial sentence, citing his poor health.
Cephas Zoddanu, the seventh accused person convicted of four counts related to a prohibited organisation, received a three-year prison sentence and a fine of 200 penalty units.
Lawyers for the eighth accused, Richard Doglo Ametepe, appealed for a fine rather than a custodial sentence, considering that he had collapsed in court upon receiving the conviction. They also noted that he had spent approximately three years in jail, and the maximum sentence for the offence was five years.
However, Justice Mary Yanzuh imposed a custodial sentence of three years and a fine of 200 penalty units.
The ninth accused person, known in private life as Cosmos Havor but holding the position of chief in the traditional area of Afife under the stool name Togbe Aszaklo, was convicted for attending meetings and participating in the campaign of a prohibited organisation, where the place was declared an independent state on September 1, 2020.
Despite acknowledging the seriousness of the chief’s actions due to his status, the court imposed a relatively lenient term of 24 months in prison and a fine of 400 penalty units due to the age and health of the convict.
The tenth convict, Vincent Ramsayer Atsu-Galey, received a six-month prison sentence.
Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has disclosed that he shares a strong bond with Chelsea counterpart Mauricio Pochettino and regards him as a “father figure.”
Although they are presently coaching rival teams in the Premier League, they were once teammates at Paris Saint-Germain.
Arteta had a loan spell at PSG from Barcelona early in his professional career back in 2001, and it was during this period that he joined forces with Pochettino.
Despite Pochettino being a decade his senior, the Gunners boss has opened up about their close relationship.
Pochettino and Arteta spent a season and a half as teammates before Arteta’s move to Rangers. Nevertheless, they crossed paths once more when Arteta signed for Real Sociedad, while Pochettino returned to Espanyol.
Arteta has since flourished as a coach, with his Arsenal side delivering strong performances in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Pochettino has earned recognition as a respected manager through his tenures at Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham, and PSG before his recent appointment with Chelsea in the summer.
Arteta has hailed Pochettino as a key influence on his career, alongside the likes of Pep Guardiola, Johan Cruyff and Arsene Wenger.
“Then one of the ones I have to say was Mauricio Pochettino because he was the first professional captain I had and he was like a father figure for me when I arrived at PSG,” he told Football365.
“We signed almost the same day and we all landed in the same hotel, five or ten minutes away from the training ground. We could not speak French; we were there by ourselves and we spent three months in that hotel together every single day.
“So we built a really strong relationship. He was 30 or 31 years old; I was 17/18 and he just put me under his arm, carried me and protected me. It was a joy to have someone like that.”
Arteta’s Arsenal is set to take on West Ham in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday,while Chelsea will be facing Blackburn in their upcoming fixture.
Cristiano Ronaldo was visibly upset during a heated exchange with Jordan Henderson following Al-Nassr’s cup victory over Al-Ettifaq on Tuesday.
Both former Premier League stars, who had highly successful tenures at Manchester United and Liverpool, engaged in a verbal dispute after Al-Nassr secured a thrilling 1-0 win over Al-Ettifaq.
Sadio Mane netted the decisive goal in extra time at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, propelling Al-Nassr into the quarterfinals of the King Cup of Champions.
After the final whistle, Ronaldo confronted Henderson, seemingly expressing his frustration with the match officials.
Ronaldo made several gestures in the midfielder’s direction and engaged in an intense face-off before making his way towards the tunnel.
Their animated conversation continued as they left the pitch.
Henderson managed to avoid a red card during the match, despite deliberately pushing Portuguese international Otavio to the ground on two occasions after Ali Hazazi had fouled the winger.
This incident triggered a heated confrontation on the field involving players from both Al-Nassr and Al-Ettifaq, but only Hazazi was shown a red card, and Henderson emerged unscathed.
This encounter marked the firsttime Ronaldo and Henderson had shared the same pitch since Manchester United’s home game against Liverpool on August 22, which concluded with a 2-1 victory for the home team.
Ronaldo departed Old Trafford three months later and joined Al-Nassr in the new year, while Henderson made his move to Al-Ettifaq from Liverpool in July.
Al-Nassr is set to face Al-Khaleej on Saturday, while Al-Ettifaq will host Al-Raed in the Saudi Pro League on the same day.
The National Cathedral, the religious monument that was intended to be a catalyst for national and regional cohesion, has come under several criticisms since its start, especially at a time when the country is facing its worst economic crisis in decades.
The most outstanding of it all is the controversy, accusations of monetary embezzlement and lack of transparency in the implementation of the project.
In response to this, Executive Director for the National Cathedral Secretariat, Dr. Paul Opoku Mensah,on November 23, 2023, during a press conference where he spoke on fund raising and accountability of the National Cathedral, refuted all claims of criminality and claims of the trustee shying away from all forms of auditing due to potential corruption incidents.
Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has been investigating the project, according to the executive director, an exercise in which they have fully cooperated since its start in January 2023.
“So the notion that we are running away from accountability is simply false.In fact, since January, CHRAJ has been involved in detailed investigations and we’ve been cooperating”, he said.
Dr Paul insists that the finances of the Cathedral project are currently being audited by two prominent firms, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and Deloitte.
“At the moment, there are two ongoing audits that seem to look into issues of accountability, namely
“An investigation by CHRAJ into issues of conflict of interest and procurement and a financial audit by deloitte
“Where the last information I saw was a questionnaire to the contractors about how they came to be selected. So everything is being detailed,” he stated.
“So there’s a detailed audit, Deloitte extensive information; in fact, the last info they wanted was anybody who has contributed to the National Cathedral. They wanted details to be sure that there’s not been any fishy, he added.
Given all the details of the auditing the project has been subjected to, Dr Paul mentioned that “there is no criminality in this project” as his outfit has executed the project with integrity and transparency.
“There is the idea that a project of this nature wouldn’t want to be held accountable; I can’t understand or cannot fathom it but with this audit notwithstanding , I want to state that there is no criminality in this project.
“We have implemented the project with integrity and are accountable for all the funds (sic) from the state to the National Cathedral project”.
Former Black Stars defender Samuel Inkoom has expressed his aspiration to make a comeback to his former club, Asante Kotoko, before concluding his football career.
Inkoom, who is currently without a club following his departure from Hearts of Oak at the conclusion of the previous season, has taken a step towards his post-football life by launching his football agency, the S-Inkoom Football Management Agency.
Nonetheless, the 34-year-old veteran defender harbours one final desire to fulfil before his retirement.
“I have always said that I will play for Kotoko again before I retire. It is my wish. I signed a one-year contract with Hearts and now the contract has ended. But I wish to play for Kotoko again before I quit the game,” he said on Fox FM.
Inkoom had a stint with Asante Kotoko and was a member of the 2008 squad that clinched the Ghana Premier League title. Subsequently, he made a move to the Swiss powerhouse, FC Basel, where he secured two league titles and the Swiss Cup.
On the international front, he achieved glory with the Ghanaian national team by winning the2009 FIFA U20 World Cup as part of the Black Satellites.
Ghanaian sensational winger Ernest Nuamah has earned a nomination for the 2023 CAF Young Player of the Year award.
This recognition comes in light of the 21-year-old’s outstanding contributions for both his club and the national team over the past year.
Nuamah delivered an exceptional season in the Danish Superliga while playing for FC Nordsjælland, where he notched an impressive 19 goals and provided 6 assists in 32 appearances.
Subsequently, he secured a move to the renowned French club, Olympique Lyonnais, during the summer, where he has already demonstrated his skills by scoring a goal in his first five appearances.
On the international stage, Nuamah has also left a significant mark. He made his debut for the Black Stars in June 2023 and managed to score a goal in each of his first two appearances.
Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the Ghana squad’s journey to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Competing against nine other promising young talents, Nuamah’s performances over the past year make him a strong contender for the CAF Young Player of the Year award.
The recipient of this prestigious award will be revealed at the CAF Awards ceremony in Morocco, scheduled for December 11, 2023.
An inquest into the passing ofManchester United and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton revealed that he died from an accidental fall at a care home in Knutsford.
Sir Bobby, who was 86 at the time, passed away on October 21, triggering an outpouring of tributes from the football community.
The inquest, held at Cheshire Coroner’s Court, disclosed that Sir Bobby had been residing at The Willows nursing home in Knutsford, which specialises in dementia care, as reported by BBC Sport.
Jacqueline Devonish, senior coroner for Cheshire, determined that Sir Bobby’s death was accidental.
The inquiry revealed that he struck a window sill and possibly a radiator when he lost his balance while getting up from his chair.
Although Sir Bobby received a full-body examination after the fall, no visible injuries were observed by the staff, who also noted that his mobility appeared unaffected.
Paramedics were summoned to the care home when they later noticed swelling on Sir Bobby’s back, and he was transferred to a local hospital for evaluation before being moved to Macclesfield General.
Sir Bobby, who had been receiving respite care at The Willows since June, passed away five days after the fall.
Football clubs throughout England have held moments of silence in memory of Sir Bobby over the past 10 days, and a funeral service for the 1966 World Cup winner is scheduled to be held at Manchester Cathedral on November 13.
Manchester United also confirmed that over 80,000 fans have signed condolence books for Sir Bobby, who scored 249 goals during his illustrious 17-year playing career at Old Trafford.
Former Ghana international Baffour Gyan has given a detailed explanation of why his brother Asamoah Gyanwon his legal tussle with his ex-wife, Gifty Gyan.
The legal battle between Asamoah Gyan and Gifty Gyan, involving issues related to properties and their annulled marriage, has been resolved by the Accra High Court.
The court annulled the marriage based on Asamoah Gyan’s petition and other pieces of evidence presented during the case.
The court deemed Gifty’s early marriage in 2002 at the age of 17 as insufficient grounds for declaring the marriage void, upholding its validity.
However, as compensation to Gifty Gyan, the court awarded her a UK property, a gas station in Prampram, a 4-bedroom house in Spintex, which was purchased for her before their marriage in 2013, and two cars.
Additionally, a monthly maintenance fee of GH¢25,000 was granted to Gifty, while the request for alimony was denied.
Setting the record straight on Asempa FM, Baffour Gyan clarified that there was a misconception about the legal verdict.
He highlighted that it was Gifty who had been previously married, and Asamoah Gyan had initiated the case to annul that marriage.
Explaining why Asamoah Gyan was rather the victor, Baffour said, “My brother’s wife had already been married and he sent it to the court to annul it. We received the ruling to the effect that the lady deceived my brother.”
Baffour Gyan underscored that the properties in Gifty’s possession had originally been gifts from Asamoah Gyan, and the court affirmed her entitlement to retain them.
Additionally, he pointed out that Gifty’s legal representatives had initially sought a sum exceeding $1 million, but the court dismissed their demand.
“The properties in the lady’s possessions were gifts from Asamoah Gyan and the court asked that she keep it. Her lawyers had wanted $ 1 million and more but the court denied their request.”
He added, “Asamoah Gyan has been in contact with his children throughout this case and has been taking care of them so the GH¢25,000 a month in support for the children is no news.”
Renowned Ghanaian footballer, Asamoah Gyan, has shared his thoughts on the recent Accra High Court ruling regarding his prolonged marriage annulment case with his ex-wife, Gifty Gyan, now known as Gifty Oware.
In a Twitter post, Asamoah Gyan suggested that while his ex-wife was granted some of her requests, he also retained possession of some of his properties.
Gyan, in a reply to a post by a blogger, stated, “If I have 10pts and I keep quiet cos I’m matured, and you have 2 pts and you going find public sympathy, then it’s cool. You are very funny. This is deep so think about it”, Gyan tweeted.
On October 31, 2023, an Accra High Court issued a verdict in a lengthy three-year divorce dispute involving former Ghanaian international Asamoah Gyan.
The court ruled to dissolve the marriage, which had been established in 2013, between Gyan and Gifty. Additionally, the court provided instructions concerning the paternity of the three children born to the couple.
Gyan had previously contested his paternity, necessitating a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) test, the results of which confirmed his biological relationship with the children.
Dennis Law, wrote of the paternity issue in their report: “Initially, Asamoah Gyan had denied paternity of their three children, seeking an annulment of their marriage. However, the court, in its decision on October 31, 2023, established that the three children are indeed the progeny of Asamoah Gyan.”
In connection with the dissolution of the marriage, further directives pertaining to the support of the children stipulate thatAsamoah Gyan is required to provide a monthly payment of 25,000 Ghana cedis to Gifty Gyan.
“This stipend is allocated for the upbringing and welfare of the three children, excluding expenses such as school fees, medical and dental care, flight tickets, and various other childcare-related costs,” the law firm added.
Musician and business tycoon Mzbel has stepped in to support her son, Aaron Adepa Amoah, also known as Okomfo Black, following widespread criticism from Ghanaians.
The 10-year-old had been under fire for his remarks denouncing God.
Mzbel’s defense of her son comes in response to the public backlash he faced after an interview in which Aaron Adepa Amoah expressed his views on the Christian faith, the concept of creation, and related topics.
In the interview, Adepa stated that he doesn’t believe that human beings were created by God but rather through the processes of science and human agency.
In a post that Mzbel made on her Instagram page, @mzbeldaily, which has since been deleted, she wrote:
“YES! We don’t believe in the existence of an Almighty God because we know that everything or anything that has life, no matter how big or small, is a God. That is why when we pour libation (pray), we acknowledge and honour all those energies (God).
“Our ancestors are dead, but their blood and spirit run through us; we are their DNA, so we honour them too.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGpa8QlAi2w
Mzbel also encouraged her extensive Instagram following to engage in introspection and contemplate matters of faith and religion in moments of solitude and tranquility.
She suggested that by doing so, they would find the answers they seek,underscoring the belief that all individuals possess divine qualities.
Manchester United will reportedly face a setback as goalkeeper Andre Onana has decided to join his Cameroonian national team for the AFCON tournament. This means he will miss several crucial fixtures for his club.
Previously, Onana had stepped away from international football due to a dispute with Cameroon’s head coach, Rigobert Song, resulting in his removal from the 2022 World Cup squad during the tournament in Qatar.
However, the two have resolved their differences, leading to Onana’s return to the national team.
Onana has already made appearances in the AFCON qualifier against Burundi in September and a friendly against Senegal during the October international break.
As per iNews, he has now given his consent to represent the Indomitable Lions in the continental tournament, set to commence on January 13 in the Ivory Coast.
If Cameroon performs well in the tournament and reaches the final, Manchester United will have to do without Onana’s services in four Premier League matches, two FA Cup ties, and a potential Carabao Cup semi-final.
Onana has been steadily settling into his new club and played a crucial role in United’s recent Champions League victory over FC Copenhagen, where he saved an injury-time penalty to secure three points.
He was one of the better performers in the 3-0 derby defeat toManchester City last weekend, too, and his efforts were further acknowledged when he came 23rd in the 2023 Ballon d’Or vote after a brilliant previous season with the Nerrazurri.
Ghana’s Black Stars duo,Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey, have received nominations for the prestigious 2023 CAF African Footballer of the Year award.
They will be competing with other top talents, including Mohamed Salah, Riyad Mahrez, Victor Osimhen, Sadio Mane, Hakim Ziyech, Sofyane Amrabat, Yassine Bounou, Achraf Hakimi, Vincent Aboubakar, Percy Tau, Frank Anguissa, and several others.
Kudus Mohammed had an exceptional 2022 season, where he contributed 18 goals and provided 7 assists in 42 appearances for Ajax. He also made significant contributions to Ghana’s 2022 World Cup campaign.
Meanwhile, Thomas Partey played a pivotal role in Ghana’s successful World Cup qualification and had a remarkable season with Arsenal.
In the 2022 edition of the awards, Sadio Mane of Senegal was crowned the African Footballer of the Year.
The nominations for this year’s awards were carefully selected by a panel consisting of CAF Technical Experts, African Football Legends, and select media representatives.
The evaluation took into account player performance from November 2022 to September 2023.
The award categories include CAF African Player of the Year, CAF Interclub Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, CAF National Team of the Year, Club of the Year, and CAF Young Player of the Year (for players under 21).
Additionally, a new category, the CAF African Goalkeeper of the Year (Men and Women), has been introduced to honour outstanding goalkeepers, with 10 goalkeepers nominated for this inaugural award.
The eventual winners in each category will be determined through a voting process that involves the CAF Technical Committee, media professionals, head coaches, captains of member associations, and clubs that participated in the group stages of the interclub competitions.
Ione Skye is grieving the passing of her former boyfriend, Matthew Perry.
The 53-year-old actress posted two screenshots of her final conversation with Perry, who tragically passed away from an apparent drowning at his Los Angeles home on Saturday.
In her tribute, she fondly remembered the beloved actor.
Skye and Perry had previously co-starred in Perry’s film debut, “A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon,” in 1988.
“Hi! I hope all is well. I was meditating (I meditate now) and ‘In Your Eyes’ started playing. And I instantly thought of how beautiful you are,” Perry, 54, wrote in a text message sent to Skye on Oct. 15, referencing the song from her 1989 film Say Anything.
She replied, “Awe. I love that. Xo,” to which he responded, “Hope you are healthy and happy.”
Skye told Perry it was “good to hear” from him, adding, “I only have nice memories with you.”
Skye also shared a throwback photo with the Friends star where they both look to be teenagers. “My last exchange a week ago. I’m very, very sad. Loved this guy,” she wrote in the post’s caption.
Matthew Perry was discovered deceased on Saturday afternoon at his residence in Los Angeles. In an exclusive statement provided to PEOPLE, his family expressed their deep sorrow and heartbreak.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother,” they said. “Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend. You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love.”
Since the news of his passing became public, tributes like Skye’s have been pouring in. Fellow actors such as Hank Azaria, Shannen Doherty, and Selma Blair have been expressing their love and fond memories of the late actor.
Azaria, 59, described his friend as the “funniest man ever” in a lengthy video posted on Instagram Sunday.
“Matthew and I became really good friends and we were really more like brothers for a long time,” the comedian said. “We drank a lot together, we laughed a lot together, we were there for each other in the early days of our career.”
“Our friendship spanned a long time. A lifetime really,” Doherty, 52, wrote on Instagram of Perry. “Right now, shock and sadness prevail.”
Blair, 51, paid tribute to Perry, who she called “my oldest boy friend.”
“All of us loved Matthew Perry, and I did especially. Every day. I loved him unconditionally. And he me. And I’m broken. Broken hearted. Sweet dreams, Matty. Sweet dreams.”
Actress and media personality Nana Ama McBrown has shared her plans to release a memoir detailing her life.
During an interview on Daybreak Hitz at Hitz FM with Andy Dosty, Nana Ama McBrown mentioned that her memoir would be available in various formats, including audiovisuals, books, and more. This revelation came in response to CharterHouse PRO Robert Klah’s query on why she hadn’t published a book about her life, similar to her colleagues Yvonne Nelson and Adjetey Annan, who released theirs in 2023.
In reply, Mrs. McBrown Mensah disclosed that she is presently in the process of working on a book, along with other mediums to convey her life story.
She revealed that this project has been in progress for about two years and mentioned that media personalities George Quaye and Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo have been instrumental in bringing it to fruition.
“It’s coming. I am doing something like that. I am documenting everything in a book, audiovisual, and many more. Goerge Quaye and I are doing something about it. We started about two years ago. Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo is also helping me on the project,” she disclosed.
Meanwhile, when The Empress releases her autobiography, it will add her to the list of Ghanaian celebrities who have documented their life stories.
YEN.com.gh reported thatNana Ama McBrown blocked questions about Yvonne Nelson’s memoir from a journalist on the red carpet of Coming to Africa.
Mrs McBrown Mensah pointed out that Yvonne Nelson’s memoir, I Am Not Yvonne Nelson, was not the reason for their gathering.
The long-awaited concert by Ghanaian Dancehall musician Shatta Wale at The Hangar in Wolverhampton on November 4, 2023, has been cancelled, according to a statement released by his record label.
In a statement released by Shatta Wale’s record label, Shatta Movement Records, the reason his concert was cancelled was that promoters could not meet his luxurious demands.
Another reason was that the promoters could not meet the requirements specified by Shatta Wale’s management.
A portion of the recently released statement read:
Shatta Wale’s management has released a press statement, notifying the public about the cancellation of Shatta’s concert in Wolverhampton due to the inability of the organisers to meet some of the demands of Wale’s management. pic.twitter.com/grqnOOOCiC
“These demands, while fitting for an artist of his stature, have proven to be logistically and financially challenging for the organisation, making it impossible for us to proceed with the event as planned.”
Before the cancellation of the eagerlyawaited concert, it was reported that early bird tickets had already been completely sold out.
Barcelona is keeping a close eye on Mexican international Santiago Giménez, but they are fully aware that the competition for securing the striker’s services will be fierce.
According to a source cited by ESPN, Feyenoord, where Giménez currently plays, will demand a substantial transfer fee for the 22-year-old.
Giménez’s exceptional form this season, marked by 13 goals in 10 Eredivisie matches and an additional two in his sole Champions League appearance, a 3-1 victory over Lazio, has piqued the interest of several top European clubs, including Barcelona.
The source notes that Barcelona has been particularly impressed with how quickly Giménez has adapted to the European style of play.
Barcelona has dispatched multiple scouts to observe Giménez ever since he joined Feyenoord from Cruz Azul in 2022, and they have intensified their monitoring of him in recent weeks.
His knack for scoring goals has drawn favourable comparisons to Luis Suárez within the club.
Barcelona will continue to closely track Giménez in the months ahead, with the source indicating that he is a player they have in mind for the future.
A video featuring former President John Dramani Mahama displaying his jet ski prowess at the riverfront of his Ada residence has made its way online.
This video was posted by a TikTok user, @khashboss, who, along with a group of friends, witnessed the former president enjoying himself by the riverside.
Erik ten Hag expresses his unwavering confidence in his ability to reverseManchester United’s fortunes following a challenging start to the season.
Despite suffering their seventh defeat of the season in the recent derby against Manchester City, which occurred within just 14 games, the Dutchman reassures fans in his program notes for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup match against Newcastle United that he firmly believes the team will recover.
“At Manchester United, every game involves high stakes,” Ten Hag wrote in the United Review.
“Every single day, there is pressure on everybody involved with this club, but those demands and standards are a challenge that we must always meet head-on.
“While this has not been the start of the season that we had all hoped for, I am certain that we have the talent and attitude as a collective to move in the right direction.
Chelsea is actively pursuing Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as their top choice to address their scoring problems, as per Calciomercato.
The Premier League club, under the leadership of Mauricio Pochettino, is in search of a No. 9 and is exploring various options across Europe.
However, it’s reported that signing the 24-year-old Nigerian international would be a “dream” acquisition for Chelsea.
While Chelsea brought in Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal during the summer, the 22-year-old has only managed to score two goals in nine games.
This lack of consistent goal-scoring has prompted Chelsea to prioritise adding attacking reinforcements once the January transfer window opens.
Osimhen’s contract with Napoli is set to expire in the summer of 2025, and recent reports suggest that little progress has been made in negotiations for an extension.
This situation could work to Chelsea’s advantage if they decide to pursue him.
Additionally, Chelsea is looking to part ways with Romelu Lukaku, who is currently on loan at AS Roma, on a permanent basis.
Chelsea hopes that the funds generated from such a deal with Lukaku can contribute to covering Osimhen’s transfer fee, which is estimated to be around €120 million.
Osimhen has maintained his impressive form in Serie A this season, having scored six goals in eight league appearances.
However, when Martinez went on stage to collect his award, the French fans in the audience began to boo as his remarkable save from Randal Kolo Muani’s last-minute strike in the 2022 World Cup final was replayed on the screen.
To address this disrespectful behaviour, Didier Drogba, the former Chelsea star who was hosting the event, had to step in.
Drogba called on the fans to show some respect to the award winner and requested that they cease the heckling.
The lack of respect for Martinez was evident even before the ceremony.
As he entered the Théâtre du Chatelet with his wife, Amanda Gama, French fans could be heard jeering the goalkeeper.
Emiliano Martinez, who plays for Aston Villa, is set to return to action for his club on Sunday in a Premier League match against Nottingham Forest.
Majority Leader is set to present a Constitutional Instrument (CI) to Parliament, titled the “Representation of the People (Parliamentary Constituencies) (Amendment) Instrument, 2023.” This amendment is aimed at the establishment of an additional 25 constituencies, supplementing the existing 275 constituencies in the country.
The Electoral Commission (EC)had previously signalled its ongoing efforts to create new constituencies, including one in the Guan District. This process was scheduled to advance as Parliament reconvenes in October 2023.
Dr. Eric Bossman Asare, the Deputy Commissioner of the EC responsible for Corporate Services, provided these updates during an interview with TV3 on Monday, September 11, 2023.
“We are in the process of creating some new constituencies and Guan District is one of them. If not because parliament is in recess, we should have started the process in parliament,” Dr Bossman said.
Dr. Bossman disclosed that the Guan District is among the areas set to receive a new constituency as the Commission initiates the process of creating new constituencies for the 2024 elections.
The First Deputy Minority Chief Whip in Parliament, Ahmed Ibrahim, had accused the presidency of influencing the Electoral Commission (EC) to create 25 new constituencies ahead of the 2020 elections.
He alleged that the move to give the New Patriotic Party more seats as their stronghold will benefit the intended regions more, with the Ashanti Region obtaining 17 out of the 25 new constituencies to be created.
Founder and leader of the Glorious Word Power Ministry International Church, Reverend Isaac Owusu-Bempah, delivered a message to the delegates of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He encouraged them to place national interests at the forefront when selecting a flagbearer.
During a broadcast to his congregation, Reverend Owusu-Bempah emphasised the importance of not allowing monetary influences to sway their decisions.
Instead, he urged NPP delegates to carefully assess the track records of the candidates before making their choice.
He went on to advise them to take money from candidates if any are offered, as clearly it is Ghana’s money they’d be sharing.
“We are supporting you in prayers but as you go to the polls, think about Ghana and not what you can get into your pocket. What you can get into your pocket cannot take care of you for four years.
“So, whoever gives you money to buy your vote should be seen as a nation-wrecker. Remember, they want to use your brain like that of a child. They didn’t mind you when it was not an election but now that they need your votes, they want to bring you money.
“I am pleading with you; if you like, take the money but vote against them; if they curse you, it won’t affect you. I know the money they will give you is Ghana’s money,” he urged.
While failing to mention a specific candidate, Reverend Owusu-Bempah hinted that one amongst the four candidates vying for the flagbearership stands out in terms of track record and should be the choice of delegates.
“There is someone we know who can help this country; his records show that he can help the country. I beg you; we want the one who has a record of doing it before and not the one who says and is not able to deliver. So, if you are a delegate or listening to my voice think about the future of your children and the future of Ghana before you cast your vote.
“The fall or rise of the nation is in your hands so be vigilant and not intimidated. Vote for the one you believe can develop the nation. Now we don’t look at political parties anymore.Whether NPP or NDC we are looking for the person who is capable,” he stated.
In an earlier statement, Reverend Isaac Owusu-Bempah clarified that he had not made any prophecies or declarations suggesting that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia was divinely anointed to assist the NPP in breaking the eight-year cycle.
He emphasised that some individuals had been circulating false claims, asserting that he had prophesied in favour of the vice president as God’s chosen candidate for the ruling party’s flagbearer position.
On Saturday, November 4, 2023, the NPP is scheduled to convene a national delegate congress to select a flagbearer for the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
Former Member of Parliament for Suhum, Frederick Opare-Ansah, has disclosed that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has personally approached him and requested that he refrain from his criticisms ofNew Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer aspirant Kennedy Agyapong.
Opare-Ansah, who has recently been vocal in his critiques of Kennedy Agyapong, shared that this request for a ceasefire came directly from the vice president himself.
“Dr is not even happy when anyone in his team takes on another person in such a manner.
After that, he sent me a message that ‘Opare, cease fire’ because he doesn’t want that to be his style in this campaign,” he stated on the Monday, October 30, 2023, edition of Peace FM’s Kokrokoo morning show.
During a recent interview on Wontumi FM, Opare-Ansah unleashed a tirade against Kennedy Agyapong, levelling accusations of bitterness against him.
Opare-Ansah contended that the decision of the Member of Parliament for Assin Central to vie for the NPP’s flagbearer position was driven by bitterness.
He claimed that this bitterness stemmed from Dr. Bawumia declining Kennedy Agyapong’s request for annual contracts worth US$500 million in exchange for his support.
On November 4, 2023, the NPP is set to choose its flagbearer for the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
Tragedy struck Badu, a community situated in the Tain District of the Bono Region, as heavy rainfall claimed the lives of five individuals.
These unfortunate fatalities occurred when a severe rainstorm tore off the roof of a classroom where they had sought shelter during the downpour on Monday, October 30, 2023.
Among the deceased, three have been identified as Osei Kwame (known as Patoo), aged 30, Mensah Hayford, aged 15, and Koo Prince, aged 18, while the remaining two victims remain unidentified.
Residents of the area reported that the victims were tragically pronounced dead at the Wenchi Methodist Hospital after the distressing incident.
According to eyewitnesses who recounted the harrowing tale to OTEC News Reporter Jacob Agyenim Boateng, “Chiefs of Badu Football had organised a football game for the community’s youth.
However, heavy rain disrupted the game, prompting most of the participants to seek shelter in one of the classrooms at the Badu Roman Catholic Basic School.”
“While waiting for the rains to stop, the storm shook the foundations of the building and ripped off the roof. The people in the building vamoosed out of fear but some of them were crushed by the roof, leading to their deaths,” one of the residents, Richard Nana Poku, said.
Police in the area are currently investigating the incident.
During a panel discussion on Okay FM’s Egyaso Gyaso program, which was streamed live on Facebook on October 30, 2023, a number of delegates from the rulingNew Patriotic Party (NPP) openly acknowledged that they have been receiving financial contributions from the campaign teams of the contenders in the party’s forthcoming flagbearership race, set to take place on Saturday, November 4, 2023.
The delegates specifically mentioned that they have received funds from Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Assin North Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong.
“I got some of the money they are sharing with the delegates. As for me, if you bring me money, I will collect it.
“When Ken came, I got GH¢100, and when Mr. Bawumia came, I got GH¢200,” one of the delegates said in Twi.
Interestingly, one of the delegates countered the prevailing trend by asserting that he had not accepted any financial contributions from the campaign teams of the contenders.
He emphasised that his support for Dr. Bawumia was not contingent on monetary incentives.
This declaration, however, surprised the other delegates present on the program, who responded with laughter and accused him of dishonesty.
“SK, didn’t you get some of the ‘Just Guide’ money? We were the ones who shared the money, and we gave you some,” one of the delegates said.
Cape Coast Stadium has been placed under a ban by theConfederation of African Football (CAF) due to its below-standard quality for hosting international matches.
Consequently, Ghanaian champions Medeama have been compelled to relocate their CAF Champions’ League group matches to the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi as an alternative venue.
This stadium closure will also affect Ghana’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Madagascar, as the Black Stars are now set to make Kumasi their preferred home ground.
The decision to close the Cape Coast Stadium came in a report submitted to the Ghana Football Association by CAF’s Technical Development Director, Raul Chipenda.
This report followed an inspection of the facility by CAF, which identified a range of shortcomings and deficiencies.
It recommended significant renovations and upgrades to bring the stadium in line with compliance requirements.
Key concerns highlighted in the CAF report encompassed issues related to the stadium’s functionality, design, comfort, and the quality of its equipment.
The inspection report ultimately concluded that various areas within the stadium necessitated upgrades and refurbishments to meet the contemporary requirements and standards expected of a modern football stadium.
Furthermore, CAF recommended that only construction and renovation companies with a proven track record in modern stadium projects should be engaged to execute the required refurbishments.
“Based on the inspection report, we regret to inform you that the stadium does not meet the set CAF stadium minimum requirements to host CAF Senior International matches,” the report said.
Mr. Chipenda stressed that the facility would only gain approval if all their recommendations were meticulously addressed following a re-inspection.
Kumasi has emerged as the preferred home ground for competitive matches involving the Black Stars since the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff with Nigeria last year. Prior to this shift, the team had traditionally played their matches on Cape Coast.
Medeama had previouslyhosted Remo Stars from Nigeria and Horoya AC from Guinea at the Cape Coast Stadium during the preliminary rounds of the Champions League.
However, following the recent CAF directive, the ‘Mauve and Yellow’ will now host their Group D rivals in Kumasi, with fixtures against CR Belouizad on December 1, Young Africans on December 8, and Al Ahly on February 23 next year.
Real Madrid is considering converting Kepa Arrizabalaga’s loan into a permanent transfer, but this hinges on Chelsea’s willingness to accept a significant loss on their previous record investment.
Kepa arrived at Real Madrid on loan during the summer, and now there’s an intention to make the move permanent.
However, according to The Sun, Real Madrid is only prepared to offer £17.5 million ($21 million) for the transfer.
This represents a substantial decrease from the £72 million ($88 million) Chelsea originally paid in 2018, which was a world-record fee for a goalkeeper.
In order to facilitate this transfer, Kepa is reportedly willing to accept a reduction in his wages.
Real Madrid found themselves in dire need of a goalkeeper in August when Thibaut Courtois suffered an ACL injury that could sideline him for most, if not all, of the season.
Consequently, Kepa has stepped up as the club’s new number one, a development that coincided with doubts about his Chelsea future when the Blues acquired Robert Sanchez for £25 million ($31 million).
The 29-year-old has also indicated his willingness to continue his stay in Madrid beyond the initial loan period.
Real Madrid, currently leading La Liga, is set to resume their season on November 5 against Rayo Vallecano.
Meanwhile, Chelsea isfocused on improving their home form when they host Blackburn Rovers in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
Following their 3-0 defeat toManchester City in the derby on Sunday, reports have emerged that several Manchester United players raised questions about Erik ten Hag’s tactical decisions.
The Sun has revealed that some players expressed their confusion regarding certain choices made by Ten Hag during the match.
One particular point of contention was the utilisation of Victor Lindelof at left-back, a position he played in earlier this season.
This decision was made because Sergio Reguilon had just returned to the starting lineup after a month-long absence due to injury and illness.
Another concern raised by the players was the positioning of Bruno Fernandes on the right wing, as he struggled to make a significant impact on the game.
Additionally, the impact of substitutions made by Ten Hag, such as Antony and Mason Mount in the second half, was minimal, and this was viewed as an inability to change the course of the game.
As Manchester United now faces a quick turnaround for their Carabao Cup fourth-round clash against Newcastle, there is uncertainty about what changes, if any, Ten Hag will implement.
It is worth noting that Newcastle had previously eliminated Manchester City from the competition this season and will be seeking to avenge their defeat in the February final.
Lionel Messi hasofficially announced his intention to make a triumphant return to Barcelona, expressing his regret over the bitter taste left by his departure in 2021.
In the summer of 2021, the beloved Argentine football legend bid an emotional farewell to Barcelona, as the club’s financial woes prevented them from extending his contract.
Despite speculation about a potential comeback to Camp Nou after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain concluded in the summer of 2023, Messi chose an alternative path, signing with MLS team Inter Miami. Regrettably, he never had the opportunity to bid a proper farewell to Barcelona fans.
Now, following his record-setting eighth Ballon d’Or win in Paris on Monday night, the 2022 World Cup champion has confirmed his determination to rectify that situation and provide Barcelona supporters with the farewell they deserve.
“There was a bitter taste when I left and I don’t like that. I’d like to change the way the story ends. I deserve to say goodbye to the people who gave me so much joy. If it happens, I’ll be very happy to be there, of course,” he told reporters.
Barca president Joan Laporta, has insisted that their prodigal son would be welcomed with open arms at some point in the future and mooted two possible dates for the much-anticipated reunion.
He revealed that the club is in discussion with stakeholders to hold an official event for Messi either in June 2026, when Camp Nou renovations will be completely finished, or in November 2024, when the first team will officially return to their home stadium for matches.
This page contains affiliate links. When you subscribe through the links provided, we may earn a commission.
Messi will return to action with Inter Miami in 2024 and play a part in pre-season preparations ahead of the new MLS campaign, which is due to kick off in February.
Offinso’s enraged youth and elders have accused His Royal Majesty, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, of violating their rights by rejecting the Queen Mother’s candidate for the vacant Offinso stool following the death of Offinso Nana Wiafe Akenten III in 2019.
Addressing the press on October 24, 2023, during a protest against Otumfuo’s stance on the matter, the clan head of Bretuo read out a statement expressing their disappointment and discontent over how the Asantehene was handling the chieftaincy disputes surrounding the Offinso stool.
He said, “Manhyia wants to abuse the rights of Offinso; hence, I’m here to read out the content of this letter I have here with me.
“Offinsoman is highly disappointed in Manhyia over how the pending chif dispute is being resolved by his royal majesty, Asantehene”.
On their part, the Queen Mother, Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko, per customs, has presented a viable candidate, subject to the approval of all Offinso kingmakers but it appears Otumfuo wants to abuse the respect their queen mother has for Otumfuo.
“Offinso has noticed that Otumfuo is taking undue advantage of the respect our queen mother has for him and therefore exercising his powers over our queen mother to harass and make her powerless.
“There were 18 contestants and the queen mother chose her possible 3 and finally settled on Dr KK Sarpong. The kingmakers unanimously accepted the nominee; if the kingmakers had rejected the nominee, the queenmother would not have presented it. We repeat that there is nothing like an objection from the queen-makers.
Customs were made and there was aseda nsa to the kingmakers, namely Akyeamehene, Gyasehene,Kontihene, Nifahene, Ankobeahene,Adontenehene, Akyeame group, and Asonahene, as customs demand”.
They went on to charge the Asantehene to step aside and allow the Offinso quenmother and her entourage to do their job, as he has no right to “enstool or destool any Omahene”.
“We can state emphatically that Otumfuo has no power to enstool or destool any Omahene and should allow the Offinso hemaa and her kingmakers to do their job as custom demands.”
Meanwhile, even though it appears many of the Offinso natives support the queenmothers and candidate KK Sarpong, others also agree with Otumfuo’s assertion that the queenmother and elders of Offinso had taken bribes from Dr. Sarpong and were trying to sell the stool to him.
Otumfuo also warned them to stop their illegal activities and cooperate with him to resolve the issue amicably .
He clarified that he is extending his tolerance towards the queenmother primarily due to her familial ties and the memory of his late mother, the Asantehemaa.
In a statement dated October 30, 2023, the High Commission also affirmed the abduction of a church deacon that occurred during the incident, which transpired on October 29, 2023.
“The attention of the High Commission of the Republic of Ghana has been drawn to an incident in which members of the congregation of the Johannesburg branch of the Ghanaian Church of Pentecost were robbed of their valuables at gunpoint and a deacon of the church kidnapped during church service on October 29, 2023,” the Mission said.
Ministry confirms robbery and kidnapping
The statement added that South African authorities were working to ensure the rescue of victims.
“The Mission is presently working with the Church in cooperation with the South Africa Police Service (SAPS) to ensure the speedy and safe release and return of the victim to his family. Kindly note that the South African Police is fully focused on the matter and is working hard to ensure the safe return of our compatriot,” the mission said.
The High Commission further advised members of the Ghanaian community in South Africa to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
🚨 Unbelievable! 😱
In a shocking incident caught live on camera, the #Johannesburg branch of the Church of Pentecost of Ghana was targeted by armed robbers in South Africa. 😮
🙏 Thoughts are with the congregation, and hope for the safe return of the kidnapped Deacon. 🇿🇦🇬🇭 🙌 pic.twitter.com/o06J90NVBm
During the African IPAs Capacity-Building Conference held in Accra on Monday, October 30, 2023,the Minister of Trade and Industry, Kobina Tahir Hammond, emphasised the substantial financial requirements to address Africa’s infrastructural deficit.
He indicated that a staggering sum of US$600 billion is necessary to bridge the existing gap in infrastructure across the continent. Furthermore, he highlighted that Africa faces a multitude of challenges that demand trillions of dollars for effective resolution.
Hammond praised the creation of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) as a significant step in the right direction.
These IPAs, he explained, not only safeguard Africa’s interests but also create new investment opportunities that extend to the global community.
In his address, KT Hammond underlined the importance of the conference, noting that it serves as a platform for leaders and nations across Africa to exchange knowledge and insights, fostering a path towards mutual prosperity.
The Minister of Trade and Industry, while speaking at the conference, said, “I was pleased to hear about your efforts to create a unified platform of African Promotion Agencies and the creation of a common platform for African investment promotion agencies is not just a theoretical concept but a practical necessity. By unifying our efforts, we can amplify and multiply our impact.”
“The estimate is that Africa needs approximately US$600 billion annually to bridge its infrastructure gap… and trillions more to confront the myriad of challenges we confront,” he stated.
KT Hammond added that “if we are to create policies that protect us while opening up these opportunities to the rest of the world, we must necessarily dialogue, learn from each other and chart the path for mutual prosperity.”
In his perspective, fostering collaboration and jointly promoting investments can effectively contribute to reversing the longstanding negative perceptions and the historically low levels of investment inflow on the African continent.
Concerned Youth of Offinso, a collective that recently staged protests against the continuous dismissal of Dr. KK Sarpong’s nomination as Offinsohene by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has voiced strong concerns over what they perceive as an excessive exercise of authority by Manhyia on their leader.
During a press conference held in the area, the group asserted that the rejection of the nominee chosen by the Offinso kingmakers effectively amounts to harassment of their queen mother, Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko. She oversees the selection process, and they believe this rejection diminishes her authority to carry out her responsibilities.
“Offinso is highly disappointed in how the pending chieftaincy dispute is being resolved by His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
“Offinso has taken notice that Asantehene is taking advantage of the respect that our queen mother has for him and therefore overexercising his powers on our queen mother to harass and make her powerless,” part of their statement read.
The youth stated that 18 contenders were penned down for the vacant stool and were whittled down to three and finally, KK Sarpong was chosen as a successor to the late Offinsohene.
“The kingmakers unanimously accepted the nominee in good faith. If the kingmakers had rejected the nominee, the queen mother would not have an option, and we repeat that there was nothing like an objection from our kingmakers,” they added.
According to them, necessary customs, traditions and aseda nsa (drink of thanks) was given to the relevant authorities in that respect, only for the nomination to be rejected by Manhyia.
“We can state emphatically that Otumfuo has no power to enstool or destool any Omanhene and should allow the Offinso Hemaa and kingmakers to do their work,” they charged.
They rejected the often-cited reason for the rejection, stating that there was no spell cast on the Ahyiemu Royal family and that other reports had dispelled the same, yet the same “fabricated lies” are being used to block KK Sarpong.
Otumfuo’s warning to Offinso Hemaa
According to Otumfuo, he would never countenance any actions on the part of the queen and the elders that will undermine the tradition of Asanteman when it comes to the election and selection of chiefs.
“No one can arrogate powers that do not exist to themselves. None of the elders have the right to sell land when there is no Offinsohene, specificallywhen it is the Offinsohene who must sign off the sale.
“There is no such power. You are to take charge until a new chief is installed and then account for your stewardship.
“So be very careful in Offinso. I am very aware of all the things you’re doing at Offinso. You’re friends with Pitin Abontengdomhene and you have recorded a tape… I am very aware of your plot, that you will go ahead and install a new chief when I travel by Monday.
“Offinso Hemaa, you are aware of this, be very careful… I would never allow you to cause the downfall of Offinso,” Otumfuo stated through his linguists in an audiotape of his Asantemen court sitting shared by Royal Palace Multimedia.
The quest for a new Offinsohene
The demise of Nana Wiafe Akenten III, late Paramount Chief of Offinso has left a vacuum which has led to a litigation over who becomes his successor.
A former GNPC CEO, Dr K. K. Sarpong, was selected by the Queen Mother of Offinso with the support of some elders has been rejected by Otumfuo.
According to Otumfuo, it is rather wrong for the queen mother to present K. K. Sarpong as a candidate by virtue of royal bloodline while history and tradition tell otherwise.
Otumfuo has thus warned Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko and the elders of Offinso to put forth their candidate through the appropriate channel or risk having him rejected permanently.
Lionel Messi has made history by claiming his eighth Ballon d’Or award in the 2023 competition, surpassing all expectations and surpassing Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
The footballing legend, Messi, was widely anticipated to secure the prestigious Golden Ball at the star-studded ceremony in Paris, and indeed, he was presented with the trophy by none other than David Beckham on Monday night.
At the age of 36, Messi outshone the competition, with Erling Haaland of Manchester City finishing as the runner-up and Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain in third place.
Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri took the fourth and fifth spots, respectively.
Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior secured the sixth position, followed by City’s Julian Alvarez in seventh, Victor Osimhen in eighth, Bernardo Silva of Manchester City in ninth, and Real Madrid’s Luka Modric rounding off the top 10.
This marks the eighth time that Messi has been honoured as the world’s best men’s player, with his standout performances during the 2022 World Cup being a significant factor in securing this prestigious individual accolade.
The Argentine captain scored crucial goals in every knockout-stage game, ultimately leading La Albiceleste to their long-awaited global triumph. In the realm of club football, Messi played a pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 victory, contributing 16 goals and 16 assists.
Following Messi, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record with five Ballon d’Or victories, though notably, he was not among the shortlisted candidates for the first time since 2003.
The 2023 Ballon d’Or debate was chiefly dominated by the contest between Messi and Haaland. Haaland’s incredible tally of 52 goals for Manchester City in the previous season played a pivotal role in helping Pep Guardiola’s side secure a historic treble.
Messi is currently representing MLS side Inter Miami, and since they didn’t qualify for the playoffs, he’s making the most of some well-deserved downtime.
He is expected to feature inArgentina’s matches against Uruguay and Brazil in November.
Founder and leader of Glorious Word Power Ministries International,Reverend Isaac Owusu-Bempah, has firmly denied allegations that he prophesied Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s anointment to assist the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in retaining power.
Owusu-Bempah clarified that certain individuals, advocating for the Vice President’s candidature, have been spreading rumours that he issued a prophecy endorsing Dr. Bawumia as the NPP’s ideal choice for the flagbearer position.
“Some are going about saying that I, Rev. Owusu-Bempah, say that God has chosen Dr Bawumia to come and lead the NPP and that he is the rightful candidate to help the NPP break the 8.
“They claim I, Owusu-Bempah, gave that prophecy. I plead with everyone watching me; I know the media is recording this and the whole of Ghana is watching me. I have not made such a statement anywhere. I’ve not said it in my church or anywhere.
“So if you watch YouTube and see some people having such discussions that I made such a prophecy to President Akufo-Addo that they should bring Dr Bawumia to lead the NPP and help break the 8, it is not true,” Reverend Bempah told his congregation in a video sighted by GhanaWeb.
On Saturday, November 4, 2023, the National Patriotic Party (NPP) is scheduled to convene a national delegate congress. The purpose of this congress is to choose a flagbearer who will lead the party into the 2024 presidential election.
The candidates vying for this prestigious position include Vice President Dr. Bawumia, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Francis Addai-Nimoh, and Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto. On the pivotal date of November 4, one of these individuals will be elected as the NPP’s flagbearer, setting the stage for the forthcoming presidential race in 2024.
Ghanaian music starsBlack Sheriff and King Promise made a significant impact as their songs echoed loudly at an NBA match in the United States.
During the Toronto Raptors vs. Philadelphia 76ers game at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday, October 28, 2023, Black Sheriff’s track “Second Sermon” reverberated throughout the arena, gaining recognition and applause from the audience.
The DJ, 4 Korners, also included other African songs in his playlist, such as Tyla’s “Water” and Naiim’s “Mali Star.”
A previous Raptors home game also featured King Promise’s hit single “Terminator” in the DJ’s playlist, alongside Davido’s “Unavailable” and Diamond Platinumz’s “Shu.”
Following his controversial loss toTyson Fury on Saturday,December 3, 2023, Cameroonian boxer Francis Ngannou expressed his frustration in a passionate outburst.
Despite holding the title of reigning UFC heavyweight champion, Ngannou faced a split decision defeat after a gruelling 12-round bout.
In the third round, Ngannou successfully managed to knock down Tyson Fury, marking the seventh instance of such an accomplishment in his boxing career.
However, much to the surprise of fans and experts alike, the victory was not awarded to him.
Against all odds and coming out on TOP‼️ Stepping into the squared circle and going toe to toe with the greatest heavyweight in boxing. My brother @francisngannou …you shook up the WORLD‼️ 🌍 pic.twitter.com/bDcWF4Ysiw
This decision was met with widespread criticism for its perceived unfairness, as the majority of spectators believed Ngannou had displayed a performance deserving of victory.
Francis Ngannou landing a punch on Tyson Fury
Taking to social media after the fight, Ngannou didn’t mince words in expressing his frustration with the judges’ decision.
In a series of tweets, he wrote, “This boxing world is wild but some judges should be responsible for their actions. This type of stuff is what fucks up people’s careers,” he tweeted on X.
This boxing world wild but some judges should be responsible for their actions.
This type of stuff is what fucks up people's career. 🙄 #FuryvsNgannou
In a post-fight interview, Ngannou, who remarkably emerged from the bout without any visible injuries, recalled Fury’s pre-fight boast of taking him to school.
Ngannou said, “When we touched gloves, he was like, Let me take you to school and I said you are not taking me to school. That is why, when I knocked him down, I was dancing like you are a bad professor.”
Ghanaian artist Shatta Wale, who transitioned from dancehall to afrobeats, recently shared insights into his challenges as a celebrity in Ghana and how he manages them.
In an interview with the BBC, which aired on October 28, he expressed his commitment to honesty and authenticity when dealing with people.
Shatta Wale compared his experiences in Ghana and the UK, highlighting his longing for a sense of normalcy when he’s not performing.
He mentioned that travelling to destinations like London grants him the freedom to experience this, as he finds it challenging to move around freely in Ghana.
“I think I’m brutally honest; I want to be honest with people; I want to be real with people. When I’m off stage, I want to feel like a normal human so actually coming here to London is giving me that feeling because when I’m in Ghana, I can’t go to places,” he said.
The musician also discussed how his need to feel normal causes him to respond heavily to critics on social media, as it gives him a sense of being on the “streets”.
“Sometimes I feel like I want to eat fufu in a chop bar or a public place but I don’t get that and that’s a huge problem for me.
“So that’s why when people get at me on social media, I just go live and just speak to them like I’m on the street,” he said.
Comparing being a celebrity to being trapped in one’s home,Shatta Wale disclosed thathe has to travel around and hold meetings at night due to the disruption he may create if he moves around during the day.
“It’s not easy to be a star; it’s like you’ve bought a yard, you’ve built a whole prison yard and you’ve locked yourself up every time.
“So people need to understand that it’s not easy for me. Because in Ghana, I can’t drive in the mornings or afternoons; I have to hold all my meetings at night,” he revealed.
A heated argument unfolded among panel members during the October 28, 2023, episode of United Showbiz on UTV.
The dispute centred on the Ghana Police Service’s decision to deposit funds received from theCEO of defunct Menzgold Ghana, Nana Appiah Mensah (known as NAM1), into the Bank of Ghana.
Bullgod, one of the panel members, asserted that the police’s actions were questionable.
He believed that the money, originally intended to be directly disbursed to some customers of the now-defunct gold investment firm, should not have been placed with the bank.
Bullgod contended that NAM1’s arrangement with the police involved providing security for the money’s distribution rather than taking control of its distribution.
“He did not give the money to the police to share. He made an agreement with the police that he needed security and therefore sought permission to use their premises to disburse the money. The police said yes, you can come and do that and he sent the money to the police.
“Now, after sending the money to the police, they have gone to deposit the money in their account, saying its an exhibit,” he alleged.
Despite Bullgod’s assertion, his viewpoint was met with disagreement from the other panel members. Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo argued that the money should never have been entrusted to the police and should have been directly disbursed to the customers.
In response, Bullgod proposed that the police should not have agreed to handle the money, but Ola offered a counterargument.
Roy Keane strongly criticised Pep Guardiola for what he deemed a pointless discussion between theManchester City boss and Erling Haaland.
Haaland had a standout performance at Old Trafford, scoring two goals in their 3-0 victory.
His first goal came from a penalty in the first half, and he nearly netted another before halftime, but Andre Onana made an impressive save.
In the second half, the 23-year-old secured his second goal with a header over Onana and also played a role in setting up Phil Foden for the third goal.
After the convincing win, Guardiola engaged in a conversation with Haaland, focusing on the distinction between his first-half and second-half headers.
When questioned about this in the studio, Keane criticised Guardiola for what he viewed as a theatrical act.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLZkb_kL3Ik
He explained on Sky Sports: “It’s all for show. It’s all for show. You can have that chat in the dressing room. What’s the big deal? It was a lovely header but you don’t need to be on the pitch talking about it for five minutes. Just get down the tunnel and enjoy your victory.”
This victory could potentially be a pivotal moment in the Premier League title race, and Manchester City certainly celebrated their win.
The Citizens are now level with Arsenal in second place, trailing the leaders, Tottenham Hotspur, by just two points.
Guardiola’s team will enjoy a rare midweek break, as they were eliminated from the Carabao Cup at an early stage. Their next match is scheduled for the weekend, when they face Bournemouth on Saturday, November 4.
Former RFEF boss Luis Rubiales, who faced disgrace for an incident involving an unauthorised kiss withSpain’s Jenni Hermoso, has been handed a three-year ban from football.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee determined that Rubiales, the former president of Spain’s Football Association (RFEF), had violated Article 13 of the FIFA disciplinary code with his behaviour following the Women’s World Cup final.
This ban encompasses all football-related activities for three years.
The incident occurred when the 46-year-old kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips as she received her winner’s medal following Spain’s victory over England in Sydney.
Hermoso later confirmed that she had not consented to the kiss, leading to a series of events, including a mass walkout by Spanish players and support staff.
Despite the controversy, Rubiales had persistently denied any wrongdoing, even when resigning from his position as RFEF president.
In August, FIFA imposed a provisional 90-day suspension, and now they have issued a three-year ban, which will keep him away from football until 2026.
It’s important to note that there is still a right to appeal available in this case.
FIFA’s statement explained: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has banned Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF), from all football-related activities at national and international levels for three years, having found that he acted in breach of article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
“This case relates to the events that occurred during the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup on August 20, 2023, for which Mr Rubiales had been provisionally suspended for an initial period of 90 days.
“Mr Rubiales has been notified of the terms of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision today.
In accordance with the relevant provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, he has ten days in which to request a motivated decision. The decision remains subject to a possible appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
“FIFA reiterates its absolute commitment to respecting and protecting the integrity of all people and ensuring that the basic rules of decent conduct are upheld.” In addition to hisFIFA ban, Luis Rubiales is currently facing a criminal investigation in Spain. This legal process began after prosecutors received Jenni Hermoso’s initial complaint of sexual assault, which was filed with a court in Madrid.
A second complaint of coercion was later added, relating to alleged pressure on Hermoso to support Rubiales against the backlash resulting from his actions.
Rubiales recently appeared in court, where he denied both charges. However, he was issued a restraining order that prohibits him from coming within 200 metres of Hermoso.
Former Spain head coach Jorge Vilda, who had publicly supported Rubiales during a controversial speech in which the former president claimed he was being unfairly targeted by “false feminism,” is also under investigation in connection with the coercion allegation. Vilda has denied any wrongdoing.
Vilda was dismissed from his role last month following a series of issues during his tenure. Controversially, he has already secured a new position as the head coach of Morocco’s women’s national team.
