Former West Ham United defender, Anton Ferdinand, holds the belief that Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus will thrive at the London-based club through diligent effort.
Kudus has embarked on a journey with the Hammers, signing a five-year contract after transferring from Dutch Eredivisie powerhouse Ajax Amsterdam.
The 23-year-old completed his move on a Sunday and was officially introduced as West Ham’s newest addition on the same day.
During his initial interaction with the club, the former Nordsjaelland midfielder engaged with West Ham legend Ferdinand, who imparted advice to him, emphasising the importance of hard work and wholehearted commitment to the club.
“I think your honesty you showed in that interview is something that our fans here will love in you as a footballer. I think any new player who comes to this fantastic football club should know that you work hard first, you play second, which sounds like you; you work hard, you play second and you will entertain the fans and when you do that, the fans will love you forever,” he told Kudus, who thanked him for his words.
Moments after Kudus’ unveiling, Ferdinand – the younger brother of Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand – also shared his excitement by the capture of the Ghana international.
“Welcome to our fantastic club, Mo. Be excited, West Ham fans!!!! I certainly am. Make sure every one of you listens to the new episode of Iron Cast to hear him speak as a hammer for the first time,” he posted on Twitter.
After Andre Ayew and John Paintsil, Kudus becomes the third Ghanaian to playfor West Ham.
With a robust 12 years of marriage under their belt, she highlighted her husband’s role as both her confidant and the person she engages in friendly disagreements with.
She said, “Cheers to an Awesome 12 Years ” Of a Mutual Commitment To Love Without Condition Or Expiry Date. Happy Wedding Anniversary, Babe… My Quarrelling/Gossip Partner that I can’t do without.”
Prince Odi, in turn, put up a heartwarming post on his page, gushing over his woman. Noting that their journey together is a forever thing, he expressed his profound and never-ending love to her.
His caption read, “12 YEARS TODAY!!!!! Every moment spent with you fills my heart with countless memories and immeasurable happiness. Here’s FOREVER INSEPARABLE… I love you endlessly. HAPPY 12TH YEAR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY TO US.”
He didn’t stop there. In his subsequent post, he contemplated their marital voyage up to this point, commencing as a content duo and now graced withthe four lovely children.
The chairman shared a series of pictures in a carousel format, initiating with a throwback image of himself and Mercy from their traditional wedding.
The ensuing snapshots showcased the joyful family of six, all attired in matching outfits, featuring printed messages on their T-shirts.
Mercy Johnson’s initial encounter with her husband occurred in 2008 while they were both on a flight from France. He admitted that he had requested her phone number, which she initially declined, but he persisted in his pursuit.
The couple eventually sealed their commitment to each other on August 26, 2011, in a glamorous wedding ceremony held at Christ Embassy Church.
In 2018, there were rumours suggesting that the admired couple had separated, triggered by Mercy’s deletion of their old photos from her social media page.
However, she refuted these claims, clarifying that she had removed the pictures to create space for new memories.
The Saudi Pro League has undergone a remarkable transformation, elevating itself from its previous standing to emerge as a formidable entity in the realm of football.
This transformation owes much to the inclusion of the legendary Portuguese football icon, Cristiano Ronaldo.
His arrival has triggered an exponential surge in the league’s reputation, causing sceptics to reassess their initial doubts.
The influence exerted by Ronaldo on the league, both prior to and after his entrance, is monumental.
His mere presence has elevated what was once regarded as a modest league into one that now commands reverence even from the established powerhouses of European football.
Ronaldo’s prophetic declaration that the Saudi League would ascend to join the ranks of the world’s top five leagues no longer appears implausible.
Even those who previously dismissed this notion have been compelled to amend their viewpoints.
Carlo Nohra, the chief of operations for theSaudi Pro League, recently illuminated the profound positive impact of Ronaldo’s participation.
According to Nohra, the league’s revenue has surged by a staggering 650 percent since Ronaldo’s inclusion.
Furthermore, the league’s broadcast coverage has expanded to encompass an impressive 140 countries, indicating a substantial global outreach.
In December 2022, Ronaldo embarked on his own journey to Saudi Arabia by joining Al-Nassr, securing a staggering contract valued at 200 million Euros annually.
This pivotal move triggered a chain reaction, prompting other prominent football figures, including Karim Benzema, Neymar, Mane, Mahres, Mendy, Kante, Ruben Neves, Firmino, Yassin Bono, and Azmeric Laporte, to also venture into the Saudi Pro League.
Following Inter’s 2-0 victory over Cagliari, Inter manager Simone Inzaghi shared his perspective onRomelu Lukaku’s impending transfer to Roma.
The Chelsea and Belgian forward is on the brink of returning to Italy, with Jose Mourinho eager to secure his services on a loan arrangement for the capital club.
The transfer saga has been a protracted one with many unexpected turns.
Lukaku reportedly declined the opportunity to make his loan stint at Inter permanent, initially eyeing a move to Juventus.
Eventually, he shifted his focus to Roma, perceiving that negotiations with Juventus were protracted.
When Inzaghi was asked to comment on Lukaku’s proposed loan move to Roma, the Inter boss told reporters: “As far as Lukaku is concerned, Roma have made an excellent signing. For the rest, I am very satisfied with my players, with the values they have and with the Inter family.”
In order to finalise his transfer to Roma, Lukaku is expected to undergo a substantial reduction in his wages. His current earnings, estimated at around £325,000 per week, exceed what Roma can feasibly afford to pay in full.
Maintaining his eagerness, Mourinho is enthusiastic about the prospect of reuniting with the striker, building on their previous collaboration during their time at Manchester United.
He is “quietly observing” Roma’s actions in bolstering their attacking options as the summer transfer window nears its conclusion.
Lukaku seems poised to depart Stamford Bridge, concluding a less-than-stellar second tenure with Chelsea.
To facilitate his move to Roma, the striker has agreed to reduced remuneration. In exchange for his services, Roma is expected to provideChelsea with a £5 million loan fee.
Van Basten believes that Ajax supporters attend matches with the anticipation of watching the Ghanaian talent, who recently signed a five-year contract with West Ham United following three successful seasons at Ajax.
The reasoning behind selling the 23-year-old shortly after an exceptional season with the club last year baffles van Basten, as he questions the rationale behind such a move.
“Why is he going to West Ham, why?” Van Basten said on Ziggo Sport Voetbal.
“He still has a two-year contract. Surely Ajax is in the business of making a good team, not just making money?
“What is the function of a football club? To entertain the public and give players the opportunity to excel, or to make money?
“You are going to sell people now because you will have money. He still has everything to show at Ajax. He has done well for a year. For him, people come to the stadium.”
In the following month, the Ghana national team is set to host their counterparts in the final round of qualifiers for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
Over the past few weeks, Coach Chris Hughton has diligently assessed players both domestically and abroad as he strives to assemble the optimal team for the impending clash against the Central African Republic.
Sources indicate that the coach will unveil his squad for this crucial match this week.
Subject to discussions with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council, Coach Chris Hughton is anticipated to reveal the squad on Tuesday, August 29.
Ghana’s qualification for the 2023 AFCON hinges on avoiding a defeat against the Central African Republic on September 7.
Pressure continues to rise against Luis Rubiales, with the Spanish FA’s regional presidents urging him to resign after his actions at the 2023 World Cup.
Luis Rubiales, the president of RFEF, has faced widespread criticism for kissing Spain’s women’s football star Jenni Hermoso during the medal and trophy presentation ceremony following the Women’s World Cup final.
Despite the backlash, Rubiales has maintained that the kiss was “consensual” and has refused to step down from his role.
Subsequently, Jenni Hermoso clarified that she did not provide consent for the kiss, leading Spanish prosecutors to initiate a criminal investigation against the president.
This situation has intensified the calls for his resignation.
Rubiales has been suspended for 90 days by FIFA, and the Commission of Presidents of Regional and Territorial Federations of the RFEF has now deemed his behaviour “unacceptable” while calling for his resignation and a “restructuring in strategic positions”.
“After the latest events and the unacceptable behaviours that have seriously damaged the image of Spanish football, the presidents request that Mr. Luis Rubiales immediately present his resignation as president of the RFEF,” an official statement from the governing body reads.
“We will urge the corresponding bodies to carry out a deep and imminent organic restructuring in strategic positions of the Federation to give way to a new stage of management in Spanish football.”
Further developments have come to light, indicating that the RFEF forwarded a letter toUEFA seeking the expulsion of their teams from European competitions due to government interference. However, this request was ultimately declined.
In a separate development, Luis Rubiales’ mother has initiated a hunger strike at a church in Motril, attributing it to what she perceives as an “inhuman hunt” against her son.
Rubiales faces additional challenges as his close associate and coach of the Spanish women’s national team, Jorge Vilda, has also voiced criticism against him.
Positive indications of economic advancement are becoming evident as a result of a sequence of strong economic measures targeted at attaining stability on a macroeconomic level and fostering sustainable expansion.
Dr. Leandro Medina, who holds the position ofIMF Resident Representative in Ghana, emphasised the favourable consequences stemming from these reforms.
He shed light on Ghana’s dedication to achieving fiscal unity, maintaining manageable debt levels, and nurturing comprehensive growth.
These efforts have been facilitated by the support of the International Monetary Fund’s rescue initiative.
“We’re witnessing substantial headway on all fronts: restoring macroeconomic stability, ensuring debt sustainability and laying the groundwork for inclusive growth. Good progress is being made on all these fronts,” Dr. Medina told the B&FT.
He pointed out that the authorities’ determination to promote fiscal consolidation and buttress public finances, signalling a confident step towards economic recovery, is one of these notable accomplishments.
Furthermore, Dr. Medina highlighted the success of monetary policy, noting: “Macroeconomic stabilisation is evident in various indicators. Despite the intricacies of the global economic landscape, international reserves have experienced growth and exchange rate volatility has been reduced”.
Turning to the IMF’s engagement with Ghana, Dr. Medina revealed that the impending first review of the programme is set to unfold: “In September, an IMF mission will visit Accra to appraise performance against established quantitative and structural benchmarks.
Positive outcomes will pave the way for presenting the first review to the IMF’s Executive Board for approval, unlocking a second disbursement of approximately US$600 million and further reinforcing Ghana’s economic revival”.
Ghana’s pursuit of economic stability has taken tangible shape with the endorsement of a 36-month arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) by the IMF Executive Board in May 2023.
This arrangement, totaling approximately US$3 billion, highlights the restoration of macroeconomic stability, debt sustainability, and the implementation of various reforms aimed at bolstering resilience and fostering comprehensive growth.
Despite facing challenges on its path to recovery, such as significant fiscal and debt vulnerabilities exacerbated by external shocks, Ghana’s authorities have taken resolute steps to instill optimism in the nation’s economic trajectory.
These steps include measures of fiscal consolidation and an all-encompassing strategy for debt restructuring.
The Bank of Ghana’s prudent adjustments to monetary policy have played a pivotal role in shaping this trajectory. Inflation, which reached a peak of 54 percent in December, has retreated to around 40 percent in recent months, with the reported rate standing at 43 percent as of July 2023.
An increase in inflation, largely attributed to higher food and imported product prices, has emerged. Nevertheless, a steadfast implementation of monetary policy is anticipated to maintain a downward trajectory for inflation in the foreseeable future.
The IMF representative extensively discussed Ghana’s commitment to achieving debt sustainability, citing substantial headway achieved through comprehensive debt restructuring.
The completion of a domestic debt exchange in February marked a crucial milestone, with ongoing efforts to address outstanding debts encompassing US dollar-denominated debt and cocoa bills. Concurrently, collaborative engagement with external creditors remains pivotal in securing necessary agreements for external debt restructuring.
Of particular note, a second phase of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) commenced on June 28, 2023, with the goal of restructuring GH123 billion of public debt to meet the criteria of the IMF ECF programme. This restructuring endeavour encompasses domestic dollar bonds, cocoa bills, and pension funds.
In alignment with the broader objectives of the economic programme, Dr. Medina underscored the importance of inclusive growth and social protection. He also highlighted the government’s strategic reforms aimed at enhancing domestic resource mobilisation, improving public financial management, and fostering an enabling environment for private sector development.
The expansion of social protection initiatives, including the Living Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) and school feeding programmes, underscores a resolute commitment to safeguarding vulnerable segments of the population during economic hardships, he added.
Romelu Lukaku is set to reunite with Jose Mourinho at AS Roma, following Chelsea’s acceptance of a £5 million ($6 million) loan proposal from the Italian club.
Roma has reached an agreement to pay £5 million for Lukaku’s season-long loan, as reported by The Telegraph.
In a notable move, the Belgian forward has agreed to a reduced salary, negating Chelsea’s responsibility for any portion of his £6 million ($8 million) earnings during his time in Rome.
Initially, Lukaku seemed destined to stay with Chelsea this season, declining offers from Inter, Juventus, and the Saudi Arabian team Al-Hilal.
While Chelsea was eager to offload the 30-year-old striker, they have now succeeded in removing his salary from their financial commitments for the remainder of the season.
Lukaku will be making a return to Italy, this time playing under the guidance of Mourinho, who previously managed him during their time together at Manchester United.
Acquired by Chelsea from Inter for £97.5 million ($135 million) in 2021, Lukaku has consented to an additional reduction in his wages in case he makes a comeback to Chelsea after this forthcoming season.
Notably, he still has three years left on his existing contract.
Nigerian singer popularly known asIyanya, Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk, has shared a distressing experience from 2020 when he faced financial ruin and contemplated suicide.
He revealed that he reached a point of bankruptcy, leading to the loss of his house and resorting to staying in a hotel.
However, his financial struggles escalated to a point where he couldn’t afford the hotel bills anymore.
During this challenging period, he was also entangled in a legal battle with his former management company, Temple Management Company. The company accused him of “stealing” one of their cars.
Iyanya recounted this deeply personal account while appearing as a guest on the latest episode of the Tea With Tay podcast. The podcast is hosted by actor Temisan Emmanuel Ahwieh, also known as Taymesan.
He said, “I was in court for a long time, I didn’t do shows. I couldn’t do anything. You know, when you stopped doing show, you now have to fall back on your savings. But when you are popping, that inflow [of money] is different, the way you spend is different from the way you spend whatever you saved. So, I felt it.
“I got to a point where I was like, mehn, I need to start touring. That was a crazy period for me. Guess what, two days after my last court case, COVID-19 started. I was stalked. I was in a hotel. My house was gone. I was in the hotel for a very long time. It got to one point, I couldn’t pay for the hotel bills anymore.
“The owner of the hotel is such a great human being. I have never seen a such an amazing human being like that. He allowed me stay there. His name is Alaba. He allowed me stay there for over a year. COVID literally caught up with me there. So, imagine not doing shows. Not touring for over a year, no inflow, and you are in court for the whole year. And then finally, it’s looking like the court case is finishing, the lockdown.
I was in that hotel throughout the lockdown. I almost committed suicide. The manager stopped me one time. All of that stuff. Madness, man.”
As confirmed by Rubiales’ cousin, Ángeles Béjar has entered the church of the Divine Shepherdess in Motril, Andalusia, where she locked herself in and declared a hunger strike.
This act comes as a response to the perceived mistreatment of her son. As reported by EFE, the incident unfolded on Monday.
She said her protest would continue until the “inhuman, bloodthirsty witch hunt to which my son is being subjected to” come to an end.
Following his actions after Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup final, Luis Rubiales faced consequences as FIFA imposed a temporary 90-day suspension on Friday.
Additionally, Spain’s Supreme Sports Council is actively pursuing his removal from office. This response stems from his behaviour, which included an unsolicited kiss on Spain player Jenni Hermoso.
Despite the mounting pressure, Rubiales remains steadfast in his refusal to step down.
He maintains that the kiss was mutual, a claim contested by the player herself. He has even gone so far as to threaten legal action against Jenni Hermoso and her union, Futpro.
In response to this situation, Spanish prosecutors have initiated a preliminary investigation into the incident on grounds of potential sexual abuse.
She added: “There is no sexual abuse since there is consent on both sides, as the images prove. … My son is incapable of hurting anyone.” The news agency reported that she had locked herself inside the church in Motril — a town with a population of around 60,000, in the province of Granada — with her sister, after its priest had left.
Rubiales’ cousin, Vanessa Ruiz Béjar, confirmed to Teledeporte that his mother was on hunger strike, saying: “This is very hard. To say that there is a harassment is not fair.
“That his mom, who is a person of great faith, has taken refuge in God and is on a hunger strike and does not want to leave the church. That his family is suffering very much on his behalf. It is not fair what is happening.
“He has been judged ahead of time and he should be left in peace. We want Jenni to tell the truth. Why has she changed her story three times? Our family has been harassed. This woman should tell the truth. Jenni, you should tell the truth. We want Jenni to tell the truth. “The way they are treating with him, the aggression, the feminists, the television, it seems to me shameful. All the people who are taking advantage of the situation, it is shameful.”
A friendly football match dubbed the “Friends of Rubiales” that was supposed to take place in Motril and feature the RFEF president was canceled on Saturday, with the local town hall citing fears over public order.
Rubiales’ behaviour and his subsequent refusal to acknowledge his actions have sparked broad criticism, resonating not only within Spain but also from football clubs, players, and political figures on the global stage.
Yolanda Díaz, Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister, Labour Minister, and leader of the far-left Sumar coalition, declared on Monday that systemic male chauvinism is prevalent in the country and has manifested in its most concerning manifestation.
She emphasised the urgent need for a transformation in societal attitudes across Spain and called for improved safeguards for individuals who have experienced sexual harassment and violence.
Manchester United is currently exploring the possibility of signing Chelsea’s defender Marc Cucurella as one of the potential left-back recruits before the upcoming transfer deadline, according to information provided by ESPN’s Rob Dawson.
This move is aimed at compensating for the absence of Luke Shaw, who might not return until November due to a muscle injury. Additionally, Tyrell Malacia’s knee injury has put him in a similar extended period of recovery on the sidelines.
Brandon Williams, the third-choice left-back, who was part of the preseason tour in the United States, has been loaned to Ipswich Town.
Consequently, Diogo Dalot, primarily a right-back, had to step in on the left during the match against Forest.
Reliable sources have informed ESPN that Manchester United is actively considering several options, including Marc Cucurella, Marcos Alonso, and Sergio Reguilón, to bolster their left-back position.
Mohammed Kudus, a teammate of Andre Ayew in the Ghana national team, said that the Black Stars’ captain frequently praises his former club. This admiration significantly influencedKudus’ choice to join West Ham.
While John Paintsil holds the distinction of being the first Ghanaian to play for West Ham, the former FC Nordsjaelland player clarified that he didn’t have the chance to converse with the former Black Stars defender.
Even though John Paintsil held the honor of being the inaugural Ghanaian to play for West Ham, the former FC Nordsjaelland player revealed that he didn’t have the chance to engage in conversation with the former Black Stars defender.
“Ayew has been speaking highly of West Ham, John Paintsil is way older so I didn’t get the chance to speak with him but Andre Ayew is still in the national team.
“He speaks a lot about his experiences at most clubs and West Ham is one of the clubs he speaks highly of,” Mohammed Kudus said
Mohammed Kudus will be wearing jersey number 14, the same jersey number John Paintsil wore while at the club.
The 23-year-old Ghanaian joined the Hammers on a 5-year deal fromDutch club Ajax at an estimated cost of 45 million euros.
Popular Ghanaian music sensation, Fameye, recently disclosed that he would decline an invitation to perform at Afronation Portugal. He cited unpreparedness and a lack of a substantial audience as his reasons for not performing on such a grand platform.
During an interview on The Day Show with Berla Mundi, Fameye explained that he feels inadequately prepared, pointing out that many so-called international artists struggle to draw significant crowds when performing abroad.
He underscored the challenges faced by Ghanaian musicians when it comes to garnering support from the Ghanaian diaspora during international performances.
This struggle is particularly evident when compared to the overwhelming turnout for Nigerian artists.
Fameye shared his personal experience of organising a show in the UK that fell short of his attendance expectations. He observed a shift in dynamics, noting that Ghanaians were once leading the charge in terms of international performances and even catching the attention of Nigerian artists for collaborations.
However, this trend has now reversed, with Ghanaians actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with their Nigerian counterparts.
“I will love to hear my song outside. Recently, I was in Germany buying something when they started playing Burna Boy’s song, which shocked me,
When asked what he did about it he said “he started dancing”.
Right now, if you call ,me to come perform at Afronation Portugal, I won’t go, I don’t have the people there. I want to work well so when I go, I can match up to the audience. I have to be prepared and I feel like that I am not prepared because some so-called international artistes are unable to make the numbers when they travel out to perform.
“Since I blew up in 2019, I played shows in UK and America, I have gone with other people I have gone with and it didn’t pick for us. Even it would work for us , the Ghanaians have to be the majority there and even that they are shy to shy along”,
Why do you think Ghanaians keep cancelling their shows, they don’t come. When Wizkid has a show, people seeks permission from work four months prior to the show , they won’t do that for any Ghanaian artist,
Because our people, all of a sudden , look like it’s an intentional thing cos it was not lie that before, that was why the Nigerians used to feature us again, but right now it is us chasing them to feature them because they don’t feel like they will get the mileage they want. King Promise has been performing internationally for a long time now but Ghanaians have a problem”.
Renowned Ghanaian musician Guru has treated his fans to an exclusive tour of his expansive collection of apartments in Kumasi. Situated across an extensive piece of land, these impressive structures number more than 15, each boasting varying room counts.
Within this assortment, certain units present three bedrooms, while others provide two, presenting a diverse array of choices for prospective tenants.
Throughout the tour, Guru’s excitement for his burgeoning real estate endeavor was palpable.
He disclosed that the decision to invest in rental apartments was a thoroughly calculated one, driven by his foresight for his financial future.
The artist emphasized his belief in the significance of spreading out his investments, and real estate has proven to be an advantageous avenue for him.
Guru delved deeper into his mindful selection to funnel resources into rental apartments, a judgment he regards as both shrewd and forward-looking for his financial path.
With a firm grasp of the importance of investment diversification, he confidently affirmed that real estate has emerged as a profitable route that aligns seamlessly with his long-term aspirations.
The musician’s accomplishments have attracted widespread acclaim from fellow Ghanaians.Heartfelt felicitations and applause have poured in for Guru, recognizing his well-deserved victory in this venture.
Michelle Diamond Gbagonah, professionally known as Michy GH and formerly Shatta Michy, has revealed that she was instructed by a higher authority to have her son, Majesty, cut his hair.
Shatta Wale his baby Mama and their son Majesty
During an interview with Tony Best on Akoma FM’s Entertainment 360, the Ghanaian musician and TV presenter disclosed that the directive to cut off the young boy’s hair locks came from none other than Shatta Wale, who happens to be Majesty’s father.
Back in January, Sulemana completed a £22 million transfer to Southampton, rejecting Everton’s prior interest. Despite a sluggish start, his standout performance with a brace against Liverpool on the final day of the Premier League caught the attention of other clubs.
However, despite Sulemana’s contributions, Southampton’s relegation from the English Premier League prompted Everton to rekindle their interest in the Ghanaian talent.
The club reportedly offered £22 million to persuade Southampton to release the talented winger.
While Sulemana has expressed a preference for remaining in the English Championship, he remains open to a potential move away from Southampton and a return to the Premier League.
Everton’s motivation for pursuing Sulemana lies in their desire to reinforce their attacking options and enhance squad depth. The versatile forward, capable of playing in various front three positions, would be a valuable addition to the team’s long-term plans.
With the potential departure of Demarai Gray from Everton this summer, the club is exploring alternate options.
Sulemana’s name is emerging as a strong contender, and ongoing discussions will determine the outcome.
Sulemana’s potential arrival promises to infuse Everton’s offensive lineup with speed, creativity, and unpredictability, addressing last season’s goal-scoring struggles. His calibre is perceived as essential for a successful upcoming campaign.
Ghanaian songstress Jackline Acheampong, professionally known as Gyakie, has shared an endearing snapshot featuring former Manchester United winger Jesse Lingard.
The R&B and Afro-Fusion artist posted a selfie with the footballer on her Twitter account, accompanied by a football emoji as a caption.
The tweet has sparked reactions among Ghanaians, who appeared surprised by the photo. Gyakie, predominantly based in the UK, is presently focused on finalising her upcoming album.
She recently performed on stage at the Hype Fest festival in Germany, which featured Ghanaian hip-hop artist Black Sherif as the headlining act.
On the other hand, Lingard is currently unattached, having been released by Nottingham Forest at the conclusion of the 2022/2023 season.
The winger garnered attention from severalMajor League Soccer teams, although no official offers have been reported as he remains without a club.
Media figure Nana Aba Anamoah has shared her perspective on the upcoming NPP Super Delegate run-off elections scheduled for September 2, 2023.
She conveyed that it might not be worthwhile for media outlets to extensively cover the event.
Through her social media platform, Nana Aba implied that a runoff contest between former Mampong MP Francis Addai-Nimoh and former energy minister Boakye Kyeremanteng Agyarko may not generate sufficient media interest to justify comprehensive coverage.
She advised the candidates to gracefully acknowledge their defeats and channel their efforts into other pursuits.
“No media house will spend resources to cover a run-off between Nimo and Agyarko. They should both go and sit somewhere and carry their L,” she posted.
Her comments come after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) announced a runoff election on Saturday, September 2, between the two politicians.
Both candidates received an equal number of nine ballots at the recentSuper Delegates Conference held on Saturday, August 26.
The conference aimed to elect five candidates out of a total of ten for the November 4 presidential primaries. The tie-breaking runoff is necessary to determine which candidate will proceed to the primaries and join Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong, Dr. Afriyie Akoto and Alan Kyeremanten in the flagbearer race.
Reigning champions of theGhana Premier League, Medeama SC, have successfully finalised the transfer of striker Daniel Lomotey from ES Setif.
The former Ghana U-23 striker has officially agreed to a two-year contract, marking his anticipated comeback to the Ghana Premier League following a challenging period spent in Algeria.
Medeama SC took to social media to announce the addition of the striker to their roster, releasing an official statement confirming his signing on a two-year agreement.
“We are delighted to announce the signing of former Ghana Under-20 striker Daniel Adzigodi Lomotey Agbloe on a permanent contract. Lomotey has put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal after leaving Algerian giants ES Setif” a statement from the club reads.
The former WAFA man spent two seasons with the Algerian top-tier side but struggled for game time and thus failed to hit the form that landed him the transfer in 2021.
Lomotey, before his departure, netted four goals against WAFA’s 5-4 win over Medeama in January. He led the top scorer’s chart but could not finish the 2020/2021 season as Setif poached him.
In the realm of football transfers, the roster of female agents remains relatively short. However, French agent Jennifer Mendelewitsch is defying norms and revolutionising the field, positioning herself as one of the few women thriving in this lucrative profession.
For those who may not be familiar, Jennifer Mendelewitsch is a French football agent who represents a range of players, including Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus.
Due to her close professional relationship and business dealings with Kudus, there have been instances where she is mistakenly perceived as the Ghanaian player’s romantic partner.
Jennifer Mendelewitsch has solidified her place in history by becoming the first French agent to engineer a deal with the esteemed Dutch football powerhouse, Ajax Amsterdam. Her pivotal role was evident as she facilitated Kudus’ transition from FC Nordsjaelland to Ajax Amsterdam for a sum of €9.00 million.
Recounting how she managed to seal that move, Jennifer Mendelewitsch told Oh My Goal, “The negotiations were with Marc Overmars and when I was younger, I would have never thought that this kind of deal would be possible.”
Although Kudus was one of the most sought-after players even at FC Nordsjaelland, Jennifer Mendelewitsch wanted a club where the Ghanaian could get more exposure and nurture his talent.
“Kudus was a young player who was very sought after during the transfer window in 2020. He wanted to play in the Champions League and we knew Ajax were close to being the best for developing young players. So it was natural to make that choice,” she told Oh My Goal in an interview.
In her most recent accomplishment, Jennifer Mendelewitsch successfully negotiated the transfer ofMohammed Kudus to the Premier League team West Ham, securing a significant €45 million deal that brought him over from Ajax.
Jennifer Mendelewitsch, who serves as a representative for numerous esteemed agents, initiated her professional journey at the age of 20, immediately after completing her qualifications.
Similar to how certain players are born into families with a strong football legacy, Jennifer Mendelewitsch was born into a family deeply rooted in the realm of football representation. Her father served as the agent for formerPSG player Jeremy Menez, who came close to joining Manchester United.
Despite benefiting from learning under her father’s guidance, it was a pivotal meeting with the renowned former Manchester United coach, Sir Alex Ferguson, that marked the turning point in her career.
“Being a supporter of the club since I was little, I was able to attend one of the meetings and it’s definitely something that had a big impact on me and had a small part to play in my career,” she said.
Beyond Mohammed Kudus, Mendelewitsch’s Supernova Management agency also manages Ivorian player Ismaël Diallo, who plays for Croatian side Hajduk Split, and former NAC Breda striker Thierry Ambrose, among others.
She also previously worked with Ghanaian player, Aminu Mohammed, who signed for Manchester City but whose career took a nose dive after he was released by the Premier League side.
Mendelewitsch currently also manages Ghanaian centre back, Emmanuel Ntim who plays for SM Caen in the French Ligue 2.
Manchester United icon Gary Neville has expressed his view that Arsenal should return to the fundamental strategy of deploying their key players in their preferred positions, which contributed to the team’s success in the 2022–2023 season.
Neville’s viewpoint stems from Arsenal’s recent inability to secure a victory against Fulham at the Emirates Stadium on August 26, 2023.
He highlighted an evident “element of the experiment,” pointing out that Thomas Partey is currently being utilised both as a defender and a midfielder, depending on the specific phase of the match.
“I would say that for me, looking at Arsenal, there is this element of experimentation. Thomas Partey is playing half-and-half in a game. Sometimes you need to go back to basics,” Neville said on Sky Sports.
He advised that Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta move Partey back to midfield to form a trio with Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.
“I’d expect next week [vs. Manchester United] that Mikel Arteta is going to end that experiment and go with a solid back four. Move Partey into midfield with Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard.”
Thomas Partey, a Ghanaian international who was formerly a defensive midfielder, has been moved to right back in the current Arsenal lineup.
With Martin Odgaard, the team’s captain, and record-signing Declan Rice, he formed a solid midfield triangle at the beginning of the season, receiving plaudits from many.
The standard 4-3-3 has now been changed to a 3-5-2, but without any preseason practise, many have questioned if it will be successful in producing the desired outcomes.
Appearing before the Parliamentary Ad-Hoc Committee established to investigate the alleged plot against the IGP, Bugri Naabu substantiated that he engaged in a significant conversation with two high-ranking police officers. He identified these officers as Commander Asare and COP Mensah.
Naabu disclosed that the conversation transpired within the confines of his office near the Osu Police Station in Osu. The two senior officers approached him with an agenda to advocate for the IGP’s removal.
Their motivation, as conveyed to him, was based on their perception that Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare’s actions were favoring the interests of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), potentially undermining the NPP’s chances of winning the upcoming 2024 general elections.
Earlier, Naabu had denied being present during the meeting discussing the removal of Dampare in an interview on Kumasi-based Oyereba FM.
In July of this year, an incendiary audio clip surfaced, purportedly featuring a conversation between a supposed senior police officer and individuals suspected to be affiliated with the NPP. The conversation revolved around the intention to replace Dr. George Akuffo Dampare as IGP.
The leaked audio, shared by GHone TV on its Twitter page, features a Police Commissioner identifying himself as Mensa and a politician who describes himself as a former Northern Regional Chairman of the NPP.
They discuss plans to oust Dampare due to his unwavering stance, which they believe would hinder any attempt to manipulate the 2024 elections.
In the leaked audio, Commissioner Mensa asserts that the NPP’s chances of victory in the upcoming general elections would be compromised if the current IGP remained in office.
Rapper Amerado, born is Derrick Sarfo Kantanka, has opened up about his struggles to secure shows in Ghana, emphasizing that he shouldn’t be pressed by fans toperform at the O2 Arena.
Recently, there has been a growing debate among music enthusiasts in Ghana about the contrasting success of Nigerian and Ghanaian musicians. Nigerian young artists are reportedly filling stadiums internationally, while similar achievements are not as evident among even prominent Ghanaian artists.
Addressing this matter on United Television in Accra, Amerado asserted that Ghanaian artists could indeed gather a large audience at venues like the O2 Arena. However, he pointed out that the lack of comparable support for Ghanaian artists, unlike their Nigerian counterparts, renders the comparison moot.
According to Amerado, if the necessary backing and support were provided, Ghanaian artists would have the potential to attract significant crowds wherever they perform.
“In Ghana, we are thinking of pushing one artiste out and promoting a new one. You’ll produce a hit song, and it will last for one week. The music lovers here have a problem with every artiste. They say Fameye produces funeral songs, and when Black Sherif came, they said he shouts too much. How will the artiste be motivated?
“We need support to be able to do some of these things. Have you checked the numbers when we organize shows in the country? A Ghanaian will rather go to a wedding or funeral than come to a show because they will give them food at the wedding and funeral.”
“We as artists are struggling, so we can’t also carry the burden of filling the O2 arena. We are not even getting shows to perform at in Ghana let alone International gigs. How many shows did I perform on in December to think of filling the O2 arena?” he said.
Saudi Arabia’s newfound prominence in the global football transfer market is impacting Australia’s ability to attract foreign talent to the A-League Men.
The head coach of the Western Sydney Wanderers, Marko Rudan, expressed that the league is currently facing one of its most challenging recruitment periods in his memory.
This shift comes in the wake of Saudi Arabia’s substantial investment, estimated at AU$1.41 billion in transfer fees alone, which has disrupted the transfer market dynamics.
It’s worth noting that these substantial figures do not even encompass player salaries, further diminishing the A-League Men’s appeal.
During the current off-season, Rudan has only managed to secure the addition of one overseas recruit, former Leeds United forward Marcus Antonsson, to complement his Brazilian defender and captain, Marcelo.
A-League men’s clubs are allowed a maximum of five foreign players in their squad. Rudan emphasised that this issue is prevalent throughout the league, impacting recruitment efforts across the board.
Rudan, whose side faces Adelaide United in the last 16 of the Australia Cup on Tuesday, said the issue was endemic across the competition.
“It’s not just Saudi Arabia too; there are a lot of countries that can offer a lot more money than ours,” Rudan said.
“Have a look at the imports that have been signed [in the A-League Men] this year, across the board; it’s not like there’s been any real headline [grabbers] out there. That tells you what the market is [doing]. We’re struggling. “Twelve months ago, there were a lot of players at my disposal but it’s so difficult this year.
“Saudi Arabia’s got a second division, as well, that is paying astronomical amounts of money.
“This year has been the toughest for me personally in the last five years in the A-League that I’ve had to encounter. Take Melbourne City away and no other team has gone and made a lot of noise.”
The Wanderers were unable to retain Tunisian international Amor Layouni, whom Rudan claimed was asking for a salary in line with that of Melbourne City and Socceroos star Matthew Leckie.
Adding to the pain for A-League Men clubs is the increase in young players heading overseas. The Wanderers, for example, have sold Kusini Yengi to England’s Portsmouth and Calem Nieuwenhof to Scotland’s Hearts.
“We’re not finished. It takes a bit of time. We’re three foreigners short,” Rudan said. “We’ve been talking for the last four to five weeks with a few players, so we certainly want to improve the current squad that we have got.”
Inter Miami superstar, Lionel Messi could suffer punishment for violating the Major League Soccer (MLS) rules after he declined to face the press following his debut.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner did not show up for the post-match press conference after his debut against New York Red Bull on Saturday.
Messi, who started the game from the bench, climbed off the bench to wrap up a 2-0 win for Inter Miami with a well-worked, phenomenal goal.
According to Goal, Miami spokeswoman Molly Dreska informed the press that the Argentine would not face the press, hence, Messi could be sanctioned for not showing up.
At the moment, a decision on whether or not Messi will be punished has not been made as he continues his stunning start in Miami.
Lionel Messi’s goal takes his tally for Miami to 11 goals and 3 assists in 9 matches.
Talent manager and entertainment commentator, Mr. Logic, has expressed his frustration regarding the prevailing lack of authentic backing and financial support within the music industry. He asserts that this deficiency stands as the primary impediment to the industry’s advancement.
He strongly refutes the claim that artist Shatta Wale is to blame for hindering progress within the industry, deeming such allegations as baseless.
Speaking on UTV’s Showbiz Night, Mr. Logic elaborated on the issue, highlighting how continuous negative comparisons and criticisms discourage potential investors from channeling resources into artists who possess the potential to achieve accomplishments akin to those attained by Nigerian artists.
He underlined that the remarkable global success of Nigerian artists is largely attributed to substantial investments and robust industry support, an approach that could also greatly benefit Ghanaian artists.
Mr. Logic challenged the notion that artists like Shatta Wale, who boast extensive experience in the industry, are incapable of filling prestigious venues such as the O2 Arena.
He pointed out that the prevailing negative discourse surrounding the industry has eroded investor confidence, subsequently affecting both artists and their overall prominence.
“Who says Shatta Wale who has been in the industry for the longest running can’t fill up the O2 arena, It’s because investors have lost confidence due to the constant negative conversations that surround the artistry and it affects the artists and their prominence”
He emphasized that the achievements of artists like Asake are not unattainable for Ghanaian artists, provided they are given the necessary resources and support.
“It is nothing too extraordinary that Asake and his colleagues are doing that the Ghanaian artists can’t do, we are equally capable of doing the same, let’s not belittle our creatives for trying their best”
He criticized the approach of Ghanaian artists, noting that they often rely on personal contacts rather than allocating budgets for self-promotion, unlike their Nigerian counterparts.
Mr. Logic emphasized that Shatta Wale should not be blamed for the industry’s challenges, as pushing each other’s careers is not a responsibility that falls on any individual artist.
“Ghanaian artists don’t go all out in pushing their music and craft unlike the Nigerians, they don’t have any budget in promoting themselves or whatsoever rather they seek to ride on personal contacts for their gain rather than putting in the necessary resources for greater results, Ghanaian artist lacks the understanding of the business of music
“Don’t blame Shatta Wale for the industry woes, It’s not his responsibility to push anyone, each of the artists is doing their work and no one is obliged to push the other. However, the prompt rescue for success in the industry is if these artists get the major support and funding”
He stressed that the real solution lies in granting these artists the essential support and funding they need to thrive in the industry.
This was in reaction to the directive released on August 18 informing its clients to pay a mandatory 650 cedis verification fee or risk losing their locked-up funds.
This didn’t go down well with many, as NAM1 was accused of trying to swindle his customers again. The payment was later cancelled.
Addressing the issue on United Showbiz on UTV on August 26, Arnold warned NAM1 to put more thought into how he handles communications. He explained that Ghanaians are more cautious of attempts to swindle them and advised him to be circumspect in how he handles the company in the future.
“I think Nana Appiah should have the realisation that the Ghanaians of 2016–2017 are not the same as today,” said Arnold. “They are wiser now. That’s why you have the pushback, the protest, and the angst that followed the release he brought out.”
“If he had brought out that release in 2015/2016, there would have been less opposition to a release like that. But in 2023, if you actually come up with a lousy and flippant release like that, the results are what we are seeing,” he added.
“So my advice to him is that moving forward, he should be careful, because Ghanaians are smarter now. So before he releases any announcement, he has to be super sure and must go through multiple reviewsbecause the Menzgold matter is not something to joke about, many people have lost their money, lives, and properties.
“So if he sits in his bedroom and writes anything and thinks Ghanaians will swallow it, he is making a mistake, and that’s what he realised. Ghanaians are smarter now,” Arnold remarked.
He also expressed his disappointment in authorities for their lackadaisical approach to dealing with the issue. He wondered why the case had dragged on in the courts for such a long time and called for a quick round-up of the case.
“How can the man have been in court since 2019? He has been in court 36 times. Let’s accord the matter some level of seriousness. Unless the authorities are not taking the case seriously, they should just discard the case and let the aggrieved customers move on.
“But if they want to find a solution to the situation, they either prosecute him or let the matter be a dead matter,” he said.
The ‘All Black Party’ held in Kumasi over the weekend saw the attendance of notable figures, including Henry Nana Boakye, the national organiser of theNew Patriotic Party (NPP); Christian Kwasi Agyeman, the CEO of Taabea Bitters and a member of the East Legon Executive Club; as well as Rev. Isaac Obofour.
In widely circulated videos from the event, these individuals were captured alongside their bouncers, who escorted them to the venue, and their presence was acknowledged by the MC.
Dressed to fit the occasion, these individuals were seen in a pair of black trousers and a shirt.
They accessorised with a pair of sunglasses, pouches and sleek watches.
Netizens who were shocked to see such personalities, particularly,Nana B and Rev. Obofour at such a wild gathering, have shared interesting comments beneath the viral posts on social media.
Lyon’s manager, Laurent Blanc, has revealed that the club is set to introduce Ghanaian youngster Ernest Nuamah as a new signing by the end of this week.
The 19-year-old is on the verge of finalizing a transfer from Danish giants FC Nordjselland to the French Ligue 1. Reports suggest that his medical examinations were conducted last week, marking a significant step towards his move.
Due to his impending transfer, Nuamah has been absent from three consecutive matches for FC Nordsjaelland. While there has been no official confirmation from the parties involved in the agreement, Blanc has affirmed the deal’s completion. He mentioned that the player is already integrated into the team, awaiting the official announcement.
“He’s already in Lyon. I think [this] week he’ll officially be a Lyon player,” the French manager said when asked about the 19-year-old after the league game against OGC Nice on Sunday evening.
“He is a player that will bring what he’s capable of bringing. He is a player with a lot of power. He is a young player, a very young player, but he also brings us a bit of competition. Bringing competition to every position is a good thing for everyone. The more competition, the better things will be.”
Nuamah’s exceptional performance for his club has garnered him individual accolades, and he has also earned a spot on the 100-player shortlist for the 2023 Golden Boy Award.
His international displays have also left a positive impression, as he represented the Black Meteors in the qualifiers for the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and participated in the main tournament held in Morocco earlier this year.
His remarkable showings have made him a highly sought-after young talent. Notably, clubs such as Paris Saint Germain, Tottenham Hotspur, and Ajax have all expressed interest in securing his services.
Premier League teams have splurged a historic £1.95 billion ($2.45 billion) on player acquisitions during the current summer transfer window.
According to analysis from Deloitte, this spending is projected to surpass £2 billion, with a week remaining until the September 1 deadline.
The transfer window, commencing on June 14, has already surpassed last year’s record-breaking figure of £1.92 billion, as reported by Deloitte’s Sports Business Group.
This window has witnessed two transfers surpassing £100 million each: Chelsea’s acquisition of midfielder Moisés Caicedo and Arsenal’s signing of Declan Rice.
This stands in contrast to the previous summer, which saw no such transfers.
Chelsea, which has secured the services of nine players thus far, has spent over $1 billion in transfer fees.
This surge in spending coincides with the new ownership led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, following their takeover of the club in May 2022.
Manchester United is on the verge of finalising a deal to acquire goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, a move that will likely pave the way for Dean Henderson’s transfer to Crystal Palace, as per information from ESPN’s Rob Dawson.
United is preparing to secure the services of Bayindir from Fenerbahce for a sum of approximately €4.9 million, while concurrently, Henderson is in the process of sealing a permanent switch to Palace for a fee of £20 million.
The medical examination for Bayindir has already been concluded, and he is set to sign with United after the formalisation of Henderson’s move.
Henderson, who was included on the bench during United’s 3-2 triumph against Nottingham Forest, subsequently journeyed to London post-match to undergo a medical assessment and hash out personal terms. Dougie Freedman, the sporting director of Palace, was spotted in the stands at Old Trafford during the match.
Altay Bayindir, boasting five international caps with Turkey, is poised to join the ranks as the backup goalkeeper to first-choice André Onana, who had previously transferred fromInter Milan earlier in the summer.
The reported arrangement entails a straightforward loan for the season at a fee of €5 million, with no provisions for Roma to secure a permanent transfer.
The 30-year-old player is said to have consented to an annual salary of €7.5 million, marking his return to Italy’s top football league after his tenure at Internazionale.
Although Inter initially expressed interest in reacquiring Lukaku, they withdrew their pursuit when he was linked with a potential move to their rivals, Juventus. However, Lukaku’s prospect of joining Juventus fell apart due to his frustration with the protracted negotiations between the club and Chelsea, as reported by sources to ESPN last week.
Speaking to Belgian newspaper HLN on Saturday while at his son’s first youth game for Anderlecht, Lukaku said: “Tomorrow, I will fly to Rome to sign.”
Lukaku’s impressive record in the Serie A has seen him contribute to 76 goals in 97 appearances for Inter, where he played in three seasons across two spells.
Real Sociedad has officially secured the services of Kieran Tierney (26), the left-back from Arsenal, through a season-long loan, as confirmed by both clubs on Sunday.
The Scottish international originally joined Arsenal from Celtic in 2019, amassing over 120 appearances for the club. In the previous season, he participated in 27 Premier League matches, but was in the starting lineup only six times, as Arsenal finished as runners-up to Manchester City.
Tierney did make a substitute appearance in Arsenal’s Community Shield victory against Manchester City earlier this month. However, he was omitted from the squad for the first three league games of the season.
Real Sociedad, currently holding three points from three LaLiga matches, is scheduled to host Granada on the upcoming Saturday.
Although the SAFF didn’t provide additional information, reports from Italian media suggested that Mancini is set to depart for Riyadh on Monday for a presentation event and the signing of a contract until 2027, offering a net annual salary of 25 million euros.
He is scheduled to make his coaching debut on September 8th in a match against Costa Rica.
“I made history in Europe, now is time to make history with Saudi Arabia,” Mancini said in a video posted on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
Luciano Spalletti (64), the former coach of Napoli, succeeded Mancini as the head coach of the Italian national team. Mancini’s tenure came to an end on August 13th, concluding a five-year period during which he led the national team to victory in the European Championship but failed to qualify for the World Cup.
Herve Renard (54), a Frenchman, resigned from his role as Saudi Arabia’s coach in March. The team is set to compete for its fourth Asian Cup title in the upcoming continental championship scheduled to take place in Qatar early next year.
The country is making substantial investments in its premier soccer league.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has unveiled a Sports Clubs Investment and Privatisation Project that involves league champions such asAl Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Hilal.
Additionally, the league is attracting a number of prominent players due to these developments.
Rudi Garcia’s inaugural match leading Napoli from the home dugout at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona culminated in triumph, as theysecured a 2-0 victory over Sassuolo in Serie A, extending their unbeaten head-to-head streak to six matches.
In their previous eight Serie A home games, Gli Azzurri had not managed to find the net during the first half. However, their intentions were evident right from the start against I Neroverdi. Giacomo Raspadori seized upon Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s cross, rattling the post with a shot in the opening minute.
This determination paid off as debutant Daniel Boloca fouled Matteo Politano in the box, leading to Victor Osimhen converting a penalty with authority. This goal marked Osimhen’s 100th club career goal.
Sassuolo exhibited a solid response, yet struggled at times to advance out of their own half, making the cooling break likely appreciated by both sides.
Upon resumption, Alessio Dionisi’s side exerted a more noticeable influence on the game, orchestrating ball movement. Both goalkeepers faced challenges before halftime: Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Ruan Tressoldi narrowly missed headers from well-struck corners.
However, the visitors’ progress was hampered shortly after halftime when Maxime Lopez was dismissed due to dissent.
Sassuolo received a brief reprieve when Raspadori missed a penalty, firing over the bar after Jeremy Toljan was penalised for handling Amir Rrahmani’s header. Yet, their relief was short-lived.
Just three minutes after entering as a substitute, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia played a through ball to Giovanni Di Lorenzo, who executed a precise finish.
AlthoughVictor Osimhen seemed slightly frustrated by not securing another brace, Napoli comfortably clinched three points as they aimed to defend the Scudetto earned in the previous season.
On the other hand, Sassuolo suffered their second Serie A defeat of the season and extended their winless league streak to eight matches, dating back to April.
Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold narrowly evaded a red card during the match against Newcastle United on Sunday, despite committing a significant blunder earlier.
In the early stages, within just six minutes, Alexander-Arnold had a stroke of luck as he managed to avoid a direct red card. However, his mistake was capitalised upon by Anthony Gordon, allowing Newcastle to take the lead.
Adding to the eventful first half, Virgil van Dijk was sent off within the initial half-hour for a foul on Alexander Isak. The Liverpool team made a robust comeback, securing a victory with two goals from substitute Darwin Nunez to claim all three points.
When asked if he expected referee John Brooks to dismiss him, Alexander-Arnold answered: “It’s always difficult. Especially when you’re away from home, decisions can go against you. It was a bit of a mistake from me and it didn’t help with the crowd on top of me and the team.
“Me and the team are experienced in these things, we have played in difficult environments and have been able to pull through. To leave here with three points is a very good thing.”
The England international also spoke about the win and how proud he was of his team for staging a comeback despite having only 10 men on the pitch.
“It’s unbelievable. It was something very special out there today. You come here with a game plan, you want to dictate possession and control the game. That wasn’t the case and we’ve had to do it the hard way. We dug deep and it’s something for the ages.
“It’s one of our best performances since the manager has come in and we’ve had some outstanding performances as a team. I think we will look back on this game as something very special,” he added.
“Going down to ten men almost brings the team closer together. You have to do the extra yards and you can’t switch off. The lads that came on for us were outstanding.”
Nunez has struggled to live up to his club record fee since signing from Benfica a little more than a year ago. The Uruguayan has yet to start a game this season, but he showed his ability to sneak behind the Newcastle defence and score with two powerful finishes.
Liverpool will next face off against Aston Villa at Anfield on Sunday, September 3. They will be without Van Dijk and could even lose Mohammed Salah before the game as he has been linked with a move away from the Reds.
Entertainment journalist and analyst Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo has expressed disapproval of Shatta Wale’s assertion that Ghanaians would reap the greatest rewards from his performance at the O2 Arena.
Arnold argued that participating in events is a lucrative venture for artists, playing a vital role in boosting their financial earnings.
Shatta Wale is reported to have said, “You people call me a drug addict. Why should I risk my life to fill a place for Ghanaians or the music industry?”
In his analysis of UTV’s United Showbiz monitored by GhanaWeb, Arnold found it bewildering why Shatta Wale would utter these remarks. He argued that Shatta Wale does himself good for performing at events since he smiles at his account at the end of the day.
Posing a rhetorical question, Arnold asked how it could possibly make sense for an artist to consider performing at the O2 Arena a risk to their life. He emphasized that it’s an essential aspect of an artist’s role and responsibility to perform and connect with their audience.
“How does this make sense?” Arnold asked. “An artiste going to fill O2 Arena; how is that a risk to your life? It is part of your functions, your mandate as an artiste to actually go out there and perform. Unless of course you’re not an artiste or you don’t believe you’re a musician.”
He continued: “A musician has revenue generation points – royalties, endorsement deals, album sales which are now streaming and most importantly, touring, playing gigs, performances. So as an artiste, to say you’re risking your life for doing a part of your job, then what’s the point?
“How are you filling it for Ghanaians? The biggest beneficiary is you Shatta Wale,” Arnold argued.
These remarks come on the back of commentaries overAsake’s performance at the O2 Arena. Some have wondered why Ghanaian acts have not been able to achieve this feat as a section of the public mocks Ghanaian artistes.
Although some say the comparison is necessary, others have different opinions. Some have called for an end to it while others have maintained that it is healthy for the industry.
In a recent interview with Complex, the Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy found himself in a moment of astonishment during a jollof-tasting segment.
He was presented with a diverse selection of jollof rice dishes, each hailing from different African countries. Burna Boy’s task was to taste each dish and correctly guess the country of origin.
The singer appeared to be navigating the challenge successfully until he encountered what he described as “low-quality jollof”.
“I don’t think anywhere makes jollof like this. I think this may be a mistake. If Kenya made jollof, this would be their jollof,” he laughed and exclaimed while taking a jab at Kenya to emphasise the poor taste of the jollof.
The host then broke the news to him that what he had just tasted was Ghana jollof.
Still in shock, Burna Boy asked how anyone could not get Ghana jollof right.
A video viewed by GhanaWeb showcased MzBel expressing her concerns about various issues. She voiced her frustrations about poor network connectivity, the distant location of her shop, and the absence of piped water, among other factors.
Furthermore, she disclosed that the primary reason behind relocating her restaurant from Adjei Kojo, a suburb of Ashaiman, to Gbawe was due to an unsettling occurrence. She claimed that someone had placed a form of traditional medicine, often referred to as “juju,” near her shop.
MzBel asserted that this act resulted in her falling ill, as well as some of her employees.
“One time, we went to work and saw three white eggs in a corner outside the bar. But when I saw it and because I don’t have bad intentions, I just thought it was a stray fowl that laid these eggs there so we took the eggs and buried them.”
“Another time too, I saw a tortoise, in the same corner. Again, I did not have bad intentions so I thought it was someone’s pet that went missing so I made a cage for it and fed it well, a few days later, it died.
…Then another time, when we got to work early in the morning and opened the door, a huge cat ran out at full speed and bypassed us. There is no way a cat that big could get into the shop because the ceilings are, doors are burglar proof. I didn’t understand, today I get sick, tomorrow it’s something else, It was a whole lot,” she expressed.
MzBel alsoadded that when she decided to relocate the shop, someone told her the reason she kept falling sick was because someone had been planting “medicines” in and around her shop.
Sarkodie and his wife Tracy paid their respects at the funeral and thanksgiving service held for his lawyer, who passed away in June this year.
During the past week, Sarkodie was observed at a funeral service, dressed in all black, accompanied by his wife. Tracy was visibly wiping away tears during the sombre event.
In other video clips, the couple is captured outside a church, dressed in white attire, presumably at the thanksgiving service that followed the funeral on August 27.
Cynthia Quarcoo was a highly regarded lawyer and a prominent figure in the legal domain. She notably represented several renowned Ghanaian musicians, including Sarkodie, Samini, Shatta Wale, and Reggie Rockstone.
Her legal expertise and guidance played a significant role in shaping the growth and accomplishments of these artists.
Sarkodie, in an interview, expressed his sorrow over her passing, particularly highlighting her role as a source of comfort and stability during moments of uncertainty in his life.
With his usual fervour, Joan Laporta employed his customary enthusiasm to energise the supporters ahead of Barcelona’s upcoming match against Villarreal.
He pledged the prospect of additional signings, aiming to bolster the team’s spirits.
Despite facing ongoing Financial Fair Play challenges throughout the summer, Laporta maintains his assurance that Barcelona is now in a position to secure further player acquisitions before the transfer window concludes.
Notably, there has been significant speculation connecting Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo and Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix to the Catalan club in recent weeks. Moreover, the potential departures of Ansu Fati and Marcos Alonso from Barcelona have also been subjects of discussion.
Then, asked about Felix, Laporta told Movistar: “You have to ask Deco. We have a salary margin for last-minute operations, more than one, and we are working on it”.
When asked about Fati’s continuance, he said, “Ansu is extraordinary; we are all in love. It was Xavi’s decision to bring him in and he is just another member of the squad who we want to improve. We are very happy that he is still with us.”
Laporta’s adeptness at boosting fan morale and his unwavering confidence have been instrumental in guiding him through his tenure, even in the face of the club’s persistent financial challenges. It’s anticipated that Cancelo will become a part of the team through a season-long loan arrangement. Additionally, there are reports indicating that Barcelona is open to including Fati as part of a potential agreement to secure Felix’s services.
The transfer window closes in less than four days, therefore, Laporta and Co. are facing a race against team to add to the squad.
Selorm Galley-Fiawoo, widely recognised as Selly Galley in the media realm, along with her spouse Praye Tietia, have officially confirmed the joyful news of her recent childbirth.
This announcement was shared on her verified Instagram account on August 27, 2023, where she conveyed her heartfelt gratitude to God.
The esteemed television presenter and her husband have been united in marriage for a span of 8 years, during which they faced challenges regarding not having a child and openly discussed her miscarriages.
Now, the couple’s faces are illuminated with happiness as they have ultimately received the blessing of parenthood.
In a related context, a follower had previously commented on Selly’s social media post, attempting to shame her by questioning the absence of children in her life.
However, Selly swiftly stood up for herself with the unwavering support of her fanbase, affectionately known as the ‘Sellybrators.’
In her latest posts on Instagram, Selly Galley was all smiles as she posed with her baby bump in a video, wearing an ethereal purple gown in one photo, and a black dress in another photo with “Aseda” by Nacee playing.
In her caption, she was very appreciative to God and her fans, “My deepest appreciation, THANK YOU!and you and you and you…
“Your prayers, your well-wishes, your good thoughts, your genuine concern… God heard your prayers for me. It was loud enough. It was! HE HEARD IT and HE doubled it.”
She didn’t, however, confirm if she had a set of twins as earlier reported but that hasn’t stopped Sellybrators from having a field day in her comment sections as congratulatory messages keep pouring in.
Despite stiff competition from top European clubs, the Hammers successfully secured the services of the talented Ghanaian attacker, who was previously with Dutch powerhouse Ajax.
At 23 years old, Kudus has inked a five-year contract with West Ham, marking the club’s third significant acquisition of the summer. This follows the signings of his former Ajax teammate and Mexican international Edson Álvarez, as well as English midfielder James Ward-Prowse.
Amidst the images shared by the club, a particular family photo has garnered attention across social media platforms. The snapshot portrays Kudus, his mother, and two of his brothers, taken at the home grounds of his new team. This display of family togetherness during pivotal moments in Kudus’s career is being celebrated online.
Known for his versatile skills on the field and his adeptness in both creating and scoring goals, Kudus has risen as one of Europe’s most coveted young talents in football. Now, he is ready to showcase his abilities at West Ham’s London Stadium.
In an interview with West Ham’s media, Kudus expressed his excitement about wearing the No. 14 shirt for the club. He mentioned, “Playing in a league like this has been a dream of mine since childhood.”
“I’ve been dreaming of this moment and I’m so happy to be here. But it doesn’t stop here, I want to keep going.”
He added, “I try my best to entertain the fans, as I think that’s what football is all about. I’m just here to do my best and help the team. I’m really happy to be here. I will fight for the badge. I can’t wait to get started.”
The 2022–23 season saw Kudus take his game to a new level, with goals against Liverpool, Napoli, and Rangers in the Champions League, eleven more in the Dutch Eredivisie and one each in theUEFA Europa League, Dutch Cup, and Johan Cruyff Shield, taking his total to 19 goals and seven assists in all competitions.
According to Mr Botwe, MP, Okere, there must be accountability in the implementation of the project and the same must be well targeted to the benefit of the people.
“The engineers, planners and other technical staff at the assemblies should be able to give accurate progress reports on the projects, and the MMDCEs must insist that this is done.
“People should be able to see, feel and experience the impact of the projects when they are completed.
“Let it not just be another project that offers an opportunity for people to make money while the people suffer,” he stressed at the launch of the project in Accra on Wednesday.
The IRDP seeks to provide critical infrastructure and economic empowerment in 23 deprived districts across the country.
The four components of the project are the provision of socio-economic infrastructure; the provision of credit to small and medium enterprises (SMEs); outreach, sensitisation and capacity building, and management and coordination.
The US$24-million initiative, which would span 2022 to 2027, is partly being funded by the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), US$20 million, beneficiary districts, US$3.2 million; and the government, US$800,000.
The beneficiary districts are Tema West in the Greater Accra Region; Afigya Kwabre North, Sekyere Central, Offinso North and Sekyere Afram Plains, all in the Ashanti Region; and Okere, Akuapim South and Ayensuano in the Eastern Region.
Others are Assin North and Awutu Senya in the Central Region; Essikado-Ketan in the Western Region; Adaklu in the Volta Region; Karaga in the Northern Region; Binduri in the Upper East Region, and Sunyani West and Wenchi in the Bono Region.
The rest are Techiman in the Bono East; Lambussie in the Upper West; Akotombra in the Western North; Krachi West in Oti; Asunafo South in Ahafo; East Gonja in Savannah, and Chereponi in the North East Region.
A former Vice-Chancellor of theKwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and chairman of the occasion, Emeritus Professor Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa, urged the implementers to put the plight of the people at the centre of the interventions.
“The voices of the beneficiaries are important, so let us keep that in focus when the projects are implemented,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Social Investment Fund, Justice Mensah Amankwah, on his part accounted that the first phase had been used to improve socio-economic infrastructure and services due to improved provision of 256 projects including 34 classroom blocks, 24 teachers’ quarters, two rural clinics, 22 maternity centres, 23 nurses’ quarters, 11 mechanised boreholes, three markets amongst others.
Independent filmmaker, events producer, and on-air personality Michael Kwaku Ola has shared his counsel with Kumawood actor and comedian Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as Lilwin, regarding his entry into politics.
Ola Michael stressed the significance of engaging in politics, highlighting that it demands a level of seriousness and commitment that contrasts with the more laid-back nature of a concert.
He advised Lilwin to reconsider his decision to venture into politics and instead concentrate on nurturing his creative career.
During his appearance on UTV’s Showbiz Night, Ola Michael voiced concerns about the advice Lilwin is receiving from those close to him. He suggested that the encouragement to pursue a political path could potentially have adverse outcomes in the long run.
Ola Michael proposed that Lilwin would be better off channelling his resources into his existing ventures or other worthy pursuits rather than diverting them into the realm of politics.
“The truth might be uncomfortable, but being a member of parliament is a serious undertaking, not a mere concert. I believe it’s too early for him to be contemplating politics. He should concentrate on managing his school and nurturing his creative talents,” Ola Michael commented.
He further advised against Lilwin’s potential venture into politics and recommended that the actor take to heart the guidance provided by individuals such as former President Mahama, who cautioned against pursuing a political path.
“Even former President Mahama advised him not to go into politics; he should pay heed to that advice. I think he should not try venturing into politics; he should throw his resources into something worth spending on”.
Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, has reconfirmed the government’s dedication to securing the necessary funds to fulfil upcoming obligations as part of theDomestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).
This affirmation follows the successful completion of the initial coupon payment within the DDEP framework, totaling a substantial amount of GH2,369,667,190.18, or roughly 2.4 billion Ghana Cedis. This payment is noted as the largest coupon settlement in a single day, as per records in the country’s history.
During an appearance on Joy News’ PM Express on Thursday, August 24, 2023, the Deputy Minister emphasised that the settlement of the initial coupons underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the success of the DDEP.
“Government is working to reduce its over-reliance on T-bills by aggressively pursuing revenue mobilisation and expenditure controls. To the extent that we’ve had a successful DDEP, our financing needs will reduce, which gives the government enough room to settle future debt obligations,” he said.
Introduced in 2022 as a strategic policy to alleviate Ghana’s unsustainable debt burden, the DDEP aimed to reshape the nation’s debt profile. Under this programme, eligible bondholders were provided with the choice to exchange their existing bonds for new ones, characterised by lower interest rates and extended maturities.
The Ministry of Finance, in an official statement released on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, highlighted that per the terms of the DDEP, launched on December 5, 2022, to complement the government’s fiscal programme, the initial coupon payments for the tendered bonds were due on August 22, 2023.
In fulfilment of this commitment, the government fully settled the first coupon payment linked to the DDEP, totaling GH2,369,667,190.18 (GHC 2.4 billion).
The Minister of State additionally remarked that the new bonds issued under the DDEP now take centre stage as the most prominent instruments within the domestic bond market. This positive development lays a strong foundation for a strengthened domestic securities market, and a swift economic recovery.
Dr Amin Adam also re-iterated the government’s unwavering determination to honour all upcoming payment commitments, in adherence to the new arrangements and terms.
The Minister of State also expressed heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders, particularly the bondholders who participated in the DDEP. He pledged that as the government forged ahead on the path of economic recovery, it would do everything within its mandate to make sure future debt obligations under the DDEP were settled per the published timelines.
The festival will present a diverse selection of films from across theglobe that exemplify innovative technology application in filmmaking. It will also feature workshops and panel discussions on the latest trends in film technology.
Additionally, BSIFF has planned various other activities, including a music concert, a film museum, and an esports tournament.
The climax of the festival will be an awards gala, aimed at recognizing the most outstanding films showcased.
During the event on August 23, 2023, Philippa Bentuma Arthur, the festival director, underscored that the chosen theme underscores BSIFF’s commitment to celebrating the advancements in African cinema and promoting an industry that consistently pushes its creative limits.
Ms. Juliet Asante, the CEO of the National Film Authority and the Founder of BSIFF, emphasized in her speech the importance of embracing technology to ensure that filmmakers remain aligned with the trajectory of the future.
The event saw attendees including the Ambassador of the European Union to Ghana, H.E. Irchad Razaaly, who emphasized the EU’s continued support for the filmmaking sector and creative industries in Ghana, aiming to create more opportunities for the youth.
The festival welcomes filmmakers, producers, distributors, and other industry stakeholders to participate.
The official festival program and ticket information can be accessed on the BSIFF website at www.bsiff.org.
Numerous organizations, such as the European Union, Mann Robinson Distribution, WiFlix, Indie Rights, Tecno Ghana, Silverbird Cinemas, Spanish Embassy, NAFTI, University of Ghana School of Performing Arts, Infocus BCW, CompuGhana, the National Film Authority, Black Market Records, Hype.Flix, Ghana Cinema Week, Goethe Institut, GHMovieFreak, and Elewa TV, are providing support for the 8th BSIFF.
Government’s flagship initiative, the Planting for Food and Jobs Programme (PFJ), is undergoing a review process in preparation for its second phase, which will involve collaboration with the private sector.
Consequently, government subsidies on fertiliser and other agricultural inputs have been temporarily suspended until the review is concluded. This announcement was made by Dr Hafiz Bin Salih, the Upper West Regional Minister.
Despite this suspension, significant quantities of fertiliser and other farming supplies have been brought into the region and are readily accessible in the open market for farmers this year.
Dr Bin Salih explained that in the second phase of the PFJ programme, the government’s role will be to shift its focus towards the private sector, which will be responsible for delivering subsidised farm inputs.
The Regional Minister shared this information during a meeting at the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council in Wa. The meeting brought together municipal and district chief executives, district coordinators, presiding members, heads of departments, institutions, and agencies.
The primary discussion topics included government interventions and their impact on the well-being of the population.
Dr Bin Salih also noted that information from the Regional Directorate of the Department of Food and Agriculture indicated that many farmers who cultivated extensive plots of land were unable to complete their planting due to the unpredictable rainfall pattern.
This erratic weather pattern has shortened the planting timeframe for the current year.
“As a result, the land size cultivated this year had reduced. However, from close observation of the performance of the crops, food security would be assured”, he said.
He said for the past four years, many agriculture extension officers had been recruited to help improve the staffing situation of the department, and they had been deployed to the fields for every farmer to access advisory services.
The Regional Coordinating Council, per Article 255 of the 1992Constitution of Ghana, mandates the House to meet at least twice a year to share ideas, advise on issues and take the right and appropriate decisions that would benefit the people.
The various assemblies presented reports on infrastructural development, security and the government’s social and economic interventions on the living conditions of the people in the communities.
A well-known rapper from Ghana, Amerado Burner, has shared his perspective on the recent discussions revolving around the ability of Ghanaian artists to organise and successfully pack large venues for international concerts.
His comments were sparked by the recent performance of Nigerian music sensation Asake at the renowned O2 Arena in the United States.
Amerado firmly holds the belief that Ghanaian artists have the potential to attain similar accomplishments and draw crowds at such significant events, just like artists from other countries.
However, he notes that this potential often appears distant due to the absence of internal support that propels gifted artists to the forefront.
He contends that the Ghanaian music industry lacks the vital structures and necessary backing that empower artists to shine. Rather than providing meaningful encouragement, he observes that Ghanaians tend to engage in destructive comparisons and undermine those who are making progress.
He underscores that while Asake’s performance is commendable, it shouldn’t be misconstrued as evidence that Ghanaian artists are incapable of achieving the same level of success.
Amerado emphasises that the Ghanaian audience falls short in terms of supporting its own artists.
He highlights that engaging in comparisons is counterproductive and diminishes the hard work put in by local artists.
“Asake’s performance was great but that does not mean artists in Ghana can’t do it; the honest truth is the Ghanaian audience doesn’t support their own enough; they ride on baseless comparisons and rubbish the hard work of their very own arts.”
“King Promise has the number one song on Boomplay but no one is talking about it or hyping it; these are big strides that can be hyped to empower artists to do more and move forward.
“Stonebowy, Sarkodie, et al. can all fill up theO2 arena, but we need the structures, the right support, and investors willing to fund the artistry.”
He urges the audience to refrain from constant comparisons and instead offer strong support to Ghanaian artists. Amerado contends that such comparisons hinder growth and the overall development of artists and the industry as a whole.
He encourages a shift in focus towards building a supportive ecosystem that nurtures local talents and enables them to achieve remarkable success on the global stage.
“It is not far from Ghanaian artists replicating what the Nigerians are doing, the audience should stop the comparison and throw much support behind their people to push them. such comparisons are a killjoy and don’t help the growth of artists and the industry at large.”
