A one-week memorial was held on Sunday, February 16, 2025, for the late Asante Kotoko fan, Francis Yaw Frimpong, also known as Pooley.
The event, which took place at Heroes Park in Kumasi, was attended by officials from the Ghana Football Association, representatives from the Ghana Police Service, and several Ghana Premier League clubs.
Among the clubs present were Hearts of Oak, Bechem United, Nations FC, and Bibiani Gold Stars, who joined Kotoko in mourning their devoted supporter. Asante Kotoko players and fans, including members of the Porcupine Tertiary supporters group, also gathered to pay their respects.
After the ceremony, Asante Kotoko expressed appreciation to everyone who came to support them during this difficult time.
“Asante Kotoko SC, through this note, expresses our sincerest appreciation for your exceptional efforts and support during the one-week observation of our departed supporter, Francis Yaw Frimpong, also known as Nana Pooley. Though grieving, the club is overwhelmed by your massive show of love, unity, and the preservation of culture.
We assure you that, with your support, we can make a difference in the sport we all love. Special mentions go to the Ghana Police Service, the GFA, GHALCA, Hearts of Oak, Bechem United, Bibiani Gold Stars, Ashanti Gold, Nations FC, and the entire football community,” the club wrote.
Pooley was stabbed to death during a league game between Nsoatreman and Kotoko on Sunday, February 2, 2025, in Nsoatre.
Israel’s Prime Minister,Benjamin Netanyahu, announced that he is working with US President Donald Trump to implement a plan to resettle Gaza’s population. After meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jerusalem, Netanyahu stated that both countries have a shared strategy for the Palestinian territory.
This discussion follows Trump’s proposal to have the US take over Gaza and relocate the two million Palestinians to neighboring countries. The UN has warned that forcing civilians to move from occupied territories is illegal under international law and could be considered ethnic cleansing.
The US Secretary of State mentioned that Trump’s plan might have surprised people, but he believed it was bold to offer a new approach instead of old ideas. Netanyahu confirmed that he and Rubio discussed ways to make Trump’s vision happen and that the US and Israel agreed on the Gaza issue.
He also warned that there would be severe consequences if Hamas did not release all Israeli hostages.
“Hamas can not continue as a military or government force,” Rubio added. “And as long as it stands as a force that can govern or administer or a force that can threaten by use of violence, peace becomes impossible.”
The Israeli military started a campaign to destroy Hamas after a cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, where about 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage. The fighting has caused severe damage in Gaza, with over 48,200 deaths in the 16-month war, according to Gaza’s health ministry run by Hamas.
Most people in Gaza have been displaced many times, and nearly 70% of buildings are damaged or destroyed. The systems for healthcare, water, sanitation, and hygiene have collapsed, and there are shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and shelter.
Palestinian and Arab leaders have rejected Trump’s plan to take over Gaza, stating that Palestinian land is “not for sale.” The US top diplomat did not meet with any Palestinian leaders to discuss Gaza’s future, unlike previous US peace efforts in the region.
At a joint news conference on Sunday, Rubio and Netanyahu discussed shared goals, such as removing Hamas’s control in Gaza, preventing Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, and monitoring developments in Syria after Assad.
Former President Donald Trump has asked the US Supreme Court to let him fire the leader of an independent ethics agency that protects federal whistleblowers. He has made an urgent appeal to the highest court to decide if he can dismiss Hampton Dellinger, who heads the US Office of Special Counsel.
This is believed to be the first case from Trump’s many executive actions to reach the Supreme Court. Trump has also removed over a dozen inspectors general from various federal agencies and dismissed thousands of government employees.
Mr Dellinger, who was nominated by President Joe Biden, sued the Trump administration after he was fired by email this month.
He argued that his removal broke a law that protects leaders of independent agencies from being fired by the president, “except in cases of neglect of duty, malfeasance or inefficiency”.
The agency’s main goal is to protect federal employees from illegal actions taken against them for whistleblowing, as stated in its mission statement. On Wednesday, a federal judge in Washington DC issued a temporary order allowing Mr. Dellinger to keep his job while the case is reviewed. On Saturday, the US Court of Appeals in the capital, which was split in its decision, denied the Trump administration’s request to overturn the lower court’s ruling.
This has led to the current legal situation.tice department filing an emergency appeal to the conservative-dominated Supreme Court, a filing seen by various US media.
“This court should not allow lower courts to seize executive power by dictating to the president how long he must continue employing an agency head against his will,” Sarah M Harris, acting solicitor general, wrote in the filing provided by the Department of Justice to the Washington Post.
“Until now, as far as we are aware, no court inAmerican historyhas wielded an injunction to force the president to retain an agency head,” the acting solicitor general wrote, according to the Associated Press news agency.
Ghana Weightlifting Federation (GWF)has announced that it will hold its Elective Congress on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Media Center in Accra Sports Stadium.
This event is important because members will discuss key topics and choose new leaders who will guide the future of weightlifting in Ghana.
The GWF also stated that nominations for executive positions will follow Article 13 of their constitution.
President of the Ghana Weightlifting Federation, Jerry Ahmed Shaib
Positions Up for Election: President â A contest between Hon. Jerry Shaib Ahmed (MP for Weija-Gbawe Constituency) and Michael Nii Yarboi Annan âDonâ (former NDC Parliamentary Aspirant for Odododiodoo Constituency). Vice-President Secretary-General Treasurer
Three Ordinary Executive Members Ben Addy, the Secretary-General of the Ghana Weightlifting Federation (GWF), has encouraged all members to take part, stressing that their participation is vital for the sport’s growth in Ghana.
Michael Nii Yarboi Annanis running for president of the GWF. The guidelines for the election will be shared with members before the event.
Since the GWF is key to promoting weightlifting nationwide, the upcoming Elective Congress is seen as an important event that will shape the federation’s leadership and future.
Elmina Sharks ownerPaa Kwesi Nduom has accused the hierarchy of the Ghana Football Association of conflict of interest in running the Premier League.
The politician expressed his frustrations over management of the countryâs top-flight competition, which has been plagued with several challenges including poor officiating, lack of a headline sponsor, and absence of broadcast rights holders.
It hit a new low in hooliganism when Asante Kotoko supporter Francis Frimpong “Pooley” was stabbed to death during a Week 19 clash against Nsoatreman in Nsoatre.
“The people who run the league, there is a conflict of interest,â Nduom said in an interview with GTV Sports Plus.
âWhy should an owner of a team be President of GFA, why should an owner of a team be a vice-president of the GFA.
âWe can’t sack them because people’s hands are in their mouth. Can you go and sack the people who are there now? No.â
Elmina Sharks players and supporters were allegedly involved in acts of hooliganism against Swedru All Blacks in a Division One – less than three weeks following the demise of Pooley and on his one-week celebration.
“Isn’t it a consequence of what has been happening in the country? If you let people misbehave from Premier, Division One, Division Two, what do you expect? If I was not at the stadium, what do you think would have happened?
Meanwhile, Sharks’ Jay Asamoah has been charged with breaching Section 13 (1) (k) of the Ghana Football Association’s Disciplinary Code for allegedly assaulting referee Eso Doh Morrison.
In a surprising turn of events, the Attorney-General has dropped charges against prominent clergyman Bishop Salifu Amoako, Mouha Amoako, and another individual believed to be his maid, resulting in their release from the court in the East Legon accident case.
However, there are unverified reports indicating that they were promptly re-arrested under new legal grounds as soon as they exited the courthouse. The reasons for the abrupt withdrawal of charges and the immediate re-arrest are still shrouded in mystery.
Bishop Elijah Salifu Amoako, his son’s mother, Mouha Amoako, and a sales assistant named Linda Bonsu Bempah were arrested because of a terrible accident caused by their 16-year-old son in East Legon on October 12, 2024.
The teenager was driving a white Jaguar F-Space Sports without a license when he hit an Acura utility vehicle. The Acura caught fire, and two young girls sadly died as a result.
In December 2024, the court sentenced the son to six months in the Senior Correctional Center for causing the deaths of the two people.
At first, the boy said he was not guilty of manslaughter, causing harm by being careless, dangerous driving, and driving without a license. But he later admitted he was guilty, which led to his conviction.
As part of his punishment, the teenager must report to probation officers every two weeks and sign a promise not to drive until he turns 18.
Separately, the court fined his parents 500 penalty units each (about GHc 6,000) for not supervising him properly. They also have to pay for the damages caused by the accident, including a light pole worth GHc 8,000.
Sponsor of Elmina Sharks in theDivision One League, Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom,is thinking about stepping down from managing the club. He feels that running the club isn’t worth the difficulties it brings.
Recently, Elmina Sharks made headlines for negative reasons when their players and officials attacked a referee during a match against Swedru All Blacks on Sunday, February 16.
In an interview with GTV Sports+, Nduom did not take responsibility for his team’s actions but did mention that he is considering quitting his role in managing the football club.
“I am considering whether to even continue on having this team as part of the league. It isn’t worth it. I don’t do it for money. I don’t do it for anything else. We do it for opportunities,” he said.
“We have players who are playing in Egypt and other places. They are doing well and have money. Do we have to suffer these sorts of indignities?”
All Blacks won the game 1-0, but it was the chaotic scenes after referee Eso Doh Morrisonâs final whistle that stole the headlines.
Players and officials of Elmina Sharksattacked the referee and other match officials over the penalty call which resulted in the away side picking up all three points.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) and theGhana Police Serviceare creating new Sports Safety and Security training for new police recruits. They had a meeting on February 14, 2025, at Police Headquarters to finalize the plan.
This follows an earlier announcement by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) during a meeting with the GFA and Premier League clubs on February 5, 2025. The Police Service will start including sports policing in their training right away.
Julius Ben Emunah, Head of Competitions and a CAF Certified Safety and Security trainer, met with leaders of the National Police Training School (NPTS) to finalize the training materials.
The meeting included ACP Mike Baah, Commanding Officer of NPTS, Chief Superintendent Charles Asiamah Agyei, Director of HR, DSP Richard Wieking Welleh, Staff Officer at NPTS, ASP Festus Addo, Training Officer at NPTS, and Chief Inspector Kwadwo Mensah, an instructor at NPTS.
They discussed content from both the GFA and the Police Service, which will be compiled into a manual for all six Police Training Schools.
To further enhance the program, Emunah and another CAF trainer, Captain (Rtd) Nick Owusu, will hold Training of Trainers (TOT) workshops for selected instructors soon. Additionally, the Police Service will benefit from the CAF Safe Stadium program hosted by the GFA in September 2025.
The GFA and the Police Service are committed to this initiative, ensuring that current police recruits gain practical experience at matches under police supervision before they graduate.
Ghanaian artiste Mr. Drew, has opened up about how working at Kaywaâs Highly Spiritual Music record label prepared him for challenging tasks ahead of his career.
According to him, because he got involved in various activities embarked on by the label, he did not encounter problems when he left the record company.
He told Kwame Dadzie on Joy FMâs entertainment analysis programme, Showbiz A-Z that he even had to pay for some of the projects.
âI did fund some of the stuff while I was on the label,â he noted.
Asked if that was the initial agreement, he said âno.â
He mentioned that he wasnât worried about using his own money to foot some of the bills because he felt he had a vision so he needed to make things work for himself even though he had a record label.
He added that there were certain things he wished her knew earlier before getting into the music industry seven years ago.
âI think the business side of it. You actually need to learn a lot. The paper work side of it. Yea, you have to work a lot. From clearance to even how your money is going to trickle in from different places, even after you are done working with somebody, how you are going to get your earnings, you know there is a lot that you have to learn,â he told Kwame Dadzie.
He also indicated that because his contract with Highly Spiritual was supposed to have been the 360 type, he initially didnât think it was necessary for him to know much about the business side of the craft.
However, he stated that going independent as an artiste has been a learning experience for him.
âOnce you get off the label you learn a lot,â he said.
Known for hit songs such as âDweâ, âMoodâ, âThis Yearâ, âCaseâ and âSneakyâ, Mr. Drew is currently out with a new EP titled âThe Loverboy.â
Hooliganism disrupted Ghana’s Division One League footballmatch between Elmina Sharks and Swedru All Blacks on Sunday at the Ndoum Stadium. The match ended in a 1-0 victory for All Blacks, but the post-game chaos overshadowed the result.
After referee Eso Doh Morrison blew the final whistle, Elmina Sharks players and officials attacked the referee and other match officials, angry over a penalty call that led to All Blacks’ win.
The Division One League match between Elmina Sharks and Swedru All Blacks ended in chaos, with some Sharks players and officials attacking the referee over a disputed penalty decision.
Match officials had to be quickly escorted off the field to ensure their safety.
Video fromthe game shows that referee Morrison didn’t call a penalty right away after two players bumped into each other in the Sharks’ penalty area. However, after medical staff checked on the players, the referee decided to award a penalty to the visiting team.
Here is the penalty decision in favour of All Blacks against Elmina Sharks that led to a referee being attacked today in the Division One League.
Founder and leader of the Glorious Word Power Ministries International,Rev. Isaac Owusu-Bempah, has expressed regret over his past criticisms of President John Dramani Mahama.
According to him, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, influenced him to dislike the then opposition leader Mahama.
However, he has now realized that Mahamaâs good heart contradicts the negative image painted by Wontumi.
Speaking to his congregation on Sunday, February 16, 2025, Rev. Owusu-Bempah admitted his regret, stating, âI am pained because, in the past, I didnât know him well, and we engaged in unnecessary conflicts. When I think about it now, I regret speaking against such a good man.â
He continued, âChairman Wontumi was among those who made me dislike President Mahama.
He said a lot of negative things about him, which led me to form a wrong opinion. But now I see that Mahama is a good man, not because of politics, but because of his kind heart.â
Rev. Owusu Bempah also admitted that he and others wrongly opposed Mahama in the past.
âI didnât know back then that he was such a good man. We spoke against him unjustly. Chairman Wontumi lied to me about him, and I believed those lies, which made me hate Mahama at the time.
ââŠMahama should be allowed to continue as president even after his four-year term. When he is ready to step down, he should appoint someone else to continue his good work.â
National Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia,has promised that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta will face consequences for alleged corruption during his time in office.
In a viral video circulating on X, formerly known as Twitter, Asiedu Nketia emphasized that any official involved in corruption would be brought to justice, no matter where they are now.
âWherever Ken Ofori-Atta is hiding, theyâd get him to answer questions on the cases of corruption against him. He will come. All of them, every crime they have committed, they would account,â he stated.
His comment comes after the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has officially declared the former Finance Minister a fugitive in connection with ongoing corruption investigations.
General has spoken so just count it done. Hon Johnson Asiedu Nketiah will get Ken Ofori-Atta to submit himself to the laws very soon. pic.twitter.com/P36V07jOQa
However, the Minority in Parliament has strongly opposed the description, condemning the OSP’s action as politically motivated.
According to them, the move is an attempt to tarnish Mr Ofori-Attaâs reputation.
Meanwhile, his lawyers have clarified that he is currently out of the country seeking medical care, urging authorities to refrain from misrepresenting his situation.
However,Mr Nketia assured Ghanaians that the current administration remains committed to enforcing strict accountability measures, even among its members.
âWe will tighten the noose on accountability, and even elements within this government who engage in corrupt activities will not go scot-free,â he added.
President John Mahama is scheduled to present his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on February 27, as programmed by Parliament.
This was announced by the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Mahama Ayariga, on the floor of Parliament on Friday, February 14. The Office of the President communicated this date to Parliament, and it was confirmed during the session.
The delivery of SONA by the president aligns with the constitutional mandate stated in Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution. According to this article, the president is required to present the SONA at the beginning of each session of Parliament and may also deliver a supplementary SONA at the end of the session to update the nation on the state of the country.
In his second term under the 9th Parliament, President Mahama is expected to outline Ghanaâs current state and his administrationâs strategy for navigating the country through this challenging period, especially as Ghana remains under an International Monetary Fund (IMF) support program.
With Ghanaâs ongoing economic challenges and recent warnings from the World Bank regarding the governmentâs fiscal decisions, many expect key issues to be addressed in the upcoming speech. The IMF’s recent discussions with the government, including talks on scrapping certain taxes and recommendations to tackle the countryâs growing debt crisis, are also crucial topics.
Additionally, President Mahama is expected to address important sectors such as education, health, and energy. On January 3, the immediate past president, Nana Akufo-Addo, outlined the state of the economy, which has now been handed over to the Mahama-led administration.
Former President Akufo-Addo highlighted the resilience of Ghanaâs economy, which faced significant hurdles, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the IMF-supported Post-COVID-19 Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG), his administration stabilized the economy.
âEconomic growth has also returned to the pre-COVID trajectory, with an impressive growth rate, rising from 4.8 percent in the first quarter of 2024, 7 percent in the second quarter, and 7.2 percent in the third quarter. It is projected that this yearâs growth rate will be 6.3 percent, significantly higher than the 3.4 percent my administration inherited in 2017,â he said.
President Akufo-Addo also emphasized strides in healthcare, including the Agenda 111 project to expand access to medical facilities and the revitalization of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Coverage now includes critical treatments for childhood cancers and sickle cell disease, reflecting a commitment to enhancing health equity.
Minister of Energy John Jinapor has accused the former Energy Ministry and Finance Ministry of being the masterminds behind the unlawful spending of the Electricity Company of Ghanaâs (ECG) under-declared revenue of five billion Ghana Cedis (5bn).
He made these allegations during an interview aired on Sunday, February 16, 2025, on TV3’s HostIssues. Speaking about the financial mess within power producing companies following the PwC report, which highlighted the financial disarray and looming power crisis, the Minister revealed he was shocked after requesting the first month’s report from ECG.
He discovered that “ECG collects about 1.5 billion, and about 5 million is not declared as far as the cash waterfall is concerned. What ECG does is, of the 1.5bn they keep five hundred million first before they move in to take more from the 1bn, which is in contravention of the Cash Waterfall Mechanism policy. There is a Cash Waterfall Mechanism committee being reconstituted, with the Ministry of Finance representing the ministry.
They will determine the formula to apportion the money. So, if ECG decides to apportion the money, it means they keep the money and spend it in-house. This 5bn we are talking about are monies that are collected but ECG fails to declare and then appropriates to spend,” Mr. Jinapor stated.
In light of this,Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and other power supply companies are threatening power cuts over the ballooning debts owed to them by the government. “When they do that, the IPPs would not be paid, generators would not be paid, transmission grid companies would not be paid, even the statutory levies would not be paid,” Mr. Jinapor said.
Mr. Jinapor also criticized ECG’s careless procurement deals and contractual obligations, which he believes contributed to the energy sectorâs crisis. “And so far, what we are realizing is that they have entered into many contractual obligations. Many banks deduct their money at source. They have just contracted what they call a super vendor that takes 5% at source, and they have contracted a certain payment app that deducts 3% at source. They have a lot of deductions at source that eat away a chunk of the money,” he concluded.
Jude Bellingham was sent off as Real Madrid missed the chance to move four points clear at the top of La Liga in a frustrating draw against Osasuna.
The England midfielder, who scored Realâs late winner at Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday, was shown a straight red in the 39th minute for foul and abusive language towards referee Jose Luis Munuera Montero.
Bellinghamâs only previous dismissal for Real came after the final whistle in a 2-2 draw at Valencia in March 2024, when he received a second yellow for complaining to the referee.
France forward Kylian Mbappe had given Real the lead at Estadio El Sadar, latching on to Federico Valverdeâs inch-perfect cross to fire home his 17th league goal of the season.
But Osasuna were given a lifeline in the 58th minute after Eduardo Camavinga was adjudged to have fouled Ante Budimir in the box â and the home striker scored from the spot.
As the second half wore on, Real continued to push for a winner, but Mbappe wasted an opportunity to find Vinicius Jr in acres of space in the Osasuna box.
The Brazil forward carved out a chance to fire Real back in front with 15 minutes remaining, dribbling past two defenders in the area before his effort was headed off the line by Alejandro Catena.
Vinicius also dug out a back-post cross with 10 minutes remaining but Luka Modric could not direct his side-foot volley on target.
Atletico Madrid, who are two points behind Real, will go top if they win against Celta Vigo later on Saturday.
Hansi Flickâs Barcelona will also leapfrog Real on goal difference if they beat Rayo Vallecano on Monday night.
Ghanaian Highlife musician Amanzeba Nat Brew has called on theGhana Tourism Authority (GTA) to include veterans who have greatly contributed to the creative arts industry in their programs.
Speaking during a media engagement, on February 14, 2025, Amanzeba stressed that involving icons like Azumah Nelson could help boost the countryâs revenue.
He urged the ministry and other institutions to honor these veterans while they are still alive, rather than waiting until they pass away to acknowledge their impact.
“The Ministry of Tourism must wake up and start thinking right because tourism can give us more than the galamsey and everything we are doing here that is causing havoc to the environment. We have most of the legends walking on the streets of Accra, such as Azumah Nelson, and we are just looking at them until they pass away,â he stated.
Amanzeba highlighted that legends like Azumah Nelson, a member of the World Hall of Fame, and Robert Mensah, once Africaâs top goalkeeper, are great examples of icons whose names and images could be used to promote tourism.
“Azumah Nelson is in the World Hall of Fame, for Christ’s sake⊠Africa’s number-one goalkeeper, Robert Mensah, is a Ghanaian. Do you know what we can do with his name and image in respect of tourism? They shouldn’t sit in the office, cross their legs, and think that we are going to get funding,” he added.
Amanzeba further stated that involving such personalities in the daily operations of the ministry could generate revenue for the country without relying on international funding.
âThere are initiatives we can undertake that would generate funds on their own, without needing government contributions or efforts from international bodies. Let them come to us⊠Letâs stop borrowing money from others,â he concluded.
Comedian, Zicsaloma, born Isaac Aloma, has revealed that he did not pay for the rhinoplasty he underwent recently in Turkey.
âI didnât pay for the procedure. I wonât call it free, but it was a collaboration between me and the hospital,â the content creator said in a YouTube video posted on Friday.
âI only did my visa and booked my flight to Turkey. I did a nose job and he also did a slight eye lift.â
Explaining further, Zicsaloma said, âThe hospital caught my attention among others I had seen on my Instagram and TikTok feeds because I saw that they did it for a black person. After I messaged them to ask how much, they said I have a lot of followers and theyâd like a collaboration.â
Before agreeing on the collaboration, he said he did his research on the doctor.
He said the doctorâs consultation fee typically ranges from $300 to $400, adding that rhinoplasty costs between $5,000 and $6,000, while the eye rejuvenation and temporary facelift cost about $2,500 each.
âI didnât pay for consultation. During the consultation via a video call, my doctor said I would look definitely better with a nose job. I asked a lot of questions about my fears and insecurities,â said Zicsaloma.
âHe told me about the risk of infection and bleeding, which is one in a thousand cases. The worst that will happen is that the person will go for a revision to do another one. I said I didnât want it too pointy, and he said he would give me ethnic rhinoplasty that would make me still look African.â
Zicsaloma revealed that he traveled alone to Turkey on January 23, 2025, for surgery, which was done the next day.
Since then, critics have accused him of having low self-esteem for undergoing the procedure.
The comedian admitted that he was insecure about his nose.
âIâve always had a very flat nose and right from childhood Iâve felt that if I could do my nose, I would reconstruct it. Iâve been constantly ridiculed because of my nose. My siblings would always insult me saying, âYour nose is too ugly. Your nose is too big.â I carried my papaâs nose in excess,â he said.
Zicsaloma said he believed everyone has insecurities, explaining that some ladies canât wear some dresses because they have big stomachs or K-leg.
Artiste manager Bullgod has come to the defense of Apostle Solomon Oduro following the negative reactions to his divorce fromRev. Charlotte Oduro.
During an appearance on United Showbiz on February 16, 2025, Bullgod called for the public to show fairness towards Apostle Oduro, emphasizing the hardships he endured throughout the marriage.
He contended that Apostle Oduro is the true victim in the situation, not Charlotte Oduro, referencing viral videos in which she acknowledged mistreating her ex-husband.
“I don’t see any reason why a man of God like that would lie to the public⊠With all seriousness, what she did wasn’t right. For her to consistently go out there and wash their dirty linen in public⊠If the man had been the one to beat her, or done all that the woman did, Ghanaians would have dragged him,” he said.
Bullgod further clarified that Apostle Solomon Oduro did not reveal the divorce to damage Charlotte Oduroâs reputation but because there was a breakdown in communication between them.
“If there had been some understanding between them, I think they would have issued a joint press statement. But because something was wrong, that is why he said that alone,” he added.
Bullgod also stated that if he had been in Apostle Solomon Oduroâs shoes, he would have retaliated to some of the physical confrontations from his wife.
“If I were the one she hit in the balls, I would have hit her back. If a woman can beat a man, then we can also conclude that a man can beat a woman. We can’t sit here while a man is being bullied. Hitting him doesn’t pain me as much as tarnishing his image in public,” he stated.
During an interview on Kessben FM in Kumasi, the former AshantiGold SC executive voiced his concerns about Adams’ frequent media appearances. He noted that the Buem constituency MP has been discussing sports matters publicly without consulting key stakeholders first.
Acheampong recommended that the minister should engage with essential bodies like the GFA and the National Sports Authority (NSA) before making public statements on sports issues. He stressed that understanding the sector thoroughly would be vital for Adams’ success in his role as the minister.
âComing from a political background, he feels compelled to be seen taking action, but personally, I think the interviews are excessive. So far, he hasnât achieved anything as sports minister, yet heâs been doing multiple interviews,â he said.
âHe [Kofi Adams] should have done a comprehensive interview after visiting various sectors like the NSA, GFA, and others. I think he could tone down, acquaint himself with the happenings, and speak from experience. Then he would understand why there are problems with the Black Stars,â Acheampong said.
Kofi Adams is set to meet with theGhana Football Association (GFA)next week to discuss the Black Starsâ upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier matches against Chad and Madagascar.
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has voiced his concerns regarding the underwhelming performance of the Black Stars, calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the teamâs technical staff.
Ghanaâs national soccer team has faced significant challenges in recent times, failing to advance beyond the group stage in both the 2021 and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments held in Cameroon and Ivory Coast, respectively.
The teamâs fortunes took a further hit under coach Otto Addo, as they were unable to secure a spot in the 2025 AFCON. This marks the first time in twenty years that Ghana has not qualified for the prestigious continental competition.
The four-time African champions experienced a disheartening qualification campaign, managing only three draws and suffering three defeats, leaving them at the bottom of their group with a mere three points.
During a visit to the Manhyia Palace on Friday, February 14, by Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams, Otumfuo expressed his dissatisfaction with the teamâs poor results.
He stressed the importance of making changes to the technical team to regain the squadâs competitive edge.
âThe Black Stars is now a disgrace,â he said. âGet the team a good technical team to man it.
âIt is not in good form currently, breaking peopleâs hearts always. They exited the last tournament quite earlier than expected.â
Otumfuo also stressed the importance of selecting dedicated and deserving players for the national team.
âThe right players must be called in. I have told them at Kotoko that good players must be allowed to play not those with some form of affiliation.â
Despite missing out onAFCON 2025, the Black Stars will soon regroup for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where they will face Chad and Madagascar in Matchday five and six fixtures.
The association has warned that if these nurses are affected, they will take action in protest.
In a statement signed by its President, Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, and Secretary, Dr. David Tenkorang-Twum, the GRNMA emphasized that newly recruited nurses and midwives play a vital role in Ghanaâs healthcare system and should not be removed from their jobs.
This appeal comes after a directive from the Chief of Staff at Jubilee House, issued on February 10, 2025, ordering the cancellation of all appointments made after December 7, 2024.
Initially, the GRNMA planned to issue a statement on February 13, 2025, but postponed it after the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, called an emergency meeting to explain the directive.
According to the Minister, the Ministry of Health (MoH) is reviewing all public sector hires after December 7, 2024, to check for any irregularities. This review includes nurses and midwives, and the GRNMA will be informed of the outcome in due time.
Meanwhile, on February 12, 2025, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) instructed regional health directors to suspend newly hired nurses who were not yet on the payroll as of January 2025.
The GRNMA believes this shows that the directive is already being enforced, raising concerns about its impact on healthcare services.
The association insists that all affected nurses and midwives are fully trained professionals who have undergone proper licensing procedures. They explained that the recruitment process started in mid-2024 when the Ministry of Finance granted approval, leading to the hiring of nurses from the 2020 batch who had completed their one-year internship.
The GRNMA contended that delays in payroll registration should not be grounds for suspension, adding, âIf there is an investigation to be carried out, that process should be completed before the affected individuals are asked to go home and not suspended before the investigations are conducted.â
The association cautioned the government that the suspension of newly recruited nurses and midwives would have severe consequences on healthcare delivery. It highlighted the already dire nurse-to-patient ratios and the increasing burnout among health workers.
âMore so, current emigration trends amongst Ghanaian nurses and midwives require more personnel to be recruited to strengthen the workforce,â the release stated, adding that removing newly recruited professionals from service would worsen the situation.
The GRNMA urged the government to reconsider its decision in good faith and exempt nurses and midwives from the directive, stating: âGovernment should allow our colleagues recruited after December 7, 2024, to stay at post and work because their services are essential in all the health facilities they work.â
The association advised all nurses and midwives to remain focused and await further directives from their leadership while monitoring developments on the matter closely.
Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation,Samuel Nartye George, has relieved Kwadwo Gyamfi Osafo-Maafo of his duties as Director of Cyber Security at the National Communications Authority (NCA).
A statement signed by Chief Director Alexander Yaw Arphul on Friday, February 14, confirmed the termination, stating that it takes immediate effect.
Mr. Osafo-Maafo has been instructed to hand over his responsibilities to the Acting Director-General of the NCA.
Additionally, as per the terms outlined in paragraph eight (8) of his appointment letter, he will receive three months’ salary in lieu of notice.
The Ministryexpressed appreciation for his service, stating “The Honorable Minister extends his gratitude for your service to the Nation.”
National Sports College (NSC) and the National Sports Authorityare set to launch a Certificate Course in Sports Psychology to enhance athletes’ performance, mental resilience, and overall well-being.
Scheduled to take place from March 23 to 26, 2025, at the Accra Sports Stadium, the program will feature expert facilitators from Germany and the University of Education, Winneba.
Speaking to GNA Sports, NSC Director Bawah Fuseini emphasized that this initiative marks a new chapter in training athletes, coaches, and other sports professionals in the crucial field of sports psychology.
He noted that despite psychology being a recognized branch of science, it has been largely overlooked in Ghana’s sports sector.
The course, he added, aims to instill self-belief and confidence among sportsmen and women, filling a long-standing gap in their professional development.
âWe are trying to do this one in Accra and the next one will be done at Winneba. This is a new course we are introducing and so far, the reception has been massive.
Sports personalities, coaches, officials and athletes are eligible to take part because these people are mostly traumatized either by not being able to win medals or probably injuries could affect their career,â he said.
The Director announced that Dr. Elvis Hagan Junior from Germany and Dr. Medina from the University of Education would serve as the primary facilitators for the course.
Founded in 1984, the National Sports College operates under the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, focusing on the training and professional development of technical personnel within the sports industry.
Ghanaian actor James Gardiner hasvoiced his concerns over the lack of urgency and professionalism in the countryâs film industry.
Speaking on Hitz FM on February 14, 2025, he highlighted the clear differences between Ghanaâs movie industry and Nigeriaâs, noting that the latter operates with greater structure and efficiency.
Gardiner praised the Nigerian film industry for its disciplined approach, emphasizing their commitment to timely execution and meticulous attention to detail in filmmaking.
“I feel there is more energy in the movie industry. The pace and the way they approach projects are very different. There is more professionalism attached to the film industry in Nigeria. Before I go on set, the executive producer would reach out, and everyone would reach out to find out the kind of food I eat and if I have any allergies. It is very structured.
“I would say the professionalism and seriousness they attach to it is different from Ghana. Because we take a lot of things for granted. We write so much about relationships, and when it comes to work, we don’t let our professionalism come into play,” he said.
Gardiner added that the frequent lack of professionalism in Ghanaâs film industry hinders its growth and potential.
He believes that with a more disciplined and professional approach from producers and key stakeholders, the industry could flourish and reach greater heights.
“We try to use who we know and how long we have known each other. You know our industry is not as big as that of Nigeria. I feel like we sometimes fall short. The professionalism is not 100 percent, but we know the craft; it is just the mindset and attitude that goes around it,” he added.
Kanye West and Bianca Censoriare reportedly heading for a divorce, with sources close to the rapper confirming that the couple has already sought legal representation according to the Daily Mail.
Their relationship, which frequently made headlines for its bold public appearances, seems to have reached its breaking point following a series of controversies. The decision to part ways comes in the wake of their provocative appearance at the 2025 Grammys and Kanyeâs inflammatory remarks on social media.
During the event, West allegedly instructed Censori to remove her fur coat, exposing a sheer dress that sparked widespread criticism.
Despite the backlash, the two were later seen in high spirits at a Grammy after-party. However, Kanyeâs shocking social media outburstâwhere he made antisemitic comments and disturbingly praised Adolf Hitlerâfurther fueled public outrage.
Now, as the fallout from these incidents unfolds, it appears that their whirlwind romance may be coming to an end.
News of their split comes as a shock to some of Yeâs fans on social media who initially believed the two were âmeant for each other.â
A few days after Kanyeâs wild rant on X, he began to post porn on his page, leading Elon Musk to censor his account which Ye reportedly deactivated later.
Kanye West recently sparked controversy with a Super Bowl commercial tied to his Yeezy brand, promoting a shirt featuring a swastika. The ad drew widespread backlash and was swiftly removed from the website.
West andBianca Censori, who had a private wedding ceremony in January 2023, often made headlines for their unconventional public appearances. While Censori embraced bold fashion choices that many deemed provocative, Kanye appeared unbothered by the criticism.
However, their relationship now seems to be over, with reports of an impending divorce. As the situation unfolds, many are closely watching to see how the split will play out.
Asantehene, Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II,has urged the newly appointed Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Adams, to closely monitor the Black Stars to prevent favoritism and nepotism within the team.
During a recent visit, Otumfuo acknowledged the declining performance of the senior national team over the past few years, attributing it to nepotism by influential figures in the Ghana Football Association.
The Black Stars have failed to advance from the group stage in their last three competitions and missed out on qualifying for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
Otumfuo’s comments underscore the need for vigilance and accountability to restore the team’s former glory.
“The Black Stars have been disgraceful these days. You have to get the Black Stars on the winning track,” Otumfuo challenged Kofi Adams.
“Make sure the technical team invites players who deserve to be in the national team. No other person should be allowed to bring their players to the team.”
Ghanaians will be keeping a close eye on that request with the Black Stars set to assemble next month for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.
A lawsuit accusing Sean “Diddy” Combs and Jay-Z ofsexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in 2000 has been dismissed, according to court documents filed on Friday in New York.
The case, brought forward by an anonymous plaintiff identified as Jane Doe, was voluntarily withdrawn by her attorney, Tony Buzbee. Buzbee, who is handling multiple lawsuits related to sexual misconduct allegations against Combs, did not provide further details on the decision to drop the case.
The filings state that the plaintiff “hereby gives notice that the⊠action is voluntarily dismissed, with prejudice”.
Because the dismissal is with prejudice, the lawsuit cannot again be refiled in its current form.
Roc Nation, the entertainment company founded by Jay-Z, whose legal name is Shawn Carter, issued a statement signed by him, referring to the dismissal as a “victory”.
“The frivolous, fictitious and appalling allegations have been dismissed,” he wrote.
“This civil suit was without merit and never going anywhere. The fictional tale they created was laughable, if not for the seriousness of the claims.”
He continued: “The courts must protect the innocent from being accused without a shred of evidence. May the truth prevail for all victims and those falsely accused equally.”
Jay-Z’s attorney, Alex Spiro, emphasised in a separate statement that the case “never should have been brought”.
“By standing up in the face of heinous and false allegations, Jay has done what few can â he pushed back, he never settled, he never paid 1 red penny, he triumphed and cleared his name,” he said in a statement to the BBC.
Jane Doe initially filed the lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs in October, later adding Jay-Z as a defendant in December. She accused both men of sexually assaulting her in 2000 following an MTV Video Music Awards afterparty.
Last month, Jay-Z petitioned the court to dismiss the case, arguing that the accuser’s claims were inconsistent. U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres granted the request, ultimately leading to the lawsuitâs dismissal.
While Jay-Z is no longer facing legal proceedings in this matter, Combs remains entangled in over three dozen civil lawsuits. Following the courtâs decision, his legal team released a statement reaffirming his innocence.
“For months, we have seen case after case filed by individuals hiding behind anonymity, pushed forward by an attorney more focused on media headlines than legal merit. Just like this claim, the others will fall apart because there is no truth to them,” the statement says.
It added: “This is just the first of many that will not hold up in a court of law.”
Mr Combs has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, since September 2024 on federal criminal charges related to racketeering and sex trafficking.
He’s been denied bail three times and will remain in custody until his trial on 5 May 2025.
Jay-Z strongly denied the allegations, claiming that his attorney had been sent “blackmail” in an attempt to force a settlement. He said the attempt had the “opposite effect” and instead motivated him to publicly challenge the accusations.
In December, Jane Doe gave an interview that raised questions about her credibility. She admitted that “not all the facts are clear” and stated, “I have made some mistakes. I may have made a mistake in identifying.”
Ghanaian media personality Serwaa Amihere has encouraged women to value kindness over financial status when selecting a life partner.
In an interview with Accra FM on February 13, 2025, she emphasized that genuine love isnât measured by wealth. “You donât need a fortune to express love. When someone has little yet still gives, it reflects the sincerity of their heart,” she noted.
âWhen they have a lot, they will definitely give. But itâs the willingness to share, even with the little they have, that truly matters.â
Serwaa further highlighted, âIf someone is kind and generous, even with the little that they have, they are willing to share. And I think for many women, thatâs what we want, to be with a kind person,â she explained.
âThatâs what I think every woman should aim for. Thatâs what I want.Thatâs what I have.â
Serwaa Amihere is a well-known Ghanaian broadcast journalist and media personality. Born on March 8, 1990, she has made a name for herself in the media industry, particularly as a news anchor at GHOne TV. She is also the host of the weekend sports show “Cheers” on GHOne TV.
Serwaa Amihere has received several awards for her work, including the “Best TV Female News Anchor” at the Radio and Television Personality Awards. She is known for her vibrant personality and dedication to her craft. Despite her professional success, Serwaa Amihere has faced some controversies, including an incident where an intimate video of her went viral on social media. She has also been open about her personal life, revealing that she is a single mother to a daughter named Naana.
Lyrical Joeremains concerned about the limited recognition given to English-speaking rappers in Ghanaâs music industry despite winning the Best Rapper award at the 2023 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs).
He believes that while Hip-Hop continues to gain traction, artists who rap in English struggle to receive the same level of appreciation as those who perform in local languages, especially Twi.
Speaking to Graphic Showbiz, Lyrical Joe lamented what he sees as an industry bias that sidelines English rappers, making it difficult for them to gain the recognition they deserve despite their skill and dedication to the craft.
âOne of the biggest hurdles Iâve faced is getting people to embrace fresh talent and accept the evolution of our music scene. Weâre no longer limited to one style. Now, we have artistes rapping exclusively in English, others in Twi, and everyone bringing their unique flavour to the table,â he said.
Lyrical Joe admitted that breaking through as an English-speaking rapper in Ghana is challenging, leading some artists to adopt mainstream styles to stay relevant.
Despite this, he remains optimistic, believing that listeners are slowly embracing this evolving rap movement.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has addressed the tragic killing of Francis Frimpong, known as Nana Pooley, a devoted supporter of Kumasi Asante Kotoko. This is the first time the Asantehene has spoken publicly about the incident, which occurred nearly two weeks ago.
Nana Pooley was fatally stabbed during a match between the Porcupines and Nsoatreman in Nsoatre, in Week 19 of Ghanaâs premier league. The tragic event has led to seven arrests, including that of Nsoatreman FC financier Ignatius Baffour-Awuah.
The former Employment and Labour Relations Minister is currently under a movement restriction order issued by District Court “B” in Sunyani.
In a video shared on social media, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who is the owner and life patron of Asante Kotoko, called for the swift apprehension of Pooleyâs killer.
The incident has deeply shaken the football community and brought attention to the need for enhanced security measures at sporting events.
“It is unfortunate that somebody was killed because of a football match. He was intentionally stabbed to deathâthis is unacceptable. So, I urge you to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. Nobody can take the law into their own hands and kill another person. This death was needless, and the law must take its course.
“Whoever was responsible for the murder must be arrested and prosecuted. We live in a country governed by the rule of law. It is completely unacceptable that someone is killed just because of a football match. The person must be arrested immediately.
Whether it happened inside or outside the stadium, a human being has been killed, and the law must deal with the perpetrator.
A family has lost their loved one, who was a breadwinner. A thorough investigation must be carried out to get to the bottom of the case and ensure the culprit faces the full rigours of the law,”the Asantehene stated.
Dancehall star Shatta Wale delighted his fans with a heartwarming pre-Valentineâs Day moment, spending quality time with his daughter.
This special occasion marks the first time he has publicly shared such a precious moment. In a viral video on social media, Shatta Wale is seen creating a beautiful father-daughter memory, driving his little princess around in his new Rolls-Royce.
Beaming with joy, Shatta Wale held his daughter lovingly, his face glowing with pride and affection. The video, shared by his baby mama, Maali, has garnered admiration from fans and fellow celebrities alike.
Many have praised Shatta Walefor embracing his fatherly responsibilities with such love and tenderness.
The best video you will find on the internet today.
Gospel musician Diana Asamoahhas strongly refuted the claims in response to allegations of lesbianism made against her by a social media user,
In a video shared on February 14, 2025, Asamoah emphatically declared that she is not a lesbian and urged those spreading false information to stop damaging her well-earned reputation.
Asamoah suggested that she is being targeted due to her propensity for speaking the truth.
“Because I speak the truth, someone would sit somewhere and crop my picture onto someone else’s just to tarnish my image.
Whoever is doing such a thing should keep the evidence well because they will have to prove themselves when called upon.
âGod didn’t call me to embarrass me. Any evil thing you people are planning against me will not work because I serve a living God,” she said.
Diana Asamoahalso cautioned those involved in lesbianism, urging them to refrain from such acts, as they contradict Christian values.
“I am telling pastors who are fond of sleeping with fellow male pastors in the name of rituals for people to attend your church. I want to tell you to refrain from such activities. Those involved in occultism should also stop it,” she added.
Cristiano Ronaldo recently shared a throwback photo of himself and his long-time partner Georgina Rodriguez, calling her “my one and only Valentine.”
The five-time Ballon dâOr winner and Argentine-Spanish model and entrepreneur have been together since 2016. They first met at a Gucci store in Madrid during Ronaldo’s record-breaking tenure with Real Madrid.
The couple shares two children, and Georgina has taken on the role of stepmother to Ronaldo’s three other children. Currently, they reside in the Middle East, where Ronaldo plays for Saudi Pro League team Al-Nassr.
Over the years, there has been much speculation about the couple’s marital status, but neither has officially confirmed if they are married. For now, Ronaldo and Rodriguez prefer to keep the details of their relationship private.
Ronaldo has once again aired his love forRodriguez on social media,with the Portugal international stating on February 14 that Georgina is “my one and only Valentine”. He has also shared a picture of them together from their early days in Spain.
Kylian Mbappe is set to make his return to the France national team for the upcoming March internationals, as confirmed by Les Bleus manager Didier Deschamps. The 25-year-old forward had missed the previous two call-ups, leading to significant controversy.
Mbappe’s decision to withdraw from international duty had caused a stir, particularly in the French media. Critics were especially vocal after the former Paris Saint-Germain star was seen partying in Sweden while France was engaged in international matches.
French journalist Romain Molina reported that Mbappe had considered stepping away from international football due to the backlash. However, Mbappe, now with Real Madrid, denied these claims, reaffirming his commitment to representing France.
The upcoming March internationals will mark Mbappe’s return to the national squad, and fans will be eager to see him back in action for Les Bleus.
âThere is nothing more important than the national team!” he said. “However, in September, I told the coach that I was not in the best condition. I changed clubs and had no days off. He insisted that I go on vacation.”
He added: âIn October, I was injured, and in November, I canât say anythingâthat was his decision. I wanted to play for France, but the coach didnât call me. Iâm sorry, I canât tell you why. If he wants, he can say. But I canât.â
When asked whether Mbappe would feature in the upcoming squad, Deschamps said: “Of course, he will be there. Why wouldnât he be?”
âYes, for very specific reasons,” the manager said. “But he will be there, if nothing happens to him between now and then. He is very attached to the French team, even if he has had a complicated personal period. He has found all his means and, inevitably, it shows in his game, and in his head too.â
Released in June 2018, the documentary shed light on widespread corruption within the sport in Ghana, causing significant upheaval. Among those implicated was former Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kwesi Nyantakyi, who was shown engaging in unethical practices.
He acknowledged the efforts of current GFA President Kurt Okraku but insisted that Ghanaian football had suffered a major setback.
âKurt (Okraku, the GFA President) is doing his best⊠He (Nyantakyi) was Vice President of CAF, EXCO Member of FIFA; now Kurt is also gunning for the CAF Executive Council member position.
Semi-automated offside technology will make its debut in English domestic football during the FA Cupfifth round.
The Football Association confirmed on Thursday that the system will be implemented in seven matches hosted at Premier League stadiums.
The FA added that âfollowing successful live operation in the Emirates FA Cup, the Premier League will look to implement the system later this seasonâ.
The Premier League is set to introduce advanced technology to minimize human subjectivity in offside decisions by automating key aspects of the review process.
Currently, when a goal is scored in a marginal offside situation, officials in the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) room must manually assess three critical factors: the exact moment the ball was played, the positioning and angle of the defenderâs body, and the corresponding position of the attacking player.
With the new system, artificial intelligence will handle these decisions automatically, tracking ball and player movements in real time to determine whether an offside violation has occurred.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6Nw-ZkAW6U
Specialized cameras have been installed under the roofs of all 20 Premier League stadiums to capture precise data on player positioning during close offside calls.
Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to implement this semi-automated offside technology for the 2024-25 season, initially targeting an October 2024 launch. However, the rollout was postponed to allow for additional testing and refinement.
The system follows UEFAâs lead, as European footballâs governing body introduced a similar technology in the Champions League at the start of the 2022-23 season.
The FA said: âSemi-automated offside technology will provide more efficient placement of the virtual offside line, based on optical player tracking, and produce virtual graphics to ensure an enhanced in-stadium and broadcast experience for supporters.
âThe operation of semi-automated offside technology does not change the accuracy of the decision making but enhances the speed and efficiency of the process.â
Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will be utilized in all eight FA Cup fifth-round matches, including the game at Championship side Preston. During these matches, referees will make in-stadium VAR announcements.
The fifth round fixtures are slated for the weekend of Saturday, March 1.
Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has strongly criticized Black Stars coach Otto Addo for his performance with the team.
The 49-year-old, who was reappointed in March 2024 on a three-year deal, has dominated the headlines for the wrong reasons after failing to steer the team to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
For the first time in two decades, Ghana will not compete in the AFCON tournament after failing to win any of their six qualification games. The team recorded three defeats and three draws, finishing at the bottom of their group.
The poor performance has led the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to augment the Black Starsâ technical team ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
âThe data is very poor; in fact, itâs terrible. Looking at only the data, there is no way he [Otto Addo] shouldâve stayed on,â Adams told Metro TV.
âThe GFA took a decision to do away with those around him, but what was surprising was that the head coach was maintained.
âMaybe something informed that decision.
âIt may be financial, but an engagement with the GFA will certainly let us know what led to that decision,â he added.
Ghana will take on Chad and Madagascar in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month, marking their first outing since the AFCON qualification disappointment.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has refuted reports suggesting that a by-election will be held to replace Gifty Oware-Mensah on the Executive Council, according to a publication by GhanaSoccerNet.com.
Contrary to speculation, Oware-Mensah remains actively involved in GFA affairs and has been participating in meetings, including a recent high-level discussion on football-related matters.
The GFA has clarified that there are no plans to replace any Executive Council member and has urged the public to disregard such claims.
Rumors of her removal surfaced following allegations that she had been absent from recent council meetings and had left the country.
This speculation was further fueled by her association with the National Service Scheme (NSS) scandal, where over 80,000 ghost names were allegedly uncovered on the schemeâs personnel list during her tenure as Deputy Executive Director.
Despite the controversy, Oware-Mensah continues to play a significant role in Ghanaian football. She owns Berry Ladies FC and also serves as the Chairperson of the Black Queens’ Management Committee.
Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has announced thatOtto Addo’sposition as head coach of the Black Stars will be reviewed.
Despite signing a three-year contract in March 2024, with an option for an additional two years, Addo has come under fire after Ghana failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in 20 years. The team’s inability to win any qualifiers has led to widespread calls for a complete overhaul of the technical staff.
As the Black Stars gear up for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has bolstered the coaching team. However, Kofi Adams stressed in an interview with Woezor TV that the government, not the GFA, funds the national team’s technical staff, and any decisions should involve state consultation.
By emphasizing state involvement, Adams highlighted the need for a collective approach to address the current challenges facing the team and to ensure a successful future.
âFirst of all, the GFA doesnât pay the Black Stars technical team; the government does, so you cannot go and appoint someone and say this is what I have appointed to manage a team that does not belong to you,â he said.
âThe national team does not belong to the GFA, and neither do they pay the coaches. It is the state that pays, so nobody can sit anywhere and say that when they decide, they cannot consult anybody in making that decision. If that is the mindset of how they approach their work, then they will have issues.
âThe country has only asked the GFA to manage the national teams, and that is why the state pays the coaches and still funds all the qualifiers. So how do you appoint somebody that the state will pay but donât involve the state in decision-making?â he quizzed.
German coach Winfried SchĂ€fer has been brought in as a technical advisor for the Black Stars and as the technical director for the association. Additionally, Black Satellites coach Desmond Ofei has joined the technical team, while John Paintsil and Fatau Dauda continue in their roles as second assistant coach and goalkeepersâ trainer, respectively.
Kris Perquy has been appointed as the team psychologist, and Gregory De Grauwe will serve as the video analyst.
Despite these changes, Sports Minister Kofi Adams has expressed concerns over the GFAâs approach to decision-making regarding coaching appointments.
With Ghana missing out on AFCON 2025, the Black Stars will shift their focus to the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where they will face Chad and Madagascar in the next round of matches next month.
A 27-year-oldMobile Money (MoMo) vendor,Patricia Nimako, was tragically shot and killed during a daylight robbery at Krofrom in Kumasi on Thursday, February 13, 2025.
Eyewitnesses say the attack happened around 3 p.m., shortly after Patricia returned from the bank. Two armed men on a motorbike, posing as customers, approached her shop under the guise of making a withdrawal.
Without warning, they opened fire, shooting her twice before escaping with GHâ”10,000 and her mobile phones.
Kwabena Owusu, a unit committee member and in-law of the deceased, recounted to Nhyira FMâs Kwadwo Obeng Mireku how they rushed to Patriciaâs shop upon hearing gunshots, only to discover the devastating scene.
Crowd gathered at crime scene
âWe heard the gunshots and rushed to her shop, only to find her lying in a pool of blood,â he narrated.
Weezy Empire has officially announced that its critically acclaimed film,A Country Called Ghana, will premiere in cinemas across Ghana and Nigeria on February 28, 2025. The highly anticipated movie will be screened at Silverbird Cinemas in both countries.
Produced under the leadership of Weezy Empireâs CEO, Kwadwo Nkansah, popularly known as Lilwin, the film has received multiple international accolades, including Best Indigenous Film at the 2024 Nollywood Film Festival, Best Production Design, and Best Make-Up Film at the 2024 Imo International Film Festival.
The movie highlights Ghanaâs rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and vibrant traditions while promoting stronger creative collaborations between Ghana and Nigeria.
Ahead of the premiere, Weezy Empire will host a media engagement session at the Ridge Condos in Kumasi on February 18, 2025.
This event aims to provide journalists, film critics, and industry stakeholders with deeper insights into the filmâs production and significance.
The session will feature interactive discussions, exclusive interviews, and a Q&A segment with Lilwin, who also serves as the filmâs executive producer.
Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with key cast members and gain behind-the-scenes knowledge of A Country Called Ghana.
With excitement building ahead of its cinematic release, A Country Called Ghana is set to captivate audiences and celebrate Ghanaian storytelling on an international stage.
âA Country Called Ghanaâ is a cinematic exploration that delves into the diverse landscapes, traditions, and stories that define Ghanaian identity.
With stunning visuals and compelling narratives, some stars in the movie include Ramsey Nouah, Charles Awurum, Victor Osuagwu (popularly known as ‘Awilo Sharp Sharp’), Paa George, and Sweet Mimi, among others.
In a shocking incident, Joseph Richard allegedly set fire to the room of his girlfriend, Betty Herman, in Axim, Western Region, at approximately 3 a.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2025.
At the time of the attack, Betty’s children, 16-year-old Joseph Ben and 3-year-old Richlove Asiedua Yeboah, were asleep and sustained severe burns.
The act is believed to have been triggered by Betty’s decision to end the relationship.
Eyewitnesses claim Richard intended to harm the children, but their lives were saved thanks to the quick response of neighbors, who alerted firefighters and the police.
The injured children are currently receiving treatment at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Meanwhile, Richard fled the scene, leaving behind clothes and a fuel container, which were discovered at the site.
Local residents are urging the police to arrest Richard and ensure he faces justice for his actions.
The Ministry of Energyhas reassured the public that the $379 million debt owed to Karpowership, the operator of the Aboadze power barge, will not impact power supply.
Despite Karpowership’s threat to cut off electricity supply if the government does not settle the outstanding arrears, the sector Minister, John Jinapor, has been in discussions with the company to resolve the issue.
In an interview with Citi News, Isaac Agyei Kwakye, the Public Relations Officer for the Ministry, confirmed that the government is committed to taking necessary measures to prevent any power disruptions.
âThe Minister is of the view that if we can introduce efficiency in the system, these liabilities will certainly be cut down. Recently, the Auditor Generalâs report revealed that there are some under-declared amounts that ECG has not been able to declare fully.
âSo Minister is of the view that we have to ensure that there is a single account where all the money collected is put in and we ensure that the IPPs are paid.Local event listings and tickets
âAnd even if we are not able to pay all of them, certainly you know how much you are collecting and you are able to disburse the money accordingly. Ghana governmenthas the responsibility to ensure that it provides electricity to the nation.
âAnd we as a ministry will do everything within our power to ensure that we do just that. Inasmuch as it is a burden, but regardless of how much it is, we need to find solutions. And that is exactly what the ministry is determined to do.â
Economist Dr. Priscilla Twumasi Baffour has cautioned the government against hastily eliminating taxes it pledged to scrap if such actions could undermine national revenue.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition on Thursday, February 13, she emphasized that while tax cuts may be politically popular, economic considerations should take priority to prevent further strain on Ghanaâs already fragile fiscal position.
âItâs a difficult period, and I believe that there is nothing wrong if the government, I mean, the finance minister, comes out to say that we promised X, Y, and Z, but this is the realityâit is not possible,â she stated.
According to her, the government still enjoys goodwill from Ghanaians, and instead of hastily scrapping multiple taxes, it should focus on what is economically practical.
Dr Baffour cautioned that if the economyâs current trajectory shifts into further instability due to revenue shortfalls, the consequences would be disastrous.
âThe risk to businesses and Ghanaians as a whole is that if the trajectory that the economy is currently on switches and we enter into another phase of turbulence, it will be quite disastrous for everybody.
“It affects people in terms of standards of living. Fixed-income earners really struggle with high inflation and all that,â she explained.
She acknowledged that keeping some of the taxes in place might come at a political cost, but stressed that economic stability must be the priority.
âInitially, it would mean some political cost, but I think that the government has a lot of room at the moment, and it should not be hasty in taking out all the taxes that it promised to remove if indeed itâs very difficult to make up for it,â she advised.
Referencing past policies, Dr Baffour noted that the motivation behind removing what were once called ânuisance taxesâ was to shift focus from taxation to production.
However, she pointed out that economic growth in Ghana takes time and cannot immediately compensate for lost tax revenue.
âThe whole idea of, for example, taking out a lot of taxes, nuisance taxes as we heard some time ago, is the fact that you want to de-emphasize taxation and look at production.
“But the reality is that in our context, growth is quite difficult. It takes quite some time to be able to observe a given substantial level of growth,â she remarked.
Her remarks come amid mounting pressure on the government to deliver on its campaign pledge of tax cuts while navigating the challenges of economic recovery. The country continues to grapple with the effects of high debt, inflation, and revenue deficits.
Dr. Baffourâswarning underscores the need for a balanced approachâwhile tax reductions may offer short-term relief to businesses and individuals, the overarching priority should be fostering a stable and resilient economy.
National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC),Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has strongly denied rumors of a disagreement with President John Dramani Mahama regarding the appointment of ministers in the current administration.
Asiedu Nketiah emphasized that he remains deeply engaged in party activities and has been busy with his official responsibilities.
He labeled the rumors as baseless and urged the public to ignore such unfounded claims.
Speaking in an interview on Otec FM, which was shared on a YouTube channel, he clarified, “I have been busy with party matters. My offices have been full, and I attend to people every day because of the appointments.
âI saw a publication claiming that the General and President Mahama are fighting and that this is why I have not been seen in public. You know, The Chronicle and Daily Guide, I donât even grant them interviews.
âSo, if they donât see you in public for a while, they fabricate stories and put them out there.”
According to The Chronicle, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is reportedly unhappy with President John Dramani Mahama for allegedly ignoring his recommended candidates for government positions.
Sources within the partyâs Functional Executive Committee (FEC) revealed that President Mahama declined a list of candidates proposed by Asiedu Nketiah, which has purportedly caused tensions within the party. Several constituency executives have visited Asiedu Nketiahâs office to express their dissatisfaction with the presidentâs appointments.
A source within the FEC informed The Chronicle that General Mosquito, as Asiedu Nketiah is affectionately known, has formally lodged a complaint with the partyâs elders regarding the matter. In response, the Council of Elders, which includes the Speaker of Parliament, has scheduled an emergency meeting to address his concerns.
The report further noted that concerned party supporters are calling for swift action to resolve the emerging rift between the president and the chairman to prevent further divisions within the party.
They argue that Asiedu Nketiah played a crucial role in the NDCâs 2024 election campaign, visiting nearly every community across the country to garner support and secure the partyâs victory.
Ghanaian broadcaster Collins Atta Poku has revealed that the late Kotoko fan, Francis Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as Pooley, had familial ties with Aduana FC owner, Dormaahene Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II.
According to Atta Poku, Pooley was an in-law to the Dormaahene, as he is married to the deceased’s sister.
He further recounted the special treatment Pooley received whenever he visited Dormaa, especially during Kotokoâs matches against Aduana FC.
“When Kotoko played Aduana, Pooley was always given a seat in the VIP stands. Aduana did this because of his connection with the Dormaahene. Pooley was Dormaahene’s in-law.
The Dormaahene’s wife is Pooley’s sister, and Pooley himself hails from Aduana,” Atta Poku narrated on Sompa FM.
The broadcaster also disclosed that Kotoko have formally invited the Dormaahene to Pooley’s one-week funeral rites, emphasizing that the deceased came from a royal family.
“A delegation has already been sent to the family. The Dormaahene has lost his in-law, and Kotoko has officially invited Aduana FC for the one-week observance. While other clubs will also receive invitations, Aduanaâs will be unique because Pooleyâs father is a royal,” he added.
This invitation suggests that, despite the recent tensions between Dormaahene and Kotokoâs life patron, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, both leaders may come together at the funeral.
Pooleyâs one-week memorial service is set to take place on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Heroes Park in Kumasi.
Former captain of DR Congo, Youssouf Mulumbu, has called onParis Saint-Germain (PSG)to reassess its sponsorship deal with Visit Rwanda in light of the severe conflict and humanitarian crisis in his country.
His plea comes amidst rising violence in eastern DR Congo, where the M23 rebelsâreportedly supported by Rwandaâhave taken control of key regions, including the vital city of Goma.
According to the United Nations, approximately 700,000 people have been displaced by the conflict this year alone.
In a conversation with BBC World Service, Mulumbu highlighted the profound impact of the crisis, describing it as a “financial war” driven by competition over DR Congoâs substantial mineral resources, especially tantalum, an essential element in smartphone manufacturing.
“The situation is very, very hard and very painful, and all this conflict is based on finance,” Mulumbu said.
“It’s not a religious or territory war. It’s a financial war and people need to know that.”
The former West Brom midfielder Mulumbu added, “I want to thank the minister, because she did very big work.
“And all I know is that on a sponsorship, there is a financial part.
“We are going to do our best to inform [about] this deal and what’s behind it. I think it will be a big step if we can cancel this Visit Rwanda [partnership].”
While Arsenal and PSG have yet to respond, Bayern Munich stated it is monitoring the situation and remains in contact with the German foreign ministry.
Sports Minister Kofi Adamshas proposed that revenue from the betting tax be allocated to a dedicated sports fund to support the growth and development of the countryâs sporting sector.
He emphasized that directing a portion of the tax into this fund would ensure long-term sustainability for sports in Ghana.
Additionally, the Buem constituency MP revealed plans to introduce a sports lottery as another means of generating revenue to further strengthen the sector.
âI believe the time has come for this to be done. A percentage of the bet stake tax should be allocated to the sports fund. We will introduce a sports lottery,â he told Asempa FMâs Ultimate Sports Show.
Mr. Adams further highlighted the need for a structured sports fund, drawing comparisons to past government initiatives such as the GETFund for education and the Health Fund established during President Rawlingsâ administration.
âWe established GETFund for education and the Health Fund to support health issues during President Rawlingsâ era. We must recognize the importance of sports. Investing in sports can reduce diseases by promoting physical exercises and other activities,â he explained.
Meanwhile, various stakeholders are advocating for greater financial investment to enhance sports infrastructure, athlete development, and overall management of the sector.
However, this proposal differs from the Mahama administrationâs position, as Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced plans to abolish the betting tax in the upcoming budget presentation to Parliament.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has made it clear that teenage prodigyLamine Yamalis not for sale, emphasizing that no price tag could be placed on the young star.
At just 17 years old, Yamal has emerged as one of the most promising talents in world football.
His exceptional performances have already earned him prestigious accolades, including the Kopa Trophy and the Golden Boy award, recognizing him as Europe’s best player under 21.
“There are key players, and he is [one],” Deco said of Yamal to TV3.
“There is no discussion, there is no price. There have been no offers because we didn’t even want to talk about it.”
Barça president Joan Laporta claimed in October that the club had rejected an offer worth âŹ250 million ($270m) for Yamal after the player helped Spain win Euro 2024.
Since making his first-team debut as a 15-year-old in 2023, Yamal has become a regular for club and country.
“He will surely be at Barça for many years, like Pedri and Gavi ⊠They will [all] remain here,” Deco said. “The club must do its homework, and he [Yamal] will be here for many years.”
Barça midfield pair Gavi, 20, and Pedri, 22, recently extended their contracts until 2030. Yamal’s deal expires in June 2026, the maximum allowed by law for minors.
The Spanish winger, however, revealed earlier this year that he will soon sign a new contract with Barça, “the club of my life.”
Yamal is expected to put pen to paper on a contract until 2030 when he turns 18 on July 13.
His talent has drawn praise from five-timeBallon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo,who believes Yamal will become “the best player of this new generation.”
Deco, who played with Ronaldo for Portugal and alongside Lionel Messi at Barça, agrees Yamal is special.
“Yamal is one of the special ones,” Deco said. “Not only does he have talent. He also has a different mental capacity.”
Yamal has scored 11 goals and set up 14 more in 31 games for Barça this season.
Fans attending the2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia will not have access to alcohol, according to the countryâs ambassador to the United Kingdom, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud.
Speaking on Wednesday, the ambassador emphasized that fans must respect Saudi Arabiaâs cultural values, confirming that alcohol will not be available for purchase anywhere during the tournamentâincluding hotels.
Saudi Arabia secured hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup after FIFA member associations were presented with a single voting choice.
The decision was confirmed through âacclamation,â a process where nations collectively approve by expressing their support, rather than through a formal vote.
“At the moment, we don’t allow alcohol,” the ambassador told LBC.
“Plenty of fun can be had without alcohol — it’s not 100% necessary and if you want to drink after you leave you’re welcome to, but at the moment we don’t have alcohol.”
“Rather like our weather, it’s a dry country,” he continued.
The availability of alcohol was a talking point in the lead up to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, another country that has its laws and customs shaped by Muslim values.
The decision to allow the sale of alcohol in stadiums in Qatar was reversed two days before the tournament’s opening game after last-minute showdown talks.
In the end, supporters were able to purchase alcoholic drinks in hotels and designated fan parks.
Asked if a lack of alcohol was welcoming for fans travelling to Saudi Arabia, the ambassador said: “Everyone has their own culture. We’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else.”
“I mean, really? You can’t live without a drink?” the ambassador joked.
Human rights groups have raised concerns over the prospect of aWorld Cup in Saudi Arabia, with Amnesty saying before the Middle Eastern country was awarded hosting rights that “migrant workers will face exploitation, and many will die.”
A major cause for concern has been whether LGBTQIA+ people will be discriminated against in the country, where people can be sentenced to death if it is proved that they have engaged in same-sex sexual acts.
Questioned over whether gay fans would be able to safely attend the world’s most-watched sporting event, the ambassador said: “We will welcome everyone in Saudi.”
He continued: “It is not a Saudi event, it is a world event. And to a large extent, we will welcome everyone who wants to come.”
