It’s been five years already since the passing of Ghana Black Stars striker Manuel Junior Agogo.
Born on August 1, 1979, “Junior Agogo” as he was affectionately called by fans was a popular Ghanaian footballer, best remembered for his impactful role as a striker for the Black Stars, Ghana’s national team.
Raised in the UK, Agogo began his football journey with Sheffield Wednesday and had several short stints at various English clubs before establishing himself at Bristol Rovers, where he scored 41 goals in 126 appearances.
His success at Bristol Rovers led to a move to Nottingham Forest in 2006, where he played a key role in the team’s promotion to the Championship.
Internationally, Agogo debuted for Ghana in 2006 and became a national hero during the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ghana.
He scored three goals in the tournament, including the winning goal against Nigeria in the quarter-finals, securing his place in Ghanaian football history.
After his time in England, Agogo played in the MLS and had stints in Egypt, Cyprus, and Scotland, with his last professional role at Hibernian in the Scottish Premier League. He retired in 2012.
In 2015, Agogo suffered a stroke that affected his speech and physical abilities. Despite his health struggles, he remained a beloved figure until his passing on August 22, 2019, at the age of 40.
As of August 2024, five years have passed since his death, yet his legacy as a football icon in Ghana endures, especially for his contributions during the 2008 AFCON.
A legal battle that began with the demolition of Joseph Kweku Aggrey’s property in Otano, Greater Accra Region, has now escalated to the Supreme Court for resolution.
The demolition was carried out based on an order issued by the Adenta High Court, presided over by Justice Fred Kwasi Awuah.
This order was granted following an ex-parte application filed by Tredstone Empire Limited in 2021, with Joyce B.B. Boakye listed as the defendant.
However, when the demolition commenced, it met with strong resistance from Mr. Aggrey, the property’s owner.
This opposition has led to a certiorari application being filed at the Supreme Court by Nana Antwi Bosiako, whose property is adjacent to the one demolished. The applicant is asking the apex court to overturn the High Court’s decision.
Bosiako’s argument hinges on the fact that Joyce B.B. Boakye, the named defendant in the ex-parte motion, passed away on November 4, 2010—years before the application was even filed. Therefore, he contends that the High Court could not have legally issued an order involving a deceased individual.
“That on the face of the judgment, the judgment was obtained in default of appearance against the said Joyce B.B Boakye.
“That I am informed by my Counsel and verily believe same to be that a Writ of Summons issued against a dead person is a nullity and all proceedings pursuant to same is also a nullity,” he stated, adding that the High Court in Adenta did not have the jurisdiction to proceed with the matter against a dead person.
“That I am informed by my Counsel and verily believe same to be true that any judgment given by a court against someone dead at the time of the issuance of the Writ is a nullity as having been given outside the jurisdiction of the court,” Nana Antwi Bosiako said in his statement of claim attaching the death certificate of Joyce B.B Boakye to firm up his case at the Supreme Court.
In a connected incident, Mr. Aggrey, whose property has been demolished by military personnel on three separate occasions, has filed a petition with the East Legon Police.
He informed them of a restraining order that prevents Tredstone Empire Limited from reclaiming the disputed land.
TheSupreme Court is scheduled to hear the certiorari application once it reconvenes after the legal vacation in October of this year.
Argentine footballer, Paulo Dybala,confirmed on Thursday that he will stay with AS Roma, putting an end to months of rumors about a high-profile transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah.
Sources reveal that Dybala declined a substantial offer of €75 million ($83M) spread over three years from the Saudi club.
“Thank you Rome…See you on Sunday,” he said in an Instagram post.
Paulo Dybala’s recent choice comes at a time of considerable speculation regarding his future.
On Thursday, he trained away from Roma’s first team and was notably missing from the starting lineup during their Serie A opener against Cagliari last Sunday.
Dybala is in the final year of his contract with Roma, which includes an automatic extension clause if he participates in at least 15 official games this season.
His contract includes a base salary of €7.5 million, with an additional €2 million in performance-related bonuses.
Since transferring from Juventus to Roma in 2022, Dybala has become a pivotal player, amassing 34 goals and 18 assists in 78 matches.
Last week, Roma supporters made their discontent known through protests outside the club’s training facility, urging management to retain the star player.
Dybala’s decision to remain with Roma sparked celebrations among fans, who gathered outside his residence on Thursday night to express their excitement.
Al Qadsiah, a newly promoted Saudi Arabian team with notable players like former Real Madrid defender Nacho Fernandez and ex-Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, had made several efforts to acquire Dybala throughout the summer transfer period.
Dybala’s decision to stay was met with enthusiasm from his Roma and Argentina teammate Leandro Paredes. “For those who haven’t understood it, he remains with us,” he posted.
Pep Guardiola has revealed that the chance to bring Ilkay Gündogan back to Manchester City came as an unexpected opportunity.
The German midfielder, who spent last season with Barcelona, has rejoined City on a one-year deal, with an option to extend for another year. Guardiola admitted that this development was a surprising turn of events.
“Most of the time all the managers say in the transfer window anything can happen so this is the real proof.,” Guardiola told a news conference on Friday.
“It was a surprise, unexpected. We know him quite well; the staff and players. “We know the quality he plays last year at Barcelona. High, high level. “We didn’t have any doubts when the possibility was open and we’re delighted he is back.”
Gündogan has agreed to write-off the two remaining years of his Barcelona contract to return to City on a free transfer. Sources have told ESPN he also received interest from Saudi Arabia, but his preference was to return to Manchester.
“The important thing is he wants to come back,” Guardiola said. “I got the message from [sporting director] Txiki [Begiristain] that Ilkay wants to talk to you and call you. He called me and asked about the situation.
“I said yes and now we are here and he has to deliver a good season.
“The feeling is that he doesn’t come to retire or to remember good memories. We have time to do that in the future. Now it is time to put your shoes on and do your best.”
Gündogan becomes Manchester City’ssecond acquisition of the summer, following the addition of Brazilian winger Savinho.
Sources suggest that the club remains interested in adding another forward before the transfer window shuts, with the deadline rapidly approaching on August 30.
“I don’t know what is going to happen,” Guardiola said. “Could happen something in terms of injuries; hopefully not. Right now I don’t think so.”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said boredom has helped inspire him to develop new tactical ideas as he bids to win a fifth straight Premier League crown.
Guardiola, 53, began his ninth season at City last Sunday with a comfortable 2-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. He said his evolution comes from restlessness, but also from rivals reacting to his ideas.
Asked why he has employed various systems throughout his time at City and at Barcelona and Bayern Munich prior, Guardiola told ESPN Brasil: “It’s because otherwise I get bored.
Always doing the same thing for eight years would be very boring. That’s the first thing.
“And secondly, when you do something and it goes well, they [opponents] watch you and create an antidote. If you go too inside, they close in. If we open up the field too much, they’ll open it up more.
“Anything we do and they respond to us, we have to respond again. The third reason is the players we have. What specific qualities they have and when they adapt best to the way you want to play.”
The Catalan coach added that he never thought he would stay with the reigning champions for this long amid reports that he is considering leaving at the end of his contract, which expires after this season.
“Not in my wildest dreams,” Guardiola said when asked about the length of his tenure. “If we hadn’t won, we wouldn’t be here, it would have changed.”
CEO of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital,Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah, has voiced his frustration over the lack of accountability for two accountants arrested by the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) in 2015.
Despite their arrest nearly nine years ago, the pair have yet to face trial for allegedly embezzling $250,000 annually from the hospital’s plastic surgery unit.
In a recent interview with Bernard Avle on Channel 1 TV, Dr. Ampomah criticized the inefficiencies within Ghana’s judicial system that have allowed these individuals to evade accountability.
He also expressed concern over the hospital’s limited ability to discipline employees beyond issuing warnings and reprimands.
In a separate but related case, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has taken action against 18 teachers who were found to have fraudulently withdrawn GH¢188,000 from government funds using forged certificates.
An audit by the Auditor-General’s Department revealed that these teachers, employed in various schools nationwide, used fake qualifications to secure their jobs and access undeserved salaries and allowances, resulting in significant financial losses for the state.
Chairman of the PAC, James Klutse Avedzi, expressed deep concern over the matter, describing it as “a clear breach of trust and an affront to the efforts aimed at improving the quality of education in the country.”
He emphasised that such fraudulent activities not only deplete the nation’s resources but also undermine the credibility of the teaching profession.
A report from the Amansie Central Education Directorate indicated that the teachers upgraded themselves without the requisite documents and increased their salaries, resulting in a financial loss of GH¢188,000 to the state.
“We have been able to collect GH¢34,731.53 and we are left with GH¢152,966.54 and we are on course collecting [the balance]. We did not place [promote those teachers], they did self-upgrading without passing through the office. So it is a backdoor affair,” the report stated.
In its latest sessions, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) urged the Ghana Education Service (GES) and other pertinent authorities to swiftly recover the misappropriated funds.
The Committee further advised that the implicated teachers should face prosecution to deter others from engaging in such fraudulent practices.
Mikel Arteta has expressedconfidence in negotiating a new contract with Arsenal after the transfer window shuts, reaffirming his commitment to the club.
In a July interview with ESPN, the Spanish manager mentioned he didn’t foresee any problems in securing an extension.
However, the Premier League season has kicked off without any renewal of his current contract, which is set to expire next summer.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are close to completing their third signing of the window, as Mikel Merino nears a £32 million ($42m) move from Real Sociedad. This follows the recent acquisitions of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna and the permanent signing of David Raya from Brentford.
Asked if the attention would shift to his own future once the window closed on Aug. 30, Arteta said: “Yes. The focus has been on the transfer window. We had quite a lot of things to do and discuss.
“We are on it and we will take care of that in the right moment. I am very grateful first of all for where I’m sitting and the people I work with every single day because it’s really difficult to find that harmony, trust, belief and alignment in the vision.
“It’s something I always mention because I believe we still have an unbelievable time ahead of us. It’s very exciting and I am very excited about it.”
Pushed on whether he saw emulating the nine-year tenures of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool as a target, Arteta said: “I see today and tomorrow. That is the reality as managers and we have to live with that urgency.
“Looking two, three years down the line, you have to plan because what happens to the club afterwards depends on how good the results we get are – that’s it. That’s the reality.
In the meantime, do your best and enjoy it if you can.”
Arsenal are actively exploring attacking prospects, with Nico Williams of Athletic Club being a top target.
When questioned about potential transfers as the window closes—especially with Eddie Nketiah nearing a £30 million transfer to Nottingham Forest—Mikel Artetaacknowledged the need for preparedness.
He stated, “We must stay vigilant as anything can occur, and it’s crucial to be ready, particularly in the final week of the window.”
“You have to be alert and prepared because a lot of surprises can come, for many different reasons and we are prepared.”
Arteta did however distance Arsenal from any potential move for Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling.
Real Madrid hasconfirmed that midfielder Jude Bellingham sustained a muscle injury in his right leg during Friday’s training session.
According to an ESPN source, Bellingham is likely to be sidelined until mid-September, missing action until after the international break.
Madrid will host Real Valladolid at the Bernabéu on Sunday for their first home game of the season, following a 1-1 draw against Mallorca in their opening away match last weekend.
The game will see Kylian Mbappé make his home debut, after joining Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
“After tests carried out today by Real Madrid’s medical services on our player Jude Bellingham, he has been diagnosed with an injury in the plantaris muscle in his right leg,” the club said in a statement.
“[Bellingham] got a knock,” coach Carlo Ancelotti said in a news conference, earlier on Friday. “We’re evaluating it.”
England midfielder Jude Bellingham had an outstanding season for Real Madrid last year, netting 19 goals in the league.
He also played a pivotal role in their first trophy victory of the current campaign, earning man-of-the-match honors in their UEFA Super Cup triumph over Atalanta last week.
With the addition of Kylian Mbappé to a squad that already captured both LaLiga and the Champions League, expectations are soaring for Madrid in the 2024-25 season.
However,Carlo Ancelotti’s sidefaced criticism after a disappointing draw against Mallorca, causing them to drop crucial points early in the campaign.
“It was quite clear in terms of the evaluation,” Ancelotti said. “We lacked balance at times and we have to work on that. It isn’t too complicated. When the problem is clear, there’s a clear solution.”
Ancelotti denied that there was an issue with fitting forward Rodrygo into the team, alongside Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Bellingham.
“[Rodrygo] told me he’s very happy here,”Ancelotti said. “He’s working hard, he’s been one of the best in these games, so there’s no problem with him.”
Only four stadiums have secured approval from the Club Licensing Department of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) ahead of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season.
Following an initial inspection conducted in August 2024, the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex, Nsenkyire Sports Arena, Dun’s Park, and WAFA Park were the only venues that met the necessary infrastructure standards to host league matches.
Despite its recent inauguration, the state-of-the-art TNA Stadium, which boasts a 13,000-seat capacity and a construction cost of $16 million, has not yet received full clearance.
The stadium currently lacks an inner perimeter, a critical requirement for full licensing.
Similarly, the country’s largest football arenas, the Baba Yara Stadium and the Accra Sports Stadium, have been given conditional approval.
These iconic venues are still under review, with certain infrastructural elements needing to be addressed before they can receive complete certification.
Stadiums that failed to meet the licensing standards have been issued detailed reports highlighting the necessary upgrades required for compliance.
A follow-up inspection of all venues is scheduled for August 30, 2024, to ensure that any outstanding issues are resolved in time for the start of the league.
The 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season is slated to kick off on September 6, with clubs and their fans eagerly awaiting the final decisions on stadium approvals.
Manchester City have secured the return of their former captain Ilkay Gundogan, signing him from Barcelona on an initial one-year contract, with an option to extend for an additional 12 months.
“WHAT YOU’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR…
WELCOME BACK TO CITY, @ILKAYGUENDOGAN 🩵 PIC.TWITTER.COM/8VUTEKQNRU
— MANCHESTER CITY (@MANCITY) AUGUST 23, 2024″
Ilkay Gundogan, the German midfielder who became Pep Guardiola’s inaugural signing at Manchester City in 2016, enjoyed a remarkable seven-year stint at the club before moving to Barcelona on a free transfer in 2023.
During his time at City, the 33-year-old played a pivotal role in the team’s success, amassing 14 major trophies. Gundogan’s contribution on the field was significant, with 304 appearances and 60 goals to his name, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in City’s golden era.
“My seven years at Manchester City were a time of pure contentment for me, both on and off the pitch,” said Gundogan.
“Everyone knows the respect I have for Pep – he is the best manager in the world and working with him every day makes you a better player.
“Honestly, I cannot wait to wear the City shirt again.”
Barcelona has opted to part ways with Ilkay Gundogan despite his strong first season in Spain, driven by the club’s ongoing financial challenges.
The decision comes as Barcelona struggles to manage its wage bill and meet La Liga’s stringent spending regulations, which have also hindered their ability to register new signing Dani Olmo.
Gundogan, who was one of Barcelona’s highest-paid players, is leaving the club on a free transfer. This move is seen as a necessary step to bring the club’s finances in line with league requirements, allowing them to avoid potential penalties and clear the way for new signings.
On the international stage, Gundogan, who earned 82 caps for Germany, announced his retirement following Germany’s quarter-final exit to Spain in Euro 2024.
His departure from both club and international football marks the end of an era for the veteran midfielder, who has had a storied career across Europe’s top leagues.
Leicester City, the newly promoted Premier League side, has reportedly secured an agreement with Crystal Palace to sign Ghanaian forward Jordan Ayew.
The deal is contingent upon Ayew successfully passing a medical examination and finalizing his contract with the Foxes.
Ayew’s impending transfer to the King Power Stadium will mark the end of his significant tenure at Selhurst Park, where he has been a crucial player since joining the club.
Initially, Ayew arrived at Crystal Palace on loan in August 2018, and his move was made permanent in July 2019.
During his time with the Eagles, Ayew contributed 23 goals and 21 assists across all competitions.
If the transfer goes through,Ayew will reunite with his Ghanaian compatriot, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, at Leicester City.
National Peace Council is hopeful that the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) will ultimately agree to endorse the peace agreement before the December elections, despite the party’s current concerns.
The NDC has outlined several demands that they believe must be met before they will consider signing the peace accord.
Asiedu Nketia, the party’s National Chairman, has voiced doubts about the effectiveness of previous peace agreements, claiming they have not fulfilled their objectives.
Nonetheless, Dr. Ernest Adu-Gyamfi, Chairman of the National Peace Council, conveyed optimism in an Accra press briefing, expressing his belief that the NDC will come around to supporting the peace initiative.
“The NDC has not categorically refused to sign. They have raised some concerns, and we will meet with them to discuss these issues and work towards resolving them.
“I don’t think this is something we need to be overly concerned about. Our doors are always open. We engage with the parties, we listen to them, and we seek solutions to address their grievances.
“Those within our capacity, we will address. Some matters may be beyond our control, but we remain hopeful that they will sign the pact,” he said.
A Circuit Court in Accra has ordered the detention of a self-identified religious figure after he was accused of threatening his wife’s life.
Imam Mohammed Lanson Abubakar, aged 44, who also goes by the name Andre, pleaded not guilty to the charges but was held in custody as he had previously skipped a police bail.
Chief Inspector Jonas Lawer informed the court, overseen by Mr. Isaac Addo, that Abubakar’s failure to comply with an earlier bail had hindered the investigation and raised concerns about his likelihood of appearing for trial if granted bail.
The court questioned his absence on March 27, 2024, when a bench warrant was issued for his arrest due to his non-appearance.
Abubakar was remanded to aid in the ongoing investigation and is scheduled to return to court on September 2, 2024.
According to Chief Inspector Lawer, the complainant, Maimuna Sarki Abubakar, is a Nigerian social worker living in the UK. Abubakar, who is a self-styled Imam and businessman from Kumasi, was previously married to Maimuna.
The two met through social media, where Abubakar presented himself as an Imam and convinced Maimuna to marry him.
Following their marriage, Maimuna purchased a plot of land in East Trassaco and constructed a house, which she furnished before returning to the UK. She would stay at the property when visiting Ghana.
In 2020, Abubakar persuaded Maimuna to buy and ship two vehicles—a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado and a 2019 Infinity CPX—to Ghana.
He claimed he would sell the vehicles and use the proceeds to purchase a parcel of land in Adjiringanor for her. Instead, Abubakar used the funds to acquire four plots of land in Adjiringanor.
Later, the marriage deteriorated, and Abubakar threatened her during one of their disagreements, stating, “I have scammed you; I am taking over your building and all your property here in Ghana including your daughter.
If you dare get closer to this property again, I will kill you.”
In a bid for bail, Abubakar’s attorney argued that her client had not violated his bail conditions, asserting that he had traveled and did not make any threats against Maimuna.
The court wasinformed that the couple is in the process of divorce proceedings at the Adentan Court.
The lawyer emphasized that Abubakar is a responsible individual with a stable residence and assured the court of his commitment to attending the trial.
Manchester City is exploring the possibility of re-signing Ilkay Gundogan, who left the club for Barcelona in 2023 after a successful stint where he led the team to a historic Treble.
Gundogan’s potential return comes amid financial difficulties at Barcelona, which have impacted their ability to register new players, including Dani Olmo.
Barcelona’s ongoing financial troubles are a result of the club’s strict economic regulations, which cap spending on player wages and other expenses based on the club’s earnings and outstanding financial obligations.
These rules, implemented by La Liga to ensure financial stability, are affecting Barcelona’s ability to finalize transfers and register new signings.
City’s interest in Gundogan is partly driven by their current squad issues.
The team is dealing with the high-profile departure of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid and an injury to Norwegian winger Oscar Bobb, who may be sidelined for up to four months.
Gundogan’s experience and familiarity with the club could provide an immediate solution without the need for an adjustment period.
Gundogan, who previously joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund for £20 million in 2016, has enjoyed a highly successful tenure at the club, making 304 appearances and scoring 60 goals.
During his seven years at the Etihad, he won numerous titles, including five Premier League trophies, one Champions League, and four Carabao Cups.
At Barcelona, Gundogan featured in 51 matches last season and scored five goals.
However, the financial constraints at Barcelona are forcing them to consider selling players to balance their squad cost limit, a measure aimed at maintaining fiscal discipline within the league
Ranking Member on Parliament’s Energy Committee, John Abdulai Jinapor, has accused President Akufo-Addo of canceling the power purchase agreement with Trafigura’s Ghana Power Generation Company (GPGC) as a form of personal retribution.
Jinapor claims that the decision to terminate the contract was motivated by a desire to send a message to a specific individual who had allegedly crossed the President.
He argues that, ironically, the Akufo-Addo administration then entered into a similar agreement with a different company, suggesting a questionable reversal in policy.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on Thursday, August 22, he said “I am telling you that this termination was because of a family feud between some family members of the president on one hand and the other.
“When we assume office, you will get to know the real truth and the rationale behind the termination. They did not terminate the contract because they had Ghana’s interest at heart.
It is because they wanted to teach somebody a lesson. They extended their own family problem into governance and terminated this contract and today you and I [are paying for it],” he said.
Mr. Jinapor conveyed his frustration, highlighting that the new National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration will inherit a complex array of problems.
This sentiment followed the recent acquisition of the Regina House in London by Trafigura, a consequence of Ghana’s failure to settle a $134 million debt.
Trafigura has been attempting for four years to collect this payment from the Ghanaian government after an abrupt termination of a power purchase agreement.
The ongoing legal struggle culminated in a U.S. court issuing an additional judgment that tacked on $111.4 million in interest, thus increasing the total debt owed by Ghana.
Global President of Groupe Nduom,Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, has emphasized that he is owed over GHC7.1 billion by the government, which includes accrued interest.
At a recent press conference in Accra, Dr. Nduom asserted, “Our figures show that the total amount due to us, including interest, exceeds GHC7.1 billion.”
They are aware of the debt, and while they may dispute the interest, the fact remains.”
Dr. Nduom also announced plans to temporarily pause his “Bring Back GN Bank” campaign in September to embark on a nationwide tour of the 300 branches of the defunct bank.
This tour follows a recent visit to the bank’s branches in the Northern region.
The tour is part of an effort to rally support from petitioners who are calling for the reinstatement of GN Bank’s license, which was revoked in 2019.
Dr. Nduom intends to restart his campaign in November after a period of strategic planning and reflection.
TheBank of Ghana (BoG) recently defended its 2019 decision to revoke GN Bank’s license, citing significant regulatory breaches and maintaining that the bank’s failure to adhere to key financial regulations and banking standards posed a threat to its operational stability.
Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) has reported a continued decline in Ghana’s crude oil production, marking the fourth straight year of reduction in 2023.
According to PIAC Chairperson Emerita Professor Elizabeth Ardayfio-Schandorf, oil output dropped significantly from 71.44 million barrels in 2019 to just 48.25 million barrels in 2023, reflecting an average annual decrease of 9.2%.
Speaking at a stakeholder engagement in Ningo-Prampram, located in the Greater Accra Region, Professor Ardayfio-Schandorf highlighted these figures while presenting PIAC’s 2023 annual report.
She stressed the need for urgent action from the government and relevant regulatory bodies to address the ongoing decline in production. Specifically, she urged for measures to be taken to boost output in existing oil fields and to encourage investment in untapped reserves.
The 2023 Annual Report, which is the 25th issued by PIAC, covers the period from January to December and serves as a vital resource for the public to access detailed information on the management and use of Ghana’s petroleum revenues.
She said for the year 2023, a total of 48,247,036.61 barrels (bbls) were produced from the three producing fields, comprising Jubilee: 30,444,217 bbls, representing 63 per cent; Tweneboa-Enyenra-Ntomme (TEN): 6,716,278 bbls, making 14 per cent; and Sankofa Gye-Nyame (SGN): 11,086,541.61 bbls, contributing 23 per cent of the total production.
“For raw gas, a total of 255,171.97 MMSCF was produced in 2023 from the SGN Field (127,203.02 million Standard Cubic Feet-MMSCF, 50%), Jubilee (77,900.05 MMSCF, 30%), and TEN Fields (50,068.90 MMSCF, 20%).”
The report revealed that the Ghana Group secured an average price of US$78.067 per barrel from its three operational oil fields during the reviewed period. According to the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC), total revenue deposited into the Petroleum Holding Fund (PHF) in 2023 amounted to US$1,062,323,419.12, reflecting a 25.65 percent decline compared to 2022.
PIAC highlighted that Carried and Participating Interest (CAPI) remained the largest revenue source, contributing 44.31 percent, followed by Corporate Income Tax (CIT) at 34.38 percent and Royalties at 20.67 percent.
The report found that the total proceeds from the Jubilee Oil Holdings Limited (JOHL) liftings received in 2023, amounting to US$70,456,718.93, were not paid into the PHF for the second consecutive year.
“This brings the cumulative proceeds of unpaid revenue into the PHF by JOHL to US$343,108,927.88 as of the end of 2023.”
Emerita Prof. Ardayfio-Schandorf said PIAC had reiterated its position that proceeds from liftings of JOHL and other subsidiaries of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) constituted petroleum revenues within the meaning of Section 6(e) of the Petroleum Revenue Management Act, 2011 (Act 815) and Section 2 of the Petroleum Revenue Management (Amendment), 2015 (Act 893) and therefore must be paid into the Petroleum Holding Funds.
Touching on the allocation and utilisation of the petroleum revenue, PIAC reported that the total actual petroleum receipts for the period paid into the PHF were US$1,062,323,419.12.
“This was distributed with GNPC receiving US$245,588,510.58, Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA): US$485,971,963.64, and the GPFs: US$330,579,098.26,” the report stated.
PIAC highlighted that with the conclusion of the priority areas for 2020 to 2022, new focus areas have been identified for the use of the Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA) from 2023 to 2025.
The chairperson emphasized that this three-year cycle for selecting priority areas is essential due to the lack of a long-term national development plan sanctioned by Parliament.
Since the implementation of the Petroleum Revenue Management Act (PRMA) in 2011, ABFA allocations have been directed by a medium-term development strategy rather than a comprehensive long-term plan approved by Parliament.
In response, PIAC recommended that future ABFA priority areas should be determined in alignment with a long-term national development plan endorsed by Parliament, as stipulated by the PRMA.
German Ambassador to Ghana, Daniel Krull, has suggested that the country’s forthcoming presidential election could potentially extend to a second round.
He observed that the fierce competition between the two leading parties, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), might result in a closely contested race, which could necessitate a runoff.
Speaking in an interview on the AM Show on August 22, he said, “I personally believe we will probably have a second round of elections which I’m surprised Ghanaians are not preparing for. I think there are good arguments to expect that there might be a second round.”
Recent analysis from a research and data firm, Fitch Solutions, says the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) will be defeated by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the December 7 general elections.
A recent survey by the London-based firm Global InfoAnalytics suggests that John Mahama, the NDC’s presidential candidate, is currently favored by 54% of voters in the upcoming 2024 election.
The poll also reveals a significant lack of confidence in the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to secure a third consecutive term, with 55% of respondents expressing doubt that the party can “break the eight.”
Only 27% of voters believe the NPP can achieve this milestone, while 18% remain undecided.
Despite these findings, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate to the NPP’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, remains hopeful about the party’s prospects.
He emphasizes that the NPP has made substantial progress in developing the country and deserves another term in office.
Meanwhile, theGerman Ambassador to Ghana, Daniel Krull, highlighted the importance of the electorate in determining the outcome of the election.
He expressed confidence in the ability of Ghanaians to safeguard their votes, pointing out that the country has robust systems in place to ensure transparent and credible election results.
“I think Ghana is a very peaceful country and the overwhelming majority of this country wishes a peaceful, fair and transparent elections and they would make sure that they enjoy these elections,” he said.
New Patriotic Party (NPP) plans to engage in discussions with former Gender, Children, and Social Protection Minister, Cynthia Morrison, following her decision to contest the Agona West parliamentary seat as an independent candidate in the upcoming December 7, 2024, elections.
Justin Kodua Frimpong, the NPP’s General Secretary, underscored the importance of party unity as the NPP aims to secure an unprecedented third consecutive term in office.
Morrison, who currently represents Agona West in Parliament, opted to run independently after losing in the NPP’s recent parliamentary primaries.
The party leadership is now seeking to address the situation and ensure cohesion as they prepare for the upcoming general elections.
Speaking to her constituents, she declared, “God willing, I will be contesting the parliamentary election as an independent candidate. It is not about the NDC, and it is not about the NPP. It is about the development of Agona.”
Morrison urged her followers to support her independent candidacy and reiterated her commitment to Agona West’s advancement in spite of the initial setback.
Kodua Frimpong in an interview on Thursday, August 22, 2024 emphasized the NPP’s emphasis on unity and its attempts to reunite all members, including those who are thinking about running for office independently, a report by citinewsroom.com said.
“As a political party, for this year’s election which has been our mantra, we are going to break the eight. In breaking the eight means we need to do exceptional things and bring everybody on board. Our objective is to make sure that all our party faithful are brought on board.
“So, taking steps that will make sure that at least we engage those who are going independent is something that we are going to do rather than whether to write them a letter or not to write them a letter.
What we want to do is to bring everybody on board…the party leadership will continue to engage her,” Kodua stated.
New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed its commitment to engage in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary debates organized by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA).
The IEA recently established a 9-member Presidential Debate Committee, chaired by Justice Sophia Akuffo, to manage interactions with political parties and ensure that the debates remain focused on substantive, issue-driven discussions that resonate with the electorate.
In a conversation with Eyewitness News, Justin Kodua highlighted the significance of these debates as a vital opportunity for political parties to communicate their visions and policies to the public.
Reflecting on past elections, where the NPP chose not to participate in similar debates in 2014 and 2016, Kodua emphasized that the party is now eager to showcase its accomplishments and provide voters with a clear comparison of each party’s offerings.
“The reason why we are interested in this debate is for us to be able to espouse what our flagbearer has been going around the country and talking about in terms of his vision for the country in the next four years.
So, if for instance in 2014 and 2016, there were reasons why the party didn’t attend but this time around the party is ready for any debate because we feel that as a nation we have made progress and also the election between the NPP and the other political parties, Ghanaians need to know what each political parties offer the best and credible manifesto,” he stated.
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has shown hesitation about taking part in the upcoming debates organized by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), expressing concerns over the lack of prior consultation.
The Mahama 2024 campaign team has strongly criticized the IEA for announcing the debates without first engaging the NDC, deeming this approach unacceptable.
Nevertheless, the IEA is determined to move forward with the debates, even if the NDC decides not to participate.
Dr. Humphrey Ayim-Darke, a key member of the Presidential Debate Committee, highlighted the IEA’s proven track record of organizing successful debates, regardless of the involvement of all political parties.
He stressed the significance of voter engagement and reiterated the IEA’s willingness to engagein further discussions with any interested political party.
As the 2024 elections draw near, Ghanaians are increasingly becoming vocal about their concerns, particularly regarding the manifesto unveiled by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
When The Independent Ghana visited Madina Constituency in Greater Accra, residents expressed deep scepticism about the promises made by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), with many citing economic hardships as the basis for their doubts.
Madam Comfort, a shoe seller at Madina Goil filling station, was unequivocal in her criticism. “All that he said are lies. Because even Akufo-Addo has disappointed us. He didn’t fulfil any of the promises he gave us; it is all lies,” she said.
Mr. Anokye, a fellow trader, dismissed Dr. Bawumia’s claim of being merely a “driver’s mate” in the administration, arguing that the Vice President is complicit in what he described as “wicked” policies.
“Every policy implemented under his watch is proof that none of the promises, such as scrapping the e-levy, are anything more than stillborn ideas,” he stated.
Commuter Mr. Meyers took a more measured stance but still questioned the leadership needed to guide the country. “I have no problem with Bawumia, but Ghana needs a strong leader who will be able to build us,” he remarked.
Wahab, a belt seller, shared his doubts, pointing to the rising cost of goods. “Under Mahama’s government, a belt at wholesale was 10 cedis. Now, under the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government, we buy at 20 and sell at 30,” he noted.
Aunty Grace, a self-proclaimed staunch NPP supporter, expressed her disillusionment with the government’s unfulfilled promises, vowing never to vote again. “As I have always said, never would I vote in any election in Ghana again. The deception has become too much, too much deception. Now we have ‘shine-our eyes,’” she declared.
However, Lady Gagabelieves Dr Bawumia is capable of fulfilling all his campaign promises.
She empathises with the ‘disappointed’ in the Akufo-Addo -Bawumia led, attributing the government’s failure to his flagship programme i.e the Free SHS policy
Dr. Bawumia’s manifesto includes promises to abolish the e-levy, remove VAT on electricity if still on the books, scrap the emissions tax and betting tax, and fully automate Tema Port.
He also pledged to align port duties at Tema with those at Lome Port, introduce flat-rate duties for spare parts importers, and reduce the cost of data by working with industry players to establish clear policy guidelines.
As the election season progresses, whether these promises will sway voters or if the scepticism heard in places like Madina will dominate the public’s perception remains to be seen.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has firmly dismissed suggestions that the club is “a mess” despite the fact that they currently have more than 40 first-team players on their roster.
In addressing the situation on Wednesday, Maresca also responded to Raheem Sterling’s recent comments about being uncertain over his future at the club.
Chelsea’s summer transfer window has been extremely busy, with Conor Gallagher completing a £34 million ($44.4 million) move to Atlético Madrid, while João Félix became the club’s 11th signing of the window, heading in the opposite direction.
Maresca acknowledged that a considerable number of players have been training separately from the main squad after being deemed surplus to requirements.
This group included several high-profile names, such as Gallagher before his transfer, Ben Chilwell, Trevoh Chalobah, and Raheem Sterling.
Today’s session is with 20 players, yesterday’s session was with 21. So they other 15 or 20, they are training apart. In the USA [during preseason] we had 26 or 27 players so [are there] Chelsea players, 42, 43, yes for sure.
But they are not working with me every day. I don’t see them. So it is not a mess like it looks from outside, absolutely not.”
National Deputy Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Malik Basintale, has outlined two key expectations for the flagbearer and Vice President of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) to prove his eligibility as a candidate for the upcoming December 7 general elections.
Basintale’s comments come in response to the NPP’s manifesto launch on Sunday, August 18, 2024, in Takoradi. During an appearance on GHOne earlier in the week, he criticized Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, accusing him of displaying a double-faced character that undermines his credibility.
According to Basintale, Dr. Bawumia’s attempts to distance himself from the current economic challenges facing Ghana while simultaneously boasting about his achievements in comparison to former President John Mahama raise serious doubts about his integrity and competence.
To be taken seriously as a presidential candidate, Basintale argues that Dr. Bawumia must fulfill two specific criteria, which he believes are essential for establishing the Vice President’s credibility and trustworthiness.
“Bawumia at one point says at a point in time, I wasn’t in charge of affairs , at a point I wasn’t at the helm of affairs. He says that he performed better than Mahama.
Two things Bawumia must do before we judge him or before we even think of going into the election and even remembering him on the ballot paper.
He must either admit for the 8 years of Akufo-Addo he was entirely useless or he must admit that he was at the helm of affairs and was highly incompetent.
So where does he stand? There are two things Bawumia must do for us before we judge him. Or before we even think of going into the elections and even remember him on the ballot paper” he stated
A Brazilian police inquiry into domestic abuse allegations involvingManchester United forward Antony has concluded without resulting in any formal charges.
Despite this, prosecutors in Brazil may still review the claims further.
Antony, who is 24 years old and has consistently denied any wrongdoing, is also under investigation by Greater Manchester Police in the UK.
The allegations surfaced in September of the previous year and involve accusations made by three women.
At this time, Antony has not been detained or charged by authorities in either Brazil or the UK. He continues to refute all allegations made against him.
A statement from the player’s lawyers said: “The defence of player Antony Matheus dos Santos, in light of the news published by the press this Tuesday (20 August 2024), hereby confirms that the police investigation opened at the fifth Women’s Defense Precinct of Sao Paulo, of the Civil Police, was closed without any police indictment.
“The defence has always believed that the investigations, that run under confidentiality, would prove Antony’s innocence.”
According to BBC News Brasil, although the police investigation into Manchester United winger Antonyhas ended without charges, the case remains active as it is still under review by the prosecutor’s office.
This means prosecutors could choose to launch a separate investigation if they see fit.
Antony became Manchester United’s second-most expensive acquisition in September 2022, transferring from Ajax for £82 million.
The allegations against him first emerged during the September 2023 international break when Brazilian media outlet UOL reported claims made by his ex-girlfriend, Gabriela Cavallin, which Antony has denied.
Following this, two more women, Rayssa de Freitas and Ingrid Lana, came forward with separate allegations of assault dating back to 2022, which Antony has also refuted.
One of these alleged incidents reportedly took place at a hotel in Manchester, prompting Greater Manchester Police to become involved.
In response to the serious nature of the allegations, Manchester United granted Antony a leave of absence with full pay on 10 September to address the situation.
He returned to training on 29 September after voluntarily cooperating with Greater Manchester Police and resumed playing in early October.
Despite his return to the pitch, Antony’s club manager,Erik ten Hag, acknowledged in January that the ongoing matter had impacted the player’s performance.
Recent updates from the Ghanaian community in the UKhave corrected an earlier report concerning a tragic stabbing incident involving the Obinim family.
Contrary to previous information, Elder Joshua Obinim, the husband of the deceased Ghanaian woman Alberta Obinim, is alive.
Earlier reports had suggested that Elder Joshua, 64, had died along with his wife, Alberta, 43, after being stabbed by their 22-year-old son.
However the initial information, provided by the Ghanaian community in the UK, was inaccurate.
The stabbing incident occurred late on Sunday night, August 18, 2024, at the family’s home on Barnard Road, Gorton.
During the attack, which began around 11:20 p.m., the son, whose identity remains undisclosed, allegedly assaulted his family with a knife.
While Alberta Obinim tragically lost her life, Elder Joshua Obinim survived the attack and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Their 17-year-old daughter, who was also severely injured, remains in critical condition at the hospital.
The son was apprehended at the scene and is now in police custody, facing charges related to the incident.
This update was confirmed by community leaders, including Obudo and Alex Appiah Mensah, who serve as Ghana Union Chairman in the US and New Patriotic Party (NPP) UK Vice Chairman, respectively.
They shared the corrected information via a social media video.
Ghana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA)has called on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to delay signing the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024, into law until major concerns from stakeholders are resolved.
On July 29, 2024, Parliament approved the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Bill, 2024, after completing its third reading.
This legislation is designed to oversee the commercial practices of shippers, aiming to address issues related to unjust and excessive fees imposed on traders using Ghana’s ports, airports, and land borders for international commerce.
In a statement released on August 21, GUTA’s president, Dr. Joseph Obeng, criticized the lack of stakeholder consultation prior to the bill’s passage, emphasizing the need for further review to address these critical concerns.
“The Business Community wishes to appeal to the President of the Republic not to assent to the Ghana Shippers Authority Act, 2024 until some critical issues raised on the Act by stakeholders are resolved,” the statement read in part.
Parliament has stated that the newly enacted Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024, is designed to bring greater transparency to port fee structures and ensure accountability in the management of international trade cargo across Ghana’s borders.
The law aims to bolster Ghana’s role as a preferred transit hub for landlocked countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, and to increase the sector’s contribution to the national revenue.
Despite these objectives, theGhana Union of Traders’ Association (GUTA)is urging President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to refrain from endorsing the bill until the concerns raised by stakeholders are adequately addressed.
GUTA’s position reflects apprehension over unresolved issues that they believe must be clarified before the law is enacted.
Below is the full statement.
The Business Community wishes to appeal to the President of the Republic not to assent to the Ghana Shippers Authority Act, 2024 until some critical issues raised on the Act by stakeholders are resolved.
They are as follows:
The issue of registration of shippers and shipping service providers were not discussed with us to make our input as stakeholders in the shipping industry.
Submission of notice of shipment was also not discussed with stakeholders for their input.
The final draft was issued to stakeholders only after Parliament had approved the Bill.
Issues raised on the suspension of registration, renewal of certificate of registration, cancellation of registration and outright rejection, which are only related to permits and licenses to operate as importers have not been resolved with stakeholders.
The Advance Shipment Information System that had been resisted and withdrawn by the Government in the past is now being reintroduced in the Act. Our position on that has not changed. Moreover, this information sought by the GSA is of no relevance to their operation.
For these reasons, the Ghana Shippers Authority had agreed to our concerns and promised that as the Act has already been passed by Parliament, they would use Legislative Instruments (LIs) to correct any defect or anomaly in the operationalization of the Act. However, our consultations suggest that LIs cannot override an Act, hence our call on the President of the Republic not to assent to the Act until all issues raised are resolved.
A tragic incident occurred on the night of August 18, 2024, in Gorton, where a 43-year-old Ghanaian woman, Alberta Obinim,her 64-year-old husband, Elder Joshua, and her daughter were fatally attacked by their 22-year-old son.
The violent episode, which unfolded around 11:20 p.m. at their residence on Barnard Road, also left their 17-year-old daughter critically injured.
According to reports, the son, whose identity has not been disclosed, launched a knife attack on his family.
Both parents were severely wounded and rushed to the hospital.
Despite medical efforts, Elder Joshua died shortly after Alberta, who had been pronounced dead earlier.
Elder Joshua reportedly succumbed to the severe injuries he sustained from being stabbed by his 22-year-old son in Manchester.
The son was arrested at the scene and is currently in police custody, facing charges of murder.
The Ghanaian community has been deeply affected by this tragedy, and the news has been shared widely, including by Obudo and Alex Appiah Mensah, prominent figures in the Ghana Union in the US and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) UK, respectively, through social media platforms.
“We took Elder Joshua to the hospital hoping that he would recover, but this morning, Elder Joshua has also died.
The child who stabbed his parents both of them have died, and now it is only his sister who is fighting for her life in the hospital. We are deeply saddened,” one of them said.
Former General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana,Reverend Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, has expressed concerns about the persistent issue of electoral violence in Ghana.
In a recent interview with Citi News, Reverend Opuni-Frimpong criticized the government’s ongoing failure to effectively address violence during elections.
He highlighted that electoral violence has been a recurring problem, with the latest elections resulting in eight fatalities and several injuries.
He urged the current administration to implement the recommendations proposed after the violent incidents of the 2020 elections, stressing the need for decisive action to prevent future occurrences and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
“Sometimes you ask yourself, why are our leaders not worried about these electoral violence and electoral deaths? Our hands are so bloody and we must be worried as a country.
It is not only in the 2020 [general elections], almost all the elections, there is a record of death.
“But again, the recent one is the eight that we recorded in 2020.
For me, going into the 2024 election, if the government and the Ghana Police Service can give Ghanaians evidence that at least even if we have not come to completion [of investigations], the process is [ongoing and] we know those people we are prosecuting, they will add to the peace process.
We must find those people who killed the eight people and prosecute them, and if need be, even find compensation for those they have left behind.”
He further urged political parties to take any utterances that have the potential to incite violence seriously and address them promptly.
“The parties themselves, they have mature men and women in those parties who must, you know, behind the scenes, close door meetings, heal the wounds among themselves, and who must talk to their own people.
“We must have people inNPP who will just talk to people that this is not the NPP we want. We need people in NDC who are behind the scenes, even if they must come public and condemn their own.
“It is very worrying that when their people come out, you can’t get a single person in the NPP going public that, yes, you are part of us, but this comment is unacceptable. You don’t get somebody from NDC [either].”
Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sports, Kobina Woyome, has disclosed that a staggering $15 million was allocated for feeding athletes during the2023 Africa Games.
As the MP for South Tongu, Wayome noted that this substantial amount covered only 18 days of the event. The documents reviewed by the committee detailed this expenditure, raising significant questions.
Wayome emphasized that the committee has formally requested a detailed breakdown of how the $15 million was utilized solely for athlete meals over the 18-day period.
He assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted to clarify these spending discrepancies.
“You are spending $245 million and out of that, we got to know that a whopping amount of $15 million was used to feed athletes for 18 days. You realize that some of these things need to be investigated.”
“We wanted to know how many athletes actually made it. How many got registered? In fact, we need to get a report from the games management system because the system must be able to tell us.
How many actually came and participated in the Games. All these details we would want to know,” he said.
The 53 countries who competed in the 13th edition of the Africa Gamesprovided 2,644 athletes who participated in 335 events.
A report published in The Herold newspaper on August 21, 2024, claimed to present a “draft statement” from the ECOWAS Commission’s recent Pre-Election Fact-Finding Mission to Ghana.
The article, under the sensational headline “ECOWAS Mission Predicts Violence in Ghana’s 2024 Polls,” suggested that the Commission had foreseen unrest in the upcoming elections.
However, the ECOWAS Commission has firmly rejected this claims, describing the newspaper’s account as misleading and dishonest.
The Commission clarified that the report does not accurately reflect the findings or the tone of their mission.
“To educate The Herold, ECOWAS pre-electoral Missions do not issue statements on their findings.
Besides, reports of such missions are confidential and meant only for the eyes of the President of the Commission to aid his engagements with the authorities in Member States. In this instance, the preliminary report is still undergoing quality control.
“At no time before, during, and after the Fact-Finding Mission has ECO-WAS ‘predicted violence’ in the electoral process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX33e3Wzj48
The Commission therefore finds it preposterous that The Herald would disingenuously repeat the standard operating procedures of ECOWAS fact-finding missions, twist issues that are in the public domain in Ghana, and try to push its partisan conclusions into the mouth of ECOWAS,” a statement dated August 21 and issued in Abuja by the ECOWAS Commission said.
According to the statement, the ECOWAS Commission rightly holds Ghana in high esteem as a model of maturing democracy and tolerance on the continent and often cites the country for emulation in the region.
“The Commission therefore condemns any attempts by sections of the media to misuse the name of ECOWAS in their vain attempts to sow discord among the over 32 million peace-loving people of Ghana through manipulation, partisan positions, and veiled incitement to intolerance and violence.
Ghana deserves better,” it added.
TheECOWAS Commissionreiterated its trust in the resilience of democratic institutions in Ghana, adding that it will continue to accompany the government and people of Ghana to once again deliver transparent, inclusive, and peaceful elections in December 2024.
Running mate for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 presidential candidate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has addressed a recent comment made by John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Mahama had remarked that if Ghana’s first president, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, were alive, he would have slapped Dr. Opoku Prempeh, commonly known as NAPO, for a statement he made regarding Nkrumah.
“If Nkrumah had a ghost, he would have slapped NAPO,” Mahama said during a rally.
However, speaking during a campaign event in Adugyama, located in the Ahafo Ano South East constituency of the Ashanti Region, Dr. Prempeh countered Mahama’s comment, asserting that if the late former president, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, had a ghost, Mahama would have been in jail.
“If Mills had a ghost, John Mahama would be in jail by now.”
His remark was met with enthusiastic applause from the gathered audience.
Dr. Prempeh is currently on a campaign tour across the Ashanti Region, promoting the NPP’s message of “Selfless Leadership and Bold Solutions for the Future.”
During his interactions, he has been highlighting what he describes as the poor performance of the John Mahama administration.
“We have a President, John Mahama, under whose watch Ghanaians slept in darkness for four years, but he thinks Ghanaians have forgotten about this record,” Dr. Prempeh stated.
Dr. Prempeh underscored that the NPP’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia,is the most capable leader to protect and advance key initiatives like the Free Senior High School program.
As part of his campaign efforts, Dr. Prempeh plans to visit all 47 constituencies in the Ashanti Region, with the goal of rallying support in the party’s stronghold and driving a significant voter turnout on election day.
Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has instructed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to launch an investigation into 18 teachers in the Amansie Central District who unlawfully promoted themselves without following the established GES regulations.
According to a report from the Amansie Central Education Directorate, these teachers improperly upgraded their positions without the necessary documentation, leading to an unjustified salary increase.
This unauthorized action caused the state a financial loss of GH¢188,000.
Vincent Ben Ameyaw, the District Education Director for Amansie Central, revealed that so far, GH¢34,000 of the misappropriated funds has been recovered.
“We have been able to collect GH¢34,731.53 and we are left with GH¢152,966.54 and we are on course collecting [the balance].
“We did not place [promote those teachers], they did self-upgrading without passing through the office. So it is a backdoor affair.”
Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has explained that the Trafigura judgment debtissue is not new, emphasizing that no recent judgment has been made against Ghana by a U.S. court.
This statement was made in response to reports that a District of Columbia Court had ordered the Ghanaian government to pay over $111 million, along with post-judgment interest, following a Motion of Judgment in favor of the Ghana Power Generation Company (GPGC).
During an appearance on Citi FM on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, Mr Dame clarified that , “This award was given way back in 2021, and the government since then has had the obligation to pay, and indeed they have been making efforts to pay.
“It is the failure to exhaust payment which has led to the company seeking enforcement orders in other jurisdictions. It is not the case where there has been a new judgment or a fresh award given by any court or any tribunal anywhere.”
He further dispelled the notion that a new judgment debt had been issued, stating, “The impression that is sought to be created by the publication that I have seen today—another judgment debt, a new judgment debt, US Court awards, there is no US Court which is awarding judgment against the government of Ghana.
“It is only an enforcement order, and that enforcement order is on account of a failure to pay a judgment debt which accrued way back in January 2021 as a result of an award that was given that time.”
Meanwhile, a recent document from a U.S. District Court has uncovered a series of missteps by Ghana’s legal team, which ultimately prevented the country from contesting a $134 million judgment awarded to Trafigura by the English courts.
This case centers on a power purchase agreement between Trafigura’s subsidiary, GPGC, and the Ghanaian government. The agreement was unilaterally terminated by Ghana in 2018, prompting a legal dispute that led to a significant judgment against the country.
Despite a definitive ruling from a UK tribunal that ordered Ghana to pay $134,348,661, the government only made partial payments, leaving an outstanding balance of $111,493,828.92, with interest continuing to accrue.
Compounding the issue, Ghana failed to meet critical deadlines to appeal the UK judgment, further deepening the country’s financial obligations and complicating its legal standing in the matter.
Emmanuel Donkoh, a 36-year-old hunter, has been detained following his confession to shooting his friend, Kwaku Aboagye, 57, also known as Accra Bread.
The incident, which took place in Assin Seidukrom in the Assin South District of the Central Region, has left the community stunned. Aboagye had been reported missing since January 2024.
On January 26, 2024, during a hunting trip, Aboagye disappeared. Donkoh, who was with him, initially claimed ignorance about his friend’s disappearance. However, after more than six months, he admitted to killing Aboagye during the hunt.
Donkoh revealed that the incident occurred in the Kakum Forest Reserve, within the Assin Seidukrom area.
Following his confession, police investigators, led by Detective Corporal Nii Armah Ashitey, located where Donkoh had buried Aboagye’s remains.
The police discovered Aboagye’s skeletal remains, identifiable by his clothing: Wellington boots, a black T-shirt, and black trousers.
The motive for the killing remains unclear, and the police are currently investigating the circumstances of the tragic event.
According to Agyadu Barima on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Donkoh and Aboagye were close friends who did everything together.
On the day of the incident, Donkoh swore on the Bible and other deities that Aboagye had received a call and left for home.
“But after several months, it remains unclear what happened when the suspect started shouting that he wanted to confess.
Residents were surprised and wondered what was happening, so they drew closer to him.
“He then asked them to invite the police over because he had a confession to make.
The police were invited, and when they arrived, Emmanuel confessed that he was the one who shot and killed his friend.
“He confessed that his friend switched on a radio, and so he (the suspect) asked him (the deceased) to turn the radio off since that could get them arrested.
However, the deceased pulled a knife on him, and because he did not have a knife, he pulled his gun and allegedly shot him. That was what he told the police.”
In May 1972, a symbolic funeral procession was held in Lagos, Nigeria, for former President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Despite his body still being held by the Government of Guinea at the time, the ceremony served as a tribute to Nkrumah.
The event featured a large crowd following men carrying the casket through the streets, accompanied by singing and chanting.
Nkrumah passed away in Romania on April 27.
His body was flown to Conakry, Guinea, on April 30. Afterward, his remains were transported to Ghana, initially resting in his hometown of Nkroful in the Western Region. Eventually, they were moved to Accra and interred at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.
Nkrumah, who led Ghana to independence from British rule in 1957, is remembered for his significant role in the country’s history.
Footage: Mock burial in Lagos for Former President Dr. kwame Nkrumah, (May 1972), whose body was still being held by the Government of Guinea, was honoured with a symbolic burial in Lagos, Nigeria. He died in Romania on April 27. On April 30 his body was flown to Conakry, Guinea. pic.twitter.com/XvIOWmceyk
Meetings with thePublic Accounts Committeeof Parliament are often charged with tension, given the rigorous examination and scrutiny that typically ensue.
These sessions can become notably heated, with committee members rigorously probing those under review.
However, during a recent session, the atmosphere took an unexpected turn.
Emmanuel Samson, a teacher from Akropong Number One D/A JHS in the Gomoa West District, who was summoned for an alleged misuse of salary overpayments, managed to bring a sense of levity to the proceedings.
Instead of the usual intense grilling, Samson’s appearance provided moments of light-heartedness, as he elicited laughter and giggles from the committee members.
His presence, and the way he handled the situation, injected an unusual but welcome dose of humor into the typically serious environment of parliamentary scrutiny.
Public Account Committee Sitting: "Yes, I chopped the money" – GES officer confesses to receiving GHC 15K salary overpayment.#JoyNewspic.twitter.com/XcPv4f1KGU
Asked by James Klutse Avedzi, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, “When you got the money, which was more than the amount you were expecting, did you know at that time when you received the salary?” he replied:
“No, please. When I got the money, I thought it was my money until the auditors came in,” to which the whole room started giggling, with many of the members laughing.
The Ranking Member on the Committee, Davis Ansah Opoku (OPK), who is also the Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, then asked, “Like we say in our local settings, you have chopped the money? Mr Samson, you have chopped the money?”
“Yes, boss,” the GES officer answered.
(The whole room bursts into laughter once again)
“Alright, we are grateful for your sincerity…” OPK said.
The conversations continued from there, with James Azedziasking Emmanuel Samson to ensure that, as he had assured the committee that he would pay back at the end of August 2024, he does so, or else he will instruct the auditors to take action against him.
Residents of East Mamprusi are outraged following a horrific incident where a seven-month pregnant woman was gang-raped by six armed men on the deteriorating Gambaga-Dagbriboari road in the North East Region.
The attack occurred when the woman and her husband were ambushed while returning from a medical check-up in Nalerigu. The assailants violently assaulted the woman, physically attacked her husband, and stole their motorbike and phones.
According to JoyNews correspondent Eliasu Tanko, the victim’s grandfather revealed that the pregnant woman experienced severe complications and had to be urgently taken back to the hospital on the same night of the attack.
The grandfather reported that the couple was subjected to brutal violence before their possessions were stolen.
“The robbers were six in number and well-armed,” the grandfather said.
He also said that many other residents of the community had fallen victim to similar attacks, losing their belongings to the assailants.
The grandfather attributed the increase in violent incidence to the poor state of the road and the government’s chronic failure to address the issue.
“Years of neglect of our roads have caused us a lot of calamity and sometimes we asked ourselves if we were also part of Ghana,” he lamented.
For reasons of cultural and personal security, JoyNews was unable to directly interview the victim. However, off-camera, she conveyed her hope for recovery and called for urgent repairs to the roads.
As of now, there has been no police action, and no suspects have been apprehended.
Residents have noted that law enforcement has not visited the area since the attack, despite reports being made to the Municipal Chief Executive and the local Member of Parliament (MP).
On August 20, 2024, MP for Nalerigu, Issifu Seidu, voiced his concerns about the security situation in his constituency. He attributed the rise in such incidents to the poor road conditions and revealed that he has taken steps to address the issue by arranging for construction equipment to improve the roads.
“As a Member of Parliament, I have a voice on the floor of Parliament.I think what I have to do is to make a statement on the floor of Parliament so that we can get the Interior Minister to come in and respond to some practical steps they have taken to mitigate the situation,” he said.
Group Stands for Peace, Growth, and Development (GSPGD) has lauded the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for its impartial investigation into theAirbus scandal.
Former President John Mahama has been named as ‘Government Official 1’ in UK court documents and ‘Individual 1’ in U.S. filings.
Despite these references, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng’s comprehensive investigation found no evidence linking Mr. Mahama to corruption or bribery in the procurement of the aircraft.
The Airbus scandal, which dates back to Mahama’s presidency, involved allegations of misconduct related to Ghana’s purchase of military aircraft from Airbus.
However, the OSP’s report, after an in-depth inquiry, determined that Mr. Mahama’s actions were based on good faith and did not involve corrupt practices.
GSPGD expressed sincere appreciation for the OSP’s commitment to independence and resistance to political pressure, underscoring the importance of fairness and justice in public service.
The group also praised Mr. Mahama for his openness and encouraged him to focus on patriotism and integrity if he returns to power.
GSPGDemphasized the necessity for leaders who prioritize national interest above all else to drive the country’s growth and development.
World Bank Country Director Robert O’Brien has revealed that Ghana’s classification as high debt distress country will be reviewed as soon the country reaches a deal with the external commercial creditors.
Mr. O’Brien noted that there are some technicalities surrounding the debt classification processes for countries. This, he explained is the reason the progress made in reaching an Agreement in Principle with the bilateral creditors did not reflect in the latest Debt Sustainability Analysis done on the country.
He disclosed this on PM EXPRESS Business Edition with host George Wiafe.
“The Bank is satisfied with the progress that Ghana is making when it comes to the negotiations that government is having with external creditors. As long as it is in line with the IMF programme, that should impact on the analysis”, he said.
Background
In the latest Debt Sustainability Analysis published in July 2024, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have confirmed Ghana’s status as a country in debt distress.
The joint report from the Bretton Woods Institutions indicated that Ghana remains classified as such because it has not yet finalized the restructuring of its external commercial debt as required by the IMF-supported program.
They noted that significant financing gaps persist, which need to be addressed through a debt restructuring process with commercial creditors, in line with the Debt Sustainability Analysis and IMF guidelines.
According to data released by the Ministry of Finance on the debt repayment freeze as of December 2022, Ghana’s total external debt amounts to $20 billion. This includes $5.4 billion in bilateral external debt, $13.1 billion owed to Eurobond holders, and $10.4 billion to multilateral creditors.
Outlook for Ghana’s Economy
Mr. O’Brien said the World Ban is currently satisfied with measures taken by government to help stabilize the economy.
“When we look at some of the major indicators, there has been a much improvement from last year. One can talk about inflation rate”, he said.
He however maintained that the major concern is hinged on election related spending.
“I think that is the biggest threat to the current economic recovery. How is government going to manage the elections when it comes to expenditure”, he said.
“Government has given the assurance that it is committed to fiscal prudence and we hope that they stick to that assurance that it has given to the donors, investors and Ghanaians”, he said.
Asked whether the economy is on the right path, Mr. O’ Brien said “there are indeed clear signs of economic recovery and all the indicators are supporting that claim”.
Ministry of Youth and Sports has provided a detailed explanation regarding the payment made to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) for its role as the official broadcaster of the13th African Games held in Accra earlier this year.
This clarification follows controversy sparked by remarks made by the Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, during a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) session on Monday, August 19, 2024.
During the PAC session, the sports minister claimed that the Ministry had disbursed over $3 million to GBC for its production and broadcasting services for the Games.
This statement was made in response to concerns raised by MP Samuel Nartey George of Ningo Prampram about unpaid debts to technical staff involved in the event.
In contrast, GBC’s Director-General, Prof. Amin Alhassan, publicly disputed the Minister’s claim, stating that GBC had only received $105,000, which was allocated to support the broadcaster’s decision to dedicate a channel to the African Games, thus suspending regular programming on GTV Sports Plus.
In response to this discrepancy, the Ministry of Youth and Sports issued a press release on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, outlining the financial arrangements with GBC in detail.
The Ministry explained that multiple proposals for the production and broadcasting rights of the 13th African Games were reviewed, with some exceeding $6 million, which was considered excessive.
To build local capacity and ensure a lasting legacy, the Ministry chose GBC as the official broadcaster. This decision was partly due to GBC’s lower financial quotation compared to other proposals.
“The Ministry of Youth and Sports, through the Local Organising Committee, received proposals from various stakeholders for the production and broadcasting rights for the 13th African Games,” the press release stated.
“Some organisations submitted proposals in excess of $6 million, which the Ministry deemed excessive.”
The Ministry clarified that the total agreed payment for GBC’s services amounted to $3.6 million. Of this total, $2.5 million was paid directly to GBC in two installments: $1 million on March 13, 2024, and $1.5 million on May 22, 2024.
The remaining $1 million was paid directly to third-party service providers based on GBC’s instructions, as outlined in the contractual agreement.
“From the total amount, $2.5 million was paid directly to GBC in two tranches: $1 million on March 13, 2024, and $1.5 million on May 22, 2024. Another amount of $1 million was paid to third parties upon the instructions of GBC, in accordance with the contract,” the release explained.
TheMinistry emphasizedits commitment to transparency and accountability, noting that all financial transactions were conducted with the highest level of integrity.
Ghana Cocoa Board(COCOBOD) has announced that it will transition to self-financing for the 2024/2025 cocoa crop season, starting in September 2024.
For the past 32 years, COCOBOD has relied on offshore borrowing to finance cocoa purchases through its cocoa syndication programme.
However, the organization is shifting its strategy to reduce dependency on external funds.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, August 20, COCOBOD’s CEO, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, explained that this new approach is expected to save an estimated $150 million.
“Is it good that always COCOBOD should be heard going to borrow? Are we comfortable with that tag? Today, you have heard that COCOBOD is not going to borrow. It is quite a good time for any human being to learn his or her lessons.
“In 32 years, we have learned our lessons and we think that it is high time we wean ourselves from the offshore international financial markets and then finance the crop ourselves here and that is exactly what we are going to do. And I think it comes with a lot of projectory benefits.
“We are looking for $1.5 billion this crop season and looking at the interest rates last year, which were over 8 percent, plus the cost, it means that we can save more than $150 million by the decision not to go offshore.
He also denied assertions that COCOBOD was short-changing farmers with its pricing of cocoa.
“It is not true that COCOBOD is not giving the farmers a fair price. If you follow the narrative, you will notice that from 2017 on, COCOBOD has even been more than fair.
“The government had been more than fair to farmers because this was a time when prices had collapsed but the government andCOCOBOD did not reduce the farmers’ price.”
Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA)has revealed plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with all potential governments ahead of the forthcoming elections.
This initiative aims to safeguard the interests of its members and ensure that political parties fulfill their promises if elected.
GUTA President Dr. Joseph Obeng, speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, emphasized that, unlike in previous elections, the association now insists on having input in the development of party manifestos.
“In the past, they would formulate their own manifesto, and at the end of the campaign, they’d come and show it to us. But this election, we demanded that we want to factor our input into their manifesto because they are all potential governments,” Dr Obeng stated.
He highlighted the significance of this agreement, stressing that GUTA is determined not to be overlooked.
The Association intends to hold future governments accountable to the terms outlined in the MoU.
“We are very serious about this so that we are not taken for granted and can call the government back to order when it fails to fulfil its end of the bargain,” he added.
GUTA has been outspoken about the economic difficulties its members are experiencing, especially due to the cedi’s depreciation and escalating freight charges from Asia, which have significantly increased the cost of doing business.
The Association has called on the government to maintain the economic progress made since re-engaging with the IMF, as these gains are vital for the business community.
Dr Obeng also expressed the need for greater accountability, stating, “First, we were just building the manifesto. Then after you finish, we demand that let’s put a signature somewhere so that we can refer to it.
I think it’s fair because we have to go beyond some of these red territories and then demand proper accountability.”
GUTA’s decisionto secure formal agreements with political parties highlights its commitment to safeguarding the interests of traders and ensuring that their voices are heard in the policymaking process.
District of Columbia Court in theUnited States has ordered the Ghanaian government to pay $111,493,828.92, along with mandatory post-judgment interest, after granting a Motion for Default Judgment in favor of PGC.
This ruling follows Ghana’s disregard for a previous tribunal decision from the United Kingdom. The dispute originated after Ghana terminated a power purchase agreement with GPGC on February 18, 2018.
A UK tribunal, in its Final Award on January 26, 2021, ruled that Ghana had breached its contractual obligations.
Ghana had argued that the contract was terminated because the foreign power company failed to meet specific contractual requirements.
However, the tribunal disagreed, awarding GPGC $134,348,661 in damages, calculated using the Early Termination Payment formula from the purchase agreement.
The damages included compensation for GPGC’s arbitration fees and expenses totaling $3,309,877.74, with interest at three-month USD LIBOR, compounded quarterly, and an interest rate of six-month USD LIBOR + 6%.
After unsuccessful efforts to collect the outstanding payment from Ghana, GPGC filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court on January 19, 2024, seeking recovery of the growing debt under Chapter 2 of the Federal Arbitration Act and the New York Convention.
Court documents reveal that Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, received the petition from the US court on January 23, 2024, with the documents being officially delivered to Ghana on January 29, 2024.
However, Ghana failed to appear in court or respond by the deadline of March 29, 2024.
The court, citing the New York Convention—which the United States has adopted and which recognizes arbitral awards made in the United Kingdom—affirmed its jurisdiction over the case.
The court also noted that Ghana had consented to international arbitration in the power purchase agreement and had explicitly waived its sovereign immunity, as reported by adomonline.com.
In his memo ruling dated August 6, 2024, Chief Judge James E. Boasbergemphasized that the arbitral award between the non-U.S. parties stemmed from a commercial transaction, which falls under the New York Convention.
The Convention requires member states to recognize and enforce such awards, regardless of the parties’ nationality or residence.
Although the judge did not grant GPGC pre-judgment interest, Ghana still faces significant financial strain due to the court’s award of post-judgment interest at the rate specified in US regulations.
New Patriotic Party’s Flagbearer,Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is set to hold a media engagement on Sunday, August 25, 2024.
This event comes after the successful launch of the New Patriotic Party’s 2024 Manifesto.
A statement issued by Denis Miracles Aboagye, Communications Director for Bawumia’s 2024 campaign team, said, “Dr. Bawumia is strongly convinced; the Ghanaian people deserve to have a complete view and proper understanding of the vision of their leaders before the 2024 December polls, and the manifesto properly sets the context for the conversation.”
The statement noted that this crucial media engagement is one of several activities planned by Dr. Bawumia to further promote and communicate the 2024 Manifesto.
See full statement below:
For Immediate Release August 20, 2024
***DR. BAWUMIA HOSTS THE MEDIA*** The Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will host a Media engagement on Sunday, 25th August 2024.
This Engagement follows the successful launch of the 2024 Manifesto of the New… pic.twitter.com/IkEqq5jHQB
National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiahas outlined specific conditions that the party requires before considering the signing of the Peace Pact proposed by the National Peace Council ahead of the December 7 elections.
Mr. Nketia expressed doubt about the effectiveness of previous Peace Pacts, citing that they failed to achieve their goals, especially during the 2020 elections when eight NDC members were allegedly killed by national security operatives without accountability.
In an August 20 meeting with the National Peace Council at the NDC headquarters, Mr. Nketia presented the party’s conditions for participating in the Peace Pact.
General Mosquito has presented the Peace Council with six conditions for the NDC to sign the peace pact:
1. Full implementation of the Ayawaso Commission's recommendations. 2. Prosecution of those responsible for the killings during the 2020 election. 3. Prosecution of… pic.twitter.com/NOxHLoy00I
The NDC demands the full implementation of the recommendations from the investigation into the violence during the Ayawaso West Wuogonby-election.
They also call for the prosecution of those responsible for election-related violence in the last election, emphasizing the need for justice and prevention.
Additionally, the party insists on accountability regarding irregularities in the printing of ballot papers and requires visible measures to prevent such issues in the future.
The NDC also seeks a thorough investigation into the missing IT equipment from the Electoral Commission’s (EC) warehouse, raising concerns about the integrity of the EC’s systems and the potential bias of its staff.
Furthermore, the NDC is urging the President to publicly commit to respecting the results of the 2024 elections.
Lastly, the party insists that key figures, including theInspector General of Police,the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General, and the National Security Coordinator, sign the Peace Pact before they will consider signing it themselves.
Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) has denied accusations that it received $3 million from the Ministry of Youth and Sports as full payment for covering the 13th All African Games.
The state broadcaster dismissed the claim as entirely false and “shocking.”
In a recent interview, the Director General of GBC clarified that the corporation only received $105,000 for its coverage of the games, which took place in Ghana from March 8-23, 2024.
The Sports Ministry had made the claim during a session of the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament on Monday, August 19.
“GBC was the official broadcaster for the 13th All African Games, and I can confirm that full payment has been made to GBC. I can’t remember the exact amount, but I know that it is in the excess of $3 million,” the Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif, told parliament.
But Professor Amin Alhassan said nothing more than $105,000 was paid as a benefit to the GBC for dedicating its channel.
Public Accounts Committee sitting: We paid GBC $ 3million for All African Games coverage – Mustapha Ussif #JoyNewspic.twitter.com/YP6mWjAi2R
“I think yesterday I was one of those who was shocked to learn that the minister of youth and sports said that they had paid GBC in excess of $3 million and I want to assure every Ghanaian and the public that GBC’s total benefit from the African Games was $105,000 us dollars equivalent.
Nothing more was paid as a benefit to GBC. And that payment was as support for the fact that we dedicated an entire channel 24 hours. We suspended normal programming for the GTV Sports+ and dedicated it to the All African games.
And for our role as the official broadcaster. that is what the GBC was paid and not in excess of $3 million,” he responded.
Prof Alhassan further explained that the amount was used to offset the corporation’s opportunity cost.
“When you suspend a channel’s normal programming, there is an opportunity cost, so it’s used to offset the cost of the channel not doing regular programming. So there is a loss of business.
So it’s important to point out that when you take an entire channel 24 hours for two weeks, it comes at a cost, and that was what the money was for. So it was for our revenue. $105,000 and not in excess of 3 million dollars.”
Accra Hearts of Oakhas officially announced the acquisition of seven new players ahead of the 2024/25 Ghana football season.
On Monday, August 19, the club unveiled Ransford Mensah from Danbort FC, Isshak Saani Mohammed from Soccer4souls FC, and Ramzy Yussif from New Edubiase FC.
The team has also strengthened its ranks with Mawuli Wayo and Yahaya Draman from Bibiani Gold Stars, Hussein Mohammed from Debibi United, and Kwabena Boateng from Legon Cities.
These new signings bring the total number of players added to Hearts of Oak’s roster for the upcoming season to eleven.
Following a challenging 2023/24 Ghana Premier League season, where Hearts of Oak narrowly avoided relegation with a 3-2 win over Bechem United on the final day, the club is keen to reinforce its squad.
Currently, the team is in Asutsuare for their pre-season training as they prepare for the new season, which begins on September 6.
Led by coach Aboubakar Ouattara,Hearts of Oak will start their campaign against newly promoted Basake Holy Stars at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The offer, submitted on Monday, includes an option to make the transfer permanent in 2025.
Ramsdale, 26, lost his starting position at Arsenal in 2023 after the arrival of David Raya on loan from Brentford, who has since been signed permanently by the Gunners.
Although Ramsdale made only 11 appearances last season, he was still selected for England’s Euro 2024 squad.
Having joined Arsenal from Sheffield United in a £24 million transfer in 2021, Ramsdale, with two years left on his contract, is keen to secure regular first-team football.
He was an unused substitute in Arsenal’s 2-0 Premier League win against Wolves on Saturday.
At Wolves, Portugal international Jose Sa has been the first-choice goalkeeper since his arrivalfrom Olympiakos in 2021.
Black Stars coach Otto Addo has submitted his squad list to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Ghana, drawn in Group F with Angola, Niger, and Sudan, will begin their qualification campaign next month.
The four-time African champions will start with matches against Angola and Niger.
The Black Stars are set to face Angola’s Palancas Negras at the Baba Yara Stadium on September 5, followed by an away game against Niger on September 9.
Reports indicate that Otto Addo has already provided his squad for the first two qualifiers to the GFA Executive Council. Notably, no players from the Ghana Premier League are included in the roster.
Addo is expected to assemble a strong lineup for these important matches as Ghana seeks to secure a spot in the tournament, which will be hosted in Morocco next year.
The Black Stars are determined to continue their impressive form, following consecutive wins against Mali and the Central African Republic in the2026 World Cup qualifiersin June.
