Despite being closely linked with a transfer to the Ghanaian club last month and nearly finalising the deal, Morrison ultimately decided to sign with Gor Mahia FC.
In a recent interview, Morrison extended his apologies for the failed transfer to Hearts of Oak and requested their understanding and forgiveness.
“Hearts of Oak did not communicate with me directly, which made the deal more complicated.
I knew they were interested in me, but for one or two reasons, the process took longer than anticipated. If the delay hadn’t happened, I would have played for Hearts of Oak.
“During our multiple meetings, the Hearts coach expressed interest and explained how I would fit into his team. Because both of us were interested in the deal, I cannot hold Hearts responsible for its failure.
I can only say that because it was not intentional, they should accept my apologies in this regard,” Enoch Morrison said.
During the interview, the highly-regarded midfielder expressed his desire to potentially play for Hearts of Oak in the future.
Ghanaian sprinters Benjamin Azamati and Rasheed Saminu both saw their hopes in the men’s 100 metres at the2024 Olympic Gamescome to an end in the semi-final round.
In the first semi-final, Benjamin Azamati finished ninth with a time of 10.17 seconds.
The race was won by Jamaica’s Oblique Seville in 9.81 seconds, while Noah Lyles of the USA, who won the bronze in 2020, secured second place with a time of 9.83 seconds.
In the second semi-final, Rasheed Saminu placed seventh with a time of 10.08 seconds.
Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson led this heat with a time of 9.80 seconds, followed by Fred Kerley from the USA in second with 9.84 seconds.
The final of the men’s 100 metres was a showcase of American talent, as Noah Lyles claimed the gold medal.
#Agoo📢 🇬🇭 Benjamin Azamati comes in 9th place in Semi Final 1 of the Men’s 100m.
— AmissTony (🗣️#Agoo📢) 🎙️🗞️✍️ (@AmissTony) August 4, 2024
Lyles, who had confidently predicted his success, narrowly defeated Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson with a personal best time of 9.79 seconds.
Despite Thompson leading for most of the race, Lyles surged to victory, marking the beginning of his ambitious quest for up to four gold medals at the Games.
Fred Kerley, another American sprinter, won the bronze with a time of 9.81 seconds, just ahead of South Africa’s Akani Simbine.
The race at Stade de France was intensely competitive, with all eight finalists finishing within amere 0.12 seconds of Lyles after a suspenseful delay at the start.
Noah Lyles, the men’s 100m champion at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games,has opened up about his long-term battle with multiple chronic conditions.
Lyles disclosed that he has been contending with asthma, allergies, dyslexia, and ADD, among other issues, which have affected his performance over the years.
The American sprinting sensation also revealed that he has struggled with anxiety and depression, which had a significant impact on his productivity, but he has now managed to overcome these challenges.
Drawing from his experiences, Lyles encouraged others to remain optimistic regardless of their struggles, assuring them that brighter days are ahead.
“I have asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and depression. But I will tell you that what you have does not define what you can become. Why not you?” he wrote on X on August 5, 2024.
I have Asthma, allergies, dyslexia, ADD, anxiety, and Depression. But I will tell you that what you have does not define what you can become. Why Not You!
In a thrilling conclusion at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Noah Lyles clinched the men’s 100-meter title by a razor-thin margin of five-thousandths of a second, edging out Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson in a dramatic photo finish.
Lyles, known for his flair, surged ahead in the latter half of the race, finishing with a personal best of 9.79 seconds.
This matched the time of Olympic newcomer Thompson, who had maintained the lead for most of the race.
However, Lyles’ impressive final push secured his victory, marking the start of his ambitious pursuit of four gold medals at the Games.
Fred Kerley of the United States, a former world champion, earned the bronze with a time of 9.81 seconds, just ahead of South Africa’s Akani Simbine, who narrowly missed the podium.
In this remarkable race, all eight finalists crossed the finish line within 0.12 seconds of Lyles, following a tense wait at the start line in the Stade de France.
Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has issued a warning to the public in the Ashanti Region about the illegal sale and distribution of counterfeit meters.
The ECG is concerned about the proliferation of these fake meters in their service areas and has vowed to crack down on this illegal activity.
This announcement follows the seizure of substandard meters at the Dabala Checkpoint and Tech Junction during inspections of buses travelling to Kumasi from Aflao.
Investigations revealed that these metres originated in Togo.
Mr. Maxwell Dapaah, the ECG Ashanti-West General Manager, cautioned against the private installation of electric meters without ECG’s authorisation, emphasising the importance of adhering to proper procedures.
He stressed that these unauthorised metres would not be recorded in ECG’s system, complicating billing and other commercial processes.
Mr. Dapaah expressed concern over how this practice adversely affects the company’s commercial and technical operations.
“It is illegal to import metres into the country and also acquire metres from other sources apart from ECG.
We will take all necessary legal action against individuals who are trying to infiltrate our network with these fake metres, including those who aid them by selling or buying those metres.”
Mr Dapaah also revealed that metres installed by individual customers do not meet ECG’s metre specifications.
“These meters are not tested and calibrated by ECG to meet the requirements stated by regulatory agencies such as the Energy Commission and the Ghana Standards Authority.
“Thereby posing danger such as fire outbreak, overloading and damage to transformers, resulting in prolonged outages and increased technical losses to the company,” he said.
He advised customers to avoid purchasing fake metres or dealing with unauthorised third parties when they need meters, and instead, to contact ECG directly for genuine meters.
“With the introduction of the Loss Reduction Programme (LRP) and Flat rate policy, we have many options to service our customers anytime they apply for meters.
So kindly visit the nearestECG office and apply toensure you are served instead of engaging in the illegal act of purchasing from illegal sources,” he advised.
Mr Dapaah appealed to the general public to support the company in its efforts to combat the proliferation of fake meters, which would enable ECG to generate sufficient revenue to maintain a stable electricity supply chain.
“Users of these foreign meters are not in the ECG database so they consume electricity illegally without paying and this is not fair to customers who pay their bills.
Such individuals usually complain that they are not receiving bills and this is because their meters were obtained and installed illegally without following the process of acquiring meters. We want everyone consuming electricity to prioritise the payment of bills since it is patriotic to pay for electricity consumed,” he added.
“Some customers even distribute electricity to other customers illegally with these fake meters and substandard networks that pose danger to life and property.”
Mr Dapaah urged customers to download the ECG PowerApp or utilise the shortcode *226# to settle all outstanding bills, enabling the company to ensure a stable and reliable power supply.
Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, has emphasised that the trial of Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, former Deputy Finance Minister and Minority Leader, over the ambulance issue is a blatant example of political persecution.
Simons argued that the trial aims to weaken democratic accountability and, in his article “Ghana’s Ambulance Saga is Crazier Than You Think,” he suggested that Dr. Forson has been unfairly targeted.
“Coming in the wake of the government’s biggest second-term crisis in the newly split parliament, the prosecution was immediately condemned by some independent analysts, myself included, as pure political persecution and an attempt to undermine democratic accountability,” he stated.
He further stated, “It was apparent then, as it is now, that the MP had been unfairly targeted, and some of us said so.”
On Tuesday, July 30, the Court of Appeal acquitted and discharged Dr Forson, thereby overturning the trial Court’s order for him to present his defence in the case.
The ambulance case involving Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, former Deputy Finance Minister, and businessman Richard Jakpa centers on allegations of financial misconduct in the procurement of ambulances for Ghana’s Ministry of Health.
The case dates back to 2014, when the Ministry of Health signed a contract with Big Sea General Trading Limited for the supply of 200 ambulances. Dr. Forson, who was then the Deputy Finance Minister, authorised the release of €2.37 million for the purchase of the first 30 ambulances.
The prosecution claims that these ambulances were defective and did not meet the required specifications, leading to financial loss to the state.
Richard Jakpa, involved in facilitating the transaction, is also accused of playing a role in the procurement process that allegedly led to the delivery of substandard vehicles.
Both Dr. Forson and Jakpa face charges, including wilfully causing financial loss to the state, and their trial has sparked debates over whether it is a legitimate pursuit of accountability or a case of political persecution.
Former President of Ghana,John Dramani Mahama, described the current economic situation as the worst the country has ever faced, claiming that “everything is declining under this government.”
Addressing the chiefs and residents of the Zebilla constituency, the NDC’s 2024 presidential candidate emphasised the need for a swift overhaul of the country’s management, suggesting that this could only be achieved by someone with substantial experience.
““Eighty percent of Ghanaians say Ghana is going in the wrong direction. The time has come to change course and send NPP packing. It is time for an experienced, safe pair of hands to take over the country and turn our fortunes around,” he stressed.
Things were not perfect under my government, but at least, we were making some progress…we have gone through crises in the past, but I must say that even though we have seen hard times, this time is probably the worst crisis ever experienced.
During the initial phase of his 2024 election campaign, former President John Dramani Mahama highlighted that the ongoing crisis in Ghana extends beyond the economy, affecting nearly all institutions and disproportionately impacting the vulnerable.
He attributed the situation to excessive borrowing and economic mismanagement, which has caused the Cedi to depreciate significantly.
Mahama noted that Ghana’s debt has escalated from GH₵120 billion in 2017 to GH₵750 billion in 2024, necessitating domestic debt restructuring and seeking external assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“For the first time in our history, this is when we have overborrowed to the extent that we declare to the entire world that we are bankrupt. As I speak today, we are not servicing our debt because we told our creditors that we cannot pay.
“All the 17 times we have been to the IMF, it was just to stabilise the economy, and it was never because we couldn’t afford to pay our debt,” he added.
The NDC flag bearer refuted claims that the struggling economy was a result of COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He pointed out that the current government received GH₵22 billion from the IMF, the World Bank, and the Stabilisation Fund during the pandemic but failed to manage these funds effectively.
He also criticised the administration for mishandling key traditional industries, which has negatively impacted the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
“The last cocoa season before I left office, we produced 967,000 metric tonnes of cocoa for export and it brought $2 billion directly into the economy but today they are producing just slightly above 400,000, so they cannot even raise $800 million to infuse the economy.
“I established two new oil wells (Sankofa and Ten fields) before I left office and so when they came, we had an increase in oil production but today our oil and gas production has declined by 32 percent,” he added.
Mr Mahama explained that the current government had damaged every sector of the economy through mismanagement and what he described as “state capture,” where only a few people were benefiting from the national cake and said it was time for a change of hands to save the country from collapse.
The 24-hour economic policy of the NDC, he said, will significantly contribute to reviving the economy and creating jobs for the youth.
Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has initiated an investigation into suspected corruption and related offences exposed in JoyNews’ recent documentary, “Porous Borders”.
The OSP has requested the unedited footage of the documentary to facilitate a thorough investigation into alleged bribery and corruption involving some staff of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The OSP becomes the third public institution to respond to the documentary, following reactions from Parliament and the GRA.
Porous Borders showcased real-time footage of corrupt activities by some customs officials at Ghana’s eastern border.
In the wake of the documentary’s release, the Customs Division of the GRA announced on July 31 that it had assembled a team to investigate the corruption claims. Parliament also reacted, with Yusif Suleiman, Ranking Member on the Trade and Industry Committee and MP for Bole-Bamboi, describing the country as “sick” after viewing the exposé.
On August 2, 2024, the Special Prosecutor confirmed the commencement of an investigation into the allegations in the documentary.
The office has formally requested the documentary’s unedited recordings to support its inquiry.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames, ensuring the safe evacuation of everyone from the library.
Calm has since been restored, and students have resumed their studies in preparation for the second-semester examinations, starting tomorrow.
Master Kane Nana Francis, the KNUST SRC President-Elect, addressed the students, highlighting essential safety measures during a fire and cautioning against overloading electrical sockets.
He also encouraged students to remain calm and avoid panic in such situations.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
This incident comes just 10 days after another fire affected a three-story accommodation facility, “Father Hostel,” at KNUST, which destroyed at least nine rooms and impacted 22 students and three teaching assistants.
Theoutgoing Yvonne-Nkay-led SRC administration provided relief items and temporary accommodation for the affected individuals.
National Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential candidate for 2024, John Dramani Mahama, claims that some New Patriotic Party (NPP) members are secretly hoping for his victory in the upcoming December 7 general elections.
He believes this sentiment stems from their desire to see the NPP reorganize after a defeat.
Speaking to party supporters during his tour of the Upper East region, the former President highlighted that many within the NPP feel that power is concentrated among a select few, making a return to opposition necessary for the party’s renewal.
“There are many of my friends in the NPP who come and tell me, ‘NDC, you have to do well and get our party out of power’.
“These are NPP people because the NPP has been captured by a small group of people. This is not Kufuor’s group of people…This is not Kufuor’s NPP. This is a different NPP.
It has been hijacked by some people and so the democrats and others in NPP actually want the party to lose so that they can go back into opposition so that they can go and reorganize,” he stressed.
The NDC flagbearer also promised to complete all projects abandoned by the Akufo-Addo administration when voted into power on December 7.
According to him, it was important to complete ongoing projects before embarking on any new projects to help save scarce resources.
Addressing the chiefs and queen mothers at the Bawku Naaba’s Palace in the Upper East Region, the former President said it was disheartening to realise that most projects started by the NDC government have been abandoned by NPP.
“I cut sod to start the Tamne irrigation project and we didn’t complete it before we left. We finished phase one; this government continued it slowly but still, it hasn’t been done.
This project will bring about 3000 hectares of land under irrigation so that our young people can do dry season gardening, they can do all-year-round gardening so that they don’t go down South to look for menial jobs.
“So, when we come, we’ll continue the Tamne project because we knowit’s going to benefit four districts in this area,” he said.
Olympic champion Gianmarco Tamberi has been hospitalized just days before he is set to defend his high jump title, which he famously shared in Tokyo.
The Italian athlete revealed that he is suspected of having a kidney issue, just three days before the qualifying round is set to start at the Paris Games.
Tamberi and Qatar’s Mutaz Barshim created one of the most iconic moments in Tokyo three years ago when they chose to share the gold medal after tying with identical clearances and receiving permission from event officials.
On Sunday, however, Tamberi posted a picture of himself, external in a hospital bed and said: “Unbelievable… this can’t be true. Yesterday… I felt a stabbing pain in my side.
“And now I find myself, three days before the event for which I sacrificed everything, lying in a bed, helpless, with a fever of 38.8.”
The 32-year-old said he had been advised to postpone his travel to Paris until Monday.
“Only one thing is certain, I don’t know how I will get there, but I will be there on that platform and I will give my soul until the last jump, whatever my condition will be,” he added.
The qualifying competition takes place on Wednesday morning, with the final on Sunday.
Concerned Citizens of Komenda Traditional Area have informed the Ghana Police Service about their upcoming demonstration on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.
This protest aims to demand the annulment of the lease agreement for the Komenda Sugar Factory with an Indian company.
In a press release, the group highlighted issues such as non-compliance with procedural requirements and lack of stakeholder engagement as significant concerns.
They also urged the government to halt the importation of raw sugar and restore the factory’s original purpose of using local sugarcane from outgrowers.
Samuel Awudzah, the group’s convenor, stated that around 2,000 participants from the Komenda Traditional Area and nearby regions are expected to join the demonstration.
Awudzah noted that the protest adheres to Section 1, Clause 1 of the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491), which requires notifying the police at least five days before any public event.
Meanwhile, Trade and Industry Minister Kobina Tahir Hammond announced on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, that the government plans to lease the Komenda Sugar Factory to Indian investors for approximately 20 years to revive the defunct facility.
He added that the lease agreement could be renewed once the contract is finalized.
K.T. Hammond revealed that the government had spent GH¢45 million to keep the factory operational.
The Komenda Sugar Factory, which was handed over to a strategic investor in November 2019 after a three-and-a-half-year hiatus, has been idle since May 2016.
The $35 million factory was inaugurated by former president John Dramani Mahama, but it ceased operations due to multiple issues, including an insufficient supply of sugarcane in the area, as stated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in September 2018.
England midfielder Bellingham, 21, played in an advanced role for the Spanish side in his debut season, scoring 23 goals in 42 games as they won La Liga and the Champions League.
France striker Mbappe, 25, joined Real this summer on a free transfer from Paris St-Germain.
Ancelotti denied Bellingham would play in a deeper role to accommodate Mbappe, saying: “Nothing changes for him. Nothing changes.
“The first season, he surprised a lot, because he showed fantastic quality, a really mature guy. The next season will not be different.
“He is going to be one of the best players that we have, supporting a lot the team with his quality.”
The Italian also backed Bellingham after criticism of his performances at Euro 2024, where England reached the final.
“This is an opinion but Bellingham played really well at the Euros,” he added.
https://youtu.be/zw43pfwgBec
“England played really well, they reached the final and were close to winning it. I don’t know how the players are tired for the game.
“The most important players are used to playing every three days, they manage that really well and arrive at the end of the season without any problems.”
Ancelotti has also called for Chelsea’s owners to show more patience with their managers, noting the dismissals of Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, and Mauricio Pochettino since the new ownership took over.
The former Chelsea manager will gohead-to-head with his compatriot Enzo Maresca as both clubs conclude their US tours at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Tuesday night.
He added: “They invested a lot. They have a good squad, good players, young. They have a young manager. They need to be a little bit patient, the owners, to take experience, to grow. But the signings that they have [made] are really good.”
Before explaining Madrid don’t need to re-sign exiled Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who spent last season on loan at Santiago Bernabeu, Ancelotti said: “We love him. We love him but in that position, we are covered.”
The 24-year-old Norwegian struck twice within the first five minutes, capitalizing on two costly errors by Chelsea.
City took an early lead thanks to a loose pass from Tosin Adarabioyo and a penalty awarded when Levi Colwill fouled Haaland.
The initial penalty was missed but converted on the re-take.
Haaland quickly extended City’s advantage by intercepting a misjudged pass from Moises Caicedo and scoring. In the second half, City further asserted their dominance with a pair of easy goals.
Raheem Sterling’s error allowed Oscar Bobb to score through a near-post shot in the 55th minute, and Haaland completed his hat-trick a minute later after another slip-up from Malo Gusto.
Chelsea did manage to pull two goals back, with Raheem Sterling volleying in a cross at the 59-minute mark and Noni Madueke scoring on the counter-attack in the 88th minute, in front of a crowd of 68,000 at Ohio Stadium.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca remarked that his team performed well despite the “strange” nature of the game, and both managers cited the “dry” pitch as a factor in the possession errors.
Manchester City will now head back to the UK to face Manchester United in the Community Shield next Saturday.
Chelsea will stay in the US for a match against Real Madrid on Tuesdaybefore returning to Stamford Bridge to play Inter Milan next Sunday.
Simone Biles missedout on a medal for the first time at the Paris Olympics after falling off the balance beam, with Italy’s Alice d’Amato claiming the gold.
The 27-year-old American, who had previously secured gold in the team event, all-around, and vault, lost her footing during the final sequence on the 10cm-wide beam and ended up in fifth place.
The beam final saw several gymnasts falter, reflecting its challenging nature.
D’Amato triumphed with a score of 14.366, while China’s Zhou Yaqin earned silver with 14.100. Italy’s Manila Esposito took bronze with 14.000.
Despite her beam setback, Biles, who has already won three gold medals in Paris, will have another opportunity for a medal in the floor exercise final on Monday at 13:23 BST.
Following her beam performance, Biles appeared dissatisfied and was seen discussing her routine animatedly with her coach and teammate Sunisa Lee.
Shouts from an otherwise quiet crowd of “come on Simone” while sheperformed had drawn“shh” sounds from others.
In his BBC television commentary, former gymnast Craig Heap said: “I’ve never seen Simone Biles look so angry in my life.
“She was not happy. Something has gone on in the arena.
“Simone is not happy at all. It just goes to show she is a human being. All the other ladies in that final have made mistakes. She’s not invincible.”
Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, acknowledged that his team has ample room for growth despite concluding their U.S. preseason tour with a 3-0 victory over Manchester United in South Carolina on Saturday.
Slot, who took over from Jürgen Klopp in May, also led Liverpool to victories against Arsenal and Real Betis. The team will next face Sevilla at Anfield before traveling to Ipswich Town for their Premier League season opener on August 17.
Asked if he was pleased with his side’s performances so far, the Dutchman said: “Yes, I was but not with all of them. We are very happy with the result, we scored some really nice goals … very positive tour.
“But I don’t think we had enough control over the game, I think we gave away too many chances. United deserved more than a 3-0 loss but it’s also our quality that we do score our own chances.
“We will see how players [returning from holiday] fit into the team. We need to work hard in the upcoming two weeks to be ready.”
Erik ten Haghas indicated that Jadon Sancho might take on the role of Manchester United’s central striker at the start of the season, given Rasmus Højlund’s injury.
Højlund is expected to be sidelined for six weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained during the first match of the U.S. tour against Arsenal.
With Højlund out, Sancho, who was reintroduced to the squad after a 10-month absence, played as the No. 9 in the recent 3-2 win over Real Betis and the 3-0 loss to Liverpool.
Ten Hag suggested that Sancho could begin as the center-forward in the Community Shield against Manchester City and in the Premier League opener against Fulham, ahead of new signing Joshua Zirkzee.
“Yes, otherwise we wouldn’t play with him there,” said Ten Hag when asked whether Sancho could start up front against City at Wembley.
“That is what we can do if we don’t have the availability of Rasmus, but of course, Joshua Zirkzee, he is coming in, he has started training, but also consider that he is not so long in training, so that will take time, and he has to adapt to English football and our way of playing as well.
“There is also, of course, Jadon, as a striker. We know he can play in wide areas, but also as a false striker, he’s an option.”
Joshua Zirkzee, who was signed from Bologna for £36.5 million, has yet to train with the team since his return to Carrington after the summer break, as he did not participate in the American tour.
Jadon Sancho, who rejoined Manchester United after a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund last season, has not netted a competitive goal for the club since May 2023.
Marcus Rashford could also be considered to fill the gap left by Højlund, but Ten Hag suggested that Rashford will likely remain in his customary position on the left wing.
“I think that Marcus has done it [played as a striker] before and he can do it, and it’s definitely an option,” said Ten Hag.
“But I think he is most productive from the left, starting wide and coming inside. So when he can arrive there, he is most effective. We have other options. Wehave Bruno Fernandeswho can play as a striker as well.”
The Champions League winners suffered a 1-0 defeat to AC Milan last week and followed it up with a 2-1 loss to Barcelona on Saturday. As they prepare for their final preseason match against Chelsea in Charlotte on Tuesday, Ancelotti commented, “We’re not worried. Results aren’t our main focus right now.
It’s preseason, and we’re missing eight players. We’re concentrating on our preparations and getting the players back into form. The goal is to give them minutes and ensure they are in good shape.”
Madrid will start their competitive season against Atalanta in the European Super Cup on August 14 in Warsaw and then face Mallorca in their La Liga opener four days later.
By August 7, Ancelotti expects to have a full squad, including summer arrivals Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Dani Carvajal, who are returning from their vacations.
“I can assure you that we are going to compete with the squad we have,” Ancelotti said. “We can fight for the seven titles. The calendar is very demanding but we have the quality to compete for everything, it is what the club commands.”
Ancelotti, meanwhile, has called for patience with teenage striker Endrick. The 18-year-old, who sealed his move Madrid on a permanent transfer from Palmeiras this summer, started in both of Madrid’s games in the U.S. but did not get on the scoresheet. “We have to be patient with him,” Ancelotti said. “He has shown great quality and talent. As with [Arda] Güler last year, we don’t have to put pressure on the young players, he has a lot of pressure behind him, he is a very much loved player all over the world, especially in Brazil, but we must be patient with these players, with young people especially.”
Barcelona president Joan Laporta, meanwhile, praised his team’s youngsters after their victory in El Clásico which followed their midweek draw against Manchester City
“We promote young people and develop talent, which for us is the most important thing,” Laporta said on Sunday at a club event in New York.
“We are very proud because there is work behind it. Of course we go to the market to sign good players, but for us it is essential to generate talent,” he added.
“We give importance to how we win. We gave a good image [against Madrid] and that is the most important thing.” Barça complete their U.S. summer tour against AC Milan on Tuesday.
A stunning pre-race light show and dramatic music at the Stade de France set the stage for an electrifying atmosphere, but even these spectacular elements couldn’t fully capture the intensity of what happened in the next 10 seconds.
Noah Lyles, celebrating his first Olympic victory, was met with astonishment as the race unfolded into one of the most extraordinary 100m finals in Olympic history.
Lyles clinched the gold with a time of 9.79 seconds, narrowly edging out Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson by just five-thousandths of a second in a thrilling photo finish.
The entire field was incredibly close, with all eight finalists finishing within 0.12 seconds of each other. The slowest runner, Jamaican Oblique Seville, crossed the line in 9.91 seconds—good enough for fourth place at the Tokyo Games.
This race set a historic record, as it marked the first time all eight competitors finished under 10 seconds in a wind-legal race, making it the fastest 100m final ever. Four-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson described it as “absolutely” the greatest 100m final he has ever witnessed, “bar none.”
“The final lived up to the hype. Going through the rounds it looked like a foregone conclusion that Kishane Thompson would win as he was the one who came in as the fastest man in the world,” Johnson said on BBC TV.
“We had this amazing race where you could throw a blanket over the finishing line.
“We didn’t even know who won for a few minutes.” Not until the big screen inside the stadium displayed the official results, after an agonising wait, did anybody truly know Lyles – thanks to a sensational surge and torso dip at the line – had taken gold.
It was not until the very last metres on the eye-catching purple track that he was even in contention.
Lyles tied with Letsile Tebogo for the slowest reaction time of anyone in the field, a time of 0.178 notably down on Fred Kerley’s lightning 0.108.
Brazilian football icon Martawill miss the Olympics semi-final due to a red card she received in a match against Spain, which could potentially end her tournament.
The 38-year-old’s challenge on Spain’s Olga Carmona in the group stage resulted in a suspension that will keep her out of the semi-final clash between the two teams. Marta also missed Brazil’s narrow victory over France in the quarter-finals, as reported by The Athletic.
The Brazilian star was visibly emotional as she left the pitch after the incident and will be hoping her teammates can secure a spot in the final.
Regardless of the outcome against Spain, Marta is guaranteed one more game at the Olympics, either for gold or bronze, but her future with the national team remains in doubt.
FIFA has imposed a two-game ban on Marta for what was classified as “serious foul play,” which is more severe than a standard one-match suspension.
Should Brazil advance to the final, Marta could have the chance to conclude her international career with an Olympic gold medal.
Over her illustrious career, Marta has achieved remarkable success, including winning the UEFA Cup and several domestic titles, and has scored 17 goals across six World Cups, making her the tournament’s all-time top scorer.
Carlo Ancelotti has shared when fans might see Kylian Mbappe make his debut for Real Madrid and offered an update on Jude Bellingham.
Mbappe, who completed his transfer to Real Madrid last month, is currently on an extended break and was not part of the team for their pre-season tour in the United States.
Despite not having played since the Euros semi-final against Spain, Ancelotti suggested that Mbappe could feature in Real Madrid’s opening competitive match of the 2024/25 season, which will be against Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup.
Speaking to reporters in the US, the Italian manager said, “Mbappe can obviously play in the Super Cup from the start. Jude Bellingham too and others. They are prepared, they have followed a plan and will all play.”
Jude Bellingham, like Mbappe, also stayed behind and did not join the team for the pre-season tour in the United States after helping England reach the Euro 2024 final.
Despite his vacation, Bellingham has adhered to a rigorous training program, according to Real Madrid’s manager, and could be ready to play against Serie A side Atalanta on August 14.
The Spanish champions, who were defeated in their initial friendlies against AC Milan and Barcelona, will look to conclude their tour with a victory over Chelsea in North Carolina on August 6.
Blues had accepted a £33m offer from Atlético Madrid last week, but there were significant concerns about whether the England international was willing to make the move.
However, on Sunday night, Gallagher, 24, informed Atlético officials that he is happy to make the switch.
The England international is now set to fly to complete his medical and contract signing, ending his 18-year tenure at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea had proposed a two-year contract with an option for an additional year, but Gallagher found it unfavorable due to both the contract length and the lesser role he was offered.
A natural divide had emerged between Gallagher and Chelsea, as he was seen as a poor fit for new manager Enzo Maresca’s possession-based style of play and would not be a regular starter under the Italian.
Gallagher, who played five matches at Euro 2024, has less than one year remaining on his current Chelsea deal.
Chelsea preferred to sell Gallagher overseas rather than to an English rival, which allowed Atlético to secure a cut-price deal.
The elegant left-handed batsman accumulated 6,744 Test runs for England, hitting 16 centuries with an average of 44.66.
Tributes have poured in from current England captain Ben Stokes, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and Surrey.
“There seem to be no appropriate words to describe the deep shock we feel at Graham’s death,” the ECB said in a statement.
“More than one of England’s finest-ever batters, he was a beloved member of the cricket family and revered by fans all over the world.
“His skill was unquestioned, and his abilities and achievements across a 13-year international career brought so much happiness to his team-mates and England and Surrey CCC supporters alike.
“Later, as a coach, he guided the best England men’s talent to some incredible victories across all formats of the game.
“The cricket world is in mourning today. Our hearts go out to his wife Amanda, his children, father Geoff, and all of his family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time.
“We will always remember Graham for his extraordinary contributions to the sport.”
Thorpe spent his entire first-class playing career at Surrey, whom he represented from 1988 to 2005.
Surrey chair Oli Slipper said Thorpe “is one of the great sons” of the county and “there is an overwhelming sadness that he will not walk through the gates of the Oval again”.
Surrey chief executive Steve Elworthy added: “He achieved remarkable feats for club and country and was a hero to so many cricket fans.”
Thorpe made a memorable start to his Test career, scoring an unbeaten 114 in the second innings against Australia in 1993.
His highest Test score was 200 not out, achieved against New Zealand in 2002.
Ghana’s Benjamin Azamati and Abdul Rasheed Saminu fell short of reaching the men’s 100m final at the ongoing Olympic Games in Paris.
In their respective semi-final heats on Sunday, Azamati clocked 10.17 seconds while Saminu finished with a time of 10.05 seconds, both insufficient to advance to the final scheduled for later tonight.
Azamati placed ninth in his heat, which was dominated by Jamaica’s Oblique Seville, with world champion Noah Lyles securing second place.
Saminu finished seventh in his heat, surpassing Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, who ended up in eighth.
Kishane Thompson of Jamaica won this heat with a time of 9.80 seconds, and Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Fred Kerley came in second.
This result means Ghana will continue its wait for an Olympic sprint final appearance, a feat last achieved by Aziz Zakari in Athens 2004.
The men’s 100m final, set for 7:50 PM Ghana time, will feature three American athletes: Kenny Bednarek (10.87 seconds), Fred Kerley (9.84 seconds), and Noah Lyles (9.81 seconds).
Jamaica’s Oblique Seville (9.81 seconds) and Kishane Thompson (9.77 seconds), both heat winners, will be aiming to disrupt a potential American sweep of the medals.
Defending champion Marcell Jacobs will also be competing, striving to retain his title from four years ago, alongside Africa’s World Championships medalist, Letsile Tebogo, as a strong contender.
Jude Bellingham may be in trouble with Carlo Ancelotti after he blanked the Real Madrid manager’s phone call. Speaking to reporters, Ancelotti revealed he “got angry with Bellingham” over the weekend.
The Madrid boss said: “I called him and he didn’t pick up and I told Vinicius to call him and he picked up.”
Ancelotti might have initially been “angry” about Bellingham’s behavior, but the Madrid talisman will be relieved that his boss now seems to laugh about the incident.
Other managers might have misinterpreted Bellingham’s cold shoulder, but Don Carlo is known for his cool demeanor.
Bellingham, still on holiday after his Euro 2024 performances, is expected to return for the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta on August 14.
Since joining the club last summer, Bellingham and Ancelotti have generally had a good relationship. However, it hasn’t been entirely smooth.
The England international was controversially benched early last season, and his strong personality sometimes leads to clashes with other players.
It’s very likely that any tension between Bellingham and Ancelotti will be resolved before Madrid’s next pre-season match against Chelsea at the Bank of America Stadium in North Carolina.
Coming off a 2-1 defeat to their rivals Barcelona, Los Blancos will be eager to return to winning form.
Ghanaian lawyer, and political commentator Kwame Jantuah has dared president Akufo-Addo and the members of the ruling New Patriotic Party(NPP) to sue the Opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) over the president’s claims that the ‘Agyapadie’ documentis a conspiracy cooked by the NDC.
This 38-page document, which lacks a recognized author, prominently features the Okyenhene, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin, President Nana Akufo-Addo, and his father.
It is alleged to outline a master plan by the Akyem faction within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to dominate various sectors of the country, including the economy, politics, media, judiciary, telecommunications, and banking; a claim AKufo-Addo has outrightly denied calling it a fabrication by the NDC to gain an advantage in the upcoming elections.
However, Lawyer Jantuah has challenged Akufo-Addo to sue the NDC if he thinks this 38 page document is to taint his image and that of his Akyem natives in NPP.
The president should sue the NDC if he is sure they have no knowledge about the document and the validity of its contents.
“If this was conspiracy and it was done by the opposition why haven’t they taken it to court? If they say they know nothing about it and somebody has used Okyehene’s picture and the president’s picture in the document, this is character assasination and they nothing about it why haven’t they taken it to court?
I would have wished the president didn’t bring this up. You know why if the president is saying its conspiracy from opposition, why is it that….; who’s picture is here?
Whose and when you open the document it has whose picture here it is Okyenhene in his youth, President Nana Addo and JB Danquah” he quizzed.
If the President believes the 'Agyapadie' document is a conspiracy scheme by the opposition, why haven't they brought it to court for character assassination? – Lawyer Kwame Jantuah#TV3NewDaypic.twitter.com/JF1wvsIPlS
Real Madrid academytalent César Palacios is set to return to Spain for further assessment after tearing his ACL during the club’s preseason tour in the United States, sources informed ESPN.
The 19-year-old midfielder sustained the injury just five minutes into his first-team debut in a 1-0 loss to AC Milan at Chicago’s Soldier Field on Wednesday night.
Subsequent examinations confirmed the severity of Palacios’ injury, leading the club’s medical team to arrange for his immediate return to Madrid to undergo surgery.
Palacios, regarded as one of Real Madrid’s most promising young players, had recently attracted interest from Athletic Club.
Additionally, Álvaro Rodríguez suffered an ankle sprain during the defeat to Milan.
The medical team is currently considering whether to send Rodríguez back to Spain along with Palacios, ESPN has learned.
Real Madrid is scheduled to play Clásico rivals Barcelona in the second match of their preseason tour on Saturday in New Jersey.
Carlo Ancelotti has said Real Madrid will be the last club of his coaching career, adding that he believes Vinícius Júnior deserves to win the Ballon d’Or.
The Italian manager has a contract with Madrid until June 2026, which will keep him at the Bernabéu past his 67th birthday.
“I think this will be my last club,” Ancelotti told told the Obi One Podcast.
“If there is an opportunity for a national team, I don’t know. I’m not so excited at coaching a national team because I would lose what I like most, the day-to-day. I really enjoy what I’m doing.
“This is my season number 29 as a coach. It’s true that I have won a lot but imagine the number of titles I lost.”
Ancelotti has managed some of the biggest clubs in the world, winning league titles, domestic cups and European honours during spells with AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Madrid.
Ancelotti, who returned to the Bernabéu in 2021 for his second spell in charge, won LaLiga, the Champions League and the Spanish Super Cup last season.
In winning the Champions League, Ancelotti extended his record as the most successful coach in the continental competition’s history with five titles.
Brazil star Vinícius played a key role in Madrid winning the European trophy for a record 15th time.
Ancelotti believes Vinícius, who scored six goals and set up five more in 10 Champions League appearances, should be the favourite to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or.
“I think Vinícius is going to win because he is a talented player and he did really well last season,” he said.
“It’s true that [Real Madrid defender Dani] Carvajal did very well too. Carvajal won the league, the Champions League, scoring in the final, and won the European Championship [with Spain].
“But Vinícius is young, talented, he has a good image … He won the league and won the Champions League, scoring twice in the semifinal and scoring in the final.
“Jude [Bellingham] also had a fantastic season. He was a big surprise. The best player in the [domestic] league.”
Madrid have strengthened their attack this summer with the arrival of Endrick and Kylian Mbappé.
“We have built a fantastic squad,” Ancelotti said. “When Cristiano Ronaldo left in 2018, year after year we were able to bring in fantastic young players.
“Vinícius, Rodrygo and [Fede] Valverde, then [Eduardo] Camavinga, [Aurélien] Tchouaméni, Bellingham, Arda Güler and now Kylian Mbappé.
“We have a fantastic squad, with fantastic young talent. But the key point is the spirit that the veterans are able to keep in the squad, like Carvajal … This connection was really good to have success in the last few years.”
Ancelotti does not anticipate Mbappé, who joined Los Blancos as a free agent after his contract with PSG expired, having any issues adapting to the squad.
“I think it will not be a problem,” he said. “The key point is that every player has to put his talent at the service of the team and the teammates. For Kylian Mbappé it will be exactly the same.”
Erik ten Hag hasissued a challenge to Manchester United’s new owners, urging them to “prove” their support by standing by him during tough times next season.
Despite finishing eighth in the Premier League last season, Ten Hag has retained his position. However, the club’s new leadership team, headed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford, has been exploring potential replacements.
While Ten Hag’s contract has been extended by another year, some supporters feel his position is still uncertain, especially if United does not have a strong start to the season.
Ten Hag emphasized that Ratcliffe and Brailsford can demonstrate their support only by maintaining their faith in him through both successful and challenging periods.
“I feel that we are building something and that the people around me, we are in the same boat,” Ten Hag said in an extensive interview in Los Angeles on the club’s preseason tour.
“But of course it’s always a proven point when the case is this. What I hope is that we avoid this [a dip in form].”
Ten Hag is building his team around a nucleus of young talent, such as Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Højlund.
The club’s most significant acquisition this summer has been 18-year-old defender Leny Yoro. Ten Hag emphasized that the owners must exhibit patience as this youthful squad develops.
“With young players it will go with ups and downs and we have to realise that,” he said.
“Everyone has to realise this in this club internally but also you [the media] should realise this externally. It’s normal that it will not only go this way [up] with young people, young players especially.”
Meanwhile, Ten Hag has also revealed that Tyrell Malacia is expected to be out for another two months. The left-back hasn’t played for more than a year because of a knee injury and was left out of the squad for the tour.
“He is not that far, but he is now in a progress situation,”Ten Hagsaid.
“At a relatively short notice, he can again return into team training and then into team performance in games. I think it would be possible in two months.”
Ghanaian high jumper, Rose Yeboah, wrapped up her remarkableOlympic debut at the Paris 2024 Gameswith a notable performance, though she did not make it to the final.
In her first Olympic appearance, Yeboah successfully cleared 1.88 meters on her third attempt.
However, she was unable to clear the 1.92-meter bar on her subsequent third attempt, which prevented her from advancing to the final round.
Back in Ghana, her former school, Kumasi Girls, gathered in the Staff Common Hall to show their support and cheer her on.
Her participation in the Olympics has brought pride to both her alma mater and her country.
Despite not reaching the final or securing a spot among the top 12, Yeboah’s debut at the Olympics is a significant achievement.
At 22 years old, she has already made history as the first Ghanaian woman to compete in the Olympic high jump event.
The experience she gained from competing on such a global stage is invaluable, and her accomplishment reflects her skill and commitment.
As she continues her athletic career, there is great anticipation for her future performances.
Although her Olympic journey concluded earlier than she might have hoped, Rose Yeboah’s historic participation in Paris 2024 paves the way for future success and serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes in Ghana.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has commended the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for its outstanding utilization of the FIFA Forward program during a meeting withGFA President Kurt Okraku in Paris on Thursday.
The FIFA Forward program offers customized support for the advancement of football within each member association and the six confederations.
From 2016 to 2022, FIFA distributed $2.79 billion to member associations and confederations for football development, with Ghana receiving significant benefits.
“I congratulated him on the Ghana Football Association making excellent use of the FIFA Forward programme, such as the recent upgrade to the Ghana Soccer Centre of Excellence,” Infantino said after the meeting.
Recent upgrades at the Ghana Soccer Centre of Excellence, the GFA’s training hub for national teams in Prampram, feature newly installed floodlights that were activated in April 2024.
A new 40-bed accommodation facility for the national teams is also nearing its final stages of construction, alongside an additional artificial playing surface.
Ghana has also become part of the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS) and hosted a TDS workshop in June 2024, which welcomed representatives from 10 African member associations.
Ghana has signed on to the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS) and held a TDS workshop in June 2024, which included participation from 10 African member associations.
“President Okraku also explained how Ghana was benefitting from the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, giving anyone who wants to play football in Ghana a chance to shine. He also provided me with an update on the work being done to encourage greater female participation in our sport,” Infantino said.
Infantino added, “Ghana certainly is a football nation, as I saw for myself during a visit a few years ago, and the GFA is working incredibly hard to ensure more young people in the country can play our wonderful sport. I look forward to continuing our excellent collaboration and to seeing Ghana participate in FIFA tournaments in the future.”
Okraku, who has been at the helm of Ghana football since 2019, praised Gianni Infantino’s support for African football.
“FIFA, led by the President, has been at the forefront of support for the development of football, especially in Africa. It was always important for us to engage and to know how far we are going, how well we are doing, and what we have to do to make it much, much, much better,” Okraku said.
International Olympic Committee (IOC)defended its decision on Thursday to allow two female boxers to compete in the Paris Olympics amid a heated gender debate.
The IOC claimed the athletes faced unfair “aggression” due to what it called an arbitrary decision from the International Boxing Association (IBA).
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who won her round of 16 welterweight bout against Italian Angela Carini in just 46 seconds, and Taiwan’s double world champion Lin Yu-ting, who is set to compete on Friday, have both been cleared for the Olympics.
Both Khelif and Lin were disqualified from the2023 World Championships for not meeting the IBA’s eligibility rules, which prohibit athletes with male XY chromosomes from competing in women’s events.
However, after stripping the IBA of its recognition last year due to issues with governance and finances, the IOC has taken over the boxing competition for Paris.
The IOC criticised the IBA’s disqualification of the boxers as “arbitrary,” sparking controversy.
“These two athletes were the victims of a sudden and arbitrary decision by the IBA,” the IOC said. “Towards the end of the IBA World Championships in 2023, they were suddenly disqualified without any due process. According to the IBA minutes available on their website, this decision was initially made solely by the IBA Secretary General and CEO.”
Different sports organizations have different regulations regarding testosterone levels for women’s events, with some prohibiting athletes who have experienced male puberty.
Differences in Sexual Development (DSD) include uncommon conditions related to genes, hormones, and reproductive organs, where some individuals possess XY chromosomes and male-level testosterone even if they were raised as females.
According to The Associated Press, a spokesperson for Cardi B has verified the news, stating,
“This is not based on any one particular incident, it has been a long time coming and is amicable.”
Amidst speculations about her divorce, Cardi B in an Instagram post did not directly comment about the news rather she posted a photo of her on a rooftop, holding her stomach to reveal a baby bump.
“With every ending comes a new beginning! I am so grateful to have shared this season with you, you have brought me more love, more life and most of all renewed my power,” she wrote in the caption.
“It’s so much easier taking life’s twists, turns and test laying down, but you, your brother and your sister have shown me why it’s worth it to push through!”
Cardi B, born Belcalis Almanzar, and Offset, whose real nameis Kiari Cephus, share two children: their 6-year-old daughter Kulture and their 2-year-old son Wave.
The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony on September 20, 2017, in Atlanta and revealed their marriage to the public a month later.
In 2020, Cardi B sought a divorce from Offset, citing that their marriage was “irretrievably broken.”
Ghanaian musician Stonebwoy has recently completed his studies at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), graduating with a second class upper degree after a three-year program.
He received his degree on Friday, July 26, 2024.
While many took to social media to congratulate Stonebwoy on his achievement, a number of individuals expressed skepticism about whether he genuinely earned the degree.
Some questioned his ability to balance his music career with academic commitments, suggesting that he might have used influence or resources to secure the qualification.
Additionally, there were claims and screenshots allegedly shared by fellow students casting doubt on Stonebwoy’s credentials.
However, in response to the controversy, some ofStonebwoy’s classmates have posted videos showing him participating in group discussions and other academic activities, aiming to validate his accomplishment and affirm that he rightfully earned his degree.
Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as ‘Chairman Wontumi,’ has addressed allegations made by Samuel Yaw Adusei, the former Deputy Minister of Works and Housing, about the state of the Ghanaian economy.
Adusei, during his media engagements in the Ashanti Region, criticized the NPP government’s economic management, pointing out a debt-to-GDP ratio of 92% and an inflation rate of 54%.
He also emphasized the achievements of former President John Mahama in the region.
In response, Wontumi has taken to various media platforms to refute Adusei’s claims, defending the NPP’s economic performance and questioning Adusei’s credibility.
Wontumi accused Adusei of dishonesty and attempting to mislead Ghanaians to garner sympathy for theNDC’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, and win favor with voters in the region.
This exchange has ignited a heated debate about Ghana’s economic situation and the NPP government’s performance.
With the 2024 elections approaching, this discussion is expected to become even more intense as both parties strive to present their arguments to the electorate.
Italian female boxer Angela Carini shared a heartbreaking story of her journey to the Olympics moments after ending her match against the alleged transgender boxer Imani Khelif during their boxing match.
Carini explained that she went to the Olympics to honor her father, who had always encouraged her to never give up.
Unfortunately, circumstances beyond her control forced her to quit for her safety.
“My father taught me to be a warrior. I have always stepped into the ring with honor and served my country with loyalty. This time, I couldn’t do it because I couldn’t fight anymore, so I ended the match,” she told the media while weeping profusely.
NEW: Italian boxer Angela Carini tells heartbreaking story of her journey to the Olympics just moments after getting assaulted by a man during her boxing match.
Carini said she went to the Olympics to honor her father who told her to never give up.
Italian boxer Angela Carini abandoned her bout against Algerian transgender boxer Imane Khelif at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Carini withdrew from the fight just 46 seconds in after receiving the first punch. Khelif landed two heavy blows in the opening round, appearing to injure Carini’s chin.
Carini threw down her helmet and broke into tears as her coaches rushed into the ring to console her.
Khelif was awarded the win following Carini’s withdrawal.
Khelif’s participation in the Olympics has been controversial, with many protesting theInternational Olympic Committee (IOC) for allowing him to compete.
Khelif and Taiwanese boxer Lin Yu Ting are the two transgender athletes cleared to participate in the Olympics.
Ministry of Education (MoE)has been unable to retrieve a stolen Toyota Hilux vehicle that was taken at gunpoint from Kingsley Agyemang, the Central Regional Coordinator of the Free Senior High School Secretariat, back in 2018.
MoE officials reported that the incident happened while Agyemang was returning to Kumasi from a funeral.
At a Public Accounts Committee meeting, Emmanuel Agyare, the transport manager at MoE, clarified that the vehicle was being used for official duties and that the incident was promptly reported to the police.
“The vehicle was used by the Central Regional Coordinator of the Free SHS. The incident happened at Kumasi Kwadaso, and it’s all in the police report.
“Apparently, he had returned from a funeral, that’s what the report says. Per the report we have, the driver wasn’t harmed, and he reported the incident. The police investigated the matter.”
The Public Accounts Committee has ordered Agyemang to pay the difference between the insured value and the current value of the vehicle after the Ministry claims compensation from the insurance company.
“We are going to recommend that you continue to pursue the state insurance company. Let them pay, definitely, they will not pay the current value of the vehicle, they pay the insured value minus 10 per cent.
“After you have received that money, the difference between that and the current cost of the vehicle should be bonded by Mr. Kingsley Agyemang” Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), James Klutse Avedzi said.
Deputy Director of Communications for theNew Patriotic Party (NPP), Ernest Owusu-Bempah, has dared the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to identify any falsehood uttered by NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia since the start of his political career.
Owusu-Bempah accused the NDC of labeling Vice President Bawumia as a liar and has challenged them to substantiate their claims. He asserted that every economic promise made by Dr. Bawumia has been fulfilled, dismissing the NDC’s attempts to discredit him as futile.
“What has Bawumia said that shows he is a liar? What the NDC is doing is ‘gobelien’ propaganda, it means to tell a lie, continue to tell a lie and it will be the truth.
“What has Bawumia said that has not come to pass that the NDC claims he is a liar? We are daring the NDC to come out and tell us, through his political career, what Bawumia said he would do that he didn’t,” 3news.com quoted him to have said in an interview on August 1, 2024.
It is worth noting that Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the NDC, dismissed the idea of a presidential debate between his party’s flagbearer, former President John Dramani Mahama, and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
In an interview with Okay FM on Monday, July 22, 2024, Asiedu Nketiah stated that such a debate was unnecessary.
He suggested that the vice president, who had also called for the debate, should instead concentrate on addressing his own past records and statements made while he was in opposition, as Ghanaians are now holding him accountable.
He took a swipe at Dr Bawumia, saying that if he (the vice president) is asked to defend his “We’ve arrested that dollar and given the key to the IGP” statement, he would say that the IGP they gave the key to is no more in office.
“Do you know what he would be coming to say? He would say that the IGP who had the key to the arrested dollar has been fired and that is why the cedi is depreciating. Are these issues what we will be debating?
“The important thing is that he would go and debate his record. Because his record has come seriously under fire. He has enough debating to do by himself. So, he should go for his record and debate the issues in it, the elections would be done before he even finishes,” the NDC national chairman said in Twi.
He also indicated that Dr Bawumia can also use the time for the debate to answer the 170 questions he asked the late former Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur when he was in opposition.
“He should take his marking scheme for the 170 questions that tell us how it applies to the questions he asked. And he should also start being truthful,” he added.
Health Minister Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye has clarified that the Bank of Ghana has not disbursed any funds regarding the $34 million ambulance spare parts deal with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited.
This comes in response to allegations made by North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who accused former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and former Health Minister Kwaku Agyeman-Manu of colluding with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited to defraud the state in the failed transaction.
Ablakwa claimed that Ofori-Atta sanctioned the deal just five days before leaving office, which he suggested indicated potential misconduct, especially given the company’s recent incorporation and questionable capacity to fulfill the contract.
Speaking before the Government Assurances Committee of Parliament on Thursday, August 1, Dr. Okoe Boye firmly denied that the $34 million had been paid to Service Ghana Auto Group Limited.
“I spoke to one of the Deputy Governors who I had a working relationship with when I was at Health Insurance and the Deputy Governor made me aware that not even a dollar has been given to the provider.
“She used some terms that it is actually a letter of credit and that it is when the provider has actually performed, and supplied parts to certain tunes that they are empowered to pay for the work done.
And so the governor made me understand that they have it with them, butthey have not paid.”
Nottingham Forest have secured the signing of Portugal international Jota Silva from Portuguese top-flight club Vitoria on a four-year contract.
The 25-year-old forward netted 15 goals in 42 appearances for Vitoria last season, which led to his first international call-up by Portugal manager Roberto Martinez in March, earning him two caps..
“We can see how excited Jota is to continue his career journey beyond Portugal where he has enjoyed such a strong period in the Primeira Liga with Vitoria,” Forest football officer Ross Wilson said.
Forest finished 17th in the Premier League last season, narrowly avoiding relegation by six points.
Under the leadership of Nuno Espirito Santo, the team netted 49 goals in the league.
However, the Portuguese manager is eager to further strengthen his attacking options.
In their summer transfer activity, Forest has secured the services of Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic and Newcastle United’s Elliot Anderson to enhance their midfield.
Additionally, defender Marko Stamenic has been signed from Partizan Belgrade but will spend the season on loan at Olympiacos.
In March, the TKO Group, UFC’s parent company, agreed to a £262m ($335m) settlement in two lawsuits involving around 1,200 former UFC athletes.
These former fighters argued that the UFC’s contracts restricted their ability to negotiate with other promotions.
However, earlier this week, Judge Richard Boulware in Nevada rejected the settlement and scheduled a tentative trial date for October.
“We obviously disagree with this ruling,” the UFC said.
“As we have said throughout this process, we believe strongly in the merits of our cases and are evaluating all our options, including, without limitation, an appeal, and have initiated discussions with plaintiffs’ counsel who have expressed a willingness to engage in separate settlement discussions for the Le and Johnson cases.”
Two distinct lawsuits have been filed against the UFC: one by fighters Cung Le and Nate Quarry in 2014, covering athletes from 2010 to 2017, and another by fighters including Kajan Johnson, representing those from 2017 to the present.
The UFC had negotiated a joint settlement for both cases. The first lawsuit is scheduled to start on October 28.
Plaintiffs in both cases have indicated their willingness to “re-engage” with the UFC for a new settlement or proceed with the trial.
Judge Richard Boulware previously stated that he believed the settlement amount was too low.
Alongside Gershkovich, US Marine veteran Paul Whelan and Russian-American radio journalist Alsu Kurmasheva will also be freed, as confirmed by a senior U.S. official.
The exchange deal, agreed upon by the Biden administration, will involve a total of 24 prisoners held in Russia, the U.S., Germany, and three other Western countries. Although the swap has not yet occurred, it is expected to take place later on Thursday.
Eight Russian nationals, some with suspected ties to Russian intelligence, are expected to be returned to Russia as part of the exchange.
Vadim Krasikov, identified by German officials as a colonel in Russia’s FSB intelligence service, is currently serving a life sentence for the 2019 murder of a Kremlin opponent in a Berlin park.
This comes amid days of speculation about a significant prisoner swap involving multiple countries, intensified by the relocation of several dissidents and journalists jailed in Russia to unknown locations.
One such detainee is Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Kremlin critic with dual Russian-British citizenship, whose unknown whereabouts have fueled expectations of his possible release.
Other names potentially included in the exchange are Russian opposition politician Ilya Yashin and veteran human rights advocate Oleg Orlov.
While secret prison transfers are not uncommon in Russia, the simultaneous “disappearance” of several high-profile prisoners is unusual.
Earlier this week,Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko pardoned German citizen Rico Krieger, who had been sentenced to death for terrorism and other charges.
If all these releases occur, it would mark one of the largest prisoner exchanges between Russia and the West in history.
Sudan’s military leader, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has survived an assassination attempt, as confirmed by the army spokesman to the BBC.
Nabil Abdallah accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of orchestrating the attack. The army and RSF have been embroiled in a conflict for control of the country for the past 16 months.
Abdallah reported that two drones targeted an army graduation ceremony, resulting in the deaths of five people at a base in Jabait, located in eastern Sudan under military control.
The RSF has not issued a statement regarding the incident. The attack follows Gen Burhan’s government’s conditional agreement to participate in US-mediated peace talks next month.
Previous attempts at peace negotiations have failed, with both sides not adhering to their commitments, prolonging the conflict that has led to the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
Over 10 million people have been displaced since the former allies clashed over a politically-backed plan to transition to civilian rule.
The Jabait army base, situated approximately 100km (62 miles) from Port Sudan, serves as the military’s de facto capital and the residence of Gen Burhan.
Footage from the ceremony on Wednesday morning shows military graduates marching in ceremonial dress just before the sound of a strike is heard. “The only party that is hostile to the Sudanese people and targeting the Sudanese people is the rebel Rapid Support Forces,” Gen Abdallah told the BBC.
He expressed gratitude to God that Gen Burhan and “all the commanders present are fine,” and noted that there were no significant injuries.
The Beja people, residing between the mountains and the Red Sea coast, have had a contentious relationship with those in power over recent decades, often feeling neglected and marginalized.
These communities often have internal conflicts but generally support Gen Burhan, despite frustrations over rising living costs in Port Sudan due to the influx of people fleeing the capital, Khartoum.
Only the army and RSF possess drones, which both sides have extensively used.
There have been recent allegations of internal conflicts within the army. Analysts recall an incident during Ramadan in April, when some commanders from the Abaraa Iban Malik military brigade were killed by drone strikes in Atbara, a northeastern town.
Analysts suggest this brigade, known for its hard-line Islamist stance against peace talks, may have been targeted by more moderate military elements. However, others believe the RSF has increasingly used drones to target army-controlled areas.
According to Reuters, the RSF controls eight of Sudan’s 18 state capitals, including Khartoum, and is expanding into the southeast.
On Tuesday, the Sudanese foreign affairs ministry requested a meeting with US officials ahead of the peace talks scheduled to start in Geneva on August 14.
Brazil legend Marta received a straight red card in what could be her final major tournament appearance at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Wednesday.
During her 200th cap for Brazil, Marta was dismissed in the sixth minute of first-half stoppage time after her boot connected with Spain’s Olga Carmona’s head in a failed clearance attempt.
The prolific scorer, with 119 international goals, was inconsolable after the incident.
Marta has stated her intent to retire from international football this year, meaning this could potentially have been her final outing in a Brazil shirt.
The score was 0-0 at the time of Marta’s red card, but Spain went on to win 2-0, leaving Brazil in third place in Group C behind Spain and Japan.
This result caused a nervous wait to see if they would progress as one of the two best third-placed teams.
Marta sees red in likely last game for Brazil
Australia’s defeat to the United States later in the day allowed Brazil to progress to the quarterfinals, where they will face France in Nantes on Saturday.
Marta will be suspended for the match due to the red card, but if Brazil can beat the hosts, she could appear in the semifinals.
Brazil will need to reach the semifinals to ensure Marta’s sending off was not her last act on a big international stage.
Despite her many accolades, Marta has never won an Olympic or Women’s World Cup title with Brazil.
The team came close twice, winning silver medals in 2004 and 2008.
Marta, 38, confirmed that this would be her final major international tournament after a 24-year career that included six World Cup appearances and six Olympics.
However, there is a glimmer of hope.
Brazil has been named the host of the 2027 World Cup, and Marta would not be the first player to come out of international retirement.
Compatriots Cristiane and Formigapreviously reversed their retirements, though it remains to be seen if Marta will be tempted to play in a seventh World Cup, her first on home soil.
Chelsea have accepted a £33 million (€42.42 million) bid from Atlético Madrid for Conor Gallagher, following the midfielder’s rejection of a new contract offer to remain at Stamford Bridge, sources revealed to ESPN.
The 24-year-old has yet to agree on personal terms with the LaLiga club and will decide his future in the coming days as negotiations proceed.
With just one year left on his current contract at Stamford Bridge, the Blues are determined to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer, as happened with Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rüdiger, who joined Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively in 2022.
Sources indicated that Chelsea’s new offer to Gallagher was a two-year contract with an option for a third season, including a significant pay raise.
Gallagher previously turned down a move to Aston Villa, and Tottenham has been monitoring his situation for several months.
Additionally, sources informed ESPN that Atlético Madrid is in talks with Villarreal regarding a transfer for Alexander Sørloth, after a deal for Girona striker Artem Dovbyk fell through.
Atlético reportedly had an agreement in place for Dovbyk to replace Álvaro Morata last week, but negotiations collapsed when the player’s agent increased financial demands at the last minute.
Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cupincludes ambitious plans to construct 11 new stadiums, one of which will be built 350 meters above ground level.
Despite being the sole contender for the 2034 World Cup hosting rights, Saudi Arabia officially submitted its bid to FIFA by presenting its bid book in Paris on Wednesday, meeting the deadline set last October.
Among the striking elements of the bid is a proposal to build a stadium in Neom, a futuristic city yet to be completed.
Although Neom is expected to be fully operational by 2039, the Saudi bid highlights that the 45,000-seat stadium will be one of the “most distinctive and iconic stadiums in the world,” set into a cliff within The Line, a linear smart city elevated above the ground.
The stadium will only be accessible to driverless vehicles and high-speed lifts.
“The stadium will be situated within THE LINE — more than 350 meters above ground,” the Saudi bid book said.
“It will provide an unprecedented and exceptional experience for fans scheduled to attend tournament matches.
“Additionally, the stadium will be run entirely on renewable energy, generated primarily from wind and solar sources, marking a historic shift in stadium design, globally.”
The 2034 World Cup will feature 48 teams competing across five cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and Neom. In the capital, Riyadh, eight stadiums are planned, including the proposed 92,000-capacity King Salman Stadium, which will host both the opening game and the World Cup Final.
“Together, we are working towards materializing Saudi Arabia’s dream of hosting the FIFA World Cup into a tangible reality — as outlined within our official bid book,” Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sport, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal Al Saud, said.
“These plans will combine our rich football heritage with our deep passion for the game and will ensure Saudi Arabia’s success as the first nation to host a 48-team tournament in one country.”
FIFA is expected to announce the host nation for the 2034 World Cup in late 2024. The 2026 tournament will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
For the 2030 World Cup, a joint bid from Spain, Portugal, and Morocco is the sole contender for the hosting rights.
Manchester United faces a double injury setback with Leny Yoro and Rasmus Højlund expected to be sidelined for extended periods, sources informed ESPN.
Yoro will be out for three months due to a foot injury, while Højlund is set to miss six weeks with a hamstring problem.
Both players sustained their injuries during United’s 2-1 loss to Arsenal in Los Angeles, the first match of their U.S. tour.
Yoro, an 18-year-old £52 million summer signing from Lille, has a fractured metatarsal and may require surgery.
He will remain with the squad for the rest of the tour and undergo further tests upon returning to Manchester on Sunday.
Højlund will also miss the Community Shield against Manchester City at Wembley on August 10 and the start of the Premier League season.
United’s injury troubles worsened on Wednesday night when Marcus Rashford had to leave their friendly against Real Betis due to a severe knock to his right ankle in the second half.
United’s league campaign begins against Fulham at Old Trafford on August 16.
Yoro might return in October, while Højlund aims for a comeback post the September international break.
This situation presents a significant challenge for manager Erik ten Hag, who attributed last season’s disappointing eighth-place finish to injuries.
Sources revealed that United was already looking to strengthen their defense before Yoro’s injury, and this search is likely to intensify.
There is interest inBayern Munich’sMatthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, as well as Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.
Brazilian striker Neymarhas confessed that “there are days that I want to give up” as he recovers from a severe knee injury.
The Al Hilal forward has been out of action since October after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee during international duty.
On Instagram, the 32-year-old Neymar shared insights into his recovery journey, emphasizing his determination and resilience.
He wrote: “After I suffered this injury, there are days that are difficult, there are days that I want to give up. It’s hard to go through all of this.
“But here’s a warrior who won’t stop until I get what I want! God is my strength and my fortress. We will continue fighting every day.”
Neymar has only played five games for Al Hilal since signing a two-year contract with the Saudi Pro League club in August 2023 before suffering a season-ending injury.
Brazil’s all-time leading scorer missed the Copa América, which Argentina won.
Al Hilal manager Jorge Jesus recently expressed hope that Neymar couldreturn to action in September.
Minority Caucus in Parliament is requesting details about the costs associated with road construction equipment purchased under the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP).
Launched on July 31, the DRIP aims to tackle road maintenance issues by partnering with Metropolitans, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and supplying them with earth-moving machinery.
In a statement issued by Mahama Ayariga, Ranking Member of the Committee on Information and Communication, the Minority is invoking section 18 of the Rights to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989).
They are seeking information on the price of each piece of equipment bought for DRIP, the payment schedule, and the total amount paid for the equipment so far, among other details.
Government Assurances Committee of Parliament has harshly criticized theLands Commission for its failure to deliver information on public lands and their usage over the years.
The Committee contends that this data is essential for addressing fraudulent practices, including the misregistration of government lands as private property.
During its meeting on Wednesday, July 31, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the committee chairman, noted that repeated attempts over the past two years to obtain these documents from the Lands Commission have been unsuccessful.
“If this data is put together and provided, it will help all of us.
These instances of government lands being registered as private lands and the fraud that is going on at the Lands Commission, as exposed by the Soul Enquirer, the only way to stem this, to prevent this, to forestall this, is to have the data, to put the data together.
“That is why I am clear in my mind that there are elements at the Lands Commission who don’t want the Ghanaian people to have this data.”
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, offered an explanation for the delay in the Lands Commission’s release of the data.
“The Lands Commission for all these years has been operating manually and it is just recently that we have started making efforts to digitise the records of the Lands Commission.
“The information I have from the Commission since I gave them the instructions to compile this list is that compiling the list from the 16 regions of the Lands Commission across the country from 1993 to now is an extraordinary undertaking and therefore they have not been able to put it all together as yet.
And so I am unable to provide it now, but there is work in progress.”
Disgraced R&B star R. Kelly,sentenced to 30 years in prison in 2022 for sexual exploitation of minors, forced labor, and racketeering, is now appealing to the highest court in the United States in a bid for freedom.
On July 31, 2024, Kelly’s legal team submitted an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, aiming to overturn his convictions on several sex crime charges.
The artist, famed for his hit “I Believe I Can Fly,” claims that his trial was fraught with significant legal errors that breached his constitutional rights.
Key points of the appeal:
Unfair jury selection: Kelly’s defence claims that the jury selection process was flawed, potentially leading to a biased panel that was predisposed against him.
Questionable evidence: The appeal challenges the admission of certain pieces of evidence that the defence believes should have been excluded from the trial. They argue that this evidence unduly influenced the jury’s decision.
Witness credibility: The legal team questions the reliability of the testimonies from key witnesses, suggesting that their accounts may not have been trustworthy.
R. Kelly’s legal team is seeking either a complete overturn of his convictions or a new trial, arguing that the original proceedings were significantly flawed.
The Supreme Court’s forthcoming decision on whether to review the case could mark a crucial moment in Kelly’s prolonged legal struggles.
The U.S. Supreme Court typically hears only a small fraction of cases annually, making it uncertain whether they will accept Kelly’s appeal.
Should they choose to do so, it might result in a new trial or potentially his release from incarceration. For now, the public is left awaiting the outcome and whether the former music icon will have another opportunity to exonerate himself.
As the legal battle continues, the question remains whether justice will be served or if this represents merely another episode in the troubled life of a once-celebrated performer.
