TIG Post

Author: aejay_wp

  • North Korea rebuilding Sohae rocket launch site, say observers

    New satellite images of North Korea suggest it is restoring a rocket launch site it had pledged to dismantle, say analysts.

    The images were taken two days after talks between the leaders of the US and North Korea ended without them reaching a deal on denuclearisation.

    The Tongchang-ri site has been used for satellite launches and engine testing, never for ballistic missile launches.

    Read: Trump-Kim summit: North Korea says country seeks partial relief

    Work to dismantle it began last year but stopped as the US talks stalled.

    The pledge to dismantle it had been seen as a confidence-building measure between Pyongyang and Washington.

    Meanwhile, the US has warned North Korea could face yet more sanctions should Pyongyang not take steps to denuclearise. 

    Read: Trump: North Korea ‘could be great power’ without nuclear weapons

    The satellite evidence, coming from several US think tanks and testimony from the South Korean intelligence service, appears to show rapid progress has been made in rebuilding structures on the rocket launch pad at the Sohae site at Tongchang-ri.

    Sohae has been North Korea’s main satellite launch facility since 2012. It has also been used for testing engines for missiles capable of reaching the US.

    But it has never been used for testing the ballistic missiles which have been considered so provocative.

    “This distinction is important,” Jenny Town, managing editor of monitoring group 38 North, told the BBC.

    “The North Koreans likely see the rebuilding not as an active part of their missile program, but of their civilian space programme – a distinction they have made repeatedly in the past.

    “One would assume, the rebuilding of these structures signals a diminished lack of trust in the process,” said Ms Town. 

    Analysis: Kim ‘testing Trump’s patience’

    Laura Bicker, BBC News, Seoul

    This is indeed worth watching and the rebuilding work does ends a rather ominous signal. But I’m always cautious of extrapolating meaning from satellite images. We cannot make assumptions about what is being discussed in the corridors of power in Pyongyang based on building work at a remote satellite launch station.

    This renewed activity may be Pyongyang’s way of prodding Washington, just a little reminder to the Trump administration that it has the technology to build weapons and it will not give that up easily.

    Most analysts believe it is more likely, at this stage, that Mr Kim is testing Mr Trump’s boundaries and patience, rather than getting ready to test a ballistic missile.

    If North Korea did go further than rebuilding a rocket test stand, and broke its pledge to stop testing missiles, it would risk the wrath of an unpredictable US president.

    The impoverished state could be slapped with even more economic sanctions. Mr Kim has sold these denuclearisation talks at home, and is cultivating his statesman-like image abroad – is he really ready to put that all at risk?

    Threats of more sanctions

    The second summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ended last week in Hanoi without any deal or agreement.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Okaikwei North cancels 6th March parade after clashes led to death of one person

    The Independence Day celebration scheduled to take place at the Fadama Cluster of Schools Park at Fadama in the Okaikwei North Municipality has been suspended.

    This is over some “simmering youth tensions” that led to the death of one person, according to the Municipal Assembly.

    Read: Independence Day troops not being starved, treated shabbily GAF

    Some youth groups of Fadama and Abeka clashed on Friday leading to further injuries and the destruction of property.

    “The Municipal Security Council finds the venue for the celebrations unsafe as it is within the same vicinity that the youth groups clashed,” a statement from the Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly said.

    Read: Tamale prepares for Independence day parade

    The assembly said it “regrets any inconvenience this would cause to the general public especially the people of the Okaikwei North Municipality.”

    Below is the full statement from the Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly:

    Source: citinewsroom.com

  • Luxury Tax: Car dealers get court go-ahead to demonstrate

    The General Jurisdiction Division of the Accra High Court presided over by Justice Daniel Mensah has ruled that members of the Vehicle and Assets Dealers Association of Ghana can embark on their planned demonstration to press upon the government to scrap the levy imposed on luxury vehicles.

    The court on Tuesday, 5 March 2019 also directed that the police should provide adequate security and protection to the disgruntled car dealers during their demonstration.

    Read: Demonstration against luxury vehicle tax postponed to March 7

    The car dealers had served notice of their demonstration, but the police run to court to seek an injunction on the march.

    President of the association, Eric Kweku Boateng said the tax is not good for the country.

    Read: Demo looms over Luxury Vehicle Tax

    The association, in an earlier statement, said the levy “will cause a disincentive to our prospective buyers and thereby render our businesses unpopular even though, we pay huge amounts of money as duties on those cars and vehicles instantly at the ports and harbours before we could be allowed to drive to our various garages”.

    The group is of the view that the levy will encourage the use of fake road worthy certificates, which is normally provided by middlemen at the premises of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).

    With the luxury tax, an annual levy has been imposed on vehicles with high engine capacity of 2950 cubic centimetres and more.

    The levy is as follows:

    2950cc 3549cc GHS1,000

    3550cc 4049cc GHS1,500

    Above 4049cc GHS2,000

    The levy is paid on the registration of vehicles and subsequently on or before the annual renewal of the roadworthy certificate of such vehicles, with engine capacities as listed above.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Ex-Liberian president’s son charged over missing money scandal

    The Liberian police have formally charged the son of the country’s former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in connection with the unlawful overprinting of local currency worth millions of US dollars.

    Charles Sirleaf, the 61-year-old former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Liberia, was ordered by a court in the capital, Monrovia, on Monday to be held in jail pending the scheduling of the trial.

    Additionally, Sirleaf, former head of the bank Milton Weeks and bank official Dorbor Hagba were also ordered by the court to be kept in jail.

    Read: Liberia’s ‘missing millions’: Charles Sirleaf arrested

    The crowded court heard that between 2016 and 2018, Sirleaf “purposely with wicked and criminal intent connived and conspired with other officials” to print local currency, allegedly pocketing some of the proceeds. 

    Judge Kennedy Peabody said Sirleaf would be charged “with the commission of economic sabotage, misuse of public money, property or records and theft and or illegal disbursement and expenditure of public money and criminal conspiracy”.

    “Charles Sirleaf and his accomplices Milton Weeks and Dorbor Hagba, including defendants Richard Walker and Joseph Dennis who are at-large, are criminally liable [for] … Liberian dollar banknotes brought into the country which cannot be accounted for by them,” said Peabody.

    The lawyers for the accused did not publicly comment about the charges.

    President George Weah separately expressed appreciation to the country’s partners, especially the United States, for helping with the investigation.

    “I wanted the Liberian people [to] know that we are transparent,” the president said in a statement. “Whatever happens from [the] findings, we will follow it because, in the process of getting information, a lot of things do come out.

    Read: Trump renews Zimbabwe sanctions

    “When everything is done, I hope Liberia will be in peace and people will not take to the streets again.”

    Weah announced the probe in September into the handling of around 16 billion Liberian dollars ($99m) destined for the central bank.

    What exactly happened to the money remains unclear, with a report by the US investigative agency Kroll Associates saying it arrived at the central bank but that there were failings at each stage of the process.

    One of the world’s poorest countries, Liberia has been struggling with rampant corruption which Weah vowed to combat when he took office a year ago.

    Ellen, the first elected female head of the African state, was president for 12 years. She gained widespread praise for stable governance following back-to-back civil wars which killed an estimated 250,000 people. 

    In 2011, she was a joint winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

     

    Source:  aljazeera.com

  • Businesses take advantage of March to sell Made-in-Ghana goods

    The day is marked with significant historical and cultural celebrations to recount how the country attain freedom from colonial rule and also look forward to a prosperous future for citizens of Ghana.

    Over the years, the month of March is gradually becoming a month of culture heritage and history to tell the Ghana story and relive it in many ways.

    Anita Arthur finds out how businesses in the Art and Culture are taking advantage of the month of March in the audio report below.

    Source: citinewsroom.com

  • Hillary Clinton rules out 2020 presidential run

    Hillary Clinton has ruled out a run for the US presidency in 2020, putting an end to speculation that she might take on Donald Trump for a second time.

    As the Democratic candidate in 2016, Mrs Clinton was widely expected to become the first female US president, before a shock defeat by Mr Trump.

    Asked if she would run for any public office in future, the former secretary of state said: “I don’t think so.”

    Mrs Clinton said she had spoken to some of the 2020 Democratic candidates.

    “I’ve told every one of them, don’t take anything for granted,” she said in an interview with New York TV channel News 12.

    Read: Trump renews Zimbabwe sanctions

    Mrs Clinton was the first female presidential nominee for a major US party in the nation’s history. Her ascension to the top office was widely seen as all but guaranteed, but she was dogged by accusations of being overly reliant on wealthy donors, too close to Wall Street and out of touch with younger voters.

    She was relentlessly pilloried by Mr Trump, who ran a campaign based on personal attacks and goaded crowds on the campaign trail to chant “Lock her up”.

    Her defeat prompted a period of soul-searching for the Democratic Party, which is now gearing up for a wide-open primary contest that has already seen more than 10 contenders announce a run.

    Who is running in 2020?

    Vermont senator and 2016 Democrat primary runner-up Bernie Sanders is the latest Democrat to throw his hat in the ring. Mr Sanders’ name recognition and base of support among the party’s left has catapulted him towards the front of the pack.

    He joins Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, who was the first big name to declare a run, as well as New Jersey Senator Cory Booker and California Senator Kamala Harris.

    Also in the running are New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand; New Jersey Senator Cory Booker; Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar; the Mayor of San Antonio, Texas, Julian Castro; and the Mayor of South Bend, Indiana, Pete Buttigieg, who is the first openly gay person to run for president.

    Read: Bernie Sanders announces second US presidential bid

    Some of the most talked-about names are yet to declare their intentions. The former vice-president, Joe Biden, is considering a run. He enjoys the best name recognition in the country, and analysts say he would leapfrog other candidates to the top of early polling were he to enter the race.

    Beto O’Rourke, a former congressman from Texas who drew national attention when he ran an unexpectedly close Senate race against Republican incumbent Ted Cruz, has kept fans and potential donors waiting as he weighs his options.

    Mr O’Rourke ran an unconventional campaign for the Senate, posting unvarnished social media updates as he drove through all 254 counties in the state, fuelled by millions in small-dollar donations.

    Who will take on Trump in 2020?

    Hillary Clinton has ruled out a second presidential run against Donald Trump. So who is vying for the Democratic nomination?

     

    Source: BBC 

  • Michy replies Shatta Wale over claims he pimps her to big men for money

    Michy, Baby Mama of Shatta Wale has spoken after Shatta Wale revealed that he pimped her just to make money for himself

    Shatta Wale in a banter with Pope Skinny yesterday disclosed that he used to pimp Michy to other men so he could earn more money.

    But in a post today, Michy who has jilted Shatta Wale says she will continue to work on herself to become the best.

    To her, she intends to stand firm throughout the storm and make the best out of every situation she finds herself.

    Her post read “take a moment out of your time & repeat after me …. insert your name in there & manifest greatness????? THE PLEDGE ????? I ………………….. pledge to :

    1. Love myself unapologetically.

    2. I promise to learn, evolve & upgrade to the very best version of myself

    3. To stand firm no matter what life throws at me;I either WIN OR I WIN. Failure is not an option 

    4. At the rise of the sun I will wake up & chase my dreams like usain bolt 

    5. I promise to trust the process… PATIENCE + AMBITION = SUCCESS

    6. Most importantly, I vow to let God lead cuz when I walk with God, I walk in CONFIDENCE “.

    Source: mynewsgh.com

  • Minority walks out again as Public Holidays Amendment Bill is passed

    The Minority in Parliament have staged a walk out for the third time over the passage of the Public Holidays (Amendment) Bill, 2018.

    Read: Public Holidays Bill passed; Minority walks out again

    There has been disagreements in the house concerning the need to make January 7, Constitution Day, and August 4 Public Holidays.

    The Minority in Parliament disagreed to the proposal by President Akufo-Addo saying that Founder’s Day, which marks the birthday of Ghana’s first president Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah should not be treated as an ordinary day because he contributed greatly to securing the country for Ghanaians.

    Read: Minority boycotts Holiday Bill

    The Minority further described the action by the Majority as tampering with the country’s history.

    Despite these arguments, the speaker of Parliament allowed the passage of the motion which was further approved by the Majority side, thus making the January 7 and August 4 official public holidays

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Trump renews Zimbabwe sanctions

    Existing US sanctions on Zimbabwe in place since 2003 have been extended for a further 12 months.

    President Donald Trump says the southern African nation poses an “unusual and extraordinary” threat to US foreign policy.

    He blamed President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government for failing to implement the “political and economic overhaul required to rebuild its reputation”. 

    Read: White House lambasts Trump obstruction and abuse of power probe

    The US president also said on Monday that Zimbabwe’s 2018 election wasn’t “fully free and fair”.

    US, UK and EU sanctions on Zimbabwe target individuals, as well as banning trade in weapons and direct government assistance for non-humanitarian programmes.

    The decision will come as a blow to the Zimbabwean administration.

    Read: Kenyatta joins call for free movement of Africans across continent

    The BBC’s Andrew Harding says it is trying to dig its way out of an economic hole caused by years of reckless spending, corruption, policy uncertainty and sluggish exports.

    Last month, there were violent protests in Zimbabwe after a steep increase in fuel protests.

    President of neighbouring South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, has recently called on the international community to lift the sanctions.

     

    Source: BBC 

  • White House lambasts Trump obstruction and abuse of power probe

    The White House has lambasted Democrats for launching a “disgraceful” inquiry into alleged obstruction of justice and abuse of power by some of President Donald Trump’s closest allies.

    A White House spokeswoman said the Democrats were “harassing” Mr Trump.

    Earlier on Monday, the House Judiciary Committee had requested documents from 81 people and groups.

    Among them were aides to President Trump and his campaign, members of his family, business associates and others.

    House of Representatives Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler, a Democrat, said it was the “obligation” of Congress to “provide a check on abuses of power” by the White House.

    Read: US ends diplomatic protocol tiff with EU

    Mr Nadler, whose committee has the power to conduct impeachment hearings, also said it was “very clear” that the president had obstructed justice.

    But Mr Nadler told ABC News it was too early to discuss removing the president from office.

    President Trump dismissed Mr Nadler’s probe as a “political hoax”, but added: “I co-operate all the time with everybody.”

    Democrats, who took control of the House of Representatives in January, have vowed to open investigations into the president and White House.

    More than five House committees are now investigating alleged attempts by Russia to meddle in the 2016 election campaign, the president’s tax returns and potential conflicts of interest involving Mr Trump’s family.

    Those inquiries are in addition to the investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is expected to file his report soon.

    What did the White House say?

    In a statement, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said: “Today, Chairman Nadler opened up a disgraceful and abusive investigation into tired, false allegations already investigated by the special counsel and committees in both chambers of Congress.

    “Chairman Nadler and his fellow Democrats have embarked on this fishing expedition because they are terrified that their two-year false narrative of ‘Russia collusion’ is crumbling.

    “Their intimidation and abuse of American citizens is shameful. Democrats are harassing the president to distract from their radical agenda of making America a socialist country, killing babies after they’re born, and pushing a ‘green new deal’ that would destroy jobs and bankrupt America.

    “The American people deserve a Congress that works with the president to address serious issues like immigration, healthcare, and infrastructure.
    Who received requests?

    Read: Donald Trump launches furious attack on Robert Mueller

    Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg, longtime Trump personal assistant Rhona Graff and ex-White House counsel Don McGahn are also on the list of names released by the House Judiciary Committee. 

    Donald Trump Jr has previously been forced by members of Congress to answer questions about a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower, in which he sat down with a Kremlin-linked lawyer who had offered dirt on Mr Trump’s opponent Hillary Clinton.

    Wikileaks, and its founder Julian Assange, have also been sent documents requests by the committee.

    Wikileaks published emails stolen from the Democratic National Committee and released them during the 2016 campaign, causing political embarrassment to Mrs Clinton and her campaign team.

    Roger Stone, Mr Trump’s confidant, who is currently under investigation by Special Counsel Robert Mueller for allegedly lying to prosecutors about his communications with Wikileaks during the presidential campaign, is also receiving a request from the committee.

    After Mr Stone’s arrest in January, he denied that he played a role as an intermediary between the campaign and Wikileaks.

    The documents would be used by the committee to determine which witnesses to call to testify in the coming months, a counsel for the House Judiciary Committee said.

    If they do not comply with the next few weeks, subpoenas will be issued.

    With his announcement, Mr Nadler is taking a shotgun approach to his investigations of the president, the BBC North America reporter Anthony Zurcher says.

    He says the press release announcing the investigations doesn’t mention Russia or its election-meddling by name.

    But the key components of the collusion allegations – the 2016 Trump Tower meeting, the WikiLeaks email dumps, changes to Ukraine policy in the Republican Party platform and the Trump-Russia business dealings – are all over the document requests.

     

    Source: BBC 

  • The best and worst of Ghanaian players abroad

    Good: Jeffrey Schlupp: Fresh from winning Crystal Palace’s Player for the Month of February award, having scored twice, provided one assist and won a penalty during the period, Schlupp began March on a high as The Eagles dispatched Burnley 3-1 in the English Premier League on Saturday. This time around, he forced a Burnley own goal as his ball was diverted by Phillip Bardsley into his own net to put Palace 1-0 up.

    Too Bad: Kasim Nuhu Adams: A summer signing from Swiss club Young Boys, Adams picked his second red card in Hoffenheim colours when Die Kraichgauer visited Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga on Saturday. His marching orders for a second bookable offence gave a numerical advantage to the hosts, who capitalize to come from 2-1 down to register a 3-2 triumph at Commerzbank-Arena.

    Too Bad: Bernard Mensah – An injury saw the Atletico Madrid loanee withdrawn on 33 minutes as his Kayserispor outfit settled for a 2-2 home draw with Besiktas in the Turkish Super Lig on Saturday. Reports say the midfielder is expected to spend between four and five weeks on the sidelines.

    Too Bad: Dauda Mohammed – After a clumsy air challenge, the Anderlecht loanee could not continue Saturday’s Dutch Eredivisie game between Vitesse Arnhem and NAC Breda. He was replaced in just the 33rd minute as his side registered a 4-1 victory. It was only his second start for Vitas following his loan switch in January.

    Too Good: Ebenezer Ofori – It was a fine start to Major League Soccer season for New York City FC’s Ofori, who netted the opener in what ended a 2-2 away draw with Orlando City FC on matchday one. He rejoined the club in January following a first loan deal last year.

    Too Good: William Owusu – The striker netted his seventh goal of the season for Royal Antwerp as they beat AS Eupen 2-1 in the Belgian topflight on Sunday. He has so far made 26 league appearances involving 16 starts this campaign.

    Too Good: Eric Ocansey: While Owusu and Antwerp left Bosuilstadion with utmost joy, Ocansey departed with a bittersweet memory as he grabbed Eupen’s consolation goal. It was the 21-year-old’s second league strike of the term.

    Source: Goal.com

  • Emmanuel Boateng wants to reunite with girlfriend in China

    Dalian new signing Emmanuel Boateng wants to quickly reunite with his fiancée in China.

    The 22-year-old wants his girlfriend to join him after switching Europe for the Asian country.

    The Ghana international has revealed the girlfriend is going through formalities to join him at his new destination.

    “My fiancée is going through the formalities of coming to China. I think this is a very good thing, because I will be lonely in a foreign country. If I can reunite with my girlfriend, I will feel better.” he said

    The man shot to international prominence after destroying Barcelona last season with a hat-trick that broke the unbeaten record of the Catalan giants.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Asante Kotoko grants Dr. Jerry Newton leave request ahead of Al Hilal CAF Confederation Cup clash

    Head of the Asante Kotoko Medical Team, Dr. Jerry Pratt Newton, has been granted permission to proceed on leave with immediate effect. 

    According to club’s spokesperson Sarfo Duku (Esq), Dr. Newton sent a formal leave request to the club on Monday.

    Read: Our style won’t change despite injuries – Kotoko assistant coach

    Lawyer Duku added that the club has granted the doctor’s plea that takes effect immediately.

    The communication director meanwhile did not readily open up on reasons behind Dr. Newton’s leave request, but stated that he asked for some free space to enable him further his education.

    Dr. Newton was appointed and put in-charge of the club’s medical department at the birth of the current George Amoako-led Management that took office last year.

    Read: Asante Kotoko star Maxwell Baakoh ruled out for up to six months

    The appointment, which was made by Executive Chairman, Dr. Kwame Kyei, marked the second coming for the physiotherapist, who also served under the erstwhile Dr. Kofi Kodua Sarpong and Samuel Opoku Nti administrations.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • My client is innocent – Ofosu Ampofo’s lawyer

    Lawyer Victor Kwadwogah Adawudu, Counsel for National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Mr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, insists his client is “innocent”.

    According to him, the contents of the leaked viral audio cannot be attributed to his client, because he (Ofosu) has denied making such comments.

    Read: What wrong has Ofosu Ampofo done? – Sammy Gyamfi asks

    Lawyer Kwadwogah Adawudu, who explained this to PeaceFM News@6pm, added that the innocence of the embattled NDC National Chair who remained silent during the entire interrogation at the Police CID Headquarters on Monday, will be proven at the right time.

    “….after long hours at the police CID, my client has been granted 500,000 Ghana cedis bail with General Secretary, Mr. Asiedu Nketia and Greater Accra Regional Chairman, Ade Coker, acting as sureties for him.”

    Read: Ofosu-Ampofo granted bail after spending day at CID headquarters

    “They have asked us to report on Thursday, albeit we do not know whether we will be going to court or the case will be dropped,” he added.

    Heavy Security Presence

    There was heavy security deployment at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters of the Ghana Police Service, when the National Chairman of NDC, Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo reported himself to answer questions concerning a leaked tape in which he is said to have made certain statements inciting violence.

    Read: Police release NDC chairman Ofosu Ampofo amidst wild jubilation

    Heavily armed policemen and armoured vehicles were deployed at vantage points to scrutinize members of the public before they entered the premises.

    All entrances to the CID headquarters were cordoned off to prevent any unnecessary entry to the premises.

    Dozens of heavily armed police officers were around the premises to maintain law and order.

    Restricted Access To NDC Solidarity Members

    Unlike in previous instances where teeming party supporters massed up at the CID headquarters which sometimes resulted in clashes with the police, the situation was different Monday morning.

    A good number of NDC supporters who came to stand in solidarity with the embattled national chairman were prevented from getting close to any of the entrances to the CID headquarters.

    They were confined to the road opposite the CID headquarters on the side that leads to Osu and were not allowed to cross to the opposite side.

    Mr Ofosu Ampofo, arrived at the Police CID headquarters with his lawyers and party bigwigs.

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • Mortuary workers declare strike; abandon dead bodies

    Patients receiving treatment in government hospitals across the country will from today, Tuesday, March 5, share wards with dead bodies as mortuary workers begin a nationwide strike.

    Bodies which have been deposited at the morgues for preservation will also be abandoned by the mortuary workers.

    Read: Mortuary workers strike today

    They are embarking on the strike after an attempt by the Health Ministry to address their concerns over poor working conditions failed.

    Richard Kofi Jordan, the General Secretary of the Mortuary Workers Union told Starr News that they are tired of the failed promises and lies by the government.

    Read: Health Ministry meets aggrieved mortuary workers over strike

    According to him, the several promises made to them by the government in January have not been fulfilled adding that it is time they back their words with action.

    Some of the issues of concern raised by the mortuary workers are enumerated as follows;

    Many of the Mortuary Workers are denied perpetual their annual leave in violation of section 20 of Act 651.

    Read: Mortuary workers to strike on Tuesday over low salaries

    Most Mortuary Workers work more than the required 8 hours including Saturdays and Sundays in violation of section 33 of Act 651.

    Most have been employed as casual and temporary workers in violation of section 74 and 75 of Act 651, which does not guarantee job security especially in the environment in which they work.

    In terms of remuneration, it is unfortunate to state that Mortuary workers are treated as most unrecognized in the sector and for that matter, least paid on the salary structure of Ministry of Health with no single allowance.

    Many of the Mortuary facilities are understaffed, no maintenance which compromises on health and safety rules of the sector making the workers unnecessary to suffer in silence.

    In terms of their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), some have to struggle to get them to use making the working conditions at some facilities undesirable.

    There is no provision for universal medical checkups plan in violation of sections 118 of Act 651.

    No overtime is paid which is in violation of section 35.

    They are not paid for public holidays in violation of section 72 of Act 651.

    They work on weekends on which are resting days by law which will amount to overtime but are not paid.

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • Herbert Mensah appointed to Africas Rugby board

    Herbert Mensah, President and Board Chairman of Ghana Rugby, has been incorporated as Representative of the newly elected Rugby Africa Board.

    This step followed after a new Board was elected for Rugby Africa in Marrakech-Morocco on March 2, 2019.

    The officers of the Executive Board were elected ex-officio, unopposed.

    They are president: Khaled Babbou (Tunisia); vice President: Andrew Owor (Uganda) Treasurer: Tano Elvis (Ivory Coast) Secretary General: Jurie Roux (South Africa)

    The 27 voting members, by secret ballot, elected the seven officers of the following Executive Committee (EXCO):

    Rolande Boro (Burkina Faso), Aaron Jani (Zimbabwe), Clement Sinkamba (Zambia), Nasser Bougja (Morocco), Herman M?Bonyo (DRC), Paulina Lanco (Burundi), Guedel N?Diaye (Senegal).

    Herbert Mensah was invited to the first Board meeting of the new Executive Committee where the new President, Khaled Babbou, announced his appointment.

    Ghana Rugby withdrew all its six nominations for the election prior to the commencement of the elections after which the newly elected President, Khaled Babbou, brought Mensah to the front of proceedings and lifted his hand in acknowledgement of the signal by Mensah and Ghana Rugby that it will support the new Board in the interest of Rugby in Africa.

    When asked Mensah stated that unity was more important if Africa Rugby was to tackle its compliance, constitutional and data management issues which would strengthen the image and assist with the issue of raising much needed independent funds for the continent!

    According to Mr. Mensah, the General meeting was preceded by intense discussions with Babbou and other key stakeholders and the withdrawal of nominations followed after assurances were given that he will be brought into the fold and that a total review of the Rugby Africa Constitution will be high on the agenda of the New Board.

    Mr. Mensah said, “in order to ensure that the Constitution safeguards the interests of all Members and provides scope for the Board to expand its capabilities it has become essential to review the constitution in totality.”

    Mr Mensah said that he has also been given the assurance that an urgent investigation into the adoption of an online rugby management system for all Africa Rugby Unions will be investigated.

    Source: dailyguidenetwork.com

  • Tema Port gets new Director

    General Manager of Legal Affairs at the Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority (GPHA), Sandra Opoku has been appointed the acting Director of Tema Port.

    DGN Online understands that she is taking over from lawyer Edward Osei.

    According to information available to DGN Online, the Dirctor-General of GPHA informed management of Tema Port on Sunday, March 3, 2019 about the new order.

    The announcement was said to have been made by the Director-General during a meeting held around 4:00pm on the aforementioned date.

    She was employed in 2003 as a lawyer. GPHA sponsored her to do maritime law at the world maritime university in Sweden in 2004.

    Source: dailyguidenetwork.com

  • Clottey advises Commey against Lomachenko unification

    Former International Boxing Federation (IBF) World weltweright titlist, Joshua Clottey, has advised Richard Commey against going into an immediate unification bout with Vasyl Lomachenko after his triumph over Isa Chaniev.

    Clottey, who defeated Zab Judah in 2008 to become a world champion, explained that Commey needed to defend his IBF World lightweight title on two or three occasions before venturing into a unification with Lomachenko.

    Read: Today in history: Ike ‘Bazooka’ Quartey knocks out Jung Oh Park

    Having destroyed Chaniev in two rounds to become the nation’s tenth world titlist in Frisco, Texas on February 2, Commey landed himself a unification bout with WBA and WBO champion Lomachenko in a fight which was slated for April 12 at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles.

    But the proposed fight couldn’t take place as scheduled due to an injury Commey sustained in the bout with Chaniev and an MRI scan ruled him out for six weeks. His absence paved the way for the dangerous Ukrainian to accept a fight with WBA mandatory challenger, Anthony Crolla, for the April 12 card.

    In a chat with the Graphic Sports, Clottey, who fought the likes of Manny Pacquaio, Antonio Margarito and Miguel Cottey during his hey days, described Lomachenko as a dangerous fighter who could be too tough for Commey at this moment.

    Read: Navarrete-Dogboe rematch slated for May 11

    He called on Commey to avoid a fight with Lomachenko at the moment since it could affect his chances of a long reign in the lightweight division.

    “I won’t advise him to go for the Lomachenko fight at this time. It is too early for him to take up that bout immediately after his triumph against Chaniev because that guy would be too dangerous for him at the moment.

    “He needs to defend his title for at least two or three times before opting to fight Lomachenko in a unification and I believe that will prepare him adequately,” Clottey said.

    The 31-year-old Ghanaian increased his record to 28 wins from 30 bouts with an impressive 25 knockout victories after dispatching the Russian pugilist with three knockdowns.

     

    Source:  Graphic.com.gh

  • 5 Ghanaian players who excelled over the weekend

    Over the weekend, several Ghanaian players across the continent put in performances that will be worthy of a place in coach Kwesi Appiah’s 23-man for AFCON 2019.

    Here are the top five who excelled this weekend:

    Ebenezer Ofori

    Ghanaian midfielder Ebenezer Ofori opened his account for New York City FC in the 2-2 draw with Orlando City.

    Read: Playing Daniel Darkwah against Nkana was a risk CK Akunnor

    The 23-year-old midfielder scored in the 12-minute mark with a spectacular drive just outside the box to give New York City FC the lead.

    John Antwi

    Ghana international forward John Antwi over the weekend put in a scintillating performance as he aided his club Misr Makkasa to defeat El Entag El Harby in the Egyptian League.

    Antwi scored the third goal for his side in their 3-1 away win over El Entag El Harby.

    The former Dreams FC player has now bagged 8 goals in 19 matches this season.

    Andy Yiadom

    Andy Yiadom played the full 90 minutes for Reading in the 2-1 away over Ipswich. He has registered 33 appearances for Reading while scoring a solitary goal. 

    Read: Ebenezer Ofori delighted to start MLS season with a bang

    William Owusu Acheampong

    The 29-year-old scored his seventh goal of the season for Royal Antwerp against KAS Eupen in the Belgium League over the weekend. 

    Daniel Darkwah

    The left-back got his debut for Kotoko over the weekend in the CAF Confederation Cup. He deputised for the suspended captain Amos Frimpong and he won the admiration of the fans with his superb performance. He wiped in a dangerous cross which resulted in the Porcupines second goal for the day. His output yesterday made a strong case for the left-back slot for the senior national team.

     

    Source:  primenewsghana.com

  • Royal family cracks down on social media trolls

    The royal family is taking a stance against social media trolls.

    In a rare statement made Monday, Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Kensington Palace published guidelines for engaging with the royals via their official channels. 

    “The aim of our social media channels is to create an environment where our community can engage safely in debate and is free to make comments, questions and suggestions,” the statement read. “We ask that anyone engaging with our social media channels shows courtesy, kindness and respect for all other members of our social media communities.”

    According to the guidelines, posts by the public must not “contain spam, be defamatory of any person, deceive others, be obscene, offensive, threatening, abusive, hateful, inflammatory or promote sexually explicit material or violence.” They must also not promote “discrimination based on race, sex, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation or age.”

    In addition, the posts must follow the social networks’ official terms and refrain from being “off-topic, irrelevant or unintelligible.” What’s more, comments on the royals’ channels must not contain any advertising or promotion for any services.

    If social media users fail to follow these guidelines, the royal family reserves the right to hide or delete their post, as well as block the offenders.

    “We also reserve the right to send any comments we deem appropriate to law enforcement authorities for investigation as we feel necessary or is required by law,” the statement concluded.

    While the reasoning behind the guidelines was not revealed, the announcement came after reports started spreading that Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton were feuding and royal admirers began to take sides. The Palace denounced such allegations, including a report claiming Kate told Meghan not to berate her staff.

    “This never happened,” the Palace stated. 

    Source: www.eonline.com

  • US ends diplomatic protocol tiff with EU

    The United States has ended a spat with the European Union over diplomatic protocol that came amid heightened tensions over trans-Atlantic trade.

    US ambassador Gordon Sondland said the bloc was “one of America’s most valuable partners in ensuring global security and prosperity”.

    Read: Trump denies he criticized British prime minister after criticizing her

    The dispute surfaced in January over an apparent downgrading of the EU’s diplomatic status.

    The EU said it was pleased the US had decided “to revert to usual practice”.

    What went wrong?

    Early this year it emerged that the US had changed the way it treated the EU delegation and ambassador.

    Read: European Union poised to improving Ghana’s fisheries sector – Roberto Schiliro

    The EU had previously been treated “as a country would be” on the US diplomatic list but was now being seen as an international organisation, which is ranked lower.

    The EU ambassador was the last diplomat to be called up at the state funeral for President George HW Bush last December, according to Deutsche Welle.

    Are relations improving?

    Trade relations are still tense and diplomatically three EU states have tried to find a way around US sanctions re-imposed on Iran.

    The EU and US are set to meet this week with the aim of negotiating a trade deal limited to industrial goods.

    President Donald Trump pulled back from imposing tariffs on European car imports last July, after the EU said it planned to buy more US soya beans and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

    EU imports of soya beans have since soared. However, US tariffs on steel and aluminium imports which were imposed last year remain in place.

    Last week President Trump described the EU as “very, very tough” on US farming goods and cars. “We take their product; they don’t take ours. We don’t charge them tariffs; they charge us tariffs,” he asserted, according to a White House transcript.

    In his statement, Mr Sondland welcomed the EU’s new ambassador, Stavros Lambrinidis, praising the EU as a “uniquely important organisation”, adding that “this level of engagement and co-operation should be recognised appropriately in all settings”.

    EU foreign affairs spokesperson Maja Kocijancic said that the EU had been in touch with the US to “clarify the matter” after the change to diplomatic practice.

    “We are pleased that the United States took the decision to revert to usual practice,” she said.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Gifty Osei shares plush photos ahead of Maranatha Music Awards

     Multiple award-winning gospel musician Empress Gifty has released a series of snapshots ahead of the grand day of Maranatha Global Worship Music Awards in Nairobi, Kenya.

    Empress Gifty as she is affectionately called, is popular for her rich lyrical content and captivating stage performances over the years.

    She has earned a huge following on social media thanks to her openness and kindness to fans on social media and at events.

    Read: Jay Ghartey pays tribute to late father with new single ‘To Love A Father’

    Gifty has indicated that she poised to swoop a chain of awards at the upcoming Maranatha Global Worship Music Awards with her consistent delivery in the music scenes and incredible branding in the showbiz.

    The event which is scheduled to take place in Nairobi in Kenya on 12 May 2019 will experience a night of super gospel stars from all over the world.

    See stunning photos of Empress Gifty below:

     

    Source: asempanews 

  • We need our share of the oil revenue Yaa Naa to GNPC boss

    The overlord of the Dagbon Traditional Area, Yaa Naa Abukari Mahama II is calling on government to ensure that oil revenues accruing to the country benefits all the communities in which the resource is found.

    In his estimation, this will help aid in the rapid development of communities in which the resource and found and ensure that the entire country also benefits from it.

    Read: GNPC commissions 40 boreholes in Northern region

    Yaa Naa Abukari made the call when the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Dr K.K. Sarpong, paid a courtesy call on him at the Gbewaa Palace in Yendi last Friday.

    The GNPC boss congratulated the Yaa Naa on his ascension to the Yani Skin and also briefed him on progress his outfit was making in the exploration of crude oil in the Northern, Savannah and North East regions.

    Read: Yaa Naa calls for equitable distribution of oil revenue

    Yaa Naa Abukari expressed appreciation to Dr Sarpong for the visit and entreated him to ensure that the corporation engaged chiefs in their activities in the area to keep them abreast of issues about the oil find.

    Dr Sarpong said exploration of oil in the area was being pursued with high hopes of discovery in commercial quantities for national development.

    The three regions, which form about 52 per cent of the onshore Voltaian Basin that stretches across 104,000 square kilometres (km2) of land, is believed to be a potential hub of commercial quantities of oil.

    He said the first part of the process towards exploration had been completed.

    Read: Oil revenue outstrips cocoa as second biggest foreign exchange earner

    “The first stage that we set out during the two-day seismic survey is completed. We are interpreting the results in China after that we will decide on what to do next by covering the areas of prospects with a three-day survey this year,” the chief executive indicated.

    Dr Sarpong said the government was committed to ensuring that oil resources were properly harnessed to facilitate development in host communities and the country at large, stressing that “The NPP-led government is very committed to ensuring that the oil funds are properly used for the benefit of every Ghanaian.”

    While commending the Yaa Naa for providing the necessary support to the corporation for the commencement of the exploration exercise last year during his tenure as the Yoo Naa (Chief of Savelugu), he appealed to chiefs in the area to cooperate with the government in its oil exploration efforts.

    The GNPC last year began the exploration of oil in the then Northern Region.

    About 16 districts are said to have huge potential of the natural resource that is yet to be harnessed.

    President Akufo-Addo in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in 2018 announced that a pilot survey in the Voltaian basin for possible onshore discovery had established the presence of a working petroleum system.

    The announcement followed a directive the President gave in July 2017 to the GNPC to pay particular attention to the onshore oil potential which appears to be yielding dividends as the corporation had begun prospecting for oil.

    Source: radiotamale.com

  • Kontihene of Apremdo reconciles with his Chief

    The Kontihene of Apremdo in the Western Region, Obutsia Tunduni known in private life as Stephen Ansah, has reconciled with the Chief of Apremdo Nana Egya Kwamina (XI) and his elders.

    The member of the council of elders fell out with the Chief last year when he pitched camp with miscreants disturbing the peace and security in the farming community.

    But, upon reflection, he realized he did not do well and embarked on series of activities to reconcile with the supreme leader of Apremdo who was emphatic that he did not have anything against the beleaguered Kontihene when an arbitration committee was set up to investigate circumstances surrounding the impasse.

    The reconciliation took place on 28th February 2019 following a series of discussions held closed doors by the two who were initially at loggerheads.

    Otumfuo Baidoo Bonsoe (XV), overlord of Ahanta Traditional Area delegated the arbitration committee members to visit the community to witness the program.

    Responding to the reconciliation move in an interview, the Apremdo Chief Nana Egya Kwamina (XI) said it was heartwarming presiding over a united community, and therefore he had forgiven the Krontihene.

    He welcomed the beleaguered elder who fell out with the traditional authority on grounds that run contrary to the values and customs of Ahanta.

    According to the Chief, following the pacification of the gods, the Kontehene will henceforth continue to play his role as expected by the community after his reinstatement.

    The pacification of the gods of Apremdo to forgive him and welcome him back to the palace was done alongside the reconciliation process.

    Egya Kwamina XI said his desire as the traditional ruler of the peri-urban community was to attract investment to the area to increase opportunities and improve the welfare of natives.

    He explained that job creation, investment, and development were the cardinal principles of his administration and therefore he will appeal to all community members to support him succeed in driving forward this agenda.

    He said before the three issues outlined could be achieved, the community will require an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity to attract the right investments, and good companies to create jobs and ultimately promote development in all parts of the town.

    Under the circumstance, he said he will urge his subjects to constantly apply the custom and tradition to adjudicate on all chieftaincy related matters in order to keep the community united, peaceful, and on the path of development.

    He asked for guidance from the elders of the community to properly place traditional leadership, governance on the path of honesty, sincerity, justice, peace and tranquility.

    “I am determined to lead by example. I will, therefore, urge my elders to follow in that direction, and do things that will promote the community, improve our wellbeing, and generate interest of inventors who will come into our community to assist in job creation for our teeming youth”, he concluded.

    Source: Daniel Kaku

  • Acca Sports Stadium to host both qualifiers for Black Stars and Black Meteors on 23 March

    (more…)

  • Government can do little about ‘Ponzi Scheme’ locked up investments – Ken Ofori Atta

    Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta says government can only do little about investments locked up in financial institutions that promise unrealistic returns over a short period of time.

    According to him, any organisation that promise a fixed return at the end of the month should be taken a second look at.

    Read: EOCO saves 9,000 clients from 3 Ponzi schemes

    Speaking to Citi FM, Ken Ofori Atta said: “we as Ghanaians have to be wary of schemes that seem to generate excessive profit and it’s unfortunate that it cut across the society from the highly educated to the less literate all invested in it but when you look at the gold market and someone tells you they will give you 10% a month is quite clear it cannot be anything good and is our responsibility to also check whether such organisations have the appropriate licensing and how financial transactions are being done, so it’s a difficult lesson but their consequences in actions that we take, we hope that people will guide themselves.”

    Read: Laws exist to stop Ponzi schemes; apply them – Ace Ankomah

    Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta last month at Burma Camp in Accra revealed that official records show at least 200 million cedis have been locked up in defunct investment firm Menzgold.

    The information, which was in response to a question from one of the soldiers, reveals for the first time the extent of loss Menzgold customers have been exposed to after an undisclosed number of them bought into their business pitch of paying 7% to 10% returns on special gold collectables bought and deposited with the company.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Harry Kane: Tottenham need to ‘step up under pressure’

    Tottenham striker Harry Kane says the team must “step up” when the pressure is on if they are to start winning trophies.

    Spurs’ Premier League title challenge has faded after back-to-back defeats by Burnley and Chelsea, before Saturday’s draw against Arsenal.

    Mauricio Pochettino’s side are in third place, 10 points behind leaders Manchester City with nine games left.

    “We need to find a way to get it done,” said England captain Kane, 25.

    “We haven’t done that in recent years, we haven’t done that this week and that will be the difference.

    “That is the turning point that we need to try to achieve.”

    Read: Real Madrid: Gareth Bale treatment by fans ‘a disgrace’ – Agent

    Tottenham go into the second leg of their last-16 Champions League tie at German side Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday with a 3-0 lead.

    The north London club posted a message on social media on Monday which read: “To Dortmund to get the job done”.

    Will it take five years to change Spurs mentality?

    Tottenham, who have not won a trophy since claiming the League Cup in 2008, have challenged for honours under Pochettino in recent years only to fall short at crucial moments.

    They missed out in the race for the Premier League to Leicester City in 2016, with the Foxes finally securing the title when Spurs let a two-goal lead slip to draw at Chelsea in May.

    They were also beaten in the semi-finals of the 2017 and 2018 FA Cup, as well as in the last four of this season’s Carabao Cup.

    Spurs, who finished third behind Manchester City and Manchester United last term, went into this season without making a signing, and also did not add to their squad in the January transfer window.

    Following the defeat by Burnley on 23 February, Pochettino – who took over at Spurs in 2014 – said it could take five to 10 years to instil the mentality in his side to challenge for the title.

    Kane said: “I don’t think it’s far away but I think what the gaffer was saying was it’s not a guarantee that if you improve you are still going to win things.

    “Every team is improving, every team is strengthening, every team is getting better year by year – so it’s important for us that we don’t fall behind that.

    “We have got to a stage in the past four or five years where we have maybe done more than we expected as a club, but it means that we have to do even more to reach that stage.

    “Whether it’s five years or not I can’t say, but I hope it’s sooner than that.”

     Read: Is Jurgen Klopp feeling Premier League title pressure?

    ‘It was like he was really sending us to war’

    Tottenham were trailing Arsenal at half-time before a Kane penalty rescued a point for them and prevented three defeats in a row, though they still had to rely on keeper Hugo Lloris saving a last-minute Gunners spot-kick.

    “The manager said some things at half-time and that was the turning point because he is usually really calm and collected,” said Spurs left-back Danny Rose.

    “He normally talks to us at half-time and this time it was like he was really sending us to war.

    “That was one of the best things I have witnessed in football, his half-time team talk, and we kept going and that was the attitude he wanted to see in the second half.”

     

    Source: BBC 

  • Return with solutions – Frederick Ameyaw urges Ghanaians abroad

    Head of Information of Ghana’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations and Ghana Consulate General in New York has appealed to Ghanaian Americans and people of African descent living abroad to return to Ghana with solutions to the country’s challenges.

    He made this appeal when he spoke as the Guest Speaker at an event organized by Ghanaian American Journal in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA, on March 1, 2019. The event, its second edition, is curated to bring together Ghanaian entrepreneurs and professionals as well as others with African descents, to network, explore and leverage their unique talents. 

    Read: US-based Ghanaian doctors to team up with locals to modernise health care

    This year’s event was in honor of Ghana’s sixty second Independence Day Anniversary and the Year of Return. 

    Speaking at the event, Mr Frederick Ameyaw, explain why this year’s Independence Day Anniversary was to celebrate Peace and Unity. For 27 years the constitution of Ghana has not being disturbed or interrupted by any act of violence and the enskinment of Yaa-Naa, Abubakari Mahama II, Overlord of Dagbon, and the end of the roadmap for peace in Dagbon are all testament to the peace and unity the country enjoys.

    He also took the opportunity to mention some recent achievements of the government. The creation of six new regions and Ghana being one of the fastest growing economy in the world. 

    Read: US-based Ghanaian killed lover because she wanted a break

    On the Year of Return, he espoused the essence of the declaration made by President Akufo-Addo on September 2018 at the National Press in Washington DC. The Year of Return is a year’s long planned event, this year, to commemorate 400 years since the first set of slaves were sent to Jamestown, Virginia, USA. It’s a year all people of African descent are being asked to return to Ghana for ancestral identity and a reminder that, slavery, in all its forms must cease. 

    “Please return home not just for the celebrations but with solutions” Mr Ameyaw appealed. He revealed government has tackled lots of the country’s challenges and proffered solutions to some of its problems but there are more to be done to develop the country.

    Source: Frederick Ameyaw

  • GHALCA chief Kudjoe Fianoo lavish praise on Asante Kotoko for clobbering Nkana FC

    GHALCA Chairman Kudjo Fianoo has praised Asante Kotoko for their stirred up performance in their 3-0 thrashing of Nkana FC on Sunday.

    The Porcupine Warriors scored three goals in 27 minutes at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

    Abdul Fatawu Safiu opened the scoring on four minutes before Emmanuel Gyamfi doubled by 24 minutes and Martin Antwi added the third.

    Read: Our style won’t change despite injuries – Kotoko assistant coach

    “Kotoko against this same team last week lost 3-1, for Kotoko to turn around to beat them 3-0, the players and the technical staff deserve an applaud,” he told Akakpo Agodji in an interview.

    “They’ve done very well, psychologically some teams will be done to perform but Kotoko did not do that and I say they have done marvelously well, they need our applauds.

    “But there is more room for improvement, they should work on their second half and everything will be good.”

     

    Source: Ghanasoccernet 

  • Real Madrid: Gareth Bale treatment by fans ‘a disgrace’ – Agent

    The treatment of Gareth Bale by Real Madrid fans is “nothing short of a disgrace”, according to his agent.

    Sections of the Bernabeu crowd jeered the Wales forward when he was substituted after 61 minutes of Saturday’s 1-0 defeat by Barcelona.

    “This generation of Real fans will be talking about Gareth’s goals for years to come,” said the 29-year-old’s representative, Jonathan Barnett.

    “Frankly, they should be ashamed of themselves.”

    Read: Is Jurgen Klopp feeling Premier League title pressure?

    Bale joined Real from Tottenham in 2013 for £85m and has won four Champions Leagues and one La Liga title with the Spanish club.

    He has scored 13 goals in 33 club games this season but, despite being under contract until June 2022, his future at the Bernabeu has been a talking point in recent weeks.

    “Gareth deserves the greatest of respect. The way Real fans have treated him is nothing short of a disgrace,” Barnett added.

    “We’re fed up of fake stories that he’s leaving.”

    Read: LA Galaxy unveils statue of David Beckam

    Real keeper Thibaut Courtois was quoted last month as saying Bale has not adapted to the Spanish way of life and snubbed a night out with team-mates.

    Full-back Marcelo told Spanish newspaper Marca that Bale does not speak Spanish and only communicates with gestures.

     

    Source: BBC

  • Is Jurgen Klopp feeling Premier League title pressure?

    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is usually all hugs and smiles – but is he now feeling the pressure of his side’s faltering title challenge in the Premier League?

    The Reds were top and had a seven-point lead over champions Manchester City, who were second, going into their game on 3 January.

    City won that match 2-1 and, fast forward two months, Liverpool have since fallen one point behind their rivals following four draws in eight league games.

    Klopp’s side endured a frustrating goalless encounter against derby rivals Everton in their latest outing, and there were signs after the match that the strain might be telling on the German.

    Klopp and the Goodison Park ball boy

     

    Following Sunday’s match at Goodison Park, Klopp did not look happy when he approached a ball boy who sarcastically clapped him as he headed down the tunnel.

    Read: Sadio Mane: Liverpool forward’s house burgled during Champions League match

    Klopp walked away smiling after a brief exchange, but was later irritated by a journalist’s question about his side’s approach against Everton during the post-match news conference.

    “We don’t play Playstation,” said Klopp. “Do you think that we didn’t take enough risks today? Is that what you want to ask?

    “That’s a really disappointing question, I have to say.

    “There are nine games to go. We don’t lose our nerve like you, obviously. It’s the second time you ask a question I really don’t get.

    “There’s not a moment where we say: ‘Come on now, throw everything in that direction’.

    “You cannot play in the Premier League like that. We take all the risks but you cannot take more than 100% risk.

    “I don’t think I have to give my players advice because they know it already. We are not little boys any more.”

    Let’s talk about the weather…

    Liverpool top scorer Mohamed Salah, who has 17 league goals this season, missed two glorious chances against Everton and has netted just once in his past seven matches.

    However, Klopp said the effects of Storm Freya, which brought strong winds across the UK on Sunday, played a part in his side’s lack of cutting edge in the derby.

    “The wind does not help and there was a lot today. You have to be ready for the fight of the second ball,” said the Liverpool manager.

    Read: Performance of Ghanaian players abroad wrap

    The impact of the weather is the second time in the past two months that Klopp has blamed it as a reason for his side’s struggles.

    Liverpool had a chance to restore their seven-point lead over City when the Blues lost to Newcastle United at the end of January, and the Reds played Leicester City a day later.

    But the Merseysiders could only manage a 1-1 draw at Anfield, having taken an early lead against the Foxes.

    Afterwards, Klopp said he believed snow on the pitch contributed to his side dropping two points.

    “You saw that the ball didn’t roll really,” he said.

    “If you then have the ball pretty much for 70-80% of the time it makes life really uncomfortable.

    “The only problem is if it stays on the pitch and that was actually the case.”

    Analysis

    BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty

    Jurgen Klopp’s mood was both defiant and positive after the draw at Everton, stressing there are nine games left and more twists and turns in this title road.

    Liverpool, however, need Mohamed Salah to rediscover at least some of the form he showed last season in this run-in, and it was unusual to see a side so accomplished wasting possession so often.

    Manchester City had threatened to fall decisively off the pace after they lost at Newcastle United on 29 January, but have since regrouped with five straight league wins to reassert their authority.

    Liverpool are still very much in this race but there was no disguising the delight around Goodison Park and the frustration of their counterparts from across Stanley Park as the final whistle sounded.

     

    Source: BBC 

  • Ayawaso Commission: ‘We’ve glorified violence for too long in this country’ – Security Analyst

    Mr Kwesi Aning who is a security analyst says Ghana as a country has treated violence in a kind manner and that is affecting us.

    Mr Aning who was testifying before the Ayawaso Commission of Inquiry said we have glorified violence for a long time in Ghana the time is up for us put measures in place to curb it.

    Read: Party militias undermining lawful security dangerous Dr. Aning

    Mr Aning an expert in security called on the government to put in stringent measures to curb violence before it explodes.

    “We’ve glorified violence for far too long in this country” he noted.

    He also said the two big political parties that is the NPP and the NDC create of form vigilante group now known as party militias due to insecurity.

    Read: Vigilantism cannot be curbed with legislation Dr. Aning

    “Because both parties have been in power and know what Govt does to the security setup, in opposition, they know what the gov’t could do and this creates a sense of insecurity and also leads to the arming and training of these militias”

    He added that the violence that marred the Ayawaso by-election leaves a lot of rooms for questions to be asked as to how the country has recently experienced violence during the by-election.

    The Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election on January 31, 2019, was characterized by violence.

    This led to some shootings and subsequently the injury of some 13 people believed to be NDC members.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • The country where everyone is expected to be late

    In our series of letters from African writers, Ghanaian journalist and former government minister Elizabeth Ohene explains why clock-watching in Ghana is a waste of time.

    When Japan’s Olympics Minister Yoshitaka Sakurada was forced to make a public apology after arriving three minutes late to a parliamentary meeting, I wondered how many ministers of state here in Ghana thanked God they were not Japanese.

    It is accepted practice in Ghana that public officials are late to functions. Indeed, they are expected to be late.

    Read: Selorm Adonoo writes: The second coming of Mahama, political masterstroke or gamble?

    I know how entrenched this is in our attitudes because when I was a minister of state I would regularly arrive at functions at the scheduled time and find that nobody was expecting me to have arrived on time.

    A number of us in that government thought if we could get the president to arrive on time for functions, it would change the culture.

    Elizabeth Ohene quote: "My dressmaker promises to make a dress for me in three weeks and I am lucky to get it in three months"

    So, the minders of then-President John Kufuor set about on an ambitious scheme to get him to be on time for public functions.

    I remember the first time he got there at the scheduled 09:30, there was near pandemonium; there were diplomats running to get to their seats, there were dignitaries rushing madly and there were traditional chiefs abandoning their usual majestic pace of walking and trying to get to their seats as a bemused President Kufuor looked on.

    We were determined to persist with getting the president to functions on time in the hope that if people realised the president would be at the function at the advertised time, everybody else would endeavour to get there on time.

    It was not a pleasant experience.

    Time experiment ‘abandoned’

    I had always felt deep embarrassment that diplomats sent to our country seemed to spend so much time waiting for functions to start but I then discovered they were often late themselves.

    Ghanaian politicians Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the current president (L), and former President John Kufuor (R) - on the campaign trail

     

    Or maybe after some time in Ghana, the diplomats go native and accept that nothing is expected to start on time.

    I am ashamed to admit we abandoned the experiment after three tries.

    The main arguments against continuing came from the protocol and security people.

    They insisted the president should not be taken to places that were not ready.

    At his inauguration, our current President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, bemoaned the culture of official functions starting late.

    Read: The effects of the use of mobile phones on second cycle students in Ghana

    He promised he would set a personal example and be on time. He has since then been making a special effort and arrives on time for functions.

    This, however, does not appear to have led to much change in attitude towards time-keeping.

    ‘Crazy traffic’

    Meetings scheduled to start at 10:00 routinely start anything between 45 minutes to an hour late.

    The crazy traffic situation in our towns and cities probably accounts for some of the lateness, as it is impossible to predict journey times and also provides justifiable excuses for arriving late.

     

    A man looking at a digital watch

    A journey from my house to an office where I regularly go for meetings can take 20 minutes, or 40 minutes or, an hour, or, as it did on one occasion, one hour and 50 minutes.

    But the traffic surely cannot be the explanation for people arriving for lunch at 16:00 when they have been invited for 12.30.

    And why would your host think it is OK to invite you for lunch and start serving food at 15:00 or invite you for dinner at 19:00 and offer you food at 21:00?

    ‘Get me out of church on time’

    This culture of total disregard for scheduled time extends to, and affects, all other parts of our lives.

    My dressmaker promises to make a dress for me in three weeks and I am lucky to get it in three months.

    A church service in Accra Ghana - archive

     

    But the problem is not only about starting things on time, there is a correspondent problem of not ending things on time either.

    The church I go to advertises and indeed starts at 09:00, but there is no advertised closing time – and so the service closes at 11:30, or noon, or 13:00 or, as it once happened on a feast day, 15:00.

    It is better not to look at your watch on such occasions.

    We are simply not bound by time here.

     

    Source: BBC 

  • NADMO to begin massive public education on possible earthquakes in Accra

    Deputy Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organization, NADMO, Abu Ramadan says his outfit will in the wake of the recent earth tremor recorded in Accra begin a massive public education on how to prepare for possible earthquakes in the capital.

    Mr Ramadan said the public education is ongoing but due to the recent earth tremor(moderate earthquakes) that happened on Saturday, NADMO will intensify the reach of their education.

    Read: Two ministries put on alert after 3.9 magnitude earth tremor rocks parts of Accra

    “Starting next week, base on this last tremor, we as a coordinating agency are going to start a full massive education, the education is already going on but it is not on a larger scale so we are going to take it a little higher and make sure we start serious education,” he stated in an interview with Citi FM.

    Parts of Accra namely; Weija, McCarthy Hill, Gbawe, Sowutuom, Old Kasoa Barrier, New Bortianor, Awoshie, Abelemkpe, Tabora, Achimota, Ablekuma, Kissiman, Westland, Laterbiokorshie and Legon experienced an earth tremor with a 3.9 magnitude on a Richter scale according to the Ghana Geological Survey Authority.

    Read: Earth tremor in Accra

    A senior official at the Ghana Geological Survey Authority, Nicholas Opoku said the Survey Authority recorded 2.6 magnitude on the Richter scale on January 13, 2019, and 2.8 on February 25, 2019, with the third pointing to increased seismic activity within Accra.

    “As for bigger earthquakes, one day it will come but as to when is always a problem that semiologist has not been able to unravel”.

    Read: Accra tremors: National Security, Interior Ministry put on alert for possible earthquake

    President Akufo-Addo has also directed the National Security and the Ministry of Interior to come out with plans which will help minimise the impact of any possible earthquake in the country.

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • NDC angry over Ofosu-Ampofo 4-hour hold up at CID Headquarters

    National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, has still not been attended to by the CID since his arrival at the premises some four hours ago.

    Ofosu-Ampofo arrived at the CID Headquarters with his lawyers and some NDC executives around 8:30am but no show yet by the security heads.

    Read: Leaked Tape: Ofosu Ampofo at CID Headquaters

    Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Peter Boamah Otokonor, has expressed great worry over the situation adding that executives may not be able to contain party members who keep trooping in in their numbers.

    The party’s National Women’s Organizer, Dr Hannah Bissiw, expressed similar sentiments saying that tension is brewing among party faithful who are uncomfortable with the long hours of waiting.

    Read: NDC ‘worried’ as Ofosu-Ampofo is held over 4 hours without any interrogation

    “I had to come out to talk to them. People went to work believing that this is something that he will just go and talk because we as a party stand that it (leaked audio) was doctored. People are out there and they are calling saying they don’t know what is happening. Once they start coming, they start building tension which is unnecessary.”

    She was nonetheless adamant that both the executives and members will still hang around until the Chairman comes out.

    “I’m not going to ask them to go we are all here. We’ve stepped down every activity of ours because our head which is the Chairman has been invited. If you cut off the head of an animal, it’s no more an animal. And so we are still here. Any NDC who wants to come is free to come,” she said. 

    She argued that if indeed the interrogation was that important to the CID, they could have made the process faster and then called it a day.

    The Police are trying their best to calm the supporters who are threatening to invade the CID headquarters.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Man killed over silver chain

    Alabar, one of the settler communities in Kumasi, was thrown into a state of shock and mourning when a 20-year-old unemployed, Suraj Fawzan (Itali), clubbed a neighbour, Haruna Mumuni, to death over a silver chain.

    An earlier scuffle developed into a full-blown confrontation after Suraj pursued the deceased for his stolen silver chain and hit his forehead several times with a stick until he became unconscious.

    Read: 35-year-old man killed; body dumped in mud

    Haruna was rushed to the Manhyia Government Hospital but was pronounced dead minutes later.

    Facts

    State Attorney Ms Gyamfua Sarpong told the Asokwa District Court in Kumasi, presided over by Mr Abass Abubakari Adams, where the case was initially sent to that on December 15, 2017, Suraj accused Haruna of stealing his silver chain.

    Read: Man gives chilling account of death of security man killed and dumped in hotel

    He subsequently reported the matter to the Zongo Police Station in Kumasi following which Haruna was arrested and granted police enquiry bail.

    Ms Sarpong said unsatisfied with the decision to grant the then suspect bail, Suraj took the law into his hands and accosted the deceased.

    The state attorney said after an initial fight which was separated by onlookers in the predominantly Muslim community, Suraj pursued Haruna close to an area called Dr Mensah where he clubbed Haruna.

    Arrest

    Suraj was, therefore, arrested and handed over to the Manhyia Police Station, but was later granted police enquiry bail.

    The magistrate referred the case to the Attorney General’s Office for advice since the District Magistrate Court did not have the powers to sit on a murder case.

    The case has been sent to the Kumasi High Court for the trial to begin.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Babes Wodumo: SA outrage as singer hit on Instagram live

    South Africans have reacted angrily to a live video of a singer being beaten by what appears to be her boyfriend.

    Bongekile Simelane, known by the stage name Babes Wodumo, was talking to fans on Instagram Live in a bedroom when she was slapped repeatedly.

    Babes Wodumo is trending on Twitter in South Africa, as is the hashtag #StopWomenAbuse.

    Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa said he was “horrified” and called on the singer to press charges.

    Read: Fespaco: Banned lesbian love story Rafiki wins award

    “1. We’re absolutley [sic] horrified by the actions of Musician Mapmpintsha @MampintshaNuz caught on video where he brutally abuses Internationally celebrated Artist @BABESWODUMO,” he tweeted, naming her boyfriend Mandla Maphumulo, also known as Mampintsha.

    “We do not only condemn this senseless act but call on @BABESWODUMO to immediately press charges against him,” he added.

    Mr Maphumulo has not commented on the video but in relation to similar accusations last year, he denied being an “abuser”, reports Times Live. But he also added that he was “he was no saint”.

    “I may have overreacted in a couple of incidents during our relationship with her over certain things,” he said.

    The singer’s sister, Nonduh Simelane, told entertainment news site The Juice that the 24-year-old Gqom singer was “traumatised but doing okay and is resting”.

    She also dismissed suggestions on social media that the video was set up to highlight the plight of domestic violence.

    People watching the video expressed shock, with one saying “wait what?!” before later adding “not this again”.

    Opposition political parties have also come out to condemn the attack.

    Read: Burkina Faso showcases African films at festival

    The EFF in KwaZulu-Natal says it intends to open a case with police to investigate footage, according to Times Live.

    Meanwhile, the leader of the opposition Democratic Alliance, Mmusi Maimane, said that he wanted to fight the man himself.

    He said on video that he “must go into a boxing ring and let’s pick on someone his own size and I’d like to take him on”.

    This is not the first time the relationship has become a matter of national debate.

    In May last year, she was asked in a radio interview if Mr Maphumulo was abusing her, which led to a discussion about the ethics of how the interview was conducted.

     

    Source: BBC 

  • NDC ‘worried’ as Ofosu-Ampofo is held over 4 hours without any interrogation

    National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, has still not been attended to by the CID since his arrival at the premises some four hours ago.

    Ofosu-Ampofo arrived at the CID Headquarters with his lawyers and some NDC executives around 8:30am but no show yet by the security heads.

    Read: Ofosu-Ampofo Saga: Political hands puppeting CID Aseidu Nketia

    Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Peter Boamah Otokonor, has expressed great worry over the situation adding that executives may not be able to contain party members who keep trooping in in their numbers.

    The party’s National Women’s Organizer, Dr Hannah Bissiw, expressed similar sentiments saying that tension is brewing among party faithful who are uncomfortable with the long hours of waiting.

    Read: Tight security as Ofosu-Ampofo arrives at CID Headquarters

    “I had to come out to talk to them. People went to work believing that this is something that he will just go and talk because we as a party stand that it (leaked audio) was doctored. People are out there and they are calling saying they don’t know what is happening. Once they start coming, they start building tension which is unnecessary.”

    She was nonetheless adamant that both the executives and members will still hang around until the Chairman comes out.

    Read: Ofosu Ampofo fails to report to CID again

    “I’m not going to ask them to go we are all here. We’ve stepped down every activity of ours because our head which is the Chairman has been invited. If you cut off the head of an animal, it’s no more an animal. And so we are still here. Any NDC who wants to come is free to come,” she said. 

    She argued that if indeed the interrogation was that important to the CID, they could have made the process faster and then called it a day.

    The Police are trying their best to calm the supporters who are threatening to invade the CID headquarters.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Health Ministry meets aggrieved mortuary workers over strike

    The Health Ministry is set to meet Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana (MOWAG) today, March, 04, 2019 to avert an impending nationwide strike.

    Mortuary workers, have threatened an industrial action which will begin Tuesday.

    Read: Mortuary workers to turn backs on corpses Tuesday to push for pay rise

    According to them, the move is their last resort to compel the Ministry of Health to among others, review their salaries upward and working hours.

    The Public Relations Officer(PRO) of the Ministry, Elorm Ametepe indicated that his outfit will meet the group today to reach a middle-ground on the issues.

    Read: Mortuary workers to strike on Tuesday over low salaries

    “We had a meeting with the executives of the Mortuary Workers Association of Ghana and they agreed to meet us on Monday. But they did not show up so we tried getting in touch with the executives and the leader came to the office on Friday. And we agreed that the meeting should be held next week so we are negotiating with them.”

    “I want to assure them that the Ministry is not sitting down idle. We have and continue to work to make sure that all the staff are comfortable and continue to work so they will not be left out. Whatever the problem is we will see how we can resolve them.” he said in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM.

    Read: Mortuary workers in Ghana declare indefinite strike

    The impending strike by the workers come three months after mortuary workers in the country threatened to embark on a similar strike over poor working conditions.

    A letter signed by the General Secretary of MOWAG, Richard Kofi Jordan, which announced the latest intention to strike this week, contended that the only language the Ministry understands is strike, and will leave no stone unturned in their resolve to fight for better conditions of service.

    “…we are left with no other option than to exercise our rights to embarking on the strike” which they said was put on hold in November last year “hopeful that things will work out for the good of the parties”, the mortuary workers said in the letter.

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • Dauda Mohammed suffers concussion in NAC Breda win

    Former Kotoko striker Dauda Mohammed sustained a concussion during Vitesse Arnhem’s 4-1 win over NAC Breda in the Dutch Eredivisie on Saturday.

    Dauda, who broke his goal-scoring duck for the Vitas in last week’s 3-0 win against Emmen FC, was oozing with confidence and started the game against Breda on a brighter note.

    But the 21-year-old’s evening was truncated after suffering concussion three minutes after the hour mark following a heavy fall.

    Read: Kwadwo Asamoah set to play 250th game in Serie A

    He initially wanted to continue playing, but coach Leonid Slutsky did not want to take a risk by replacing him with Thomas Buitink.

    He will undergo a further test on Sunday to determine the extent of the injury.

    Read: Bernard Mensah suffers injury in Kayserispor draw with Besiktas

    In the wake of the match, coach Slutsky was quizzed to shed more light upon the injury, he said, “The doctor did not like it that he went further, so I told him to get out.”

    Dauda joined the club on loan from Belgian giants RSC Anderlecht during the winter transfer window.

     

    Source: Footballghana 

  • Ayawaso Probe: Ghana risks terrorist attacks – Dr Aning

    Ghana risks terrorist attacks if it does not take urgent steps to address the breakdown in its security hierarchy and structures.

    Security Analyst, Dr. Emmanuel Kwesi Aning made this known when he appeared before the Justice Emile Short Commission of Inquiry probing the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election shooting incident.

    Read: Ayawaso West Wuogon Probe: Sam George’s attacker suspended – SWAT Commander

    According to him, the national security architecture in Ghana has broken down and that poses terrorism threat.

    He said it was as a result of a breakdown in security structure in Burkina Faso that terrorism has fueled.

    Read: Hannah Bissiw narrates how she was attacked at Ayawaso by-election

    He said about 2/3 of Burkina Faso has been overtaken by terrorists and “they are coming down south.”

    He stated that “we are seeing the reflection” in Ghana.

    Dr. Aning was responding to a question from the Chairman of the Commission on what could be done in the short term to address the vigilante menace as Ghana heads to election in 2020.

    Read: Ayawaso violence: EC condemns attacks; advises political parties to curb vigilantism

    He stated that in the short term, Ghana should focus on bringing back its security structures in alignment.

    According to him, “we need to recreate that sense of hierarchy, of order, of command and control.”

    He noted that “the first step is to bring back sanity into our security system.”

    “Turning the Security Council into an independent quasi security force does not inure to the benefit of Ghana,” he said, making reference to the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence.

    He questioned the source of funding of the various political vigilante groups in the country.

    He also questioned the code of conduct and operating procedures of uniformed security operatives and those not uniformed.

    Source: dailyguidenetwork.com

  • Eagle Extra Stout to organise training course for armwrestling coaches, referees

    Eagle Extra Stout (EES) in collaboration with the Ghana Armwrestling Federation (GAF) will organise a four-day training course for armwrestling coaches and referees.

    The training course is scheduled for Thursday, March 7, 2019 to Sunday, March 10, 2019 at the Media Centre of the Accra Sports Stadium.

    Participants for the training course have been selected from all the traditional 10 regions in the country and will also include all the various security services in the country.

    Resource Person for the training programme is Mr Nasr Youssef from Cairo, Egypt.

    Read: FC Dallas forward Ema Twumasi ready for new MLS season

    Nasr Youssef is the Head Referee and Technical Director of the Armwrestling Federation of Africa (AFA), as well as a member of the World Armwrestling Referees panel and a researcher in the field of physical training.

    In a related development, the EES and GAF will in the coming days announce the Eagle Extra Stout Armwrestling Challenge which would see the sport promoted in selected cities across the country.

    Read: Bernard Mensah suffers injury in Kayserispor draw with Besiktas

    Season one of the ESS Challenge will tour Tarkwa, Koforidua, Kumasi and Bolgatanga while Season Two will also hit Ho, Cape Coast, Tamale and Accra to determine the ESS National Champion. It would be recalled that the ESS Challenge begun at the Sunyani Technical University and after a successful event, management agreed to replicate the event across the country.

    Armwrestling, the fastest growing sports and the most talk about apart from football is expanding into the regions.

    The sport in 2years has won 100 continental medals for Ghana.

     

    Source: Armwrestlingghana.com

  • Performance of Ghanaian players in CAF inter-club competitions

    GHANASoccernet.com’s African Football Expert Nuhu Adams gauges the performance of Ghanaian players abroad in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup. 

    CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

    Richard Baffour came on as a substitute in the 75th minute to replace Mohamed Magdy when his side Ismaily SC lost 3-2 to Algerian champions CS Constantine.

    The Egyptians led twice but couldn’t hold on to a win or draw in the game at the Stade Mohamed-Hamlaoui on Saturday.

    CAF CONFEDERATION CUP

    Nana Bonsu failed to keep a clean sheet as Enugu Rangers suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Tunisian giants Etoile Sportive du Sahel in Nigeria on Sunday.

    Read: How Ghanaians reacted to Kotoko’s victory over Nkana

    Bonsu was booked in the 28th minute for a foul on attacker Maher Hannachi.

    Samuel Akwasi Amoto was an unused for Burkina Faso outfit Salitas FC when they drew 0-0 with CS Sfaxien in Ouagadougou on Sunday.

    ZESCO United recorded a 3-1 loss to Sudanese giants Al Hilal Club in Omdurman on Sunday.

    Rahim Osumanu replaced Nigerian forward Quadri Aladeokun in the 66th minute for the Zambian champions.

     

    Source: Ghanasoccernet 

  • Speaker urges youth to develop themselves for leadership

    The Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, has charged the youth to prepare themselves to take up the mantle of leadership of the country in future.

    According to him the youth as the future leaders must adapt to new ways of doing things if they were to succeed.

    Read: We need proper leadership to solve the issue vigilantism – Oppong Nkrumah

    Professor Oquaye made the call when the Youth Parliamentarians of the Youth Empowerment For Life (YEFL), under the auspices of Star-Ghana Foundation, paid a courtesy call on him at his office in Parliament House.

    The group represents 175 youth parliamentarians from 25 communities in five districts of the Northern Region of Ghana, namely Sagnarigu, Yendi, Saboba, Nanumba South and Nanumba North and other youth advocates.

    Read: GIFNeT takes steps to attract youth into cocoa production

    The Youth Parliament is an initiative to provide platform for young people to have engagement with decentralised duty bearers and find solutions to issues concerning community development.

    Professor Oquaye also charged the group not to focus only on governance issues but matters concerning women and children as well as other vulnerable people within the society.

    He urged the youth to channel their energies to activities which would be beneficial to their communities.

    Mr Ibrahim Tanko,  the acting Chief Executive of Star-Ghana, stated that the objective for supporting the youth parliament was to increase the participation of young people, including female and People With Disabilities (PWDs) in governance and decision making processes.

    Male dominated society

    He said the YEFL observed in their work that young people in the communities including girls and PWDs lacked the voice, resources and platformsto act in an adult and male dominated society.

    He said the youth also needed the spaces and opportunity for political participation and influence in local governance processes.

    Mr Tanko explained  that the youth parliament and community journalism were being used to change the behaviour and attitude of the youth, build their confidence and skills to engage effectively.

    He said the aim was to create a friendly and sustainable accountability platform to stimulate dialogue for change in youth involvement in governance processes at the community and district level.

    He explained that the project had a clear selection criteria and training guides which set out rules and responsibilities for the youth to yield maximum participation by all. â€”  GNA

    Matters concerning women

     

    Source: www.graphic.com.gh

  • How Ghanaians reacted to Kotoko’s victory over Nkana

    There was nothing but excitement from Ghanaians on social media as Asante Kotoko scored three first-half goals to beat Nkana FC of Zambia 3-0 on matchday four of the Caf Confederation Cup group stage on Sunday.

    Safiu Abdul Fatawu, Emmanuel Gyamfi and Martin Antwi netted to hand the Porcupine Warriors their second win of the ‘money zone’ at Kumasi’s Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

    Read: Kotoko’s Maxwell Baakoh out for 12 weeks

    The result puts Charles ‘CK’ Akonnor’s outfit to second in Group C behind Sudan’s Al Hilal Omdurman, who beat Zesco United – also of Zambia – 3-1 in the other group game to total seven points. Kotoko, on six points, are only ahead of tie-mates Nkana, who sit third due to an inferior goal difference. Bottom-placed Zesco, on the other hand, have four marks to their name.

    While some fans showed bewilderment at Kotoko’s three sublime goals on the day, others focused on what the result means to the club’s chances of making the quarter-finals, while another section, unsurprisingly, decided to have a go at country rivals Hearts of Oak, who did not qualify for Africa this season.

    Read: Ebenezer Ofori delighted to start MLS season with a bang

    Below is a collation of some reactions:

     

     

     

     

    Source: Goal

  • Invest in websites – IT lecturer tells artistes

    A Lecturer at the faculty of Information Technology and Communications Studies at the University of Professional Studies-Accra (UPSA), Mr Charles Nii Ayiku Ayiku, has urged Ghanaian musicians to invest in websites and stop the over reliance on social media to promote their works.

    Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram among others have now become the popular tools artistes across the world use to promote their craft and personal brands.

    However, Mr Ayiku said in an interview with the Daily Graphic that relying solely on social media platforms deprived musicians of the control and authenticity that they should have over the works they produced.

    According to him, websites could serve as a reference point or a credible source of information for fans of the artistes to authenticate issues, particularly in this era where fake news is rife.

    “It’s a one-stop shop of everything about you, your music, your career and where we can buy your music. Where we can contact you, and your events.

    “We should start thinking about where our Ghanaian artistes will be in December and start selling tickets today. Fans of these artistes must start planning today.

    “If an artiste is travelling to South Africa or any other country outside Ghana, by now, we should know. That is how you build a global fan base”, he said.

    Mr Ayiku added that social media platforms easily became obsolete with time and advancements in new technology as compared to websites.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Mion-Lana Abdulai Mahamadu outdoored

    The first son of the late Yaa-Naa Mahamadu Abdulai IV is now the Mion-Lana effective Sunday March 3, 2019.

    Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II officially enskinned him at the Old Gbewaa Palace in Yendi.


    This followed the earlier enskinment of the former Regent of Dagbang, the Kampakuya-Naa as Yoo-Naa Abdulai Yakubu Andani.

    The Northern Regional Minister, Salifu Sae-ed among others witnessed the investiture.

    It attracted people from all over Dagbon and beyond who in an interview described the Yaa-Naa Abukari Mahama II as a unifier.

    As the major appointed cabinet members of the Dagbon Traditional Council, the Yoo-Naa and his brother the Mion-Lana are expected to flank the King of Dagbon at Ghana’s 62nd Independence Anniversary in Tamale at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium.

    The two of them are qualified to succeed the Yaa-Naa in line with the rotation system of the Dagbang Namship.

    The then Boling-Lana Mahamadu Abdulai is the first surviving son of late Yaa- Naa Mahamadu Abdulai IV.

    He was born in 1974 when his father was facing political and uncustomary machinations from his detractors.

    He became the Boling-Lana at the age of 14, a day after Yaa-Naa Mahamadu Abdulai IV was laid to rest at the Katini duu.

    He was in SDA Primary School in Tamale when his father died.

    He has since been the Regent of his later father for 30 years now.

    Currently, the Mion-Lana Abdulai Mahamudu has four wives and twelve children.

    He was installed as the new Regent of Dagbon, Friday December 14, 2018.

    The installation formed an integral part of activities lined up for the performance of the funeral of the Yaa-Naa Mahamadu Abdulai IV.

    People from all walks of life including Ministers of State, Chief Executive Officers of State agencies, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, Chiefs, the Clergy, family relations and well-wishers were there.

    Source: Abdul Karim Naatogmah

  • Earth tremor in Accra

    An earth tremor hit parts of Accra on Saturday at about 11 pm.

    Some residents of McCarthy Hill, Weija, Bortianor, Tetegu, Old Kasoa Barrier, Gbawe, Aplaku, Sowutuom, Awoshie, and even as far as Abelemkpe, Tabora, Achimota, Ablekuma, Kissieman, Westland, Laterbiokorshie and Legon confirmed that they experienced the earth tremor.

    Read: Recurring earth tremors in Accra: Akufo-Addo tasks Ministry to prepare emergency plan

    The recent occurrence, which is believed to be the fourth in this year alone, is consistent with the forecast by the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) that there is the possibility of a major earthquake along the fault line of Accra.

    The traditional fault line, according to scientists, stretches from McCarthy Hill through to the Accra Central where there was a major earthquake in 1939 which led to cracks on buildings from the Police Station to Ministries which used to be called Secretariat.

    Read: Scale up tremor, quake education Amamoo-Otchere

    In early January for instance, the GGSA reported that the earth trembled and measured 2.6 on the Richter Scale.

    Last year, the German government provided the GGSA with modern equipment which has primed the authority to do better forecasting of late.

    Read: Accra tremors: National Security, Interior Ministry put on alert for possible earthquake

    In December last year, the Director-General of the Ghana Standard Authority (GSA) Prof. Alex Dodoo, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that Ghana would benefit from stress tests to ensure the integrity of buildings throughout the country.

    “The audit of buildings, offices, malls, markets and places of worship and the issuance of a stress certificate to those who pass the test, would enhance confidence in the public,” he said.

    Source: dailyguidenetwork.com

  • Kotoko’s Maxwell Baakoh out for 12 weeks

    One of the revelations in the Asante Kotoko set up at the ongoing CAF Confederation Cup, Maxwell Baakoh, is out of the competition for next 12 weeks to six months. 

    Baakoh aggravated his knee injury last week in Zambia in the Kotoko’s 1-3 loss and would have to watch the rest of matches from the bench.

    Coach Charles Akonnor told a post match press conference in Kumasi on Sunday that in his stead he has to make some improvisation to keep the team afloat and confident for the last two matches against Al Hilal and Zesco.

    Read: Kotoko coach C.K Akonnor almost resigned before Nkana game – Staunch supporter

    The coach said he took another risk in place of skipper Amos Frimpong who was suspended ahead of the match.
    Daniel Darkwah, who had not played for more than six months was chosen ahead of the rest.

    “In football, you need to take risks and that was exactly what I did and it worked for me. I am very happy for that young man (Darkwah) for a great performance,” coach Akonnor said.

    Kotoko romped to a 3-0 win against Nkana FC at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Sunday to move to the second spot on the league table.

    It was the highest goal the team recorded at home during the competition.

    Kotoko recovered from last week’s 1-3 loss to the same side to bounce Kotoko back into contention for a slot in the quarterfinals on six point.

    But they need a win at home to Sudanese side, Al Hilal, and at least, a draw, against ZESCO in Lusaka to guarantee a place among the big boys.

    Kotoko turned on heat early in the game after Abdul Fatawu Safiu set the stadium agog with a fourth minute deceptive freekick to force goalkeeper Allan Chibwe to push the ball into his own net.

    Indeed, by the 27th minute Kotoko had sealed victory with goals from Emmanuel Gyamfi and Martin Antwi making it two and three respectively in the 23rd and 27th minutes as the host team kept the visitors on backfoot for most of the time.

    Read: I’m happy my debut game ended in a victory – Daniel Darkwah

    But winger Gyamfi could not make a return to the pitch after sustaining a foot injury in his tussle for the ball to score.

    Arrowhead, Sogne Yacouba, seized the moment and capitalised on the Zambian side inability settle quickly to initiate more raids.
    Twice before the quarter hour mark, Yacouba has hit the side net while setting up tantalizing opportunities for his teammates to finish off but they were all wasted.

    But Kotoko never looked back as they pressed for more goals to make nonsense of last week’s 1-3 loss to the same side.

    Cheered on by an encouraging crowd, Kotoko simply played above themselves and more careful at the defense.

    Coach Charles Akonnor’s reshuffle at the rear appeared to have favoured him and inure to the benefit of the entire team.

    He dropped his trusted back four with the exception of skipper Amos Frimpong who was not eligible to play.

    In their stead, Adams Wahab, Abdul Ganiu, Daniel Darkwah Augustine Sefah appeared to solved the miscommunication at the rear which hitherto had worked against the team.

    However, the Ghanaian representatives appeared too tired and weary at the start of the second half allowing the visitors to seize the midfield briefly and threatened a few moments. 

    But Kotoko despite being matched a few times never lost focus as they shrugged off reckless tackles by their opponents to grab the three points.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh 

  • Kotoko coach C.K Akonnor almost resigned before Nkana game – Staunch supporter

    Staunch Asante Kotoko supporter Seidu is alleging that head coach CK Akonnor nearly resigned prior to the game against Nkana FC on Sunday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium 

    Reports were rife in Kumasi that management had imposed some players on the coach to name in his starting line-up.

    Read: CAF CC: Akonnor calls on media to mitigate harsh criticism on Kotoko players

    According to the supporter, management should manage the affairs of the team and not try to impose their decisions on the coach in the area of player selection

    “It took the intervention of Managing Director of the club George Amoako for him to rescind his decision,” Seidu said.

    Asante Kotoko play their next game against Al Hilal of Sudan on Sunday, March 10, 2019.

    The Porcupine Warriors lie second on the table with six points, a point behind leaders Hilal.

     

    Source: Ghanasoccernet