TIG Post

Author: aejay_wp

  • Black Stars train under floodlights as Kwadwo Asamoah and Caleb Ekuban join squad

    The Black Stars trained under the floodlights at the Accra Sports Stadium on Wednesday with 23 players.

    Inter Milan star Kwadwo Asamoah and on-loan Trabzonspor striker Caleb Ekuban were the latest players to join their excercise.

    Udinese defender Nicholas Opoku and Lumor Agbeyenu also returned to training after storming out of Wednesday’s first day.

    Kwesi Appiah opted to train at 6pm- kick off time for Saturday’s table-topping clash in the Ghanaian capital.

    Ghana- who have already qualified for the finals in Egypt this June-need a win finish Group F winners.

    The draw for the tournament will be held in Cairo on 12 April.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Prestea Municipal Assembly completes abandoned slaughter house at Bogoso

    The Municipal Chief Executive of Prestea Huni-Valley, Hon. Mozart K. Owuh has once again shown that, resources of the Municipality be used judiciously for the betterment of the people, by embarking on completion of abandoned slaughterhouse at Bogoso.

    The project which started and was completed in 2015 by former DCE Hon. Wisdom Cudjoe was rejected and abandoned by Cattle Farmers Association of Bogoso because it did not meet the needs and specifications of the Cattle Farmers.

    Due to that, controlling cattle in the capital, Bogoso has been a topic in the Municipality, with several reports of cattle encroaching campuses of St. Augustine SHS.

    After several complaints and petitions from the farmers, the Municipal Chief Executive Hon. Mozart K. Owuh came to the aide of the farmers by restructuring the whole apartment and providing all various facilities needed in a standard slaughterhouse.

    The MCE said it is the hope that the farmers will put the new facility into good use for the benefit of Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality.

    He added that “this new goodwill from me and the Assembly, the Cattle Farmers will be a pivot that will lead into victory in the fight against stray cattle loitering not only in the capital, Bogoso, but to Prestea and other communities in the Municipality”.

    Source: Daniel Kaku

  • ‘Israel-Ghana dance bridges’ held in Accra

    On Saturday, March 16, 2019, the Embassy of Israel climaxed its weeklong cultural dance festival, dubbed Israel-Ghana Dance Bridges Week with a stunning performance titled YE SI GESHER (We built a Bridge).

    This choreographic piece was the result of intense master class collaboration between Israeli Choreographer Oded Ronen, the Dance Students of the University of Ghana, the National Dance Company, the Great African Heritage Ensemble and the Ghana Dance Ensemble.

    Read: ‘Implementation of Ghana Partnership Schools Project, GES must come again’ – Rev. Seth Danquah

    It explored the myriad of movement systems that were developed to highlight the purpose for building bridges to bring Ghana and Israel together. The piece also highlighted individual struggles and passion, and the collective power of working together.

    The night also witnessed symbolic individual pieces like Oded Ronens solo Whale Dream and Kofi Anthonios Tribute, a piece in honour of Ghana’s illustrious son, Emeritus Professor J. H. Nketia.

    In a media interaction, H. E. Shani Cooper, Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Liberian and Sierra Leone expressed that when we understand each other through movement and dance, it helps us to understand each other politically as two states and two people.

    On his part, Dr. Sylvanus Kwashie Kuwor, Head of Department for the University of Ghana Dance Department explained that, the performance sought to promote community existence and international cohesion.

    According to him, the Dance Department will through this collaboration, establish a module that could be used to enhance international relations on the cultural level.

    From Monday, 11 to Saturday, 16 March, the Embassy of Israel in collaboration with the University of Ghana Dance Department for the first time, hosted a festival of dance in Accra dubbed, Israel-Ghana Dance Bridges Week.

    The week-long celebration includrd traditional, folk and contemporary dance acts with Israeli and Ghanaian dancers.

    It created an atmosphere of commonalities between the Israeli culture and the Ghanaian culture through dance.

    The week captured Israeli-Ghanaian dance performance such as Capsule by Oded Ronen and Ligal Melamed; Israel-Ghana folk dance with Chen Laimer and the Kunsun Dance Ensemble; as well as a movie screening on Israeli contemporary dance.

    Source: www.myjoyonline.com

  • No pressure on Black Meteors to win against Gabon – Yaw Yeboah

    Ghanaian midfielder, Yaw Yeboah has assured Ghanaians of victory against Gabon on Saturday.

    The Black Meteors will be hosting Gabon at the Accra Sports Stadium.

    Speaking to the press after training at the Accra Sports Stadium, the pacy striker said there is no pressure on the team, but they will go all out to deliver.

    “We are ready, we are confident of winning. We just have to go on the field, play, win and celebrate with the fans, we are very sure of victory” he expressed.

    The 24-year-old further said the coach is guiding them very well and they are very sure of winning to make way to participate in the 2020 Olympic Games.

    He said the Olympic Games is the dream of every sportsman or woman and he can not let the chance or opportunity slip.

    He said Ghana has not won any major trophy in football for a long time and qualifying to Japan 2020 will be great.

    Yeboah has made appearances for the Ghana U-20 team. He was awarded “most valuable player” in the 2015 African U-20 Championship scoring 2 goals.

    He made the bench for the match against Russia but failed to make an appearance.

    In July 2018, Yeboah signed a three-year contract with fellow Segunda División team CD Numancia.

    Yeboah joined Manchester City in 2014, after graduating from the Right to Dream Academy.

    Source: footballmadeinghana.com

  • Dont enter into contracts without knowledge of GES – Heads of public educational institutions warned

    The Ghana Education Service (GES) has warned heads of public educational institutions to stop entering into agreements, contracts and leases with individuals, associations and corporate bodies, without reference to the management of the service.

    “It has come to the notice of management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) that several individuals, associations and corporate bodies have in the past entered and presently entering into contracts, agreements, leases and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with heads of public educational institutions under the management of the GES without reference to the management of the service,” the Director-General of the GES, Professor Kwasi Opoku Amankwa, told the Daily Graphic in an interview in Accra.

    Read: Teacher reforms to improve quality of education in Ghana Education Minister

    He said a number of heads of public educational institutions had given contracts or entered into some forms of agreements with some corporate bodies and individuals who were now threatening management with lawsuits because those institutions did not honour their side of the agreement.

    Prof. Amankwa cited instances where some of such institutions contracted people and companies to supply them with school jerseys, tables, textbooks, storybooks and school crests, among others, without the knowledge of the management of the GES and warned that the service would disassociate itself with any case that would arise out of a breach in the agreement.

    Read: I will use education as a springboard to get Ghanaians out of poverty – Akufo-Addo

    He asked such individuals and corporate bodies to be mindful of the fact that heads of public institutions did not operate on their own but were guided by rules and regulations.

    Caretakers

    “The school does not belong to the head. The head is only put there to take care of the school on behalf of the management of the GES.

    “And so, any such individuals or corporate bodies that enter into such contracts without the knowledge and endorsement of the management of the service shall not be expected to refer any issue of such contract to the service or school as an institution for any redress,” Prof. Amankwa said.

    He said henceforth, no company should approach GES for payment of any services they offered for a school without the express permission of the GES management.

    Prof. Amankwa said the management was compelled to pay some of such contracts, particularly so, because the schools concerned had taken delivery of the goods and management could not ask that the items be returned.

    He, however, insisted that in such instances, management only paid the principal and any interest the amount attracted had to be paid by the head, expressing concern that in all such instances, the heads never followed the government procurement policy.

    Source: www.graphic.com.gh

  • Benjamin Tetteh glad with Meteors call up

    Sparta Praque striker Benjamin Tetteh says he is elated with his maiden Ghana National Under 23 call up.

    The giant attacker has been on fire for the Maroons in the Czech elite division netting ten league goals so far.

    Tetteh is likely to lead the attack of the Black Meteors on Saturday against Gabon in an Under 23 AFCON qualifier and he maintains that he is glad with his call up.

    “I knew the coach was going to give me a call up because we spoke and I am very happy to be here.” Tetteh told footballmadeinghana after training on Wednesday.

    “Training has been great so far, we have to work more hard and go all out to overcome the Gabonese on Saturday.”

    “I believe in team work, we have individual talents and we have all come together to gel. He added.

    Tetteh has previously featured for the Black Starlets and Black Satellites.

    Source: footballmadeinghana.com

  • Isaac Twum determined to help Ghana qualify for Tokyo 2020 Olympics

    Norway-based Isaac Twum is determined to help Ghana’s U23 team qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

    But the IK Start midfielder and his international teammates must see of Gabon in the penultimate CAF U23 Cup of Nations qualifier.

    The Meteors face the Gabonese on Saturday in the first leg and the return leg scheduled for Libreville on 26 March.

    ”I think we are very ready. If you look at the performance we put up in training today, I think I am amazed,” Twum told Kwese Sports.

    ”It gives us the confidence. We the foreigners (players) we are just joining the national team so I think it’s a great feeling.”

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Zambia bans ‘Viagra’ energy drink

    The Zambian authorities have banned an energy drink after it was discovered that it contains an ingredient that’s used in the anti-impotence drug Viagra.

    At the end of last year a consumer in Uganda complained of a prolonged erection after drinking Power Natural High Energy Drink SX, which is manufactured in Zambia.

    Read: Storm energy drink presents energy drink of the year award to distributors

    The Ugandan health authorities investigated and found that it contained Sildenafil Citrata – the active ingredient in Viagra.

    Zambia said it would also investigate.

    “Results from both Zimbabwe and South Africa correlated with those obtained from the Foods and Drugs Laboratory that indicated a positive presence of Sildenafil Citrate,” a statement from the Zambian authorities quoted by Reuters said.

    The manufacturer, Revin Zambia, has not commented.

    In January, the company’s General Manager, Vikas Kapoor, told the BBC’s Newsday programme that to the best of his knowledge the energy drink does not contain any drugs.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Fifa bans Togo referee Kokou Hougnimon Fagla for life

    Fifa has banned Togolese referee and football official Kokou Hougnimon Fagla for life after finding him guilty of corruption.

    Read: FIFA to set up new Normalization Committee for Ghana FA, Dr. Amoah to stay on

    Football’s world governing body ruled he accepted bribes to manipulate an unspecified international friendly.

    Read: Sports Agency petitions FIFA not to extend mandate of Normalization Committee

    The findings came from Fifa’s investigation into various international matches that convicted match-fixer Wilson Raj Perumal tried to manipulate for betting purposes.

    Fagla has been “banned him for life from all football-related activities (administrative, sports or any other) at both national and international level” and fined US$3,000.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Woman walks two hours to donate to cyclone victims

    People in Zimbabwe’s capital Harare have been donating food, clothes and other household essentials to victims of Cyclone Idai at the Presbyterian church.

    One of the volunteers at the church, Natalie Detering, told the BBC she was taken aback as a woman turned up just before 07:00 local time, having walked for roughly two hours to deliver her donation.

    Read: Cyclone Idai: 15,000 people still need to be rescued

    Ms Detering said that the donor had said she couldn’t afford her bus fare but had walked all the way from her home because Jesus had told her to.

    Among her donations, which she carried on her head, was a pot, a blanket and some of her clothes and a towel.

    “I cried the whole day every time I thought about it,” Ms Detering said.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Cameroon football team kidnapped

    In Cameroon, 15 students have been kidnapped from the University of Buea this morning.

    The students are members of the university football team and were training on campus for the forthcoming university games when the gunmen appeared.

    Read: Abducted Cameroonian coach released

    No shots were reportedly fired.

    Raisa Ajeba from the women’s football squad told me that her team was also training on the same day and as soon as she was told the men had been kidnapped, she ran home.

    It is not known who is behind the abduction, but kidnappings have become frequent in the troubled English-speaking regions where separatist groups have been fighting government troops for over a year.

    The coach of a top football club was kidnapped earlier this week and subsequently freed, as we reported earlier.

    A former Junior Minister of Justice, Emmanuel Ngafesen, has also been kidnapped in Bamenda and has not been found yet.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Birmingham mosque attacks probed by terrorism officers

    Five mosques in Birmingham have been targeted in a string of violent attacks overnight and into the morning.

    Reports of a man smashing windows with a sledgehammer on Birchfield Road were received at 02:30 GMT, police said.

    Read: Christchurch shootings: First funerals for victims of mosque attacks

    Officers were then alerted to a similar attack in Erdington about 45 minutes later, with more in Aston and Perry Barr reported. Another on Albert Road was struck at 10:00 GMT.

    The Home Secretary called the vandalism “deeply concerning and distressing”.

    Read: Minnesota mosque attack: ‘White Rabbits’ militiamen plead guilty

    West Midlands Police said it was yet to establish a motive and officers from its Counter Terrorism Unit were investigating.

    A spokesperson for Witton Islamic Centre on Witton Road, Aston, said CCTV captures a man smashing windows at about 01:30.

    “The whole of the front windows, about six, were smashed,” he said.

    “Because of the force he used it’s gone through the windows and into the mosque itself”.

    Councillor Majid Mahmood tweeted a video of the clean-up taking place at the centre.

    Councillor John Cotton, cabinet member for social inclusion, community safety and equalities with Birmingham City Council, said he was “appalled” by the violence and was working with police to find those responsible.

    He tweeted: “These thugs do not speak for Birmingham and will not divide us.”

    Chief Constable of West Midlands Police Dave Thompson said: “At the moment we don’t know the motive for last night’s attacks.

    “What I can say is that the force and the Counter Terrorism Unit are working side-by-side to find whoever is responsible.”

    A statement from the Birmingham Council of Mosques said: “We were deeply horrified to hear a number of mosques were vandalised during the early hours of this morning.

    “Birmingham’s mosques are a place of worship, serenity and a source of peace and tranquility. We are appalled by such acts of hate/terror.”

    The MP for Birmingham Ladywood, Shabana Mahmood, said the attacks were “truly terrible”.

    Mr Thompson added: “Since the tragic events in Christchurch, New Zealand, officers and staff from West Midlands Police have been working closely with our faith partners across the region to offer reassurance and support at mosques, churches and places of prayer.”

    Source: bbc.com

  • Cyclone Idai: 15,000 people still need to be rescued

    Some 15,000 people still need to be rescued from the devastation caused by Cyclone Idai, Mozambique officials say.

    The cyclone victims there are stranded by catastrophic flooding and are clinging to roofs or stuck in trees, charities say.

    Read: Over 200 dead in Mozambique after Cyclone Idai, millions hit

    In the port city of Beira, aid workers say there are only two to three days of clean water left.

    Some 300 people are confirmed dead in Mozambique and Zimbabwe, but the toll is expected to rise.

    Read: Cyclone Idai: Huge area of Mozambique submerged

    The powerful cyclone swept in to Beira last Thursday, with winds of more than 177km/h (106 mph). It left a trail of devastation as it moved inland.

    What is the latest?

    Oxfam has told the BBC that an area of about 3,000 sq km (1,864 sq miles) is now under water.

    Medical agencies are warning that the shortage of food and clean drinking water is increasing the threat of disease.

    “The first thing you see when you arrive is destruction and a lot of water,” said Get Verdonck, an emergency co-ordinator with the medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

    “People are using well water with no chlorination, and that water is unlikely to be clean… pneumonia and other respiratory diseases are going to be a problem,” he told Reuters from Beira.

    Aid groups said Mozambique had borne the brunt of flooding from rivers that flow downstream from neighbouring countries.

    A total of 217 people are confirmed dead in the country, but many areas have still not been reached.


    Caroline Haga, an official with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said the worst-hit areas were close to the Buzi river west of Beira.

    She said rescue teams were dropping high-energy biscuits, water purification tablets and other supplies to people surrounded by water and mud.

    “We have thousands of people… in roofs and trees waiting for rescue,” Ms Haga told AFP news agency.

    “We are running out of time. People have been waiting for rescue for more than three days now. We can’t pick up all the people so our priority is children, pregnant women, injured people.”

    Celso Correia, Mozambique’s minister of land and environment, confirmed this, telling Reuters the number of people still needing to be rescued was thought to be about 15,000.

    He added that 3,000 people had already been rescued so far.

    Deborah Nguyen, of the World Food Programme (WFP), said the priorities were reaching people trapped in the flooded areas and then organising temporary shelter for those rescued.

    “Relief operations are progressing, but there is still a lot of work,” she told AFP.

    Mozambique President Felipe Nyusi has said more than 100,000 people are at risk.

    The winds started on Wednesday, but only around 60km/h. On Thursday, at around 14:00 it started getting at worse, and at around 19:00, the show really started, if I can say that. The cyclone was already starting to cause damage, picking up everything in its path. It was just destroying everything.

    In the parts of the city which are near the sea, there is almost nothing left. My house has two floors, and there’s basically nothing there now. The roof has given way, and water is coming in from every corner. I was in my house during the storm. I actually didn’t have any way of leaving, even if I’d wanted to. All of the roads near the sea, where my house is, were flooded. The wind was so strong it was picking up stones and hurling them around. I saw stones flying, zinc sheets flying, even pieces of cars. The debris smashed all of the windows in my house.

    I was able to walk around some of the affected areas shortly after the storm. I would say that 75% of the city is totally destroyed. We’re still waiting for help. We need food, certainly, and we urgently need construction materials.

    What has happened elsewhere?

    In Zimbabwe, at least 98 people have died and 217 people are missing in the east and south, the government said.

    In Malawi, the UN says more than 80,000 people have been displaced by the cyclone.

    Zimbabweans going above and beyond

    Amid the devastation, people in Zimbabwe are doing everything they can to help survivors.

    Videos and pictures have emerged of people queuing – not to collect fuel or bread, but to donate food, clothes and other goods to the relief effort.

    The BBC’s Shingai Nyoka says the country is in the middle of an economic crisis but this has not stopped an unprecedented community aid effort.

    Reporters from BBC Africa have visited a Presbyterian church in the capital Harare, where volunteers have been sorting through donations. One woman turned up having walked for about two hours to bring her donation.

    Volunteer Natalie Detering told BBC News the donor said she could not afford her bus fare, but decided to walk from home because Jesus had told her to.

    Among her donations was a pot, a blanket, some of her clothes and a towel.

    The generosity shown by ordinary Zimbabweans has prompted President Emmerson Mnangagwa to tweet his appreciation.

     

    Source: bbc.com

  • GhLA, Education Ministry hold Competition to mark French Language Day

    The Ghana Library Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Education has organized a French competition among pupils/students to commemorate International Francophonie Day.

    Read: Make use of libraries in the country Ghana Library Authority to Ghanaians

    Speaking at the competition, the Greater Accra Regional Librarian Elikem Tamakloe noted that Ghana is surrounded by three francophone countries and so learning French is vital to bridge communication gap on the African continent and on the international front, since it is recognized globally.

    He stated that the Accra Central Library has “a French Corner that helps people to learn, read and write French and encouraged all and sundry to visit and make use of the resources available.” 

    Read: Ghana promotes learning of French

    In his remarks as chairman of the competition, Head of French Secretariat at the Ministry of Education, Louis Gmingude, said “the competition is primarily to promote the French language,” and congratulated the participating students for their decision to study French.

    About ten schools participated in the competition, which was first held among lower primary and upper primary pupils and also among Junior High Schools and Senior High Schools.

    The competition cut across scrabble, pick and act, reading comprehension, poetry recitals and current affairs – all in the French language. 

    St Thomas Aquinas emerged winner at the senior High school level, beating Achimota School, Presec Boys legon, Accra Academy, Accra Girls, Accra High, Ebenezer High school and Presec Osu.

    Bishop Girls, St. Peters School and Ministry of Health Primary and JHS won at the lower primary, upper primary and Junior High School levels respectively.

    French Language Day is recognized to celebrate the language and the diversity of the Francophonie.

    Source: Ghana Library Authority

  • Brexit: Toilet paper maker stockpiles in a case of no-deal

    One of the UK’s major toilet tissue importers has been stockpiling to ensure it can maintain supplies in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

    German-owned Wepa has stockpiled an extra 600 tonnes of finished product, or about 3.5m rolls, in UK warehouses.

    Read: Brexit: ‘Tired’ public needs a decision, says Theresa May

    UK boss Mike Docker said Wepa was now chartering ships to import materials, rather than use trucks.

    Last week, Morrisons’ chief executive said the supermarket had seen an increase in demand for toilet paper.

    Read: Brexit: MPs to vote on Theresa May’s deal

    David Potts speculated it might be related to people stockpiling goods ahead of the end of the March deadline for the UK to leave the EU.

    If there is no negotiated plan to keep trade running smoothly after Brexit, there are fears that customs checks and changes to border rules could lead to delays to goods moving in and out of the country.

    Wepa in the UK is based in Bolton, and has a production site in Bridgend, in South Wales. It has taken on an extra 60,000 square feet of warehousing space for stockpiling.

    In addition to the finished product, it has also shipped in extra cardboard and tissue.

    Wepa sells toilet paper and kitchen roll which used by retailers for their own-brand products. Customers include Lidl, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco.

    Shipping loo roll

    When the firm starting preparing its so-called “Brexit buster” plan, it looked at the worst-case scenario – leaving without a deal – and prepared for that, Mr Docker said.

    It was planning to start shipping tissue from a supplier in Naples, rather than using trucks, as that was felt to be more environmentally friendly, and to cut down on paperwork.

    Brexit made the firm accelerate those plans, he said.

    In October last year, former Europe minister Denis McShane highlighted Britain’s dependence on toilet roll imports in an article he wrote for Prospect Magazine.

    Mr McShane said that the UK was Europe’s biggest importer of loo paper, and that Britons use two-and-a-half the European average number of rolls per year.

    He speculated people might have to resort to using “torn-up newspapers as in bygone days” in the event of a disorderly Brexit.

    The Confederation of Paper Industries said the UK used about 1.3 million tonnes of tissue per year, 1.1 million of which was imported either in finished form or as a components.

    Stockpiling

    Last week, Morrisons’ Mr Potts said that the retailer had seen a “small amount” of stockpiling affecting sales.

    “We’ve seen quite a tick-up in [sales of] painkillers and toilet rolls,” Mr Potts said. “Whether that has any bearing on how people are feeling about Brexit, I don’t know.”

    Mr Docker said Wepa had seen a recent minimal increase in customer orders for toilet rolls, but nothing outside of normal monthly fluctuations.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Normalisation Committee have no intention of bringing back football – Abdul Salam

    Bankroller of Division One side New Edubiase, Abdul Salam Yakubu has slammed the Normalisation Committee insisting they have no intentions of returning football to the country.

    According to the outspoken football administrator, the NC members are rather interested in the huge sums they receive as salaries from FIFA.

    There has not been competitive football in Ghana since the showing of the Anas Docmentary dubbed the Number 12, an exposè, Abdul Salam believes has destroyed Ghana Football.

    Read: Anas expos̬ has brought nothing good to Ghana Football РAbdul Salam Yakubu

    “Anas expose has brought no good to Ghana football but rather destroyed it. Football is dying in this country gradually. Right now, I have got little interest in managing football”, he told Light FM

    “The Normalization Committee has no intention of bringing back football because the amount they are taking is huge. If they are granted the 3 months extension, they wouldn’t do anything”.

    “The law of Karma is what has occurred in the football fraternity”, he added.

     

    Source: Ghanasoccernet 

  • ‘I’m back’-Hearts of Oak coach Kim Grant mocks media after returning to training

    Hearts of Oak coach Kim Grant has returned to training days after his future was speculated in the media.

    Reports were rife that the English-born ex-Ghana international would quit the club after he left for holidays.

    The rumours circling around was that Grant was set to follow American Mark Noonan who shockingly resigned as CEO last week.

    Read: Kim Grant going nowhere – Hearts of Oak

    Hearts of Oak issued a statement to swat those reports and in truth Grant has returned to take charge of the club.

    Grant was at the club’s Pobiman training ground on Thursday and could not help but scream: ‘I’m back’ into the camera which was posted on Hearts’ twitter handle.

     

     

    Source: Ghanasoccernet 

  • Black Meteors forward Yaw Yeboah confident of victory over Gabon

    CD Numancia winger Yaw Yeboah is confident the Black Meteors will secure victory over Gabon in the first leg of the final round of qualifiers for U-23 Nations Cup.

    The U-23 team team will host their Gabonese counterparts in Accra on March 23rd at the Accra Sports Stadium.

    Ahead of the game on Saturday, the former Manchester City player assured fans of victory and qualification for Egypt 2019.

    Read: Black Meteors beat Shooting Stars in final preparatory game ahead of Gabon clash

    “We are ready, we are confident of winning. We just have to go on the field, play, win and celebrate with the fans, we are very sure of victory,” he told reporters.

    The winner of the two legged game qualifies for the main tournament to be held in Egypt, with the top three team progressing to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games.

    The Black Meteors defeated Shooting Stars 3-1 in their final preparatory game on Wednesday.

     

    Source: Ghanasoccernet 

  • Auroras Team Manager impressed with Manafs development

    Auroras Team Manager, Nathaniel Ofosu is happy with the progress of teenager Manaf Umar.

    Umar was one of four players promoted by coach Kim Grant to the first team and he has not disappointed.

    Ofosu, who is the team manager of the Phobian junior side says he is impressed with the output of the youngster in the first team.

    Read: Kim Grant going nowhere – Hearts of Oak

    “I am delighted with the development of Manaf Umar so far in the senior team.” Ofosu stated.

    Manaf has scored six goals so far in the offseason for Hearts of Oak.

     

    Source:  footballmadeinghana.com

  • Drinking very hot tea almost doubles risk of cancer – Report

    Many people start their day with a cup of tea. But those who drink it piping hot could be increasing their risk of esophageal cancer, according to a new study.

    Researchers found that tea drinkers who liked their beverage to be warmer than 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit) and consumed more than 700 ml of tea per day — about two large cups — had a 90% higher risk of esophageal cancer, when compared to those who drank less tea and at cooler temperatures. The study looked at more than 50,000 people in Golestan, a province in northeastern Iran.

    “Many people enjoy drinking tea, coffee, or other hot beverages. However, according to our report, drinking very hot tea can increase the risk of esophageal cancer, and it is therefore advisable to wait until hot beverages cool down before drinking,” said Dr. Farhad Islami, of the American Cancer Society and the study’s lead author. Previous research has found a link between hot tea drinking and esophageal cancer. This study, published Wednesday in the International Journal of Cancer, was the first to pinpoint a specific temperature, according to the authors.

    Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer in the world and is often fatal, killing approximately 400,000 people every year, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. It is usually caused by repeated injury to the esophagus due to smoke, alcohol, acid reflux and — maybe — hot liquids.

    The esophagus is a long tube through which swallowed food and liquids travel to reach the stomach.

    The American Cancer Society estimates that 13,750 new cases of esophageal cancer will be diagnosed in men and 3,900 new cases in women in the United States in 2019.

    The team of researchers followed 50,045 people, aged between 40 and 75, for an average of 10 years. Between 2004 and 2017, the researchers detected 317 new cases of esophageal cancer.

    The study said more research was needed on why exactly drinking very hot tea is associated with the higher risk of esophageal cancer. Stephen Evans, a professor of pharmacoepidemiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said that it was the heat that was the issue rather than the type of beverage.

    “In fact, it is probably anything hot: Microwaved jam has been known to cause esophageal injury. It is possible that the trauma leads to cell changes and hence to cancer,” he told the Science Media Centre. Evans was not involved in the study.

    In the United States and Europe, tea is rarely consumed at temperatures above 65 degrees Celsius (149 degrees Fahrenheit) — but in places like Russia, Iran, Turkey and South America, it is common to drink tea that hot or even hotter.

    “If you go to the Middle East or to Russia, they drink it out of a samovar that’s constantly under heat,” said Peter Goggi, president of the Tea Association of the USA told CNN last year. “It’s very, very hot.”

    Dr. James Doidge, senior research associate at University College London, said that hot drinks were an established risk factor for esophageal cancer. “It doesn’t take a scientist to appreciate that repeated irritation of any body surface increases your risk of cancer.

    Sunburn gives us skin cancer, smoking gives us lung cancer, and many foods and drinks contribute to risk of gastrointestinal cancers,” Doidge, who wasn’t involved in the research, told the Science Media Centre.

    Source: edition.cnn.com

  • Landmark Eurobond is recognition of credible economic management – Government

    The government has described the recent oversubscription of its Eurobond as an overwhelming vote of confidence in Ghana’s economic resurgence and a recognition of the credibility of Ghana’s economic management team.

    The $3billion Eurobond at its closure yesterday in London received orders totalling $21 billion about seven times more than the amount needed, a development the government believes is evidence of growing global confidence in Ghana’s economic resilience.

    Read: Ghana to weigh longer-term debt after Eurobond issuance

    Addressing a press briefing today in Accra, the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said the successful issuance of the bond signifies the faith global investors have in Ghana’s ability to churn out strong returns and service obligations.

    “At 21 billion, this is the highest-ever dollar note issued for bonds in sub-Saharan Africa and that is the first reason why we consider this as a vote of confidence in GhSaharanconomic resurgence,” Mr Oppong Nkrumah said.

    Read: Government raises 3 billion dollars Eurobond

    “The second is that, such high success coming at a time when Ghana is exiting the IMF this year is evidence that the global investor community is confident that the managers of the economy are on an irreversible track of stability…

    “The third reason for which we say this is a vote of confidence is that, this landmark issuance recognises the credibilty of the economic management team which has led Ghana to a successful completion of the IMF programme which derailed under the erstwhile NDC administration”.

    He said the proceeds of the issuance will be utilised for budgetary support such as infrastructure and the delivery of growth driving initiatives.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Ghana’s Wakaso talks about revenge as Kenya AFCON qualifying showdown beckons

    Ghana midfielder Mubarak Wakaso says the Black Stars do not have revenge in mind as they prepare to face Kenya on the final matchday of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying on Saturday.

    The four-time continental champions are set to host the Harambee Stars in a Group F fixture at the Accra Sports Stadium.

    The game comes six months after Kwesi Appiah’s outfit succumbed to a 1-0 defeat in the reverse fixture in Nairobi.

    Read: Black Meteors beat Shooting Stars in final preparatory game ahead of Gabon clash

    “It is always a pleasure to be in front of our people,” Deportivo Alaves ace Wakaso said, as reported by footy-Ghana.

    “Everything is in order, we are doing well.

    “You can see how we trained today; it shows that we are all ready for Kenya.

    “I will not take it as revenge because we’re in the group stage and we have to take it match after match.

    “It is just the last match and we are going to do our best for the nation.”

    Read: Black Stars fired up for Kenya revenge in AFCON qualifier – Andre Ayew

    Both Ghana and Kenya have already secured qualification for the Afcon scheduled for Egypt in June/July.

    Saturday’s game will only determine who finish the qualification campaigns as group winners.

    Presently, the Harambee Stars have seven points to their name on the group table, a mark above the Black Stars.

     

    Source: Goal 

  • Inter Milan join pursuit for Thomas Partey

    Italian club, Inter Milan, has joined a growing list of clubs chasing for the signature of Ghana international, Thomas Partey.

    The Atletico Madrid midfielder is attracting suitors from across Europe with Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola, also reported to be a big admirer of the 25-year-old.

    Read: Thomas Partey on the radar of Manchester City

    According to reports by Corriere dello Sport, Inter Milan, are planning a double swoop on the Madrid club with the Ghanaian and his teammate, Diego Godin, the other player the Italian giants are keen on signing.

    Partey who has distinguished himself as rock solid in the heart of the Atletico Madrid midfield has been consistent with his performance which has caught the eye of the Serie A club’s sporting director, Piero Ausilio and CEO Beppe Marotta.

    Read: Thomas Partey’s Atletico Madrid suffer UCL elimination to Juventus

    The Serie A giants are keen on bringing Partey to the Turin and are confident his international teammate, Kwadwo Asamoah’s, presence in the club could bait the midfielder into committing his future to the Italian side.

    But they could face a stern competition from Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola, who is also said to be interested in the services of the former Tema Youth player.

    Reports from Spanish newspaper AS earlier in the week indicated that that Manchester City boss wants Partey in Manchester as a replacement to Fernandinho, who turns 34 in May.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh 

  • Italian driver hijacks and torches school bus full of children

    A bus carrying 51 schoolchildren was hijacked by its driver and set alight near Milan in Italy.

    The children, some of them tied up, were rescued through smashed windows at the back of the bus and no-one was badly hurt. Fourteen people suffered smoke inhalation.

    The driver, a 47-year-old Italian citizen originally from Senegal, has been arrested.

    “No-one will survive,” the driver was alleged to have said.

    Read: Kidnapped teachers killed in Burkina Faso

    “It was a miracle, it could have been a massacre,” Milan chief prosecutor Francesco Greco was quoted as saying.

    A teacher who had been on the bus said the suspect – named by police as Ousseynou Sy – was known to be angry about Italy’s immigration policy and about the deaths of migrants in the Mediterranean.

    “He shouted, ‘Stop the deaths at sea, I’ll carry out a massacre’,” police spokesman Marco Palmieri said.

    Prosecutors said the suspect faced charges of kidnapping, attempted mass murder, causing a fire and resisting arrest.

    Mr Greco said officials were still weighing terrorism charges against him.

    The suspect was known to police, having been previously convicted of assault and for driving while intoxicated, Alberto Nobili, head of counter-terrorism at the Milan public prosecutor’s office, told a news conference.

    How the drama started

    Two classes of teenagers and their adult supervisors were being driven from a school in Vailati di Crema to a gym but the driver suddenly took a different route, apparently heading for Milan’s Linate airport, reports said.

    When the suspect began threatening passengers with a knife, a boy phoned his parents who alerted the police.

    Officers then tried to intercept the bus. The vehicle rammed into police cars before slowing down.

    Once the bus stopped, the driver jumped off and set it alight, having already doused it in petrol. Police were able to smash the rear windows and get passengers off before the vehicle was engulfed in flames.

    “It was a miracle they [the children] survived and we have to thank the Carabinieri for that,” Mr Greco said.

    Interior ministry officials are investigating the possibility of annulling the driver’s Italian citizenship, the AFP news agency reports.

    Read: Pulwama attack: Google searches ‘hijacked’ to link Pakistan flag to toilet paper

    A decree issued in September makes it easier to deport migrants and take away their citizenship if they commit serious crimes.
    Italy’s tough stance on migrants

    Since coming into power in June, Italy’s ruling right-wing League party and populist Five Star Movement have established a strong anti-immigration stance.

    Located at the frontline of migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea into Europe, Italy has tried to close its ports to boats.

    On Tuesday, around 50 people were rescued by a charity ship from a rubber boat off the coast of Libya and taken to the island of Lampedusa. Italian authorities ordered that the ship be seized and launched an investigation into the alleged aiding of clandestine immigration.

    Earlier this month, around 200,000 people attended an anti-racism march in Milan.

     

    Source: BBC 

  • No mismanagement at NLA

    The National Lottery Authority has debunked allegations of corruption and mismanagement leveled against it by the Concerned Lotto Agents Association of Ghana(CLAAG).

    The NLA in a statement described as ‘baseless and without merit’ the claims by the group.

    Read: CLAAG threatens massive demonstration over alleged mismanagement at NLA

    It reaffirmed its commitment to helping the government achieve its objectives for the country.

    Below is the statement

    The National Lottery Authority(NLA) wishes to state categorically that, there is absolutely no mismanagement at the Authority as alleged by alien Concerned Lotto Agents Association of Ghana(CLAAG).

    Read: Group hails NLA boss for chalking success at Authority

    All the allegations raised by CLAAG against the Authority are baseless and without merit.

    CLAAG has Credibility Deficit

    First and foremost, it is very important to state that, the Concerned Lotto Agents Association of Ghana(CLAAG) and its leadership is Not Legally Recognized by the National Lottery Authority.

    The only body which is Legally Recognized by the National Lotto Act, 2006 (Act 722) and Lottery Registration, 2008(L.I. 1948) is the Lotto Marketing Companies, in this case, the Association of Lotto Marketing Companies.

    The Association of Lotto Marketing Companies has been the only sales force of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) since the establishment of the Authority. The Government through the NLA generate revenue with the absolute help of the Association of Lotto Marketing Companies not CLAAG.

    CLAAG has absolutely NO WORKING RELATIONSHIP with the National Lottery Authority. 

    Per our checks at the Registrar-General’s Department, CLAAG was registered on 26th January 2016 by Solomon Aboagye and Kwaku Duah-Tawiah. These two gentlemen are not registered members of the Association of Lotto Marketing Companies.

    According to confirmed reports, CLAAG only works for the interest of illegal Lotto Operators, Agents and Writers.

    Now responding to the allegations by CLAAG against the Authority.

    1. License Fees of One Million Ghana Cedis

    One of the nightmares of the Authority is illegal Lottery and that the NLA supported by Association of Lotto Marketing Companies many times caused the arrest and prosecution of the illegal lotto operators, agents and writers. However, due to resource constraints, political pressure and interferences there were no appropriate sanctions meted out to the illegal lotto operators, agents and writers. Also most of the illegal lotto operators and agents were operating with license provided by the Veterans Administration Ghana under Act 844 which empowered the Veterans to engage in raffles or Lottery to the realization of economic and financial empowerment to the Veterans.

    The National Lottery Authority with the blessing of the Ministry of Finance adopted a more innovative and pragmatic approach to address illegal lottery operations in Ghana through registration, validation and granting of license to Banker to Banker Lotto Operators, Agents and Writers who are able to satisfy all the requirements of the National Lottery Authority.

    Payment of the required license Fee is the first step of registration. In order to do due diligence on the documents submitted by Applicants, the Authority in close collaboration with the Security Agencies are doing a thorough background checks on all the Applicants in compliance with the National Lotto Act 722 and Lottery Regulations(L.I. 1948) and other relevant Statutory Laws of Ghana.

    The thorough background checks on Applicants will help the Authority to deal with the issues of:

    1. Character and criminal records of applicants

    2. Foreigners

    3. Money Laundering

    4. Other important security matters.

    The License Fees of one Million Ghana Cedis was agreed by both the Board of NLA and Private Lotto Operators and Agents. The One Million Ghana Cedis License Fees was never a self-imposition by the Authority.

    The responsible Private Lotto Operators and Agents such as Ghana National Chamber of Banker to Banker Lotto Operators and Agents (GNCLBBLOA), Ghana Lotto Operators Association (GLOA), Licensed Lotto Operators and Agents Association (LLOAA) and several others have gladly paid their license fee awaiting validation of their documents before finally a license will be issued to them under NLA-VAG Collaboration.

    2. VAG Lottey

    In order to have a uniform regulation and supervision, the National Lottery Authority at some point wanted to push for the repealing of the VAG Act 844 and Gaming Act 721 so that all forms of lottery and games of chance would be under the National Lottery Authority. The Gaming Commission of Ghana established under the Gaming Act 721 is under the Ministry of Interior whereas the Veterans Administration Ghana established under the VAG Act 844 is under the Ministry of Defence.

    However, the Ministry of Defence in agreement with the Board of National Lottery Authority and Veterans Administration Ghana decided to collaborate beneficially to both Institutions instead of repealing the Act 844.

    In accordance with the agreement between the NLA and VAG supported by Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Finance and Economic Management Team of Government, the National Lottery Authority will very soon start the operations of the NLA-VAG Lottery to the benefit of Government, Veterans, NLA, Lotto Marketing Companies, Private Lotto Operators/Agents and potential customers.

    The National Lottery Authority recently held a meeting with the Private Lotto Operators and Agents who have paid their respective License Fees on 15th March 2019 to discuss the final modalities towards the successful implementation of the VAG Lottery. The meeting was very successful and all parties at the meeting agreed to the roadmap for VAG Lottery Operations.

    Due to the NLA-VAG collaboration, the Veterans are now experiencing tremendous improvements in their lives including refurbishment of the Headquarters of Veterans Administration Ghana.

    Therefore the accusations by CLAAG against NLA is absolutely false and baseless.

    3. E-kiosk Project

    As part of efforts to modernize the operations of lottery business in Ghana and ensure successful cushioning of the business interest of Government, Private Sector, Lotto Marketing Companies and other Stakeholders, the National Lottery Authority through a Public-Private Partnership has introduced the E-Kiosks Concept in the country aimed at transforming the lottery business to generate substantial revenue for Government as well as to create jobs.

    The E-Kiosk Project which is a Private Sector led initiative in Partnership with NLA has ABSOLUTELY NO COST TO GOVERNMENT.

    The successful implementation of the E-Kiosk Project will help to: 1. Expand the operations, capacity and business interest of the Authority in terms of coverage and spread across the country.

    2. Increase the revenue generation of the Authority on behalf of Government for development and socio-economic transformation of the country in line with the Economic Policy of Government .

    3. Create sustainable jobs especially for the graduates in line with the vision of President Akufo-Addo and Government.

    4. Support the revenue collection of the Ghana Revenue Authority.

    5. Increase the capacity and reach out potential of the Banking Industry to Customers/Clients and prospective customers.

    6. Improve the delivery services of the Ghana Post Company Limited.

    7. Enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Mobile Money Services and payments of Utility Bills.

    8. Increase commission that the Authority pays to Lotto Marketing Companies.

    9. Usher the Country into a Cash-lite Society.

    10. Promote the digitalization and digitization of the Economy.

    11. Fight against lottery stigmatization.

    12. Bring an end to illegal Lottery operations.

    It is very important to state that, the E-Kiosk Concept would help Government to expand the Economy, increase the capacity for revenue generation and collection , and create sustainable jobs. And that, the E-kiosk has absolutely no financial burden to taxpayers and Government.

    The allegation by CLAAG to the effect that, NLA is demanding GHC 15, 000 and GHC 20, 000 from Lotto Marketing Companies for the E-kiosk is absolutely false . The National Lottery Authority with the help of collaborators are arranging for a much cheaper and convenient payment modalities for the Lotto Marketing Companies.

    Also the National Lottery Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and MMDAS are locating Safe Sites for the Lotto Marketing Companies to help them in positioning their E-kiosks across the Country.

    In a nutshell, the E-Kiosk Concept is a Private Sector driven initiative with no financial burden to Government and taxpayers.

    Therefore, all the allegations by CLAAG against the National Lottery Authority are absolutely meaningless, and the supposed threat of demonstrations against the Authority by CLAAG is absolutely baseless.

    The National Lottery Authority is focused on delivering the vision of Government. NLA will never allow itself to be blackmailed by the empty threats of demonstration by CLAAG.

    Source: National Lottery Authority

  • Police arrest man who slaughtered his brother

    Police have arrested Yire Naa Lawrence, the man who slashed the neck of his brother Kwame with a cutlass, at Machine Dor Krom and bolted, MyNewsGh.com has confirmed.

    The suspect who was hiding in a village close to Yefri all in the Bono East Region after the dastardly act was arrested by a search party and handed to the police.

    The cutlass he used on the deceased which was still in his possession had also been retrieved according to the Kintampo North Municipal Police Commander, DSP C. K. Dogbatse who was already in the village with the case officer and two other officers on enquiries.

    Read: Missing girls not forgotten; police working to find them Dery

    He has since taken custody of the suspect and exhibit and brought them to Busunya Station for investigation.

    It would be recalled that MyNewsGh.com on Tuesday reported of how police in the Kintampo North Municipality of the Bono East region had mounted a search the suspect in his mid-30s who slaughtered his brother soon after they had dinner over what is yet to be established.

    According to the police who confirmed the unfortunate incident to MyNewsGh.com, the incident occurred on Sunday, March 17, 2019, soon after both had eaten together and were readying themselves to retire to bed.

    Read: 3 police officers interdicted over assault on Ghanaian Times journalists

    The suspect took a cutlass and slashed the head of his other brother who was resting on a bench resulting in the untimely death of also believed to be in his mid-30s.

    MyNewsGh.com gathered from the police that the suspect after the unfortunate incident fled the community but has since been arrested.

    The body of the deceased has since been deposited at the morgue while the police reveal that they have intensified search for the suspect who is believed to be hiding in neighbouring communities to face the full rigours of the law according to local journalist Ahadzi Emmanuel.

     

    Source: mynewsgh 

  • EU hits Google with third antitrust fine

    The European Union has hit Google with another big antitrust fine, the third in a series of billion-dollar penalties the US tech giant has faced for hindering competition.

    The European Commission on Wednesday ordered Google to pay €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion) for abusing its dominant position in online search advertising.

    “Google has cemented its dominance in online search adverts and shielded itself from competitive pressure by imposing anti-competitive contractual restrictions on third-party websites,” Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.

    Read: Pulwama attack: Google searches ‘hijacked’ to link Pakistan flag to toilet paper

    The tech company has now been fined €8.2 billion ($9.3 billion) in total by Europe over the past three years.

    EU regulators have taken a much more robust approach to Big Tech companies than their US counterparts, especially when it comes to competition, data protection and tax issues.

    Google (GOOGL) has already been fined in two previous EU antitrust cases. The Commission ordered the company to pay €4.34 billion ($4.9 billion) in July 2018 for unfairly pushing its apps on smartphone users and thwarting competitors.

    Read: Google outlines $13bn US investment

    In 2017, it imposed a €2.4 billion ($2.7 billion) fine on Google for using its search engine to steer consumers to its own shopping platform.

    The company said in a blog post Tuesday that it was making further changes to its service based on “feedback” from the European Commission.

    It has started testing a new format that provides users with direct links to comparison shopping sites. It will also ask new and existing Android users in Europe which browser they’d like to use.

     

    Source: CNN 

  • Kidnapped teachers killed in Burkina Faso

    Two teachers have been killed in Burkina Faso after being kidnapped, the Ministry of Education has confirmed.

    They were kidnapped on 11 March and buried on Tuesday.

    The goal of the kidnappers was to scare the teachers into abandoning their posts in the region, according to a government source.

    Both teachers were working in the town of Djibo, where teachers are regularly threatened.

    Read: Over 200 dead in Mozambique after Cyclone Idai, millions hit

    In three areas affected by an upsurge in violence by Islamist militant groups in Burkina Faso, 1,111 out of 2,869 schools have closed in recent months.

    These regions are in the north of the country that borders Mali and Niger where jihadist militants have operated for several years.

    Schools have been targeted by the groups, who are opposed to Western education.

     

    Source: BBC 

  • Hundreds of hotel guests were secretly filmed and live-streamed online

    Around 1,600 people have been secretly filmed in hotel rooms in South Korea, with the footage live-streamed online for paying customers to watch, police said Wednesday.

    Two men have been arrested and another pair investigated in connection with the scandal, which involved 42 rooms in 30 hotels in 10 cities around the country. Police said there was no indication the hotels were complicit in the scheme. Cameras were hidden inside digital TV boxes, wall sockets and hairdryer holders and the footage was streamed online, the Cyber Investigation Department at the National Police Agency said in a statement.

    The site had more than 4,000 members, 97 of whom paid a $44.95 monthly fee to access extra features, such as the ability to replay certain live streams.

    Between November 2018 and this month, police said, the service brought in upwards of $6,000.

    “There was a similar case in the past where illegal cameras were installed in (hotels) and were consistently and secretly watched, but this is the first time the police caught where videos were broadcast live on the internet,” police said.

    Read: Wendy Williams reveals she’s seeking treatment and living in a sober house

    South Korea has a serious problem with spy cameras and illicit filming. In 2017, more than 6,400 cases of illegal filming were reported to police compared to around 2,400 in 2012.

    Last year, tens of thousands of women took to the streets of Seoul and other cities to protest against the practice and demand action, under the slogan “My Life is Not Your Porn.”

    In response, Seoul launched a special squad of women inspectors, who have been conducting regular inspections of the city’s 20,000 or so public toilets to search for spy cameras, though some critics have denounced the move as a superficial response to a societal issue.

    Read: Guatemala seeks arrest of former attorney general Thelma Aldana

    Lee Ji-soo, a computer specialist who helps women scrub the web of images taken without their consent, told CNN last year her company had seen a surge in demand since the protests drew attention to the issue.

    “The most common things that the clients are saying – and they are quite heartbreaking – are ‘I want to die’ or ‘I cannot leave my house.’ Especially the victims of spy cam or illegally taken videos say that when they encounter people on the street, they feel like they would be recognized,” she said.

    In January, the co-owner of a South Korean revenge porn site was sentenced to four years in prison and ordered to pay a fine of $1.26 million. Soranet, which was shut down last year, was a popular site for uploading videos and photos taken using hidden and upskirt cameras.

     

    Source: CNN 

  • Energy Commission to sanction homeowners with improper wiring

    The Energy Commission has warned it will sanction owners of buildings that are over 10 years that have not been inspected and rewired.

    The Commission has served notice it has begun the enforcement of the Electrical Wiring Regulations 2008 which was passed in 2012.

    Read: Fire outbreaks: Use only certified electrical wiring professionals – Amewu tells Ghanaians

    The law requires that all buildings, both commercial and private residents, undergo inspection and rewiring every 10 years to protect occupants and prevent fire disasters.

    It also requires that only properly qualified and certified professionals engage in electrical wiring and indoor installation works.

    Read: Over 5,000 fire outbreaks recorded in 2018

    As part of enforcement of the Law, the Energy Commission says it has assigned inspectors across the country to check the status of commercial buildings especially hotels.

    After the inspection, certificates will be pasted on Buildings that meet the installation requirements while those with substandard installations will be asked to correct the errors, failure of which will attract sanctions.

    Currently, only 7801 electricians in the country have been certified by the Commission to undertake indoor electrical wiring.

    “You need to check and be sure for your own safety that the person you are contracting to wire your company, or home has been trained and certified. That way you can be sure a good job will be done,” Programmes Officer at the Energy Commission, Stephen Yomo told Citi Business News.

    The training, the Annual Electric Wiring Certification Programme organised by the Commission is used to train electricians on well-defined standards that would promote the safety of persons, property and livestock.

    Source: citibusinessnews.com

  • Barclays in collaboration with GCX to support farmers, traders on Ghana Commodity Exchange

    Barclays Bank Ghana, a member of Absa Group, is set to provide a financing programme to support Ghanaian farmers and traders on the Ghana Commodity Exchange (GCX).

    In a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently signed with the managers of the Commodity Exchange, Barclays Bank will cooperate with other key players in building a framework for the settlement of trades as well as the provision of financial services to players on the exchange.

    Read: Ghana Commodity Exchange signs MoU with Barclays Bank

    “Barclays Bank has agreed to collaborate with GCX in the Warehouse Receipt Financing Programme and be a settlement bank to exchange members. The two institutions also agreed to collaborate to build the capacity of farmers in the country,” the MoU stated.

    “This will give Ghanaian farmers the working capital they need to sustain their business activities in between each harvesting season as well as give them greater purchasing power for seeds, fertilizers and other inputs. Agriculture plays a significant role in the economic development of our country. We are therefore excited to offer key support which is financing for our farmers and traders on the Commodity Exchange,” said Abena Osei Poku, Managing Director of Barclays Bank. 

    Read: Barclays profits amid UK economic ‘uncertainty’ in UK

    Mrs Osei Poku added “We believe this support will improve livelihoods and enhance the agricultural value chain which is Ghana’s most important economic sector, employing more than half the population on a formal and informal basis and accounting for almost half of GDP and export earnings.”

    The bank also agreed in principle to work with the GCX to develop new financing products for the farmers and traders. 

    The GCX is a platform that creates the linkage between agricultural and commodity producers and buyers, to secure competitive prices for their products, assuring the market quantity and quality as well as timely settlement of their trade.

    Source: Barclays Bank Ghana

  • Friction and Zeal unite on new single ‘Coco’

    Former leader and founder of VIP music group Friction is set to release a new single titled ‘Coco’, on which he teams up with his former colleague and current member of VVIP Music group Zeal.

    As we wait for the official date of release of the upcoming banger, the artwork of the song has been made public.

    Read: Stop ranting and write good songs George Quaye tells Praye

    The song is expected to be released with a video which was shot in Holland.

    Meanwhile, Fox beats takes credit for production of the song with visuals directed by Jurre van Gestel of (Creative Owl Media).

    Friction is a former member of the defunct VIP music group, now VVIP, who embarked on his solo project after the success of the group.

    He is currently signed onto GhaNed Record label.

    Read: VGMA 2019 voting starts on March 25

    He’s based in Europe but has been embarking on several tours across the globe with his music.

    ‘Coco’ is obviously the latest soon to-be- released track to watch out for by all music lovers.

    Vibe with friction via the following social media platforms;

    Facebook: officialfriction

    Twitter: frictionghana

    Instagram: frictionfriction

     

    Source: Exclusive Boafo 

  • Bawumia to answer questions on Ghana’s economy April 3

    The Vice President and head of Ghana’s economic management team, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, will answer questions relating to the state of Ghana’s economy at a town hall meeting slated for April 3, 2019 at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Accra.

    The town hall meeting, which is aimed at briefing Ghanaians about developments in Ghana, forms part of a new initiative announced by the Information Ministry on Wednesday, March 20, this year.

    Read: Minority poses 5 questions to Bawumia over economic challenges

    Addressing a press briefing today in Accra, the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah said Bawumia’s address will focus on updating the nation on “the economic gains that have been made so far, the current status and the next steps as well”.

    “… The Ministry of Information is just about rolling out the 2019 Town Hall Meetings and it starts on the 29th of March 2019 with a maiden townhall meeting in Kasoa at the Datus School Park,” Mr Oppong Nkrumah said.

    Read: Economy: Bawumia to brief Ghanaians on April 3

    “The town hall meetings are designed to bring government closer to the people and shall, therefore, see state actors such as Ministers of state, MMDCEs and head of agencies give an account to the people who will also have an opportunity to ask questions and make contributions towards the governance of our country.

    “In all we expect to have 24 town hall meetings this year 2019. The town hall meetings represent a major shift in government’s policy to make information easily accessible and usable to the public here in Ghana and in the diaspora as well”.

    He said the town hall meetings will be accompanied by an exhibition by the ISD which will provide pictorial and audio-visual evidence of the first three years of change of President Akufo-Addo’s administration.

    Mr Oppong Nkrumah further disclosed that the third town hall meeting will be held at the Dominion Centre in North London and addressed by the Minister of Parliamentary affairs and the Majority Leader of Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah Bonsu.

    He said the session will afford Ghanaians in the diaspora with the opportunity to get a first hand account from leadership and put forward their concerns as well.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Black Meteors beat Shooting Stars in final preparatory game ahead of Gabon clash

    Ghana U-23 side the Black Meteors defeated Division Two side Shooting Stars in their last preparatory game ahead of Saturday’s Olympic qualifier against Gabon.

    The game ended 3-1 with goals from Joseph Painstil, Osman Bukari and Daniel Lomotey for the Black Meteors. Randy Boakye Yiadom got the consolation for Shooting Stars.

    Read: Black Meteors vow to avoid Gabon slip

    The friendly enabled head coach Ibrahim Tanko assess his full squad for the first time after augmenting his team with some foreign based players.

    Tanko had earlier on trained with local based players.

    Read: Black Stars fired up for Kenya revenge in AFCON qualifier – Andre Ayew

    This will be the Black Meteors last preparatory game before they take on Gabon at the Accra Sports Stadium.

    UD Numancia midfielder Yaw Yeboah reported to training this morning after joining the team on Tuesday evening.

    Kick off for the game is at 3pm.

     

    Source: Ghanasoccernet 

  • Ghana doing well in tackling climate change effect Frimpong Boateng

    Minister of Environment Science Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Prof Frimpong Boateng, has lauded Ghana’s contributions towards mitigating and adapting to the effects of Climate Change.

    Even though Ghana is in the category of countries that contribute less to Greenhouse Gas Emissions, it has become part of the solution as climate change has also become a global threat to our survival.

    Read: Climate change: Water shortages in England ‘within 25 years’

    In this regard, Gov’t through the Ministry and EPA with other stakeholders have put into action operational elements called Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to be implemented in the various sector of the economy to promote development and protect the environment.

    Speaking to the Press at the Accra International Conference Center, on the second day of Africa Climate Change Week, Prof Frimpong Boateng underscored Ghana’s promotion of green energy, use of solar energy, use of bio mass, wind energy, nuclear energy. And that a few years ago ” we had about 2.4mgwtt of green energy in terms of solar, now we have about 50mgwtt of solar.

    Read: MESTI seek $2 billion to fight climate change issues

    According to our him, within the Northern Savannah Zones, they are taking actions to mitigate climate change and adapt by building dams which are adaptation projects.

    Also on the issue of plastics endangering out environment, he mentioned that Gov’t and the Ministry have completed a policy on plastics that would largely be recycled to do other things. Plastics, he mentioned, should not be seen as a “bad thing”.

    Ghanaians therefore should change their attitude towards waste by providing waste bins and not rely solely on Gov’t.

    He hinted that if banning of plastics is anything to go by, then shopping bags should be banned and put in place cotton bags. Also to ban are chewing gums and plastics cutlery.

    Meanwhile, for Ghana to achieve all these targets and do more, a colossal amount of US$ 22. 6 billion needs to be generated from Gov’t and domestic institutions as well as the international institutions.

    Dr. Yaw Ansu, Senior Advisor to the Finance Minister spoke about Gov’t preparedness to realizing the money. He added that presumably, some oil revenue would be used as part of the US$ 22.6 billion.

    Source: atinkaonline.com

  • Normalization Committee constitute four new committee ahead of Special Competition

    The Normalization Committee of the Ghana Football Association has announced the appointment of the four committees ahead of the commencement of the Special Competition.

    But for the Appeals Committee which is made up of nine members, all the other committees are made up of 5 members each.

    The Committees include Referees Committee, Disciplinary Committee, Player Status Committee, and the Appeals Committee.

    Read: FIFA to set up new Normalization Committee for Ghana FA, Dr. Amoah to stay on

    Below are the Chairmen and members of the Committees:

    Referees Committee

    Naa Odofoley Nortey Chairperson

    Carl Ashie Member

    Justice Yeboah Member

    Ebo Kwaitoo Member

    Emmanuella Aglago Member

    Disciplinary Committee

    Samson Lardy Anyenini Chairman

    Osei Kwadwo Addo Vice Chairman

    Dr. Kwaku Ofosu Asare Member

    WO1(Rtd) William Amoo Member

    Nurudeen Alhassan Member

    Player Status Committee

    Ishak Alhassan Chairman

    Ashford Tettey Oku Vice Chairman

    Kwame Ayew Member

    Sylvester Mensah Member

    Cornelis Otoo Member

    Read: Black Stars not denied access to Tang Palace- Normalisation Committee

    Appeals Committee

    Agbesi Dzakpasu Chairman

    Nana Adjei Baffour Awuah Vice Chairman

    Kwaku Afrifa Nsiah Member

    Joe Slovo Tia Member

    Dr. Bella Bello Member

    Yaw Obeng Member

    Vivian Aggor Member

    Israel Ackah Member

    Kwaku Mortey Member

    Members of all the Committees have received their appointment letters and have commenced their functions.

     

    Source:  footballmadeinghana.com

  • Inter’s Asamoah missing as Ghana open camp for Afcon qualifier against Kenya

    Ghana’s preparations for Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Kenya has hit top gear as the team opened training on Tuesday.

    All but three invited players turned up for the first session at the Accra Sports Stadium, leaving the number of attendees at 21.

    Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Teye Partey, Fenerbahce attacker Andre Ayew, debutants Joseph Aidoo and Ernest Asante and the recalled quartet of Jeffrey Schlupp, Alfred Duncan, Alhassan Wakaso and Kwesi Appiah were among the faces at Tuesday’s practice.

    Read: Kwadwo Asamoah among 11 Inter Milan players called up by national teams

    Inter Milan man Kwadwo Asamoah, however, was one of three absentees.

    Goal understands the 30-year-old, who was in club action as the Nerazzurri beat city rivals Milan in the Italian Serie A on Sunday night, was expected to join camp on Tuesday night. Therefore, it is anticipated that he will train with the team for the first time on Wednesday.

    Italian-born Trabzonspor striker Caleb Ekuban, who has earned his debut call-up after declaring for Ghana, was also expected to arrive at the Black Stars camp on Tuesday night.

    Also, Belgium-based Daniel Opare, a late call-up as replacement for Reading’s Andy Yiadom who has withdrawn from the March internationals due to injury, was not part of Tuesday’s session.

    Read: Black Stars fired up for Kenya revenge in AFCON qualifier – Andre Ayew

    Saturday’s match is set to bring an end to the qualification series, which has already seen Ghana and Kenya seal their places at the final tournament in Egypt from Group F.

    The game, as things stand, will only determine who tops the group.

    Presently, the Harambee Stars lead the Black Stars by a point.

     

    Source: Goal.com 

  • Kwadwo Asamoah among 11 Inter Milan players called up by national teams

    Kwadwo Asamoah is among 11 inter Milan players out on international duties this FIFA free date for March.

    The versatile player is returning to the Black Stars for the final 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Kenya in Accra on 23 March and a friendly against Rwanda three days later.

    Other Nerazzurri players have been called up by their respective national teams are Matteo Politano who has been named in Italy squad to face Finland on 23 March and Liectheinstein on 26 March.

    Lautaro Martinez, the best against Milan, will be engaged in Argentina’s friendly matches against Venezuela on 22 March and Morocco on 26 March.

    Read: Kwadwo Asamoah delighted with victory in derby Milano

    Ivan Perisic and Marcelo Brozovic have been called up by Croatia and the two Nerazzurri will play against Azerbaijan on 21 March and Hungary on 24 March in the Euro 2020 qualifiers.

    Stefan de Vrij will feature for the Netherlands against Belarus on 21 March and Germany on 24 March.

    Senegal have handed a call-up to Keita Baldé, who recently recovered from a muscle injury, to face Madagascar on 23 March and a friendly against Mali.

    Matias Vecino will play with his Uruguay in the China Cup on 22 March against Uzbekistan , on 25 March.

    Read: Kwadwo Asamoah to join Black Stars squad after Milan derby

    Joao Miranda, who is recovering after a nose operation, has been invited by coach Tite for friendly matches against Panama on 23 March and the Czech Republic on 26 March.

    Finally, Joao Mario will be engaged in Portugal’s Euro 2020 qualifying matches against Ukraine on 22 March and 25 March against Serbia.

     

    Source: Ghanasoccernet 

  • We wont allow Menzgold to go scot-free Customers

    The Coalition of aggrieved customers of embattled gold dealership company, Menzgold say they will not relent in their efforts to retrieve their monies from the company.

    According to the customers, although no significant progress has been made in their quest to retrieve their locked up cash, they are resolute in their pursuit.

    Speaking to Citi News, the President of the Coalition of aggrieved customers of Menzgold, Timothy Binob, said they will protest until their monies are retrieved.

    “What we are saying is that we are never happy about this issue and we will never be happy because we have a lot of money locked up in Menzgold. And we will never let them go scot-free. We need to get those monies locked up at Menzgold.”

    The Menzgold story

    Menzgold was asked to suspend its gold trading operations with the public by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

    According to the SEC, Menzgold had been dealing in the purchase and deposit of gold collectables from the public and issuing contracts with guaranteed returns with clients, without a valid license from the Commission.

    This, the SEC said was in contravention of “section 109 of Act 929 with consequences under section 2016 (I) of the same Act.”

    The company was however cleared to continue its “other businesses of assaying, purchasing gold from small-scale miners and export of gold.”

    Despite initial protests, Menzgold complied with the directive.

    It, however, failed to fully pay its numerous aggrieved customers the value on their gold deposits as well as their entire investments.

    Some customers of Menzgold have staged protests in the past to demand the payment of their locked up cash.

    These protests are however yet to yield results as customers are yet to retrieve their monies.

    Source: citinewsroom.com

  • Asamoah Gyan loses case against Sarah Kwablah, 3 others

    The Circuit Court in Accra presided over by Her Honour Afia Agbanu Kumador has upheld a submission of no case filed by lawyers of Sarah Kwablah and three others against Asamoah Gyan, the Black stars captain.

    The Black Stars Captain dragged the four to court for conspiracy and extortion after Ms Kwablah had alleged he raped her.

    But in court today, the court said the prosecution had not been able to prove that a prima facie case has been established against the accused persons.

    Ms Kwablah had been sued together with Osarfo Anthony, Chris Handler and Ekow Micah and were arrested, charged with conspiracy to extort money and arraigned before court.

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • Four Policemen arrested for stealing from Osagyefo Barge

    Four police officers have been interdicted for stealing cables, fridges and other valuables from the Osagyefo Power Barge at Efassu near Half-Assini in the Western Region.

    The Police Commander for the area DSP Zengey MacCarthy who confirmed the interdiction said the policemen had been assigned to protect the barge.

    Two officers, L/Cp Peter Zator and L/Cp Ibrahim Mohammed who were arrested in February 2019 have named two other officers who they claim were involved in the theft.

    “Police got information, laid ambush and lo and behold we were able to arrest them. We conducted a search in the car and we found some items there including six-burner gas cooker, fridges and a number of electric cables. The Policemen as we speak are on interdiction, the case has been forwarded to the Regional CID and definitely the law will take its course,” DSP Zengey MacCarthy said.

    The Osagyefo Barge is a 125 MW barge-mounted gas turbine electric power generating station located at Effasu in the Western Region of Ghana.

    The 77 m long barge is equipped with a pair of single-cycle heavy-duty gas turbine units built by Ansaldo that have a combined generating capacity of 125 MW. It is designed to burn either natural gas or diesel fuel.

    The 125 MW power barge was ordered by the Ghanaian government in 1995 with financial assistance from the Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund of Japan. It was intended to generate electricity from natural gas obtained from offshore production fields. The project development called for 450 MW of combined cycle power barges to belated in a man-made lagoon.

    The barge was built in Italy at Navalmare Yard, completed in 1999, and delivered to Ghana in October 2002. It was then moored at the Sekondi Naval Base in Sekondi until 2005, when it was moved to Effasu after the completion of dredging necessary to allow it to enter the harbor there.

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • Minority demands new budget over cedi depreciation

    The minority in Parliament is demanding a new budget from the Akufo-Addo government in the wake of the depreciation of the cedi against major international currencies.

    The Cedi until Thursday, March 14 had fallen deeply against international currencies especially the dollar, by some 5 per cent trading at around GH¢5.90.

    It has, however, begun to record some marginal appreciation against the dollar closing at around GH¢5.56 against the dollar on March 15, 2019 – a development which is largely due to the injection of dollar cash by the Bank of Ghana last week.

    According to the NDC MPs, the 2019 budget presented a couple of months ago has been rendered useless by the depreciation of the Cedi and other challenges in the economy.

    Speaking at a roundtable discussion on the economy, minority Spokesperson on Finance Cassiel Ato Forson blamed the performance of the cedi on bad management.

    “The depreciation of the cedi has put the economy in disarray and the projections surrounding it as contained in the 2019 budget. This has therefore undermined the confidence in the economy and sends a wrong signal to the investor community,” he said.

    He continued, “This calls for urgent steps to be taken by the government to restore the economic health. The starting point is that we should be immediately presenting a new budget which considers all distortions and the serious problems occasioned by the fall of the value of the cedi.

    “At the minimum, we expect a statement to parliament assuring the nation and investor community of the steps taken by government to address the instability of the economy and that…the budget as presented by the Minister of Finance can no longer be relied upon as true blueprint upon which to manage the economy for the year.”

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • Ghanaian born Liberian refugee makes Bayern Munich history

    A Bayern Munich starlet, who was born in a refugee camp in Ghana after his parents fled the Liberian civil war, wrote his name into the German giants’ history book on Sunday.

    Alphonso Davies was born in Buduburam, a refugee camp in Ghana. His parents, who are both Liberian, fled their homeland during the Second Liberia Civil War before moving, as refugees, to Canada when Alphonso was five.

    Read: Senior England call leaves Ghana’s Hudson-Odoi pursuit in jeopardy

    There, Davies learned his footballing skills and quickly rose to stardom, making his professional debut for Whitecaps FC 2 aged 15 years and five months in April 2016.

    In September the same year, he became the second youngest goalscorer in Major League Soccer history after netting for Vancouver Whitecaps, and he was later named the club’s Player of the Season after a breathtaking debut campaign.

    Davies’ exploits in the MLS did not go unnoticed, with European giants such Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool reportedly interested in his services before Bayern snatched him up for a fee of $13.5 million (R195 million), plus performance-based add-ons.

    The 18-year-old joined the German giants at the beginning of this year, and made his Bundesliga debut on 27 January, in a 4-1 win over VfB Stuttgart.

    Read: Check out how Raheem Sterling welcomes Hudson-Odoi to England squad

    Having since made four more league appearances off the bench, he has now scored his first Bundesliga goal for the Bavarians, in their 6-0 thrashing of Mainz on Sunday.

    In doing so, Davies became the club’s youngest goalscorer in almost 20 years, as well as the first player born in 2000 or after to score for Bayern, as per Bundesliga.com.

    Davies’ goal came at the age of 18 years and 15 days, making him the youngest to find the back of the net for the Bundesliga leaders since Roque Santa Cruz scored in a 3-0 win over Unterhaching, aged 18 years and 12 days, back in August 1999.

    The young winger gained Canadian citizenship in June 2017, and has since represented Canada five times.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh 

  • Suzuki, Toyota & CFAO join hands to produce vehicles in Ghana

    Officials from Suzuki Motor Corporation, Toyota Tsusho Corporation, and CFAO have announced a joint venture to manufacture and distribute vehicles in Ghana.

    At a courtesy call on President Akufo-Addo, on Tuesday, Mr. Koyote Suzuki, General Manager for the Middle East and Africa of Suzuki Motor Corporation, told President Akufo-Addo that with the company producing some 1.8 million vehicles in India alone, “my mission is to find our next India in the continent of Africa.”

    Read: Suzuki to establish production plant in Ghana

    He stated that “our next phase of growth will come from Africa, but we need to find the right partner in Africa for manufacturing and distribution after sale of our vehicles.”

    Suzuki, he said, has partnered with Toyota in Africa, and are currently working in some 26 countries.

    Read: 2019 Suzuki Jimny hits Ghanaian market

    “We came to know from Toyota that the Ghanaian government is planning to roll out a new automotive policy. We heard this from Toyota executives who paid a visit here last month. We are highly interested in participating in this initiative by the Ghanaian government. We wish to start production here, grow it and expand it,” the Suzuki General Manager added.

    Mr. Masafumi Yamashita, from Toyota Tsusho Corporation, in his remarks, noted that Toyota Corporation and CFAO have the largest automotive distribution network in Africa, and have an ambition to contribute to and support further development in African countries.

    “Our vision is with Africa and for Africa. This time, we commit to work together with Suzuki Motor Corporation for the future development of the automotive industry here in Africa, as a strategic partner,” he added.

    On his part, President Akufo-Addo told the gathering that “these three companies that have come together to push an idea, here in Ghana, is an idea that we have to welcome.”

    His Government, he explained, is interested in developing a vibrant and dynamic automobile industry in Ghana, and has made several initiatives towards that end.

    “Finally, I believe we are now ready to outdoor our automotive policy which will enable people like you know what is available to you in terms of government support, and also the obligations that will be upon you, if you enter the Ghanaian space,” the President added.

    With the economy projected to grow by 7.9% this year, and the country recognized as one of the most stable countries on the continent, where the rule of law works, President Akufo-Addo stressed that “this is architecture designed expressly to try and attract investments into our country.”

    President Akufo-Addo told the delegation that “you are very welcome, and it will be very good news for the people of Ghana if they were to hear that Suzuki has teamed up with Toyota Tsusho and CFAO to establish a facility here in Ghana.”

    With Suzuki manufacturing 1.6 litre engine vehicles in India, the President stated that “these are exactly the kind of cars that should have very successful entry into the Ghanaian market”.

    Source: 3news.com

  • FIFA to set up new Normalization Committee for Ghana FA, Dr. Amoah to stay on

    The Ghana FA Normalization Committee is set to be reconstituted by FIFA following an extension of their mandate, FootballMadeInGhana.com understands.

    A FIFA Task Force is expected in Ghana by the close of the week to commence the processes leading to the reconstitution of the membership of the new committee.

    Close FIFA sources say the President of the committee Dr. Kofi Amoah is likely to stay on as the leader of the new body but the remaining three members of the committee are likely to be changed.

    This means that Ms. Lucy Quist, Naa Odofoley Nortey and Sammy Kuffour (who replaced Duah Adonteng) are set to bid goodbye to the committee to make way for the new members.

    Read: Normalization Committee have done nothing yet Yaw Preko

    The source further disclosed that the new composition of the committee is likely to have a representative of CAF and FIFA with a renewed mandate to steer Ghana football.

    The FIFA Task Force expected to arrive in the country by Friday will spell out a proper mandate for the committee which will have a more definite role to perform than the existing one.

    FootballMadeInGhana.com understands that FIFA is unhappy with the progress of work by the Dr. Amoah-led committee and will make their position clear on that even before appointing the new members.

    Read: Samson Anyenini heads GFA Disciplinary Committee

    The current committee appointed on the 13th of September 2018 has not been able to exhaust their mandate, key amongst the list is the review of the statutes of the Ghana FA and the organization of election for the new executive committee of the FA.

    With FIFA itself stepping in to run the show now, Ghanaians can now be assured that by 30th September 2019, Ghana football will have a new direction.

     

    Source:  footballmadeinghana.com

  • Samson Anyenini heads GFA Disciplinary Committee

    Radio and TV host and lawyer Samson Lardy Anyenini has been appointed as the chairman of the Disciplinary Committee of the Ghana Football Association, an official statement has communicated.

    He replaces top cop Kofi Boakye.

    The Normalisation Committee of the Ghana FA has also announced the appointment of individuals to serve on three other Committees of the Association.

    The Committees include Referees Committee, Player Status Committee, and the Appeals Committee.

    Read: Normalisation Committee impressed with Women’s Special Competition

    Below are the Chairmen and members of the Committees:

    Referees Committee

    Naa Odofoley Nortey Chairperson

    Carl Ashie Member

    Justice Yeboah Member

    Ebo Kwaitoo Member

    Emmanuella Aglago Member

    Disciplinary Committee

    Samson Lardy Anyenini Chairman

    Osei Kwadwo Addo Vice Chairman

    Dr. Kwaku Ofosu Asare Member

    WO1(Rtd) William Amoo Member

    Nurudeen Alhassan Member

    Player Status Committee

    Ishak Alhassan Chairman

    Ashford Tettey Oku Vice Chairman

    Kwame Ayew Member

    Sylvester Mensah Member

    Cornelis Otoo Member

    Read: Normalization Committee have done nothing yet Yaw Preko

    Appeals Committee

    Agbesi Dzakpasu Chairman

    Nana Adjei Baffour Awuah Vice Chairman

    Kwaku Afrifa Nsiah Member

    Joe Slovo Tia Member

    Dr. Bella Bello Member

    Yaw Obeng Member

    Vivian Aggor Member

    Israel Ackah Member

    Kwaku Mortey Member

    Members of all the Committees have received their appointment letters and have commenced their functions.

     

    Source: GFA 

  • Harambee Stars kick off preps for Ghana AFCON qualifier

    The Kenya National football team, Harambee Stars, has on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, kicked off residential training for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana.

    All players initially called up took part in the session, save for Johanna Omollo, who jetted into the country on Tuesday morning.

    The team will depart for Ghana on Thursday, ahead of the final qualifying match set to be played on Saturday, March 23, 2019, in Accra.

    Read: Paa Kwesi Fabin named Uganda U17 head coach

    Kenya has already qualified for the continental showpiece set to kick off on June 19, 2019, in Egypt. FKF has lined up a three-week camp in France ahead of the tournament.

    Provisional Squad
    Goalkeepers
    Patrick Matasi (St Georges, Ethiopia), Farouk Shikalo (Bandari), John Oyemba (Kariobangi Sharks)

    Defenders
    Erick Ouma (Vasalund, Sweden), Musa Mohammed (Nkana FC, Zambia), David Owino (Zesco, Zambia), Brian Mandela (Maritzburg, South Africa), Philemon Otieno (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Benard Ochieng (Vihiga United, Kenya), Joash Onyango (Gor Mahia, Kenya)

    Read: I will not be shocked if Kotoko sacks me – CK Akonnor

    Midfielders
    Erick Johanna (IF Brommapojkarna, Sweden), Johanna Omollo (Cercle Brugge, Belgium), Ismael Gonzales (UD Las Palmas B, Spain), Paul Were (Trikala, Greece), Victor Wanyama (Tottenham Hotspurs, England), Francis Kahata (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Christopher Tangen Mbamba (Oskarshamns, Sweden), Dennis Odhiambo (Sofapaka, Kenya), Anthony Akumu (Zesco, Zambia)

    Forwards
    Jesse Were (Zesco, Zambia), Duke Abuya (Kariobangi Sharks, Kenya), Cliff Nyakeya (Mathare United, Kenya), Masud Juma (Al Nasr, Libya), Allan Wanga (Kakamega Homeboyz), Piston Mutamba (Sofapaka)

     

    Source: footballkenya.org

  • NPP not an autocratic political party but democratic – Concerned Voters Movement boss to Sir John

    The Founder and President of Concerned Voters Movement (CVM), Razak Kojo Opoku has replied the NPP’s former General Secretary, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie popularly known as Sir John that NPP is not an autocratic political party in Ghana.

    This comes at the back of comments made by the former General Secretary of the party Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie where he said: “apart from Veep Dr. Bawumia, any member of the Party who has the ambition of becoming Flagbearer after Akufo-Addo’s 8-year reign should jettison that aspiration.”

    Read: Implementation of ROPAA will consolidate democratic governance – Daasebre Diawuo

    In a statement signed by the CVM boss and copied to the media indicated “It is very important to point out to Sir John that, the New Patriotic Party is not an autocratic and self-imposition Political Party.

    He added that “NPP is a democratic Political Party with the tradition of long term commitment, loyalty and dedication”.

    Read: Divergent views from senior NDC members show party’s democratic maturity – Mahama

    The statement urged Sir John to learn how to talk in public as a matured politician.

    The statement also said Sir John’s comment has a tendency to divide the NPP party.

    “Sir John must learn how to talk especially in public as a matured politician. It is too early to bring this automatic Bawumia’s agenda. If other Party’s Members of good standing start similar agendas, it will divide the Party’s front and subsequently affect Victory 2020 for President Akufo-Addo and the NPP”, the statement said.

    The statement added that “Between now and 2023, any agenda apart from Akufo-Addo’s Victory 2020 is useless, premature and unprofitable. Sir John personal opinion is the beginning of internal chaos”.

    The statement advised that “Anyone with the ambition of succeeding President Akufo-Addo in 2024 must work hard for it. It shall never be automatic for anyone. The Flagbearership is not a throne to have an automatic successor”.

    Below is the full statement

    NO AUTOMATIC REPLACEMENT FOR AKUFO-ADDO – CVM REPLY SIR JOHN

    According to the opinion of the former General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie aka Sir John, “apart from Veep Dr. Bawumia, any member of the Party who has the ambition of becoming Flagbearer after Akufo-Addo’s 8-year reign should jettison that aspiration.”

    It is very important to point out to Sir John that, the New Patriotic Party is not an autocratic and self-imposition Political Party. NPP is a democratic Political Party with the tradition of long term commitment, loyalty and dedication.

    Sir John must learn how to talk especially in public as a matured politician. It is too early to bring this automatic Bawumia’s agenda. If other Party’s Members of good standing start similar agendas, it will divide the Party’s front and subsequently affect Victory 2020 for President Akufo-Addo and the NPP.

    Between now and 2023, any agenda apart from Akufo-Addo’s Victory 2020 is useless, premature and unprofitable. Sir John personal opinion is the beginning of internal chaos.

    Anyone with the ambition of succeeding President Akufo-Addo in 2024 must work hard for it. It shall never be automatic for anyone. The Flagbearership is not a throne to have an automatic successor.

    If we go by Sir John’s opinion, then Aliu Mahama would have been the Party’s candidate for the 2008 General Elections, automatically succeeding John Kufuor to represent Dombo. But the Party delegates gave the mandate to President Akufo-Addo based on merit considering Akufo-Addo’s huge and outstanding contributions to the Party, right through leading the formation of the Danquah-Busia Club to becoming the first National Organizer of the Party, patiently and respectfully serving underJohn Kufuor for seven years before finally becoming the flagbearer of the Party.

    Akufo-Addo became Flagbearer of the NPP and subsequently as President of Ghana not because he is the protégé of Danquah but based on several years of commitment and selfless service.

    John Kufuor became Flagbearer of the NPP and President of Ghana not because he was protégé of Busia but he seriously worked for it, achieving it on merit.

    Through Danquah’s efforts, Eastern is now the stronghold of the Party’s tradition. Busia’s efforts too has produced Ashanti, Ahafo and Bono as the strongholds of the tradition.

    But the Northern Regions are still not the stronghold of the tradition even though Dombo is their illustrious son.

    Sir John and others with similar interests should cease their ambition until 2023/2024.

    For now, all the energies of the Party should be on ensuring that we consolidate our gains with emphatic and unprecedented Victory for President Akufo-Addo and NPP in 2020. Apart from this agenda, any ambition or interest is totally useless and irrelevant for now.

    Any Appointee or member with the interest of succeeding Akufo-Addo in 2024 should endeavour to work hard towards the successful 8-year reign of President Akufo-Addo.

    The performance and selfless service of appointees and Party members would largely determine who succeed Akufo-Addo in 2024, it shall never be automatic for anyone.

    Signed!

    Razak Kojo Opoku

    (CVM Founder and President)

    Source: Daniel Kaku

  • Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah satisfied after first day of training

    Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah expressed satisfaction after his first training session in Accra ahead of Saturday’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

    Twenty-one (21) players showed up for training including Asante Kotoko trio Felix Annan, Kwame Bonsu and Amos Frimpong.

    Read: Black Stars coach Kwasi Appiah impressed with players attitude during training

    The number will increase on Wednesday evening with Kwadwo Asamoah, Caleb Ekuban and Daniel Opare who got a late call-up expected in camp.

    The squad was led by captain Andre Ayew in the absence of Asamoah as the Fenerbahce superstar led his colleagues for the training session at the Accra Sports Stadium.

    Read: Kotoko trio join Black Stars training hours after returning from Zambia trip

    Full list of players turning up for first day of training

    Richard Ofori, Felix Annan, Ati Zigi, Lumor Agbenyenu, Joseph Aidoo, Nuhu Adams, John Boye, Kwesi Appiah, Jordan Ayew, Andre Ayew, Mubarak Wakaso, Joseph Duncan, Christian Atsu, Jeffery Schlupp, Emmanuel Boateng, Alhassan Wakaso, Thomas Partey, Nicholas Opoku, Caleb Ekuban, Amos Frimpong, Kwame Bonsu.

    Source: Ghanaweb 

  • VGMA to announce Artiste of the Decade Nominees as George Quaye addresses Ras Kuuku

    The Communications Director of Charter House, George Nii Armah Quaye, has hinted on Showbiz Agenda on Zylofon 102.1 FM that the VGMA board will be unveiling the nominees for another category called the Artiste of The Decade as soon as practicable as part of the 20-year success of the music awards scheme.

    In an interview with Sammy Flex on his influential radio programme on Monday 18th March 2019, he revealed that the board is still not through with the selection hence the silence on that category. T

    he artiste of the decade category is to honour an individual artiste who has been able to stand the test of time for the past 10 years ( a decade) in the music industry with a greater level of influence. 

    The last artiste of the decade category went to the highlife Maestro Julius Kojo Antwi. This category will be a different category from the ultimate category called Artiste of the year.

    Though George was not emphatic on the day of the release of such names, he was sure it will come early April before the rest of the activities start rolling for this year`s VGMA.

    In another development on the same show, manager of reggae and dancehall artiste Ras Kuuku put Charter House on a blast adding that they called him with his artiste that they should come for their invitation because they have been nominated only to realize that their name did not come any where close to the nomination. 

    “I don`t know why they will invite us and not nominate us. My artiste did better than most of the nominated artistes in the categories of reggae and dancehall and i see this as calculated attempt to frustrate us” Biggest Boss, Ras Kuuku`s manager revealed via a phone interview.

    This allegation George Quaye refuted, calling it a blatant lie and a direct attempt to make the board look bad.

    Watch and listen to the interview on Zylofon 102.1FM Showbiz Agenda with Sammy Flex and subscribe to the channel for latest updates.

    Source: Sammy Flex