Peter Obi, the third-place candidate in Nigeria’s presidential vote, claims he is under pressure to leave the nation.
The government was trying to “divert attention” from “blatantly stolen” elections, he claimed, without providing any evidence to support his assertion.
The results of the presidential election have already been disputed by Mr. Obi at Nigeria’s highest appeals court.
“The attempts to manipulate Nigerians is very sad and wicked,” he tweeted on Wednesday night.
An audio has been doing rounds in Nigeria of an alleged conversation between Mr Obi and a religious leader, in which the presidential election is likened to a religious war.
Mr Obi said the audio was a “fake doctored audio call”.
“Let me reiterate that the audio call being circulated is fake, and at no time throughout the campaign and now did I ever say, think, or even imply that the 2023 election is, or was a religious war,” he said.
He added that his lawyers will take action against an online publication that circulated the clip.
Following a complaint about noise pollution from neighbors, a Nigerian court has given the owner of a raucous rooster until Friday to kill it, according to local media.
According to two neighbors, the cockerel’s constant crowing kept them from sleeping, and the court in the northern city of Kano pronounced it a nuisance to the neighborhood, according to the Premium Times news website.
Yusuf Muhammed, one of the neighbors, testified in court that the rooster’s crowing violated his right to a sound sleep.
Isyaku Shu’aibu informed the court that he had purchased the fowl for use in celebrations of Good Friday and requested that it be allowed to live until the Christian holiday before being killed for a family meal.
Magistrate Halima Wali granted the request on Tuesday but warned him to prevent the cockerel from roaming the area and disturbing residents, the Daily Trust news website adds.
The owner was also ordered to ensure he slaughters the bird on Friday as promised or face a penalty.
According to U.S. health inspectors, the maker of eyedrops recently connected to deaths and injuries lacked safeguards to ensure sterility at its facilities in India.
During an inspection from late February through early March, representatives of the Food and Drug Administration discovered roughly a dozen issues with the production and testing of Global Pharma Healthcare’s eyedrops. On Monday, the FDA disclosed the results of its initial examination.
FDA personnel wrote that the corporation uses processes that cannot genuinely guarantee the sterility of its products.
The inspectors discovered, in particular, that between December 2020 and April 2022, the plant produced goods that were eventually transferred to the United States using “a deficient manufacturing process.”
Three deaths and eight cases of vision loss have been associated with the plant in India’s southern Tamil Nadu state, which produced eyedrops that were linked to 68 bacterial infections in the United States.
Due to infection, the eyeballs of four persons had to be surgically removed. EzriCare and Delsam Phama, two U.S. distributors, recalled the drops in February.
The outbreak is considered particularly worrisome because the bacteria driving it is resistant to standard antibiotics.
Inspectors arrived at the plant Feb. 20, more than two weeks after the announcement of the first eyedrop recall on Feb. 3. The inspection appears to be the FDAâs first visit to the plant, according to agency records.
The report has the agencyâs preliminary findings and is likely to be followed by a formal report and a warning letter to the company. An FDA spokesman said the inspection indicates that the companyâs products âmay be in violation of FDAâs requirements.â
âWe urge consumers to stop using these products which may be harmful to their health,â FDAâs Jeremy Khan wrote in an emailed statement.
The FDA is responsible for assuring the safety of foreign products shipped to the U.S., though it has long struggled to keep pace with international pharmaceutical supply chains that increasingly begin in India and China.
FDA inspectors cited worrisome sanitary conditions at the Global Pharma plant, noting that its floors, walls and ceilings were not âeasily cleanable.â At one point during the visit, an FDA inspector noted ânone of the equipment on the filling machine was wrapped or covered.â
The inspector also noted the company didnât have rigorous procedures for ensuring bottles were fully sealed. Instead, a âmanual visual inspection is the only test to detect any leak,â according to the report.
Global Pharma has said little publicly about its recent recalls, instead referring questions to the U.S. companies that sold the products.
The FDA has been investigating the U.S. bacterial infections alongside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC officials have detected the bacterial strain in opened bottles of EzriCare drops collected from infected patients. FDA officials are also testing unopened bottles of the drops.
CDC officials are worried the bacteria will spread and cases may be reported for weeks and months to come. The agency has been urging health care facilities treating patients to follow strict infection-control recommendations because the germ can spread rapidly.
This month, South Korea will start testing the sewage produced by its major cities and villages on a weekly basis to monitor the spread of COVID-19 and recognize potential waves.
According to representatives of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, wastewater surveillance may offer a less expensive and longer-lasting pandemic response option. According to them, it might also help with the early detection of epidemics of other diseases like the flu, norovirus, or germs that are resistant to certain medications.
Health professionals will analyze sewage samples obtained from 64 wastewater facilities across the country at least once a week, and they will routinely publish analyses of the test results on their website.
KDCA said its recent trial runs with cities and provincial governments showed that the levels of pathogens found in sewage samples largely aligned with infection trends in those areas, confirming the value of testing water released from faucets, toilets and bathtubs. Similar tests have also been adopted in the United States.
South Korea had maintained a stringent COVID-19 response based on aggressive testing, contact tracing and quarantines during the earlier part of the pandemic, but has eased most of its virus controls since last year as the omicron variantâs surge rendered those containment strategies irrelevant.
Government officials are also eager to revive a devastated service sector economy and attract more tourists.
Their plans for wastewater testing are also an extension of their bend-but-not-break approach with COVID-19 that tolerates the coronavirusâ spread among the broader population while concentrating medical resources to protect priority groups.
Lee Sang-won, KDCAâs director of epidemiologic research, said wastewater surveillance could help the countryâs transition toward a more affordable virus monitoring regime.
South Koreaâs current system is still aimed at tracking every COVID-19 case by requiring hospitals to report all positive tests, an approach Lee described as expensive and laborious. He said health officials are considering an eventual switch to âsample-based surveillance,â like they do with influenza monitoring, where only a certain number of designated hospitals register their cases.
âWhen that (transition) comes, we believe wastewater surveillance will function as a very effective toolâ for providing complementary information on virus trends, Lee said during a briefing. âAnother strength is that we can monitor various pathogens other than COVID-19.â
While coronaviruses causing COVID-19 donât likely survive in water for long, Lee said the countryâs genetic testing methods would also be able to detect fragments of dead viruses.
LeBron James was crucial to the Los Angeles Lakers’ victory over the Utah Jazz, but he might not be available when they play the Los Angeles Clippers.
Tuesday’s 135-133 overtime victory in Salt Lake City clinched the Lakers’ place in the Western Conference play-in playoffs.
The Lakers, who are now in seventh place, have three games left to play in the regular season, but they still have a chance to clinch a playoff spot without having to advance through the play-in round. On Wednesday, they play the Clippers, a team from their city who are now ranked above them with a 41-38 record.
However, that strain might limit James’ availability for Wednesday.
“The extra five minutes definitely didn’t help. It definitely didn’t help but we needed to get the win,” James told reporters, before explaining his process of deeming whether or not he would be able to feature against the Clippers.
“How my foot feels when I wake up and I step out of bed,” he added.
“That’s been the most important since I’ve injured it five weeks ago. The next day after either rehab or training or treatment, whatever. It’s always that.”
Anthony Davis was unusually slack with his shooting, managing just seven-of-16 from the field and seven-of-12 from the free throw line for 21 points, though he still contributed 14 rebounds and six assists.
Davis has not played in back-to-back games since returning from a right foot issue earlier in 2023, and like James, he was unsure on whether he would face the Clippers.
“I haven’t played in a back-to-back in a long time,” Davis said.
“So, I mean, we’ll all get on a phone call or something tomorrow morning and go from there.”
Kingsley Schindler, a German-born Ghanaian football player, has stated that Cologne is where he feels most at home.
In a recent interview, Schindler highlighted his affection for the squad and the city of Cologne, where he currently plays for the football team.
Schindler’s comments have provided followers and fellow athletes with a peek into his private life and how he’s acclimating to his new surroundings.
“The boys are great, the coach is great. My daughter was born here. What else can I say? There are many arguments that show how comfortable I feel,” he said.
FC Koln coach Steffen Baumgart hinted that the club’s transfer ban will likely be stopped which will allow the club to look at the contract situations of players like Schindler.
“We assume that the judgment will be revised,” said Baumgart.
Steffen Baumgart considers Schindler part of his first team plans.
“It’s not like King just left. Then we have one or two talks and we still have a little time to decide.â
After rejoining the Golden State Warriors after a period away for personal reasons, Andrew Wiggins believes his return to the court is only a matter of time.
Since taking a short break from the squad to attend to a family issue, the small forward has missed 22 games for the Warriors.
Wiggins has refrained from going into much detail, although he was present for Tuesday’s 136-125 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder alongside Steve Kerr’s team.
The 28-year-old has now set his eyes on playing once more following his comeback to the team, having last appeared in a game against the Washington Wizards in February.
“I don’t think it will be too long before I am out there,” he said. “I felt really good right before I left. I felt like I was in a rhythm, was making shots, moving well.
“Hopefully, I’ll be right back where I left off. [But] when you’re in a certain situation and your family needs you and requires your attention and love, that’s my first priority.
“My career, everything, family is always first for me. When I felt like I was in a safe space to come back, we got everything settled in a safe place.”
Coach Steve Kerr effectively ruled out a role for Wiggins in Friday’s trip to the Sacramento Kings, noting they would assess him over the coming week.
“We’ll have a better idea in the next couple of days,” he added. “There’s no way he’s playing in the next few days, I can tell you that.
“But I think once we have an assessment over the next couple of days, we’ll have a better idea of when he might be able to play.”
The Warriors follow their trip to Sacramento with their last regular season fixture, against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.
Asante Kotoko, one of the top teams in the Ghana Premier League, will host King Faisal later tonight to complete the league’s final scheduled game.
The match is a Round 21 contest that ought to have taken place a month ago.
The game was postponed, though, because the Black Stars of Ghana needed to utilize the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for their AFCON qualifier match against Angola.
The GFA has cleared the way for the pending encounter to be played in midweek due to the Ghana Premier League taking a brief break during Easter this weekend.
Asante Kotoko heads into the derby knowing that a win will boost the teamâs chances of winning this seasonâs Ghana Premier League title.
In addition, victory will immediately propel Asante Kotoko to break into the top four by going past rivals Hearts of Oak.
The crucial game in the league is scheduled to kick off at 19:00GMT.
Shreyas Iyer’s injury replacement, Jason Roy, has joined Kolkata Knight Riders for the remainder of the Indian Premier League season.
The pre-season auction price for the England starter was INR 1.5 crore (ÂŁ147,000), but he has now agreed to a contract worth about INR 2.8 crore (ÂŁ275,000).
Roy’s comeback to the IPL coincides with a slight player crisis for KKR, who have lost Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and India’s Iyer to injuries to their backs.
English players normally aren’t permitted to sign contracts after the first of March, but those with ECB contracts are an exception, permitting his transfer.
The Surrey batter last played in 2021, scoring 150 runs in five games for Sunrisers Hyderabad, and will hope to maintain his strong white-ball start to 2023.
With 245 runs in seven games for Quetta Gladiators during the Pakistan Super League, Roy also posted the tournament’s highest individual tally, with 145 not out.
We can't be more excited to share this news with you, fam! đ¤Š
A member of the England team that won the 2019 Cricket World Cup, he was dropped from their 2022 T20 World Cup-winning squad.
Ahead of his side’s 50-over defence in India later this year, the 32-year-old will be hopeful he can use his time with KKR to consolidate his spot in the squad.
Roy’s return to the IPL may come too soon to feature in his new team’s next match, which is against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Thursday.
However, he could be included for their trip to face defending champions Gujarat Titans on Sunday, as KKR look to bounce back from an opening loss against Punjab Kings.
The striker is already back on the practice field ahead of this weekend’s trip to Southampton, giving them a boost as they try to keep up with Arsenal at the top.
Alex Asamoah, a former forward for Asante Kotoko, has admitted that despite being sidelined for a long, he hasn’t given up playing football.
The former Ghana Premier League goal king reaffirmed his intention to play again soon in an interview with Angel TV.
He claims that despite being sidelined by an injury he sustained in the past, he is now fully recovered and prepared to play for any club.
âI have not retired from football yet, very soon, I will return to the pitch. I have been out for a while due to some injuries but now, I am fit and ready to playâ he said.
The 37-year-old still remain the most expensive signing in the Ghana Premier League following his move from Ashantigold to Asante Kotoko in 2008.
He featured for a host of clubs domestically before departing for greener pastures.
Following Tuesday’s shocking 2-1 DFB-Pokal loss to Freiburg, Bayern Munich sports director Hasan Salihamidzic explained the club’s ambitions to sign a new striker during the summer season.
Dayot Upamecano gave Thomas Tuchel’s team the lead in their quarterfinal match, but Nicolas Hoefler’s goal pulled them back, and Lucas Hoeler’s 95th-minute penalty sent the Bundesliga’s top team home.
Bayern will now miss the competition’s final for the third consecutive season, and Salihamidzic was adamant that the club would need to buy a new striker in order to advance the following campaign.
“Of course we will sit down and see what we need to do in the transfer market,” he said after the game.
“But the games show: To go into the new season with just Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Mathys Tel, Thomas Muller and Sadio Mane would be negligent.
“In all likelihood, there will be a new striker. Whether it’s Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen or Randal Kolo Muani, the coming weeks will show.”
Bayern remain top of the Bundesliga and are through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, but they have struggled to replace the output of the talismanic Robert Lewandowski since his departure to Barcelona at the end of last season.
The Poland international scored 110 goals in just 94 league games in his last three seasons at Bayern as the club won three consecutive Bundesliga titles and the Champions League.
Choupo-Moting has led the line in Lewandowski’s absence this season but has scored just 10 league goals.
Despite the disappointing result against Freiburg, Salihamidzic remained positive about Tuchel’s appointment and refused to lay the blame for the defeat at the door of the new boss.
“It is bitter for all of us, but it has nothing to do with the coach,” Salihamidzic said.
“It’s a process. He makes a very good impression and is doing a very good job. Today was bitter for all of us, but we will continue on Saturday.”
Despite Mercedes‘ challenges to contend for race wins in Formula One this season, Lewis Hamilton is rising to the occasion.
In a season that already appears to be challenging for the squad, Hamilton’s second-place finish in Australia represented his strongest performance of the year.
Last year, Mercedes lost the Constructors’ Championship to rival Red Bull, and Hamilton concluded the season without a race victory for the first time in his career. He will likely finish far behind the pack in 2023.
Given that he has a contract that expires at the end of the year, Hamilton’s problems have raised worries about his future once again, but he has reiterated his devotion to the squad.
Tied with Michael Schumacher for the most F1 title wins of all time, an eighth crown would hand Hamilton the record outright, and he is ready to clinch that honour.
However, for the time being, he is focused on pushing himself to achieve the best possible result despite Mercedes’ issues.
“I don’t like driving not great cars. I don’t like driving a car that’s not the car that we weren’t meant to have, but I love that challenge of ‘OK, what can I do with it?’,” he told Fox Sports.
“Wins are not possible right, so what is the maximum we can get? Can we be a little cheeky and if fifth is the best we can get, can we get a fourth or a third?
“Just make sure we are consistent and fit and ready so when the car does all of a sudden switch on, and it is the car you dreamed of having, you’re ready.
“I am ready to win a world championship. I have prepared the best way I can this year â the best I have ever prepared â and if the car comes correct tomorrow I will be ready to fight for the world championship, but unfortunately that’s not the case.
“I am working with everyone here and back at the factory to get there.”
A taste of being back out in front. đ¤Š
Proud of the steps forward weâve taken over the last few weeks. But thereâs still plenty more to come. đ
Notwithstanding the stadium restriction, Aduana Stars assistant coach W.O. Tandoh predicts that his team would win the Ghana Premier League and FA Cup.
The Tamale City team bus was attacked after the play against Aduana FC on Matchday 25. This regrettable occurrence resulted in the Ghana FA temporarily banning the home stadium of the two-time Ghana Premier League winners.
In response to the occurrence, the GFA Executive Council immediately imposed the ban.
W.O. Tandoh, however, has denounced the decision as biased in their dealings by the nation’s football regulatory body.
According to Tandoh, his outfit can still win the league and the FA Cup despite being ban from playing at their favourite home ground.
As per audio aired on Angel FM, Tandoh said, âI condemned whatever happened after the game but truth be told, the incident happened outside the stadium. What did the 90 police personal we brought to the stadium to protect Tamale City upon their request do?
âIn the first leg in Tamale, a lot of things happened there, Tamale City did the same thing to us. Let call a spade a spade, the FA should not listen to one sideâ
âWere they (FA) asleep when such incident happened in Tamale. Personally, I have called the General Secretary and the President of the FA but they are responding to my calls, they should not destroy the game for us. Mark my words, am not speaking for Aduana but then, I am an employee of Aduana, the FA should sit upâ
âThose who took the decision against Aduana did not help our game, the bring back the love tag was not executed here, what did they do when Tamale City did the same thing to Aduana, even biting a playersâ finger on the field of playâ
âEven if we play our games at their bath rooms, Aduana Stars will win the league. Again, if they like they should let us play at guest house we will also win the FA Cup, I emphasizedâ
Aduana FC required a penalty in the 90+10 minute of their last game to win 1-0 and extend their lead at the top of the standings to 44 points, which is three points ahead of Bechem United in second place.
Aduana Stars fans have been criticizing the Ghana Football Association (GFA) because the association banned the team’s home field.
The decision, which was made as retaliation for alleged fan disturbance during a recent encounter with Tamale City, has infuriated Aduana Stars supporters who believe the ban is unfair and unnecessary. The GFA, according to the supporters, doesn’t want the team to win the Ghana Premier League.
Football supporters have been divided on the matter, with some urging the GFA to rethink its choice and others supporting the association’s position in favor of upholding discipline and order in the game.
“This decision has become necessary due to the unfortunate incidents that occurred after the Match day 25 between Aduana FC and Tamale City FC (outside the park) played on April 2, 2023.
The decision is in accordance with the GFA Premier League Regulations Article 14(2) which states inter alia âthe GFA may order the closure of any league centre where the safety of clubs, Match Officials or Spectators cannot be guaranteed.ââ
The Competitions Department is therefore advised to determine the venue for the Clubâs subsequent home matches in accordance with Article 14(3) Premier League Regulations,”
Aduana Stars will play Accra Great Olympics in their next Ghana Premier League game.
J.J. Wolf, the top seed from the United States, easily defeated Jordan Thompson in the first round of the Houston Open with a score of 6-3, 6-2.
On the strength of a rock-solid serving effort, Wolf, the fifth seed at the only clay court tournament on the ATP Tour schedule in the United States, required just 75 minutes to send the Aussie home early.
Wolf put the finishing touches on the match by winning the final five games to easily claim victory while Thompson was unable to generate a single opportunity for a break point during the encounter.
With his 6-0, 6-2 destruction of Ecuador’s Emilio Gomez, seventh seed Marcos Giron gave the American crowd another victory to rejoice for.
The chance for the double-bagel was there for Giron after winning the first 11 games to race out to a 6-0 5-0 lead, but he blew four match points as Gomez showed no quit and secured a break to at least take the match over the 60-minute mark.
Eighth seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry prevailed 6-3 6-4 in his all-Argentine clash against Juan Manuel Cerundolo, taking a 3-2 lead in their overall head-to-head meetings after rising 21-year-old Cerundolo took the past two.
German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann booked a second-round matchup against second seed Tommy Paul after a hard-fought 6-4 3-6 6-2 triumph over Japan’s Yosuke Watanuki, while Chile’s Cristian Garin had little resistance in his 6-3 6-0 victory in a South American showdown against Bolivia’s Hugo Dellien.
In the late window, Jack Sock failed to complete the United States clean sweep for the day as he fell 6-2 6-4 to the Czech Republic’s Tomas Machac.
The Estoril Open victory by Dominic Thiem marked his first triumph since February.
The former US Open champion and two-time finalist at Roland Garros had gone winless in his last four ATP Tour-level contests.
However, Thiem, who had held the third-highest ranking in the world, ended the dry spell by defeating fellow countryman Sebastian Ofner by scores of 3-6, 6-3, and 6-4.
Ben Shelton, an American who defeated Constant Lestienne 7-5, 7-5, will be his next opponent.
At the Grand Prix Hassan II in Marrakech, there were three surprises.
Roberto Carballes Baena came from a set down to beat fifth seed Maxime Cressy, Alexandre Muller overcame sixth seed Richard Gasquet, and qualifier Andrea Vavassori defeated eighth seed Nicolas Jarry.
The Alajo community has been advised by President Akufo-Addo to take advantage of the recently installed artificial turf in their neighborhood.
To commission the project, the President visited the neighborhood on Tuesday.
The government is working to encourage sports throughout the nation by installing the artificial turf, according to the president.
The President underlined the importance of the community using the facility to improve their sporting abilities, plan sporting activities, and keep the facilities in excellent condition.
Hon. Mustapha Ussif, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Henry Quartey, the Regional Minister for Greater Accra, Alajo Mantse, the Director of the Coastal Development Authority, and others joined the President to officially dedicate the artificial grass.
“I urge residents of this constituency and those in other constituencies that are beneficiaries of these astro turfs to put them to effective use. The various committees set up to manage these assets must also pay critical attention to the maintenance to help enhance their life span,” he said.
After a 6-3 6-3 victory against Lesia Tsurenko on Tuesday, world number five Ons Jabeur advanced to the third round of the Charleston Open.
The second seed Jabeur, who reached the finals of both the US Open and Wimbledon this past season, had a bye into the second round. But, in the first game of her encounter with Tsurenko, Jabeur had to hold off three break points.
Jabeur held off the initial onslaught and rolled through the opening five games to take a commanding lead before securing another break to start the second set.
Spain’s Badosa will play Canada’s Leylah Fernandez in the second round after the promising 20-year-old took just 72 minutes to dispatch Russia’s Evgeniya Rodina 6-3 6-2.
Rodina was the only loss from the four Russians in action on Tuesday, with Anna Kalinskaya defeating Alize Cornet 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 6-2, 19-year-old Diana Shnaider eliminating Alycia Parks 6-4 6-3, and Varvara Gracheva prevailing 7-6 (7-3) 6-2 against Anna-Lena Friedsam.
Bernarda Pera advanced past Clare Liu 6-4 6-7 (1-7) 6-3 in one of the all-American showdowns, while ninth seed Madison Keys beat Emma Navarro 6-4 6-3 and Shelby Rogers took out Danielle Collins 6-7 (2-7) 6-4 6-1 in the others.
Sofia Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion, handled the challenge of Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-1 6-7 (5-7) 6-1, and two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka came back to defeat Sloane Stephens 3-6 6-3 6-2.
Aleksander Ceferin won re-election as UEFA president through 2027 without any challengers.
Ceferin was first elected in 2016, and in 2019 he was re-elected for a second four-year term.
His most recent contract extension was approved on Wednesday at the UEFA Congress in Lisbon.
The single candidate for the elections was a Slovenian, as had been announced in January.
2ď¸âŁ0ď¸âŁ2ď¸âŁ7ď¸âŁ UEFA President Aleksander Äeferin has been re-elected for a further four-year term at #UEFACongress in Lisbon. pic.twitter.com/zliYcPZd2H
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has not declared his presidential ambition, however, his most recent post on social media suggests that he may do so shortly.
On Tuesday, April 4, 2023, the Vice President wrote âIt is Possible!â, posting with the Ghana flag and the flag of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on all his social media pages.
This statement is ambiguous however some social media users are reading meaning into it. They believe this is a subtle way of indicating his interest in the NPP flagbearership race.
Dr. Bawumia is widely tipped to win the NPP flagbearership race, which is scheduled to kick off next month, with the flagbearership election slated for November this year.
Mr Sammi Awuku, currently the Director General of the National Lottery Authority, has thrown his weight behind Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
In an interview on Asempa FM on Monday, April 3, 2023, monitored by The Independent Ghana, Mr Awuku explained that his support for the Vice President stems from the worth-emulating values Dr Bawumia possesses. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is a very strong, tolerant and open- minded young man, he said.
“He looks into the future with courage and optimism. I’m fond of him.
“I asked him two critical questions: Why do you want to be president? He told me his major focus if he should ever become President one day is how to create a future of opportunities for young people,” Mr Awuku said.
The 38-year-old who played a vital role in mobilizing the youth leading to NPP’s victory in the 2016 general election further lauded the Veep for his unified spirit and sacrifices made for the party.
âThat politics of inclusion for me is something that is admirable. I’ve watched him move with people who had supported other candidates in the past. Someone like Fredrick Opare Ansah. Day in and day out, you see new people around him,â he stated.
Mr Awuku noted that it took bravery and discipline to come up against the legal team of the National Democratic Congress in the 2020 election petition case at the Supreme Court for eight months without losing oneâs composure.
âFor somebody, to sit there when it mattered most to defend his party’s position and resolve for 8 months continuously and facing the NDC legal team is not easy. Lawyers Tsatsu Tsikata, Tony Lithur – deadly combination with Baasit Bamba. For 8 months he (Dr Bawumia) never lost his cool. He had his composure and defended the NPP’s position.â
According to him, “if the NPP opens nomination, and his Excellency the Vice President says he will run, I (will support him),” adding that “I think he will make a great president.”
The NLA boss has however entreated the Vice President to brace himself for intense âgrillingâ should he decide to declare his presidential ambition.
In his view, this is because âhe (would) compete against strong and capable people in the party.â
Former Trade Minister, John Alan Kyerematen, former Agric Minister, Dr Afriyie Akoto, former Minister of Energy, Boakye Agyarko, Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Presidential Spokesperson and General Secretary of the party, Kwabena Agyepong, former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Joe Ghartey, who is also the MP for Essikado-Ketan; a former MP for Mampong, Francis Addai-Nimoh, and a former Minister of State, Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, who is also a former MP for Offinso North, have all declared their intention to contest for the NPP presidential primaries to help break the 8-year-cycle.
The ruling party has announced that nominations for the Presidential primaries will open on May 26, 2023 and close on June 24, 2023.
On November 4, 2023, the NPP would hold its National Congress to elect its flagbearer for the next polls.
Daniel Larbi-Tieku has been named the new group chief executive officer of Enterprise Group by the board of directors.
This comes after Keli Gadzekpo retired. The appointment of Mr. Larbi -Tieku is effective as of Monday, April 3, 2023.
Trevor Trefgarne, who has held the position for 25 years, is stepping down and will be replaced by Mr. Gadzekpo as Chairman of the Group Board for the Enterprise Group. On the board, Mr. Trefgarne will continue to serve.
Mr. Larbi-Tieku is a Chartered accountant with over 30 yearsâ experience in Finance, Corporate Strategy, Risk Management, Audit and Control, Regulatory Compliance and good appreciation of insurance underwriting, product pricing and actuarial valuations.
He joined Enterprise Life Assurance as General Manager, Finance, in April 2011 and was promoted to the position of Group Chief Finance Officer for Enterprise Group in May 2016. In May 2020, Daniel was promoted again to the position of Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer.
Prior to joining Enterprise Group, he worked with Ayew Agyeman Turkson & Co, a Chartered Accounting firm and Osei Wiredu and Associates. He moved to UK to pursue his professional accounting qualification. While in the UK, he worked with several companies including Asante Wiredu and Partners, a Chartered Accounting firm based in London and undertook a number of training programs.
He returned to Ghana and joined The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ghana as a Management Accountant. He enrolled on the Coca-Cola Fast 1 programme for key Talents in Casablanca, Morocco and was promoted to the role of Finance Director in 2000.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Larbi-Tieku said he is humbled and grateful to the Board for the confidence reposed in him to lead the Enterprise Group.
He said âI accept in humility to serve as CEO of this great company. I am aware of the enormous task ahead, especially during the current economic challenges that this role must deal with. With the support of the Board, Management, and our hard-working Thoroughbredsâ, I am very optimistic that we shall continue to create value for all our stakeholdersâ.
Outgoing Group CEO, Mr. Gadzekpo noted that his association with the company has not ended and is excited to take up the mantle of Group Board Chairman.
âLeading the Enterprise team has been a pleasure and has been fulfilling in my working life. As I hand over the baton to Daniel Larbi-Tieku I am absolutely convinced, based on his sterling track record, that we have picked the best man for the job,â Keli Gadzekpo said.
After 23 years in service, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has stated that he is looking forward to his retirement and the transfer of power.
In a joint press conference with his Kenyan counterpart, William Ruto, Mr. Kagame stated that the ruling party was actively discussing a succession plan and that his retirement was “inevitable” while speaking in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
Mr. Kagame claimed that he was less concerned with selecting his successor than he was with cultivating a climate that would produce leaders.
“We have been having this discussion within our [ruling] party since 2010 but circumstances, challenges and history of Rwanda tend to dictate certain things,” he said.
He said his retirement was an issue that has to be discussed “sooner or later”.
“I’m sure one day I may join journalism in my old age. I’m looking forward to that,” Mr Kagame said.
President Kagame retained the chairmanship position. He has led the party since 1998.
This was not the first time Mr Kagame has talked about retirement. In December 2022, he said he had no problem becoming an ordinary senior citizen.
Since 2000, Mr. Kagame has served as the country’s president. A contentious vote in 2015 overturned the constitutional restriction on presidents serving two terms.
The president announced last year that he would run for office once more in the 2024 election to a French television station.
The parent firm of UK-based online retailer Book Depository, US-based digital behemoth Amazon, has announced the closure of the former.
After almost two decades in business, Book Depository has informed consumers that it would close its doors later this month.
It follows Amazon’s announcement that it will be restructuring its global operations and eliminating thousands of employees.
Several of Book Depository’s international clients were saddened by the news.
“We are sorry to let you know that Book Depository will be closing on 26 April 2023,” the company said.
Customers can continue to order books until midday UK time on its last day of trading, the company’s website added.
“I can confirm that we’ve taken the difficult decision to close Book Depository,” an Amazon spokesperson told the BBC.
Book Depository was founded in 2004 by former Amazon employee Andrew Crawford and his business partner Stuart Felton.
The global online book retailer, which was bought by Amazon in 2011, has offices in London, Gloucester, Madrid, Cape Town and Chennai – with fulfilment centres in the UK and Australia.
Thousands of Book Depository customers, including bestselling authors, reacted with sadness over the announcement.
“Sad to hear the news. A huge loss for all of us,” New Zealand-based author and poet Lang Leav tweeted.
“My heart breaks,” another Twitter user said.
This year, Amazon has been slashing thousands of jobs as it aims to make major cost savings.
As part of the shakeup, the company announced changes to its book business, including the decision to stop selling magazines and newspaper subscriptions on its e-book device Kindle.
In a blog post in January, chief executive Andy Jassy said a total of just over 18,000 roles would be cut across the company, including job losses in its book selling operation.
Mr Jassy referred to “the hard decision to eliminate a number of positions across our Devices and Books businesses”.
Like much of the global technology industry, Amazon saw sales boom during the pandemic when customers were stuck at home.
But more recently its sales have slowed down as consumers spend less due to the cost of living crisis.
Other companies, including Google and Facebook-owner Meta, have been grappling with how to balance cost-cutting measures with the need to remain competitive.
Gabby Asare Otchere Darko, a prominent member of the ruling New Patriotic Party [NPP], has denied any involvement in Chris Hughton’s selection as Black Stars coach.
According to numerous sources, Otto Addo, who was designated as the interim manager after Addo’s departure, was replaced by the former Premier League manager as a result of the renowned attorney’s influence.
But, Mr. Otchere-Darko denied the allegations in a statement to Asempa FM and stated that the Ghana Football Association [GFA] made the decision on Chris Hughton.
He also mentioned his friendship with Chris Hughton, saying that even though they both support opposing teams in England, they are still close.
âChris Hughton was brought by the Ghana Football Association not me. Chris and I have been good friends for a long time. He is a Tottenham fan and I am an Arsenal fan. President is a Tottenham fan and Iâm an Arsenal but we are good friends. These things happen because God works in mysterious ways of putting strange people together.
âChris is the choice of the GFA and I think that it I a good decision. When there is a vacancy anywhere, people lobby and at the time, most people thought he deserved the job. GFA also needed someone who knew the team,â he said.
Chris Hughton has signed a 21-month contract as head coach of the Black Stars.
The former Brighton and Newcastle United boss began his Black Stars journey last month, winning his debut game against Angola in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] qualifier before holding the Palancas Negras to a 1-1 drawn game in Luanda in the return game in the qualifiers.
Chris Hughton will hope to steer the side to end the country’s 41 years trophyless jinx in Ivory Coast next year in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
President Akufo-Addo has sworn into office his five ministerial appointees recently approved by Parliament.
The swearing-in ceremony which took place at the Jubilee House in Accra, was held on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.
Kobina Tahir Hammond, Minister for Trade and Industry; Mr Bryan Acheampong, Minister of Food and Agriculture; Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs; Dr Mohammed Amin Adams, Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, Osei Bonsu Amoah, Minister of State at the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development; and Dr Stephen Amoah, Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, were sworn into office.
The President congratulated them on their appointments and urged them to uphold the interest of the Ghanaian people.
He said their appointments had come at a critical time in Ghanaâs history and they must dedicate themselves to the promotion of the general well-being of the people.
President Akufo-Addo pointed out that though they had joined the last lap of the mandate of his administration, he was confident that âthere is enough time to make a difference and significant contribution to the development of our nation.â
âYour various competencies, experience and talents make this distinctly possible,â he said and urged them to help ensure that the country got back to the years of high economic growth, which characterized the period before the outbreak of COVID-19 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
âTo this end, I remind you that the quality of integrity that would permeate your work is extremely important.
âYou have to remember at all times the solemn commitment that we in the New Patriotic Party have made collectively and individually to serve the Ghanaian people honestly and competently,â he said.
In order to settle the tens of thousands of lawsuits Johnson & Johnson is facing in North America, which allege that its baby powder and other talc-based products cause cancer, the corporation has offered to pay close to $9 billion.
The healthcare behemoth declared it continued to view the allegations as “specious,” but hoped the fresh settlement offer would help put an end to its legal dispute.
The amount is a significant increase from the $2 billion it originally suggested.
Those connected to the case, it claimed, had expressed strong approval for the revised offer.
The business is dealing with more than 40,000 claims from former clients who claim that its talc-based baby powder caused cancer, some of whom claim the product included asbestos, which is known to cause cancer.
It stopped US sales of its talc-based baby powder in 2020, citing “misinformation” that had sapped demand for the product, applied to prevent nappy rash and for other cosmetic uses, including dry shampoo. Last year, it announced plans to end sales globally.
Before that decision, the company had sold the baby powder for almost 130 years. It continues to sell a version of the product that contains cornstarch.
The company has been trying to resolve the lawsuits in bankruptcy court since 2021, after creating a subsidiary responsible for the claims.
But its efforts ran into trouble after an earlier bankruptcy court ruling found the subsidiary was not in financial distress and could not use the bankruptcy system to resolve the lawsuits.
“The company continues to believe that these claims are specious and lack scientific merit,” said Erik Haas, worldwide vice president of litigation for Johnson & Johnson.
But he said “resolving these cases in the tort system would take decades and impose significant costs on LTL and the system, with most claimants never receiving any compensation.”
“Resolving this matter through the proposed reorganisation plan is both more equitable and more efficient, allows claimants to be compensated in a timely manner, and enables the company to remain focused on our commitment to profoundly and positively impact health for humanity.”
Johnson & Johnson said it had won a majority of the talc lawsuits against it. But it has been stuck with some significant losses, including one decision in which 22 women were awarded a judgement of more than $2bn.
Johnson & Johnson said it had commitments from about 60,000 current claimants to support the new settlement terms.
Marumo Gallants FC, a South African Premier Division team, claims to be attempting to settle a “financial dispute” that has left two of its staff members detained in a Libyan hotel for two weeks due to unpaid expenses.
It comes after Gallants’ game against Al Akhdar in the African Confederation Cup last month in Benghazi.
Rufus Matsena, the team manager, and Dina Dhlomo, the physiotherapist, were denied permission to leave the team’s lodging following the game because the club allegedly failed to pay the hotel bill and other expenses incurred during the stay.
In a statement, the club said they are in “communication with relevant officials to resolve the situation” and that the officials are “safe and waiting for the matter to be settled”.
According to Reuters, the South African government has stepped in to try and settle the matter.
The detention is the culmination of a trip described by the club’s English coach, Dylan Kerr, as a “nightmare”.
The team were delayed in Istanbul for three days while in transit, waiting for onward tickets to Libya to be bought.
They finally arrived in Benghazi on matchday and went straight to the stadium from the airport without their kit. The match had already been pushed back by three hours, but the hosts were not informed and arrived at the Matyrs of February stadium to find no officials and no opponent.
Despite a 4-1 defeat in Libya, Gallants finished top of their group to qualify for the knockout stages of the continent’s second-tier club competition.
But taking part in the tournament, with travel to Algeria and DR Congo as well as Libya, has strained the team’s finances to such an extent that on Sunday they needed financial support from provincial authorities to help cover expenses for their last group match against Saint-Eloi Lupopo in Johannesburg.
The club, who are currently bottom of the Premier Division, say they will not be making any further comment until its two employees in Libya have been released.
To stop bloodshed before the presidential and legislative elections in October, Liberian political groups signed a peace agreement on Tuesday.
The agreement signed by 26 political parties, according to President George Weah, demonstrates the nation’s commitment to maintaining national stability during the election.
âHistory has taught us that the risk of post-conflict countries to regress to war is extremely high. By any account, therefore, Liberia is a post-conflict success story,â Mr Weah said.
The pact obliges signatories and their supporters to uphold peaceful elections and resort to constitutional means if they are dissatisfied with the electoral process and outcomes.
Members of observer missions from the African Union, the European Union and other diplomats witnessed the signing of the accord.
The elections are expected to be hotly contested with the incumbent facing strong challenges from former vice-president Joseph Boakai of the former ruling Unity Party and Alexander Cummings of the Collaborating Political Parties.
A group that oversees the anti-doping program for international sports claims that Kenyan athletes are receiving help from local medical professionals to conceal drug violations.
Two athletes used similar explanations to explain medical anomalies, leading the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) to the same conclusion.
Eglay Nafuna Nalyanya and Betty Lempus, the runners, allegedly used fake documentation to prove they received an intramuscular injection at the same medical facility.
Last week, Athletics Kenya revealed that it had been granted $5 million (ÂŁ4 million) year to fight doping.
New demands from Kenya’s opposition leader Raila Odinga have the potential to scuttle the bipartisan negotiations that President William Ruto began on Sunday.
Once the opposition’s protests were put on hold, the two, who ran against one other in the 2016 presidential election, decided to initiate discussions over the electoral commission’s reconstitution.
The opposition’s demands that the topic also address the nation’s skyrocketing cost of living have gone unmentioned by President Ruto, who is adamant that the bipartisan negotiations should be conducted through parliament.
On Tuesday, Mr. Odinga requested that President Ruto take the conversation outside of parliament in order to address the issue of rising costs.
He said a strictly parliamentary process may not address their concerns and proposed broad-based talks akin to what led to the 2008 National Accord – a post-election deal brokered by the then UN chief Koffi Annan.
“We assure our people and Kenyans that our eyes are firmly on the ball, and reiterate that we shall go back to the people at the earliest sign of lack of seriousness by the other side,” Mr Odinga said.
The opposition chief also claimed there were attempts to tamper with the electoral servers, which he demands to be forensically audited.
The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has accused Mr Odinga of holding the proposed talks at ransom and dismissed his fresh demands as unreasonable.
Speaking in Rwanda on Tuesday, President Ruto ruled out the possibility of any agreement that would co-opt the opposition into his government.
Mr Odinga had last month launched twice-a-week protests to push for what he termed as electoral justice and action on the cost-of-living crisis.
The China Development Bank has been accepted by the Nigerian Senate as the new funder for a rail project, which is expected to cost close to $1 billion.
The route between Kaduna and Kano, the biggest city in the north, was scheduled to be funded by another Chinese lender, but it withdrew in 2020.
Eight years ago, when President Muhammadu Buhari took office, he made improving the country’s inadequate electrical grid and transportation system a top priority.
But a significant barrier has been a lack of money.
Many billion dollars in loans from China and other foreign lenders have been approved by the parliament, but the money has not yet arrived.
When president-elect Bola Tinubu takes over in May, he will inherit a raft of challenges including double-digit inflation and widespread insecurity.
According to local media, a South African pilot made a safe emergency landing after spotting a snake under his seat.
On Monday morning, Rudolph Erasmus was transporting four people from Cape Town to the northern town of Nelspruit, but he was forced to terminate the flight when he felt something cold on his body, according to Times Live news website.
“As I turned to my left and looked down, I saw the [Cape] cobra putting its head back underneath my seat,” he is quoted as saying.
The bite of a Cape cobra can kill a man in 30 minutes.
South African civil aviation commissioner has hailed Mr Erasmus as a hero, news24 website reports.
“Great airmanship indeed which saved all lives on board,” Poppy Khosa is quoted as saying.
The pilot said he was unsure if he should tell his passengers after spotting the snake during the flight. He said he didn’t want to cause a panic.
âI just said, ‘listen, there’s a problem. The snake is inside the aircraft. I’ve got a feeling it’s under my seat so we are going to have to get the plane on the ground as soon as possible,â he is quoted as saying.
At Welkom, he was able to perform an emergency landing.
According to Mr. Erasmus, engineers who dismantled the aircraft did not discover the rogue reptile.
On Wednesday, he intends to fly the aircraft once again.
In connection with a Tuesday morning car accident that claimed the lives of two pupils and injured three others, police in central Uganda have apprehended a Chinese national.
Zhao Haizhanga is accused of knocking students at Kamusenene Village along Lubaali-Bukuya Road in Kassanda District as he tried to pass a truck carrying logs, according to a statement from the police.
“He killed two instantly and injured the other three yet to be identified,” the police statement said.
The two bodies were taken to a local mortuary awaiting post-mortem.
Mr Haizhanga was detained by police as investigation on the incident continues.
Donald Trump is now formally under arrest and in police custody ahead of his upcoming arraignment.
It appears the former president, who was likely to have been flanked by Secret Service officials, entered through a more discreet entrance while at least a dozen NYPD officers guarded the front of the courthouse.
He’s the first American president to face criminal charges.
Helicopters are buzzing overhead and protesters and supporters are shouting from behind barricades.
Police are bringing members of the the media inside, a sign that the day’s main events are getting under way.
Donald Trump has just left Trump Tower and is heading to the court building in Lower Manhattan.
This is where he will be formally arrested. The journey itself is about a 30-minute drive south through Manhattan, but that time could be much less if there’s a full police escort.
About ten automobiles, with a police escort, are currently traveling into Lower Manhattan.
New York City firefighters and police are in the caravan.
It appears that all traffic has been moved off the highways, so the trip could take as short as 20 minutes.
The motorcade is seen moving south in the video taken from a helicopter, which you can see at the top of this page.
Darius Slay, a cornerback with the Philadelphia Eagles, has stated that before re-signing with the NFC champions last month, he was on the verge of joining the Baltimore Ravens.
The five-time Pro Bowler, who was a vital part of the Philadelphia Eagles squad that fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII, appeared destined to depart the city when he was given the go-ahead to talk about a trade.
Even though Slay looked to be saying goodbye to the team’s fans on Twitter, the Eagles and the 32-year-old agreed to a two-year, $42 million contract deal.
That was a significant win for Philadelphia as they look to build on their 14-3 2022 campaign, but Slay has admitted a transfer to Baltimore was in the works prior to his change of heart.
“I was almost a Baltimore Raven. This close,” Slay told reporters, holding up two fingers.
“But I wanted to be an Eagle. I stayed an Eagle because I know we were going to figure something out.
“The Baltimore Ravens were the first team that called. They offered just what I wanted. I said, ‘If the Eagles do that, I’m going to stay an Eagle.’ It was nice. I was almost a Raven.”
Slay made 40 tackles and three interceptions across the regular season last term, while his 14 passes defensed saw him tie for 12th in the NFL.
As the Ghana Premier League nears its conclusion, Maxwell Konadu, the head coach of Legon Cities FC, is under tremendous pressure.
The coach and his club had a successful first round of the 2022â23 league season, but things have not gone as well since.
In a Ghana Premier League match from Week 25, coach Maxwell Konadu and his Legon Cities FC team were defeated 3-2 by Bibiani Gold Stars.
The team has fallen into the relegation zone as a result of the loss.
Coach Maxwell Konadu is under pressure to turn things around before things deteriorate because his team is down 28 points and three points from safety.
Although the board of the club has absolute faith in the coach, he cannot afford to send Legon Cities FC to relegation.
In the next Ghana Premier League match of the team, the Accra-based club will take on Kotoku Royals on April 14.
With a 76-59 victory over San Diego State on Monday in Texas, double-doubles from Adama Sanogo and Tristen Newton helped UConn win their seventh NCAA Division title.
With their sixth consecutive victory by double digits, the Huskies completed an outstanding NCAA campaign and kept their perfect 5-0 record in National Championship games. Moreover, it was UConn’s fourth national championship in Texas.
San Diego State finished off a fantastic season by reaching the National Championship game for the first time ever.
Sanogo contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Newton led all scorers with 19 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and two steals. 16 points were contributed by Jordan Hawkins. Sanogo, a big man from Mali, was named the competition’s Most Outstanding Player.
The Huskies shot 23-of-53 from the field, along with 24-of-27 from the free-throw line, opening up a 36-24 half-time lead and never looking back.
The Aztecs got within five points at 60-55 with 5:19 left in the second half, but UConn immediately responded with a Hawkins three-pointer.
Keshad Johnson top scored for the Aztecs with 14 points, while Darrion Trammell and Final Four hero Lamont Butler both added 13 points. SDSU shot six-of-23 from three-point range.
Huskies head coach Dan Hurley said: “We knew we were best team in the tournament going in and we just needed to play to our level.”
UConn’s triumph means they draw level with Duke and Indiana for fourth-most all-time in NCAA history, having lifted the title in 1999, 2004, 2011, 2014 and now 2023.
President Akufo-Addo on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, officially opened the Alajo Astroturf after cutting the sod for the project, which is scheduled to start in 2020.
Mustapha Ussif, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Henry Quartey, the Regional Minister for Greater Accra, Alajo Mantse, the Director of the Coastal Development Authority, and others joined the President to officially commission the turf.
Speaking at the official opening Sports Minister Hon. Ussif said: ” The Alajo community has today joined the privilege list of communities with astro turf in the country. And without doubt this facility will go a long way to provide sports within the community and also offer a perfect platform for other recreational activities,”
Greater Accra Regional Minister Hon. Quartey also spoke: “The Sports Minister is here and can testify that the national team most of the players come from Zongo communities. So we want to play football here so that we can also get Partey from here.
“And get other professionals from here. I went to beg the President and Vice President that my community needs an astro turf. I was successful and the long and short of the matter is that today the astro turf has come to existence.”
President Akufo Addo lauded all those involved in completing the project.
“The facility lobbied by Hon. Henry Quartey was constructed by the infrastructure for eradication of poverty program under the Coastal Development Authority (CODA) which is headed by youthful chief executive one of your own Jerry Ahmed Shaibu. Ladies and Gentlemen as you all know football is a great passion for our people Ghanaians are not only obsessed about our domestic league and the fortunes of our national teams. Thanks to satellite tv they are also avid watchers of the great leagues of Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
According to him, the Ayawaso Central alone has unearthed several footballing geniuses “in our nation such as Anas Seidu, Mohammed Klutse, Abedi Pele, Osei Kuffour, Yaw Preko, and Mohammed Kudus.”
“We want to see more Mohammed Kudus, Abedi Peles been discovered that is why the development of sporting infrastructure around the country is crucial to this end,” he said.
Alajo XI took on a select XI which included Stephen Appiah, Jerry Akaminko, Charles Taylor, John Paintsil, Prince Tagoe, Fatua Dauda, Godwin Attram, Dan Quaye, Haminu Dramani, Emmanuel Agyeman Badu, among others.
On Monday, Americans Steve Johnson and Denis Kudla advanced while Spaniard Fernando Verdasco, 39, was easily defeated by Jason Kubler in the opening round of the Houston Open.
Kubler and Verdasco engaged in a 71-minute first-set battle that the Aussie took 9-7 in a tie-break before the latter dominated the second set and won 7-6 (9-7) 6-0 in 29 minutes.
Kubler, ranked 71st in the world, has advanced to the second round and will play Colombian Daniel Elahi Galan, who overcame Zhang Zhizhen of China 6-2, 6-3.
Johnson defeated Facundo Bagnis 7-6 (7-5) 1-6 6-1 in an hour and 55 minutes to advance to the second round, where she will face fellow American and top seed Frances Tiafoe.
USA’s Kudla also progressed with a hard-fought 6-4 4-6 6-4 victory over Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic in just under two hours.
Dutchman Gijs Brouwer won 6-4 6-4 over Aleksandar Kovacevic, setting up a meeting with big-serving fourth seed John Isner.
According to reports from Footballghana.com, attacker Isaac Atanga has joined Norwegian club Aalesund FK for an undisclosed amount.
The agents of Isaac Atanga arrived at Color Line Stadium to finish the paperwork. The player himself arrived at Vigra at 21.30.
Atanga underwent a physical examination and signed a deal with the tango jerseys there.
“This is a process that has been going on for several weeks, and it is very good to finally get Isaac in place. A fantastic boy who we look forward to seeing in our lovely orange suit in the years to come,” sports manager Bjørn Erik Melland said.
The Ghanaian attacker was acquired from American Major League Soccer side FC Cincinnati. Isaac Atanga is well-versed in Scandinavian football. He joined the Danish talent factory FC Nordsjaelland as an 18-year-old. Isaac Atanga arrived in Denmark through Right to Dream Academy.
Atanga took Danish football by storm, dominating the Superligaen. After a string of impressive performances for FC Nordsjaelland, he found himself on the radar of a number of big European teams. He was sold to FC Cincinnati after three years in Denmark. He has been on loan to Turkish club GĂśztepe since August of last year.
“We are very happy to get Isaac to AaFK. He is a young and exciting player with great speed. Isaac is a typical backroom forward or edge who can play in all 3 positions up the lane. We have good references on him both as a player and as a type,” AFK coach Lars Arne Nilsen added.Â
The highly regarded defender Jeremie Frimpong will reportedly fetch roughly 40 million euros for Bayer Leverkusen, a German professional football team.
Frimpong, who joined the team from Celtic in January 2021, has immediately established himself as a major member of Leverkusen’s defense, dashing opponents with his speed, technical skill, and defensive prowess.
With Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Jeremie Frimpong has had a fantastic season. His eight goals and five assists in 26 Bundesliga appearances attracted top clubs. In its pursuit of the quick right-back, Manchester United has reportedly taken the next step, according to Sky.
The pay station reported that the team and agents of the 22-year-old Dutchman have now held their first formal discussions.
The defender intends to move on in the summer. Manchester United is regarded as a very appealing choice.
A move for the Premier League team, on the other hand, should not be cheap. Frimpong has a current working document at the Werkself until 2025.
“I can well imagine that Leverkusen will demand around 40 million euros. I don’t think Leverkusen can keep him. I hear that the bosses would also sell it for a corresponding price,” says Sky reporter Marlon Irlbacher, assessing the situation.
“With the Brazilian Arthur, his potential successor signed at the Werkself at the weekend,” he added.
The most recent player to state he won’t be playing in the Monte Carlo Masters is Carlos Alcaraz.
The second-ranked player in the world in 2023 has already won two championships, but Jannik Sinner defeated him in the Miami Open final.
Alcaraz, who was scheduled to compete in Monte Carlo when the clay court season starts the next week, has withdrawn due to injury, joining fellow countryman Rafael Nadal.
He wrote on Twitter: “I am glad to return home after two months overseas, but sad because I concluded my last match in Miami with bodily agony.
“After visiting my doctor in Murcia today and being evaluated, I will not be able to go to Monte Carlo to start the clay court tour.
“I have post-traumatic arthritis in my left hand and muscular discomfort in the spine that needs rest to prepare for everything that is to come.”
Alcaraz’s defeat to Sinner in Miami saw him cede top-spot in the ATP world rankings to Novak Djokovic, having returned to the summit in March.
The Spaniard was previously ranked number one from September 2022 until January 30, 2023.
After two months abroad, I am happy to return home but sad because I finished my last match in Miami with physical discomfort. After visiting my doctor @drlopezmartinez in Murcia today and being evaluated, I will not be able to go to Monte Carlo to start the clay court tour. pic.twitter.com/UsJzejm1WC
Far-right Georgia congresswoman, Marjorie Taylor Greene, has compared former US President, Donald Trump’s indictment to the arrest of Jesus Chris by the Roman government.
She made the comparison while speaking to a crowd at a rally outside the Manhattan courthouse earlier today.
Talking to Right Side Broadcasting Network’s Brian Glenn, whom she is currently dating, Greene argued that Trump was “joining some of the most incredible people in history [by] being arrested today”.
“Nelson Mandela was arrested, served time in prison,” she said.
“Jesus was arrested and murdered by the Roman government.”
Reiterating that the former president was being “persecuted”, she added: “I just can’t believe it’s happening, but I’ll always support him. He’s done nothing wrong.”
The media-savvy provocateur is fresh off a widely panned appearance on CBS News’ 60 Minutes programme, in which she defended calling her political opponents “paedophiles”.
Today, the Accra Human Rights High Court handed down its ruling in the contempt action AshantiGold SC had taken against the Ghana Football Association (GFA), its 12 Executive Council members, the General Secretary, and Sheikh Tophic Abdul-Kadir Sienu.
The court determined that the GFA and its representatives were not in contempt of the court since they had not received the Injunction order of court and were not served with it.
But, the court further ruled that Prosper Harrison Addo (acting in his own capacity) and Sheikh Tophic Abdul-Kadir Sienu were accountable for remarks made in interviews and on Facebook, respectively.
The court, therefore, sentenced Prosper Harrison Addo for a day imprisonment and a fine of Gh¢24,000 while Sheikh Tophic Abdul-Kadir Sienu was sentenced for a day imprisonment and fined of Gh¢12,000 and in default 14 days imprisonment in both cases.
A day’s imprisonment means that the sentence is served once the fines are paid and the presiding judge ends his sitting for the day.
The judge ended the sitting before midday, and the fines were promptly paid by both Prosper Harrison Addo and Sheikh Tophic Abdul-Kadir Sienu.
A new law put out by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party might result in fines of up to âŹ100,000 ($108,705) for Italians who use English and other foreign language in official communications.
The measure was proposed by lower chamber deputies member Fabio Rampelli, and it has the approval of the prime minister.
Although all foreign languages are included by the legislation, it is specifically targeted at “Anglomania,” or the usage of English words, which the draft claims “demeans and mortifies” the Italian language. It adds that this is made worse by the UK’s exit from the EU.
The bill, which has yet to go up for parliamentary debate, requires anyone who holds an office in public administration to have âwritten and oral knowledge and mastery of the Italian language.â It also prohibits use of English in official documentation, including âacronyms and namesâ of job roles in companies operating in the country.
Foreign entities would have to have Italian language editions of all internal regulations and employment contracts, according to a draft of the legislation seen by CNN.
âIt is not just a matter of fashion, as fashions pass, but Anglomania has repercussions for society as a whole,â the draft bill states.
The first article of the legislation guarantees that even in offices that deal with non-Italian-speaking foreigners, Italian must be the primary language used.
Article 2 would make Italian âmandatory for the promotion and use of public goods and services in the national territory.â Not doing so could garner fines between âŹ5,000 ($5,435) and âŹ100,000 ($108,705).
Under the proposed law, the Culture Ministry would establish a committee whose remit would include âcorrect use of the Italian language and its pronunciationâ in schools, media, commerce and advertising.
This would mean that saying âbru-shettaâ instead of âbru-skettaâ could be a punishable offense.
The move to safeguard the Italian language joins an existing bid by the government to protect the countryâs cuisine.
It has introduced legislation to ban so-called synthetic or cell-based cuisine due to the lack of scientific studies on the effects of synthetic food, as well as âto safeguard our nationâs heritage and our agriculture based on the Mediterranean diet,â Meloniâs Health Minister Orazio Schillaci said in a press conference.
The inability of government to pay arrears owed to caterers with the Ashanti Regional Division of the National School Feeding Programme has led to the reminiscing of past leadership.
Speaking to the media, a member of the aggrieved party noted that they miss the administration of former Gender Minister Madam Otiko Afisa Djaba.
This comes after the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, chastised and disregarded caterers under the school feeding program who besieged the Regional Coordinating Council.
The caterers picketed at the premises demanding payment of unpaid arrears in the second term of the previous academic year.
However, the Minister turned his back on the women because he did not like how the caterers responded to his plea for calm.
Reacting to this development, Madam Dorothy Ofori Sarpong, one of the caterers stated that their concerns were never disregarded by Madam Otiko Afisa Djaba.
She lauded the former minister for her proactiveness and great communication in dealing with matters concerning the School Feeding Programme.
âWe miss Otiko, let me mention it. When Otiko was there, School feeding was not like that. Otiko, the former Gender Minister, She will pay even when you have twenty or thirty days. She will pay when the money comes and tell you that this is all we can pay now⌠as soon as the money comes, this woman will settle everybody⌠we miss Otikoâ, she said.
Madam Dorothy also shared her disappointment in the inability of the Regional Minister to meet them when their petition was submitted.
As Ghanaians celebrated President Akufo-Addo’s birthday on March 29, his name was trending on Twitter.
On that day, “Addo Show Boy,” as he is lovingly known by many Ghanaians, became 79 years old.
Ghanaians praised him for his leadership and sent him their best wishes.
They hoped for his long life and excellent health so he could keep up his good leadership.
However, new recordings showing him celebrating the milestone by cutting a cake have surfaced, and these films have once again sparked a social media frenzy.
The scene where he sought to blow out the sparkler candles on the cake is what triggered many reactions on social media.
Former National Youth Organiser for the ruling New Patriotic Party, Sammi Awuku, has waded into the conversation on the next flagbearer to lead the party come 2024 in hopes of retaining power.
Mr Sammi Awuku, currently the Director General of the National Lottery Authority, has thrown his weight behind Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who is yet to declare his intention to contest in the flagbearership race.
In an interview on Asempa FM on Monday, April 3, 2023, monitored by The Independent Ghana, Mr Awuku explained that his support for the Vice President stems from the worth-emulating values Dr Bawumia possesses. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is a very strong, tolerant and open- minded young man, he said.
“He looks into the future with courage and optimism. I’m fond of him.
“I asked him two critical questions: Why do you want to be president? He told me his major focus if he should ever become President one day is how to create a future of opportunities for young people,” Mr Awuku said.
The 38-year-old who played a vital role in mobilizing the youth leading to NPP’s victory in the 2016 general election further lauded the Veep for his unified spirit and sacrifices made for the party.
âThat politics of inclusion for me is something that is admirable. I’ve watched him move with people who had supported other candidates in the past. Someone like Fredrick Opare Ansah. Day in and day out, you see new people around him,â he stated.
Mr Awuku noted that it took bravery and discipline to come up against the legal team of the National Democratic Congress in the 2020 election petition case at the Supreme Court for eight months without losing oneâs composure.
âFor somebody, to sit there when it mattered most to defend his party’s position and resolve for 8 months continuously and facing the NDC legal team is not easy. Lawyers Tsatsu Tsikata, Tony Lithur – deadly combination with Baasit Bamba. For 8 months he (Dr Bawumia) never lost his cool. He had his composure and defended the NPP’s position.â
According to him, “if the NPP opens nomination, and his Excellency the Vice President says he will run, I (will support him),” adding that “I think he will make a great president.”
The NLA boss has however entreated the Vice President to brace himself for intense âgrillingâ should he decide to declare his presidential ambition.
In his view, this is because âhe (would) compete against strong and capable people in the party.â
Former Trade Minister, John Alan Kyerematen, former Agric Minister, Dr Afriyie Akoto, former Minister of Energy, Boakye Agyarko, Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Presidential Spokesperson and General Secretary of the party, Kwabena Agyepong, former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Joe Ghartey, who is also the MP for Essikado-Ketan; a former MP for Mampong, Francis Addai-Nimoh, and a former Minister of State, Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, who is also a former MP for Offinso North, have all declared their intention to contest for the NPP presidential primaries to help break the 8-year-cycle.
The ruling party has announced that nominations for the Presidential primaries will open on May 26, 2023 and close on June 24, 2023.
On November 4, 2023, the NPP would hold its National Congress to elect its flagbearer for the next polls.
Background details on Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia served as a Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana until his nomination as Vice Presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) by then Presidential candidate Nana Akufo-Addo in 2008.
He also ran as the vice-presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party in Ghana’s 2012 general elections and was the lead witness for the petitioners in the 2012/2013 Presidential Election Petition, which challenged the declaration of John Mahama as the winner of the 2012 Presidential Election.
He became Ghanaâs Vice President in 2017 after Nana Akufo-Addo beat John Mahama in the 2016 general election. In 2020, he retained his position as the NDC lost to the NPP in the presidential election.
