TIG Post

Author: Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • California experiences power outages due to storms

    California experiences power outages due to storms

    Over 400,000 customers in the United States are without power as a result of bicoastal storms that brought rain, snow, flooding, and high winds.

    On Tuesday, rivers in California overflowed and mudslides occurred. A state of emergency has been declared in 40 of the state’s 58 counties.

    Some areas of New York, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts have received up to three feet of snow.

    Storms on both coasts abated early Wednesday, but the damage was extensive.

    By late Wednesday morning, 189,492 customers in California were without power, according to Poweroutage.us, while another 165,249 customers across New Hampshire, Maine, New York and Massachusetts endured the same.

    The storm that swept along the north-east brought mounds of snow, downed power lines and toppled trees – one of which nearly flattened a parked car in the Bronx – and had winds recorded over 40mph (64km/h). Hundreds of schools and businesses in the region were closed.

    New York state and multiple counties in New Jersey issued states of emergency that lasted into Wednesday morning.

    In Derry, New Hampshire, a child was struck and pinned down beneath a snow-covered tree knocked over by fierce winds, the Derry Fire Department said in a Facebook post. Through a mix of chainsaws and shovels, “16 firefighters and three police officers worked for 19 minutes to free the child from underneath the tree”, the department said. The child was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

    On the west coast, where a series of storms have hit California since the start of the year, saturated soils have created hazardous conditions for residents.

    A mudslide in Placer County caused severe damage to a home sunk nearly to its roof in mud, according to the local fire department.

    California is experiencing its eleventh atmospheric river since December. The weather phenomenon happens when water evaporates into the air and is carried along by the wind, forming long currents that flow in the sky like rivers flow on land, causing heavy downpours.

    By sunset on Tuesday evening, rivers had overflowed and some roads were impassable. Workers laboured to repair a recently breached levee in Monterey County, where 21,000 people were under evacuation order.

    High winds also plagued the state. Nearly 15 million people were under a high-wind warning on Tuesday as hurricane-force winds in multiple counties exceeded 90mph, CNN reported.

    Californians on Wednesday can expect a slight respite, but it will not last long, the National Weather Service warned.

    “After this latest high-impact atmospheric river sweeps through California by Wednesday, a few days of relief from any heavy precipitation is expected,” the NWS Prediction Center tweeted. “However, the extended range outlook from the Climate Prediction Center forecasts another atmospheric river arriving next week.”

  • 2,400 Afghan asylum seekers arbitrarily detained in UAE – report

    2,400 Afghan asylum seekers arbitrarily detained in UAE – report

    According to Human Rights Watch, the UAE arbitrarily detains at least 2,400 Afghan asylum seekers.

    The adults and children detained in Abu Dhabi were evacuated from Kabul following the Taliban takeover in August 2021.

    HRW said they were living in “cramped, miserable conditions” and “stranded in limbo” with no hope of being resettled.

    The UAE denied that conditions were deplorable and stated that it was collaborating with the US to complete the resettlement process.

    More than 10,000 other Afghans who were flown to the UAE were reportedly resettled in the United States, Canada, and other countries, while another 70,000 were evacuated directly to the United States before American troops left Kabul.

    Following the Taliban takeover, Afghans were flown to Abu Dhabi and housed in two converted apartment complexes known as Emirates Humanitarian City and Tasameem Workers City.

    HRW said in a report published on Wednesday that it had spoken to 16 Afghans detained at Emirates Humanitarian City, including eight who had previously worked at some point for US government-affiliated entities or programmes in Afghanistan.

    They reported constraints on their freedom of movement, lack of access to fair and effective refugee status determination, lack of adequate access to legal counsel, inadequate education for children, and no psychosocial support.

    The detainees also described overcrowding, decaying infrastructure and insect infestations, according to the US-based campaign group.

    One unnamed Afghan was quoted as saying that Emirates Humanitarian City was “exactly like a prison”, while another described a “widespread mental health crisis among residents”.

    Under international law and UN Refugee Agency guidance, asylum seekers and migrants should not be detained for administrative purposes unless it is necessary and proportional to achieve a legitimate aim, and only in the absence of viable alternatives.

    HRW called on the UAE to release the detainees and provide access to fair and efficient processes for determining their status and protection needs.

    “Governments should not ignore the shocking plight of these Afghans stranded in limbo in the UAE,” said Joey Shea, the group’s UAE researcher.

    “The US government in particular, which co-ordinated the 2021 evacuations and with whom many evacuees worked before the Taliban takeover, should immediately step up and intervene to provide support and protection for these asylum seekers.”

    An Emirati official told AFP news agency that the UAE was providing “high-quality housing, sanitation, health, clinical, counselling, education and food services” for the Afghans at Emirates Humanitarian City.

    They also said the UAE was continuing to work with US authorities to “resettle the remaining evacuees in a timely manner”.

    “We understand that there are frustrations and this has taken longer than intended to complete,” they added.

    The US state department said there was an “enduring” US commitment to resettle all eligible Afghans, including those at Emirates Humanitarian City.

  • Pakistan: Opposition leader Imran Khan greets supporters outside his home

    Pakistan: Opposition leader Imran Khan greets supporters outside his home

    Imran Khan, Pakistan’s main opposition leader, has greeted supporters outside his home, just hours after police attempted to arrest him.

    He addressed the crowd and posed for photos with those gathered near his Lahore compound.

    He can be seen wearing a gas mask in one video. Throughout the night, police fired tear gas shells at protesters.

    According to one official, the arrest operation has been halted.

    Punjab Interim Information Minister Amir Mir said the court-ordered operation to detain Mr Khan was suspended on Wednesday to allow a cricket tournament to take place nearby, as the stand-off was causing major traffic disruption.

    He said the operation would likely continue after the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) on 19 March.

    No international cricket was played in Pakistan for six years following an attack on the Sri Lanka team by gunmen in 2009. It also took years for international players to return, and the ongoing tournament involves a large security operation.

    “We can’t afford to risk the security and safety of the PSL,” a senior police official told the Reuters news agency.

    Officers and paramilitary rangers were spotted leaving the Zaman Park neighborhood, where the house is located, with some reportedly abandoning roadblocks and checkpoints.

    Mr Khan then emerged from the building and addressed his supporters. “The people pushed back the police and rangers sent to harm Imran Khan,” his PTI party’s Twitter account said.

    The 70-year-old, who was deposed as Prime Minister in April, is accused of selling state gifts while in office. According to him, the case is politically motivated.

    On Tuesday, officers in riot gear fired tear gas shells and water cannon to disperse hundreds of angry supporters of Mr Khan at the compound. Some of the crowd threw stones and bricks.

    Police then tried to force their way into the compound to arrest Mr Khan for failing to appear in an Islamabad court.

    He has said he did not appear because of security concerns as two militant attacks had previously taken place there. The politician has offered to sign a guarantee that he will appear in court on Saturday.

    Mr Khan earlier told the BBC there was “no reason” for police to arrest him as he had taken protective bail until Saturday. He also said the government was determined to put him behind bars after previous failed attempts.

    He said the authorities were trying to arrest him to stop his party from taking part in forthcoming elections. But he added: “Whether I am in jail or not they will not be able to stop my party winning.”

    Government minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the move had nothing to do with elections and police were only complying with court orders.

    She claimed that Mr Khan was using his party workers, women and children as human shields to evade arrest and stoke unrest.

    Since being ousted from office, Mr Khan has been a vocal critic of the government and the country’s army. He has toured the country delivering fiery speeches calling for elections due later this year to be held early.

    He has kept up pressure on his successor Shehbaz Sharif with demonstrations and blames him for an assassination attempt in November in which he was wounded in the leg.

  • Ukraine invites Florida Governor to discuss ‘territorial dispute’ remarks

    Ukraine invites Florida Governor to discuss ‘territorial dispute’ remarks

    Ukraine has invited Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to visit, after the Republican dismissed the Russian invasion as a “territorial dispute”.

    Mr. DeSantis, who is widely expected to run for president in 2024, made his comments in response to questions posed to potential Republican candidates.

    According to the former congressman, the country’s “vital national interests” do not include continued US support for Ukraine.

    The remark implied that if elected president, he would likely reduce aid.

    It also aligned Mr DeSantis with former President Donald Trump, the leading contender for the Republican nomination, who has opposed US support for Kyiv and criticised the Biden administration’s handling of the war.

    Their comments show the divide in the Republican Party between isolationists who are sceptical of providing military aid and the establishment party policy of supporting Kyiv.

    In his response to a questionnaire by Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson, Mr DeSantis said: “While the US has many vital national interests… becoming further entangled in a territorial dispute between Ukraine and Russia is not one of them.”

    The 44-year-old has not officially announced his intention to challenge Mr Trump for the Republican nomination, but has been taking all the necessary steps suggesting he will do so.

    When asked the same question on whether US backing for Kyiv was vital for Washington, Mr Trump said: “No, it is for Europe. But not for the United States.”

    Ukraine’s foreign ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko criticised Mr DeSantis’s comments and tweeted his invitation to the Republican governor on Tuesday.

    “We are sure that as a former military officer deployed to a combat zone, Governor Ron DeSantis knows the difference between a ‘dispute’ and war,” Mr Nikolenko said.

    “We invite him to visit Ukraine to get a deeper understanding of Russia’s full-scale invasion and the threats it poses to US interests.”

    While studying law at Harvard University, Mr DeSantis was commissioned as an officer in the US Navy and was assigned to its legal arm, the Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps.

    His service as a JAG officer included working with detainees held in Guantanamo Bay, as well as an assignment as a legal adviser for elite US Navy Seals deployed to Iraq.

    Many Republicans, including the party’s senior leadership in the Senate, have long said defending Ukraine is in the best interests of the US.

    South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham said Mr DeSantis’ comments displayed “a misunderstanding of the situation” on the part of the governor.

    “This is not a territorial conflict, it’s a war of aggression. To say it doesn’t matter is to say war crimes don’t matter,” Mr Graham said.

    Former Vice-President Mike Pence has also called for the US to increase its support.

    But there is a vocal wing of the party – mostly in the House of Representatives – that is hesitant about the continuing aid.

    Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has supported Ukraine, but recently warned that there “can’t be a blank cheque” for the country given the scale of US debt.

    Politicians from both parties in Congress have voted in favour of Western support for Ukraine, approving more than $112bn (£92.47bn) in 2022 alone.

    The US is the largest contributor to Ukraine in terms of money spent. It pays for drones, tanks, missiles and other munitions systems, as well as training, logistics and intelligence support.

    Humanitarian aid has included food assistance, safe drinking water, medical supplies and other necessities for Ukrainians displaced by the conflict. Financial aid keeps Ukraine’s government operating by paying civil servants, healthcare workers and teachers.

    Chart showing largest donors of aid to Ukraine as percent of donor country GDP.
    Image caption,Largest donors of aid to Ukraine as percent of donor country GDP.

    Source: BBC

  • Woman given £19k over sexual harassment during Christmas party

    Woman given £19k over sexual harassment during Christmas party

    A woman who claimed she felt unsafe at work after being sexually harassed at a Christmas party has been awarded nearly £19,000.

    Shirley Lyons claimed a Starplan colleague touched her bottom, hugged her from behind without her permission, and made comments about her breasts.

    According to an employment tribunal, this constituted unlawful sexual harassment.

    Ms Lyons worked for a furniture company in Portadown, County Armagh, as a designer and sales consultant.

    The company is one of the biggest bedroom and kitchen design companies in Northern Ireland and also has branches in England.

    Ms Lyons told BBC News NI that she was “still in bewilderment” and “totally disgusted” by her colleague’s behaviour.

    “I made it very clear before I left the restaurant that I was not happy, I was really angry,” she said.

    Shirley Lyons
    Image caption,Shirley Lyons was the only female Starplan employee at the Christmas party in 2017

    Starplan told BBC News NI that it regretted “any distress caused to Ms Lyons”.

    “Starplan vehemently opposes any form of harassment,” it said.

    ‘Company failed to protect me’

    After complaining about the incident, she said she was victimised by some colleagues and that her employer failed to protect her.

    “My workplace no longer felt safe for me and I felt physically sick going into work in the mornings,” she said.

    “I stood up to behaviour that shouldn’t be happening in any workplace.

    “My manager and my employer totally failed to protect me both from the harassment and from being victimised afterwards.

    “I had no option but to resign.”

    The Portadown branch of Starplan
    Image caption,Shirley Lyons worked at the Portadown branch of Starplan

    Ms Lyons, 60, was the only female employee, along with six male employees from the Portadown and Dungannon showrooms, to attend the company’s Christmas party in December 2017.

    She said she had been “surprised and upset” by her colleague’s behaviour at the party, which also included a suggestion that they might have an affair.

    She subsequently complained to her line manager and a grievance investigation was carried out.

    ‘I’ll stand my ground and fight this’

    Ms Lyons later raised allegations of victimisation against three of her colleagues, claiming she was being ignored, excluded, threatened and subjected to intimidating and abusive language and behaviour after making her initial complaint.

    “I was threatened – I was totally isolated by the other ones,” Ms Lyons told BBC News NI.

    “At times I thought it was so hopeless – I thought: ‘What on earth?’

    “But my strength came from I knew exactly what happened.

    “I lived it, I experienced it and that was the biggest thing for me – I could tell the truth and I would be standing by that.

    “I thought if this is the treatment they’re going to give me I’ll stand my ground, I will fight this.”

    Ms Lyons’s complaints of sexual harassment and victimisation were partially upheld by the employment tribunal.

    The tribunal panel found her claim of unfair dismissal was well founded, while other lesser claims were not upheld.

    Geraldine McGahey
    Image caption,Employers must ensure staff attending work parties are safe, says Geraldine McGahey of the Equality Commission

    Ms Lyons, who waived her right to anonymity in the proceedings, was awarded £18,857.18 in compensation.

    The tribunal also found that Starplan had not put in place “any guidelines or instruction for standards of behaviour and the consumption of alcohol for attendees” at the Christmas party and that “the most senior person present was not formally delegated responsibility for supervising”.

    The Equality Commission, which supported Ms Lyons, said her case highlighted important lessons for employers.

    Chief commissioner Geraldine McGahey said work social events were an extension of the workplace.

    She added that the employer should have taken action to prevent victimisation by colleagues after it became known that Ms Lyons had formally lodged a grievance with the company.

    “Work parties and outings can be an important element of reward, recognition and team building,” she said.

    “But like any other area of work, employers must ensure everyone attending is safe and their dignity is respected.

    “If that doesn’t happen and staff have cause to complain they must be protected from victimisation.”

    Most employers realise that behaviour by their staff at work parties “reflects back on the reputation of the organisation”, said Ms McGahey.

    “So it’s really important that employers do step up to the plate and be proactive in these situations,” she said.

    Starplan said it acknowledged that the case “draws attention to key learnings and responsibilities for every employer in relation to staff gatherings”.

  • SVB collapse causes banking shares to fall

    SVB collapse causes banking shares to fall

    Banking stocks have dropped sharply again, as investors remain concerned following the failure of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) in the United States last week.

    The failure of SVB has raised concerns that other banks may also be in trouble.

    Credit Suisse shares have reached a new low after falling by 20%.

    The drop occurred after Credit Suisse’s largest investor stated that it could no longer provide the bank with financial assistance.

    By mid-morning, European stock indexes, including the FTSE 100 in the United Kingdom, were down about 2.5%.

    The FTSE 100 has fallen 6% in the past week to reach a three-month low.

    “Investors remain nervous about what might be lurking in the shadows,” said Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.

    “It’s no wonder that investor sentiment remains cautious towards the big banks given that credit agency Moody’s downgraded its outlook on the US banking system to ‘negative’.“

    Credit Suisse’s shares slumped after it revealed on Tuesday that its auditor, PwC, had identified “material weaknesses” in its financial reporting controls.

    That prompted major investor the Saudi National Bank to say it would reject calls to inject further funds into the Swiss lender.

    The wider problems in the banking sector began last week with the collapse of SVB, the US’s 16th-largest bank.

    The bank – which specialised in lending to technology companies – was shut down by US regulators on Friday in what was the largest failure of a US bank since 2008.

    SVB’s UK arm was snapped up for £1 by HSBC.

    In the wake of the SVB collapse, New York-based Signature Bank also went bust, with the US regulators guaranteeing all deposits at both.

    But fears have persisted over the fallout from the collapse and trading in bank shares has been volatile this week.

    On Monday, trading was temporarily halted in several smaller US banks as shares slumped, although Tuesday saw stock prices rebound.

    However, credit ratings giant Moody’s has warned of more pain ahead for the US banking system.

    On Tuesday, it cut its outlook for the sector to “negative” from stable, warning of “a rapid deterioration in the operating environment”.

    “The worry is that banks sitting on large unrealised losses in their bond portfolios might not have sufficient buffers if there is a fast withdrawal of deposits,” said Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown.

    “Although the biggest players are judged not to be at risk, thanks to the chunky layer of capital they are sitting on and the stable nature of their deposits, the nervousness is palpable.”

  • Edudzi Tameklo reveals why Marietta Brew and Fui Tsikata ‘refused’ Akufo-Addo’s National Honours

    Edudzi Tameklo reveals why Marietta Brew and Fui Tsikata ‘refused’ Akufo-Addo’s National Honours

    Legal practitioner Edudzi Kudzo Tameklo has explained why former Attorney-General Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong and Lawyer Fui Tsikata failed to accept National Honours from President Akufo-Addo on March 14, 2023.

    The president celebrated three groups of people at the National Honours and Awards event, from the COVID-19 heroes and heroines through to eminent Ghanaians and the group of lawyers, but his recognition was not accepted by all.

    In a Facebook post on March 14, Mr Edudzi Kudzo Tameklo stated that the former A-G and lawyer Fui Tsikata asked that some individuals be included in the list of those to be awarded as they contributed to the international boundary dispute case for which they were being honored

    According to Mr Edudzi Kudzo Tameklo, the duo’s request was not granted by the government, thus their inability to accept the honours.

    “The above mentioned individuals did ask the Award Committee to include the people they worked with during the litigation as part of the awardees. Mr Akufo Addo refused to include those individuals,” Edudzi wrote in reaction to a post by presidential staffer Charles Nii Teiko Tagoe.

    In honouring the two women, the president said these are “men and women who made sure that the maritime boundary dispute with our immediate, western neighbour, the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire ended favourably for the Republic of Ghana, thereby, ensuring that our western maritime resources, including its oil and gas potential, rightfully remained in our possession.”

    The 18-members of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) Technical Team and Legal Advisors, who were awarded.

    In 2007, Ghana discovered oil and gas in commercial quantities, and this was followed by Côte d’Ivoire staking its claim to portions of the West Cape Three Points.

    The Special Chamber of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) was petitioned to look into the matter and in a unanimous decision of Saturday, September 23, 2017 it ruled that there has not been any violation on the part of Ghana on Côte d’Ivoire’s maritime boundary.

    The Chamber rejected Côte d’Ivoire’s argument that Ghana’s coastal lines were unstable.

    Justice Boualem Bouguetaia from Algeria, President of the Special Chamber in reading the judgement accepted Ghana’s argument of adoption of the equidistant method of delineation of the maritime boundary.

    About Marietta Brew:

    She became the 23rd Attorney General of Ghana and Minister for Justice of the Republic in 2013.

    Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong was appointed by former president Mahama in 2013 and she served in the role throughout the first term of the Mahama administration.

    She is also the second woman to hold this position after Betty Mould-Iddrisu.

    She served on the Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce from 1 July 2018 for a three-year term.

    About Fui Tsikata

    The Africa Arbitration Association, wrote of Fui: “Mr Fui Tsikata is senior partner at Reindorf Chambers, the Ghana member firm of the DLA Piper Africa Group of law firms.

    He has been a member of the Ghana Bar since January 1975.

    He was one of Ghana’s advocates in the proceedings at the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) relating to the maritime boundary between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire conducted between December 2014 and September 2017.

  • Arsenal see new co-chairs, Kroenke and son Josh

    Arsenal see new co-chairs, Kroenke and son Josh

    As part of a major restructuring at Arsenal, Stan Kroenke and his son Josh have been named co-chairmen.

    Arsenal announced the changes on their official website on Wednesday, with Tim Lewis becoming executive vice-chair.

    Josh Kroenke was appointed as a non-executive director in 2013, but in recent years he has taken on a much more hands-on role.

    Lewis, a lifelong Arsenal fan, has been in the same position since 2020.

    An Arsenal statement read: “The appointments are a recognition of how our leadership structure has evolved over the past several seasons since Kroenke Sports & Entertainment assumed 100 per cent ownership of Arsenal Football Club in 2018.  

    “Stan, Josh and Tim have worked together to drive our club forward and their appointments bring clarity to our structure that reflect their roles and responsibilities and will ensure we continue in our pursuit of progress and success.”

    Commenting on the structural changes, owner Stan Kroenke said: “This is a simple evolution as part of us all driving Arsenal forward and further reaffirms our family’s long-standing commitment to this great club.  

    “Stability in football has never been more important as we move past the pandemic, and we believe this is the perfect time to formalise these roles.  

    “Our objectives and ambition will never waver – to field teams that compete for trophies at the highest level and lead our club in a way that inspires our passionate supporters around the world.  

    “Supported by our director, Phil Harris, and together with our executive team and all our wonderful people, we have an incredible opportunity to build on the values and traditions of Arsenal Football Club.”

  • Ghanaians must consume what they produce for economic progress – Prof Stephen Adei

    Ghanaians must consume what they produce for economic progress – Prof Stephen Adei

    Former President of the Chartered Institute of Marketing- Ghana (CIMG), Professor Stephen Adei, has noted that for Ghana to see economic growth, citizens must consume what they locally produce.

    According to him, economic growth is hinged on consumption, the reason developed countries have maintained their growth since they consume what they produce.

    “The wealth of nations is ultimately determined by its consumption pattern. You can see that in developed countries, they consume what they produce and export to us. Why developing countries tend to be near consumers and not producers of manufactured goods and modern services.

    If we consume what we produce, we are creating wealth for ourselves and employment. Consumption is the pivot of economic progress,” he said.

    Professor Stephen Adei made the remarks while commemorating World Consumer Rights Day on March 15, 2023.

    Since time memorial, Ghanaians have been entreated to consume what they produce and move away from their taste for foreign goods. This is the main reason Ghana’s economy is heavily-import dependent.

    Also, Prof Adei noted it has been the practice for producers to exploit consumers – an action he frowned upon. He noted that the rights of consumers must be protected.

    “There is often the emphasis on production of services and of goods but the consumer is the king. The consumer is not only the king but queen, president and the chief. It is unfortunate that oftentimes, consumers become the victim of unscrupulous producers.”

    For Prof Adei, everyone must be interested in the rights and protection of consumers, as every business and individual at a point, becomes a consumer.

    “The reality is that oftentimes, most of the consumers don’t have the capacity or wherewithal to protect themselves,” he added.

    He therefore urged Chartered Institute of Marketing, Ghana (CIMG) which was granted a Parliamentary Act 1021 to regulate the standard in marketing practice and the training of marketing professionals in Ghana

    The theme for this year’s celebration is “Empowering consumers through clean energy transitions.”

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Kow Abaka Essuman named Young Global Leader of World Economic Forum

    Kow Abaka Essuman named Young Global Leader of World Economic Forum

    Legal Counsel to President Akufo-Addo, Mr Kow Abaka Essuman, has been selected as part of the Young Global Leaders Class of 2023 of the World Economic Forum (WEF).

    His selection was made public on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. He is one of about 100 young leaders from 45 countries who have been chosen for this year’s YGL programme.

    Kow was selected as part of the Young Global Leaders Class of 2023 for his exceptional leadership in the legal profession and his commitment to promoting good governance and economic growth in Ghana and beyond.

    The Young Global Leaders (YGL) is a community of individuals under the age of 40 who are recognized by the World Economic Forum for their outstanding leadership, professional accomplishments, and commitment to society, and for their potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world by providing inspiring leadership.

    The YGL program aims to develop and connect the next generation of leaders, empowering them to create a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive world. Members of the YGL community come from various backgrounds, including business, government, academia, and civil society.

    The YGL Class of 2023 will have access to the World Economic Forum’s events, networks, and knowledge resources, as well as opportunities for collaboration and impact.

    Kow Abaka Essuman is a qualified lawyer, admitted to practice law in three jurisdictions: England and Wales, New York State, and Ghana.

    He previously worked at Ghana’s leading law firm, Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa and Ankomah, where he rose to Senior Associate in the firm’s litigation and dispute resolution practice group.

    During this time, he represented several top corporate clients, including mining, telecommunications, real estate companies, and a billion-dollar hedge fund in New York in a dispute against Argentina.

    Kow has also been involved in legal education and has worked with Web Legal Education and New York Bar Company to prepare candidates for the New York Bar Exam.

    He has lectured on the law of Trusts on the University of London’s Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree offered by Zenith University College in Accra. He has tutored students in Advocacy and Professional Ethics as a part-time lecturer at the Ghana School of Law.

    In addition to his legal career, Kow has received several recognitions for his contributions and accomplishments.

    He was selected as a Global Shaper of the World Economic Forum in 2013 and represented the Global Shapers Community at the World Economic Forum on Africa in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2015.

    In 2017, he was voted the Most Influential Young Ghanaian and was nominated as part of the Class of 2018, 100 Most Influential Young Persons of African Descent, under the United Nation’s International Decade for People of African Descent.

    In December 2019, he was presented with an Honorary Award by the President of Ghana and Chief Patron of the Head of State Award Scheme for his contributions and support towards the growth and development of young people in Ghana through the Award Scheme.

    In 2020, he won the Outstanding Achievement Award from the University of Westminster for his professional achievements.

  • Man City’s Champions League hopes dependent on defence – Guardiola

    Man City’s Champions League hopes dependent on defence – Guardiola

    Pep Guardiola explains why Erling Haaland will not be the deciding factor between Manchester City’s previous Champions League failures and their first title.

    City have been repeatedly frustrated in the Champions League, but they have advanced to the quarter-finals for the sixth consecutive year after dominating RB Leipzig, led by Haaland.

    The City number nine scored five goals in a 7-0 second-leg win in the last 16 on Tuesday, securing an 8-1 aggregate victory.

    In the process, Haaland broke a number of records, including setting a new club record with 39 goals this season.

    But these unprecedented goalscoring feats will not be enough to make City champions of Europe if they do not defend better than in previous seasons, Guardiola insisted.

    Asked if Haaland’s involvement could be pivotal, the City manager told BT Sport: “I don’t think so. The reason why is we conceded a lot of goals that we gave to the opponent.

    “We scored four goals against Real Madrid, we scored six goals against Monaco, we scored four goals against Tottenham, and all the time we were out, because we conceded the goals. We could absolutely avoid it.

    “Right now, we defended really well. The goals we have scored all the time in all the seasons.

    “But of course having someone like Erling, like Julian [Alvarez], like we had with Sergio [Aguero] before or Gabriel [Jesus], who has the instinct to score the goals… in this competition, in one moment, he can score. It’s important.”

    Haaland scored five goals from eight shots, all of which hit the target, before being substituted with 27 minutes to play, denied the chance to become the first man to net a double hat-trick in the Champions League.

    “It was five in 60 minutes, no more than that. If he played 90 minutes… I don’t know,” Guardiola said.

    “He’s an incredible guy. He has the power, the mentality, he’s a serial winner.”

  • Meta to let go of 10,000 employees

    Meta to let go of 10,000 employees

    Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, announced Tuesday that it will lay off 10,000 workers in its second major round of layoffs in less than four months.

    This makes it the social media giant the latest U.S. company to reduce its workforce this year, following cuts at Disney, eBay, General Motors, Twitter, and Yahoo.

    Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the social media company is cutting 10,000 of its its nearly 87,000 employees (roughly 12% of its workforce) over the next two months and closing another 5,000 open positions that had not been filled, bringing Meta’s total number of job cuts since November to 21,000 and sending its shares up 4% Tuesday morning.

    “Here’s the timeline you should expect: over the next couple of months, org leaders will announce restructuring plans focused on flattening our orgs, canceling lower priority projects, and reducing our hiring rates,” Zuckerberg said in a message to employees, which was also posted to the technology company’s blog.

    He also stated that Facebook’s parent company intends to fill 5,000 additional open positions. In an apparent reference to the company’s continued economic uncertainty, Zuckerberg stated that it should be prepared for “the possibility that this new economic reality will continue for many years.”

    Meta said in an SEC filing announcing the cuts that it expected lower total expenses in 2023, ranging from $86 billion to $92 billion.

    The new round of layoffs follows a previous round of layoffs announced in November, which affected over 11,000 workers, or roughly 13% of Meta’s total workforce.

  • Haaland was too much for Leipzig to handle, Rose says

    Haaland was too much for Leipzig to handle, Rose says

    According to Marco Rose, Erling Haaland’s hunger proved too much for RB Leipzig in their crushing Champions League last-16 exit to Manchester City.

    The Norwegian international ran rampant at the Etihad Stadium, condemning the Bundesliga side to a 7-0 defeat and an 8-1 aggregate exit.

    Haaland’s five-goal haul saw him tear through the Leipzig defense with a series of close-range finishes, sending the hosts to the quarter-finals.

    Rose, who oversaw the striker’s arrival at Salzburg four years ago, is well-acquainted with the attacker and agreed that his team simply lacked the answers to stop him in the end.

    “I know Erling very well,” he said. “I know his qualities. When he is close to the goal, he wants to grab one. He scored five [and] we never managed to get into the game.

    “He has had a great [game]. He scored goals with his foot and head, won second balls, [made] deep runs. It looked really simple. He took the ball from the referee. That tells you it was special for him.” 

    Leipzig had managed to hold City to a draw in the first leg, eking out a 1-1 result that gave them a potential foothold for an upset in this return fixture.

    Rose acknowledged his side never got off the ground against their far superior hosts in the end, and took full responsibility for their dismal performance.

    “We conceded the goals in a manner that makes this [a] very bitter [result],” he added. “City more than deserved their win.

    “We were especially bad when it came to defending inside the penalty area. [That] we did so in a last-16 game in the Champions League [is appalling].

    “They changed a few things in their pressing compared to the second half in Leipzig and this is something we had not expected.”

  • Missing out on meeting Julia Roberts my biggest regret, Guardiola says

    Missing out on meeting Julia Roberts my biggest regret, Guardiola says

    Pep Guardiola believes he will always be a “failure” in the Champions League, but his greatest regret is his relationship with Hollywood actress Julia Roberts.

    Guardiola’s last European title was as Barcelona coach, coming up short with both Bayern Munich and City, yet he explained how missing out on a visit from Pretty Woman star Roberts puts this disappointment into perspective.

    “I’m a failure in the Champions League, I’m sorry,” he said. “I’m going to explain a secret. Whatever happens this year in the Champions League, even if we win this Champions League or win three in a row, I will be a failure.

    “I have three idols in my life: Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and Julia Roberts. These are my three idols. For obvious reasons, Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods deserve it, and Julia Roberts as well.

    “Julia Roberts, years ago, came to Manchester. Not in the 1990s, when Alex Ferguson win titles, titles, titles and titles. She came in the period when we were better than United, these four or five years.

    “And she went to visit Man United. She didn’t come to see us. So, even if I win the Champions League, it cannot compare to the fact Julia Roberts came to Manchester and did not come to see us. My idol.

    “That’s why no matter what happens, even if I win the Champions League, it will not make up for the disappointment I had.”

    Manchester City have reached the quarter-finals of Europe’s elite club competition for the sixth consecutive season, thanks to an 8-1 aggregate win over RB Leipzig, which included five Erling Haaland goals in the 7-0 second-leg victory.

    Tuesday’s performance re-establishes City as a title contender, despite the fact that they have yet to win the Champions League, having lost in the final in 2021.

  • Keer plans to extend stay with Chelsea

    Keer plans to extend stay with Chelsea

    Sam Kerr is ready to commit her future to Chelsea, the Women’s Super League champions.

    The 29-year-old Australian striker scored the game-winning goal against Manchester United last Sunday, propelling the Blues back to the top of the table.

    She joined the Londoners from the Chicago Red Stars in 2019 and has one year remaining on her contract.

    Kerr, however, told BBC Radio London that she wants to stay longer.

    She said: “Hopefully I stay here as long as I can. Hopefully there’s a lot more goals and a lot more games and we go from there.”

    Chelsea boss Emma Hayes hailed Kerr as the “best in the business” last month and the forward is equally complimentary when it comes to her manager. 

    She added: “I have a special relationship with Emma. She gets the best out of me, as you can tell in the last two years. 

    “If you’re listening Emma, sign me up.” 

    Sam Kerr has a close bond with Chelsea boss Emma Hayes
    Sam Kerr has a close bond with Chelsea boss Emma Hayes

    The 1-0 victory over United at Kingsmeadow put Chelsea two points clear at the top, with a game in hand, as they bid for a sixth WSL title. 

    And Kerr is relishing the battle to finish top of the pile once again. She said: “It’s weird because it’s heating up, it’s getting tight, but I don’t think we’ve ever had a five-point lead.

    “So it’s weird it feels like the hardest. Last season and the one before it was two points and one point, so I’m ready for a twist. 

    “I’m ready for something to go down where it gets even tighter because it feels like there’s pressure on every game.”

    Chelsea host Reading in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday before heading to Lyon for the first leg of their Champions League last-eight clash on Wednesday. 

    They resume their quest for WSL glory at title rivals Manchester City on March 26. 

  • Colclough cracker clinches win for Chesterfield

    Colclough cracker clinches win for Chesterfield

    Chesterfield secured fourth place in the National League table with a 4-0 win over Wealdstone. 

    The Spireites took the lead 11 minutes before halftime when Paul McCallum converted a penalty after Liam Mandeville was brought down.

    They increased their lead four minutes into first-half stoppage time when Mandeville headed in Colclough’s cross.

    Wealdstone’s hopes were dashed again 13 minutes later when Sam Habergham turned the ball into his own net while attempting to prevent Andrew Dallas from getting to Colclough’s cross.

    Colclough added the finishing touch himself with a delicious 77th-minute chip after racing from halfway to complete a good night’s work.

  • Haaland scores five goals in game against Leipzig

    Haaland scores five goals in game against Leipzig

    Manchester City advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals thanks to Erling Haaland’s five-goal masterclass against RB Leipzig on Tuesday.

    The striker scored a hat-trick in the first half, including two goals in two minutes, before adding two more after the break in an 8-1 aggregate victory at the Etihad Stadium.

    With 39 goals for the season, Haaland broke Tommy Johnson’s single-season City record set in 1928-29, among a slew of new high marks as Pep Guardiola’s hosts tied their European record margin of victory.

    Also the youngest and fastest player to pass 30 Champions League goals, Haaland‘s historic numbers befitted a majestic display up front, with his latest turn destined to go down in European folklore no matter what happens next.

    Haaland was handed a stroke of luck for his first, with City awarded a dubious penalty by referee Slavko Vincic for a handball strongly protested by Benjamin Henrichs.

    He ruthlessly converted from the spot, however, and then doubled his tally just moments later when he nodded home a rebound after Kevin De Bruyne hit the crossbar.

    A first-half hat-trick followed with an air of inevitability when Haaland pounced on a parried Ruben Dias header before the break to bundle in the third from close range.

    Ilkay Gundogan ensured another name at least got on the scoresheet when he added City’s fourth with a sweeping low finish four minutes after the restart.

    Yet the game belonged to Haaland, who added another two with close-range strikes before the hour, both times pouncing after Manuel Akanji was denied.

    Haaland’s exit in the 63rd minute was greeted with a standing ovation, denying him an unprecedented double hat-trick but saving the City striker ahead of a quarter-final in which further records could fall.

    The scoring was not quite over, though, as De Bruyne would not be denied and added a sublime seventh in stoppage time for a final touch of gloss.

  • Transboundary water pollution caused by galamsey to be resolved by govt

    Transboundary water pollution caused by galamsey to be resolved by govt

    The Tano and Bia Rivers, which also flow through Ivorian waters, have transboundary contamination problems that the Ghanaian government has taken attempts to address.

    To that purpose, a powerful team from Cote d’Ivoire, led by the Ivorian Minister for Water and Forest, Laurent Tchagba, met with representatives from the Ministries of Lands and Natural Resources, Sanitation and Water Resources, Defence, and Environment Science Technology and Innovation.

    Government to resolve transboundary water pollution caused by illegal mining

    Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor who co-chaired the meeting with the Sanitation and Water Resources Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah on 14th March, 2023, informed the Ivorian delegation that there have been a lot of challenges in protecting the country’s riverbodies.

    However, government has not relented as President Akufo-Addo keeps waging war against illegal miners in the country.

    Government to resolve transboundary water pollution caused by illegal mining

    Mr. Jinapor who also spoke on behalf of the Defence Minister said that government has adopted a two-pronged approach to fighting illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’ which is the main source of pollution of the country’s river bodies.

    Government to resolve transboundary water pollution caused by illegal mining

    He mentioned the two-pronged approach as law enforcement and reformation. The Minister said this approach has led to the declaration of river bodies as red zones to mining and authorising the involvement of the military in Operation Halt, an initiative geared towards ridding the rivers of illegal miners.

    Government to resolve transboundary water pollution caused by illegal mining

    The Lands Minister further stated that although illegal mining continues to pose a threat to the country’s river bodies, he is optimistic that they will be able to come to a firm conclusion that will help resolve the issues of water pollution in both countries.

    He added that he looks forward to working closely with all stakeholders to come to grips on the matter plaguing both countries.

    Government to resolve transboundary water pollution caused by illegal mining

    The Sanitation and Water Resources Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah on her part, noted that water is very central to the well-being of people around the world and not only Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire. Therefore, it is pertinent to take up the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 6 which advocates for clean water and sanitation for all.

    She also hoped that this bilateral meeting will help both countries take cognisance of the far-reaching effects of a waterless world and make concrete decisions that will help both countries and the world at large.

    Government to resolve transboundary water pollution caused by illegal mining

    The leader of the Ivorian delegation and Minister for Water and Forests, Cote d’Ivoire in his submission expressed his gratitude for a warm reception from all participating ministries.

    He said the issue of water is important in the history of both countries as it binds them in one way or the other and hoped that together, they will be able to confer on issues and resolve the common challenge.

    Government to resolve transboundary water pollution caused by illegal mining

    Also at the bilateral meeting on the Ghana side were the Minister for Environment Science Technology and Innovation, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, responsible for Lands and Forestry, Benito Owusu-Bio, CEOs of the Minerals Commission and Environmental Protection Agency, Mr. Martin Ayisi and Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu, the Managing Director of the Ghana Water Company, Dr. Clifford A. Braimah, the National Coordinator of the Boundary Commission, Major General Emmanuel Kotia and other officials from all ministries present.

    Government to resolve transboundary water pollution caused by illegal mining

    On the Ivorian side were the Ambassador of Cote d’Ivoire to Ghana, Bernard Ehui – Koutoua, Defence Security Technical Cordinator of the National Border Commission of Cote d’Ivoire, Loua Deti Cesar and other officials.

  • Benzema to be present for Liverpool clash

    Benzema to be present for Liverpool clash

    Karim Benzema has recovered from an injury in time for Wednesday’s Champions League match between Real Madrid and Liverpool, but Carlo Ancelotti has warned Los Blancos to forget their victory at Anfield earlier this month.

    Benzema and Vinicius Junior both scored twice when Madrid thrashed Jurgen Klopp’s team 5-2 in the first leg of the round of 16 in February, but the striker’s form has dipped since then.

    The Madrid captain has gone three games without scoring in all competitions, and this season, injuries have only allowed him to play in 15 LaLiga games.

    Ancelotti claims that Benzema is ready to go for Liverpool’s visit to the Santiago Bernabeu despite missing Saturday’s 3-1 victory against Espanyol due to an ankle injury.

    “Benzema is 100 per cent recovered. He has done good work in training sessions since Sunday,” Ancelotti said at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference.  

    “He has great enthusiasm for this game. For me, for the players, for the club and for Karim, this is a massive competition.”

    Asked about Benzema’s lack of form in recent weeks, Ancelotti said: “We’re not talking about criticism. We’re talking about his condition, how he’s doing… I see him looking good, motivated and excited for tomorrow’s game.”

    Madrid became the first visiting team to score five goals in a European fixture at Anfield last month, and they have progressed from 26 of their 27 European Cup/Champions League ties when winning on the road in the first leg.

    However, with Liverpool one of just four sides to have overturned a first-leg deficit of three goals or more to win a Champions League tie, Ancelotti remains wary of their threat.

    “We have to work on our defence and what we do in the final third. We’re not focused on that first leg,” he said.

    “We’ve got our game plan, which we’re going to stick to. We’ll try to start off strongly, play with plenty of tempo and look to win the match.

    “We’re going to approach this match like its just 90 minutes, we’re not going to get the calculator out and work out how many goals we need. We can’t focus purely on defending.”

    Madrid were involved in several dramatic Champions League ties last term, including when they squandered a 3-1 first-leg lead over Chelsea before sealing a 5-4 aggregate win in the last eight in extra time in the home leg.

    Ancelotti is determined to enjoy a smoother passage to the next stage on Wednesday, saying: “Maybe people don’t see me that stressed, but of course I suffer a lot and against Chelsea, I did! 

    “Everyone played their part on that day and it was a remarkable victory. We’ve got to make sure it’s a very different game this time.

    “That’s why I said we’re not going to get our calculator out. We’re going to make sure we book our place in the next round.”

  • Wales get new captain, Aaron Ramsey

    Wales get new captain, Aaron Ramsey

    Since Gareth Bale announced his retirement, Aaron Ramsey has been named the new captain of Wales.

    In the next Euro 2024 qualifiers against Croatia and Latvia later this month, the 32-year-old midfielder, who has 78 caps to his credit, will play under his nation’s captaincy for the first time.

    Rob Page, the team’s manager, picked a 24-man squad on Tuesday, with Ramsey as its captain.

    Page said: “Aaron was the vice-captain behind Gareth and I see this as a natural progression.

    “He’s got a big opportunity to work with the young players. He’s in the right time of his career to lead the boys out and he is relishing it.

    “I’ve spoken to Aaron. He’s very appreciative of it and he’s looking forward to role.”

    Bale ended his distinguished career in January after winning a record 111 caps for the Wales men’s national team.

    Ramsey has done the job before, having been appointed Wales captain at the age of 20 by the late Gary Speed in March 2011.

    Speed’s successor Chris Coleman gave the armband to Ashley Williams in October 2012 to allow Ramsey to focus on his football.

    As well as the departure of record scorer Bale, Chris Gunter, Joe Allen and Jonny Williams have also retired from the international scene since Wales’ disappointing World Cup campaign before Christmas, where they scored only once and finished bottom of their group.

    Page has named four uncapped players in his squad for the trip to World Cup semi-finalists Croatia on March 25 and the home game with Latvia three days later.

    Midfielders Jordan James and Ollie Cooper, who were present in Qatar but not part of the official World Cup squad, both feature.

    Fulham youngster Luke Harris and Ipswich striker Nathan Broadhead are also included.

    Tom Bradshaw returns after his fine form for Millwall saw him named the Championship Player of the Month for February.

    The last of Bradshaw’s three Wales appearances came at the China Cup in March 2018, but the 30-year-old has won a recall after scoring six goals in as many games.

    David Brooks is not included after returning to the Bournemouth squad on Saturday for the first time in 529 days following his cancer diagnosis.

    Brooks, an unused substitute in the Cherries’ 1-0 win over Liverpool, was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma while on Wales duty in October 2021 but revealed he was cancer-free last May.

    Wales are sweating on the fitness of Brennan Johnson after the in-form Nottingham Forest forward was injured at Tottenham on Saturday.

    Johnson, who has scored seven goals since the World Cup, is set to have a scan on a groin strain this week.

    Dundee United midfielder Dylan Levitt and Tyler Roberts, the Leeds striker on loan at QPR, are unavailable through injury.

    Cardiff pair Rubin Colwill and Mark Harris and MK Dons midfielder Matthew Smith are also absent after being in the World Cup squad.

  • Finance Ministry issued 48-hour ultimatum to pay coupons, principals of old bonds

    Finance Ministry issued 48-hour ultimatum to pay coupons, principals of old bonds

    The Coalition of Individual Bondholder Groups and Pensioner Bondholders Forum have provided the Finance Ministry a 48-hour deadline to pay all matured principal and outstanding coupons due on the existing bonds issued by the Government of Ghana.

    The government noted that it had taken administrative steps to ensure that payments of coupons and principals of the old bonds resumed by March 13, 2023.

    According to the parties involved, at the close of business on Monday, the Ministry of Finance had not honoured the promise made to pay the coupons and principals to pensioners who have been exempted from the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme and other individual bondholders who have opted out of the programme.

    The coalition described as unfortunate, the disregard by the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, of all the basic rules that have been established to protect the integrity of the local markets and maintain sovereign credibility for Ghana.

    “At the close of business on March 13, 2023, the Ministry of Finance, led by Ken Ofori-Atta, has disregarded all the basic rules that have been established to protect the integrity of the local markets and maintain sovereign credibility for Ghana. It is most unfortunate that the Ministry continues to have absolute disregard for its creditors, in this case individual bondholders, despite prior meetings held in which we stated the need for communication.”

    In a statement signed by Dr. Joel Djangma Akwetey and Senyo Hosi, the coalition called on the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Ghana Stock Exchange to enforce the rules of full disclosure required by all issuers including the Government of Ghana.

    “We are giving a 48-hour ultimatum to the Ministry of Finance to honour its word to pay all matured principal and outstanding coupons due on the existing bonds issued by the Government of Ghana. We call on the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Ghana Stock Exchange to enforce the rules of full disclosure required by all issuers including the Government of Ghana”.

    Both Coalition of Individual Bondholder Groups and Pensioner Bondholders Forum have pledged to fight to ensure the full payment of investors’ monies and the preservation of the securities markets for the future generation.

    “We will advise ourselves if the Ministry fails to pay all matured principals and outstanding coupons due on the old bonds by the close of business on Thursday, March 16, 2023,” the Pensioner Bondholders Forum wrote in a statement.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • From an addicted ‘wee’ smoker to healing evangelist – Bishop Agyinasare’s “Saul to Paul” story

    From an addicted ‘wee’ smoker to healing evangelist – Bishop Agyinasare’s “Saul to Paul” story

    Archbishop Charles Agyinasare, founder of Perez Chapel International is one of the venerable preachers in Ghana and across the world.

    Known for his healing evangelistic ministry, the revered preacher is widely regarded as one of the foremost pillars of Pentecostal-Charismatic ministry in Ghana, shaping and impacting the lives of many.

    But the story has not always been auspicious. Before young Charles became the “Paul” he is today, he was once a “Saul”. He was given to a life of drug addiction, alcoholism, clubbing and womanizing. In his own words “he lived a life of sin, a life in the clutches of the devil.”

    At age 15, Charles was robbed of his innocence when he got introduced and initiated into a gang of miscreant chain-smokers in secondary school. He was eventually expelled from school and subsequently disowned by his father after some of his student gang members developed psychotic issues and pointed him to the school authorities as the suppler of drugs.

    Depression, despair, hopelessness, rejection slumped young Charles, making him suicidal and pushing him to take his own life. Twice, he attempted to jump off a bridge and twice, he was pushed back by what can only be described as the Holy Spirit.

    Like the prodigal son, young Charles returned home to beg his father for a second chance but addictions are not easily done with. He struggled from the addictions until he had his own “Damascus encounter”

    Watch this thrilling movie below:

  • I will not form a new political party – Kennedy Agyapong

    I will not form a new political party – Kennedy Agyapong

    New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong, claims he won’t ever leave the New Patriotic Party (NPP), even if he isn’t granted the chance to lead the political party until the 2024 elections.

    Although he has voiced complaints about unfairness in the election preparation process, he is confident that he would not abandon the political party that he has worked so hard to establish.

    “I am not ready to do that. I will make them know that I am a man. I will be in NPP and if we are fair, I will continue to serve the NPP. My anger stems from the fact that people who came to me in time past to beg me to buy pickups for the party and turn around today that they will collapse my businesses.

    I don’t talk anyhow. I was called and told that they will destroy my business but that cannot happen. I’ve hustled and they cannot destroy my sweat. I am not afraid of anyone. A man who has sold on the streets in Ghana, Germany you cannot destroy me,” he angrily said.

    Kennedy Agyapong says he will want to lead the NPP going into 2024 elections.

  • Ghana borrowed childhood vaccines from Nigeria – Ablakwa alleges

    Ghana borrowed childhood vaccines from Nigeria – Ablakwa alleges

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has alleged that the vaccines for childhood killer diseases procured by the government were borrowed from Nigeria.

    In a Facebook post on Monday, he noted that the consignment came as “a benevolent gesture which the Ghanaian government has promised to replace when it finally puts its house in order.”

    The Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service on March 11, 2023, received the first consignment of Measles vaccines, BCG vaccines and Oral Polio Vaccines.

    The source of the vaccines was not disclosed by the Ghana Health Service when it made the announcement over the weekend.

    According to Mr Ablakwa, who believes the government is being secretive, the Akufo-Addo-led government “should not be embarrassed to admit that it reached out to Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire for urgent bailout on Ghana’s avoidable and indefensible shortage of childhood vaccines.”

    Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North-Tongu

    “There is absolutely nothing wrong saying thank you to a neighbour who exhibits superior public health policies, better prioritization, and who responds positively and swiftly when you come begging.”

    “Ghanaian officials should not be concealing this fact and therefore appearing ungrateful within the comity of nations even though I acknowledge that an honest and transparent narrative from government will further expose false claims by President Akufo-Addo during his Message on the State of the Nation last week that childhood vaccine shortage was a global phenomenon,” he added.

    The North Tongu legislator insists that Ghana’s childhood vaccine crisis could have been prevented if the government had not ignored the World Health Organisation (WHO) stock-out warnings since July last year.

    Since Nigeria was allegedly able to supply Ghana with vaccines, he believes the “global phenomenon” claim by the president is a fabrication.

    “Ghanaians shall not accept fabrications, ineptitude, mediocrity & leadership failure.

    If there was truly a global shortage of childhood vaccines, how did Nigeria (despite their population) have excess supply to bail out Ghana? Why are others not in the same predicament as Ghana?” he quizzed.

    Mr Ablakwa further revealed that the Nigerian vaccines can only last for 6 weeks, hence the need for the government to find a permanent solution.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Health Service has noted that more vaccines are expected in Ghana in the coming weeks from multiple sources.

    On the other hand, the Ketu South Municipality in the Volta Region has recorded 10 cases of measles.

    Acting Volta Regional Director of Health, Dr Kwasi Senanu Djokoto, made the revelation at a time when the government is working to address the shortage of vaccines.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Arsenal clean up at London Football Awards

    Arsenal clean up at London Football Awards

    Arsenal, who are vying for the Premier League championship, swept the London Football Awards with an amazing four wins.

    As a result of his crucial contribution to the Gunners’ establishment of a five-point lead at the top of the English top flight, Martin Odegaard was named the Premier League Player of the Year.

    The 24-year-old Norwegian captain won the prestigious award ahead of teammate Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane of Tottenham, and prolific Fulham scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic.

    Odegaard said: “I just want to say thank you so much for this award, thanks to everyone who voted for me. 

    “[There were] a lot of great candidates and I think within the team [Arsenal] there were a lot of worthy winners. I just want to share it with the whole team.

    “It’s great to see the club being recognised here tonight with all the awards. 

    “I think it shows how far we’ve come as a club and what we’re doing here is really special so I’m happy to be a part of that.

    “I’m sure there’s more to come so I’m very excited for the future as well.”

    Saka took home the Young Player of the Year gong for the second season running in a category also featuring his colleagues William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli.

    In further dominance for the North Londoners, Mikel Arteta was recognised as the Manager of the Year and Aaron Ramsdale scooped the goalkeeper’s prize.

    Chelsea striker Sam Kerr was another to claim back-to-back wins after seeing off competition from Arsenal duo Beth Mead and Kim Little to be named Women’s Super League Player of the Year.

    Australian star Kerr, 29, said: “It feels amazing. 

    “It has been a big year for women’s football so it is an amazing honour to win it, especially in a year where in England the Lionesses have done so well and women’s football has been on a big trajectory.

    “Chelsea have given to me as much I have given to them, it has been a crazy journey since I have been here. 

    “From the moment I signed it felt different from anything I have ever experienced and since I have been here I have loved it and it has been a great journey.”

    The Blues completed a WSL double with 21-year-old Lauren James recognised as the Young Player of the Year.

    There was also a special prize for the Lionesses, who were handed the inaugural Power of Football Award. 

    Captain Leah Williamson proudly accepted the honour after leading her country to Euro 2022 glory last summer — England’s first major tournament success since 1966.

    West Ham stalwart Mark Noble was also recognised with the Outstanding Contribution to London Football accolade. 

    The Canning Town-born Hammers legend called time on an extraordinary 18-year career with the Irons at the end of the last season.

    All money raised on the night by the London Football Awards goes to support the Willow Foundation, which helps provide special days for seriously ill young adults.

  • Hazard plans to remain at Real Madrid

    Hazard plans to remain at Real Madrid

    Eden Hazard has made the decision to remain at Real Madrid for the upcoming campaign as the team’s misunderstood superstar holds out the slim possibility of restarting his Santiago Bernabeu career.

    In his final season at Stamford Bridge, the Belgian winger was named Chelsea’s player of the year after scoring 16 goals in 37 Premier League appearances and assisting the Blues in their Europa League victory.

    Nevertheless, after departing London at the age of 28, when he was at the height of his abilities, Hazard has endured a deplorable string of injuries that have marred his Madrid career.

    Although he has been healthy for the majority of this season, Ancelotti appears to view him as an afterthought in his plans, and there is no sign that this will change.

    Hazard has played only 98 minutes in LaLiga this term and just 297 minutes across all competitions, and he has one season left on his contract before the club can discard the €100million man.

    All the same, Hazard hopes that one year can be transformative, and he told Belgian broadcaster RTBF: “I would like to stay here. I have always dreamed of this club. I’m only waiting for one thing. That is to be on the pitch to prove that I can still play football, even if people doubt it, which is normal.

    “There is only one thing that could get me out of the spiral in which I am, and that it is to play. After months without a game, I know I wouldn’t score five goals in my first game. I need time. But at Real, we don’t have the time.

    “I see in training that I can bring something. I feel good physically. But there are other players who are doing well.”

    Hazard is destined to be watching on as Madrid tackle Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday before facing Barcelona in LaLiga on Sunday.

    Addressing his relationship with Ancelotti, Hazard said: “There is respect between us. But I’m not going to say that we talk to each other, because we don’t talk to each other.

    “But there will always be respect. I have to have respect for a guy like Carlo Ancelotti. What he represents for football, what he has done in his career. There is no problem.”

    Hazard was such a special player in his prime, that to be reduced to effectively begging for a chance to reignite his career at the age of 32 is a desperate fall from grace.

    He continues to be paid well by Madrid, but his professional pride has been jolted.

    “I’m not asking to play 90 minutes but just to feel useful,” he said. “Last season, my situation was difficult to live with. It affects me less now.”

    He claims some Madrid team-mates have urged him to move on and find a team where he would play.

    “But that’s not my option,” he said. “I remain convinced that I can bring something.”

  • Bayern, LAFC collaborate to ensure player development

    Bayern, LAFC collaborate to ensure player development

    Bayern Munich and Los Angeles FC have reached an agreement to bolster both teams’ development of young players.

    In order to develop players for both teams abroad, the Bundesliga champions and the MLS Cup winners have formed a joint business called “Red&Gold Football” with headquarters in Munich.

    Oliver Kahn, the chief executive of Bayern, claimed that the affiliation with LAFC would help the German powerhouses stay competitive against their European competitors as MLS’s caliber rose.

    “On an international level, soccer is developing rapidly, which is also evident in the transfer market,” Kahn told the club’s website. 

    “We see this partnership as an opportunity to strengthen FC Bayern in the sporting competition with the best clubs in Europe and the Bundesliga. 

    “The fact that the 2026 World Cup will largely take place in the United States, where we already have an office in New York, makes Los Angeles even more attractive. 

    “I expect a boost in quality and young talent in Major League Soccer, which will have a positive impact on our partnership.”

    LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said: “A partnership of this magnitude is the next step in our evolution as a club. We are extremely excited to work together with FC Bayern to identify and develop young talent in Southern California and beyond.

    “We believe this relationship will provide players throughout our systems with the ability to maximise their potential and see a clear pathway to first-team football.”

    The sides envisage the partnership could grow to include other clubs and development academies across the game in the future “as part of a global development initiative”.

  • Berhalter being considered for US renewal

    Berhalter being considered for US renewal

    Following an inquiry into a 1992 domestic incident involving his wife, Gregg Berhalter is still being considered for a new contract as the head coach of the United States.

    Rosalind Berhalter, who was then his girlfriend, was shoved and kicked by Berhalter in a nightclub when they were both freshman at the University of North Carolina. Berhalter confirmed in January that he was the focus of an investigation into the incident.

    It was later discovered that Danielle, Giovanni Reyna’s mother, had complained to U.S. Soccer about the event because she had been upset by Berhalter’s handling of her son at the 2014 World Cup.

    Reyna saw little playing time throughout the competition, and Berhalter indicated the Borussia Dortmund player nearly left his team because of bad behavior in Qatar.

    Berhalter’s contract with U.S. Soccer expired at the end of December, though he said he was hopeful of returning to the post as a probe into the domestic altercation was announced.

    While that investigation has concluded Berhalter did kick his wife, the legal firm that carried it out has advised U.S. Soccer there is no legal impediment to re-employing him.

    A statement from U.S. Soccer read: “Upon learning of a serious allegation of past misconduct against then-U.S. men’s national team head coach Gregg Berhalter, U.S. Soccer immediately engaged a team at Alston & Bird LLP to conduct an independent investigation into the matter. 

    “U.S. Soccer takes seriously both allegations of violence and allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards our officials and staff.

    “U.S. Soccer’s process for determining who will serve as sporting director is ongoing, and interviews are underway. The sporting director will lead the process of determining who will serve as head coach of the men’s national team. 

    “Given the investigators’ conclusion that there is no legal impediment to employing him, Gregg Berhalter remains a candidate to serve as head coach.

    “The report also identifies a need to revisit U.S. Soccer’s policies concerning appropriate parental conduct. We will be updating those policies as we continue to work to ensure safe environments for all participants in our game.”

  • Five managers in danger in the Premier League

    Five managers in danger in the Premier League

    Several managers picked up much-needed victories in yet another exciting Premier League round, while other managers found themselves in even more danger.

    After a shocking 1-0 victory over Liverpool, Bournemouth under Gary O’Neil climbed off the bottom of the standings, and Tottenham under Antonio Conte also picked up three points at home.

    But Brendan Rodgers, Patrick Vieira, and David Moyes all fell short of orchestrating a victory at home.

    We examine the five strategists most likely to be fired before the season is through.

    David Moyes (West Ham)

    A tough season at West Ham continued when they were held to a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday.

    The Hammers only sit above the relegation zone on goal difference and despite a promising 4-0 victory over Nottingham Forest last month, they have since been knocked out of the FA Cup and thumped 4-0 at Brighton.

    That inconsistency is a frustration for Moyes and may ultimately result in London Stadium chiefs deciding to dispense with the Scot.

    After the draw with the Villans, the Scot said: “At the moment, I have to say we’re a bit flaky and I have to make sure that that’s not there.

    “This season we have shown bits of that, which I don’t like.”

    Antonio Conte (Tottenham)

    Antonio Conte could turn his back on Tottenham
    Antonio Conte could turn his back on Tottenham

    Conte looked close to the exit door at Tottenham when his team were dumped out of the Champions League by AC Milan last week.

    A number of off-field issues have complicated the Italian’s tenure this term, with the FA Cup exit at Sheffield United further complicating matters for the North Londoners.

    But a 3-1 home win over Forest on Saturday calmed the storm at Spurs and Conte is seemingly happy to now continue the fight, if only until the end of the season.

    The ex-Chelsea and Inter Milan boss, 53, said: “I see the right spirit and desire to get the three points.

    “In my players, I have seen the fire in their eyes.

    “For us to finish in the top four is like winning the Premier League. It happened last season and I spoke about a miracle.”

    Patrick Vieira (Crystal Palace)

    Patrick Vieira has struggled to get Crystal Palace firing this season
    Patrick Vieira has struggled to get Crystal Palace firing this season

    Palace have been awful in the final third this term.

    In Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to City, they became the first team on record (since 2003-04) to fail to have a single shot on target in three consecutive Premier League matches.

    Palace remain winless in their 10 league outings in 2023 (five draws, five defeats) and are now only three points from the drop.

    An angry Vieira said after the loss to City: “It’s happened too many times when I’ve mentioned we should have got something from the game. I’m really frustrated.

    “We want to play in a better way, to create more chances and score goals, but the process is taking time.”

    Brendan Rodgers (Leicester)

    Leicester fans have turned on manager Brendan Rodgers
    Leicester fans have turned on manager Brendan Rodgers

    Saturday’s 3-1 home loss to Chelsea was Leicester’s 16th defeat of the season — the joint-worst record in the division with Southampton — and the first time Rodgers has suffered as many in a single league season.

    And although only Claudio Ranieri has a better win percentage (44%) than Rodgers (43%) in his 150 top-flight games in charge of the Foxes, the 50-year-old’s time in the East Midlands looks to be almost up.

    A disappointing summer of transfer activity was followed by a poor start to the season and despite an upturn before the World Cup, four defeats on the bounce have resulted in fans turning against the 16th-placed outfit.

    After the latest setback, Rodgers said: “The chanting doesn’t affect me. My focus is on the team and I will give my very best while I’m here.

    “The supporters are clearly disappointed. You want the crowd to be behind the team but this how it has been since the summer.

    “One thing we have shown is that we can fight and have resilience and that’s what is going to be needed in these next 12 games.”

    Gary O’Neil (Bournemouth)

    Gary O'Neil received a huge boost on Saturday
    Gary O’Neil received a huge boost on Saturday

    Bournemouth’s 9-0 loss at Liverpool last August resulted in former boss Scott Parker receiving the boot, with O’Neil installed as caretaker.

    O’Neil earned the position on a permanent basis following 13 points from 11 games and although there was a drop-off in results after the World Cup, a 1-0 win in the reverse fixture against the Reds has given the Cherries renewed hope of beating the drop.

    They are now level with West Ham in the table but O’Neil still has his work cut out.

    He said: “The performances in the last three games have been very good against top opposition.

    “Fine margins can’t always go against you like they had been. We have to just keep going. I know the boys still believe.”

  • I will create a new Agric Management Team if elected – Dr Afriyie Akoto

    Former Food and Agric Minister, Dr Afriyie Akoto, has announced some initiatives he will introduce should he be elected president come 2024 elections.

    Dr Afriyie Akoto noted that just as Ghana has an Economic Management Team, he will institute an Agricultural Management Team (AMT).

    According to the former minister, he will chair the team in the capacity of President. The team will be to drive Ghana’s agricultural development.

    “The AMT shall comprise seven Agric-related Ministries, namely: Food & Agriculture, Finance, Trade & Industry, Lands & Natural Resources, Transport, Local Government & Rural Development, and Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation,” he noted.

    Dr Afriyie Akoto made this known while speaking at the launch of his flagbearership campaign at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on Monday.

    He further stressed that Ghana has to prioritize agricultural transformation at the highest level of government through the implementation of a well-defined vision and strategy.

    “The investments needed to achieve sustainable food systems will be non-negotiable in my vision to transform agriculture for the prosperity of all,” he added.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Agriculture will lead Ghana out of poverty – Dr Afriyie Akoto

    Former Minister for Food and Agriculture is optimistic that the agric sector will take Ghana out of its economic woes.

    Speaking at the launch of his flagbearership campaign at the  University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) said “I strongly believe Agriculture will lift Ghana out of poverty.”

    According to him, the sector will as well “assure us not only food and nutrition security but also generate the necessary resources for the development of the other sectors including industry, health, education and infrastructural medium to long term.”

    Ghana recorded low agriculture growth in the first half of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. 

    The sector grew by 4.9 per cent averagely from January to June this year as compared to 8.9 per cent it grew in 2021. 

    Government attributed the situation to the rapid exchange rate depreciation, unsustainable debt burden, high inflation, fiscal stress and external sector shocks despite the monetary and fiscal policy interventions deployed this year. 

    This was revealed in the 2023 Budget Highlights by Mr Ken Ofori- Atta, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, at the 2023 Budget Statement and Economic Policy presentation on the floor of Parliament on Thursday 24th November. 

    Ghana is currently working to turn out the economic challenges she is experiencing.

    Meanwhile, Dr Akoto has noted that there is a new economic order emerging globally.

    “This is evident from the current economic challenges confronting the world, food, renewable energy, water and big data will drive this new order.”

    According to him, Africa particularly, Ghana has the potential to lead this new order by strengthening all sectors of the economy and culture sustainable and enrich its people.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Livestream: Dr Afriyie Akoto launches presidential campaign

    Former Agric Minister, Dr Akoto Afriyie, is launching his presidential campaign at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA).

    Dr Afriyie hopes to run on the ticket of the ruling New Patriotic Party in the 2024 general election.

    He is talking about the future of the economy.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Nyohini residents against installation of costly VRA/NEDCO meters

    Nyohini residents against installation of costly VRA/NEDCO meters

    Over the weekend, residents of Nyohini in the Northern Region hit the streets to protest against the new meters the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) installed in their homes, demanding the immediate replacement of all the new meters.

    The inhabitants are calling for an early replacement of the new meters throughout the Nyohini community because they allege they are exorbitant and expensive.

    According to the protesters’ spokesperson, Abubakari Jamaldeen, they are required to pay service fees of between GHC25 and GHC37 each time they purchase electricity.

    He claimed that “Power consumers of Nyohini have been subjected to deductions which have no basis, and in some cases, staff of NEDCO/VRA have attempted to explain those deductions as service charges. These service charges, however, consumers have been told are deducted monthly. But our checks and calculations is a telling revelation which we think should be brought to the notice of the media”.

    “Our checks reveal that each time we buy power, these service charges apply. Our question here then is, how long will the consumer in Nyohini continue to pay this high service charge which ranges between GH¢25 and as high as GH¢37 in some cases?” Mr Jamaldeen queried.

    He said the exorbitant service charges, coupled with other unexplained deductions, have pushed their electricity consumption by over 300 percent, a situation he said the community could not cope with.

    Mr. Jamaldeen said initially, a GHC50 power purchase could last residents up to a month, claiming that since the installation of the new meters, they now spend up to GHC350 per month for their electricity.

    He noted that, with the current economic hardship, the amount they spend on only electricity was extremely expensive.

    “Initially, we could purchase GHC50 worth of power and use it till the end of the month, but current hikes in power tariffs have rendered us confused as we do not know whether NEDCO/VRA in collaboration with the PURC is charging 30% as mentioned in the last tariff increment or 300%. Today, we need to buy up to GHC 350 worth of power for a whole month. This is too high considering the economic situation of our country,” Mr. Jamaldeen noted.

    He said, “if these challenges persist without any solutions, our petition here and now is that NEDCO/VRA must immediately replace all our old meters without delay”.

    The Power company started installing the new smart-prepaid in parts of the Tamale Metropolis in 2021.

  • Make Nana Ama McBrown Ghana’s Ellen DeGeneres or Oprah – Olele Salvador

    Make Nana Ama McBrown Ghana’s Ellen DeGeneres or Oprah – Olele Salvador

    Ghanaian entertainment journalist, Emmanuel Kwame Sarpong known popularly as Olele Salvador, wants Media General to transform actress and TV presenter, Nana Ama Brown into the likes of Oprah Winfrey or Ellen DeGeneres.

    According to him, this would be possible as Nana Ama McBrown is likeable and has a remarkable brand that attracts investors.

    In a tweet briefly after her move from UTV to Media General, he wrote: “I’m not too sure what the plan is for Nana Ama McBrown at Onua TV/Onua FM but I think she will best fit the ‘Ellen Degeneres/Oprah” profile or typa show. She’s likeable. & Her brand attracts all sorta products that can have her easily do these in-studio audience giveaway etc.”

    McBrown is joining the Onua brand under the Media General group.

    “Akwaabaa…. From the entire Media General family, we welcome the beautiful and amazing Nana Ama McBrown to the Onua family. You are welcome home Nana Ama,” the media house wrote.

    The two international women Olele Salvador want McBrown to walk in their footsteps have worked hard to become who they are now, just as Nana Ama McBrown who started with her “archrival” Suzzy Williams of blessed memory.

    Ellen DeGeneres

    After starting out as a stand-up comedian, Ellen DeGeneres rose to fame when her sitcom “Ellen” premiered on television in 1994.

    Nine years later, her eponymous daytime talk show first aired, making DeGeneres a household name, Forbes notes.

    In addition to the eight-figure check she gets from hosting her show, she has earned millions more producing shows like “Little Big Shots.”

    In 2021, she announced she would end her show after its 19th season, following various reports came out detailing the show’s toxic workplace.

    Since coming out as gay in 1997, she’s been an activist in the LGTBQ community, supporting to the Trevor Project, Human Rights Campaign and GLAAD.

    Oprah Winfrey

    Oprah Winfrey has transitioned her hit talk show, which ran for 25 years, into a media and business empire.

    According to Forbes, she reinvested the profits from her show plus profits from films like The Color Purple, Beloved and Selma (which her Harpo Productions coproduced) add up to more than $2 billion.

    In 2011, Winfrey launched cable channel OWN. Her 25.5% of the network is worth more than $65 million.

    The ‘Oprah effect’ has spread to Weight Watchers: she bought a 10% stake in 2015 (since lowered to 7%) and acts as a brand ambassador.

    In March 2020, she returned to the small screen on Apple TV+ for an interview show about Covid-19 as part of her multiyear pact with the streamer.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • UNIDO to support MSMEs with $3.9m

    UNIDO to support MSMEs with $3.9m

    A $3.9 million program has been established by the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to scale up Ghana’s national initiatives for the development of Micro, Small and Medium Sized Businesses (MSMEs).

    The project “Expanding the Kaizen Initiatives by Improving Sustainable Agri-Business,” financed by the government of Japan, aims to sustainably and continuously increase the quality and productivity of enterprises in Ghana. It is being implemented jointly by UNIDO and the GEA.

    Developing appropriate enterprise performance management skills is essential for MSMEs and businesses to grow sustainably, according to project manager Marin Mizuno.

    “In this difficult time, the only control at our disposal is our own internal resources, which we can maximize to improve enterprise performance. And in this regard, I strongly believe that the Kaizen approach, which leverages on the efficiency of internal resources, is the perfect tool for MSMEs to cope with the current difficulties,” he said.

    He emphasised that UNIDO’s Smart and Sustainable Agri-business, an innovative enterprise performance management tool which leverages on digital solutions to productivity improvement will contribute to modernising enterprise performance management in the MSMEs space.

    Coordinator for Economic Cooperation of the Embassy of Japan in Ghana, Tetsuya Imaoka, revealed the philosophy of Kaizen is to improve the enterprise performance by maximising the efficiency with the available resources, rather than resorting to huge capital investment.

    UNIDO announces $3.9m support project for MSMEs

    “I believe Japanese technology, experience and wisdom through a variety of methodologies and approaches is exactly what is needed in Ghana, especially for micro, small and medium enterprises as we go through a very difficult time”, he stated

    The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Enterprises Agency, Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, stated that the project is going to stimulate the National Expansion Drive for MSMEs with emphasis on production, efficiency, food safety and compliance to make them more efficient and competitive.

    “We are committed, prepared and well-positioned to partner with UNIDO to ensure the smooth commencement and successful implementation of the project”, she maintained.

    UNIDO announces $3.9m support project for MSMEs

    MSMEs who meet the selection requirement would be selected for Kaizen and SSAB training. The selected MSMEs will also benefit from the capital investment component of the project.

    The ‘Call for Proposal’ for this programme will be open until April 30, for the enterprises to apply.

    The selection will be duly conducted for the final nomination of the enterprises to be supported under the programme.

  • Fafali Dumehasi announces retirement from international football

    Fafali Dumehasi announces retirement from international football

    Fafali Dumehasi, the vice captain of the Black Queens, has announced her retirement from international football and will not play for the national team again.

    After more than seven years in the national shirt, the goalie announces her retirement from international football.

    Fafali who also played for Police Ladies Football Club announced her decision on Friday, March 10.

    “I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Ghana Football Association for the opportunity granted me to exhibit my talent and also to serve the Country” Fali said on Friday.

    ”I’m very grateful and wish to announce my retirement from the National Team, the astute shot stopper stated in a letter addressed to the General secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo.

    She also expressed gratitude to her coaches and teammates both at club level and national side for making her career a fruitful one.

    The goalkeeper who has already had stints with the Black Maidens and Princesses made her senior debut in 2014 in an International friendly against Japan and was an integral member of the Black Queens squad that won the 2015 All African games, where Ghana emerged as winners.

    Fafali has also featured in three major African Women Cup Of Nations (AWCON) tournaments and was in post for Ghana during the Turkish Cup in Turkey, Aisha Buhari Cup in Nigeria, AWCON 2022 qualifiers and also an International friendly against Morocco prior to her retirement.

    She is currently part of the Technical team of Police Ladies and has hinted on venturing into full time coaching.

  • Afcon 2023: Angola is no match for Black Stars – Ghana Supporters Union

    Afcon 2023: Angola is no match for Black Stars – Ghana Supporters Union

    Ghana is predicted to beat Angola at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on March 23, 2023.

    According to the Ghana Supporters Union, the current team under the leadership of head coach Chris Hughton is well-equipped to face any opponent.

  • Afcon 2023: Inaki Williams to make debut for Ghana after nationality switch

    Afcon 2023: Inaki Williams to make debut for Ghana after nationality switch

    After switching to play with the Black Stars last year, Iaki Williams will be making his debut in Ghana.

    The Athletic Bilbao forward has been included in Chris Hughton’s 25-man squad for this month’s qualifier against Angola for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

    Prior to the rematch in Luanda, Ghana will play the Palancas Negras in the opening match on March 23, 2023, at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

    The striker from Spain is anticipated to play in both contests, though.

    This is will be the first time he is playing on Ghanaian soil and also in front of the home fans in Kumasi.

    More so, the highly-rated footballer is yet to score his first international goal for Ghana and getting it against Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium will surely be one that will forever be remembered.

    In July 2022, he confirmed he has chosen to represent Ghana at the international level and received his maiden invitation in November for friendlies against Brazil and Nicaragua.

    He was later selected for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar after being named in the final squad list. He played all games as Ghana exited after the group stages.

    Williams has been in decent form for Bilbao in the Spanish Primera La Liga this season having scored times and provided two assists in 23 appearances.

  • NSA to reward fans who purchase ticket ahead of Ghana vs Angola game

    NSA to reward fans who purchase ticket ahead of Ghana vs Angola game

    The National Sports Authority’s Director General, Prof. Peter Twumasi, has stated that supporters will receive rewards for buying tickets ahead of the Black Stars‘ match against Angola later this month.

    Ahead of the game, NSA has introduced what it calls ‘Early Bird Buyers’ in Ghana’s game against Angola in Kumasi to reduce the pressure on networks and demand for online tickets on the matchday.

    “We are introducing some reforms such that, the people can really have advanced ticket purchasing and that’s something that had not been done,” Prof Twumasi told Kumasi-based LUV FM.

    “Probably we need to motivate those who want to buy the tickets far in advance. Now, we are bringing out variations in pricing so people who will buy the tickets before the match will have discounts, very huge.”

    “So those who will be buying the tickets before the matchday will have a huge discount and then on the match day, the price will go up a little bit. So we are encouraging more people to take advantage of this and buy their tickets before the game. The problem comes when they are there buying and we are also using the system for scanning so we want to reduce that,’’ he said.

    The third matchday of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] qualifications will include matches between Ghana and Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium on March 23.

    The NSA also introduced the electronic ticketing system. Initial difficulties existed, but they have been resolved.

    Following a 3-0 victory over Madagascar and a 1-1 draw with the Central African Republic in June of last year, Ghana and Angola are tied for first place in Group E with 4 points each.

    In four days in Luanda, the Black Stars will honor the reverse match.

  • Kingsford Boakye Yiadom joins AC Milan

    Kingsford Boakye Yiadom joins AC Milan

    Ghanaian teenager Kingsford Boakye Yiadom has been signed by Italian powerhouse AC Milan.

    Following a strong showing, the 18-year-old transfers from MSK Zilina Africa to the Serie A team.

    The highly anticipated Boakye-Yiadom will start with the U-19 team to build a reputation before transferring to the first team.

    Last Tuesday, the young Ghanaian player left Ghana to complete a long-term transfer to the seven-time European Champions.

    Kingsford is looking ever ready to explore football at the highest level, reason he is joining the heavyweights without any trials, having signed a pre-contract and passed the first phase of his medicals here in Ghana.

    He was part of the Black Satellites squad that staged a double triumph of clinching both the WAFU Zone B Championship and the Africa Youth Championship in December 2020 and March 2021 respectively.

  • De Gea wants refereeing consistency after red against Casemiro

    De Gea wants refereeing consistency after red against Casemiro

    After Manchester United’s Casemiro was sent off in their 0-0 draw with Southampton, David de Gea pleaded for “more consistency” from referees.

    After losing to Liverpool 7-0 last week, United was unable to turn things around in the Premier League.

    Particularly after Casemiro became the first United player to receive two red cards in the same league season since Nemanja Vidic in 2013–14, they played much of their home game against the bottom-placed team on the back foot.

    Anthony Taylor initially booked Casemiro for his challenge on Carlos Alcaraz, but VAR directed the referee to check the pitch-side monitor.

    Having looked at replays that showed Casemiro going over the top of the ball and sending his studs high into Alcaraz’s leg, Taylor changed his decision and showed the Brazil midfielder a red.

    United claimed a point despite Southampton attempting 17 shots, with De Gea called into action to preserve their clean sheet on several occasions.

    Speaking to Sky Sports, De Gea said: “It should be a game to win today, but the game changed when we lost a man in the team.

    “We tried our best to score, but it was difficult. They had some chances, but in the end we showed good team spirit. We have to take the point and keep going.

    “I think Casemiro was unlucky. He tried to touch the ball and his foot came up high. I think the referees need to show more consistency. Sometimes they show a red card, and sometimes they don’t.”

    Casemiro is now set to miss the next four domestic games for United. He will be unavailable for the FA Cup quarter-final with Fulham as well as Premier League clashes with Newcastle United, Brentford and Everton.

    “It’s going to be tough, he’s a big player,” De Gea said. “We will miss him for four games, but we have a big squad. We have players coming from the bench who do well. We will keep working hard.”

  • Barcelona restore nine-point lead after game against Athletic Bilbao

    Barcelona restore nine-point lead after game against Athletic Bilbao

    A late VAR decision allowed Barcelona to hold on to a narrow 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao, as Raphinha continued his stellar play to reestablish the Blaugrana’s nine-point advantage atop the table.

    A spectacular equalizer from Inaki Williams appeared to have given Barca a run for their money, but it was overturned for handball, and Xavi’s team just held on under heavy pressure.

    Although having to endure adversity in the first half as well, the visitors capitalized on their survival when the in-form Raphinha scored right before the break.

    Athletic had more late chances after Williams’ goal was disallowed, but their efforts were in vain as Barca defeated former coach Ernesto Valverde.’

    The Blaugrana were fortunate to come through Athletic’s promising first-half spell.

    Alex Berenguer prodded just off target after Jules Kounde misjudged the bounce of the ball and Marc-Andre ter Stegen came to the rescue a few minutes later, turning Williams’ strike around the post.

    Raul Garcia’s diving header from the resulting corner hit the crossbar and Barca capitalised just before the break.

    Sergio Busquets cleverly sidestepped a defender and found Raphinha in the right side of the box, with the Brazilian firing into the bottom-far corner.

    A generally cagier second half came to life in the final 20 minutes.

    After Berenguer hit the post, Williams had seemingly secured Athletic a point with an emphatic finish having been played through on goal, only for it to be wiped out for handball by Iker Muniain in the build-up.

    Nico Williams then failed to convert a tap-in, and Yuri Berchiche saw his follow-up cleared off the line as Barca somehow escaped San Mames with the points.

  • Ten Hag unperturbed as Garnacho leaves Old Trafford

    Ten Hag unperturbed as Garnacho leaves Old Trafford

    Alejandro Garnacho needed crutches as he left Old Trafford on Sunday, but Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag wasn’t overly concerned about the injury.

    Garnacho was introduced in the second half of United’s 0-0 draw with Southampton and went down hurt during the latter stages under a challenge from Kyle Walker-Peters.

    In the penalty area, the Southampton defender won possession of the ball on the stretch, but Garnacho’s right ankle looked to become wedged between Walker-Peters’ knees.

    Garnacho appeared to be in excruciating pain but continued to play until he was substituted in stoppage time as Ten Hag attempted to strengthen United’s 10-man defense.

    He was subsequently spotted leaving the stadium with the support of crutches.

    “He was a little bit limping after the bad tackle,” Ten Hag told reporters.

    “In the end they brought on another striker, a big and tall one [Paul Onuachu] and I don’t want to go for risk, we were already downsized to 10 [men].

    “I didn’t want to go with players who were [just] 90 per cent [fit]. That’s why I called him off, but I think it is not too bad.”

    United are next in action on Thursday as they go to Seville to face Real Betis in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.

    They take a 4-1 aggregate lead to the Benito Villamarin after a comprehensive win at Old Trafford in the first leg.

  • Pogba was injured taking free-kicks in training, Allegri says

    Pogba was injured taking free-kicks in training, Allegri says

    According to Massimiliano Allegri, Paul Pogba felt an adductor injury when attempting free throws in practice, which led to his absence from the Juventus team on Sunday.

    Before Juventus’ Serie A match against Sampdoria, head coach Allegri addressed Pogba’s predicament. Pogba had a difficult week.

    Since beginning a second stint at Juventus in July of last year, the former Manchester United star has struggled mightily with knee and thigh problems, playing just 34 minutes in two substitute appearances.

    When Pogba briefly participated in back-to-back games against Torino and Roma, it seemed as though he had moved over those problems. Nevertheless, he was benched for Thursday’s game against Freiburg.

    That was down to Pogba turning up late for a team meeting ahead of the Europa League tie, yet Allegri said on Saturday he would be involved against Sampdoria.

    However, that plan changed on Sunday, dealing another blow to player and club.

    Allegri told DAZN before kick-off: “This morning while he was taking free-kicks he felt discomfort in his adductor, he stopped.

    “Tomorrow we will see the extent of the damage. Tonight he could have given us a hand, but we are waiting for him, it’s a year like this anyway, these things happen in life too.

    “He must be good and strong to get up and want to return to the player he was before.”

  • Title drought is helping Arsenal score late goals – Guardiola

    Title drought is helping Arsenal score late goals – Guardiola

    Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, asserts that the Gunners are still favorites to win the domestic championship and claims that their extended Premier League title drought has helped them score late goals.

    With 11 games remaining, Arsenal’s 3-0 victory at Fulham on Sunday allowed them to reclaim a five-point lead over City in second place.

    The Gunners’ most recent victory was less dramatic than their recent 3-2 success against Bournemouth, in which Reiss Nelson scored the game-winning goal in the 97th minute, or their spectacular 4-2 comeback win at Aston Villa last month.

    Arsenal hasn’t won the Premier League since 2003–2004, and Guardiola believed this has contributed to their lengthy title drought.

    On the contrary, the Catalan sensed City lacked that desire having lifted four of the past five league titles.

    “They have many years without winning the Premier League and that gives you a little bit extra to win games in 93, 96, 98,” Guardiola told reporters.

    “That is something they have that we don’t have because we have won back-to-back, two times.

    “That’s why when people say about your opinion on the team and the season it’s after two times back-to-back and 50 points for our opponents in the first half still we are there.

    “Normally in this country when you win something a lot and you don’t start well or someone is a bit better, you drop it. You are not consistent. Still we are there. This is the best trophy and compliment that we can have.

    “I don’t know what’s going to happen at the end of the season but still they know that we want to be there and we will fight to be there and this is great.”

    The contrasting recent states of the clubs, given Arsenal’s league title drought and City’s recent dominance, has ensured Premier League favouritism has remained reserved despite the Gunners’ lead.

    But Guardiola pushed the narrative that Arsenal were the favourites, even after City beat them 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium amid the Gunners’ three-game winless run in February.

    “Still Arsenal are the favourites because they are in front,” Guardiola said. “They made an incredible first leg, they dropped a little bit but now they’re coming back.”

    Six of Arsenal’s remaining 11 league fixtures at home, but they will travel to face City on April 26. The Gunners also have difficult trips to Liverpool and Newcastle United to come and host Chelsea too.

    City also have six home games in their final 11, including hosting Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea.

  • Ten Hag displeased with red card, penalty calls in draw with Southampton 

    Ten Hag displeased with red card, penalty calls in draw with Southampton 

    Erik ten Hag lamented the inconsistent nature of the officials’ rulings after being dissatisfied with Anthony Taylor’s performance in Sunday’s draw between Manchester United and Southampton.

    As Casemiro received a straight red card in the first half for an aggressive challenge on Carlos Alcaraz, United could only manage a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford.

    Casemiro was initially given a yellow card by Taylor, but after a VAR review, it was changed to a red, leaving the United midfielder visibly upset because replays showed he won the ball before catching Alcaraz.

    It means Casemiro is the first United player to receive two red cards in a single Premier League season since Nemanja Vidic in 2013-14, and he will serve a ban of four matches rather than three due to it being his second dismissal.

    The tackle was not too dissimilar to an incident on Saturday when Ricardo Pereira caught Joao Felix with his studs and escaped punishment entirely, and this is the crux of Ten Hag’s frustration, having also seen a couple of penalty appeals fall on deaf ears.  

    “What I think is the inconsistency; players don’t know anymore what is the policy, and I think it’s all across [every competition],” Ten Hag told reporters.

    “We see it with the Premier League yesterday: Leicester-Chelsea, the VAR is not coming online. Today, it’s coming online.

    “And then it’s two penalty situations, but they don’t come online. Especially the first one, it was clear and obvious handball, so what is the policy?”

    Ten Hag was asked if he sought that clarification from Taylor afterwards, though he was seemingly dissatisfied with the outcome.

    “Of course, we talk but not a lot, so some questions we [still] have,” he continued.

    “There’s another one: inconsistent. The referee is coming in the start of the season with a policy; we are [in the] Premier League, it’s coming strong here, we want intensity [in the play].”

    Ten Hag also feels the slow-motion and freeze-frame nature of VAR reviews does not help because he believes it makes everything look worse than in reality.

    “Everyone who knows something about football, and of course, when you freeze it, it looks bad,” Ten Hag said. “But everyone who knows something about football, who was acting on top football, they know what is bad, what isn’t bad and what is fair.

    “And I tell you: Casemiro is a really fair player. Tough but fair.

    “Casemiro is across European games, over 500 games he never had a [straight] red card. Now he has two.

    “Think about that. He plays tough, but he plays fair. And also in this, he’s playing fair, same as against Crystal Palace, so it’s very debatable.

    “And if they isolate one [incident] — it’s a little bit the same as against Crystal Palace, definitely.

    “When you saw that incident, you should have sent off three or four players and not only one [Casemiro], if you’re really consistent.”

  • Ashaiman-military brutality: NPP’s Ama Daaku accuses Ghanaians of being hypocrites

    Ashaiman-military brutality: NPP’s Ama Daaku accuses Ghanaians of being hypocrites

    Ellen Ama Daaku, a member of the New Patriotic Party’s national communication team and a past candidate for women’s organizer, has criticized Ghanaians, calling them hypocrites.

    She made her claim while responding to the recent military brutality that took place in Ashaiman this week.

    Ghanaians awoke to news and tales of a dead military soldier in Ashaiman, which eventually sparked a large military swoop into the nearby towns and countryside.

    Almost one hundred men were detained during the raid, which was an effort to round up potential murder suspects.

    The swoop sparked a great deal of debate among many aspects of the nation among political and security analysts and professionals.

    The outspoken NPP communicator, Madam Daaku, responded to the demands for reparations made by former President Mahama and former and present Members of Parliament for the Ashaiman constituency by saying Ghanaians are too hypocritical.

    According to her, parents and community leaders in Ashaiman are aware of the negative traits of the local youngsters but have long remained quiet about them. Now, however, they are protesting and demanding redress.

    She continued by saying that Ashaiman hasn’t had a good reputation in Ghanaian news outlets for a very long time, but different community leaders have done nothing or very little to change that.

    According to her, when it comes to issues concerning safety and security in Ghana, there are places tagged as flashpoints, Kasoa Budumburam and Ashaiman are not exempt from these flashpoints.

    She added that the inability of parents and leaders in our communities to curb bad traits among the youth is what has led to the death and swoop in Ashaiman.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • ‘Be calm’ – GGSA tells Ghanaians after earth tremor

    ‘Be calm’ – GGSA tells Ghanaians after earth tremor

    Members of the general public have been entreated to about their normal activities despite parts of Accra experiencing an earth tremor on Friday.

    The Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) noted that there is no cause for alarm and entreated Ghanaians to be calm.

    An earth tremor with a magnitude of 2.8 on Friday, hit James Town in the Greater Accra Region. According to the Authority, the earth tremor which was slightly felt in High Street, Ridge and some parts of Accra Central did not cause any damage as it is a minor one.

     Authority has noted that it has been difficult to predict earth tremors as it is a natural occurrence.

    However, it noted that “the Authority is committed to continuously monitoring these events and informing the public appropriately to ensure public safety and minimize risk.”

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Political analyst opposes Alan Kyerematen’s presidential campaign

    Political analyst opposes Alan Kyerematen’s presidential campaign

    Political analyst Mr. Owusu Ansah is against the idea of former Trade Minister, Alan Kyerematen, becoming President of Ghana one day.

    According to Mr Ansah, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate would not be able to manage an entire economy as he was unable to effectively run a ministry.

    He said that “the one district one factory initiative was a laudable idea, and I expected them to have executed it well, but what do we see? Alan Kyerematen went there and messed things up. Alan is a disgrace to Ghana. He went to the ministry and messed things up. What is the state of the sugar factory now?”

    “To date, the Komenda Sugar Factory has not seen the light of day,” he added.

    On the current economic crisis, he said the NPP has an opportunity to turn things around.

  • 34 Ashaiman residents detained released – MP

    34 Ashaiman residents detained released – MP

    The remaining 34 residents of Ashaiman who were taken away by the military have been released, according to Ernest Norgbey, the member of parliament representing Ashaiman.

    In an effort to find those responsible for the death of Trooper Imoro Sheriff, a military officer, the military besieged the Ashaiman settlement on March 7 and captured 184 suspects in a dawn raid.

    “All of them have been released now, though we are receiving information that some families are saying that they have not seen their loved ones as of yesterday [March 9]. But I am sure as they [the military] have released the 34, everybody should be able to reach home and reunite with their families.”

    The other 150 were released on Thursday after spending a day in the custody of the military.

    The actions of the military were widely condemned but the Ghana Armed Forces in a statement said the swoop was sanctioned by the Military High Command and aimed at fishing out criminal in the community.