Music legend, Abrantie Amakye Dede, who called on the Director-General, Mr. Samuel Awuku, on Thursday 2nd February 2023, promised to treat the members of the company to some great tunes as part of his contribution to NLA’s 60th Anniversary Celebration.
As a precursor to what to expect on Valentine’s Day, he thrilled the management of NLA with snippets of his song.
Amakye Dede visits NLA
The maestro said his visit was a friendly one and was also to officially congratulate the Director-General, Mr. Samuel Awuku, on his appointment in 2021.
Mr. Samuel Awuku who was also joined by his deputy, Ms. Anna Horma Miezah, thanked the veteran musician for the visit and for supporting the growth of the NLA with his music over the years.
Mr. Awuku also appealed to Amakye Dede to use his platform to educate his fans against lotto fraud, perpetrated particularly on WhatsApp and Facebook.
He also urged him to share his experience with the youth and impart some knowledge to upcoming musicians.
Amakye Dede and staff of NLA laugh over a funny incident
Mr. Awuku, on behalf of Management, presented NLA’s 60th Anniversary chocolate to Amakye Dede.
Mr Awuku presents chocolate to Amakye DedeAmakye Dede poses with staff of NLAAmakye Dede gives a thumbs up
An ex-policeman who killed a well-known human rights attorney and two other people more than six years ago has been found guilty in Kenya and given the death penalty.
Even though the death penalty is legal, Kenya does not actually execute death row inmates.
For the June 2016 killings of attorney Willie Kimani, his client, and a cab driver, two additional ex-policemen and a citizen received sentences ranging from 15 to 39 years in jail.
On three charges, including murder, the four were all found guilty last year.
Each of the four has a 14-day window in which to contest their verdict and sentence.
Justice Jessie Lessit stated in her ruling that the evidence presented throughout the trial had demonstrated that the killings were premeditated and the victims had been cruelly tortured and executed.
On the outskirts of Nairobi, the bodies of Willie Kimani, Josephat Mwendwa, and Joseph Muiruri were discovered after being discarded in a river.
In 2015, police officer Fredrick Leliman, one of the three officers found guilty, was accused of shooting motorbike taxi driver Josephat Mwenda without cause during a traffic stop. Mr. Kimani was defending Mwenda.
Mr Kimani, Mr Mwenda and their taxi driver Joseph Muiruri were last seen on 23 June 2016 at a police station.
Their mutilated bodies were recovered two weeks later in a river almost 100km (62 miles) from the city.
Pope Francis met with young people and catechists at the Martyrs’ Stadium in Kinshasa on the third day of his trip to the DRC.
Young people from every Catholic movement in the nation greeted the Pontiff with enthusiasm.
In a nation of roughly 95 million people, where more than 65 percent of Congolese are under 25, this was a significant meeting for the pope.
It ranks among the top nations in the world for having the youngest population.
A young person struggling with unemployment, school gaps, moral decay, drug and alcohol abuse, starvation, and neglect.
“The pope is a model. It’s an opportunity for us to see a change,” said one congregant.
Another congregant said, “It’s not just the pope. It’s us young people first. We need to be at the center of our lives and at the center of our organizations. We need to take charge of ourselves.”
Francis delivered a speech with an encouraging tone. The Pope urged his audience to consider prayer as the most powerful weapon available.
My friends, do not let your youth be spoiled by solitude and closure. Always think of yourselves together and you will be happy because the community is the way to live in harmony with yourself and to be faithful to your vocation. On the contrary, individualistic choices seem attractive at first, but then they leave only a great inner emptiness. Think of drugs; you hide from others, from real life, to feel all-powerful; and in the end, you find yourself deprived of everything,” said Pope Francis.
Floribert Bwana Chui, a 25-year-old customs officer who was kidnapped, tortured, and assassinated in Goma, in the east of the DRC, in July 2007, was singled out by the pope. Due to his Catholic beliefs, he had chosen to abstain from joining the region’s extensive corruption network.
“Don’t let your life be carried away by the polluted current, be strong without ever giving in to the seductive but poisonous flattery of corruption,” concluded the Holy Father.
The papal visit to the DRC ends this Friday. He is expected in South Sudan on the same day.
An Israeli statement noted that on Thursday, four years after the nations’ connections were restored after a decades-long break, Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno officially opened his majority-Muslim nation’s first embassy in Israel.
The opening of the embassy in Ramat Gan, close to Tel Aviv, was hailed as “a historic occasion” by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration.
With a Chadian group, Netanyahu claimed to have discussed “the potential of building an embassy in Jerusalem” in 2020.
That would have been a victory for the right-winger who, since then-president Donald Trump moved the US embassy in 2018, has been pressuring international governments to establish their embassies in the city.
“We are strengthening our friendship and our common interests in pursuing peace, security and prosperity,” Netanyahu said Thursday.
Israel granted recognition to Chad after it separated from France in 1960, and by 1962, it had established an embassy there.
In response to pressure from Muslim African nations, relations between Israel and Chad were severed in 1972.
Following the 1967 and 1973 Arab-Israeli conflicts, several African nations severed ties with Israel.
However, in order to strengthen connections on the continent, Israel has recently highlighted areas of collaboration ranging from security to technology and agriculture.
Netanyahu and Deby declared the reopening of diplomatic ties during a trip to Chad in 2019.
After his arrival on Tuesday, Deby met the head of Israel’s Mossad spy agency, David Barnea.
The Mossad “has played a central role in formulating the agreement and strengthening relations between the two countries,” a statement from the Israeli prime minister’s office said.
One of the world’s poorest countries, Chad is not an Arab League member state but belongs to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Netanyahu has made broadening Israelis ties across the Arab and Muslim world a foreign policy
Following negotiations in Khartoum, Israel’s foreign minister declared that Israel and Sudan would soon sign a “historic peace agreement” in Washington.
Eli Cohen claimed that during his one-day visit to meet with Sudanese President Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the agreement’s language was finalized.
Sudan agreed to normalize relations with Israel two years ago, but a pact was never carried through.
It would be the newest member of the Arab League to forge such connections.
As part of the Abraham Accords, which were mediated by the US, the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco have formally normalized relations with Israel since 2020.
In the past, Arab League members had resisted recognizing Israel, which contributed to the continuation of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Jordan signed a peace deal with Israel in 1994 after Egypt did so as the first Arab nation in 1979.
An accord with Sudan holds particular symbolic importance as Khartoum was the venue for an Arab League meeting in 1967 where members vowed not to recognise Israel, after the Arab-Israeli war three months earlier.
Sudan’s foreign ministry said Mr Cohen and Lt-Gen Burhan had “discussed means for establishing fruitful relations with Israel” and strengthening cooperation in “agricultural, energy, health, water, education fields with special emphasis on security and military fields”.
It did not say whether a peace agreement would be signed.
The growing number of Arab countries formalising relations with Israel has been condemned by the Palestinians, who see it as a betrayal of their cause.
For years, Arab countries conditioned peace talks with Israel on its withdrawal from territories occupied in the 1967 war, and the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Speaking on his return to Israel on Thursday night, Mr Cohen said his trip had been made “with the consent of the United States”.
The visit, he said, “lays the foundations for a historic peace agreement with a strategic Arab and Muslim country. The peace agreement between Israel and Sudan will promote regional stability and contribute to the national security of the State of Israel”.
Mr Cohen said a signing ceremony is expected to take place after the planned transfer of power in Sudan to a civilian government following a military coup in October 2021.
A Social Interest Advocate, George Opoku Amponsah, wants the government to halt the planned grand celebration of the 66th Independence Anniversary to cut down the country’s expenditure amidst economic challenges.
In a petition to the Presidency, Mr Amponsah entreated President Akufo-Addo to make use of his famous “fellow Ghanaian series” to address the nation on the 6th of March as the nation prepares for the 66th edition instead.
He estimated that the country would be able to save over GHC2 million should the “fellow Ghanaian series” be adopted.
In his projection, he assumed that the 216 MMDAs across the country were each using GHC10, 000 to carry out the upcoming 6th march celebration, which would lead to a total of GHC 2,160,000.00.
Also, the petitioner noted that should 16 regions spend GHC20, 000, can amount of GHC 320 000.00 would have to come from state coffers to cover the cost.
Citing the economic crisis Ghana is facing, he implored the government to show concern about the worsening economic conditions in the country by acting considerately and appropriately.
“I am confident that the Presidency would see reason in my petition and consider same so that we can utilise our state resources prudently since what we are seeing now is a semblance of an economic crisis which does not warrant profligate spending on just a 2-hour march,” Mr. Opoku Amponsah stated.
This year’s Independence Anniversary will be held in the Volta Region.
Already, some works are being done on the Ho Sports Stadium which would host the ceremony. This comes at a time when the government is engaging local investors in order to restructure its debt.
Allegations of attempted rape, violence, and coercive and controlling behavior against Mason Greenwood have all been dismissed.
The Manchester United forward was first detained in January 2022 and then freed on bail, after which the Premier League club placed him on indefinite suspension.
Following another arrest for violating his bail terms, prosecutors filed charges against him.
Greenwood has now had all charges dropped, with it revealed back in November that a court date had been set for February 2023.
A statement from Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, Head of Public Protection for Greater Manchester Police, reads: “Criminal proceedings against a 21-year-old man in connection with an investigation opened in January 2022 have, today (Thursday 2 February 2023), been discontinued by the CPS.
“Given the significant media coverage of this case, it is only fair that we share the news that the 21-year-old man, who had been arrested and charged in connection with an investigation opened in January 2022, no longer faces criminal proceedings in relation to this.
“The investigation team has remained in regular contact with the legal team, providing any updates of note, and so understand the rationale for the discontinuation of proceedings at this stage, and that this decision has not been taken lightly.
“Despite the media and public’s interest in this case, we have decided not to comment on it in any further detail.
“I would, however, like to use this opportunity to reiterate GMP’s commitment to investigating allegations of violence against women and girls and supporting those affected, regardless of their circumstances, throughout what can be a hard and upsetting time for them.
“An ever increasing number of officers are receiving specialist training and the force is more consistently utilising tools, available via the criminal justice system, to keep people safe and care for victims.
“If you feel you are or might be a victim, please don’t let this case put you off asking for help.”
According to the electoral board of Nigeria, an attack on one of its offices in the state of Anambra in the country’s southeast resulted in the destruction of roughly 800 ballot boxes and more than 200 voting booths.
The nation’s general elections are less than a month away when the attack occurs.
Gunmen allegedly broke into the Independent National Electoral Commission (Inec) office in Ojoto in the early hours of Wednesday, according to the Anambra state police.
Tochukwu Ikenga, a police spokesman, informed journalists that the mob also attacked a police station and a residential structure nearby.
He claimed that one adolescent had died and another had been hurt and sent to the hospital.
It is the most recent in a string of assaults on the electoral commission’s offices in the area, where the Indigenous People of Biafra, a separatist organization, is active.
The security of election officials and materials in the lead-up to the polls has come under scrutiny in light of the attacks on the headquarters of the electoral board.
Prior to two weeks ago, the European Union warned that a “hostile security situation” may prevent several regions of the country from holding elections.
Such a situation would have “a lot of legal ramifications for the entire process,” according to EU official Rudolf Elbling.
Despite the instability in some areas of the country, the electoral commission has previously stated that there won’t be any delays to the elections.
Pope Francis is expected to arrive in South Sudan on Friday, and the Catholic Church there plans to perform special prayers on Thursday for his safe arrival.
Approximately a million people attended one of Pope Francis’ largest Masses, which he conducted on Wednesday in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while he is currently there.
According to Archbishop Stephen Ameyu Martin, the prayers for the Pope’s visit to South Sudan would be performed at the mausoleum of the late president John Garang in Juba.
“I want to make this announcement to all the Christians, let us come here on Thursday afternoon at 17:00 hours (15:00 GMT) to pray for the health of our Holy Father Pope Francis and for his safe arrival in our country on Friday,” Archbishop Ameyu said.
The Mass will be officiated by Archbishop Hubertus van Megen, the Vatican’s ambassador to South Sudan.
The government has reportedly sent 5,000 soldiers and police officers to the nation’s capital to serve as security for the Pope’s visit.
Martha Chizuma, the director of Malawi’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), has been placed on administrative leave as a result of a leaked audio clip in which she is purportedly heard discussing business with a person who does not work for her agency.
Her claimed remarks may have affected the outcome of those accused of corruption.
When the audio was leaked a year ago, President Lazarus Chakwera said that it was done so in an effort to get him to fire her.
With the president’s support, Ms. Chizuma continued in her position and proceeded to indict a number of prominent figures, including Vice-President Saulos Chilima and a cabinet minister, on various corruption-related offenses. They’ve refuted any misconduct.
Colen Zamba, the secretary to cabinet, confirmed her suspension on Wednesday, although some legal professionals have questioned the procedure followed.
The office of President Chakwera is silent on the suspension.
Tom Brady has declared his retirement from the NFL, and this time it will be “for good.”
After 23 seasons at the top of the sport, Brady on Wednesday announced his retirement.
The 45-year-old announced the end of his brilliant career a year prior on February 1 2022 before announcing his return 40 days later.
The storied quarterback, though, has declared that his playing days are finished after playing one final season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“I’ll get to the point right away. I’m retiring, for good,” he said in a video shared on his official social media channels.
“I know the process was a pretty big deal last time, so when I woke up this morning, I figured I’d just press record [and] let you guys know first.
“I won’t be long-winded. You only get one super emotional retirement essay and I used mine up last year.
“Thank you guys so much to every single one of you for supporting me.
“My family, my friends, my team-mates, my competitors, I could go on forever, there’s too many. Thank you guys for allowing me to live my absolute dream. I wouldn’t change a thing. Love you all.”
Tom Brady's 23-season career:
– 7x Super Bowl Champion – 5x Super Bowl MVP – 3x League MVP – 89,214 regular season passing yards (1st all time) – 649 regular season TDs (1st all time) – 13,400 Playoff passing yards (1st all time) – 88 playoff TDs (1st all time) pic.twitter.com/sW05kBRP91
Brady retires with seven Super Bowl victories to his credit, five Super Bowl MVP awards, and three NFL MVP awards (in 2007, 2010 and 2017).
He played for the New England Patriots for the first 20 seasons of his career before switching to Tampa Bay for the 2020 campaign.
Brady’s place among the all-time greats was already secure, but he provided a reminder of his abilities in 2021 by leading the Buccaneers to their first Super Bowl victory since 2003.
Only two QBs – Justin Herbert and Patrick Mahomes, who has taken the Kansas City Chiefs to another Super Bowl – threw for more yards than Brady (4,694) in the 2022 season, with the veteran tied eighth in the NFL for passing touchdowns (25).
Tampa Bay won the NFC South but lost to 31-14 to the Dallas Cowboys in the playoffs on January 16.
Brady’s 649 passing TDs is a league record, way clear of Drew Brees in second place with 571, while his yards total of 89,214 is also the best of any quarterback in history.
Only four QBs have racked up more games than Brady’s 335; Morten Andersen (382), Adam Vinatieri (365), Gary Anderson (353) and Jeff Feagles (352).
Recent Chelsea signing Enzo Fernandez, following his record-breaking transfer from Benfica, has criticised the media
Just before the transfer window closed, the Blues and the Portuguese powerhouses reached a reported £106.8 million agreement in which they agreed to pay the midfielder’s full release clause.
Fernandez, 22, has surpassed Manchester City’s £100 million expenditure for Jack Grealish in 2021 to become the most expensive player to play on British soil.
On leaving the Eagles, Fernandez wrote on social media: “I am grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, where I enjoyed every moment to the fullest and always gave my best.
“Let the press not stain what we built together because it was something wonderful that I had never imagined.
“Thanks to all the collaborators who worked hard to make the institution much bigger than it is.
“Thanks to my colleagues for always treating me in the best way and making me feel at home.
“I’m grateful to the club’s leadership and especially to [Benfica coach] Roger Schmidt, to all your staff for the trust and daily respect.”
The River Plate academy graduate joined Benfica last July but rose to prominence when helping Argentina lift their third World Cup in December, with his performances seeing him named the Young Player of the Tournament in Qatar.
Chelsea had pursued the star throughout January but a deal looked unlikely due to the Portuguese side’s reported demands over the structure of the deal.
Yet after rekindling their interest in recent days, the Blues made a late breakthrough to add Fernandez to Graham Potter’s bulging squad.
The Argentinian World Cup winner, the club’s eighth major arrival during the January sales, has been handed a deal until the summer of 2031 at Stamford Bridge.
He follows the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk and Benoit Badiashile in joining Todd Boehly’s revolution in West London.
When it comes to transfers, the Premier League will always be ahead in Europe, but Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti promises his team won’t give up lightly.
The January transfer window saw clubs in the English top division spend over a record-breaking £800 million, with a number of high-profile deals coming from Chelsea, who broke the competition’s transfer record by bringing in Enzo Fernandez.
The Premier League spent more money on player acquisition than the combined budgets of LaLiga, Ligue 1, Serie A, and the Bundesliga.
Ancelotti stated that European clubs will always lag behind those across the English Channel when it comes to spending sprees in his remarks prior to his team’s match against Valencia on Thursday. However, he added that Premier League teams will not necessarily dominate in UEFA events.
“We know what happens there,” he said. “With the television rights, they can spend higher amounts. It will continue like this.
“Europe will follow the Premier League, it gives them an advantage.
“Even so, the competition against them, in Europe, it will not end.”
Ancelotti’s side are preparing for a busy four-week period that will see them juggle matches across four competitions, including the Club World Cup.
Though Madrid are ready to rise to the challenge, Ancelotti said the congested schedule laid out by UEFA and FIFA is a pressing concern for big clubs.
“We’re in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey, the last 16 of the Champions League and the Club World Cup,” he added. “We don’t throw away competitions.
“It is a [tough] calendar. LaLiga wants to do its thing, FIFA wants to do its thing, UEFA wants to do its thing. It doesn’t let us have days off.
“The calendar is a very serious issue. We are excited to fight in all these competitions, but the calendar limit is being exceeded. We have to do something to avoid this.”
Antonio Conte, the head coach of Tottenham, will take a short break from the team to have gallbladder surgery.
Following complaints of “serious abdominal pain,” Spurs revealed on Wednesday that the Italian coach had recently been diagnosed with cholecystitis.
On the same day, he will undergo surgery to have his gallbladder removed, which will be followed by a “period of recovery.”
Spurs did not specify how long they anticipate Conte to be out of first-team duties, but he won’t be in charge of the team when Manchester City visits on Sunday.
The National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom estimates that after such a treatment, it may take up to five days in the hospital and about a month to “return to your normal activities.”
This time frame “may be doubled if you have a more manual job”.
Six days after the City match, Tottenham plays at Leicester City before playing Milan on February 14 at the San Siro in the opening leg of their Champions League round of 16 matchup.
Prior to the weekend, Tottenham is in fifth place in the Premier League, three points behind fourth-placed Manchester United despite having played one fewer game.
Antonio Conte recently became unwell with severe abdominal pain.
Following a diagnosis of cholecystitis, he will be undergoing surgery to remove his gallbladder today and will return following a period of recuperation.
Pedro Porro, a Spanish wingback, has finally been acquired by Tottenham from Sporting Lisbon.
Spurs acquired the one-cap international in the final moments of the January transfer window after Antonio Conte had expressed a desire to bolster the right side of his defense this month.
The agreement calls for Porro, 23, to move to North London initially on loan, with a commitment from the club to make the move permanent in the summer.
After moving to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, he said: “I feel great about the move. I really wanted to come here. It’s a unique opportunity for me and I hope everything goes well.
“I can bring a lot of character and personality to this team. Above all, my desire and will to win.
“I’ve managed to watch quite a few league games this season and I can provide character, desire and a great attitude.”
Porro is Tottenham’s second recruit of the January window having landed Dutch forward Arnaut Danjuma on loan from Villarreal last week.
Conte has alternated between Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty at right wing-back this season, with the latter joining Atletico Madrid earlier on deadline day after his contract was terminated by mutual consent.
✍️ We are pleased to announce the signing of Pedro Porro from Sporting CP.
Meanwhile, Djed Spence — who has struggled to break into the first-team picture since arriving from Middlesbrough last summer — has joined French outfit Rennes for the rest of the campaign.
Conte will hope Porro can hit the ground running as Spurs look to close the three-point gap to fourth-placed Manchester United in the Premier League table.
The defender made 98 appearances for Sporting, winning the Primeira Liga title in 2020-21 and scoring on 12 occasions.
Porro, who leads the Portuguese league’s assists chart this term, will wear the No23 shirt for Spurs.
Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, the chairman of Leicester City, has relieved the team of over £200 million in unpaid debts.
The Premier League team, which is owned by King Power International, owed Srivaddhanaprabha’s business about £194 million in debts and interest.
The Thai businessman, who is also the son of deceased King Power Stadium helicopter accident victim and previous owner of Leicester Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, has chosen to cancel these obligations.
In a statement on Leicester’s official website, the chairman said: “Maintaining long-term stability is vital for sustainable growth and a fundamental principle that has always guided our investments in the club’s future.
“We want to make sure we continue on that path from the strongest, most secure financial footing.
“I believe with all my heart in Leicester City and what the club can achieve for our fans, our people and our communities – in Leicester, Thailand and around the world.
“The faith they continue to place in us to run their club responsibly with ambition and integrity guides our decision making and remains vital to us building on one of the most successful eras in the club’s history.”
Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha has relieved the Club of its outstanding debts to its parent company, King Power International.
The decision will undoubtedly ease concerns over Leicester’s finances after a lack of spending in the recent transfer windows.
The deadline-day acquisition of Stoke defender Harry Soutar for £15m was only the third cash signing this season after the acquisitions of Victor Kristiansen from FC Copenhagen and Wout Faes from Reims.
According to reports, the loan agreement that would have brought Hakim Ziyech to Paris Saint-Germain was thwarted by a paperwork blunder on the part of Chelsea.
Ziyech, 29, landed in Paris on Tuesday to finalize the transfer, with both clubs on board after he struggled to break into Graham Potter’s plans despite being a former £35 million signing.
The Moroccan international has only made four starts and six brief substitute appearances in the Premier League this year. On January 15, he assisted against Crystal Palace to contribute to his maiden goal.
More on Hakim Ziyech. PSG have an appeal ready to LFP — but contracts are not validated as things stand after Chelsea and PSG exchanged docs. 🚨⚠️🇲🇦 #DeadlineDay
Jorginho is eager to play for Mikel Arteta after joining Arsenal for £12 million from Chelsea.
The 31-year-old Italian played for the Blues in more than 200 games and won the Europa League in 2018–19 and the Champions League in 2020–21.
At the Emirates, he has agreed to an 18-month contract with a one-year extension option.
The champion of Euro 2020 also acknowledges that he was on the verge of playing alongside Arteta in the past. He might make his debut on Saturday when the Gunners travel to Everton.
Speaking to Arsenal.com, he said: “He was a big influence because I know he tried a few times to get me before and it didn’t happen due to other reasons, not because of my wishes. So of course, he had a big influence.
“I’m very excited for this new challenge and I just can’t wait to be on the pitch. Everything has happened so fast.
“I was a bit surprised but I took the opportunity of this amazing challenge. It’s an amazing club, a big one, and I’m really excited and happy to be here.”
Jorginho is relishing the opportunity to work with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal
Arteta’s men sit top of the Premier League table, five points clear of champions Manchester City and Jorginho is relishing the prospect of helping the Gunners to title glory.
He added: “I’ll try to just bring positive energy, hard work and my experience to help the team. It’s what I always bring with me.
“I try just to help with the experience I’ve had in my time with the other clubs and anything I can do just to help the team to achieve more and more. That’s my target.
“All I can promise is that I’m going to give my all to represent this club.”
After being unveiled by Arsenal, the club’s new No20 took to Instagram to thank Chelsea for his spell at Stamford Bridge.
Alongside a video of memorable moments from his time in a blue shirt, Jorginho posted: “Thank you, Chelsea. Had an amazing time. The story was written.”
A presidential candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alan John Kyerematen, has vowed to modernize the party if granted the nod by delegates when the party holds elections later this year.
In order to free party officials to focus on their obligations to the party, the former minister of trade and industry suggested creating platforms that can raise money to compensate them.
Alan Kyerematen, a minister for a total of more than ten years who has worked for both the John Agyekum Kufuor and the present Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administrations, has declared he will also establish a pension plan for party officials who have dedicated their entire lives to serving it.
Mr Kyerematen stressed the importance of sponsoring party initiatives and inspiring party leaders while speaking on a Kumasi radio program.
“There must be a platform and programmes for party financing. I have the record to have set up the Constituency Business Ventures in the past, that is your way of strengthening the party,” he said.
he seasoned politician offered a compensation structure for party executives at the constituency and national levels so they may concentrate on their main responsibilities inside the party.
Alan Kyerematen also stressed the need for more attention to be paid to the concerns of footsoldiers, as well as other workers of the party who continue to work tirelessly to get the party into power but are then neglected, with no benefits to show for their efforts.
This trend, he said, must stop in order to build a strong party that is capable of convincingly winning elections in the future.
The longest-serving Minister of Trade and Industry has already confirmed his readiness to contest as flagbearer in the upcoming NPP presidential primaries, anticipated to be fiercely contested, scheduled for later in 2023.
This is because growth will be boosted by anticipated improvements in economic activity, particularly in the extractive industry.
The Fund estimated Ghana’s GDP to be 2.8% in 2023, but they anticipate a higher growth rate in 2024.
Division Chief of the Research Department Daniel Leigh responded to press inquiries at the recently concluded World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, by stating that this year’s growth will slow down in part due to the global headwinds that will influence the Ghanaian economy.
“On Ghana, we do expect growth to slow this year. This is partly because of the global headwinds that Pierre Olivier [Chief Economist and Director Research Department] has been discussing. So, it’s a difficult time for the global economy that affects Ghana”.
“But also, there are some domestic headwinds. In particular, inflation has increased significantly. And so, the Central Bank is tightening monetary policy, but that is cooling the economy domestically. Plus, the fiscal policies are tightening to address the elevated debt. This is the cooling in 2023”, he pointed out.
“But in 2024, we see a rebound in particular in the extractive activities. And that is going to support Ghana in 2024”, he added.
Mr. Leigh also spoke of the $3 billion extended credit facility that Ghana is seeking from the IMF, saying, “The goal of that program is to reestablish macroeconomic stability, debt sustainability, and create the foundations for higher and inclusive growth over the medium-term”.
“I would add that right now — so just very recently — the IMF team went to Ghana, reached agreement with the Ghanian authorities on an economic reform program that will be supported under a $3 billion extended credit facility. And the goal of that program is to reestablish macroeconomic stability, debt sustainability, and create the foundations for higher and inclusive growth over the medium-term”.
Despite a slight upward revision since October, growth in sub-Saharan Africa is predicted to be mild in 2023 at 3.8% with ongoing COVID-19 pandemic effects before accelerating to 4.1% in 2024.
Ranking Member of Parliament’s Education Committee, Peter Notsu Kotoe, has revealed the Committee’s decision to summon the Education Minister, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum to provide answers on the ‘Placement for Sale’ documentary.
Speaking to the media, Mr Kotoe noted that the Minister would appear before the House on Thursday, February 2, 2022.
“The chairman and myself we decided that we should call the Minister to appear before the committee on Thursday. I am very much aware that the chairman of the committee gave instructions to the clerk of the committee to summon the Minister before the committee on Thursday.”
“So tomorrow, we will find out if the correspondent has got to the office of the Minister and what his response is,” he told JoyNews.
A documentary by The Fourth Estate dubbed ‘Placement for Sale’ has revealed how parents to pay money to some middlemen for their children to be placed in their preferred secondary school.
Per reports, some culprits have been arrested by the Ghana Police Service.
Meanwhile, Dr. Adutwum will likely reply to claims that his organization conducted inquiries into secondary school placement bribes a year ago but failed to make its findings and recommendations public.
Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, has entreated individuals who are interested in contesting against him for the constituency seat in Parliament to do so when the National Democratic Congress (NDC) organizes its parliamentary primaries in May.
Mr Iddrisu, however, is certain of a win by a landslide no matter who decides to compete against him.
“The Tamale South seat is free, it is open. When nominations open, you can come in. The only thing I can assure you is that you won’t get more than 5% of the votes or probably 2%. You won’t make more than five percent,” the MP told JoyNews.
Since joining the Fourth Parliament in 2008, Haruna Iddrisu has served in the Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and current Eighth Parliaments.
Over the years, he has also held a number of ministerial positions, including the Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations.
On the matter, National Chairman of the NDC, Asiedu Nketiah said the MP has become so powerful in his constituency that it would even be surprising if he is contested at all when the primaries are held later this year.
“The outgone Minority Leader, Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, he is so powerful in his constituency, he is almost always not contested at all. I have my doubts whether anybody will contest him,” Asiedu Nketiah told party faithful during a meeting in London.
The NDC will hold presidential and parliamentary primaries on May 13, 2023.
Even though Christian Eriksen will be sidelined for three months due to injury, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag does not plan to enter the transfer market on deadline day.
Eriksen, who suffered an ankle injury in the FA Cup victory over Reading on Saturday, would likely be sidelined at least until late April, United announced on Tuesday.
Andy Carroll delivered a strong tackle to him, which remained unpunished until he eventually received two more severe challenges that led to his dismissal.
Losing Eriksen is a major blow for United given his prominence in his first campaign at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes (2,603) the only outfield player to record more minutes on the pitch than the Dane (2,274) for Ten Hag’s men this term.
United will suddenly be without one of their chief creators, as Eriksen’s 53 key passes is second only to Fernandes (81), and he leads the way for assists with nine.
But Ten Hag is confident he has the options to cope.
“Of course, [Eriksen] is disappointed about [the injury], we are disappointed about it,” the manager told reporters ahead of Wednesday’s EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest.
“It happens in top football, you have to deal with it.”
He added: “As you said, something coming out on deadline day is difficult and you can’t make policy on such bad injuries, but we have players in the midfield department, good players, we also have players who can fill the gap.”
Eriksen’s injury leaves Ten Hag with only Scott McTominay, Fred, Casemiro, Fernandes, and Donny van de Beek as senior midfield options, while 17-year-old Kobbie Mainoo has made two cup appearances and has occasionally served as a substitute in the Premier League.
Zidane Iqbal, a 19-year-old Iraqi international who has yet to make his debut but was apparently in line for a loan move, has also found himself on the bench frequently this season.
Regardless of who steps up, Ten Hag acknowledges that there will need to be some adaption because they won’t have the same qualities as the Danish celebrity.
“I think you can never fill that because every player has their own characteristics and identity, so another player will always fill it in in a different way,” he said.
“So, it doesn’t mean that you have to be less successful, but it’s quite clear that Christian Eriksen, for our squad, brings top quality and he has some specifics that are hard to replace. For instance, his impact in the final third, [with his] final ball.”
The Brazilian midfielder Fred would seem to stand to gain the most from Eriksen’s absence.
Although the 29-year-old has only started five Premier League games this season, he has participated in a total of 17 matches in the top tier. Ten Hag appears to admire the player’s vigor and perseverance in the second half when others may be worn out.
Additionally, the fact that he frequently competes with Casemiro for the Selecao is convenient.
“You mentioned already in your first sentence, he’s playing together with Casemiro in the Brazilian squad, I would say that’s not the worst squad in the world,” Ten Hag said with a grin.
“They have so many choices what they can make but they often prefer to play them together. So, that tells something about the quality Fred has and what he can contribute to the team.
“He has done it several times with his performance for instance against Tottenham, for instance against Manchester City.
“When he’s coming on [in the] last game [against Reading], he’s scoring a goal straight away. He has a lot of qualities. I think they are a really good combination, Casemiro and Fred.”
In order to balance his Paris Saint-Germain team, Christophe Galtier rejected suggestions that he should lose Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, or Neymar.
The Ligue 1 giants’ most recent title charge has been led by the attacking trio, who is probably the most gifted frontline in European sport.
However, the squad has only won two of its last five games in the top level since the World Cup, where Argentina captain Messi upset France forward Mbappe in the championship game.
Prior to Wednesday’s game against Montpellier, Galtier scoffed at claims that the team is overly top-heavy.
“We have three incredibly strong attacking players,” he said. “Are you saying that we have to lose one of these three players to be balanced? That would be a mistake.
“[Our level] is insufficient though, in terms of points per game. We must quickly find a higher level of play, and above all score points.
“It happens in any season, that there is a bad period. We have a busy month ahead of us. January was not good, but now we are all working to remedy it.”
Galtier further acknowledged star men Mbappe and Messi underperformed in the 1-1 draw with Reims, but he stressed the blame lies with the collective rather than the duo.
“Kylian and Leo didn’t achieve what they usually achieve on an attacking level, but it is not a question of their state of mind,” he added.
“With our organisation and our balance, we must find something else. We are working on it. Whatever the system, everyone has to give more on the pitch.”
Bryan Gil, a winger for Tottenham, has returned to Sevilla on loan for the rest of the campaign after leaving the team 18 months prior.
Since joining Spurs prior to the 2021–22 season, Gil has had difficulty getting consistent playing time. He spent the second part of the previous season on loan at Valencia, where he assisted them in reaching the Copa del Rey final.
The 21-year-old has played just 148 minutes in four Premier League games for Antonio Conte’s squad this season despite having four senior team appearances for Spain.
After a poor season thus far, Sevilla is currently 13th in LaLiga, just two points above the bottom three. It is said that Sevilla lacks a provision that would make Gil’s return a permanent one.
On Monday, Jorge Sampaoli’s team also reached an agreement to borrow midfielder Pape Gueye from Marseille until the end of the current campaign. The move comes as they try to avoid becoming more entangled in a struggle for survival.
Thomas Delaney, a player for Denmark, transferred from Sevilla to Hoffenheim, and left-back Ludwig Augustinsson joined Real Mallorca, both on loan deals that would last until the end of the current campaign.
Having bounced back from a Copa del Rey loss to Osasuna by defeating Elche 3-0 on Saturday, Sevilla will play host to LaLiga leaders Barcelona on Sunday.
Joao Cancelo, a defender for Manchester City, has been loaned to Bayern Munich till the end of the current campaign.
Cancelo, 28, has not scored or assisted in the Premier League since October. He has been benched for City’s last three games under Pep Guardiola in recent weeks.
Since the 2-1 defeat at Manchester United earlier this month, academy graduate Rico Lewis appears to have replaced Pep Guardiola as his go-to right-back choice.
Cancelo strengthens a Bayern team that has been in a slump, drawing their previous three Bundesliga games, but the Bavarians still lead the German top division after 18 games by one point.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side travel to Mainz on Wednesday for their DFB-Pokal last-16 clash before a trip to Wolfsburg on Sunday.
Portuguese international Cancelo moved to the Etihad from Juventus in 2019 and has twice won the Premier League with the Citizens.
The versatile full-back also won domestic league titles in previous spells at Benfica and Juve and signed a five-year contract last February.
The signing of Ghanaian prospect Nathan Opoku by English Premier League club Leicester City has been officially announced.
The American student, who is 21 years old, signs a three-year contract with the Foxes after leaving Syracuse University.
Opoku will be immediately loaned to Oud-Heverlee Leuven in Belgium to continue his development after joining Leicester.
After contributing eight assists and eleven goals for Syracuse the previous season, the American player was voted the Most Outstanding Offensive Player of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
Before relocating to the United States, the forward spent time in the Manchester City academy.
In his farewell message ahead of his return to Europe, Opoku said, “I am excited to announce that I am making the transition to professional soccer.
“Syracuse University welcomed me into their family, and my time here was nothing short of beautiful. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to grow as a player.”
Lionel Messi says it would have been a dream come true if Diego Maradona had been able to hand him the World Cup trophy last month.
Messi won the Golden Ball after scoring seven goals at the tournament, including two in the championship match against France. Argentina won their fourth World Cup in Qatar last year, and Messi was a major reason why.
The Albiceleste’s victory was their first in the competition since Maradona, who passed away in 2020, orchestrated a sequence of talismanic performances to bring them to victory in Mexico 1986.
During an interview in Paris with Andy Kusnetzoff, Messi said he regretted the fact Maradona – who coached him at the 2010 World Cup – was not alive to witness his crowning moment.
“I would have liked Diego to give me the cup, or at least to see all this, to see Argentina as world champions, with everything he wanted and how he loved the national team,” Messi said.
“I think from above, he – like a lot of people who love me – were strong.”
However, Messi says he has no regrets over the time it took him to lead Argentina to football’s greatest prize.
While Messi had to wait until his fifth and likely final World Cup to lift the trophy, the legendary attacker says his triumph could not have come at a better time.
“I think if I had to choose the moment, it would have been this one,” Messi said. “It’s at the end of my career, closing a cycle.
“I achieved everything with the national team as I always dreamed. I got everything in my career, individually. It was about closing my career in a unique way.
“I never imagined that all this was going to happen to me when I started, and getting to this moment was the best. I have no complaints and I can’t ask for more.
“We won the Copa America [in 2021] and the World Cup, there’s nothing left.”
As well as producing several outstanding performances, Messi made headlines for taking on a more vocal role as Argentina’s leader in Qatar.
The Paris Saint-Germain star memorably celebrated a quarter-final goal against the Netherlands in front of Louis van Gaal before describing him as “disrespectful” in a post-match interview, while he also called striker Wout Weghorst a “fool” after the same game.
Messi admits he is not proud of some of his behaviour at the tournament, adding: “I knew what Van Gaal had said but it [the celebration] happened on the spur of the moment.
“I didn’t like what I did, I didn’t like what happened after. These are moments of nervousness and everything happens very quickly.”
Matias Vina has moved from Roma to Bournemouth on an initial loan agreement with a permanent transfer clause.
The Uruguayan left-back joined Roma in 2021 after leaving Palmeiras, and he has made 29 Serie A appearances.
Vina, however, was only given 54 league minutes by Jose Mourinho this season and has since left for Bournemouth, at least through the remainder of the season.
On Tuesday, the deadline for transfers, the 25-year-old is expected to be joined at his new team by defender Ilya Zabarnyi of Dynamo Kyiv and midfielder Hamed Traore of Sassuolo.
Another new addition 🤝
We're delighted to complete the signing of left-back Matías Viña on an initial six-month loan from Roma ✍️ pic.twitter.com/GPdBrUVdLc
In his first interview at Elland Road, newly signed Leeds United player Weston McKennie sat down with Tyler Adams, a teammate he previously played with in the USA.
McKennie transferred from Juventus to Leeds on loan. The 24-year-old is Leeds’ third new addition for the month of January.
McKennie says he is “excited to play at Elland Road.”
Leeds United have welcomed their newest member Diogo Monteiro, who left Swiss Super League side Servette FC to join the club.
The 18-year-old has agreed a three-and-a-half year contract at Elland Road and will initially join up with Michael Skubala’s Under-21s squad, Leeds announced on its website.
The Under-21s squad continue to battle for promotion from Premier League 2 Division 2.
Monteiro made his league debut for Servette at the age of 16, becoming the third youngest player to make an appearance in the Swiss Super League. He has played seven times in all competitions for the Maroons, who currently sit third in the league table.
The defender has also made a number of international appearances through various age groups for Portugal, from Under-15 to Under-19 levels, representing the country over 30 times.
Benfica president Rui Costa has not given the green light to sell Enzo Fernández to Chelsea.
The Blues have presented a proposal worth €120m. According to international sports journalist, Fabrizio Romano, Benfica may want more than what Chelsea are offering.
In a tweet, he wrote that it was a “tense night of talks” and “Chelsea wanted breakthrough in the night but nothing yet.”
It is expected that negotiations will continue in the morning.
Meanwhile, there are reports that Chelsea are considering a sensational double move of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo today.
Valencia announced Gennaro Gattuso’s departure on Monday after just 18 LaLiga games under his leadership.
After taking a year off from coaching, the former Milan and Napoli manager was hired before of the 2022–23 season.
Valencia, who placed eighth last term, has fallen flat under Gattuso’s leadership.
Gattuso leaves the team in 14th place, with just a point separating them from the bottom three despite having a game in hand over the other teams in the bottom half. He has lost all four of his games since the World Cup break.
Gattuso addressed the crowd after Valencia’s last-second loss to Real Valladolid on Sunday, his final game in charge, and admitted that Valencia’s bad results were his fault.
A day before Valencia announced his departure, the 45-year-old also attacked the assembled reporters in an irate manner.
“Valencia CF announce that this Monday, January 30th, the club and the first team coach, Gennaro Gattuso, have decided by mutual agreement to end the contractual relationship between the two parties,” a statement read.
“The club wish to thank Gattuso for his commitment and work during his time in charge and wish him the best of luck for the future.
“The team will return to training this Tuesday, January 31st, under ‘Voro’ Gonzalez.”
Voro, who is set to take charge of the team at Real Madrid on Thursday, is in his seventh spell as interim coach, having also led Los Che on a permanent basis in the second half of the 2016-17 campaign.
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) has increased the monetary policy rate – the rate at which it lends to commercial banks – by 100 basis points to 28%.
The Central Bank attributed the adjustment to the downside risks to inflation and exchange rate depreciation as the major reason.
Following its 110th meeting, the first for the year 2023, the MPC noted that the underlying inflationary pressures similarly remained elevated, adding that the Bank’s core inflation measure, which excludes energy and utility, accelerated to 53.2 percent in December 2022 from 49.7 percent in November.
“The MPC sees the need to remain vigilant and moderate liquidity in the system to underpin macroeconomic adjustments taking place to drive inflation on a downward path. Under the circumstances, the Committee decided to increase the policy rate by 100 basis points to 28 percent,” a statement released by the Central Bank read.
The upward adjustment in the policy rate means cost of loans will go up further, and will consequently worsen the cost of doing business in the country.
Meanwhile, Head of Research at Standard Chartered Bank in charge of Africa and Middle East, Razia Khan, has projected an increase in Ghana’s Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) by 400 basis points in the next three months.
According to Madam Razia Khan, the policy rate will increase by 200 basis points in January to 29%, as well as rise by another 200 basis points in March to 31%.
She attributed the projection made to Ghana’s ever-climbing inflation rate since the beginning of 2022 and the weakening of the local currency against the dollar.
“Ghana’s inflation has continued to increase and so we see a 200 basis points hike in January and a further 200 basis points in March 2023 to a peak of 31%”, Madam Razia Khan said.
Nigerian LGBTQ rights campaigner, Davis Mac-Iyalla, has been installed as Amankorehen, also known as development chief, in the Central Region.
His coronation was however not devoid of drama as Davis Mac-Iyalla fell from the very palanquin he was being carried in.
Nana Kwesi Gyasi I fell while being paraded in the streets on the shoulders of some members of the traditional area.
Viral videos on social media showed how Davis Mac-Iyalla fell when his carriers toppled to the ground.
The procession came to an abrupt end as many gathered around to help lift Nana Kwesi Gyasi I.
After the activity, he had some words for his detractors who he suspects “were trying to stop me or throw me off the palanquin. But shame has come upon them.”
“Some people are racists. They are saying that ‘Omanhene is not Ghanaian so why are you making him chief?’ Those same people have made foreigners chiefs and benefitted from it. Clear hypocrisy and jealousy,” he said after the incident.
Managing editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jr., has added his voice to those criticizing the recent changes in the NDC’s parliamentary leadership.
The seasoned reporter argued that it was “extremely dangerous” to dismiss Haruna Iddrisu from his position as minority leader.
The seasoned political commentator questioned the reasoning and procedures used to replace the MP for Tamale South in remarks he made over the weekend on Pan African TV in Accra.
He expressed his doubts, saying that since Haruna Iddrisu is a pillar of the NDC, even if his dismissal had been warranted, it should have been handled delicately.
“This is a reckless move, absolutely reckless move. So what have you achieved? You have created conditions for all manner of speculations”, Mr Pratt said.
He continued, “Yesterday, I was listening to some of my friends in the NPP discuss this matter. Come and see, it is like they have won a bonanza.
“One of them actually went to the extent of saying John Mahama directed this move because he has a rift with Haruna, [so] he wants to show Haruna some sense.
“This is not true, John Mahama was not comfortable with this move.”
He added that the NDC should have been more mindful of Haruna Iddrisu’s stature and influence in the North, before embarking on his replacement as the Minority Leader.
“Haruna Iddrisu may have all his faults but he is the primus inter pares in the Northern region. I have been to Tamale on many occasions. I went to school in Tamale, I know Tamale fairly well.
“This is a man who comes to Tamale and he doesn’t drive a car. I have seen him riding just an ordinary bicycle moving from place to place holding caucuses in the streets, playing cards with members. I have seen him on a motorbike going to funerals and so on.
“He is not God, he is not all-knowing, he is not omnipotent, he is not omnipresent, he can be removed but if you want to remove him, there are things that you have to do knowing the political circumstances. Were those things done?”, he queried.
The comments by Kwesi Pratt follow the recently announced changes in the NDC’s parliamentary front.
A statement from the party’s General Secretary, Fifi Kwetey, last week, announced Dr Cassiel Ato Forson as the new Minority Leader with Emmanuel Kofi-Armah Buah as the Deputy Minority Leader.
MP for Adaklu, Governs Kwame Agbodza was also named as the party’s new Minority Chief Whip, taking over from Asawase MP, Muntaka Mubarak.
This development has since been met with a lot of resentment from some quarters of the party, including Tamale Central MP, Murtala Mohammed who has questioned the timing and relevance of the change.
However, the party’s Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, insists that the move is a prudent one which will inure to the benefit of the party.
Addressing some party faithful abroad over the weekend, he said the allegations of cracks in the party, due to the changes are false and should be dismissed.
Meanwhile, former NDC lawmaker, Ras Mubarak, has taken a swipe at critics of the changes in the parliamentary leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In a Facebook post on Friday, he noted that despite the reservations from some quarters of the party, the changes will not be reversed.
According to him, there is the need for the aggrieved members of the party to suspend their reservations and throw their weight behind the new Miniorty Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson and his team.
In order to finalize a stunning signing for Enzo Fernandez before Tuesday’s transfer deadline, Chelsea is reportedly back at the negotiation table.
The Portuguese powerhouses turned down a £70 million offer from the Blues earlier this month for their Argentine World Cup hero, but they’re willing to go even higher to close the deal.
The West Londoners, according to The Telegraph, have put out two fresh ideas in an effort to land their eighth signing of the January transfer window.
Stamford Bridge executives have proposed paying £85 million for the 22-year-old in exchange for letting one of their players join Benfica. They are also willing to pay Fernandez’s £105 million release clause in installments.
It remains to be seen if the Eagles will be persuaded by either of the latest offers given that they previously insisted that his clause be fulfilled in full.
Personal conditions could be agreed upon late in the transfer window because Fernandez is thought to be eager on joining the Premier League team.
Seagulls hold firm on Caicedo
Moises Caicedo has revealed his desire to leave Brighton
Brighton have rejected a second offer from Arsenal worth £65m plus £5m in add-ons for wantaway midfielder Moises Caicedo.
Sky Sports say the Seagulls are adamant the 21-year-old will not be sold before Tuesday’s deadline despite the player’s apparent desire to move to the Premier League leaders.
The Ecuador international pleaded with the South Coast club to allow him to leave in a revealing Instagram post over the weekend.
He said: “My dream [was] always to be the most decorated player in the history of Ecuador.
“The fans have taken me into their hearts and they will always be in my heart so I hope they can understand why I want to take up this magnificent opportunity.”
It is indicated that Caicedo has been told to stay away from Brighton’s training ground as they look to avoid losing their second player to the North London club this window following Leandro Trossard’s £27m switch.
In other news
Ecuador international defender Piero Hincapie remains a transfer target for Tottenham
Tottenham have submitted a £22m offer to Bayer Leverkusen for defender Piero Hincapie, 21, according to Bild.
The Mail indicate Everton are working on bringing in a forward as well as Udinese defender Rodrigo Becao, 27.
Nottingham Forest are in advanced talks to sign 36-year-old Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Keylor Navas, Football Insider have claimed.
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans at home on Sunday, 135-110, thanks to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 12 points in the final four minutes.
It was Antetokounmpo’s sixth 50-point game of his career; he had four coming into the season but only two this month after his career-high 55 against the Washington Wizards on January 3.
While he could have been content with a solid effort and a comfortable victory, he chose to make it a memorable night down the stretch, shooting a scorching 20 of 26 from the floor, including 16 of Milwaukee’s first 21 points. He also added 13 rebounds and four assists.
With 3:51 left in the game, Antetokounmpo had 38 points. He then made four free throws, a layup, and a three-pointer to go to 44, then finished the game with back-to-back threes to get to 50.
The two-time MVP and 2021 NBA Finals MVP said these are chances you don’t want to miss in a post-victory interview.
“I knew that if I was able to get the rebound, I was going to shoot,” he said. “It doesn’t always work out, but tonight it did.
“I didn’t hesitate at all. I was able to get my legs under my shot, stayed there, and just watched the ball go in.
“It’s one of those moments you can never take for granted because you never know when you’re going to have those moments again.”
Antetokounmpo’s team-mates decided to bring the locker-room celebration out to the court, showering their franchise player with bottles of water in front of the sold-out Fiserv Forum.
“We might as well do it in front of everybody,” Bucks guard Jrue Holiday said. “It’s really just to show how much we appreciate him. For him to go out there and do that is amazing, no matter how many times you score 50 points.
“It’s a great time – everybody just kind of gets on his shoulders and we’re just along for the ride. At that point, we just got to support him. If he passes it to us, make the shot, but for the most part, we know who’s going to carry us.”
Head coach Mike Budenholzer joined Holiday in awe of his star player, highlighting all the hard work he puts in.
“Tonight, I think 50 on 26 shots is impressive,” he said. “Just everything he did, his aggressiveness, a couple threes, especially late, but he’s shooting it well.
“It feels like a few more catch and shoots – if we can generate a few of those for him and build the confidence in that area, those are areas where he’s improving.”
The Bucks improved their record to 33-17, leaving them third in the Eastern Conference and with the fourth-best record overall, while the Pelicans slipped to 26-25 after their eighth consecutive loss as they battle a number of key injuries.
Following a crucial last-second refereeing blunder that cost the Los Angeles Lakers against the Boston Celtics, the NBA referees’ official Twitter account issued an apology for the “gut-wrenching” error.
With less than five seconds left in the game with the score knotted at 105-105, LeBron James attempted to win it for the Lakers when Jayson Tatum whacked him on his shooting arm at the rim.
Before the Celtics won a 125-121 victory in overtime, the four-time MVP and four-time NBA Finals MVP would miss with his attempted drive.
“Like everyone else, referees make mistakes. We made one at the end of last night’s game and that is gut-wrenching for us,” the official account wrote.
“This play will weigh heavily and cause sleepless nights as we strive to be the best referees we can be.”
The apology may prove little consolation for James, whose 41 points on Saturday in Boston proved in vain.
Defeat saw the Lakers fall to 23-27, sitting 13th out of 15 teams in the Western Conference ahead of four road games in the coming week.
Los Angeles will look to bounce back at the Brooklyn Nets on Monday without James and Davis after the Lakers confirmed the pair would be absent on the first night of their back-to-back.
Campbell Johnstone believes that coming out as gay will benefit other athletes in New Zealand.
On a current affairs television program on Monday, Johnstone, who played three times for the All Blacks, including in a Test series against the British and Irish Lions in 2005, revealed that he was gay.
He is the first out gay athlete to have played for the All Blacks organization.
“If I open up that door and magically make that closet disappear, then we’re going to help a lot of people,” said Johnstone.
“I pushed that side of me down deeper and deeper. I went to some interesting places.”
Johnstone highlighted his desire in an interview with TVNZ that his status as the first All Black to come out could encourage others to feel more at ease in their own skin.
“If I can be the first All Black that comes out as gay and take away the pressure and the stigma that comes with that issue then it can actually help other people.
“Yes, it is [a big thing], to be able to do that could possibly be one of the final pieces of the puzzle for New Zealand sports.”
The ex-Crusaders player also said he had been “living a lie”.
Arohanui Campbell Johnstone All Black #1056 – your strength and visibility will pave the way for others in sport here in Aotearoa and around the world 🖤🏉🌈 pic.twitter.com/LcEQsp2e1y
Mark Robinson, the chief executive of New Zealand Rugby, praised Johnstone’s bravery and strength. Robinson and Johnstone were teammates at Canterbury.
“On behalf of the New Zealand rugby community and as a former team-mate, I want to acknowledge and support Campbell for sharing his authentic story. Your strength and visibility will pave the way for the others in our game,” said Robinson.
“Rugby is a sport that is welcoming to everyone and a place where people should feel safe to be who they are.
“We know that there are people who have not always been comfortable to be who they are in rugby. We want to be clear, no matter who you love, rugby has your back.”
Liverpool desired a new beginning in 2023, but according to Andrew Robertson, the Reds “nowhere near good enough” good enough this season and have actually played “worse” since the World Cup.
The FA Cup holders were eliminated in the fourth round at Brighton and Hove Albion thanks to a last-second goal from Kauro Mitoma, who captained Jurgen Klopp’s team.
Harvey Elliot had given Liverpool the lead, but Lewis Dunk’s fortunate equalizer in the first half opened the door for Mitoma’s well-earned late winner in Sunday’s 2-1 victory.
Having won just eight of their first 19 games in the top division, Klopp’s team has been eliminated from both domestic cups and is currently ninth in the Premier League.
Having lost nine times already in 31 outings across all competitions this campaign, Robertson bemoaned Liverpool’s abject performances that have continued after the World Cup break.
“This season has been nowhere near good enough,” Robertson told ITV Sport.
“At the start of the year, we wanted a fresh start, but that hasn’t happened – we’ve been worse. In the league, we haven’t been good enough and now we’re out of both cups.”
The Reds’ downfall may have appeared somewhat of a surprise after falling narrowly short of an unprecedented quadruple last term.
Liverpool missed out in the Champions League final to Real Madrid and saw Manchester City secure the Premier League title on the last day of the season, though they lifted the FA Cup and EFL Cup.
Sadio Mane’s sale to Bayern Munich and Roberto Firmino’s diminishing role should be factored in, while Mohamed Salah has failed to hit his usual lofty heights after scoring just nine goals in 19 league games.
Luis Diaz has been out injured after a promising first campaign at Anfield and signings Darwin Nunez and Cody Gapko are still settling in, yet Robertson struggled to explain why Liverpool continue to falter.
he left-back added: “It’s really disappointing. You can’t put your finger on one thing that’s gone wrong. It’s more than that. It’s about trying to put a performance together where all these things click and that’s proving difficult right now.
“You can tell we’re not as confident in front of goal, and defensively we’re still a wee bit open in certain areas.
“We were on the back of two clean sheets, which was positive, but today, two disappointing goals and they had a couple of big chances as well.
“We need to try and get the confidence back. It’s easier said than done but that’s the only way we can pick up results. You have to be able to score goals and you have to be able to keep clean sheets.
“We’re not managing that just now and we need to do it. We keep saying that and it doesn’t help the fans. I feel sorry for them, the way we’re putting on a show for them just now.
“We let them down again and we’re obviously disappointed to be falling out of the cup.”
Following their convincing victory at the Baba Yara Stadium, Asante Kotoko emerged as the big winners from the matchday 14 matches in the betPawa Ghana Premier League.
On January 29, The Porcupine Warriors defeated Kotoku Royals by a score of 5-1. They had mastered their own game.
After Richmond Lamptey had given Seydou Zerbo’s team the lead with a stunning goal, Steven Mukwala scored twice. Francis Andy Kumi scored the lone goal for the Akyem-based club while Eric Zeze and Solomon Sarfo Taylor scored the other goals.
Over the weekend, Hearts of Oak traveled to Tarkwa, where they defeated Medeama for the first time since 2007 while away from home.
The game’s lone goal, scored by Kwadwo Obeng Junior in the 33rd minute, gave Slavko Matic’s team all three points.
Legon Cities fell to Bechem United at home despite scoring the game’s opening goal at the Accra Sports Stadium.
While the Royals took an early lead thanks to Alex Aso, the Hunters countered with goals from Emmanuel Avornyo, Clinton Duodu, and Hafiz Konkoni.
Abednego Tetteh scored twice on his Bibiani GldStars debut to help the Miners defeat Tamale City, who are still having trouble in the league, 3-2 away from home.
Berekum Aduana FC, who are now leading the league, came from behind to draw with Accra Lions, while Chelsea also required a goal from Kusi Pandrous in the first half to defeat Dreams FC.
Great Olympics defeated Karela United 1-0, and Samartex defeated King Faisal by a slim margin.
Real Tamale United’s midfielder Abdul Manaf Umar continued his good play by scoring in the team’s 2-0 victory over Nsoatreman.
Hearts and Kotoko are only one point behind Aduana, who have 25 points, following the matchday 14 results, while Bechem United enters the Top Four.
Prior to Tuesday’s transfer deadline, Roma is working to find a solution to their Nicolo Zaniolo problem after learning that the winger was “not very happy” about the possibility of joining Bournemouth.
Early in the month, Tottenham and the Italy international were heavily linked. However, Antonio Conte later signed Arnaut Danjuma on loan from Villarreal to fill his demands in a wide offensive midfield.
Following that, Bournemouth took the lead. The Premier League’s third-from-bottom squad saw Zaniolo as a player who could help them in their first season back in the top division.
Despite reports that a deal worth an initial £26.3 million (€30 million) had been completed between Roma and Bournemouth, it seems Zaniolo is not entirely convinced on the notion of joining the English south-coast club.
Jose Mourinho, the head coach of Roma, has voiced extreme annoyance over Zaniolo’s refusal to leave when given the chance, saying it “sadly” appeared the 23-year-old would stay with the Giallorossi.
When asked about firm opportunities to sell Zaniolo, Roma general manager Tiago Pinto said on Sunday: “I have no problem answering this question, everyone understood what happened.
“Zaniolo asked to be sold, and together with the agent we found a solution. We succeeded, but now Nicolo is not very happy with the solution that has arrived, and obviously we are all in a bit of difficulty.”
Last season saw Zaniolo score the only goal of the inaugural Europa Conference League final, as Roma beat Feyenoord, yet his time at the Stadio Olimpico may be up.
peaking to DAZN, Pinto said Roma would not be able to buy a player to take Zaniolo’s place before sealing the sale of the former Inter youth-team player.
He, too, is frustrated by Zaniolo’s stalling on a transfer, with time at a premium.
“We found this solution following a request from the player and, as you know, with all the limits that we have with financial fair play we are not exactly a company that can yield to Zaniolo’s no and take on other players,” Pinto said.
“We are always bound by those limits. Now we have another 48 hours, let’s see what happens. I don’t want to dwell on this issue, it is really a difficult situation for us.”
The nation’s longest-running event, the awards program, was presented to recognize the athletes who excelled in 2022 and elevated their sport and their nation.
Mohammed Kudus, a standout for both the Black Stars and Ajax, was the night’s main winner, taking home both the Foreign-based Footballer of the Year and Sports Personality of the Year trophies.
Here are the full award winners from the 47th edition of the SWAG Awards gala:
Sports Personality of the Year Mohammed Kudus
Footballer of the Year (Male) Mohammed Kudus
Footballer of the Year (Home-based) Daniel-Afriyie Barnieh
Footballer of the Year (Female) Ophelia Serwaa Amponsah – Ampem Darkoa Ladies
Athlete of the Year (Male) Joseph Paul Amoah
Athlete of the Year (Female) Deborah Acquah
Amateur Boxer of the Year Abraham Mensah
Club of the Year Ampem Darkoa Ladies
Coach of the Year Joe Nana Adarkwa – Ampem Darkoa Ladies
Discovery of the Year Raphael Nii Ankrah
Armwrestler of the Year Grace Mintah
Badminton Player of the Year Alphous Kelvin
Chess Player of the Year Dr Kwabena Adu Poku
Cricketer of the Year Samson Awiah Aweh
Cyclist of the Year Anthony Boafo Boakye Dankwa
Dedication and Valour Lepowura M.N Jawula
Hockey Player of the Year Adiztu Sulemana – GRA Ladies
Pro Golfer of the Year Kojo Barnii
Table Tennis Player of the Year Israel Akili
Tennis Player of the Year Samuel Osei Agbesi Antwi
Volleyball Player of the Year Rashaka Katadat – Ghana Army
Swimmer of the Year Abeiku Gyekye Jackson
Para-Athlete of the Year Patricia Nyamekye
SWAG Top 5 Federations Ghana Athletics Association Ghana Armwrestling Federation Ghana Boxing Authority Ghana Boxing Federation Ghana Cycling Federation
Lifetime Achievement Award Awuley Quaye Nii Dodoo Ankrah
Special and Meritorious Award Kingsley Owusu Achiaw – Bechem United Reks Brobbey – Ghana’s Fastest Human Christine Ashley – Chess Ashford Tettey Oku – Football Administrator Danny List – International Amateur Golfer Rustum Gameli Senorgbe – Football Referee
Corporate Awards Right to Dream Academy iMax Media SES HD+ OneonOne Foundation Captain One Golf Society Tennis Foundation
After leaving his childhood club, Everton, for Newcastle in a £45 million trade on Sunday, Anthony Gordon wrote a heartfelt letter to the Everton supporters.
The England Under-21 winger conceded many Toffees supporters will not forgive him in his post, which was published hours after he joined Newcastle.
Everton’s Premier League survival last season was greatly aided by Gordon, but this season, when the squad suffered once more, he fell short of expectations.
At the beginning of the season, Gordon was rumored to be moving to Chelsea, Newcastle, or Tottenham. As a result, some Everton fans targeted Gordon specifically for criticism.
Following a recent home loss to relegation rivals Southampton, social media footage showed Gordon’s car being blocked at Goodison Park.
Gordon is now on his way out of Everton and is eager to start his “new chapter” with high-flying Newcastle, but he posted a statement on his Twitter page thanking the staff, teammates, and supporters of the club.
“I came to this club at the age of 11, and not only did it give me a place to play football, but it gave me a second family,” he wrote.
“The club has shaped me into the footballer and more importantly the person I am today. It has given me everything I could have asked for and more.”
He added: “Last year felt so surreal because all of my childhood dreams were becoming reality. I wish I could relive some of [those] days, but I’ll settle for the memories, which will last a lifetime for me.
“To the fans, you gave me some of the best nights of my life. You made me a better player. I have always thrived off your energy, and you always made me run harder and faster.
“There [have] been some difficult moments this year, but I never took any of it personally; stick by the team because they need you.”
Gordon, who said he would “miss everyone deeply”, continued: “I love this club and I always have from the day I joined, but the time has come for me to leave.
“I know many won’t understand, but the next chapter awaits. I will always wish the best for this club and always be watching on.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you and good luck.”
Graham Arnold will continue serving as the national team’s head coach until the 2026 World Cup.
In Qatar last year, the Socceroos achieved a feat similar to that of 2006. They advanced to the round of 16.
Australia won against Tunisia and Denmark to post their best showing at a World Cup finals after falling to eventual champions France in their opening group match. In a close match in the round of 16, they fell to Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, 2-1.
Arnold, who was caretaker manager of the national team between 2006 and 2007 and also took charge of Australia’s Olympic side at the delayed Tokyo 2020 tournament, has now signed a new contract to keep him in place through to the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Football Australia chair Chris Nikou said: “What Graham and the entire squad achieved under the most challenging of circumstances during the last FIFA World Cup campaign was exceptional, and we are delighted that we have secured his services for a further four years.
“Football Australia is ambitious, where we expect continued progress and results from our senior and youth national teams, and through our discussions with Graham over recent weeks, we know our thinking is aligned on the future direction of Australian football and the Socceroos.”
James Johnson, Football Australia’s chief executive, noted Arnold had “contributed to some of Australian football’s most iconic moments”, but that “his exploits as the Socceroos head coach have propelled him into a league of his own.”
Arnold said: “I love Australia and I love Australian football, and nothing in football can ever match the elation, pride and sense of achievement I and the entire set-up felt in Qatar.
“The hunger to continue in the role has never been stronger and I know I have more to give to the Socceroos’ programme and Australian football, where I want to deliver more smiles for our fans as we did in Qatar.
“I approach the next four years with a clean sheet, which is underpinned by a burning ambition to provide more opportunities to our leading emerging and established talent, whilst challenging for major titles starting with the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar next year.”
Arnold explained he hopes Australia’s performance at the World Cup convinces the country’s government to allocate more funding to the sport and establish a permanent base for the Socceroos.
“It’s crazy to think the Socceroos don’t get any high-performance funding from the government,” he told reporters.
“They don’t have a home. How can you have a football culture if you don’t have a home?
“Funding will help the programmes but the home of football is crucial. It’s something as a sport we’ve missed out on. We’ve got nothing, nowhere to go.”
Arnold has won 30 of his 51 games in charge of Australia, with his 59 per cent win rate the highest of any of the 12 coaches to have overseen the Socceroos on more than 20 occasions.
The only people with access and passwords to approve protocol placement into Category A senior high schools were the Education Minister and the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES).
This was done to prevent fraud, but The Fourth Estate’s investigations revealed that admission to these institutions was facilitated by a network of middlemen that included cleaners and security personnel.
Additionally, it discovered that two state security agencies unexpectedly halted an inquiry into charges of corruption in the placement system that had been sought by the Director-General of GES.
Watch the full investigative documentary by Adwoa Adobea-Owusu and Evans Aziamor-Mensah of The Fourth Estate.
Inaki Williams‘ incredible streak of 251 straight LaLiga appearances came to an end when he was forced to miss Athletic Bilbao’s match against Celta Vigo on Sunday due to injury.
Williams, a Ghanaian international, had not missed a league game since the 2015–16 campaign before his exclusion was made official by the team.
Due to the 28-year-unidentified old’s physical issue, head coach Ernesto Valverde was forced to manage without the team’s linchpin.
When Williams participated in the victory over Alaves in October 2021, he broke the previous record of 202 straight games held by former Real Sociedad mainstay Jon Andoni Larranaga.
Williams made his first appearance as a substitute in a 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid on April 20, 2016, which marked the start of his protracted ever-present stint.
Williams participated in 251 games, taking 456 shots and creating 207 opportunities for 50 goals and 31 assists.
Athletic won 89 of them, lost 84, and tied 78 of them.
Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak recorded the second-most appearances in LaLiga since Williams’ streak of games started, appearing in 240 games until Sunday.
Williams started 212 matches and appeared as a substitute 39 times across his marathon stint for Athletic.
After defeating Tommy Paul in Melbourne on Friday, Novak Djokovic entered his 10th Australian Open final with a record-breaking 27th straight victory.
Djokovic, who has never lost in either a semi-final or a final in the first major of the year, prevailed 7-5 6-1 6-2 to break the winning streak Andre Agassi shared with him after defeating Andrey Rublev in the last eight.
This match, despite having a similar final score, was not quite as easy as that first one, especially in the opening set, which the nine-time champion nearly lost.
Djokovic’s hamstring problem, which had affected his preparation for the competition, also seemed to be bothering him once more, but he still has one match left, against Stefanos Tsitsipas, to win another championship.
The semi ended as it started, with Djokovic in control, yet there was a blip when he looked to be coasting through the opener.
Having just passed up his first set point, Djokovic confronted the umpire when he was not allowed time to take a towel and appeared to lose his focus, allowing Paul to win the next seven points en route to consecutive breaks – the second clinched with a stunning 30-stroke rally.
Finally, with the set level, Djokovic regained some composure and soon enough took a long-awaited second set point before cupping his ear to the Melbourne crowd and being greeted with jeers in return.
It quickly became clear Paul had missed his chance as Djokovic cruised, his primary foe now that troublesome injury.
After stretching out his leg during the first-set collapse, the Serbian appeared in discomfort throughout a dominant second, asking for ice at 5-0 up ahead of Paul’s sole hold in the set.
That ailment did not prove enough to derail Djokovic, though, as the third set followed a similar theme in an ultimately commanding semi success.
Data Slam: Djokovic closing on career-best streak
Now the sole owner of the longest Open Era winning streak in the main draw of the men’s singles tournament at the Australian Open, Djokovic will match his best run at any grand slam if he beats Tsitsipas, having claimed 28 straight victories at Wimbledon.
Only Roger Federer (40 at the US Open and 40 at Wimbledon) and Bjorn Borg (41 at Wimbledon and 28 at the French Open) have previously had 27-match win sequences at two different majors.
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