TIG Post

Author: Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • Ronaldo completes medicals ahead of his Al-Nassr unveiling

    Ronaldo completes medicals ahead of his Al-Nassr unveiling

    Prior to being introduced to the public later this afternoon at Al-Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that his medical is complete.

    The Portuguese celebrity shared a photo on his Instagram story with the comment, “Medical done!,” to share the good news.

    Ronaldo is seen in the photo getting connected to a multitude of wires after using a treadmill at the Al-Nassr medical facility.

    The Portuguese great, who will make a staggering £175 million annually until 2025, was formally unveiled as an Al-Nassr player on Friday evening. He will be the highest-paid player in football.

    On Monday, he left for Saudi Arabia, telling his supporters in a brief Instagram video, “see you soon,” as he got ready to take flight.

    Al-Nassr has posted video of Ronaldo and his family’s arrival since he arrived on Monday night.

    In the video, two young admirers welcome Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodriguez and present them with bouquets of flowers each

    After passing his medical exam on Tuesday, Ronaldo will have a busy day because he will get to meet Al-Nassr fans at the team’s home stadium, Mrsool Park.

    For his unveiling, the 30,000-seat stadium is anticipated to be packed.

    Fans of Al-Nassr may not have to wait long to see their new acquisition in action however, as Ronaldo might make his debut on Thursday if he is considered to be in good enough condition to play.

    .

  • New Year’s Day: Ten babies delivered at major Krobo hospitals

    New Year’s Day: Ten babies delivered at major Krobo hospitals

    At four major hospitals in the Upper Manya Krobo, Yilo Krobo, and Lower Manya Krobo, ten babies—nine males and one female—were born.

    Eastern Region municipalities on January 1st, 2023, New Year’s Day.

    Eight of the newborns were delivered naturally by spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD), while the other two were delivered via Caesarean section (CS).

    GhanaWeb discovered that all the infants and their moms were doing well after visiting the Yilo Krobo District, Asesewa Government Hospital, St. Martin’s de Porres, and the Atua Government Hospitals.

    Two (2) newborns, both boys, were born at the St. Martin’s de Porres hospital in Agomanya on that day, according to Madam Victoria Dede Nartey, the deputy in charge of the maternity department, who spoke to GhanaWeb. The first baby arrived at 4:33 in the morning.

    One of the babies was delivered via spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD), which is the typical method of delivery, while the other was delivered via Caesarean section, according to the deputy in charge (CS).

    The deputy in charge said out of the number, one was delivered through Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery (SVD) which is the normal way of delivery, while the other came through Caesarean Section (CS).

    A 28-year-old teacher, Miss Annor Rachel Korkor who delivered her baby through the caesarian section (CS) was one of the lucky mothers on the day. She said delivering her second child on a day such as the first day of the year was a privilege.

    “It’s just a privilege,” she said. “I never knew I’d get that opportunity but it was by grace that I had that opportunity so I’ll say I’m grateful.”

    Asked if she felt special delivering on new year’s day, she said, “It’s a special thing, I wasn’t expecting it but it’s a special thing that happened to me.”

    She believes babies born on the day need to be celebrated and she intends to name her son Kwasi Gregg.

    Three babies including 2 males and a female were delivered at the Atua Government Hospital with one being through SVD and two through CS.
    The first, a male, was delivered at the facility at 2:24 pm on Monday.

    His mother, 27-year-old Nyarkoa Comfort, a teacher however did not find anything special about giving birth to her first child on the first day of the year, adding that everything was the will of God. She said, “It wasn’t anything special but what God says that comes true.”
    She intends to name him Nhyira.

    Similarly, miss Jennifer Kugblenu, in charge of Ante-Natal Care (ANC) at the Yilo Krobo District Hospital told GhanaWeb that 2 babies, all males were delivered at the hospital on the 1st of January, 2023, both through CS.
    The first was delivered at exactly 9:10 am.

    The first cry of a baby at the Asesewa Government Hospital in the year 2023 was also heard at 4:30 am as three babies, all males were given birth to at the facility.

    Madam Felicia Tortsa, Midwifery Officer and maternity ward in charge of the hospital disclosed this to GhanaWeb.

    The babies and their mothers were all doing well and were in stable conditions. Some of the mothers and babies have already been discharged while some remain at the respective facilities for further observation pending their discharge.

  • We can’t allow criminals to destablise peace in Bawku – Minister

    We can’t allow criminals to destablise peace in Bawku – Minister

    Residents of Bawku in the Upper East Region have been urged by the minister of local government, decentralization, and rural development not to let conflict control the quality of life in the area.

    The long-running chieftaincy issue, according to Mr. Dan Botwe, has caused loss of lives, property, and forced many people to abandon Bawku’s low socioeconomic standards in the areas of healthcare, education, agriculture, and socioeconomic activities.

    “The guns must be silenced, and cool heads must prevail for the restoration of normal social life and peaceful coexistence. 

    “We cannot allow criminals and conflict profiteers among our ranks to destabilise the peace of the area and dictate the pace of life of the vulnerable. Criminals should be viewed and treated as such from both sides,” he said.   

    Speaking during the 35th annual Samanpiid celebration of the chiefs and citizens of the Kusaug Traditional Area, Mr. Botwe said that in order to accomplish the necessary development, it was the common obligation of all stakeholders to restore peace in Bawku.

    Given the resurgence of the conflict, he said the topic for this year’s festival, “Building Peace: The Role of all Stakeholders,” was appropriate. He said that all residents and stakeholders had roles to play both individually and collectively in order to achieve sustainable peace in Bawku.

    In order to promote respect for human rights and dignity, social fairness, and the rule of law, the minister emphasized the urgent necessity for stakeholders, particularly factions in the conflict, to use social interaction to support each other’s efforts to prevent and condemn disputes at all levels.

    “I wish to passionately appeal through our revered king (Bawku Naba) to urge our brothers, Kusaasis, to return to the Bawku Interethnic Peace Committee to facilitate dialogue among you and our brothers on the other side on the way out of this crisis,” he added. 

    He reiterated the resolve of government to continue to engage all relevant stakeholders to achieve lasting peace and restore the lost glory of Bawku of economic prosperity. 

    Speaking on behalf of all six Kusaug Traditional Area MPs—Bawku, Zebilla, Tempane, Garu, Pusiga, and Binduri—Mr. Cletus Avoka, Member of Parliament for the Zebilla Constituency, claimed that the conflict had destroyed Bawku’s former reputation as the commercial and cultural hub of the Upper East Region and of Ghana.

    Mr. Avoka remarked that despite efforts by the government and other parties involved to maintain peace in Bawku, the situation persisted and grew worse by the hour. He also said that the conflict’s many sides’ rigid positions did not contribute to finding a solution.

    He said the conflict was retarding development of the area as projects implementation in the area had been stalled including those working on the main Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road as contractors were afraid to work there. 

    “Many of the homes are empty, young men and women and business people are all vacating Bawku and that is a sorry sight. Education, business, and healthcare are declining, if not at a standstill and so we have the collective responsibility to make sure we have peace in Bawku,” he said. 

    Zugraan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, Paramount Chief of Kusaug Traditional Area, through a speech read on his behalf, commended government for the efforts made so far to restore peace and underscored the need to expedite actions to achieve lasting peace for sustained development. 

  • Education: Less privileged in Jamestown to receive support from Ga Mantse

    Education: Less privileged in Jamestown to receive support from Ga Mantse

    In order to ensure a better future for underprivileged children in areas inside Ga State, the Ga Mantse, Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has vowed to finance their education.

    He claimed that the Ga Paramount Stool made the choice to help such children since the education of children was essential to them.

    At this year’s “Kinka Blonya,” which was held for kids in and around Jamestown in Accra, the Ga Mantse revealed this.

    The goal of the Ga Mantse’s yearly event is to brighten the days of local kids, especially the less fortunate ones.

    The goal of the New Year’s Children’s party is to improve interactions between young people and Ga Mantse while also giving the Ga Child reason for optimism.

    King Teiko Tsuru urged parents and children who were facing financial challenges to avail themselves for the necessary assistance to be in school.

    He said: “Kinka Blonya is not going to be food and drinks only. The educational development of the Ga Paramount stool is key. Every child of school going age must be in school and so, if you know that your parents are unable to afford your educational needs, tell them to bring you to the Ga Mantse Palace for the necessary assistance.”

    Madam Grace Coleman, a representative from the Social Welfare Department of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), advised the children to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the King to achieve their career goals.

    “Education is very important, I know there is free education in the system so I urge you all to pay attention to your education because you can realise your potential and talent through education, which will make you responsible citizens and that is when our communities will develop,” she said.

    At the Bukom Park in James Town in Accra, hundreds of kids were given food, beverages, and had a good time as they danced to recent tunes.

    The children got their faces painted while playing on slides, trampolines, and bounce houses.

  • PFJ market by Agric Ministry to undergo adjustment

    PFJ market by Agric Ministry to undergo adjustment

    The Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) Market will undergo some changes, according to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA).

    According to the government, independent food providers will now be in charge of managing the market’s supply of food moving ahead.

    Press Secretary to the Agriculture Minister, Issah Alhassan Ridwan, mentioned to the media that the ministry will however oversee the activities to make sure that the proper precautions are taken, particularly to pricing of goods.

    “Once we have now established the various suppliers, and they have agreed to do business with the PFJ market, what we are going to do right now is to allow these suppliers to be independent to operate, except that the Ministry of Agric from time to time will be monitoring the price, because the major factor when it’s come to PFJ is the pricing, we want the consumers to be comfortable with the pricing,” the Press Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture.”

    The PFJ Market was established by the Agriculture Ministry in November 2022 to provide cheaper food to government employees on Ministry property.

    Other regions of the nation, including as Kumasi, Takoradi, and Cape Coast, were included in the initiative’s expansion.

    Many questioned whether the initiative would remain viable in light of the associated costs and the impact it would have on traders in the various markets.

  • Old Vandals arrive on UG campus to protest ejection of students

    Old Vandals arrive on UG campus to protest ejection of students

    The University of Ghana campus is heavily guarded as Old Vandals gather to protest the University Management’s decision to expel continuing students from the Mensah Sarbah and Commonwealth halls.

    The Old Vandals Association descended on campus on Tuesday morning to show support for current students against what they accuse the school’s administration of doing in order to victimize them and expel them from the traditional halls.

    Old Vandals amass at Commonwealth, Mensah Sarbah halls to protest ejection of students

    The University Management issued a statement revoking the tenancy of continuing students from the two halls.

    The management has announced that all current male residents of the all-male Commonwealth Hall and Mensah Sarbah Hall will not be returning to their residences or any of the conventional halls.

    Old Vandals amass at Commonwealth, Mensah Sarbah halls to protest ejection of students

    “They are to be randomly assigned to available rooms in any of the UGEL and private hostels,” the communique on December 14, said.

    Students who are upset claim that this is the latest effort by the school’s administration to stifle on-campus student activism.

  • ‘No prophecy would win us 2024’ – Sam George tells NDC

    Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, Sam Nartey George, has charged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) with undergoing a significant reform and galvanization of its institutions prior to the 2024 General Elections.

    The congressman warned the party in an open letter dated January 1, 2023 that 2023 will be crucial to the NDC’s survival and its prospects of regaining electoral power in 2024.

    His letter on social media networks mentioned recent political forecasts from the 2022 31st watchnight services and observed that gaining political power was not reliant on prophecies.

    Sam George made a veiled allusion to the reality that, despite his religious convictions and his belief in prophecy, the pastors’ most recent sermons were essentially hollow.

    “Our focus must be on reviving our Branches and empowering them to mobilise and protect the ballot.

    “No prophecy would win us 2024, only hardwork, mobilisation, a crisp political message, concise communication, protecting the ballots cast at the polling station and effective and timeous result collation would win us 2024,” his post read.

    Read his full post below:

    Dear NDC,

    Welcome to 2023. I would go straight to the point. This year is critical to our survival as a Party and #Project2024.

    As a student of scripture, I place premium on prophecy as GOD’s express guidance to humanity. Let’s be clear though, prophecy brings fresh revelation, illuminates unknown paths and does not create confusion.

    None of the several prophesies from the last 2 days does any of the above. All the so called prophesies are well established and known facts to discerning political minds. Nothing revealing or illuminating on the unknown.

    Our focus must be on reviving our Branches and empowering them to mobilise and protect the ballot. No prophecy would win us 2024, only hardwork, mobilisation, a crisp political message, concise communication, protecting the ballots cast at the polling station and effective and timeous result collation would win us 2024.

    We shall pray and seek the face of GOD for our presumptive Flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama but that would only be effective if we do the things listed above. Ghanaians would not forgive us if we fail them again.

    Let’s get to work in our Branches. Happy New Year Comrades! Let’s go!!!

  • ‘Nobody can alter your destiny’ – IGP tells public

    ‘Nobody can alter your destiny’ – IGP tells public

    During his operational responsibilities on December 31, 2022, Inspector-General of Police George Akuffo Dampare discussed his beliefs regarding the gospel and destiny.

    All of a man’s deeds on earth, according to the police chief, are already predetermined by God, and every event in a person’s life is part of a plan to bring about their destiny.

    “I want to assure you that individually, be convinced in your hearts and in your minds, that nobody born of a man or a woman can alter your destiny, when that happens, then there is no God.

    “What it means is that God who has destined you for something can just sit down and look and allow a human being to change that thing, just imagine that. So, whatever you go through, they are all calculated in order for your destiny to be accomplished,” he stressed.

    His crew visited the Assemblies of God Newspring Chapel during the Watchnight service as part of their operational tasks, and his remarks were met with enthusiastic applause.

    Some pastors who objected to a police decree late last year warning against predictions that could promote fear and panic have lately criticized Dampare.

    Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah and Nigel Gaisie are two such priests who are well-known for their New Year prophecy sessions and are frequently assumed to be the focus of alarmist predictions.

    This year, Gaisie prophesied that there will be a change of IGP and that he had seen the current IGP’s boots being removed, only that he said his prophecy related to a country known as the Republic of Yempe Nokware and not Ghana.

  • ‘The Bible is a poor guide for macroeconomics’ – Ofori-Atta told

    ‘The Bible is a poor guide for macroeconomics’ – Ofori-Atta told

    Prof. Steve Hanke, an American economist, has continued to criticize Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta for using biblical allusions to support his claims of an economic revival.

    The Economist cited a reference to Scripture the Minister made late last year in a report headed “Ghana has negotiated a preliminary IMF deal and halted debt payments,” which Hanke wrote on January 2, 2023.

    “Ghana’s Finance Minister Ofori-Atta justified defaulting on debt by quoting the Bible: “nothing will be lost, nothing will be missing.”

    “The Bible is a poor guide for macroeconomics. It’s time for Ofori-Atta to stop bamboozling Ghanaians and get real,” he emphasized.

    When Ofori-Atta launched a Domestic Debt Exchange program, one of the crucial requirements that led to a government and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Staff-Level Agreement days later, he made the biblical allusion.

    The intention to include pensions in the Exchange program, which plan has been cancelled with individual bonds now implicated, was a particular point of contention for the administration with labor.

    Ghana experienced a disastrous 2022 as a result of an economic crisis that compelled the government to apply for a loan from the IMF at a time when the cedi was fast losing value, inflation was out of control, and the government was subject to many downgrades by rating agencies.

    The government has serially blamed the crisis partly on the aftershocks of the COVID pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

    It has promised to turn around the economic fortunes of the country after sealing a Staff-Level agreement with the IMF with the hope that funds from the US$3 billion facility will be released early this year.

  • NACP alarmed about high HIV cases

    NACP alarmed about high HIV cases

    At the end of the third quarter of 2022, 33,870 people in Ghana had tested positive for HIV, with 24,017 of them being female and 9,853 of them being male.

    Dr. Stephen Ayisi Addo, Programme Manager, National AIDS/STI Control Programme (NACP), reported that a total of 9,160 adult males and 693 male children, as well as 23,294 adult females and 723 female children, tested positive.

    In total, 1,441,986 persons were tested throughout the time period, and 33,870 of them, or 2.3 percent, tested positive, he said. 17,846 non-pregnant women and 5,448 pregnant women tested positive, according to the data.

    Dr. Ayisi Addo made this statement at the Ghana News Agency Tema Industrial News Hub Boardroom Dialogue Platform at the pre-launch of a practical national campaign focusing on HIV Self-Test (HIVST) kits.

    The HIV Self-Test Kits bundle includes a test device, a preservative, a developer vial, and a test stand, as well as an instruction manual for use that is written in both English and Twi. The instruction booklet also includes just eleven easy-to-follow instructions and clear graphics to help the individual administer themselves without the assistance of anyone else.

    Dr. Ayisi Addo gave the Ghana News Agency Tema Regional Team a demonstration of how to use the HIVST kits and urged them to lead the advocacy for its use before the national launch and campaign in the coming year of 2023.

    At the conclusion of the third quarter, Greater Accra had 6,863 HIV-positive cases, followed by Ashanti with 6,735, Eastern had 4,968, Central had 2,572, Bono hit had 2,182, Western had 1,960, Volta had 1,830, Bono East had 1,697, and the Western North had 1,260.

    The rest were: Ahafo with 905; Northern recorded 733; Oti had 621; Upper East recorded 620; Upper West hit 507; Savannah recorded 273; and North East with the least cases of 144. 

    The data available to the Ghana News Agency Tema Regional Office indicate that in 2016 a total of 739,920 and 38,582 tested positive representing 5.2 percent; in 2017 896,042 people were tested out of which 43,200 representing 5.0 percent tested positive; and in 2018 a total of 1,226,299 people were tested out of which 53,779 representing 4.0 percent tested positive. 

    A total number of 1,397,379 were tested in 2019 out of which 53,996 representing 3.9 percent tested positive; while in 2020 the number tested was 1,322,446, and 39,318 representing 3.0 percent tested positive; in 2021, a total number of 1,403, 015 were tested and 38,906 representing 2.8 percent tested positive. 

    Dr. Ayisi Addo, while admitting that the figures were dropping, expressed concern that the rate was very slow, which called for enhanced advocacy to fast-track the drop. 

    He called for attitudinal change as HIV is still prevalent, “people need to change their way of life for us to reduce the number drastically…am afraid the figures would hit over 40,000 by the time we collate the figures for the fourth quarter of 2022”. 

  • Should KMA fail to decongest Kumasi, Nananom will do it – Bantamahene

    Should KMA fail to decongest Kumasi, Nananom will do it – Bantamahene

    The Bantamahene, Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI, has pledged to lead the chiefs’ mobilization for the development of Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti region, should the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) fail to do so.

    Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI accuses the KMA of allowing congestion in the city center and allowing the rash erecting of kiosks and containers, which he claims is transforming the formerly thriving Garden city into a village.

    Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI noted that the city has become ungovernable, with culprits going unpunished, in his New Year’s address to Erastus Asare Donkor of Luv FM.

    As of 2022, there were 3,630,000 people living in the Kumasi metro area.

    The city is Ghana’s second-largest after Accra, the capital.

    Due to its extensive greenery and creative settlement design, the city was known as the Garden City.

    The city’s legacy is being eroded by underdevelopment brought on by problems with traffic, open space blight, street markets, and unfinished government projects.

    According to the Bantamahene, Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI, people with political authority have ignored calls for development of the city.

    “I had the opportunity to put this issue before the Regional Minister when he addressed the regional house. We have nobody to blame other than the KMA and its assembly members. We know assembly members take money from these people to put up these structures. 

    “Pavements inhabited by people doing business. It has made Kumasi look like a village. Some laws must be adhered to. But once they (traders) get the authorization from the assembly and authorities,  they do not care about the authority of Nananom,” he said.

    “Decongestion issues in Kumasi are serious to the extent that people are selling tomatoes in front of Komfo Anokye hospital. We want a KMA that would be able to decongest the city. Nananom do not have political power. The political power is with the KMA. We have had a meeting with them and came up with the issue of filth and the issue of trying to put Kumasi in order. In 2023, if they fail to do it, Nananom will take it upon ourselves to make sure Kumasi is clean.

    “There are projects currently being done by Nananom and not the KMA. We are trying to privatize the road in front of Manhyia. If we keep waiting for the government, things are not going to happen. People say Kumasi is the second city, however in terms of development, Kumasi is 50 years behind Accra, which is not acceptable. Kumasi is turning into a village,” he added.

  • Brazil legend, Pele, lying in state in Santos’ stadium

    Brazil legend, Pele, lying in state in Santos’ stadium

    Throughout the night, thousands of mourners lined up to pay their respects to Pele, a legend of Brazil who is buried at the site of his old team Santos.

    Fans lined the streets to enter the stadium as Pele’s coffin was positioned in the middle of the field at the Urbano Caldeira stadium in Sao Paulo.

    The three-time World Cup champion passed away on December 29th at the age of 82.

    At 12:00 GMT on Tuesday, there will be a parade through Santos’ streets to a private family burial.

    “We’re going to ask every country in the world to name one of their football stadiums with the name of Pele,” said Fifa president Gianni Infantino, who attended the memorial.

    Following Pele’s passing, the Brazilian government proclaimed three days of national mourning.

    As the 24-hour vigil comes to an end, the newly elected president of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, will go to Santos, a city in the state of Sao Paulo, to pay his respects.

    The greatest footballer in history, Pele, had been receiving treatment for colon cancer since 2021.

    ‘There will be no one else like Pele’ – fans pay tribute

    Thousands of fans gathered on the streets as the hearse arrived at the stadium on Monday morning, with some queuing overnight to see the coffin.

    Former Brazil midfielder Ze Roberto and Pele’s son Edinho helped carry his coffin while floral wreaths were sent by Neymar, Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid.

    Beatrice woke up at six in the morning to travel with her husband from the city of Soracaba to Santos, and had been waiting for more than two hours in the queue.

    “I’m determined to pay my final respects to him,” the 56-year-old told the BBC.

    Pele fan Beatrice holding a rose as she queues to see Pele lying in state
    Beatrice queued for more than three hours to see Pele lying in state

    When asked what Pele meant to Brazilians aside from football, Beatrice said he had helped unite modern Brazil, breaking through racist standards in Brazilian society to open the world of football and wider society to black Brazilians.

    Wilson Genio queued with his 13 year old son Miguel, carrying white roses and a family treasure: a Santos Football Club flag personally signed by the legend himself.

    The flag reads: “To the family Genio, your friend Pele”.

    The Genio men had travelled overnight with the hearse carrying Pele’s body from Sao Paolo. “We followed him all the way. We’ve been here since 3.30am,” they said.

    “We could pass another 1,000, 2,000 years and there will no one like Pele. He’s the one and only legend.”

    Santos fans Wilson Genio and his son Miguel proudly pose with their signed Santos flag from Pele
    Wilson Genio and his son Miguel queued to pay their respects with a signed flag from Pele himself

    ‘The whole city is drawn to the stadium’

    The BBC’s Frances Mao in Santos

    It is baking hot- about 30 degrees in Santos, but it feels like the whole city is drawn to the heart of Vila Belmiro stadium where Pele’s coffin lies.

    A steady stream of mourners pass through the centre to pay their final respects – sometimes a smattering of applause breaks out as they pass his coffin. People from all over Brazil – and the outside world – have come. I spot a Mexican flag, a Dutch pin.

    There are several news helicopters buzzing overhead. People are dressed in the striped black-and-white jerseys of the Santos Football Club – Pele’s team – or in Brazilian national team yellow jersey.

    Pele’s voice blasts over the stands in the stadium – his 2006 song “Meu Legado”, meaning My Legacy, is playing on repeat.

    Outside the stadium, a queue of thousands snakes for kilometres across half a dozen city blocks. It is a two-hour wait in the midday sun.

    Men have taken off their shirts to wrap around their heads like bandanas. Others are fanning themselves with the tribute newspaper printed just for the day. Some have come prepared with hats, umbrellas and their tributes.

    Sometimes a Mexican wave ripples through. There are occasional chants of Pele! Rei! But mostly, the crowds are patient in the heat, waiting for their turn to say goodbye.

    The hearse carrying Pele's coffin arrives to Santos as a firework goes off in the early morning
    Hundreds of fireworks were set off on Monday as Pele arrived at Santos’ stadium
    Shirts with Pele's face and number 10 are hung up in the Santos FC stadium
    The city of Santos prepares to say goodbye to its hero Pele, who played 656 competitive matches for the club
    Pele's coffin is carried in front of a Brazilian flag
    Several authorities are expected to attend the memorial, including newly sworn-in Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva
    Fans queuing outside Santos football stadium
    Pele’s body will lie in state at Santos’ stadium for 24 hours for the public to pay their respects
    FIFA President Gianni Infantino with Pele's son Edinho
    Fifa president Gianni Infantino attended the memorial
    Mourners stand in line outside Vila Belmiro stadium as they wait to pay their respects to Pele
    Thousands of mourners from all around the world are expected to gather in Santos
  • University of Ghana justifies increased academic facility user fees

    University of Ghana justifies increased academic facility user fees

    The University of Ghana has provided justification for the change made to the academic year 2022–2023 academic facility user fees.

    The University said that the price adjustment is legal because it is based on rates that have been approved by Parliament and announced by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).

    In an press release issued by the Management of the school it said, “the University decided to suspend the increment of fees in 2019/2020 academic year by 5% which was given approval by Parliament to all public universities since the university received the letter only after it had already announced fees for that academic year which made it late for the school to implement the new fees.”

    The statement added that, “the University Management decided to suspend the implementation of the new fees until 2020/2021 academic year even though the gazetted approved fees for the 2019/2020 academic year were found to be higher than the already charged fees we requested students to pay. This was to spare students from a fee increase in the middle of the 2019/2020 academic year.”

    According to the statement signed by the Registrar of the University, Emelia Agyei-Mensah, “With the outbreak of Covid-19 in March 2020, coupled with its associated challenges, Management accepted a plea from the student leadership (SRC and GRASAG) to further suspend the implementation of the parliamentary approved and gazetted fees until the 2021/2022 academic year. In effect, therefore, the University of Ghana charged students subsidized fees for the 2019/2020, 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 academic years, rather than the approved rates.”

    Due to rising operating costs before GTEC’s fresh approval of the 15% price increase on December 16, 2022, the University indicated that it had therefore implemented the 2019/2020 approved fees on December 13, 2022.

  • Let’s not despair despite worrying shape of economy – UG Vice-Chancellor

    Let’s not despair despite worrying shape of economy – UG Vice-Chancellor

    Despite the country’s current economic challenges, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, has warned Ghanaians to expect an economic rebound.

    The linguistics professor said in a greeting for the new year that despite the government’s difficulties, Ghanaians shouldn’t give up hope for better days to come.

    “Ladies and gentlemen, it is a fact that our economy is not in good shape, we’re in crisis as alluded to by his excellency the president of the republic and confirmed by the honourable minister of finance a few weeks ago. In spite of this, let us not be in despair, rather let’s approach 2023 with optimism and hope, remember, in the miss of adversities lies opportunities. the new year holds a wide expansion of possibilities as the government takes steps to bring the economy back on track, I urge all of us to work individually and collectively in whatever capacity we can to ensure that we build a resilient and robust economy,” she said.

    She also urged all parties involved, both internal and external, to support the University of Ghana’s mission of encouraging technologically advanced, humanist extension activities, teaching and learning, and administrative operations.

    “We were able to provide our first batch of needy students with laptops, I entreat both internal and external stakeholders, individuals and institutions to support the noble vision and give the student an exciting memorable learning experience,” she added.

  • Akufo-Addo donates GH¢100k towards construction of National Cathedral

    Akufo-Addo donates GH¢100k towards construction of National Cathedral

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has announced a cash donation of GH¢100,000 towards the National Cathedral project.

    The National Cathedral project will be completed, according to the president.

    Despite the numerous critiques and backlash, he asserts that this particular promise he made to God will be carried out with help from the Christian community.

    President Akufo-Addo made the announcement while on a visit to the construction site where work has been put on hold because of a lack of funding.

    “As I have said before, the National Cathedral will not just be another monument adorning the skyline of Accra, it will be a rallying point for the entire Christian community to come together and worship…I am therefore committed to working with the Board of Trustees to ensure the completion of this project to the glory of God.”

    According to Dr. Paul Opoku Mensah, Executive Director of the National Cathedral Secretariat, the project’s building is crucial for the Church and the wider Christian community.

    He further exhorted Christians to contribute financially to the project’s completion, which was initially planned to be completed in March 2024.

    “If the Church Leaders stand with us on this project, we can easily raise One million people who will give us GH¢100 each. So essentially, we need the Church to stand with us. The state has done enough, all the preparatory works have been done, and the scope of work has been done without the state it was impossible,” Dr Mensah noted.

    “We need the Church in Ghana to stand with us, this is a monument to the Church, this is a monument to God and a symbol of the Christian presence in Ghana,” he added.

    Ken Ofori-Atta, the minister of finance, declared in May 2022 that a sum of $25 million had been approved to allow the project consultants to handle some aspects of the National Cathedral’s development.

    Since it was announced, the proposal has drawn considerable controversy, censure, and opposition from the Ghanaian people, CSOs, and MPs.

    But the finance minister said the amount which was tagged as “seed money” was paid in November 2020, to the project consultants.

    Ken Ofori-Atta was subsequently hauled before parliament by the Minority caucus under seven grounds of a censure motion against him.

    Meanwhile, the recently published 2021 Auditor-General’s report discovered that a total of GH¢142,762,500 from the national coffers was spent on the Ghana National Cathedral project in 2021.

    This particular expenditure was however captured under the government’s priority programmes and interventions for the year under review.

  • Increase in VAT will affect the vulnerable most – Prof. Bokpin

    Increase in VAT will affect the vulnerable most – Prof. Bokpin

    An economist, Prof. Godfred Bokpin, has issued a warning that the implementation of the new increase in the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate could have a severe impact on the society’s most vulnerable members as prices for products and services rise.

    The 2023 budget was presented by the Finance Minister, who also announced a rise in VAT from 12.5 percent to 15 percent.

    The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has stated that it is prepared to put the policy into effect. But in response to the VAT rise, Prof. Bokpin said that since the poor will be severely hurt, household savings may also decrease.

    “VAT rate increases is going to affect consumption. At the end of the day, it is also going to affect the savings mobilisation effort of consumers. When these things happen they affect the poor”.

    He claimed that because food makes up a sizable portion of the inflation basket, an increase in VAT will have an impact on essential commodities like food.

    “If you look at data from Ghana Statistical Service, between 42 and 44 percent of household expenditure is on food and depending on where you buy your food, there may be VAT”, he said.

    He explained that a critical calculation of consumption tax in Ghana puts the figure above 20 percent since GETFund and the NHIL are all taxes imposed on goods.

    This, he said will cause prices to go up as traders pass on the taxes to consumers.

    “If you put all of this together, VAT alone at 21% or depending on where you find yourself in certain times of the year. Don’t forget there will be tourism levy, and other taxes”, he said.

    Parliament passes new VAT rate

    The Value Added Tax (VAT) rate increase of 2.5 percent was approved by Parliament on December 22, 2022.

    When introducing the 2023 Budget, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta stated that the review would directly assist government initiatives for digitisation and road construction projects.

    Chairman of the Finance Committee Kwaku Kwarteng praised the tax policy during a debate on the subject in front of the entire House of Representatives.

    According to him, the reason of the Minority’s opposition has been considered and incorporated under paragraph 6.3 of the committee’s report, adding that the recommendation by the committee was a majority decision.

  • Prices of fuel reportedly drop by 8%

    Prices of fuel reportedly drop by 8%

    The cost of some petroleum products at the pump has started to decline due to some actions taken by major Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).

    The market leader, GOIL, has announced a drop in fuel costs of more than 8%.

    The cost of diesel has been reduced by 1.50 to currently cost 14.60 per litre.

    On the other hand, gasoline is now selling for $12.40 per liter, down $1.

    The price cut by GOIL is consistent with a fortnightly review of petroleum product prices at the pumps

    Additionally, TotalEnergies has disclosed a price drop for its goods at the pump.

    Later today, additional OMCs are anticipated to adjust their petroleum product prices in a similar manner.

    As businesses strive for additional clients, it is anticipated that competition will lower fuel prices.

    There are currently over 100 OMCs operating in the nation.

    Local fuel market performance

    The second pricing window of December 2022 saw international market price falls and the Ghana cedi’s appreciation against the US dollar reflecting on the domestic fuel market positively at all Oil Marketing Companies (OMC) outlets monitored by the Institute for Energy Security.

    The price reductions seen over the pricing window peg the national average price per litre of petrol at ¢12.68 from ¢15.16, representing a 16.36% reduction over the period. Diesel national average price per litre moved from¢18.78 to ¢15.55; falling by roughly 17.20%.

    World oil market

    International Crude oil benchmark Brent fell by 0.51% in price over the previous window’s average price of $81.90 per barrel to the present average price of $81.48 per barrel.

    .

  • Brighton give Mac Allister an elaborate welcome after World Cup victory

    Brighton give Mac Allister an elaborate welcome after World Cup victory

    Following his World Cup victory with Argentina, Alexis Mac Allister was lavishly welcomed back to Brighton on Monday.

    In Qatar, the midfielder started six of his team’s seven games, scoring in the 2-0 win over Poland in the group stage and setting up Angel Di Maria’s goal in the triumph over France last month.

    Following his victory at Lusail Stadium, Mac Allister was given the chance to raise the trophy once more at Brighton’s Lancing practice facility.

    The 24-year-old was showered with La Albiceleste-themed confetti as he lifted a replica trophy while surrounded by teammates and staff members.

    Mac Allister has been strongly connected with a transfer away from the Amex Stadium despite having signed a new three-year contract with the Seagulls in October, with the option to extend it by an additional year.

    Juventus, a Serie A powerhouse, is said to be the favorite to sign him, but Premier League powerhouses Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea have also been mentioned as possible destinations.

  • Monaco boss confirms Badiashile deal

    Monaco boss confirms Badiashile deal

    According to Philippe Clement, Benoit Badiashile is about to leave Monaco after a contract was reached with Chelsea.

    The 21-year-old defender was reportedly close to joining the Blues, according to reports on Sunday.

    As Monaco trounced Brest in Ligue 1, coach Clement confirmed that an agreement had been reached between the two teams, although Badiashile did not play.

    Despite saying that Badiashile will proceed with the deal, Clement admitted that there had been no agreement struck between Chelsea and the defender.

    “I can say that this morning, Benoit Badiashile was with us at the hotel,” he told reporters.

    “At that moment, I was contacted by our directors who told me that there was an agreement between Monaco and another team, it’s a team that I know interests Benoit, but there is no agreement with him.”

    Clement explained he took the decision to leave Badiashile out against Brest.

    “Afterwards, our managers asked me if he could leave today or not. It was my choice. I spoke with Benoit and he wanted to be there for the team,” he added.

    “But I was sometimes in situations like him. I think that when there is an agreement with the team you are interested in, you don’t have your head in the game at 200 per cent.

    “With a player who has given everything for us over the last few months, seasons, for the club, who has always been positive, who has always been a fighter, who has always been there for us.

    “It was a normal decision for me to say that he could go today to talk with the club, in this situation, when there is an agreement between the clubs.”

    Following Sunday’s 1-1 draw between Chelsea and Nottingham Forest, Graham Potter was unable to provide an update on the Badiashile deal.

  • Cedi ranked 2nd weakest currency in Africa, 4th worst globally at end of 2022

    Cedi ranked 2nd weakest currency in Africa, 4th worst globally at end of 2022

    With a year-to-date loss of 38.86% against the US dollar, the Ghana Cedi finished 2022 as the second-weakest currency on the African continent, according to Bloomberg.

    The local currency came in 145th position overall. The Argentina Peso and Sierra Lankan Rupee were ranked 147th and 148th, respectively, while the Sierra Leone Leone rated 146th.

    According to Bloomberg, they are the currencies having the “Worst Spot Returns.”

    All of these nations faced economic difficulties because their debt loads had grown to unmanageable levels and their budget deficits had alarmingly widened.

    In Africa, the Kenyan Shilling (-8.32%), The Gambian Dalasi (-15.28%), Malawian Kwacha (-20.51), New Sudanese Pound (-22.87%), Egyptian Pound (-36.46%), Ghana Cedi (-38.36%) and Sierra Leone Leone (-40.58%) were the currencies with the “Worst Spot Returns”.

    Cedi ends 2022 as 2nd weakest currency in Africa, 4th worst globally – Bloomberg
    Cedi ends 2022 as 2nd weakest currency in Africa, 4th worst globally – Bloomberg

    For the “Best Spot Returns”, the Guinea Franc (7.67%), Somali Shilling (1.77%), Mozambique New Metical (0.37%), Djibouti Franc (-0.08%), Tanzania Shilling (-1.05%), Congolese Franc (-1.13%) and Rwanda Franc (-3.87%) were the strongest currencies in Africa in 2022.

    The Ghana cedi under significant pressure in 2022, dropping almost 50% of its value at one point before recovering in December as a result of a staff-level agreement made between the International Monetary Fund and the Government of Ghana. This drastically cut its year-to-date losses.

    Before then, the Domestic Exchange Program’s debut was announced by Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

    Thus, by the end of 2022, the local currency was selling on the retail or foreign market, on average, at roughly 11.60 to the American “greenback.”

    According to some observers, the cedi’s rebound in December 2022 was more the result of general uncertainty and speculative activity than it was genuinely supported.

    They argued that the cedi should be more susceptible to depreciation than appreciation due to an inflation rate of more than 50%, several years of consecutively high budget deficits leading to debt distress, and a forex reserves cover of less than three months of import cover.

    However, they countered that a stable cedi in 2023 will mostly depend on a support program from the IMF.

    Cedi records 18.21% depreciation to dollar in quarter 1

    The cedi recorded an 18.21% rate of depreciation to the US dollar in the first quarter of 2022, according to Bloomberg.

    This ranked the local currency as the worst among African currencies with the “Worst Spot Returns”.

    However, for the timely intervention by the Bank of Ghana, the situation could have been worse.

    Cedi loses 16.86% value to dollar in first half-year of 2022

    In the first-half of 2022, the Ghana cedi lost 16.86% in value to the US dollar on the interbank market but over 20% in the retail forex market.

    However, the rate of depreciation of the cedi slowed down in the last two months (May and June 2022), after stern monetary actions from the Bank of Ghana coupled with some fiscal measures to halt the free fall in the first four months of 2022.

    Cedi loses 40% value to dollar in nine months of 2022; places 147th position in world – Bloomberg

    In the first nine months of 2022, the Ghana cedi lost 40.05% in value to the US dollar, ranking it as the second worst performing currency in the world in the 147th position, according to Bloomberg.

    This decline in the local currency against the American currency was the worst in over three decades.

    There was a free fall of the cedi in the months of August 2022 and September 2022.

  • Pele’s hearse welcomed by fireworks ahead of wake

    Pele’s hearse welcomed by fireworks ahead of wake

    As Pele’s hearse traveled to the location of the 24-hour public wake that starts on Monday, football fans in Sao Paulo lit fireworks and waved flags in the streets.

    Three-time World Cup champion Pele was placed in hospice care in the beginning of December after his body stopped responding to cancer therapy.

    His passing was reported on Thursday. He was 82.

    After leaving a lasting impression on Brazil and Santos, for whom he scored 643 goals in 659 games over the course of 18 years, tributes have poured in for the football legend.

    Early on Monday morning, his body departed the Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital, where he passed away, in preparation for his wake, which drew throngs of people to say their final goodbyes.

    The public wake will be held at Santos’ Vila Belmiro stadium beginning at 10:00 local time, with Pele’s casket positioned in the middle of the field.

    Fans and dignitaries can pay their respects till Tuesday at 10:00 local time.

    Pele will subsequently be buried in a private ceremony on the ninth level of the Memorial Necropole Ecumenica, a vertical cemetery with a moving view of the Vila Belmiro about half a mile distant, following a procession through the streets of Santos.

  • Four dead in mid-air incident in Australia

    Four dead in mid-air incident in Australia

    A mid-air collision between two helicopters near Seaworld on Australia‘s Gold Coast has resulted in four fatalities.

    According to Queensland Police’s preliminary investigations, the collision occurred while one aircraft was taking off and the other was landing.

    The identical helicopter carried those who died. Three further people are in serious condition.

    Minor injuries were sustained by two of the six passengers aboard the other aircraft, which had to make an emergency landing.

    The crash occurred at around 14:00 local time, and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is looking into it (04:00 GMT).

    The two planes crashed down close to Main Beach, a popular tourist destination approximately 75 kilometers (47 miles) south of Brisbane.

    According to Queensland Police Service spokesperson Gary Worrell, the four fatalities and three grave injuries all took place in the same aircraft.

    “It’s a difficult scene,” he said. “Due to the area it’s located, on the sand bank, it was difficult to gain access, to get our emergency services to the scene to manage it appropriately.”

    Emergency personnel at the scene of the collision

    Images from the accident site show the area littered with wreckage and a broken helicopter that appears to be resting upside down next to the Seaworld resort.

    The other helicopter, which is marked on its fuselage with the emblem of a well-known marine park, appears to have made an emergency landing following the incident.

    Local police have blocked off traffic on Seaworld Drive, the main entrance to the marine park.

    They advised drivers and pedestrians to stay away from the area while emergency personnel assessed the situation.

    Investigators from the ATSB’s offices in Brisbane and Canberra are being deployed to the scene to gather evidence, examine the wreckage and interview witnesses.

    ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell has also asked eyewitnesses who saw the collision or the helicopters in flight to contact investigators.

    A preliminary report will be made public in the next six to eight weeks, with a final report to follow once the investigation is complete, he added.

    The Gold Coast region is currently in its peak tourist season, with children on their summer breaks.

  • Three remanded for alleged possession of narcotic drugs 

    Three remanded for alleged possession of narcotic drugs 

    A circuit court in Accra remanded three people who are accused of dealing drugs, attacking Nungua villagers, and robbing them of their valuables.

    They are Mohammed Fuseini, a 63-year-old mason, Dominic Agyare, a 22-year-old unemployed man, and Lucky Obi, a 32-year-old trader of Nigerian descent.

    They were jointly owned for narcotics-related illegal business.

    Agyare and Fuseini are also accused with illegally possessing narcotics.

    To the accusations brought against them, every accused person entered a plea of not guilty.

    The defendants were remanded into police custody by the court presided over by Mrs. Susana Eduful with a new court date of January 10, 2023.

    The complainants in the case were police officers assigned to the Regional Police Headquarters in Accra, while the accused were Nungua citizens, according to Police Chief Inspector Samuel Ahiabor, who was prosecuting the case.

    The prosecution said on September 8, 2022, a citizen of Nungua petitioned the Police Administration to the effect that there was a group of young men in Nungua township who were engaging in smoking, trading in narcotic drugs, peddling, attacking the public and robbing them of their valuables. 

    It said on December 2, 2022, a team of Police Officers were dispatched from Accra Regional Police Headquarters to embark on patrol within the said area. 

    The prosecution said when the team reached Nungua Authority, they arrested Obi and Agyare closer to a public toilet where they were allegedly selling narcotic drugs. 

    It said a search was conducted on Agyare and 144 wrappers of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp were retrieved from him. 

    The prosecution said the Police Officer proceeded to Nungua Zongo where Fuseini was also arrested in his wooden structure and a spot search conducted on him found 12 wrappers and one sachet of dried leaves suspected to be narcotic drugs. 

    It said the accused persons were escorted to the Regional Police Headquarters, Accra together with the exhibits. 

    The prosecution said investigations revealed that Agyare was selling the drugs for Obi. 

    It said Fuseini admitted the offence and pleaded with the Police for forgiveness. 

    The prosecution said the exhibits were sealed in the presence of the accused persons and an independent witness and forwarded to the Police Forensic Crime Laboratory for examination and report. 

  • Zanetor evokes JJ’s spirit with ‘boom speech’ on New Year’s eve

    Zanetor evokes JJ’s spirit with ‘boom speech’ on New Year’s eve

    The late president Jerry John Rawlings‘ daughter Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings gave an eloquent address during the celebration of the December 31 revolution that just finished in Accra.

    In part addressing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and criticizing the in power New Patriotic Party government on corruption issues, the physician and MP delivered a speech.

    She urged NDC members to reevaluate their core values and return to the principles of responsibility and honesty that her father and other comrades used to build the party.

    Only devoted and devoted supporters, she claimed, could ensure the NDC’s electoral success by defending its fundamental interests in elections.

    “We must have loyal supporters, committed comrades who cannot be bribed and who cannot be bought because when the time comes, those are the people who you need to protect your ballot boxes, the people you’ll need to protect your pink sheets.

    “Because in this current dispensation, when you find that you are not satisfied with the outcome of an election, when you go to court, you must provide evidence of the wrongdoing and that evidence lies in your pink sheets and in your ability to gather evidence.

    “And only people with commitment, loyalty, integrity, the highest level of integrity can preserve the truth no matter what,” he stressed in a speech that some people said evoked the spirit of her father who had addressed close to 40 such gatherings before his death in 2020.

    She pleaded for NDC members to keep in mind the part that friends played, the foundation they built, and the position they took against the NPP government’s carelessness in the matter of resource management.

    “This government today that has decided to take advantage of everything that was bequeath to the people of Ghana,” he said adding that resources of this country were being taken over by people in their personal capacities.

    “Leadership is about service and sacrifice and reflecting the values that comrades, we must not pay lip service to principles that don’t mean anything to us,” she added.

    The 2022 edition of the anniversary of the 31st December revolution was the 41st in the series. It marked the day on which Rawlings staged his second successive coup to depose the Hilla Limann government and constitute the Provisional National Defense Council, PNDC, government.

  • Ablakwa claims Mahama will win DC primaries by 95%

    Ablakwa claims Mahama will win DC primaries by 95%

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, believes that former President John Mahama will easily win reelection as the NDC’s 2024 flagbearer.

    He predicts that the former President will win with almost 95% of the total valid ballots cast.

    This was included in a list of forecasts the congressman posted on his Facebook wall on the first day of the year in 2023.

    Regarding the party’s primaries, he voiced confidence that Mahama would win.

    “Former President John Mahama will emerge victorious from the 2023 NDC Flagbearer Primaries with more than 95% of valid votes cast”, he noted in the first paragraph of his 2023 forecasts.

    Mr. Ablakwa added, “Former President John Mahama expected to retain Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang as his Running Mate for the 2024 presidential election”.

    Mr. Ablakwa also predicted that the National Cathedral’s contentious contractors will give up on the project, which has been a cause of protests around the country.

    He also said that the nation’s economic problems will continue to worsen, which would increase public dissent.

    Former president John Dramani Mahama is now preparing to lead the National Democratic Congress in an attempt to unseat the NPP in the 2024 elections.

    Even if he hasn’t openly stated it, there have been numerous convincing indications that he intends to lead the party, including a vast majority of NDC MPs who have consistently stated that they will support the former president.

    Even though Mahama has not yet made a public statement about his future plans, Mr. Ablakwa’s forecasts are related to the support Mahama has attracted.

    However, despite the support that John Mahama’s candidacy is receiving, some NDC members believe that the NDC would have a better chance of winning the 2024 elections if a fresh candidate other than Mahama were to emerge.

    According to these dissenters, Mahama’s appeal has dwindled amongst Ghanaians due to the many scandals that rocked his government between 2012 and 2016 when he was voted out of power.

    They therefore want a new face to shoulder the responsibility of the party’s flagbearership going into the 2024 general election.

    In line with these calls, former mayor for Kumasi, Mr Kojo Bonsu and former Finance Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffuor are currently warmimg up to unseat John Mahama.

    Mahama will win NDC primaries by 95% - Okudzeto Ablakwa
    A flyer of Dr Duffuor which has been circulated by some party faithful in recent times

    But the chances of these two men have been dismissed by many party supporters and some analysts who say that, both gentlemen do not have the wherewithal to deflate the clout and appeal of John Mahama in the party.

    Rumors from close sources within the NDC however have it that, the party’s presidential primaries will be organized in March this year to allow the NDC ample time to campaign and prepare for the 2024 contest.

  • A lot of Ghanaians will be angry with Akufo-Addo in 2023 – Ablakwa

    A lot of Ghanaians will be angry with Akufo-Addo in 2023 – Ablakwa

    Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a member of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), believes that in 2023, popular resentment of Akufo-Addo would intensify.

    The politician claims that this will be exacerbated by the government’s proposed debt swap program, which has already encountered intense opposition from a portion of the people.

    He remarked in a Facebook post at the beginning of the new year that, in his opinion, this resistance will negatively impact Ghana’s IMF agreement, which will exacerbate the economic problems in the nation.

    “Public agitations against the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/Ofori-Atta debt exchange programme predicted to reach a crescendo as an overwhelming majority of Ghanaians will outrightly reject the draconian terms.

    “The debt exchange resistance and considerable turmoil would lead to a substantial delay in an IMF Board Agreement, which development will further exacerbate Ghana’s current economic calamity”, the MP wrote.

    After experiencing a record fall, the nation’s economy has become a hot topic of discussion during the past year.

    Excruciating reports of hardship on the part of many Ghanaians accompanied the economic downturn.

    Given the circumstances, the Cedi experienced an all-time low value relative to the US dollar and other major trading currencies, which increased the cost of fuel and other goods and services.

    The country had to eventually knock on the doors of the International Monetary Fund for an economic bailout on July 1, 2022, despite earlier assurances that the economy would stabilize.

    The decision was sharply criticized as well, with many Ghanaians accusing the NPP of applying different standards to it than it did to the NDC when it was in opposition for approaching the IMF.

    A portion of the population also used social media to call for the resignation of Ken Ofori-Atta, the finance minister. The hashtag “KenMustGo” gave this more traction.

    Others in the House of Representatives joined the chorus and demanded the dismissal of Mr. Ofori-Atta.

    However, despite the protracted unrest, there was a little respite when the cedi began steadily increasing against the dollar in the latter months of the year.

    In view of this, the institute of Energy Security (IES) also predicted that, fuel products will reduce, starting Sunday, January 1, 2023.

    However, Mr Ablakwa believes that the temporary cool of Ghanaians will soon be overthrown with more agitations from government.

    Meanhwile, government has assured that it is throwing in all arsenals at its disposal to restore the economy and place it on a more desirable footing.

    This was contained in the President’s earlier Christmas Day message, as well as his New Year message to Ghanaians at the beginning of 2023.

  • E-levy: Govt may miss revised target – Telecoms Chamber

    E-levy: Govt may miss revised target – Telecoms Chamber

    The Electronic Transaction Levy (E-levy), according to the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, had a negative effect on financial technology enterprises, raising doubts about the government’s capacity to fulfill its updated revenue target for the levy in 2022.

    The revenue forecast for the levy was changed by the government in the 2022 Mid-Year Budget from the initial yearly prediction of GHS6.96 billion to GHS6.11 million.

    Dr. Ken Ashigbey, the chief executive of the Chamber, claimed in an interview with Joy Business that the government had taken a discriminating approach to implementing the tax handle, which is why it frequently missed the mark.

    “A lot of the things that if they [government] have listened, we would have been in a better place. So the ¢6.9 billion did not happen, I’m not too sure the revised target [¢611 million] would be met.

    The E-levy itself has impacted apart from the challenges we saw in the 3rd quarter – the turbulent in the market –  the e-levy also had a major impact [negative] on the digital economy; a lot of investments. Fintechs had various investments conversations that because of the e-levy itself did not materialized”.

    Dr. Ashigbey also made the point that many fintech companies experienced high operating costs as a result of inflation and were unable to generate the income they had projected for 2022.

    “What is happening is that it’s not only government that is not meeting its revenue target, the revenues of these EMIs and other fintechs were also impacted which means that with the inflationary pressures that we saw, costs also ballooned.”

    “Most of these businesses might not make the profit that we saw the prior year [2021]. It’s really been a difficult year and the 1% reduction still does not do it. We were hoping that government would have listened to putting a cap on the e-levy”, he added.

    Continuing, he said volume did not drop as much as value because those sending high values did not pay much for e-levy.

    “So what you saw in 2022, volume did not drop as much as value because for those who send high values, the industry is structured in such a way that when you send money beyond a particular limit you did not pay too much fee. For Vodafone, there is no charge, but for MTN, AirtelTigo, Zeepay, G Money, when you send above a ¢1000 you just pay ¢7.5, but if you send ¢5000, you will pay ¢7.5 but you will also be paying ¢75”.

  • ‘Ghana is becoming Sodom and Gomorrah’ – Dr. Lawrence Tetteh

    ‘Ghana is becoming Sodom and Gomorrah’ – Dr. Lawrence Tetteh

    The Worldwide Miracle Outreach’s founder and president, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, bemoaned the recent moral decay that has some clergy actively participating in.

    In his sermon at the Accra watchnight service on December 31, 2022, he compared the situation in modern-day Ghana to that of the biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

    “Ghana is becoming Sodom and Gomorrah in the things that sometime ago we stone, we rebuke, we chastise people about, we try to massage it politically now, shame on our politicians.

    Unfortunately shame on our pastors too who know the truth but cannot speak he truth because of pittance, because of pittance we know the truth but we cannot speak the truth, shame on our pastors, shame on the clergy, shame on my colleagues, my brothers, shame on all of us, we have missed it.”

    He emphasized that the congregation had become miserable and in agony due to the pursuit of poverty.

    He also discussed how certain clergy members appeared to have political party allegiances and hence continued to remain silent about corrupt activities carried out by some politicians.

    The majority of Ghanaians rang in the new year by attending Watchnight services at one of the many places of worship scattered throughout the nation or at a nightclub.

    Ghana experienced a disastrous 2022 as a result of an economic crisis that compelled the government to apply for a loan from the IMF at a time when the cedi was fast losing value, inflation was out of control, and the government was subject to many downgrades by rating agencies.

    The government has repeatedly attributed some of the crises’ effects to the continuing Russia-Ukraine war and the COVID pandemic’s aftershocks.

    After signing a Staff-Level Agreement with the IMF in the hopes that funding from the US$3 billion facility will be delivered early this year, it has pledged to improve the nation’s economic situation.

  • Brazil prepares to say final goodbye to Pele

    Brazil prepares to say final goodbye to Pele

    The funeral for Brazilian football legend Pelé will be held in the stadium where he competed in some of his best games.

    Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé, passed away on December 29 after a protracted battle with cancer. He was 82.

    The public will be able to pay their final respects at Vila Belmiro Stadium, outside of Sao Paulo, according to Santos, the team where Pele played.

    His mother Celeste, who is 100 years old, will be honored as the coffin is brought through the Santos streets and in front of her house.

    Early on Monday, the casket carrying the three-time World Cup champion will leave Albert Einstein Hospital and be positioned in the field’s center circle.

    From Monday at 10 a.m. to the following day, visitors will be welcome. On Tuesday, alone in the presence of his family, he will be buried at the Memorial Necropole Ecumenica, a vertical cemetery in Santos.

  • GHS to announce measures to address global COVID-19 situation

    GHS to announce measures to address global COVID-19 situation

    According to the Ghana Health Service (GHS), it has observed the increase in new cases of COVID-19 in China and other countries.

    The GHS describes this scenario as risky given the drop and persistent low levels of COVID-19 cases in Ghana during the previous three (3) months.

    According to a news release from the Ghana Health Service dated January 1, 2023, Ghana’s comparatively low vaccination rate poses a serious threat to importation and a fresh wave of COVID-19 infection in the nation.

    Therefore, the Service is making the necessary preparations to prevent a deterioration of the situation.

    “This situation calls for tightening and reviewing of existing measures to avert further outbreaks. Ghana Health Service and the Ministry of Health are critically monitoring the situation in consultation with key stakeholders. We will shortly come out with our country specific measures to address the current threat of COVID-19, especially with respect to importation,” the Director-General of GHS, Dr. Patrick Kumah-Aboagye assured in the release.  

    The Service encouraged all Ghanaians who have not availed themselves for the COVID-l9 vaccination to do so.

    “Those who have taken their first dose are to go for the second dose and those who have taken their second dose are also entreated to go for the booster. Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19 infection” the GHS urged.

  • Pope Benedict XVI: Lying in state at the Vatican starts

    Pope Benedict XVI: Lying in state at the Vatican starts

    As soon as the former Pope Benedict XVI’s lying in state at the Vatican starts, tens of thousands of people are anticipated to pay their respects.

    He passed away on New Year’s Eve at the age of 95, over ten years after he resigned due to illness.

    The funeral will be presided over by Pope Francis on Thursday, marking the first occasion when the reigning pope will officiate at the burial.

    The ceremony will be brief, serious, and sober, according to the Vatican.

    In 2013, Benedict XVI, who had been pope for 600 years, announced his resignation due to failing health.

    People may pay their respects up until 7 p.m. each day while his remains is on display at St. Peter’s Basilica for three days in an open coffin.

    Before the Pope Emeritus is buried in the tombs beneath the Basilica, a burial service will be held in St. Peter’s Square.

    Pictures of the body wearing red papal mourning clothes and a gold-trimmed mitre were posted by the Vatican on Sunday.

    Worldwide tributes have flooded in, and hundreds of people are anticipated to attend the funeral.

    Pope John Paul II’s 2005 funeral, which attracted an estimated four million people to Rome, was the last papal funeral and one of the biggest Christian gatherings in history.

    The details of the service are not yet known because numerous customs connected to the passing of a pope in office, most notably the choice of a successor, are not necessary.

    According to Matteo Bruni, a spokesman for the Vatican, Benedict requested that the funeral be distinguished by simplicity.

    Although the Vatican has not disclosed the specifics of the guest list, it has stated that it will include representatives from Italy and Benedict’s native Germany.

    Pope Francis paid tribute to his “dearest” predecessor after his death.

    US President Joe Biden lauded the former Pope’s “lifetime of devotion to the Church”, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed him as “a great man whom history will not forget”.

    In Brazil – the largest Catholic nation in the world – incoming President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said he wished “comfort to the faithful and admirers of the Holy Father”.

    Pope Benedict was a controversial figure, and some have criticised him for failing to tackle allegations of clerical sexual abuse.

  • Lukaku hopes for extended San Siro stay

    Lukaku hopes for extended San Siro stay

    Romelu Lukaku underlined his plans to continue in Serie A after this season by saying, “I’ve always had Inter in my heart.”

    After joining the Blues for £97.5 million, Lukaku scored just eight Premier League goals the previous season. He then returned to Inter on a season-long loan last June.

    After suffering a thigh injury in August, the Belgian striker has missed the majority of this season. He also did not make a start at the World Cup after returning halfway through his nation’s disastrous group-stage campaign.

    Despite enduring a frustrating second spell at San Siro, Lukaku is eager to make his Inter reunion permanent after being welcomed back by the Nerazzurri’s supporters.

    “Inter fans are truly special; for me they’re the best I’ve met. Even if we are in trouble, they are always there to help the team,” Lukaku told Sky Sport.

    “I thought they were still angry with me, but they know I’ve always had Inter in my heart, even if I left. 

    “I had a few conversations with my team-mates; I told them the truth about why I left and why I came back. 

    “I hope to stay in the future too. For me, Inter means everything. Now I have to do everything necessary, together with the team, for Inter to win. Then we’ll see.”

    Wednesday’s pivotal matchup between Inter and Scudetto favorites Napoli will mark the start of their Serie A campaign. Simone Inzaghi’s fifth-place team is 11 points behind the league’s early leaders.

    Lukaku insists Inter are still in the running to repeat as Scudetto winners despite Napoli’s big advantage at the top.

    “As long as a team hasn’t lifted the trophy, anything is possible,” Lukaku said. “That’s the thing, anything is possible in football. 

    “Do I believe it? You have to believe in the impossible. People say it’s impossible for us, let’s see at the end of the season. 

    “Now, no one has raised it, we are still there and there are six months left. The championship ends on June 6, we are not yet on January 4!”

  • Martinez told Belgium he would leave after shock Morocco defeat

    Martinez told Belgium he would leave after shock Morocco defeat

    After their shocking loss to Morocco, former Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez informed his team that he would be retiring after the World Cup. Martinez confesses that the outcome “will haunt for me for a long time.”

    The second-ranked team in the world, who were semi-finalists in 2018, unexpectedly lost at the group stage in Qatar after placing third in Group F.

    The Red Devils failed to upset Canada in their opening match before losing to Morocco 2-0, and a scoreless draw with Croatia guaranteed their early exit.

    It put an end to a dismal tournament in which Martinez and several other players were had to deny rumors of a fracture within the team.

    The Spaniard, who subsequently stepped down after six years in the role, also denied rumours of any friction within the camp in his first interview since departing.

    “It’s the match against Morocco that will haunt me for a long time,” he said. “We weren’t ourselves. A bit like against Canada by the way. We were not in the state to win these games.

    “Against Croatia, it was different. We are probably the team that created the most chances against the Croatians. You won’t find any tactical or technical expert who can explain to you why we didn’t score in the last half hour. A matter of millimetres.

    “I told the group after the defeat against Morocco that I would stop after the World Cup in Qatar. 

    “In a way, everyone knew that the match against Croatia could be the last. I would have liked to say goodbye on December 19 [the day after the final].

    “Fake news has grown in importance. When L’Equipe writes that Jan Vertonghen and Eden Hazard had fallen out, the group had the impression that all the media were jumping on the information.

    “So, we decided to distance ourselves from the outside world. The core wanted to show that the group is solid. And from that moment on, you saw another team. It made us stronger. How many percent of what L’Equipe said was true? Zero, nothing, nada.”

    Martinez believed that Belgium’s lack of preparation contributed to their lackluster performance in Qatar, with their lone pre-tournament friendly being a 2-1 loss to Egypt.

    The homecoming procession in Brussels is one of the 49-year-favorite old’s recollections of their trip to the semi-finals in Russia four years earlier.

    “In 2018, we had three warm-up matches. Not this time,” Martinez added. 

    “Several countries used this group stage as preparation. That was the price to pay for a tournament in the winter. Unfortunately, we needed two games to be ready.

    “In 2018, I already felt at the airport [before the finals] that the team was ready – emotionally and tactically.

    “Here, I only felt that two days before the game against Croatia. After the match against Egypt, I felt that we were not ready. Nothing was rolling for us.

    “On the Grand Place in Brussels. I cherish that image from 2018 for life, it is burned on my retina. It will encourage me to keep working in football.”

  • 2023 promises to be a good one for Ghana – Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo is projecting better days ahead for Ghana as the country ushers into a new year.

    In a Twitter post on January 1, 2023, he wrote: “Wishing you, my fellow Ghanaians, a happy and prosperous new year. 2023 promises to be a good one for our country.”

    The President, in his tweet, did not indicate how exactly his government would ensure a conducive environment for businesses and citizens in general.

    However, government has on several occasions stated that its yet-to-be-finalised agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will augur well for Ghanaians.

    Meanwhile, former President John Dramani Mahama has entreated Ghanaians to remain hopeful of an economic recovery this year.

    Despite the economic setback the nation experienced in the previous year, he claimed that Ghanaians “cannot give up on our dear homeland Ghana” in the face of the sacrifices and austerity measures that 2023 will bring.

    “As we face the future with fortitude, let us remember the solemn words of the hymnist, Johnson Oatman Jr, when he urges us to Count Our Blessings and Name Them One by One. We have been fortunate to survive as a nation and are lucky by the grace of the Almighty to be alive to see the dawn of a new year,” he said in a Facebook post.

    He is optimistic that as long as Ghanaians have life, there will be ample opportunity to “be better versions of ourselves and work even harder towards salvaging our dear nation from the avoidable abyss into which she has been plunged.”

    “May this new year open the pathway and bring us to the cusp of building the ‘Ghana We Want’— a Ghana of opportunities for all and one in which our individual and collective aspirations are achieved. I wish you all, my fellow countrymen and women, a very Happy and Prosperous New Year,” he shared.

  • Democracy at risk if majority of Ghanaians are jobless – Asiedu Nketiah

    Democracy at risk if majority of Ghanaians are jobless – Asiedu Nketiah

    If the majority of the population is unemployed, the country’s democracy cannot be maintained, according to Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

    He claims that if the majority of people are having trouble finding work so they can support themselves, protests will be rampant.

    Without work for the youth, he continued, the government will be unable to maintain peace, and if jobs are produced for them, no youth will participate in protests.

    In order to prevent protests, Mr. Asiedu Nketiah urged the Akufo-Addo administration to avoid spending money on riot gear for the police and increase employment opportunities for young people.

    “If you are in a country and more of your people are jobless, you cannot sustain any democracy. You cannot continue to sustain peace in that country. And that is why I believe strongly that instead of spending more money on buying riot gear for the police to foil demonstrations, it is better to find jobs for the youth so that when they are engaged, they will not find the need to demonstrate,” the NDC chairman said.

    During an 80-female graduation ceremony in Anfoega, in the Volta Region, he made these remarks.

    The 80 female graduates received training in beautician and fashion design thanks to Joycelyn Tetteh, a North Dayi member of parliament.

    Mr. Asiedu Nketiah applauded the legislator for her initiative in empowering women with the needed skills, admonishing other MPs to emulate the initiative in their various constituencies.

    On her part, the MP said the necessary logistics have been provided for females, adding, “we will monitor them for five months to know if they are doing well or not, then we will advise ourselves on the way forward”.

  • LaLiga president says Vinicius’ criticism of anti-racism work ‘unfair’

    LaLiga president says Vinicius’ criticism of anti-racism work ‘unfair’

    After the Real Madrid winger voiced his annoyance on social media, LaLiga president Javier Tebas called Vinicius Junior’s criticism of the league’s anti-racism efforts “unfair.”

    Vinicius’ injury cost Madrid a 2-0 victory over Real Valladolid on Friday at the Jose Zorrilla.

    The Brazil international wrote on Instagram the following day that “racists continue to go to the stadiums and see the best club in the world up close, and LaLiga continues to do nothing”.

    When Vinicius was replaced in the middle of the game, he appeared to be the target of racial shouts from the crowd and was nearly struck by numerous objects thrown from the stands as he walked behind one of the goals.

    Tebas, though, disagreed with Vinicius’ assertion that LaLiga is doing little to exclude racists from the sport.

    “At LaLiga we have been fighting racism for years,” Tebas tweeted. “Vinicius Junior, it is unfair and not true to publish that ‘LaLiga does nothing against racism’.

    “Find out more. We are at your disposal so that all together we can go in the same direction.”

    Also included in the tweet from Tebas was the link to a LaLiga statement that insisted the incidents in Valladolid will be reported to the hate crimes prosecutors’ office; additionally, it documented previous instances of complaints being filed with legal authorities, in an attempt to disprove Vinicius’ criticism.

    “Before the publication of Vinicius Jr, a Real Madrid player, on his social networks making a comment in which he alludes to the lack of action measures by LaLiga in the fight against racism, LaLiga has detected racist insults from someone from the stands of the Zorrilla stadium, [which were] published on social networks,” the statement began.

    “These events will be reported to the anti-violence commission and the hate crimes prosecutor’s office, as has been done on other occasions in which LaLiga, after investigating racist behaviour inside and outside the stadiums, has led the fight against this type of act.”

  • Merson confidently backs Gunners for title after Brighton win

    Merson confidently backs Gunners for title after Brighton win

    According to their former midfielder Paul Merson, Arsenal are unlikely to be stopped in their quest to win a shocking Premier League championship.

    With a convincing 4-2 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, the Gunners impressively increased their lead at the top of the standings to seven points.

    On New Year’s Eve, Manchester City and Newcastle United’s draws provided the Gunners a chance to extend their lead atop the standings.

    At the Amex Stadium, they seized the opportunity with both hands when Bukayo Saka’s goal in just 66 seconds set them on their course.

    Eddie Nketiah added a third goal, and inspirational skipper Martin Odegaard added two more. Gabriel Martinelli scored either side of goals from Kaoru Mitoma and Evan Ferguson of Brighton.

    After five straight victories in the Premier League, Arsenal is in fine form and hosts third-place Newcastle on Tuesday in a key match.

    Merson predicts a two-horse race for the championship between Arsenal and City, and he will support the Gunners even though Pep Guardiola’s champions are still the odds-on favorite.

    “I think they’ll beat Newcastle,” Merson said to Sky Sports. “They’ve just won two games, scored seven goals, confidence is high. 

    “They’ve won every game at home this season in the league – that’s some doing.

    “Arsenal are good to watch, it’s not a fluke. You’ve got to look at Man City, they’ve lost at home to Brentford and drawn at home to Everton who are on a bad run. 

    “They are two games City are expected to win. That’s five points dropped. I don’t see anyone stopping Arsenal at the moment.”

    Wins over West Ham and Brighton since the World Cup break have delighted Merson, as Arsenal bid to win a first league crown since their ‘Invincibles’ team tasted success in 2004.

    He added: “When we stopped for the World Cup you thought this could only harm Arsenal. They were flying. They’ve come back and scored seven goals in two games.

    “They’ve got a platform, it’s in their hands. I know there’s a long way to go, but there are big teams in this league who can’t win it – Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, probably Man United.

    “It’s out of Arsenal and Man City unless the other teams go on the most extraordinary run you’ve ever seen in Premier League history.

    “Who goes to Brighton and scores four goals? Arsenal are playing great football and at the moment, they’re the best team in the country and the number one team.

    “They’ve given themselves a little gap where they can afford to lose a few games. Man City are not going to win every game, so Arsenal are right in this, I couldn’t talk highly enough about them.

    “This is not a fluke, they are where they are because they are a very good football team.

    “They went to Old Trafford and got beat, and I didn’t think they deserved to. There are ways of losing matches and they bounced back.

    “The other night, they went 1-0 down to West Ham and they came back and brushed them aside.”

  • Messi describes 2022 as ‘year my dream came true’

    Messi describes 2022 as ‘year my dream came true’

    The World Cup-winning year of 2022, according to Lionel Messi, is one he “will never be able to forget.”

    The Argentina captain, who received an extension of vacation following his heroics for Qatar 2022, is scheduled to return to Paris Saint-Germain at the beginning of the upcoming week.

    Messi won the Golden Ball award for his seven goals and three assists during Argentina’s run to victory, and at age 35, he finally got to lift the World Cup trophy, which was the pinnacle of his career.

    As the year came to an end, Messi marked it with a series of Instagram posts featuring his young family, wife Antonela, and himself.

    He wrote: “A year ends that I will never be able to forget. The dream that I always pursued finally came true.

    “But that wouldn’t be worth anything either if it weren’t for the fact that I get to share it with a wonderful family, the best one can have, and some friends who always support me and didn’t let me stay on the floor every time I fell.”

    Messi’s magical moment will not have been met with great reverence in Paris, given it was France that Argentina beat on penalties in the final after a remarkable 3-3 draw.

    Addressing supporters, Messi made a point of thanking those from Barcelona as well as Paris.

    He scored a staggering 672 goals during a Barcelona career that ended with a shock move to PSG in August 2021.

    “I also want to have a very special memory for all the people who follow me and support me,” Messi wrote. “It is incredible to be able to share this path with all of you.

    “It would be impossible to get to where I got without so much encouragement that I received from all the people of my country as well as from Paris, Barcelona and many other cities and countries from which I have been receiving affection.

    “I hope that this year has also been wonderful for everyone and I wish you all the health and strength to continue being happy in 2023.”

    Messi has reportedly agreed in principle to extend his PSG contract, which expires at the end of this season, and putting the finishing touches to a deal will be a priority for the Ligue 1 club in the coming days and weeks.

    He will miss Sunday’s game against Lens, who sit second in the French top flight, seven points behind PSG after 16 rounds of games.

  • Colombia, Venezuela to fully reopen shared border

    Colombia, Venezuela to fully reopen shared border

    According to a statement from Colombia Migration, Venezuela and Colombia will fully restore their common border on January 1 to permit the transportation of goods and people via the Tienditas International Bridge.

    The border crossing between the South American nations was previously restored in September in western Venezuela’s Tachira state after political ties under Gustavo Petro, the new president of Colombia, were reinforced.

    Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela and Petro were each named ambassadors to Bogota and Caracas, respectively.

    The restoration of the 2,200km (1,367 miles) common border between Colombia and Venezuela, as stated by Colombian authorities since September, would be progressive.

    Government representatives from Venezuela were monitoring the Tienditas Bridge’s infrastructure last week.

    “We completely reopen the border between our countries in order to guarantee the movement of cargo and passengers, and to promote trade and tourism in Colombia and Venezuela, not only by land but also by air and river,” said Colombia’s Minister of Transport Guillermo Reyes Gonzalez on Saturday.

    Two bridges in Tachira and the western Zulia state allow people and freight to cross the border already. In November, flights between the two major cities—Caracas and Bogota—restarted.

    According to official figures from Colombia, the value of the trade between the two nations is approximately $580 million.

  • Sawmill operator killed at Agona Asafo

    Sawmill operator killed at Agona Asafo

    Kweku Yeboah, 43, a sawmill operator, was shot and killed at Agona Asafo in the Agona East District of the Central Region.

    Sowah, a suspect aged 25, has been identified. According to reports, the deceased was shot in the thigh on Friday in front of his home.

    The deceased’s 13-year-old son told the media that he and his buddies were playing football when they overheard a contentious conversation.

    But he was unaware that his father was involved. But when they heard a gunshot, they immediately ran in that direction.

    The witness said they found his father in a pool of blood amid threats from the suspect to shoot anyone else who came closer.

    “We had to wait until the suspect entered his car and fled the scene,” he said.

    The teenager said his father did not make it and died upon arrival at Agona Swedru Government Hospital.

    Meanwhile, the wife of the deceased, Ama Okyerewaa, said she was shocked upon hearing the news.

    She said she cannot comprehend what could have led to the shooting because her husband has no issues with the suspect.

    She claimed the unfortunate incident comes on the back of several threats the suspect has made to some people. Despite several complaints lodged with the Agona Swedru District and Divisional Police Command, no action was taken.

  • ‘We cannot give up on Ghana’ – Mahama

    Ghanaians have been encouraged by former President John Dramani Mahama to be hopeful in 2023.

    Despite the economic setback the nation experienced in the previous year, he claimed that Ghanaians “cannot give up on our dear homeland Ghana” in the face of the sacrifices and austerity measures that 2023 will bring.

    “As we face the future with fortitude, let us remember the solemn words of the hymnist, Johnson Oatman Jr, when he urges us to Count Our Blessings and Name Them One by One. We have been fortunate to survive as a nation and are lucky by the grace of the Almighty to be alive to see the dawn of a new year,” he said.

    He is optimistic that as long as Ghanaians have life, there will be ample opportunity to “be better versions of ourselves and work even harder towards salvaging our dear nation from the avoidable abyss into which she has been plunged.”

    “May this new year open the pathway and bring us to the cusp of building the ‘Ghana We Want’— a Ghana of opportunities for all and one in which our individual and collective aspirations are achieved. I wish you all, my fellow countrymen and women, a very Happy and Prosperous New Year,” he shared.

  • Uruguay striker Suarez joins Gremio

    Uruguay striker Suarez joins Gremio

    Gremio in Brazil has signed Luis Suarez to a two-year contract.

    The Uruguayan striker, who left his hometown club Nacional as a free agent, will continue his career in Brazil.

    Cruz Azul of Mexico sought Suarez, but Gremio prevailed in the battle for his signature.

    Gremio, a Porto Alegre-based team, announced the 35-year-old’s signing on New Year’s Eve.

    Suarez helped Nacional to win the Primera Division title after returning to his homeland following his Atletico Madrid exit.

    The veteran won four LaLiga titles during a hugely successful spell with Barcelona and claimed another with Atleti in the 2020-21 campaign.

    He also lifted the Champions League trophy at Barca in 2015. 

    Suarez won the Copa America with Uruguay in 2011, and is his country’s all-time top goalscorer, with 68 in 137 games, though he failed to net during their recent World Cup campaign at Qatar 2022.

  • I am not married to Sammy Gyamfi – Irene Amankwaa Karikari clarifies

    Reports that NDC’s Communication Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, has tied the knot with one Irene Amankwaa Karikari are inaccurate, The Independent Ghana can confirm.

    Social media got buzzing today after pictures and videos of Sammy Gyamfi’s private wedding emerged. It was said that his wife is Irene Amankwaa Karikari.

    The said lady has however debunked articles and statements citing her as the newly wedded wife of the politician.

    In a Facebook post, she wrote “You people should stop tagging me la. I’m not the one Sammy Gymafi got married to.”

    According to her, such reports have gotten her husband jealous. The misidentification got her busting into laughter.

    Irene Amankwaa Karikari is a politician who sides with the opposition party, NDC.

    She ran for the Deputy Women’s Organiser position of the NDC in the Sunyani West constituency.

    She is also a lawyer by profession.

    Meanwhile, the identity of Sammy Gyamfi’s wife remains anonymous.

  • Becker’s first comments following release from prison

    Boris Becker called his time in prison “the loneliest moment I’ve ever had,” but after his release last Thursday, he said, “I believe I rediscovered the human in me.”

    The six-time grand slam singles champion Becker was found guilty of concealing loans and assets worth £2.5 million in order to avoid paying bills when he was declared bankrupt in 2017. As a result, he was sentenced to two and a half years in prison in April.

    The German was reportedly sent to the low-security Huntercombe prison in Oxfordshire in May after serving the first few weeks of his sentence in Wandsworth Prison in London.

    In an interview with Sat.1 that was broadcast on Tuesday, the tennis legend has opened up on the dark days he has experienced but says he has learned a “very expensive” lesson.

    “In prison you are a nobody, you are only a number. Mine was A2923EV,” he recalled when breaking his silence. “I wasn’t called Boris, I was a number. And nobody gives a s*** who you are.

    “When the cell door closes, the whole world collapses. This is the loneliest moment I’ve ever had.

    “There is only you with your thoughts. There’s a carousel in your head, of course. You try to breathe calmly. I was afraid, I didn’t cry.

    “I believe I rediscovered the human in me, the person I once was. I’ve learned a hard lesson. A very expensive one. A very painful one.

    “But the whole thing has taught me something very important and worthwhile. And some things happen for a good reason.”

    Recalling the day of his release, Becker, who lived in London before he was sent to prison, said: “From six o’clock that morning I sat on the edge of my bed, and hoped that the cell door would open.

    “They came to get me at 7.30am, unlocked the door and asked: ‘Are you ready?’ I said: ‘Let’s go!’ I had already packed everything beforehand.”

  • Murray keen to play on despite one ‘big injury’ from retirement

    Although the three-time Grand Slam champion admits he is just one serious injury away from having to stop competing, Andy Murray is still eager to continue.

    Murray missed most of the previous four years due to two hip surgeries he underwent in 2018 and 2019.

    Although Murray reached two tour-level finals in 2022, his run to the third round of the US Open was his joint-best Grand Slam run since Wimbledon 2017. Murray then climbed back to the top 50 in the world rankings.

    While Murray concedes that physical issues could force his hand, he is not yet ready to follow in the footsteps of his adversary and fellow two-time Wimbledon winner Roger Federer, who announced his retirement from the sport in September after battling a knee injury.

    “If my body is in good shape and I’m still able to compete consistently, I’ll keep playing,” Murray said.

    “But I can’t look so far in advance with the age I’m at and with the issues I’ve had. If I was to have a big injury, I probably wouldn’t try to come back from that.”

    Murray has been training with coach Ivan Lendl in a bid to ensure he enters next month’s Australian Open in peak condition, having missed three of the last five editions of the tournament.

    “I spent three weeks in Florida, getting my body right and getting some work done on my game and it went really well,” he said.

    “I’m certainly in better shape than I was. A lot of work was done in the gym, trying to build up my endurance and my stamina a bit and I’m hoping that’s going to help me next year.

    “I wasn’t happy with how last season went – certainly the last six months or so from a physical perspective – but my ranking still went from 125 to 50 in a year.

    “I’m hoping that this year, with the work I’ve done, things will continue to improve and I’ll still be motivated to get out there and compete.”


  • Neuer injury blow forces Bayern to consider Nubel

    Following the shocking injury blow to Manuel Neuer, Bayern Munich is debating whether the “obvious solution” of recalling Alexander Nubel from his loan at Monaco would be the best course of action.

    After Neuer’s broken leg forced him to miss the remainder of the season, Hasan Salihamidzic, the club’s sporting director, mentioned Nubel as a possibility Bayern may consider.

    Although Sven Ulreich, Neuer’s regular backup, may have the chance to stake a claim, it wouldn’t be shocking if Bayern brought in a new goalkeeper in January.

    If Monaco agrees to a request to shorten his loan and if Bayern believe he is the best candidate, that decision looks to determine if they will bring Nubel back from Monaco.

    Nubel has been a regular for Monaco since joining the team in June 2021 on a two-season arrangement, having previously spent a year mostly confined to the bench with the Bundesliga champions.

    Salihamidzic told Sport Bild: “It is important that we find the best solution for our team in the short term.

    “Of course, Alexander Nubel would be an obvious solution. In the end, Monaco have the last word.”

    Nubel has been a regular for Monaco since joining the team in June 2021 on a two-season arrangement, having previously spent a year mostly confined to the bench with the Bundesliga champions.

    Salihamidzic told Sport Bild: “It is important that we find the best solution for our team in the short term.

    “Of course, Alexander Nubel would be an obvious solution. In the end, Monaco have the last word.”

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Manuel Neuer (@manuelneuer)

    The injury to club captain Neuer came as he took a holiday following Germany’s exit from the World Cup.

    Bayern last week ruled out a move for Dinamo Zagreb keeper Dominik Livakovic, who shone at the World Cup for Croatia, with CEO Oliver Kahn saying the 27-year-old was “not within the scope of our interests”.

     

  • Fantasy football returns ahead of a packed Premier League schedule

    Fantasy football is set to return on Boxing Day as the Premier League season resumes.

    Arsenal will continue their bid to become champions while Manchester City will look to reclaim top spot courtesy of some Erling Haaland magic.

    Players have been given free rein to make changes to their squad with unlimited transfers authorised until the 11am deadline on December 26.

    We go over everything you need to know ahead of Gameweek 17.

    Check for injuries

    With a World Cup sandwiched in the middle of a domestic season, it is no surprise that a number of players have picked up injuries in Qatar.

    Fantasy football sites will tell you if one of your squad is likely to be a doubt or confirmed injury but it is worth checking anyway.

    Players such as Rodrigo Bentancur and Tyler Adams already have suspensions in place so will miss the festive fun but the former picked up an injury on duty for Uruguay and could be sidelined for more than one match.

    Furthermore, there are high-value stars who were injured before the break and are still set to miss a significant amount of game time, including Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota.

    Those that made it to the latter stages of the winter tournament are also likely to be missing, with clubs granting extended time off to recover from the heavy workload they have endured.

    This will include players such as Cristian Romero, Ivan Perisic, Alexis Mac Allister and Raphael Varane, who all featured in the semi-finals or final.

    Fixture congestion

    Tottenham's Richarlison picked up an injury on duty for Brazil
    Tottenham’s Richarlison picked up an injury on duty for Brazil

    The Christmas period is always hectic and 2022 will be no different.

    With the first Premier League match set to kick off just over a week after the conclusion of the World Cup final, there is no rest for some of Europe’s top athletes.

    Teams will play three times in nine days and managers will have to utilise squad depth to prevent further fatigue and injuries.

    There are some heavyweight clashes also set to take place in the upcoming Gameweeks — Arsenal take on West Ham and Newcastle, while Chelsea face Liverpool and Manchester City in January.

    Some clubs who saw games postponed or moved earlier in the season are set to fulfil their unplayed fixtures, including Chelsea, Fulham, Tottenham and City.

    As always, there is an air of unpredictability around England’s top flight on its return — a big break always gives the lower-level clubs a chance to cause an upset before teams hit full flow.

    Top scorers so far

    Harry Kane will hope to bounce back from his penalty miss in the World Cup quarter-final
    Harry Kane will hope to bounce back from his penalty miss in the World Cup quarter-final

    It is worth reminding ourselves who hit the ground running in the early parts of the season, so players can decide whether they want to make any changes to their current crop.

    Haaland sits comfortably at the top of the list with 123 points, with Harry Kane perched in second on 96 — both of these players have favourable ties on Boxing Day as City travel to Leeds and Spurs face Brentford.

    Newcastle duo of Kieran Trippier and Miguel Almiron slot in at third and fourth — they will likely both feature when the Magpies travel to Leicester on the 26th.

    Nick Pope is the highest-scoring goalkeeper with 70 points but Dean Henderson provides a cheaper option and has just three fewer.

    If you are tight on a budget, it may be worth avoiding expensive signings such as Bruno Fernandes, Raheem Sterling and Darwin Nunez, who all have less than 50 points.

    Chelsea, Liverpool and West Ham all struggled at the start of the 2022-23 campaign and it may be worth holding back on any of their high-value players in case they fail to flourish in the new year.

    Who has the easiest run?

    Arsenal will have to make do without Gabriel Jesus after the forward was injured for Brazil
    Arsenal will have to make do without Gabriel Jesus after the forward was injured for Brazil

    The City’s and Arsenal’s of the world will fancy themselves against any Premier League opponent, but it would be unwise for players to head into the hectic schedule without being aware of the tough upcoming fixtures.

    Fantasy football ranks each team’s fixtures from one to five based on their difficulty, with five being the hardest it can get.

    Across the next five Gameweeks, Fulham have the toughest run, including games against Chelsea, Newcastle and Spurs.

    Southampton have the easier fixtures on paper, with four of the next five matches marked in green and their home clash against Brighton ranked as a three.

    For the rest, it is a kind mixture of contests against top and bottom-half teams, with Arsenal the top-six side with the toughest run.

    Nonetheless, there are no easy games in the Premier League and it is very likely that a few surprises will pop up when it returns.

    Source: Livescore

  • Messi is the greatest ever after Argentina’s World Cup triumph, Pep insists

    Arguments in favor of Pele or Diego Maradona, according to Pep Guardiola, are “sentimental,” and Lionel Messi is unquestionably the greatest player to ever play the game.

    Although many people still rank Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo behind Pele and Maradona even though neither of them has ever won the World Cup, Messi has long been regarded as one of the greatest players ever.

    On Sunday, that all changed as Messi led Argentina to victory at Qatar 2022, matching Maradona’s feat from 1986.

    There was never any question, though, in Guardiola’s mind. Guardiola was Messi’s Barcelona coach.

    “Everyone has their opinion, but nobody can doubt he’s there with the greatest of all time,” Guardiola said. “For me, I’ve said many times: he’s the best.

    “It’s difficult to understand how a player can complete what he’s done in the past 50 or 70 years.

    “The people who saw Pele or [Alfredo] Di Stefano or Maradona, the people can say ‘my favourite’, but these opinions are sentimental.

    “On the other side, if he wouldn’t have won the World Cup, the opinion about what he has done for the whole of football and my opinion of how he is as a player wouldn’t change absolutely anything.

    “But it’s normal that it depends if you win [how] you are evaluated. Of course, for him, it’s the final cherries on his incredible career.”

    Messi was joined in the Argentina side by City striker Julian Alvarez and Nicolas Otamendi, who spent five years at the Etihad Stadium between 2015 and 2020.

    “We are incredibly happy for him [Alvarez] – congratulations,” Guardiola added. “For him, for Nico Otamendi, personally for Messi, for Argentina the country, for a well-deserved champion.

    “For Julian, he is with us, and we are delighted. He played a lot, and his contribution was amazing to the team for the way we played. We have a world champion in our team.”

    Guardiola confirmed Alvarez would now enjoy “a break”, but City’s other World Cup stars have started to return ahead of Thursday’s EFL Cup fourth-round tie against holders Liverpool.

    “The players that were at the World Cup are in a better condition than the players who were here, that’s for sure,” Guardiola explained.

    “Sergio [Gomez], Erling [Haaland], Riyad [Mahrez], Cole [Palmer]… the rhythm they miss a little bit compared, for example, to Manu Akanji and Rodri and Aymeric [Laporte] and Nathan [Ake].

    “They came back and we saw them so good, perfectly. That’s normal. They compete, they train every day, while we had holidays.”

     

     

  • Trippier and England elated over Southgate staying

    According to Kieran Trippier, Gareth Southgate’s players are “extremely happy” about his decision to stay as England’s manager.

    After his team was eliminated by France in the World Cup quarterfinals, the former Middlesbrough manager thought about leaving the position he has held since 2016.

    There had been concerns that Southgate might leave before his contract, which runs through Euro 2024, expired because of his presence in the semi-final at Russia 2018 and his team’s second-place position at Euro 2020.

    His players have responded favorably to the subsequent announcement that he will remain, with right-back Trippier saying the 52-year-old has the support of the team he led to Qatar 2022.

    “We are all absolutely delighted about it,” Trippier told the i newspaper. “From the moment he first took charge until now, we’ve taken great huge steps.

    “Players want to play for England, they know what it means to put the shirt on. He’s a great man manager, and I think all the lads would say that.

    “Speaking for myself, I’m delighted that he’s staying on, and I know that all the rest of the players are too.”

    After a difficult time that saw England relegated in the Nations League prior to the World Cup, Southgate initially said he required time to think over his future before recommitting.

    Trippier believes England are continuing to progress, pointing to the spirited performance against France as a sign of growth.

    “I think we have moved forward, for sure,” the Newcastle United full-back added. “You see the freedom the players had to attack, and you just have to look at the France game. I thought we were brilliant.

    “We have taken huge steps. It was another learning curve for us, but we move on now.”

    England will begin a possibly thorny Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with games against reigning European champions Italy and Ukraine in March.

  • Blatter alleges Infantino’s disrespect and blasts World Cup plans

    Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter criticized plans to expand the World Cup while accusing his successor Gianni Infantino of showing contempt.

    The present 32-team format of football’s preeminent competition will not be used in the Qatar 2022 edition; instead, 48 nations will compete in the 2026 edition.

    Since taking over for Blatter as the leader of FIFA, Infantino has advocated for growth and has looked into making the World Cup a biannual or triennial event.

    However, his predecessor claims he is not acting in the sport’s best interests.

    “What is happening at the moment is an over-commercialisation of the game,” he told German newspaper Die Ziet. “[It is] trying to squeeze more and more out of the lemon.

    “[Look at] the World Cup with 48 teams, or a Club World Cup that must be viewed as competition to the UEFA Champions League. FIFA is meddling in something that doesn’t really concern them.

    “I have no relationship with Infantino. He behaved disrespectfully because he has refused any contact with me since his election. He only communicates with me through lawyers.”

    Infantino returned to an expansion that had been delayed by the COVID-19 outbreak earlier this month by announcing plans for a 32-team Club World Cup.

    The idea is still awaiting confederation approval, and numerous elite teams are expected to object, especially in light of the failed European Super League breakaway.