TIG Post

Author: Andy Ogbarmey-Tettey

  • Republican uproar over FBI raid on Trump’s home

    Furious allies of former President Donald Trump are demanding an explanation for the FBI’s raid on his Florida home, Mar-a-Lago.

    The FBI and Department of Justice have yet to comment on the search, which Mr Trump disclosed on Monday evening.

    It is reportedly linked to an investigation into his handling of classified and sensitive material.

    It was the first time a former US president’s home has ever been searched by law enforcement.

    Reports suggest the FBI activity is connected to an investigation into whether Mr Trump, a Republican, removed classified records from the White House and took them to Mar-a-Lago.

    The search was approved at the highest levels of the Department of Justice (DoJ), an unnamed US official told CBS News, the BBC’s US partner.

    Republicans have depicted the investigation as politically motivated, with leading figures demanding a briefing from Attorney General Merrick Garland, head of the DoJ.

    Mr Trump’s former Vice-President, Mike Pence, who has subtly distanced himself amid speculation they may both launch 2024 White House runs, called on the attorney general to give “a full accounting” of why the search warrant was carried out.

    “No former President of the United States has ever been subject to a raid of their personal residence in American history,” he wrote on Twitter.

    Mr Trump’s allies in Congress, meanwhile, vowed to launch an investigation if they win back control of the House of Representatives and Senate in November’s mid-term elections, when the balance of power in Washington will be decided.

    White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Tuesday that President Joe Biden was given no advance notice by the FBI of the raid, and that he “learned about this from public reports”.

    “The president was not briefed and was not aware of it. No-one at the White House was given a heads-up,” she said.

    She told reporters that Mr Biden had gone to great lengths to preserve the independence of the justice department, adding: “President Biden believes in the rule of law.”

    An anti-Trump protester outside Trump Tower in Manhattan on Tuesday
    IMAGE SOURCE,GETTY IMAGES Image caption, An anti-Trump protester outside Trump Tower in Manhattan on Tuesday

    The raid was first announced on Monday evening in a statement by the former president, who was at Trump Tower in New York City.

    Lindsey Halligan, a lawyer for Mr Trump, said she had received a call around 10:00 local time (14:00 GMT) that the FBI had a search warrant for Mar-a-Lago and that she should come to the property.

    She said she saw 30 to 40 gloved FBI agents, some in suits and others dressed casually, and around 10 to 15 FBI vehicles, including a rental truck.

    Ms Halligan told CBS she and another lawyer for Mr Trump were barred from entering the complex, and that the search was divided into three sections: a bedroom, office and storage area.

    “Complete overkill,” she said. “If they needed documents, they could have asked.”

    The Secret Service agents protecting Mr Trump were notified shortly before the warrant was served, an unnamed law enforcement official told CBS.

    In a fundraising email to supporters on Tuesday, Mr Trump – who is currently at his Bedminster, New Jersey, golf club – said he and other Republicans were being targeted because of his political influence and “my dominance in all polls”.

    “They are trying to stop the Republican Party and me once more,” he said, adding: “The lawlessness, political persecution, and Witch Hunt, must be exposed and stopped.”

    Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell released a statement on Tuesday saying the justice department “should already have provided answers to the American people and must do so immediately”.

    While many Democrats welcomed the raid, several urged the DoJ to provide more information. Some aired concerns that it could boost support for the former president.

    “This could be very useful to him as many people rally around him during this time,” Dave Aronberg, the state attorney for Palm Beach, where Mar-a-Lago is based, told the BBC. “Trump will use this to regain his martyr status.”

    Democratic Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said she first learned of the “visit” by FBI agents through public reports on her phone.

    “To have a warrant, you need justification,” she told NBC News. “And that says that no-one is above the law, not even a president or former president of the United States.”

    Source: BBC

  • Russia-Ukraine war must end with liberation of Crimea Zelensky

    President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has said its war with Russia must end at where it all began, Crimea.

    On Tuesday, he said Crimea must be liberated.

    “This Russian war…began with Crimea and must end with Crimea – with its liberation. Crimea is Ukrainian and we will never give it up,” he is quoted to have said.

    He made the comment following a string of explosions that hit a Russian airbase there, killing one person, leaving eight others injured.

    On Tuesday, a series of explosions rocked the Saky military base near Novofedorivka, in the west of Crimea – which is near seaside resorts popular with Russian tourists.

    Novofedorivka and Saky are about 50km (30 miles) north of the port of Sevastopol, home of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, which has been leading a blockade of the Ukrainian coastline. The airbase had been used by Russia to launch attacks on targets deep inside Ukraine.

    Footage circulating on social media showed beachgoers running as the explosions hit, with witnesses saying they had heard at least 12 blasts.

    Crimea is globally recognised as part of Ukraine, however, the Black Sea peninsula was annexed by Russia in 2014 after a referendum which the global community sees as illegitimate.

    It is reported that this may have begun the war with Russia.

    On the matter, Russia’s Defence Ministry has indicated that the blasts were due to ammunition that had exploded in a store and that there was no “fire impact” from outside – although this has not been independently verified.

    Also, Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak has denied allegations that Ukraine was behind the blasts.

    “Of course not. What do we have to do with this?” he is quoted to have said on Dozhd online television channel.

    Per international reports, any attack on Crimea by Ukraine would be considered deeply serious by Moscow.

    Russia sounded a warning last month when ex-President Dmitry Medvedev threatened last month that “Judgement Day will instantly await” if Ukraine targeted Crimea.

    In other news, Ukrainian officials say 13 people were killed in overnight Russian strikes in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, and another one in the Zaporizhzhia region in the south.

  • Kwame Opoku joins Saudi side Najran SC

    Saudi Arabian side Najran SC have received former Asante Kotoko player, Kwame Opoku, on a free transfer.

    Kwame Opoku leaves USM Alger to Najran SC.

    On Tuesday, he underwent medical tests, which he completed successfully.

    During his stay with his Algerian side, the 23-year-old scored just one goal and assisted two goals last season in the Algerian Premiership where he was featured in 17 matches.

    http://backend.theindependentghana.com/2021/03/kwame-opoku-signs-four-year-deal-with-algerian-side-usm-alger-reports/

    Should Kwame Opoku succeed at his new club, he is likely to make a return to the national team to play for the Black Stars.

  • Francis Andy Kumi leaves Kotoko

    Francis Andy Kumi will no longer play for Asante Kotoko as the club has confirmed his departure.

    Asante Kotoko took to its official social media platforms to make the announcement, stating that his departure was on mutual grounds.

    “Agreement has been reached with Francis Andy Kumi to end his stay with us by mutual consent,” the club said in a short message.

    It also wished him the best in all his endeavours.

    Kumi joined the Porcupine Warriors in 2021 from UniStar Academy, he could not cement his position in the team due to injuries.

    In May, the attacker denied ever asking to leave the club and insisting he is happy in Kumasi and will stay to fight for his place in the team.

  • CAF Champions League: Kotoko faces Rail Club de Kadiogo

    Asante Kotoko and Burkina Faso side Rail Club de Kadiogo will battle it out in the first preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.

    The first leg takes place from September 9 to 11, 2022, while the second leg is slated for September 16 to 18, 2022.

    The winner will play whoever emerges victorious in the game between Gaborone United and AS Vita Club in the next round.

    On Wednesday, the Porcupine Warriors will begin pre-season training in Accra and will travel to Turkey on August 14th to complete preparations for the next season.

    The team will play Nigeria’s Rivers United in Turkey as part of their preseason tour.

    For the first time since 2006, Kotoko has focused its efforts on reaching the Champions League group stage (also known as the money zone).

    They have so far recruited Ugandan forward Mukwala Steven Dese, and goalkeeper Frederick Asare.

     

  • Two including minor stab 16-year-old SHS student to death in robbery attack

    The Ghana Police Service has confirmed the death of a 16-year-old final-year student of the Tweneboah Kuduah SHS who was stabbed to death last week.

    Daniel Osei Mensah met his untimely death when two suspected robbers including a minor pounced on him at Benebene near Fiankoma in the Ashanti Region.

    Eric Anning and the minor, whose age hasn’t been disclosed, buried the final year student in a cocoa farm near Benebene, according to the Police in a report released on Monday, August 8.

    Due to assistance from some members of the Fiankoma community, the two suspects have been arrested.

    One of the suspects, Eric Anning sustained a deep cut on his right hand during the robbery and was taken to the hospital for medical attention.

    Following their arrest, Eric Anning together with his minor accomplice are said to have led Police to the scene where they buried Daniel Osei Mensah.

    “The body was removed and deposited at the St Peter’s Catholic Hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy,” the Police report added. 

    The Inspector-General of Police, Dr Akuffo Dampare, has reached out to the family of Daniel Osei Mensah.

    Meanwhile, the two suspects will be arraigned today, August 9, 2022.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Everton sign Conor Coady on season-long loan

    Wolves defender Conor Coady is leaving to Everton on a season-long loan.

    Conor Coady is excited about this move, and according to him, it wasn’t a difficult decision to make.

    The 29-year-old said “It’s an important day and a proud day for me.”

    Ahead of his debut, Coady promised that he would give his best possible in his delivery.

     “I know how big it is and I know the passion people have for Everton. I’ll give absolutely everything, every day, for this football club. I feel privileged and lucky to be given this opportunity,” he said.

    His former side chaired by Jeff Shi have praised Coady. According to Jeff Shi, has been an “integral part of our success” and a “loyal servant”.

    He added that due to his commitment, Wolves decided not to stand in the way of Coady’s desire to play elsewhere.

    The club has given him their blessings.

    “Even when emotionally it can be hard to part after everything we have been through together, it is important for me to look at the wider picture and make difficult decisions. A huge thank you to Conor for everything he has achieved at Wolves, and for being an outstanding person, on and off the football pitch,” Jeff Shi further said.

    Coady made more than 300 appearances in seven seasons at Wolves after joining from Huddersfield.

    The defender is Everton’s fourth signing of the summer following the arrivals of centre-back James Tarkowski and forward Dwight McNeil from Burnley and defender Ruben Vinagre from Wolves.

    Everton manager Frank Lampard believes that Coady’s leadership skills would be of great help to the club.

    “As well as being one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders and an England international, his leadership skills will be of huge benefit to us,” he said.

  • Ponferradina sign Ghana’s Sabit Abdulai on loan

    Ponferradina of the Spanish Segunda Division side have signed Ghanaian midfielder Sabit Abdulai.

    Sabit Abdulai leaves Getafe to Ponferradina on a loan deal.

    He has taken his medical test and passed successfully.

    Sabit took his first steps in Spanish football in the ranks of Extremadura UD, which in 2018 incorporated him to play with its subsidiary team in the Third Division.

    In the 19/20 season, the 23-year-old had the opportunity to debut with his club in LaLiga SmartBank, where he made four appearances and scored one goal.

    He joined Getafe CF on loan in the summer of 2020 to reinforce his subsidiary team in Segunda B.

    Due to his good performance, he was promoted to the first team where he made his debut in LaLiga Santander in a match against CA Osasuna. He also featured against Barcelona and Granada and made 15 appearances in the process.

    In July 2021, when he was preparing for the first team, he suffered a serious injury that prevented him from competing last season.

  • Kotoko to welcome Moise D’assise Pouaty into club

    Asante Kotoko will add Cameroonian goalkeeper, Moise D’assise Pouaty, to the team after he completed the necessary processes.

    Moise D’assise Pouaty is set to sign a three-year deal with Kotoko.

    According to reports, the 26-year-old is yet to arrive in Ghana to complete the necessary processes ahead of the 2022/23 Ghana football season.

    Meanwhile, the Porcupine Warriors will be leaving for Accra on Tuesday to commence the preseason.

    Later, the club will fly off to Turkey for their European tour.

    Again, Kotoko represents the country in the 2022/23 CAF Champions League.

    Moise D’assise Pouaty

    He’s featured for Cameroon topflight side Union Douala and American USL Championship side Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC where he ended his stay in 2018 with his last spell coming up at Colombe Sport.

    He played 43 matches and conceded 63 appearances.

    Moise D’assise Pouaty will put in extra effort if he wants to command a starting berth as he will face a stiffer opposition against Danlad Ibrahim and Kwame Baah.

     

  • Barcelona and Frenkie de Jong want to keep working together – President Laporta

    Barcelona’s President, Joan Laporta, has said both the club and Frenkie de Jong are unwilling to part ways.

    Manchester United are interested in signing Frenkie de Jong for a £63.5m deal. The deal is yet to be finalised.

    But according to international reports, the Netherlands midfielder’s move could hit a deadlock.

    President Joan Laporta said “He (Frenkie de Jong) has offers but we want him to stay and he wants to stay too.”

    He further added that the 25-year-old is a player of “great quality”

    De Jong has also been linked with a move to Chelsea.

    Reports suggest that Barcelona want De Jong to take a wage cut should he remain at the Nou Camp, amid the club’s financial troubles.

    The club are currently involved in a disagreement with De Jong over wages deferred by the Dutchman in the last couple of years which are now due to be paid.

    Barcelona have so far spent over £120m this summer on new signings Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde, with Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie arriving on free transfers.

    Barcelona raised money for transfers this summer by selling shares of their domestic television rights and in-house production company, Barca Studios.

    However, the club has failed to register the players with La Liga requesting that more money be raised.

    Should Barcelona not register their new signings in time, they will not be available for their season opener against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.

  • Madina, Teiman, others to experience power outage today – ECG

    Some parts of Accra will be left without power from 9AM to 4PM today, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has revealed.

    The affected areas are; Madina Zongo, Redco flats, Madina market, Madina Firestone, Kouttam Estate and Teiman burgers town.

    In a circular dated August 8, 2022, the ECG explained that the disruption in power supply is to allow its staff undertake maintenance works.

    According to the power service provider, the current work is to ensure that it is able to improve its service delivery.

    Meanwhile, the Electricity Company of Ghana has apologised to citizens for the “inconvenience that will arise out of this exercise.”

    Since the beginning of the year, ECG has been engaging in a number of maintenance works to ensure it meets current demands.

    ECG to undertake planned maintenance in parts of Accra on Monday

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • James Serwornu extends contract with Hearts of Oak

    James Serwonu will continue to play for Accra Hearts of Oak after signing a 4-year contract extension deal.

    The defensive midfielder’s contract was expected to have expired this year.

    His recent contract with the club ends in 2026.

    Hearts of Oak announced his stay with the club on its website.

    According to the club, “Serwonu has the ability to play as a center-back, right-back, and defensive midfielder.”

    The utility player graduated from Auroras into the senior team and has played a number of games and scored important goals.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • It’s a dream come true – Wisdom Bumekpor on Hearts of Oak move

    Hearts of Oak have added Wisdom Bumekpor to their arsenal ahead of the new season.

    Wisdom Bumekpor, a former player of Gye Nyame FC signed a five-year deal with the club.

    The club announced their fourth signing this summer window in a Twitter post over the weekend.

    In reaction, Wisdom Bumekpor said it is a great feat for him to join the Accra Hearts of Oak.

    “It is a dream come true to play for the biggest club in Ghana and for that matter one of the best in Africa. It is a huge jump for me,” he is quoted to have said.

    Accra Hearts of Oak have already signed Zakaria Yakubu, Eric Ofori Antwi, and Cameroonian attacker Junior Kaaba.

    Hearts of Oak are currently preparing for the 2022/23 football season. The technical team has held some training sessions with the playing body to get them fit for the campaign.

    The Ghana Premier League campaign will commence on September 9, 2022.

  • Yassan Ouatching joins Hearts of Oak

    Cameroonian striker Yassin Ouatching is the latest signee of Accra Hearts of Oak after signing a two-year deal.

    He was unveiled by the club in a Twitter post on Monday, August 8, 2022, after completing his move.

    Yassin Ouatching successfully passed his medicals ahead of the new season.

    The Ghana Premier League campaign will commence on September 9, 2022.

    The 23-year-old last featured in the Bangladesh topflight with Mohammedan SC where he scored four goals and provided two assists in 12 appearances but left the club in 2021 due to unknown reasons.

    Yassan Ouatching recently switched nationality to play for Central Africa Republic and has already featured in a couple of games.

    He was in action when Ghana played a 1-1 draw with Central Africa Republic.

  • Sporting Kansas City sign Accra Lions’ Osuman Kassim

    Osuman Kassim is set to play for Sporting Kansas City II after signing a contract with the club.

    The Accra Lions defender joins the club on loan until 2023 following an explosive campaign in the Ghana Premier League (GPL).

    Accra Lions announcing the transfer said “Sporting Kansas City II announced today that the club has acquired forward Josip Hmura in a transfer from Croatian side NK Istra 1961 and center back Osuman Kassim on loan from Ghanaian outfit Accra Lions FC.”

    The club also announced that Hmura and Kassim have signed MLS NEXT Pro professional contracts and will join Sporting KC II pending receipt of their International Transfer Certificates and P1 visas.

    He joins Accra Lions teammates and countrymen Joseph Addo Tetteh and Rauf Salifu, who joined the American club earlier this year.

    Source: The Independent Ghana 

  • Togbe Afede XIV hails Hearts of Oak’s latest partnership

    Board chairman of Accra Hearts of Oak, Togbe Afede XIV, has hailed the club’s partnership with Hoffenheim and Cincinnati FC.

    According to him, Offenheim and Cincinnati are great clubs with modern ways of running football.

    Togbe Afede XIV added that “Hoffenheim have a good system that trains coaches. And we are looking forward to that. Cincinnati is another fantastic team.”

    Hearts of Oak joined the “Common Value Club Alliance” with Bundesliga and Major League clubs in October 2021.

    Since then, the three clubs have remained in contact. When Hearts of Oak won the MTN FA Cup at the end of last season, both Hoffenheim and Cincinnati congratulated them.

    Hearts of Oak loaned talented young midfielder, Salim Adams, to Cincinnati in May.

  • Kotoko extends contract with Danlad Ibrahim

    Danlad Ibrahim has extended his stay with Asante Kotoko after signing a contract with the club.

    The goalkeeper’s contract was supposed to have ended in December 2022.

    It is claimed that the 19-year-old has extended his deal until the end of the 2022/23 football season.

    Ibrahim was phenomenal last season as he kept 12 clean sheets in the Ghana Premier League and conceded 12 goals.

    The talented shot-stopper was a star for the Porcupine Warriors club last season when he finally became the first-choice goalie.

    His performance in the post was key as Asante Kotoko marched on to emerge as Champions of the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League season.

    Next season, the former Ghana U20 goalkeeper will be the first choice for the reds when the team fights for trophies not only on the domestic stage but in the CAF inter-club competitions.

  • ‘I never thought to sack Bielsa’ – Leeds owner Radrizzani reveals

    Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani has admitted he had no intention of sacking former manager Marcelo Bielsa.

    But he claimed his hand was forced following a dismal run of form in the Premier League midway through last season.

    Bielsa, who had guided Leeds back to the top flight and earned the admiration of the clubs’ fans, was replaced by American Jesse Marsch, who just about steered the Whites away from relegation.

    “I’d never thought to sack Bielsa,” Radrizzani told The Athletic.

    “I never thought this moment could happen, ever. He was a legend and he is a legend for what he achieved. I felt something was broken and that’s when you have a tipping point, but it was too soon to take a decision,” he added.

    Bielsa’s dismissal caused an inevitable backlash from sections of the Leeds support, but Radrizzani had anticipated that.

    He added: “I expected that [the reaction], but I needed to think about the club.

    “I could see that the players, emotionally and physically, were really at the end.

    “We needed to change, we needed something to impact the group. It was risky both ways.

    “It wasn’t easy to decide whether to potentially die with him or die with someone else.”

    Will Leeds name their training ground after Bielsa?

    Radrizzani also revealed his plans to name the Leeds training ground after Bielsa.

    The owner reached out to the ex-Chile and Marseille boss to get his reaction to the idea.

    “I also have an idea that I shared with him, that one day I would love to build a university of football with his name [on it],” he wrote.

    The Whites start their Premier League campaign on Saturday with the visit of Wolves to Elland Road.

  • Chelsea sign Marc Cucurella for £60m

    Chelsea have signed Spain defender Marc Cucurella from Brighton in a deal worth more than £60m.

    The 24-year-old left-back, who scored one goal in 38 games in his only season for the Seagulls, has signed a six-year contract.

    “I’m really happy. It’s a big opportunity for me to join one of the best clubs in the world,” said Cucurella.

    “I’m going to work hard to be happy here and help the team.”

    It is Brighton’s record sale, surpassing Ben White’s £50m move to Arsenal last summer.

    A Barcelona academy graduate, Cucurella has won one senior cap for Spain and played for the under-23 side that won silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

    Last month Brighton rejected a £30m bid from champions Manchester City for Cucurella, who handed in a transfer request after City expressed an interest.

    “We did not want to lose Marc, but he wanted the opportunity of playing Champions League football with a view to accelerating his progress to Spain’s World Cup squad,” said Brighton manager Graham Potter.

    “He had an excellent first season in the Premier League, deservedly winning both our player of the season awards, and has been an absolute pleasure to work with over the past 12 months.”

    Cucurella is the second big-money departure from Brighton this summer after midfielder Yves Bissouma joined Tottenham for £25m plus add-ons.

    “Marc is an elite defender of proven Premier League quality,” said Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly.

    “We continue to work on and off the pitch, and we’re delighted Marc will be a part of the present and future at Chelsea.”

    This summer Chelsea have brought in England forward Raheem Sterling from Manchester City for £50m, Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli for £34m and midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa for £20m.

    They also signed 18-year-old American goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina for a reported £12m from Chicago Fire, where he will remain on loan until the end of the Major League Soccer season.

    Meanwhile, 19-year-old Chelsea defender Levi Colwill has joined Brighton on a season-long loan.

    The England Under-19 international spent last season on loan at Huddersfield and scored an own goal in the 1-0 Championship play-off final defeat by Nottingham Forest.

    “Levi has enormous potential and has already shown his ability last season in the Championship and with England at various age group levels up to under-21s,” said Potter.

    “He plays mostly at centre-back, but has also played on the left as a full-back, and he is a player who is comfortable on the ball.”

    Source: BBC

  • GFA announces Malta Guinness as official sponsor of Women’s Football League

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has unveiled Malta Guinness as the official sponsor of the Women’s Premier League.

    Ghana’s biggest non-alcoholic brewed malt beverage is providing a sponsorship worth GHS10 million for period of three years, starting 2022/2023 season.

    GFA President, Kurt Okraku, describing the agreement as a landmark, said the Association is committed to growing the sport.

    He entreated other institutions to emulate the gesture by Malta Guinness.

    “I am filled with joy announcing this landmark agreement with Malta Guinness. I would like to thank the management of Guinness Ghana for believing in my leadership and choosing to work with us. The Ghana Football Association will continue to project our brands to make it attractive to corporate Ghana and the world at large,” he said.

    He added: “I am filled with joy announcing this landmark agreement with Malta Guinness. I would like to thank the management of Guinness Ghana for believing in my leadership and choosing to work with us. In passing, I want to call on other companies to emulate this example and come on board to help develop and grow the sport.”

    According to Mr Okraku, the Ghana Football Association will continue to project its brands to make them attractive to corporate Ghana and the world at large.

    On her part, Marketing Director of Guinness Ghana, Estella Muzito, said the decision to sponsor the Women’s Premier League in Ghana is in line with the company’s mission to fuel a world of good.

    She said “Football in Ghana is an incredible unifier which connects people from all walks of life, daily. From the street corners to the hallways of big corporates, football conversations and matches bring joy and inspire greatness among people.”

    “Women’s football has in recent years taken its much-deserved place as a premium sporting spectacle which attracts thousands of fans and supporters,” the Marketing Director added.

    Estella Muzito said Malta Guinness will refresh the incredibly talented women who play the game, the officials, the Football Association and the fans.

    Corporate Relations Director of Guinness Ghana, Sylvia Owu-Asunkomah said Guinness Ghana has a long-standing history of supporting football in the country.

    “Today, we are excited to yet again, chart a new partnership with the GFA with this agreement to are committed to the progressive portrayal of women across all spheres of life and this sponsorship with our premium brewed nonalcoholic brand, Malta Guinness, is just one of the ways to illustrate that commitment,” she said.

    She added that “As a business committed to championing inclusion and diversity across our entire business, we want to ensure that culture permeates every aspect of our communities and sports. This partnership is the ideal opportunity to offer our women athletes the platform to showcase their greatness and can-do spirit; an ideal that drives at the core of what Malta Guinness is.”

  • Kevin-Prince Boateng and Valentina expecting first child together

    Kevin-Prince Boateng is expecting his first child with Valentina Fradegrada since they got married, according to media reports in Italy and Germany.

    The two got married on June 11, 2022, in a ceremony organised by Italian wedding organizer, Enzo Miccio.

    This would be the 35-year-old’s third child. Boateng has two children from his previous two marriages to Melissa Satta and Jennifer Boateng.

    Valentina Fradegrada and Boateng met in August 2021. There was a flash engagement that led, less than a year later, to the wedding.

    Fradegrada has origins from Bergamo and has been in the world of digital communication for over 10 years. In 2009, she opened a fashion and lifestyle blog and then worked as a model in the United States.

    Back in Italy, she graduated in Fashion Marketing. The two newly weds have recently started an ambitious project: to launch their own wine brand.

  • England move up to fourth in Fifa rankings after Euro 2022 triumph

    Winning Euro 2022 has catapulted England women to fourth position in Fifa’s world rankings.

    England previously placed eighth in world ranking.

    Sarina Wiegman’s side beat Germany, who have risen three places to second place, in the final to win their first major tournament.

    South Africa won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations last month and moved up four places to 54th.

    Zambia reached the semi-finals of that tournament and have moved up 23 places to 80th in the rankings.

    Brazil won their fourth successive Copa America Femenina their fourth successive Copa America Femenina title in July and remain ninth.

    Scotland are 23rd, Wales 30th and Northern Ireland 50th respectively, while the Republic of Ireland are 26th.

  • US urges Russia to accept deal to free jailed Brittney Griner

    The US has urged Moscow to accept a deal to free basketball player Brittney Griner, who has been sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison.

    The double Olympic winner was convicted of possessing and smuggling drugs after admitting to possessing cannabis oil.

    White House national security spokesman John Kirby said the US offer was “a serious proposal”, but gave no details.

    On Friday, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow is ready to discuss the topic.

    US media reports suggest Washington is offering a prisoner swap involving a Russian arms trafficker.

    Viktor Bout – known as the “merchant of death” – is serving a 25 year-prison sentence in the US.

    He could be transferred by Washington to the Russian authorities in exchange for Griner and former US Marine Paul Whelan, the reports say.

    Whelan, who has US, British, Canadian and Irish passports, was sentenced in 2020 to 16 years in jail in Russia after being convicted of spying.

    Mr Kirby told reporters that the duo were being wrongfully detained and needed to be let go.

    On the subject of the US proposal, Mr Kirby said: “We urge them to accept it. They should have accepted it weeks ago when we first made it.”

    But according to Reuters news agency, one stumbling block is that Russia wants to add convicted murderer Vadim Krasikov, who is in prison in Germany, to the proposed swap.

    When questioned about this possibility, Mr Kirby dismissed it, saying: “I don’t think we go so far as to even call it a counter-offer.”

    Griner, 31, told the court she had made an “honest mistake” and had not intended to break the law.

    Considered one of the best female players in the world, she was detained in February at an airport near Moscow when vape cartridges containing cannabis oil were found in her luggage. She had come to Russia to play club basketball during the US off-season.

    Soon afterwards, Russia invaded Ukraine and her case has become subject to high-profile diplomacy between the US and Russia.

    Her defence team said they would appeal against the verdict.

    Griner’s Phoenix Mercury teammates staged a gesture of solidarity on Thursday, when they and their Connecticut Sun opponents observed 42 seconds of silence before their game, in honour of her number 42 jersey.

    US President Joe Biden called her sentencing “unacceptable”, adding: “I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates.”

    Meanwhile Secretary of State Antony Blinken added: “Russia, and any country engaging in wrongful detention, represents a threat to the safety of everyone travelling, working and living abroad.”

    Mr Blinken raised the issue in a phone call with Mr Lavrov last week, in the first conversation between the two men since the start of the war in Ukraine.

    A day after Griner’s sentencing, Mr Lavrov said that Moscow is ready to discuss the topic of prisoner exchanges with Washington, but within the framework of an existing diplomatic channel agreed upon by Presidents Putin and Biden, Reuters news agency quotes him as saying.

    Both Mr Lavrov and Mr Blinken are now in Cambodia for a meeting of the Association of South-East Asian Nations. The US says Mr Blinken will try to speak with Mr Lavrov again while they are there.

    Source: BBC

  • Cesar Azpilicueta extends contract with Chelsea, barring Barcelona move

    Cesar Azpilicueta will remain Chelsea’s captain as he has signed a contract extension with the club.

    Barcelona expressed interest in the defender but their target will have to be at Stamford Bridge until 2024.

    It is reported by international tabloids that Azpilicueta was heading into the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge and was reportedly open to a new challenge at Camp Nou.

    Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is said to have played a major role in ensuring that Azpilicueta stayed.

    On the recent development, he said “We are so happy that Cesar is staying at Chelsea for a minimum of two more years. We are thrilled with our captain showing his exemplary commitment and leadership yet again. There is still so much to do together.”

    Also, the captain has expressed excitement about his decision to continue to play for Chelsea, a place he considers home.

    “I am really happy to extend my stay at Chelsea, my home. It is almost 10 years since I first arrived and joined the club so I really feel the love and I am really excited for the new project we have in our hands,” he said.

    Azpilicueta is hopeful that he will make more strides with Chelsea in the near future.

    “I would like to say thank you to Mr Todd and Mr Behdad for giving me the opportunity to keep my journey at this amazing club and I am really looking forward to continuing our adventure. I am a really proud captain and I hope we can share many good memories together,” he added.

     

  • Nobody can stop me from representing Senegal – Kalidou Koulibaly over AFCON brouhaha

    Chelsea’s Kalidou Koulibaly has said he will continue to represent his national team, Senegal, at every Africa Cup of Nations irrespective of comments by relevant stakeholders in the sport.

    “Nobody can tell me not to go to my national team. I have a lot of love for my national team, the team that I play for. But me, now as captain of Senegal, when AFCON comes I have to be the first one there, the first one in Senegal.”

    His comment comes in the wake of Aurelio De Laurentiis’ statement that Napoli will avoid signing any more African players unless they agree not to play in the Africa Cup of Nations.

    Kalidou Koulibaly, who is Chelsea’s new signing was with Napoli. At his former club, games while on international duty at this year’s tournament, which took place in January and February.

    Speaking with Smart Talk on Wall Street Italia, Kalidou revealed that “Nobody ever told me not to go to AFCON” while at Napoli.

    He stated that the comments from Aurelio De Laurentiis are not the best since a player’s national team is dear to his or her heart.

    “So, if someone told me to do that, it would be the only time that I can fight with somebody. The way we feel all the time with my national team, we are all respectful, we wait for players to come from the Premier League, and everybody is happy to be here,” he said.

    “Everybody thinks the same as me in the national team. If someone told them not to come they would always fight to come,” Kalidou added.

    According to him, it is imperative that all players are given the same respect irrespective of their origin.

    “This is the most important thing. Everybody has to give us respect,” he said.

    Koulibaly has signed a four-year contract with Chelsea following the purchase of the club by US businessman Todd Boehly’s consortium.

     

     

     

     

  • 2022 World Cup: FIFA opens media ticketing for accredited photographers and written press

    Written press and photographers that have submitted an accreditation form for the 2022 World Cup can now access the media ticketing system and place requests via the FIFA Media Hub.

    This is because media ticketing for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is now open.

    An approved media ticket will be mandatory to access the stadiums on matchday.

    For the group matches, media can request up to two matches per day while for the knockout phase, media can request one match per day.

    According to FIFA, applications for each match close 48 hours before kick-off.

    Tickets can be printed from 09:00 on the day prior to the match using the media ticketing kiosks located at the Main Media Centre (MMC) or on matchday directly at the Stadium Media Centre (SMC) when it is open, FIFA said.

    Any ticket that is not printed within two hours before kick-off, the Association said, will be released and assigned to another media representative.

    Requests for mixed zone and press conference are mutually exclusive and also photographers can request to place remote cameras behind the goals.

    Meanwhile, the media is advised to feel free to contact the FIFA team at MediaTicketing@fifa.org if there are any questions on FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 media ticketing.

  • Wafcon 2022: Nigeria squad still waiting for unpaid bonuses and allowances

    The Nigeria squad are still waiting for the country’s football federation (NFF) and Sports Ministry to settle outstanding debts from last month’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) and other training camps.

    Each player is owed over $10,000, which includes win bonuses for their three victories en route to the semi-finals in Morocco.

    The Super Falcons boycotted training before their third-place play-off against Zambia, on 22 July, over the non-payment of both bonuses and allowances.

    The NFF insists the money will be paid soon, but one member of the squad said the players have been “told different lies”.

    “They said the money had been approved and will get to us in a few days’ time – that was before the game against Zambia,” the player told BBC Sport Africa.

    “It’s now gone from that to ridiculous excuses like wrong account numbers to network issues. The lies and disrespect clearly shows that they love to treat the women’s team like the unwanted child.

    “The Sports Ministry was always quick to celebrate our success with big statements, but since this money problem started they’ve been very quiet.

    “Imagine if one of their own daughters was playing for Nigeria – would they treat her like that?”

    BBC Sport Africa has contacted both the NFF and the Sports Ministry for comment.

    Daily allowances while the team was in Morocco, totalling $2,800, and money for a pre-tournament camp in Abuja have been paid to the squad.

    But along with their win bonuses in North Africa, Super Falcons players are yet to receive sums relating to trips to Austria and Canada as well as a bonus for beating Ivory Coast over two legs to qualify for the Wafcon finals.

    Some players had feared they would not be paid after the tournament, but cut short their protest and finished fourth after losing 1-0 to the Copper Queens.

    “The players should be getting the money this week because it’s been processed,” an NFF official told BBC Sport Africa on Wednesday.

    Nigeria, nine-time African champions, qualified for the 2023 Women’s World Cup by reaching the last four of this year’s Wafcon, before then losing to hosts Morocco on penalties.

    Deja vu for Super Falcons

    It is not the first time players of Africa’s most successful women’s side have protested over unpaid bonuses, with the Super Falcons involved in sit-in protests in hotels twice before at previous Wafcons.

    The first came in South Africa in 2004 after the West Africans won the title, with another in 2016 in Abuja after claiming their eighth continental crown in Cameroon.

    At the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France, the players staged another sit-in protest over unpaid salaries and bonuses after their round of 16 elimination by Germany.

    Each Nigeria player in Morocco is entitled to a $100 daily allowance and $6,000 for their two wins in the group stage.

    Following a recent payment review, the players can also expect $5,000 for their quarter-final victory, but they missed out on proposed payments of $7,000 and $10,000 for potential victories in the semi-final and final respectively.

    Source: BBC

  • Kenya’s Omanyala wins Commonwealth men’s 100m gold

    Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala won the men’s 100m at the Commonwealth Games in a time of 10.02.

    Omanyala won easily ahead of defending champion Akani Simbine of South Africa. Sri Lankan sprinter Yupun Abeykoon took bronze.

    “I am over the moon, I thrive on the hype of this sort of event,” Omanyala is quoted as saying by the AFP news agency.

    The eighth-fastest man of all time and African champion became the first Kenyan to win the Commonwealth Games title.

    On Twitter he said: “Indeed nothing is impossible.”

    Source: BBC

  • Migrants targeted in South Africa after gang rape outrage

    Residents of a South African township near Johannesburg have set ablaze the homes of migrants they believe are illegally working in disused local mines.

    There has been widespread anger after a large group of miners were accused of the gang rape of eight women last week.

    Dozens of people are being held by police in connection with the assault but none have been charged with rape.

    In recent years, poverty has been one of the drivers of xenophobic attacks.

    Some believe – whether rightly or wrongly – that foreigners are the cause of many of their difficulties.

    People in Kagiso say the foreign miners – known locally as Zama Zamas – are responsible for crime in the area. The sexual assaults last week in nearby Krugersdorp enflamed tensions and residents called for a demonstration.

    Explaining the motivation behind the protest, one resident told the BBC: “I’m scared to go to the shops. Our police are not doing anything.”

    “Let them stop doing what they are doing,” another woman said, blaming the migrants for violent attacks.

    On Thursday morning, police, both on the ground and in helicopters, fired stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse angry mobs who were chasing the miners.

    People armed with garden tools forced them to seek safety in old underground mine ventilation shafts.

    A journalist from national TV station eNCA described seeing naked men being marched through the area and then beaten.

    The police detained 22 men who had been targets of the violence in a move that may have been to prevent them being lynched.

    There are reports that one person has been found dead, but it is unclear if the death is related to the protest.

    Rocks, rubble and burning tyres have been used to blockade major roads in the township.

    People in Kagiso are now saying they fear reprisal attacks at night time.

    Smoke form a burning tyre
    IMAGE SOURCE,AFP Image caption, Barricades were set up on some of the roads in Kagiso

    Last week, women aged between 19 and 35, who were part of a group reportedly filming a music video near a disused mine, were attacked and raped by dozens of people.

    President Cyril Ramaphosa described the attack on the women as the “ugly and dark side of society”.

    The high levels of sexual violence in the country have led to frequent calls for more to be done to prosecute the perpetrators.

    At least 130 men have been detained following the assault but many are facing charges relating to their immigration status as well as the illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

    The police say they are waiting for DNA tests to be concluded before charging people with rape.

    The miners – most of whom come from neighbouring countries – work in unsafe and unregulated conditions in the abandoned mineshafts that surround Johannesburg.

    Source: BBC

  • China fires missiles near Taiwan after Pelosi visit

    China has fired missiles near Taiwan as part of huge military drills following a visit by senior US politician Nancy Pelosi to the island.

    Taiwan said China launched 11 ballistic missiles into waters around Taiwan’s north-east and south-west coasts.

    Japan said five Chinese missiles landed in its waters as well, calling for an “immediate stop” to the exercises.

    China saw the visit, by the US house speaker Mrs Pelosi, as a challenge to its claims of sovereignty over Taiwan.

    It sees Taiwan as a breakaway province that will eventually be brought under its control – by force if necessary.

    The US, for its part, does not officially recognise Taiwan, which has for all practical purposes been independent since 1950. However, Washington maintains a strong relationship with the island – which includes selling weapons for Taiwan to defend itself.

    “The exercises focus on key training sessions including joint blockade, sea target assault, strike on ground targets, airspace control operation,” the Chinese military’s Eastern Theater Command said in a statement.

    Ms Pelosi’s brief visit to Taiwan on Wednesday fuelled tensions, with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi describing it as “manic, irresponsible and irrational”. She is the most senior US politician to visit the island in 25 years.

    China responded by conducting an unprecedented launch of ballistic missiles and the military drills just off the Taiwanese coast.

    Taiwan’s defence ministry said it had activated its defence systems and was monitoring the situation.

    Taiwan’s ministry of foreign affairs accused China of “following the example of North Korea in wilfully test-firing missiles into waters near other countries”.

    North Korea – a strong ally of China’s – has been accused of igniting tensions in the region by repeatedly launching missile tests in recent months.

    On Thursday, Japan voiced its strong protest over the Chinese missile launches.

    “We strongly condemn the act as it is a serious issue concerning Japan’s security and the safety of Japanese people,” Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi said.

    China’s missile launches are causing disruption to shipping lanes and flights to and from Taiwan.

    Ships have been forced to re-route, with days-long disruptions expected to have an impact on supply chains with delays to global shipping.

    More than 50 international flights from Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport have been cancelled.

    Source: BBC

  • Basketball star, Brittney Griner, jailed for nine years on drug charges

    A Russian court has sentenced US basketball star Brittney Griner to nine years in prison on drug charges.

    Griner, 31, admitted possessing cannabis oil but told the court she made an “honest mistake”.

    But the court convicted her of smuggling and possessing narcotics, and gave her close to the maximum sentence recommended by prosecutors.

    Griner is a double Olympic gold medallist and is considered one of the best players in the world.

    She was detained in February at an airport near Moscow when vape cartridges containing cannabis oil were found in her luggage. She had come to Russia to play club basketball during the US off-season.

    Soon after, Russia invaded Ukraine and her case has become subject to high profile diplomacy between the US and Russia.

    US President Joe Biden called the sentencing “unacceptable”.

    It is unclear how long Griner will actually spend behind bars, as the US and Russia have been discussing a potential prisoner swap that could involve the basketball player.

    Reports in US media suggest imprisoned Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout – known as the Merchant of Death – could be transferred by Washington to the Russian authorities as part of the deal.

    Griner’s defence team said they would appeal against Thursday’s verdict by the court in Khimki, near Moscow.

    Reading the verdict, the presiding judge in Khimki said she took into account the fact that the American had already spent a considerable time in detention.

    Earlier, Griner told the court after both sides presented closing arguments: “I made an honest mistake, and I hope in your ruling it does not end my life.”

    “I did not conspire or plan to commit this crime,” she added.

    Griner also said she had received neither an explanation of her rights nor access to a lawyer in the initial hours of her detention, and that she had to use a translation app on her phone to communicate.

    Source: BBC

  • Citi FMs Bernard Avle loses wife Justine Avle

    General Manager of Citi FM and Citi TV, Bernard Koku Avle, has reportedly lost his wife Justine Avle.

    Justine Avle is said to have passed away on Wednesday evening, August 3, 2022.

    Sources indicate that she collapsed and was pronounced dead on arrival at a health facility.

    It is unknown the cause of death but it is reported that Justine suffered a short illness.

    Bernard Avle, who is host of the Citi Breakfast Show on Citi FM and Point of View Show on Citi TV married Justine in a beautiful ceremony in 2011.

    Justine is survived by her husband and five children.

    More soon…

  • Reduce enrollment for effective training – Prof. Anamuah-Mensah urges colleges of education

    The Chairman of the Board and Advisor of Transforming Teaching, Education and Learning (T-TEL) in Ghana, Professor Jophus Anamuah-Mensah, has called on the various colleges of education to reduce the number of students admitted.

    According to him, the current number of enrolment is too large, thereby affecting efficient and effective teacher preparation.

    “This increasing of enrolment in the colleges is a self-inflicted tragedy which needs to be avoided,” he said.

    Professor Jophus Anamuah-Mensah made the comments when he delivered the keynote address at the opening of the maiden National Dialogue on Initial Teacher Education in Accra.

    The two-day event, which is on the theme: “Four years into the transformation of colleges of education into degree awarding institutions — Realities and the way forward”, was organised by the Colleges of Education Weekly Journal (CoEWJ).

    He explained that there was a need to determine the capacity of the students before they are admitted.

    Professor Anamuah-Mensah indicated that teacher education required practical activity and added that the increasing enrolment also affected organising an efficient and “supported teaching in schools” programme with its associated issues of placement, bussing and mentorship.

    According to him, the colleges of education had continued to exert themselves using their outdated infrastructure and limited resources to prepare teachers that were needed tomorrow.

    In addition, the former vice-chancellor noted that the colleges were faced with admitting students with deficiencies in literacy and numeracy and that, “there is also the undisclosed issue of no repetition for students, thus failing students are made to proceed to the next level”.

  • Encroachment of airport lands must stop Akufo-Addo

    President Akufo-Addo has entreated the Lands Commission and traditional authorities to put a stop to the encroachment of airport lands across the country.

    Speaking at the commission of the first phase of the Sunyani Airport project on August 3, 2022, the President stated that the phenomenon poses a threat to future expansion works at the various airports.

    He said “there is a wild spread of encroachment on airport lands. This phenomenon threatens the future expansion of airports in the country. It has to be stopped.”

    To curb the menace, President Akufo-Addo said “the operators and regulators of our airport as well as the Lands Commission and Nananom need to sit up to ensure that the lands belonging to the airports are managed properly and protected and not only for future expansion but also safeguarding lives and properties.”

    President Akufo-Addo commissions first phase of Sunyani Airport project

    Encroachment of state lands continues to rid the country of development. The pieces of land are occupied by individuals and institutions, making it difficult for state projects to take place.

    But government is working to ensure it retrieves all lands belonging to the state.

    According to President Akufo-Addo processes to begin phase two of the Sunyani Airport project will soon be finalised.

    Rehabilitation works of the Sunyani Airport began in February 2019, following a shutdown in March 2016 due to defects on the runway.

    It came at a cost of of GH¢52.2 million, which was jointly funded by the government and the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL).

    DAA Construction Limited constructed the wall, while Resources Access Limited was in charge of the runway.

    Currently, the runway has been extended from 1,280 meters to 1,400 meters.

    Speaking at the commission, Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, assured of government’s commitment to invest in the aviation industry, in order to make Ghana an aviation hub in West Africa.

    President Akufo-Addo interacts with traditional authorities during the commissioning of the first phase of Sunyani Airport project

    On his part, President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs who is also the Omanhene of the Dormaa Traditional Area, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, commended the government for the facelift.

    Osagyefo Agyemang Badu II encouraged resident of the Bono Region to patronize the services of the newly refurbished airport.

    Meanwhile, government has disclosed that there are feasibility studies ongoing to develop airports in the Central Region.

     

     

  • About 12 dead in accident on Elmina-Komenda junction road

    An accident at Eduagyei on the Elmina -Komenda junction road in the Central Region has led to the death of about 12 people.

    The deceased include 5 females and 7 males, with one person sustaining injury.

    The fatal incident on Wednesday, August 3, involved a Toyota Hiace bus and a DAF Truck, when the two collided head-on.

    According to eyewitnesses, the DAF trailer fully loaded with bags of cement, overtook a vehicle ahead of it in a poor visibility area due to smoke from a burning bush and as a result, run into the Toyota Hiace bus.

    The accident scene at the Elmina Komenda junction road

    The trailer was heading towards Takoradi while the Toyota Hiace bus was heading to Kumasi from Takoradi.

    Currently, the driver of the DAF Truck is at large.

    Meanwhile, the remains of the deceased have been deposited at the Cape Coast teaching Hospital Morgue for autopsy.

     

     

  • Utility tariffs to increase from September 1

    Reports have it that Ghanaians would be hit with an upward adjustment of utility tariffs starting September 1, 2022.

    Should information from Daily Graphic be anything to go by, this will be the first review of utility tariffs since 2017.

    Daily Graphic reported that the new tariffs will not be across the board, which means the rates will depend on the reasons and proofs adduced by the utilities and the verification the commission has done.

    This comes after the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) had carried out nationwide consultations on proposals it received from the utility companies.

    It is said that the tariffs to be announced would exclude taxes and levies already imposed by the state.

    The report also revealed that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), such as food joints and salons, would be protected from paying “punitive” tariffs.

    In May 2022, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) demanded a 148% increase in tariff.

    The proposal from the power distributor, submitted to the PURC, wanted the adjustment to cover the period 2019 and 2022.

    The company also proposed an average increase of 7.6% in tariff over the next four years to cover Distribution Service Charges (DSC).

    On its part, the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) also demanded a 334% increase in tariff. The GWCL in its proposal said over the years, the approved tariffs have not been fully cost-reflective.

    The Volta River Authority (VRA) has also proposed 37%, with the Ghana Grid Company Ltd (GRIDCo) proposing 48%

    Other proposals were 38% from the only private power distributor, Enclave Power, and 113% increase over the existing tariffs of the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo).

    Meanwhile, after receiving the proposals from the utility companies, the PURC conducted a survey in which 851 respondents across all 16 regions completed the questionnaire.

    The survey indicated that 44% of respondents thought the current electricity tariffs were not proportionate with quality of service received from the electricity utilities.

    They based their reason on the frequent voltage fluctuation and poor customer service delivery among other reasons.

    On electricity tariffs, 42% of the respondents rated prevailing tariffs as fair, while 55% rated them as high.

    Again, half of the respondents indicated that current water tariffs were not justified, given the poor service delivery in the form of frequent water supply interruptions.

    Consequently, 41% of respondents rated prevailing water tariffs as fair, while 57% rated them as high.

  • LIVESTREAMING: NDC speaks on Ghana’s economy

    The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is holding a press briefing to discuss the current state of the economy.

    National Communications Officer of the NDC, Sammy Gyamfi, is moderating the press conference.

    Ghana is currently seeing a surge in its inflation, which currently stands at 29.6%. Also, prices of fuel products have been on the rise for months.

    It is reported that fuel prices would see a reduction, however, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), has said the reduction would not be substantial due to the depreciation of the cedi.

    The NDC has attributed the current state of the economy to the government’s poor performance.

     

  • Ronaldo slammed by Ten Hag for ‘unacceptable’ behaviour

    Manchester United head coach, Erik ten Hag has criticised Cristiano Ronaldo for leaving Old Trafford before the final whistle in the game against Rayo Vallecano over the weekend.

    The international media reports that Erik ten Hag said the player’s behaviour was “unacceptable”.
    “Certainly not, that is unacceptable. For everyone. I told them that it’s unacceptable. That we are a team, a squad, and that you should stay until the end,” he told Viaplay Sport.

    Ronaldo, pictured leaving the stadium is said to have been joined by Diogo Dalot and a number of other players.

    At the start of July, Ronaldo had informed the board of his desire to leave the club in order to continue playing Champions League football.

    The likes of Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have all since been linked with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, but his future remains very much up in the air heading into the Red Devils’ Premier League opener against Brighton on Sunday.

    Ronaldo returned to the Red Devils’ starting XI for the clash at Old Trafford after an extended summer break, playing the first 45 minutes before being substituted for Amad Diallo.

    But the club and Ten Hag have publicly insisted Ronaldo is not for sale, however speculation over a potential transfer remains ongoing and a return to Sporting CP is now being mooted.

     

    Ten Hag urged to “engage” with Ronaldo

    Ten Hag has been given advice on how to handle Ronaldo by former Man Utd assistant coach Chris Armas, who served under interim boss Ralf Rangnick in the second half of the 2021-22 season.

    The veteran forward scored 12 goals in 19 Premier League games while Armas was a member of the backroom staff, and the American believes one-on-one communication is the best way to bring the best out of him.

    “It’s a hands-on approach, speaking with him, bringing him into the office, asking him questions, so he’s part of the solutions and part of the success,” Armas told Sky Sports.

    “It was my job to work out how to get all that fire, experience and talent and challenge him as much as I could. I think the most important thing is to engage with Cristiano.

    “He’s got so much to give, his commitment to winning and scoring, each guy has their different type of leadership. He can be a leader in his way, and my goal like everyone in the squad was to say how can I get the most out of Cristiano.

    “When you talk about, at the highest level, seeing a professional and what winning means to Ronaldo, what scoring goals mean to him – he’s on the team, a big part of the team and he’s a guy who produced.”

     

  • Chukwuemeka, Slonina and Chelsea’s recent history of teenage transfers

    Chelsea have not had it all their own way in the transfer market this summer, as their failed pursuits of Jules Kounde and Raphinha demonstrate.

    However, the Blues can finally chalk up one in the win column after they beat Milan and Barcelona to the signing of Aston Villa prospect Carney Chukwuemeka.

    Rangy midfielder Chukwuemeka comes with glowing reviews and finished 37th in GOAL’s 2022 ranking of the best wonderkids in the world.

    Confirmation of that agreement was soon followed by another young arrival – Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina.

    Chelsea have a history of chancing their arm on precocious young talent, with mixed results.

    GOAL has taken a look back through the history book to remember some of the other fresh-faced teenagers who arrived Stamford Bridge before their 20th birthday.

    Glen-Johnson-2004
    Glen Johnson, Credit: Getty Images

    Glen Johnson (West Ham) £6m

    First up on the list is former England international Johnson, who moved across London to Chelsea from West Ham for £6m in July 2003.

    The 18-year-old was the first confirmed signing of Roman Abramovich’s ownership and he made 71 appearances for the Blues over the next four years, picking up a Premier League winners’ medal along the way.

    Johnson left Chelsea to join Portsmouth in 2007 in search of more regular minutes, and went on to play for Liverpool before retiring in 2019.

    Mikel-Chelsea-2006
    Jon Obi Mikel, Credit: Getty Images

    Jon Obi Mikel (Lyn Oslo) – £18m

    Jon Obi Mikel joined Chelsea from Norwegian outfit Lyn Oslo in the summer of 2006 after a controversial year-long legal battle that saw him perform a U-turn after initially being presented as a Manchester United player.

    The fresh-faced 19-year-old quickly became a key player for the Blues under Jose Mourinho and went on to win two Premier League titles and the Champions League with the club, before eventually departing in 2017.

    Sturridge-2009
    Daniel Sturridge, Credit: Getty Images

    Daniel Sturridge (Manchester City) Free transfer

    Chelsea snapped Daniel Sturridge up on a free transfer on July 3, 2009 – three days after the expiration of his contract at City, where he had spent the first three years of his career.

    Sturridge scored a respectable 24 goals in 96 games for the Blues despite rarely getting much of a run in the starting XI, and became a Premier League and Champions League winner before being shipped off to Liverpool for £12m in 2013.

    Courtois-2010
    Thibaut Courtois, Credit: Getty Images

    Thibaut Courtois (Genk) £7m

    Chelsea paid just £7m to sign 19-year-old Courtois from Belgian outfit Genk in July 2011, and immediately sent him out on loan to Atletico Madrid.

    Courtois established himself among the goalkeeping elite during his two-year stay in Madrid, winning a Liga title and playing in a Champions League final before returning to England ahead of the 2014-15 season.

    The shot-stopper then nailed down the No.1 spot in Chelsea’s starting XI and helped them win two Premier League titles along with the FA Cup and League Cup, but ended up forcing through a move to Real Madrid in 2018.

    Lukaku-2011
    Romelu Lukaku, Credit: Getty Images

    Romelu Lukaku (Anderlecht) £14m

    Lukaku announced himself as one of the most talented young players in Europe during his two-year stint at Anderlecht, who he fired to the Belgian Pro League title in 2009-10 by scoring 15 goals.

    The striker netted another 20 across all competitions the following season, earning a £14 million move to Chelsea in the process, but he was ultimately unable to make his mark on the first team.

    After failing to score in just 15 senior outings across three years, he was sold to Everton, but did return to Chelsea in a club-record £98m ($119m) deal from Inter last summer.

    Christensen-Chels-2014
    Andreas Christensen, Credit: Getty Images

    Andreas Christensen (Brondby) Free transfer

    Christensen was only 15 years old when Chelsea snapped him up from Brondby in February 2015.

    The Danish defender was officially unveiled by the west London club that summer, but had to wait until October 2014 to make his senior debut in a League Cup clash with Shrewsbury Town.

    Christensen was then loaned to Borussia Monchengladbach, where he gained vital experience playing regularly in the Bundesliga, and he returned to Chelsea in 2017 ready to make his mark.

    The centre-back appeared in a total of 160 games for the Blues, winning five trophies, but decided to run down his final contract and joined Barcelona on a free transfer in July 2022.

    Thorgan-Hazard-2012
    Thorgan Hazard, Credit: Getty Images

    Thorgan Hazard (Lens) £450,000

    Hazard moved to Chelsea from Lens in July 24, shortly after seeing his brother Eden join the Blues from Lille.

    The winger was immediately sent out on loan to Zulte Waregem in Belgium, and a loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach followed as he was unable to force his way into the first team picture at Stamford Bridge.

    While his older sibling was earning a reputation among the top attackers on the continent, Thorgan was eventually sold to Gladbach in 2015, where he stayed for another four years before joining Borussia Dortmund.

    Zouma-2014
    Kurt Zouma, Credit: Getty Images

    Kurt Zouma (Saint-Etienne) £13m

    Zouma signed for Chelsea in a £13m deal back in January 2014, and joined up with his new team-mates that summer after seeing out his final season at Saint-Etienne on loan.

    The Frenchman won five trophies at Stamford Bridge, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League, and managed 151 appearances across his seven-year spell with the Blues before he was sold to West Ham for £30m ($36m) last summer.

    Gabriel Slonina Chelsea unveiling 2022
    Gabriel Slonina, Credit: Getty Images

    Gabriel Slonina (Chicago Fire) £12.3m

    Slonina became the latest teenage prospect to be unveiled at Chelsea on August 2, 2022, as he arrived on a six-year contract from American outfit the Chicago Fire.

    The 18-year-old is set to head back to Chicago on loan to see out the remainder of the 2022 MLS season, but will be integrated into the Blues’ first-team ranks in the new year.

    Slonina has been earmarked as one for the future after an impressive start to his career, having become the youngest starting MLS player in history when making his debut for the Chicago Fire in August 2021.

    Carney Chukwuemeka Aston Villa 2021-22
    Carney Chukwuemeka, Credit: Getty Images

    Carney Chukwuemeka (Aston Villa) £20m

    Chelsea pulled off one of the surprise moves of the 2022 summer transfer window by announcing a deal for Aston Villa midfielder Chukwuemeka.

    The 18-year-old is now set to move to west London for £20m, bringing to an end his five-year stay at Villa Park.

    Chukwuemeka broke into Villa’s first team in 2021-22, making 14 appearances in all competitions, and Chelsea fans will hope he can deliver on his considerable potential in the coming years.

    Source: Goal.com

  • Man Utd’s Alex Telles close to joining Sevilla

    Alex Telles, who is with Manchester United is said to be closing in on a loan move to Sevilla.

    International tabloids have it that the defender has been stifled since the arrival of Erik ten Hag’s first signing, Tyrell Malacia.

    However, that will not continue into this Premier League campaign after Lisandro Martinez signed from Ajax.

    If Telles does not get a move, he risks his World Cup place.

    The 29-year-old was recalled to the Brazil squad in January after a 14-month absence.

    Telles joined United in 2020, signing for 15m euros (£13.6m) from Porto.

  • 2030 World Cup: Argentina, Uruguay, two others bid to be joint hosts

    Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina and Chile have presented a joint bid to FIFA to enable them host the 2030 World Cup.

    Hosting the 2030 World Cup for Uruguay would mean a lot to the country since it would mark its centenary after hosting the competition’s first ever tournament in 1930.

    President of the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol), Alejandro Dominguez, said “there will be more World Cups, but the cup only turns 100 one time, and it needs to come home.”

    According to him, “this is the dream of a continent.”

    Corroborating the need for a centenary celebration is President of the Uruguayan Football Association, Ignacio Alonso, who said “It’s right for the World Cup to be hosted where it all began, 100 years later.” 

    Meanwhile, Spain and Portugal have also announced a bid to be joint hosts.

    Fifa plans to select the 2030 host in 2024.

    The UK and Republic of Ireland football associations agreed in February not to bid for the 2030 World Cup and instead focus on a joint attempt to host Euro 2028.

    Uruguay beat Argentina in the final to win the inaugural World Cup in 1930 and Dominguez was speaking at the scene of that win – Montevideo’s Centenario Stadium.

    Chile hosted the World Cup in 1962, while the tournament was held in Argentina in 1978.

    The 2022 World Cup will be held in Qatar while Canada, Mexico and the USA will be joint hosts in 2026.

  • GFA Elite Referees undergo medical tests ahead of FIFA MA Elite Course

    Thirty Elite Referees of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on Wednesday, August 3, underwent medical test ahead of the FIFA MA Elite Course happening today.

    The 30 comprises 18 males and 12 females.

    The tests, according to reports, were conducted by Dr Adam Baba of the 37 Military Hospital.

    Later this month, the referees are expected to undergo fitness test.

    This would prove their  physique and endurance.

  • Hearts of Oak sign Eric Ofori Antwi on three-year deal

    FA Cup champions, Hearts of Oak have signed former Legon Cities goalkeeper, Eric Ofori Antwi, on a three year deal.

    Eric Ofori Antwi joined the Phobians after his contact with Legon Cities expired.

    He put pen to paper following his medicals and completing the necessary processes with Hearts of Oak.

    The ‘never say die’ club announced his arrival via Twitter on Wednesday, August 3, 2022.

    “We are glad to announce the latest family member, Eric Ofori Antwi,” Hearts of Oak tweeted.

    The 27-year-old joined Legon Cities prior to the start of last season season from Medeama but parted ways with the club and bid farewell to them ahead of the 2022/23 season.

    The former Black Satellites goalkeeper started the season on a higher note, clinching a Man of the Match award against Heart of Oak in their opening game but failed to keep his place in the team.

    He has previously played for Inter Allies, Asante Kotoko and Medeama SC.

     

  • Ghana’s Augustine Okrah scores for Simba SC in win against Al Khodood

    Augustine Okrah on Monday secured a comfortable victory for his side, Simba SC in the game against Al Khodood.

    The friendly match ended in a 2:0 victory for Simba SC, with the Ghana International scoring the second goal.

    This is Augustine Okrah’s second pre-season goal since joining Simba SC from Bechem United at the end of the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League season.

    The highly-rated Ghanaian attacker joined the Tanzanian top-flight giant this summer after his excellent displays for Ghana Premier League side Bechem United last season.

    Ahead of the start of the Tanzanian Premier League, it is becoming clear that the Ghanaian attacker will be a key player for his team.

  • Kotoko to sell Ibrahim Imoro to Al Hilal Club

    Asante Kotoko has agreed to sign Ibrahim Imoro to Al Hilal Omdurman for a fee of $410,000, according to reports.

    An initial fee of $150,000 is expected to be paid upfront by the 2021/22 Sudan Premier League winners.

    However, it is reported that the fee could rise to the region of $400,000 should Al Hilal and Imoro reach some achievements.

    The most significant chunk of the add-on fee will be paid to Kotoko should Al Hilal Club win the CAF Champions League with Imoro playing a notable role.

    Imoro recently traveled with the Black Galaxies to Benin as the team progressed to the final round of the CHAN qualifiers.

    The former Karela United defender joined the Porcupine Warriors in 2019 and helped the team win the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League title by providing the most assists.

  • About 10,000 mentally challenged people roaming Ghanas streets – Dr Akwasi Osei

    The Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Authority (MHA), Dr Akwasi Osei, has said that the number of mentally challenged individuals roaming the streets of the country is estimated at 10,000 people.

    According to Dr Akwasi Osei, who revealed the staggering figure in an interview with The Independent Ghana, the Mental Health Authority despite being in the known, is unable to admit these individuals due to lack of funds.

    He bemoaned the inadequate amount provided to the Authority by the state since the passing of the Mental Health Act (846 of 2012).

    “The reason we have not gotten to where we want is because 10 years after the Mental Health Act 2012, Act 846, is the fact that we don’t have the money to support it. I mentioned people being on the streets naked, half-dressed, dirty and unkempt. If we had the funding, by now we would have taken them all from the street and brought them to the hospital for treatment, given them some training and taken them back to their community,” he said.

    He added that “now, I’m sure that if you count, you will be hitting about 10,000.”

    Dr Akwasi Osei noted that some 8 years ago, the Mental Health Authority established in accordance with the Mental Health Act 2012, Act 846, managed to admit 606 mentally challenged people on the streets across the country without financial assistance from the government.

    “About 7 or 8 years ago, we decided to do that. On our own, without extra funding from the government, we were able to take 606 patients from all over the country. Around that time, we did a rapid assessment and we saw that there were over 6000 patients on the streets and cities,” he said.

    For Dr Akwasi Osei, it is important that the government sees to the admission of such persons by providing funds since “one of them might have the solution to our economic problems.”

    People suffering from severe mental illnesses are admitted to the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Ankaful Hospital and Pantang Hospital.

    Per the Mental Health Act, the Mental Health Authority mandated to propose, promote and implement mental health policies, as well as provide culturally appropriate, humane and integrated mental health care throughout Ghana operates with the Mental Health Fund.

    The Fund generates revenue through voluntary contributions from individuals, organisations and the private sector; monies approved by Parliament, grants from bilateral and multilateral sources; donations and gifts; and any other sources approved by the Minister responsible for Finance.

    According to Dr Akwasi, since the approval of the Mental Health Act, the government (Ministry of Finance) has been unable to pass the Mental Health Levy to enable the Mental Health Authority generate enough revenue.

    He proposed that 50 pesewas should be taken from the salaries of workers during the implementation of the Mental Health Levy, as such amount would not have a huge impact on the net salary workers receive.

    Bemoaning the amount received so far, the Chief Executive Officer said “the money that the Ministry gives to us now is about half or one-third of the whole money the Ministry requires. The levy has to be established by the Ministry of Finance and not Parliament. We approached Parliamentarians and they said we had done our part, that is to pass the law which says the levy should be established. The rest is for the Ministry of Finance.”

    “This is a levy with the difference.It could be such that you would not feel it much. Everybody as you go about your normal duty, supposing we said 50 pesewas out of everybody’s salary, no matter how low your salary is, 50 pesewas won’t make much difference,” he continued.

    Assessing other alternatives, Dr Akwasi Osei stated that the government could also establish a levy where it could take 0.5% from the revenue generated from existing levies such as the Value Added Tax (VAT), Electronic Transaction Levy, also known as E-levy, among others.

    “The reality is that we  need that tax. The point is that it does not look like a time will come when the government will have enough money to give to mental healthcare,” he emphasised.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

     

     

     

     

  • Ghanaian winger Davis Mensah to leave Pordenone

    Ghanaian winger Davis Mensah will not be with Italian Serie C side Pordenone ahead of the new season.

    Davis Mensah makes his departure after 15 appearances for Pordenone.

    The former Triestina player per reports is wanted by Catania in Serie D.

    Pordenone will play in the Serie C in the 2022/23 season after suffering relegation from the Serie B last season.

     

  • FIFPro drags GFA to CAS for banning AshGold, Inter Allies players over match-fixing allegations

    FIFPro, a global footballers welfare body, has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) to rescind the ban on Ashanti Gold and Inter Allies players for alleged match fixing by the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

    According to reports, it is unknown the specific players FIFPro is representing in order to save their careers.

    The Ghana Football Association banned eight players of Ashanti Gold for 24 months and four others 48 months over their inability to appear before the Association’s Committee after the club was found guilty of match manipulation in their 2020/21 Ghana Premier League Matchday 34 game against Inter Allies FC.

    The eight are Stephen Owusu Banahene, Dacosta Ampem, Frank Akoto, Agyemang Isaac Opoku, Amos Kofi Nkrumah, Eric Esso, Moses Kwame and Solomon Afriyie.

    Those banned for 48 months are Emmanuel Owusu, Mohammed Bailou, Amos Addai and Paul De Vries Asare.

    Two other players of Ashanti Gold, Samed Mohammed and Seth Osei have been banned for 30 months.

    Ashantigold demoted to Division Two over match-fixing

    Meanwhile, Asante Kotoko has directed its legal team to appeal the 30-month ban imposed on its midfielder, Richmond Lamptey, according to reports.

  • England beat Germany to win first major women’s trophy

    England have won their first major women’s tournament after beating Germany at the Euro 2022 final.

    The eight-time champions Germany lost at Wembley on Sunday.

    Substitute Chloe Kelly poked home a loose ball from a corner to send the raucous record crowd of 87,192 into a frenzy with ten minutes of extra time remaining.

    She waited for confirmation of the goal before taking off her shirt and waving it around her head, while being lifted by her team-mates in a moment of pure elation.

    On a monumental day in English football history, Sarina Wiegman’s side showed they were equal to anything a strong and physical Germany team threw at them.

    Ella Toone had earlier come off the bench to score the opener in normal time before Germany’s Lina Magull set up a nervous ending when she equalised in the 79th minute.

    There were scenes of jubilation in the stands and an outpouring of emotion by players on the pitch at full-time as the magnitude of their achievement sank in.

    The final was advertised as a battle between the competition’s two best-performing sides, and for large parts they cancelled each other out – but the biggest crowd in the history of a men’s or women’s Euros was given their money’s worth.

    Striker Ellen White missed a few chances in the first half, Lucy Bronze was denied with a header, Germany’s Magull struck wide and England defender Leah Williamson had to scramble a corner off the line before Toone was introduced to break the deadlock.

    She had given England fans the winning taste before Magull stunned the home crowd, though it would only delay the celebrations that Kelly, who only returned to football in April after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, gave them.

    England did what no other nation had done before – beat serial winners Germany in a European Women’s Championship final, and the feeling was sweet.

    It comes 56 years after England’s men beat West Germany in the 1966 World Cup final, the only previous major trophy won by a men’s or women’s England senior team.

    The players fell to the ground at full-time in tears of joy, in scenes which will be remembered and replayed for years to come on one of the greatest nights in English sport.

    Perfect ending for hosts England

    It was a final like no other in every sense – the build-up was on a scale above anything seen in women’s football in Great Britain, and it provided the perfect ending.

    Male fans were sporting England shirts with their female icons’ names on the back on the London Underground on the way to the match, while fan parks around the country were filled with supporters watching the final on big screens.

    Wembley Way was already packed on Sunday morning and there were boos when Germany were announced on the stadium tannoy before kick-off.

    And it looked like things were going England’s way when Germany’s lethal striker Alexandra Popp, joint-top scorer in the tournament going into the final, picked up an injury and dropped out of the starting XI just before kick-off.

    The feistiness off the pitch translated on to it too – referee Kateryna Monzul awarded two early yellow cards for innocuous fouls by England, and the crowd were frustrated for much of the first half when decisions didn’t go their way.

    Source: BBC

  • Black Galaxies arrive in Accra today after Benin victory

    The Black Galaxies who left Ghana last week Thursday for the second leg of the Championship of African Nations will return today, Monday.

    The team’s return follow its victory against Benin on Saturday in the preliminary round qualifiers of the Championship of African Nations (CHAN) Algeria 2022.

    Ghana netted the only goal during the match in the 82nd minute and this was through Daniel Afriyie Barnieh.

    Coach Annor Walker’s side qualified to the final on a 4-0 aggregate following a 3-0 win in the 1st leg at the Cape Coast stadium.

    Black Galaxies leave Accra on Thursday ahead of Benin clash

    Black Galaxies will now go up against Nigeria in the final round in search of a ticket to the tournament.
    The Black Galaxies have yet to appear in the tournament since 2014 when Ghana finished 2nd in South Africa.