Some personalities from the entertainment industry were present atBernard Antwi Bosiako’s mother’s funeral to commiserate with him.
The Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman’s mother was laid to rest on Saturday, March 25, 2023, in a graceful ceremony at Kuntenase in the Ashanti region.
Asides from his friends and fellow politicians, a number of showbiz personalities, particularly Kumawood stars, also showed up to mourn with the politician affectionately called Chairman Wontumi.
The likes of Diana Asamoah, Salinko, Delay, Matilda Asare, and others were seen paying homage to the astute politician and participating in the event.
There were also performances from the likes of Jack Alolome, Diana Asamoah, Maame Ode, talented kids season 12 winner, Akwadaa Nyame, and others.
In the case of Delay, her presence seemed as a pleasant surprise and this was due to the fact that Chairman Wontumi expressed shock after seeing her at the event.
The mark of a true Christian is the ability to dedicate one’s life to Christ by shunning away from things of the world, including secular music as this does not glorify God.
Gospel singer, Mose OK has discouraged believers from listening to worldly songs. His latest call reiterated the need for Christians to meditate on the word and listen to songs that only feed the soul with messages from the scriptures.
“You can’t listen to songs that do not carry the word of God, songs that don’t correspond with the scriptures. That’s why I don’t encourage people to listen to secular songs,” the Ghanaian gospel singer hammered.
Mose OK sounded this alarm in his interview with Victor Kodom of Onua TV. He added: “You can’t listen to any song as a believer, emphasizes good Christians. I’m not talking about those who just call themselves Christians, I’m talking about those who have the spirit of God in them.”
On the account of Moses OK, spirit-filled music shapes the life of a Christian and directs his path. It is therefore not right to consume secular music as a good Christian.
“You have to listen to Gospel songs because whenever you consume music, the words come directly to your heart, which forms and frames your life. That’s the reason why God himself gave us his word, which is light onto our path,” he added.
The Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Dr Clement Apaak, has asked the president to order the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, to release capitation grants for public basic schools.
According to him, the failure to pay the capitation grant for the past 2 years is affecting the quality of education for pupils in the basic schools which could gradually collapse the public basic school system and those running their schools only on capitation grants are really suffering.
He added that the last time the grant was paid was in 2019/2020, meaning that for 2021, 2022, and 2023, they haven’t received anything.
“Akufo-Addo/Bawumia led government has failed to disburse capitation grants to ensure the smooth running if public basic school in the country. The situation is dire that the conference of heads of public basic schools has publicly lamented and as a member of parliament to the NDC side on Education Committee, my caucus decided that we use this medium to call on Mr. president to instruct the finance minister to release capitation grants,” he said in an interview.
The Conference of Heads of Basic Schools in Ghana is lamenting the non-payment of capitation grants meant for the operationalisation of basic schools for the past two years, which is crippling the progress of teaching and learning in schools. Despite the Ministry of Education’s recent indication that some GH¢11 million has been released to schools as of November 2022, the association says they are yet to receive any funds, and the situation is getting worse.
According to reports, the General Secretary of the Conference of Heads of Basic Schools, Justice Adu Darko, explained that the amount itself is inadequate considering the prices of commodities of late.
Couples who are waiting for a child after years of marriage have shared stories of how friends and family sometimes disturb their peace with the question of when they plan to have children.
Right after marriage, a woman is expected to take seed and bear a child for her family. Such high expectations tend to be a burden for couples suffering from medical conditions that hinder them from bringing forth children.
Media consultant Smart Takyi Nixon has encouraged couples facing childlessness in their marriages to keep up the faith and live their best lives even in the case where they never get to hear the cry of a child in their home.
“One of the fascinating things I’ve heard is that marriage without a child is still a marriage. Couples who are going into marriage should have this at the back of their mind. A marriage without a child doesn’t nullify the status of the marriage. That is one of the things people do not come to accept in our part of the world,” he told GhanaWeb.
Sharing his view on how couples can best handle childlessness on Moans & Cuddles with Paula Amma Broni, he admonished couples to take charge of their home in a world where people are quick to project their views on others.
“When you marry an individual, you are marrying the family not just the person…you will see expectations of people being projected on you…some in-laws will pass very funny comments during visits. It’s been a year since you got married, what is happening?” he added.
The Kumasi Kejetia Traders Association has called on the government to sack the management and dissolve the board of the market.
The association has accused the management of the market of sleeping on the job.
Speaking at a press conference held in Kumasi, Wednesday, March 29, 2023, Secretary of the Association, Reuben Amey, noted that traders are becoming impatient with the management of the market.
“The fact of the matter is that traders who are affected, the 807 traders, are becoming impatient. Frustration is setting in. Once frustration is setting in, once you’re frustrated, you do things that you’re not supposed to do,” he said.
“Number two, you said we walked out of a meeting. Nobody called us for a meeting. They called us for a meeting, we went in and realised it was a press conference so how do you expect us to be there?” the secretary of the traders association quizzed.
According to the association, it has documents to prove that a year ago, the authorities of the market were warned against any fire outbreak, as it would be devastating.
“Fire Service warned them three consecutive times they didn’t do anything about it so nobody can be trumpeting today to be a lover of the market,” the secretary of the association noted.
He indicated that they spoke about: “Fire extinguishers that were expired, sprinklers that were not working, smoke detectors that couldn’t detect smoke before they were covered up, the pumping machine that was supposed to pump water for the fire extinguishing and then for the sprinklers that was faulty that they should work on it, all of them they spoke about it and they did nothing about all of them. When the fire started, it took 15 minutes for the pressure pump to come on. It took 30 minutes for the sprinklers to start working. There was no alarm, there was no single alarm telling us that fire was coming, so what are they talking about?”
The association is wondering why the management and board are still holding their current positions when, according to the association, they have been sluggish on the job.
“By now they should have resigned. We’re surprised. Is it that they have no shame? I don’t get it. Why are they still in the office? By now they should [have] go[ne] so if they’ll not go, we’re calling on the higher authorities let them go. They can’t just do the work. Let them go and let new hands come,” they said.
The association also disputed the report of the investigation into the recent fire, part of which revealed that a woman was cooking leading to the fire.
The secretary said: “So far as we’re concerned, nobody should tell us the woman was cooking, that’s what sparked the fire. No. They should talk to the fire service. The fire service knows exactly what sparked the fire.”
The association believes that there were chemicals at one of the shops which could have caused the fire as well.
“The woman was selling chemicals, right? Another person selling chemicals has communicated to us that the chemicals they sell, if one comes in contact with another chemical it is possible for it to spark fire. So have you looked at that angle? If you’ve not looked at that angle, how then do you say the person was cooking? So for the long time that the person has been cooking there what did the management do about it?” he questioned.
The secretary of the trader’s association added: “It shows how incompetent, how sluggish they’ve been on the job. They’ve not been working, so they should get up and work and stop these things they’ve been telling us.”
They include 660 food manufacturing facilities and two hundred and ninety-two cosmetics and household chemical substances.
The Authority indicated that prior to the commencement of PLS in 2019 only five per cent of micro and small-scale enterprises that applied for licensing were licensed.
Dr Delese Mimi Darko, Chief Executive Officer of FDA, said following the implementation of Scheme the performance had increased to 100 per cent.
The Scheme is an initiative of FDA launched in July 2020 to support micro and small-scale industries to progressively comply with Good Manufacturing Practices to ensure quality and safe products on the market.
The initiative contributes significantly to economic development by maintaining consumer confidence in the food system and providing sound regulatory foundations by supporting Government’s Industrialization Agenda.
The PLS coupled with the FDA’s risk-based product registration process has ensured that locally manufactured food, cosmetics, and household chemical substances reach the market faster without compromising their quality, safety, or wholesomeness.
The Scheme uses a three-tier approach for licensing the micro and small-scale manufacturing facilities: issuing pink, yellow, or green licenses based on the level of compliance.
The targeted Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Training and technical assistance provided to clients of the PLS enables them to meet fundamental requirements of GMP.
She said for products registered, prior to the commencement of the Scheme in 2019, 52 per cent of product registration applications submitted by micro and small-scale enterprises were registered.
“Following the implementation of the Scheme the performance increased to 91 percent,” she said.
To date, a total of 2,917 products have been registered under the Scheme; comprising 2,405 food products and 512 cosmetics and household chemical substances.
The PLS commenced with the food industry in 2020, cosmetics and household chemical substances industry in 2021, will also include the herbal medicine industry in 2023.
She explained that the FDA would extend the success stories of PLS to the herbal medicine industry.
The PLS compliments the FDA ‘Buy Ghana, Love Ghana’ campaign initiative, which aims to stock 60 per cent locally manufactured FDA regulated products in high-end supermarket chains in Ghana.
She said with the commitment of collaborating supermarkets to stock products registered by the Authority, there had been an increase in the stocking and sale of registered locally manufactured products in A-rated malls and supermarkets across the country.
Dr Darko emphasized the Authority’s commitment to ensure that products, which were registered through the scheme, met both local and international standards.
“We are determined to continuously pursue this agenda with our partners, including the Ghana Enterprises Agency, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, and the Ghana Standards Authority,” she said.
Dr. Darko called on local manufacturers to increase their production levels while maintaining high-quality standards at competitive prices to boost domestic demand that will drive economic growth.
The Produce Buying Company Limited (PBC) has a new Managing Director.
Derek Kwaku Nkansah has been appointed by President Akufo-Addo as the Managing Director (MD) of PBC Limited.
The nomination is contained in a letter dated March 2, 2023 and signed by the Executive Secretary to the President, Nana Bediatuo Asante.
“Kindly take the necessary steps to regularise the said appointment in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Companies Act 2019 (Act 992) and the constitution of the Company,” portions of the release stated.
Mr Nkansah, popularly called Paa Nii, is the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman for the United Kingdom.
Profile
Chairman Nkansah started as a member of the NPP UK Communications team and rose to a Deputy Organiser of the branch.
After four years, he contested the chairman position in April 2018 and won. His tenure ended in May 2022.
Mr Nkansah is credited with expanding the NPP UK branch beyond London to enable more Ghanaians to join the party.
He inaugurated the Telford, Bristle, Aberdeen, Hull and the four NPP chapters in London.
Paa Nii also worked closely with International Affairs Directorate of the NPP to ensure external branches abroad have representations at all levels and helped the party win more parliamentary seats in the 2016 elections.
Ghana’s government recently announced the reintroduction of the road toll system, raising questions about the effectiveness of the current electronic levy (E-Levy) and the impact of these levies on the country’s revenue, economy, and businesses.
The government further announced the reduction of the e-levy rate from 1.5 per cent to 1.0 per cent on 11 January 2023.
While the e-Levy was introduced to generate revenue for the government, its implementation has been met with fierce resistance from various sectors, including the financial technology industry.
On the other hand, the road toll was cancelled in favour of the e-Levy, but its reintroduction suggests that the e-Levy could not generate the expected revenue.
In this article, I examine the impact of the levies on Ghana’s revenue, economy, and businesses and evaluate the need to strike a balance between revenue generation and economic growth. I also consider the potential impact of the levies on businesses and consumers and explore alternative revenue generation strategies that could be more effective and less burdensome on Ghana’s economy.
Impact on Revenue
TheE-Levy was introduced to generate revenue for the government, but its implementation could have been more effective. While the e-Levy charged a 1.5% (now 1.0%) tax on all mobile money transactions, it has been met with resistance from the public, who see it as an unnecessary burden on an already struggling economy.
The government hoped to generate GH¢1.15 billion ($198 million) from the e-Levy; as of September 2021, the revenue generated was only GH¢216.78 million ($37 million). As a result, the government announced reintroducing the road toll, which could generate more revenue. According to the government, the road toll generated GH¢39 million ($6.7 million) monthly before it was cancelled.
Impact on Economy
Excessive levies can discourage economic activity and innovation, especially in the technology and financial sectors. The introduction of the e-Levy was met with fierce resistance, especially from the financial technology sector, which saw it as an impediment to innovation and growth. Additionally, the cancellation of the road toll in favour of the e-Levy aimed to reduce the burden on road users.
However, reintroducing the toll levy may affect transportation costs and businesses that rely on road transportation. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the impact of the levies on businesses and the economy to ensure that they do not stifle growth or innovation.
Impact on Businesses
The e-Levy and road toll impact businesses in various ways. The introduction of the e-Levy has increased transaction costs for businesses, which could discourage the adoption of mobile money as a payment method. Reintroducing the road toll could also affect transportation costs for companies that rely on road transportation. The levies’ impact on businesses should be carefully evaluated to ensure they do not stifle growth or innovation.
Alternative Revenue Generation Strategies
Finally, alternative revenue generation strategies should be considered. For example, the government could invest in renewable energy, mining, and agriculture to generate revenue without stifling economic growth. These sectors have the potential to generate significant revenue for the government while promoting economic growth and innovation.
Conclusion
Ghana’s levies impact revenue, the economy, and businesses. The government must strike a balance between revenue generation and economic growth, taking into account the levies’ potential impact on businesses and consumers.
Alternative revenue generation strategies should also be explored to promote economic growth and innovation. Reintroducing the road toll is a step in the right direction.
Still, its effectiveness in generating revenue and its impact on businesses and the economy must be carefully evaluated. A comprehensive and thoughtful approach to fiscal policy in Ghana is needed to promote economic growth and prosperity.
The Bank of Ghana has said Ghana’s gross international reserves fell to US$5.9 billion as of the end of February 2023.
It is enough to provide import cover for 2.8 months, the Governor, Dr Ernest Addison, told journalists at the central bank’s monetary policy committee meeting on Monday, March 27, 2023.
He said: “For the year 2022, the overall balance of payments recorded a deficit of US$3.6 billion”, noting: “The capital and financial account recorded a net outflow of US$2.1 billion (2.9 percent of GDP), mainly on account of lower FDI flows and significant portfolio reversals”.
These, Dr Addison noted, together with the current account deficit of US$1.5 billion (2.1 per cent of GDP), resulted in the deficit of the overall balance”.
“As a result, Gross International Reserves for 2022 declined by US$3.5 billion to US$6.2 billion. Net International Reserves, which adjusts Gross reserves for the Heritage and Stabilization funds as well as other encumbered funds also declined by US$3.7 billion to settle at US$2.4 billion by December 2022”, he reported.
Dr Addison indicated: “Gross international reserves further declined to US$5.9 billion at the end of February 2023, providing cover for 2.8 months of imports of goods and services. However, Net international reserves improved to US$2.6 billion, reflecting a slight decline in encumbered funds”.
Businessman Ernest Kobeah has pulled out of the NDC presidential race.
This was made known on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at the party’s headquarters in Accra.
In an interview on JoyNews earlier this month, Mr Kobeah explained that he entered the race to create opportunity as well as set an example for the youth not to be intimidated.
He was at the NDC Headquarters yesterday for his vetting.
After submitting his documents among other requirements for the process, Ernest Kobeah was asked to return today for the final lap.
However, on his return today, the aspirant has withdrawn from the race.
According to JoyNews’ Samuel Mbura, the decision was borne out of Mr Kobeah’s intention to throw his weight behind contender John Mahama.
Meanwhile, Mr Mahama went through his vetting process on Monday, March 27.
After his session, John Mahama indicated that the country’s financial stability is at the heart of his campaign to lead the NDC.
According to him, government has demonstrated that it is incapable of running affairs for which reason he is launching another bid to become the NDC candidate in the 2024 election.
Actor Majid Michel has described Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams as the father of the land having “been through hell” yet remaining resilient.
In his view, the preacher’s resilience is commendable because it takes a strong man to be such resolute in the face of adversity.
“The archbishop has been through hell all his life. He’s still fighting,” Majid said on Joy Prime. “He’s the father of the land. The hot water, the fire, things he’s been through that he’s still going through, you can’t survive it. So, when he speaks, it comes with a lot of weight.”
Majid and the preacher have starred in a movie titled ‘Taste of Sin’ and is expected to be premiered soon. In his interview monitored by GhanaWeb, the actor highlighted the role the archbishop played in the said movie.
Archbishop Duncan-Williams is the Founder and Presiding Archbishop of Action Chapel International (ACI), headquartered in Accra, Ghana. He is recognised as the Patriarch and Father of the Charismatic Movement in Ghana and other parts of West Africa. He is also the Founder and President of Prayer Summit International (PSI), Dominion University, and Television.
He is the current Chairman of the National Association of Charismatic and Christian Churches (NACCC) and was a member of the immediate past Governing Board of the National Peace Council.
The preacher in an interview in 2017 on Starr FM detailed his story, including how he lost his fingers.
“Of all the battles in life, the spiritual battle is easily the most significant. It is always said that before anything of worth happens in the physical, it must be settled in the spiritual. It happened in the spiritual realm but sacrificed my fingers for it.”
“At age 20, something significant happened. I had nightmares, hallucination and heard voices at home; spiritual voices contending with the voice of truth, grace. I was captured by the spirit, instructed by it to light a candle and dip my hands into the burning flame.”
He continued; “I obeyed without question but with pain. My lips at a point were sealed until the pain had become unbearable. My fingers darkened in the flames until they turned into ashes. My shouts attracted siblings who came and rushed me to Korle Bu Hospital where I was admitted for months.”
Humza Yousaf is now officially the youngest leader in the nation and the first from a minority ethnic origin after being lawfully sworn in as Scotland’s sixth first minister.
After defeating opponents to become Nicola Sturgeon’s successor, the 37-year-old donned a sherwani as he took the oath of office during a ceremony at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.
The declaration of loyalty to the King was administered by the Lord President in front of senior judges.
The Scottish National Party leader was then granted his official title of First Minister and Keeper of the Scottish Seal.
Humza Yousaf sworn in as Scotland First Minister
The seal allows the monarch to authorise official documents without having to sign each one.
As Keeper of the Scottish Seal, Mr Yousaf will have the authority to make decisions on behalf of the crown – effectively meaning the First Minister can lead the country with the support of the Scottish Parliament.
The ceremony comes after MSPs backed him to become Scotland’s next leader on Tuesday.
Mr Yousaf, who is also the first Muslim to lead a major UK party, can now begin to shape his government by selecting his Cabinet.
He has already confirmed that Shona Robison will be deputy first minister, while his leadership election rival Kate Forbes has turned down the post of rural affairs secretary.
The first minister has vowed to champion people who feel like they don’t belong and has recalled the racist abuse he has faced over the years.
In his acceptance speech, he told the MSPs: I’ve lost count of how many times my identity, my loyalty to Scotland – the only country I have ever and will ever call home – has been questioned over the years.
‘There was a time not that long ago when I felt I simply did not belong here.’
He went on to add that he hopes his election ‘sends a strong message to every single person out there who feels that they don’t belong’.
He said: ‘No matter what anyone says, no matter who you are, whether Scotland has been your home for a day or for 10 generations, no matter your ethnicity, no matter your gender, no matter your religion, no matter your sexual orientation, your transgender identity or disability, this is your home and don’t let anyone ever tell you that you do not belong.’
Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has expressed sorrow over the death of Kumawu MP, Philip Basoah.
He said the death of MP is so “painful.”
According to the Vice President who disclosed that he last met with the now deceased last Saturday, little did he know that that was the last time he was seeing him alive.
“This is so painful,” Vice President Bawumia wrote this in a post on Facebook.
Dr Bawumia therefore expressed his deepest condolences to the immediate family and constituents of the late Parliamentarian.
The MP died at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.
Below is the full post:
“I express my deepest condolences to the immediate family and Kumawu constituents on the sudden passing of Hon. Philip Atta Basoah.
I visited him this past Saturday and little did I know that it was the last time I would see him alive. This is so painful.
My prayers are with his family. May Philip’s gentle soul rest in peace.”
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has admonished Parliamentarians not to joke with their health following the demise of Kumawu MP, Philip Basoah.
He entreated them to make a conscious effort to go for regular checks in order to avoid untimely death.
His advice follows the death of the MP for Kumawu in the Ashanti Region, Philip Atta Basoah, who died on Tuesday morning.
“You know immediately you are no more, people start thinking about your replacement, so be guided,” he said.
He also urged MPs not to sit in one place for more than two hours as other hidden medical conditions could trigger them.
Speaking in parliament on March 28, he said “so please when I’m suspending the House, you should understand. It’s unhealthy.”
The Speaker said the late MP came to parliament last Thursday very strong and was ready to cast his ballot until it was rescheduled for last Friday (March 24).
“At least, he was ready to vote while we were haggling, he just collapsed,” the Speaker said.
The New Patriotic Party MP for Kumawu in the Ashanti Region, Philip Atta Basoah died in the early hours of Tuesday, March 28 at age 53.
The deceased MP was one of the three absentee MPs last Friday during a critical vote to confirm ministerial appointees of President Akufo-Addo.
Comedian Basketmouth has expressed interest in settling down one more time after his recent divorce but this time with a Ghanaian woman.
Born Bright Okpocha, Basketmouth, 44, announced his separation from his wife of twelve years, Elsie Okpocha in December 2022 calling it an “unavoidable situation” in a now-deleted Instagram post.
Speaking in an interview with Andy Dosty on Hitz Fm, the Standup comedian who is in Ghana ahead of his “Basketmouth Unprovoked” show in April revealed that marriage to a Ghanaian woman could be a possibility for him.
“Twi is an amazing language, I am going to learn more. On my way here, I said to myself, wouldn’t it be cool to learn the language and come stay here for like a year? You know, just chill, get married to a Ghana woman and stuff,” he jokingly admitted.
Basketmouth who is currently single and co-parents his three children Janelle, Jason, and Maya Okpocha with his ex-wife was quick to issue a disclaimer, adding that it was too early to jump into a new ‘ship’.
“I am single but you know I am just kidding. I am not ready to jump into anything just yet…maybe am not kidding, who knows,” Basketmouth added.
As part of promos for his Ghana event, the StandUp comedian caught the hearts of many with a video of him speaking Twi as he invites the public to his show. He has expressed his desire to learn the language and speak it fluently to connect with his Ghanaian fans.
Nollywood actor, Deyemi Okanlawon, has advised potential suitors to avoid getting into a committed relationship if they are not financially stable.
He stated this via his Twitter handle on Tuesday, March 28.
According to Deyemi, people should take a break from their ‘serious’ relationships if they are struggling financially to build themselves.
The movie star advised such people, both men and women, to focus on developing themselves first before getting into a serious relationship.
Deyemi tweeted,
“If you’re not yet financially buoyant perhaps it is wise take a break from “serious” relationship and focus on building yourself… this message from the federal association of common sense is for men & women #openletter #butwhatdoiknow
“Everyone should feel free to love and date anyone at any time/stage of their lives if they so choose… but perhaps for more serious (intentional, committed) relationships you may want to approach things slightly different?”
This has drawn massive reactions from netizens who have either agreed or disagreed with the assertion.
See his tweet and comments below,
“You guys should allow poor people fall in love and marry…everyone must not be buoyant…Everyone must not be rich and stable..some people are meant to be poor..allow them breath…poor people even sustain healthy relationships than you self acclaimed rich folks cos they understand themselves and are not expecting anything. Contentment is everything..no do pass urself,” a social media user said.
“So are you trying to say that, you already made it before you met your wife sir So broke people don’t deserve love Abi. Make ona dey drop all these advice small small cos if person nor get money at least make he or she experience love too and he fit build himself join,” another averred.
Police have identified and released a photo of the 26-year-old woman who was discovered dead in a Lincolnshire village.
On Monday, Holly Bramley‘s body was discovered in the Bassingham village.
After being detained, 27-year-old Nicholas Metson is scheduled to appear before Lincoln Magistrates today.
27-year-old male number two is still being held.
Following reports of an incident at Metson’s high-rise Lincoln apartment complex, Shuttleworth House, the alarm was raised on Sunday.
Police divers were involved in the search for Holly’s body, and officers could also be seen searching a garage and bin area, The Mirror reports.
Officers said residents will continue to see an increase in police presence in the area.
Detective Chief Inspector Jennifer Lovatt said: ‘Following formal identification, we are now in a position to name the victim as 26-year-old Holly Bramley (latterly Metson).
‘Specially trained officers are supporting Holly’s family and we continue to work diligently to investigate the circumstances of this incident.
‘Inquiries are still ongoing and we would urge anyone who has any information or footage to get in touch as even the smallest bit of information might prove vital to our investigation.’
Metson is due to appear at Lincolnshire Magistrates’ Court.
People in the Bassingham area have been asked to review dashcam, doorbell camera and CCTV footage from 12pm on Friday March 24 to 4pm on Sunday March 25 ‘in case they have captured anything significant’, police added.
A video of actress Ezinne Jane Ugorji, popularly known as ‘Zinnie Posh’, passing some interesting comments about ladies who undergo butt enlargement procedures has gone viral.
Speaking on ‘The Honest Bunch Podcast’, the popular actress’ claimed that some women have adopted the habit of undergoing the surgery on credit, with promises and agreements to pay later.
She added that most ladies, after the procedure engage in all sorts of ventures just to make money and clear their debts.
Ziinie Posh’s video has since attracted numerous criticisms from netizens who were infuriated with her statements that have been tagged ‘insensitive’.
flipbit2021: “ash on credit again? This Podcast go dey ballot for the next election”
s.h.u.g.a.b.o.y: “Madam, compose yourself and talk gently. No dey shout rubb!sh on air”
gold4sure1: “Na waaaaaa!!!! The way we are now very comfortable to say certain things with our eyes, nose. Forehead I mean the whole face showing is alarming!!!!”
iam.jaylavish: “That’s not the problem, the problem is they don’t always come clean, let us know this is what you do…instead of faking it…right!? If they never pay finish it’s nobody’s business lol, just come clean instead of beating around”
hitman_poka: “Continue promoting prostitution oh”
veronicasdaughter: “The fact that we will say somethings in public cos we have freedom of speech is appalling. Do these women understand what they are saying?”
uche_jeff_official2: “Na so I come lagos send message to one of my IG female friend saying Omo come out I am organising a house party, this girl said Uncle Jeff your money is 150K ? I said 150 as in you wan come perform for the party? Next thing she said na only money fit bring her come outside. I just shake head say Prostitution now na normal thing for most girls, especially in Lagos state.toh bad”
Today, March 29, 2023, marks the 79th birthday of President Akufo-Addo.
The President was born March 29, 1944 in Swalaba, Accra, on March 29, 1944, to a prominent Ghanaian royal and political family as the son of Adeline and Edward Akufo-Addo.
He is a lawyer and politician who previously served as Attorney General from 2001 to 2003 and as Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2003 to 2007 under the Kufuor-led administration.
He assumed office as President on 7 January 2017, after winning the 2016 elections. He won the 2020 general elections and is currently serving a second term.
Many friends and loved ones including his wife, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, have taken to social media to extend their well wishes.
A Russian man will spend two years in prison after his daughter made a “No to War” poster at school.
Pupils at the Tula-area school were asked to produce artwork that was influenced by Russian soldiers.
13-year-old Masha Moskalyova created a drawing of Kremlin rockets directed at a mother and a kid, along with the words “Glory to Ukraine” and “No to War.”
She was taken inside the school and interrogated by her single father, Alexei Moskalyov.
Authorities later found he had posted his support for Ukraine online and he was ordered to pay a £350 fine.
But, the 54-year-old claims, he then faced further interrogated by the FSB – Putin’s fearsome counterintelligence service.
Masha was taken to a ‘rehabilitation centre’, part of the state orphanage system, and Alexei barred from seeing her as criminal proceedings then began.
Legal action against him continued culminating in today’s sentence.
Masha Moskalyova was persecuted for her anti-war drawing (Picture: OVD Info/east2west news)Olga Podolskaya, an independent local deputy, in front of a social-rehabilitation centre where the schoolgirl is reportedly being held (Picture: Natalia Kolesnikova/AFP)
Alexei was found to have ‘repeatedly discredited the army’ and ordered to spend two years in a harsh penal colony.
But there was one issue, the single father wasn’t there to hear the sentence.
Court officials revealed he had ‘escaped’ the night before the court session, with his whereabouts unknown.
‘The verdict was announced today, but the defendant was not present because he escaped last night,’ said court spokeswoman Olga Dyachuk.
Alexei Moskalyov stands in a defendants’ dock during a court hearing on March 27 (Picture: Reuters)His whereabouts are unknown (Picture: AP)
There was applause from his supporters in the court.
This marks the first time since the Soviet era that a child has been separated from a parent based on political views.
A day earlier in the witness box in Efremov, Tula region Alexei had said: ‘Those who are in the court are 90 per cent against the war in Ukraine.’
A petition signed by almost 150,000 called Masha’s treatment ‘monstrous’ and cites experts saying there are ‘no legal grounds’ to incarcerate her in a Tula region ‘rehabilitation’ centre.
The girl’s fate will later be decided by the social services authorities.
His lawyer described the sentence – which mirrored the demand by the prosecutors – as ‘harsh’.
Even the head of the Wagner paramilitary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, whose men are fighting for Putin in Ukraine, offered his support and criticised the local authorities.
Per the reports, the principal of a Christian elementary school rocked by a gun spree sacrificed her life to save the students.
Dr. Katherine Koonce, 60, is thought to have engaged the assailant Audrey Hale, 28, who was on the search for victims with an assault weapon in her hand, in a “confrontation.”
She was killed together with three other pupils, all of whom were nine years old, a custodian, and a substitute teacher; her body was later found in a hallway.
Russ Pulley, a member of Nashville city council and a former FBI agent, said Katherine tried to save her students at The Covenant School in Nashville.
She was one of six victims (Picture: The Covenant School)
‘The headmaster, Dr. Koonce, upon hearing the first shots, ran toward the danger,’ he wrote on Facebook.
‘She also made sure the school was prepared with active shooter training and protocols. Those actions saved countless lives.’
He elaborated on Fox News Digital, saying a witness at the school had told him that Katherine was on a Zoom call when Hale shot through a locked glass door onsite.
‘She immediately ended the call, got up, and headed straight for the shooter’, he went on.
‘She did what principals and headmasters do; she protected her children.
‘In addition, she prepared the school by seeking advanced level active shooter training and from witnesses at the scene, this protocol, details of which I cannot provide, saved countless lives.’
John Drake, the chief of Nashville police, also said on Tuesday that he believed the principal moved towards the danger, although he couldn’t offer more detail.
He said: ‘There was a confrontation, I’m sure – you can tell the way she was lying in the hallway.’
Katherine has been remembered as a hero by her church, West End Community Church.
‘She gave her life in defense of the children under her care’, said pastor John Bourgeois said in a message sent to churchgoers.
One parent at the school has described the headteacher as ‘a saint’, saying ‘she did so much for those kids’.
‘She knew every single student by name’, she told the BBC. ‘She did everything to help them when families couldn’t afford things, it didn’t matter. She found ways for them to stay.’
Katherine had written on the school’s website that ‘we are participating in the miracle of (students’) development and seeing them transform into who they will be’.
Three of her pupils lost their lives in the massacre, Hallie Scruggs, 9, the daughter of the pastor whose church runs the Covenant School, Evelyn Dieckhaus, 9, and William Kinney, 9.
Substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, and custodian Mike Hill, 61, were the two final victims.
Hale, a former student at the school, was shot dead by police.
He legally bought seven guns over the last few years and hid them from his parents before carrying out the attack by firing indiscriminately.
Authorities say he was not on their radar before the attack, while police say he was under a doctor’s care for an undisclosed emotional disorder.
A motive for the killings has not been given, but Nashville Police Chief John Drake told NBC News that investigators believed Hale harboured ‘some resentment for having to go to that school’ as a child.
Hale was a transgender man and his gender was previously incorrectly reported.
Wives of Mr. Bernard Antwi Bosiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, were made to perform some rites as part of the Akan tradition, at his mother’s funeral.
The Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman’s mother, Madam Elizabeth Boampong Nyamekye, who passed away in November 2022 at age 64, was laid to rest on Saturday, March 25, 2023, in Kumasi in the Ashanti region.
Chairman Wontumi honored his mother with a befitting burial which was witnessed by scores of prominent personalities.
Politicians, musicians, actors, and a host of celebrities graced the event in grand style.
But one thing that couldn’t go unnoticed was the presence of Chairman Wontumi’s two wives, and how it caused a stir on social media.
Shortly after the burial, Wontumi’s wives were made to stand before the crowd where they presented some items including assorted drinks, bottles of schnapps, pieces of cloth, Kente, packs of water, sheep, and many others to their husband’s family.
The rivals, Frema (first wife), and Adwoa Afriyie (second wife) captured in black and red outfits stood before their husband’s family as they were introduced to invited guests.
“If these two have agreed to stand here together, then you lot should keep quiet. Family members who have got nothing better to say should shut up,” the moderator of the ceremony said.
Videos from the event which went viral on social media caused a stir amidst interesting observations from netizens.
Upon the arrival of the weapons at the battlefield, Ukraine’s defense minister compared British tanks to Rolls-Royce automobiles.
Oleksii Reznikov approved of Britain after riding in the first Challenger 2 main combat tank to reach the war-torn nation.
I can say that even the driver of a Rolls-Royce will not be as comfortable as this team after personally “piloting” the Challenger, he commented on Facebook while posing with the tank.
He stated that Ukrainian paratroopers had dubbed the challenger a “war cat” and described the vehicles as “works of military beauty.”
In January, the UK government promised 14 Challenger 2 tanks in an effort to persuade other western countries to send weapons to help the Ukrainian army.
Reznikov confirmed they had finally arrived in Ukraine, posting a picture of the tanks flying their blue and yellow flag.
He wrote on Twitter: ‘It was a pleasure to take the first Ukrainian challenger 2 MBT (main battle tank) for a spin.
‘These fantastic machines will soon begin their combat missions.’
Ukrainian Defense Minister checks out Leopard tanks sent to Ukraine by UK
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Ukrainian army volunteers pose as they receive training on Challenger tanks (Picture: Leon Neal/Getty Images)
In a video posted on social media, Reznikov personally thanked the UK defence secretary Ben Wallace for the tank.
He said in English: ‘Marvellous Ben. It’s very good stuff. Thank you very much from Ukraine to the United Kingdom.’
Rezkinov also posed with a variety of western tanks including challengers from Britain, Strykers & Cougars from the US and Marders from Germany.
‘A year ago, no one would have thought that supporting partners would be so powerful,’ he said.
‘That the whole civilised world will reboot and finally resist the bloody aggressor, theRussian terrorist country.’
German-made Leopard tanks have finally arrived in Ukraine after being first approved in January (Picture: Getty)
He added: ‘A year has made a difference. Ukraine has changed the world.’
Germany’s defence ministry said on Monday 18 Leopard 2 battle tanks and 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles had also arrived in Ukraine.
‘Yes, we delivered Leopard tanks as we announced,’ chancellor Olaf Scholz said in Rotterdam. ‘We’re providing very modern [tanks] which we have now delivered.’
The cutting-edge main battle tanks were delivered after Ukrainian crews were trained to use them.
As well as the German and British vehicles, three Leopard tanks donated by Portugal also reached Ukraine, the security source confirmed.
Speaker Alban Bagbin has accused the US Vice President for meddling in the affairs of the country following her comments on the country’s position on LGBTQ+.
This was after Kamala Harris was asked about the development at the Jubilee House on Monday. Madam Harris did not directly address the Anti-gay bill in Ghana’s Parliament but restated her stance on human right violation against minorities adding that her position remains unchanged.
However, the Speaker has described the comments as undemocratic.
“This thing should not be tolerated. That is undemocratic. That someone else would have to dictate as to what is good and what’s bad? It’s unheard of,” he said during a meeting with some religious leaders.
He further criticised President Akufo-Addo for saying that he will “come in” after Parliament decides on the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.
Speaker Alban Bagbin has categorically stated that President Akufo-Addo cannot overturn the outcome of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill should Parliament pass it.
“The Bill is going through the Parliament [and] the Attorney has found it necessary to speak to the committee about it regarding the constitutionality, otherwise, of several of its provisions and the Parliament is dealing with it.
“At the end of the process I will come in but in the meantime the Parliament is dealing with it. And then I have no doubt that the Parliament of Ghana will show as it’s done in the past, first of all its sensitivity to human rights issues as well as to the feelings of our population and we’ll come out with a responsible response to the proposed Bill,” the President added.
However, it appears this comment has triggered anger buttons of some personalities in the country, of which the Speaker is among.
In reaction, the Speaker called President’s bluff, insisting he (President Akufo-Addo) has no say after Parliament decides on the Bill.
“The Bill will be passed…That answer he gave that it’s now before Parliament and when it gets to a stage that he has to he will come in. Hey, please , this is Legislation, this is not Execution.
“Wait until we pass it and we direct you to execute it . That is when you come in, that’s why we are the representatives of the people. So in terms of Law which is part of policy, we finalise it and then the Executive now has the authority to implement it.
“Let’s get this clear, while this Bill is before here, he’s not in charge , I am in charge,” he added.
Ghanaian entertainer,LilWin has named long distance as one of the greatest challenges in his marriage with his wife, Maame Serwaa, with a pledge to find a solution to it.
On the account of the popular actor, he longs to be with his wife all the time as his heart beats for non-other than her. He named Serwaa, the mother of three who lives abroad, as the woman he has loved with all his heart and might.
LilWin took to his Instagram page on Monday, March 27, to reassure his partner of his endless love. He was captured talking to a portrait of Serwaa while crying about the ‘space between them’.
“You are the love of my life and I promise we will be together forever when I return. I have never loved another person the way I love you and cannot wait to close the distance between us once and for all,” read his caption.
Fans of the Kumawood actor urged him to keep up the faith and remain faithful to his wife despite the loneliness.
The couple tied the knot in a customary marriage back in May 2022 and announced the birth of their daughter in December same year.
However, one video from the final funeral rites that has since gone viral was when the MC subtly jabbed Wontumi’s baby mama.
In Ghana, as part of the funeral rites, the in-laws of the deceased are to make a presentation of items and money.
Wontumi’s wife, Michylina Antwi Boasiako, together with the baby mama presented their items and this triggered the MC to make certain remarks.
While making the presentation, she hinted that if you are woman who has not been properly married under the right customs and you call yourself a second wife, it is your own palava.
As the MC was making her remarks, the baby mama’s facial expressions sparked reactions from Ghanaians.
Banks with a capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of less than 10 percent of their assets have been asked to submit plans for recapitalisation, Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Ernest Addison has disclosed.
The ratio – a principal financial soundness indicator – demonstrates banks ‘ ability to finance their long-term capital expenditures and ventures, and was reduced from 13 percent to 10 percent in December 2022 as part of a slew of measures aimed at mitigating the domestic debt exchange programme’s (DDEP) impact on banks, as they were over-exposed to the Treasury instruments… holding a third of all outstanding cedi-denominated bonds.
Responding to questions about banks’ solvency at the end of the 111th ordinary meeting of the central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), Governor Addison stated that the regulator had met with operators of the banks whose capital has been impacted to submit plans for a fresh injection of funds.
“Those banks that are currently reporting CAR below 10 percent will be required to submit recapitalisation plans; in fact, we already met with them last week and asked those banks that have had their capital levels impacted to submit recapitalisation plans for the central bank to review,” Governor Addison stated.
The apex bank’s head added that the processes through which impacted banks can apply for support from the GH¢15billion financial stability fund are being finalised.
In addition to reduction in the CAR to 10 percent, losses from the DDEP are to be reflected in the computation of CAR over a period of up to three years.
Consequently, the industry’s average CAR stood at 15.7 percent in December 2022 compared to 16.6 percent at the end of 2021. The adjusted CAR was influenced by valuation losses on central government bonds, increased credit risk, and revaluation losses on loans denominated in foreign currency, the central bank noted.
For additional context, the industry’s CAR was at a healthier 19.8 percent in December 2020, significantly above the minimum regulatory requirement of 11.5 percent – which was reduced from 13 percent with the advent of COVID-19 as the BoG sought to stimulate private sector lending.
A banking consultant, Dr. Richmond Atuahene, citing a recent study he authored on the impact of the DDEP on the solvency of banks, said the call for recapitalisation did not come as a surprise as there were some banks already walking a tightrope even before the onset of the DDEP.
“I am not surprised this has happened, as we have already seen the moves some banks have made in the past month,” he said with reference to announcements by some foreign-owned banks, including South Africa-based Standard Bank and First Rand Bank, that they are looking to recapitalise their Ghanaian operations, with the former being reported to have set aside 1.5 billion South African Rand (ZAR) – approximately US$81million – to cover potential losses emanating from the DDEP.
He, however, expressed concern that some locally-owned banks might struggle to raise funds, seeing that
the minimum capital requirement for banks was raised from GH¢120million to GH¢400million less than five years ago.
“Some of the local banks might struggle getting their shareholders to commit in raising the required capital, and this could have ramifications for their domestic and international operations – including trade financing,” he said while refusing to rule out the possibility of acquisitions by more stable banks.
In a recorded discussion that was released, two of Vladimir Putin’s supporters are believed to have called the Russian President “Devil” and a “dwarf.”
Farkhad Akhmedov, 67, an oligarch and former senator of Russia, and Iosif Prigozhin, 53, a well-known music producer, both alleged Putin supporters, have been charged with defaming the Kremlin.
Ukraine’s Channel Five and Russia’s Federal Security Service both shared an audio recording of what is thought to be a 35-minute phone call between the two (FSB).
In the clip, the pair are heard talking about Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, slamming the Kremlin over their failings, and insulting his height.
Public criticism of Putin in Russia is rare, and those found guilty of insulting the Russian state, its army, or Putin himself face fines and even jail time.
Since its release, several Ukrainian and independent Russian outlets – including Meduza – have analysed the audio recording that is understood to have been made on January 24.
According to Meduza, Akhmedov is heard saying the Russian government ‘f***ed us, our children, their future, their destiny,’ in reference to Putin’s war in Ukraine.
Farkhad Akhmedov is an oligarch and ex-Russian senator who is a close ally of Putin (Picture: RBC)Iosif Prigozhin said Putin should pull his troops out of Ukraine in the leaked recording (Picture: Iosif Prigozhin)
‘He’s Satan,’ he adds, before criticising the deputy head of Russia’s Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, who was also Russian president for four years.
Akhmedov is heard saying: ‘Both this one [Putin] and the second [Medvedev] are notorious. Lilliputians are f***ing undergrown, notorious,’ Meduza reports.
Putin is known to be sensitive about his 5ft 7inch height – with claims he suffers from ‘Napoleon complex’.
On the invasion, Prigozhin, 53, says that Russian authorities are losing to ‘Kvartal 95’ – the name of the production company founded by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky in 2003, while he was still an actor and entertainer.
Prigozhin says that Putin should just pull his forces out of Ukraine and give up.
‘The fact that they say that they are fighting against them, back and forth, they themselves gave them a reason. He [Putin] was driven into this garbage. He got himself into it,’ Prigozhin is heard telling Akhmedov, Meduza reports.
‘To be honest, f**k it, I would stop, get the Nobel Prize, and f**king leave. I gave up the country anyway, damn it,’ he added.
The recording was said to have taken place in January
Akhmedov disputes this, telling his friend that ‘it will be a long time, unfortunately’ before Putin decides to pull his armies out.
He says: ‘He won’t go back, he can’t go forward. He will be like this.’
According to Meduza the F-word is said 157 times in the recording.
The call which first appeared on Telegram has caused a sensation in Russia despite the story being censored by the state media.
The voice sounding identical to Prigozhin says on the call that the elite ‘blame [Russian defence minister Sergei] Shoigu for everything.’
Putin has often been mocked over his height and is said to have a ‘Napoleon complex’ (Picture: Getty)
Soon after the chat was leaked Prigozhin desperately claimed that the recording had been generated by ‘neural networks,’ Meduza reports
At the weekend he posted video online responding to the claims.
He said: Fake audio recording with supposedly my voice and a conversation with an influential person. I want to say that today’s technologies, neural networks, allow you to fake not only a voice, but also a conversation.
‘You know, the Internet has turned into a big dump where there is something useful and you can devalue, discredit any person. Everyone knows my political position, it is present in all interviews and in the public field.’
He later admitted that some phrases in the conversation were genuine, saying in an interview that he ‘doesn’t exactly remember’ the conversation.
‘People in a private conversation can talk about anything. The main thing is that you speak in practice and how you behave in life and in different circumstances,’ he said, according to Meduza. He said he last spoke to Akhmedov in January.
He admitted that he was afraid the consequences that he could face in light of the audio recording, and said that while he and Akhmedov maybe have spoken some of the phrases heard in the recording, they have been altered.
Journalists contested Prigozhin’s suggestion that the clip was fake. Independent TV station chief Vadim Vostrov insisted: ‘This can neither be faked nor compiled.’
The ‘intonations and nuances’ made clear this was a genuine recording.
‘I know that many representatives of the so-called ruling class, from [MPs] to governors, discuss similar things and in approximately the same terms.’
There was ‘so much offensive for Putin personally’ in the call, he said.
Journalist Dmitry Kolezev said the recording appeared ‘genuine’ but ‘many details that are very difficult to invent and fake’ with precise voice matches and ‘manner of communication’.
‘For the first time we have heard what some members of the Russian elite really think and feel,’ he said. ‘They hate Putin, they are fully aware of the scale of the disaster and they understand that the country has no future with Putin.
‘At the same time, they are frightened, not ready to do something themselves, and in fact they are simply waiting for the regime to collapse.’
The Manager of the Bawku Presbyterian hospital, Mr Ezekiel Amadu Dawibi, in Bawku, Upper East Region, has called for peace in the area to enable good healthcare delivery and ensure the security of the health workers.
Peace, he said, was the most important thing needed in Bawku and the lack of it had reduced client attendance for medical attention at most health facilities in the area.
Mr Dawibi made the call at the annual performance review of the Bawku Municipal Health Directorate organised to review 2022 activities.
It was also planned to create awareness and grant the health service providers in the area the opportunity to help solicit support from stakeholders and partners to complement the efforts of the Regional and Municipal health Directorate for optimum health care delivery.
Speaking on the Outpatients Department (OPD), Mr Abdul – Latiff Zeblim, the Information Officer of the Health Directorate, indicated that OPD attendance from 2020 to 2022 reduced from 259,007 to 249,362, with an estimated reduction rate of attendance of 9,645 per cent.
He said the number of patients who were admitted to the hospital in 2021, reduced from 186.9 to 85.5 in 2022.
Mr Razak Mohammed, the Officer in charge of the Natinga CHIPS, decried the low patronage of family planning services and stressed that most clients did not want to accept family planning due to non-approval by their husbands.
He appealed to the media to help educate the public about the risk and dangers of anemia and other diseases that impact on the health of the people.
The Bawku Municipal Health Director of Ghana Health Services, Mr Edmond Nyawura Mohammed, urged the health workers to be polite and accommodating to all clients.
He enumerated challenges confronting health delivery in the Municipality, including the shortage of drugs, and called on stakeholders and the government to come to the aid of the facilities.
Dr Mohammed Emmanuel Jamal, the Medical Doctor at Quality Health Care Services, said during the conflict, healthcare facilities and workers were left unprotected, exposing them to danger.
There has been intermittent violent conflict in Bawku for the most part of 2022 and 2023, which destabilized the area and caused low patronage of health care.
The comic and music executive since his Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) performance has not ceased to eulogise Ghana. He has even produced a comic show dubbed ‘Ghana Jollof’ which captures the story of two Nigerians moving to Ghana.
Also, Basketmouth has a song with Ghanaian Highlife star Kwabena Kwabena titled ‘Ghana Jollof’.
“I have always tried to integrate my art with Ghana,” he remarked to Andy.
Basketmouth returns to the AICC with his latest performance titled ‘Unprovoked’ and is slated for Saturday, April 8.
The father of three will be taking ‘Unprovoked’ to North America from June to July.
He has also revealed via a tweet that he will be retiring from comedy in five years’ time.
“I’ve got 5 more years before I drop the mic… and I intend to make every single year count,” he said, announcing his Basketmouth Cancel Culture Tour scheduled between February 1 and March 30, 2024.
According to singer-songwriter and pastor Moses OK, the advent of music streaming platforms destroyed the careers of some musicians.
The Gospel music star explained that this was so because the musicians could not keep up with or adapt to the change.
OK was a guest on the No.1 Live Worship programme hosted on No.1 FM, 105.3, by Apostle Bismark Owusu.
He recalled releasing his ‘Meda W’ase (I Thank You)’ album in 2007 and mentioned some of the hits on it including the title track.
At the time of the release, “there was a transition in the music industry,” he added.
Explaining, he mentioned the era “when to make music you’d go to the producer and give them the song [idea] so he handles production.” A time when “even if you had the strength but needed help, the producer could take the [music] project and promote it” for you, he described.
This all changed drastically he recalled.
“It got to a point,” he said. “All the producers withdrew their funds from the industry.”
He cited production bigwigs such as “Big Ben, John Mensah Sarpong, His Majesty Music Production, Kumasi Market [and others],” adding that: “Most of them stopped [funding music] and it happened that it started affecting some of us.”
On how this was so, he said: “The industry was migrating onto the digital platforms,” confessing that: “During those times, some of us didn’t have much knowledge about how to go about it.”
“It was new and we were also not able to capture [take advantage of] that transition,” the serial hitmaker admitted. “This made our job very difficult.”
He revealed that another daunting challenge in the Gospel music industry was paltry payment for service rendered.
According to Moses, “it was very normal” for some churches and organisations, after his service, to promise later payment and honourariums only to disappoint.
He confessed that this attitude made it difficult for him to respond to calls to serve with his music gift “because it was as though I was working but seeing nothing meaningful come out of it.”
“It is scriptural [to pay someone for their service],” he stressed. “The Bible says, ‘A labourer is worthy of his wages’.”
He decried the constant neglect of the Gospel musician.
“It’s as though you’re on your own,” he lamented. “However, it is the utter truth that Gospel musicians are making a strong impact in the Body of Christ [Church].”
Ghanaian music star Black Sherif is hopeful he will win the prestigious Artist of The Year (AoTY) award at the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.
Following an impressive music year, Kwaku The Traveller hitmaker Mohammed Ismail Sherif Kwaku Frimpong, professionally known as Black Sherif hopes to pick a number of awards at the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.
The musician who spoke exclusively to NY DJ on BTM Afrika revealed he deserved to win every category he was nominated for considering the work done in the year under review.
Asked which categories he really looked forward to winning, the musician revealed he was expectant of picking the Artist of The Year and Album of The Year awards.
He however revealed he would still be grateful to God should the unexpected happen.
“We are winning every award they nominated us for. If they don’t give it to us Alhamdulillah, if they do Alhamdulillah,” he said.
Black Sherif bagged nine (9) nominations at the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. These include Best Afropop Song of the Year (Oil In My Head), Best Music Video (Konongo Zongo), Best Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year (Don’t Forget Me), Songwriter of the Year (Oh Paradise), Best Album (The Villain I Never Was), Most Popular Song (Kwaku The Traveller), Best HipHop Song (Kwaku The Traveller), Best Hiplife/Hip Hop Artiste and Artist of the Year.
Kyle Shanahan remains unsure when Brock Purdy will return despite San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch expressing optimism the quarterback could be ready for training camp.
Purdy emerged as one of the stories of the 2022 season, the final pick of last year’s draft stepping in after both Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo suffered season-ending injury and winning five successive starts to help the Niners to a 13-4 record and the NFC’s second seed.
He then won two playoff games before suffering a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow on the first offensive series of San Francisco’s NFC Championship Game defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Purdy underwent successful surgery to repair the injury on March 10, with his projected timeline one that would see him resume throwing in three months.
On Monday, Lynch said he was hopeful Purdy would be back for training camp and described him as the “leader in the clubhouse” in a prospective quarterback competition with 2021 third overall pick Lance.
Head coach Shanahan painted a more uncertain picture, but appeared relaxed about the Niners’ quarterback situation.
“He won’t be able to do anything on the field, for who knows? It could go anywhere from six months to eight months,” Shanahan said.
“So, it’s all open like that, and we’ll have a better idea … at three months out of surgery, they have a better idea of whether it’s going to be six months or eight months. … That’s all I know, and I’m pretty good with that.
“We’ll see at three months if he’ll be ready for camp, or if not, then perhaps we say it’s gonna go slow. It might be Week 1 and, at the latest, Week 4. It’s just all estimations, and we’ll see what happens.”
Lance, who has started just four games since the 49ers traded three first-round picks to move up and to select him owing in part to the ankle injury he suffered last September, is set to split first-team reps in OTAs and minicamp with another former third overall selection, Sam Darnold. The 49ers signed Darnold to a one-year contract this month.
“With Brock being hurt, it does open [the job] up, and it does give [Lance] a chance,” Shanahan added.
“I don’t know how Brock’s going to come back. I don’t know exactly when he’s going to come back, so I don’t have the exact answer for that.
“But right now, because he is hurt, it is nice to focus on Trey, it is nice to focus on Sam, and see how they do in OTAs and most likely see how they’re playing leading us into training camp because I think it will take some time for Brock.”
The Golden State Warriors played an inspired second half to recover from a 20-point deficit and defeat the visiting New Orleans Pelicans 120-109 on Tuesday.
As usual, the Warriors were led by reigning NBA Finals MVP Stephen Curry with a game-high 39 points on 14-of-25 shooting, hitting eight-of-15 three-point attempts while adding eight rebounds, eight assists and three steals.
It was a rough start for Golden State as they found themselves trailing 63-43 late in the second quarter, but some early shenanigans between Draymond Green and the entire Pelicans team seemed to spur some life into the Warriors defense after the break.
In typical Warriors fashion, they exploded in the third quarter in front of their home fans, putting together a 39-26 period to cut the lead to four going into the last.
They ratcheted up the defense even further down the stretch, holding the visitors to just 20 points while piling on 35 of their own as Curry, Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole all drained deep triples to blow the roof off Chase Center.
Despite the loss, it was another strong showing from Pelicans centrepiece Brandon Ingram. After his first career triple-double on Thursday and a career-high 13 assists on Saturday, Ingram again looked every bit of an All-NBA initiator with a team-high 26 points (nine-of-22), eight rebounds and seven assists.
A loss for the Warriors would have seen them drop to 39-38 and potentially swap spots with the eighth-seeded Pelicans, but they instead improved to 40-37 and leapfrogged the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves (39-37) in the process.
Donovan Mitchell dropped 44 points on the road but it was not enough as the Cleveland Cavaliers fell 120-118 to the Atlanta Hawks.
Mitchell shot 15-of-33 with five rebounds and five assists, while Darius Garland added 27 points (10-of-22) and Evan Mobley chipped in 20 points (10-of-13), 15 rebounds, four assists and four blocks – but the Hawks had all the answers.
Atlanta had seven players score double figures, led by Dejounte Murray’s 29 (11-of-22). Trae Young ran the show with 10 assists on an off-shooting night (four-of-15 for 16 points), and the Hawks’ bench delivered in a big way.
Backup center Onyeka Okongwu had a wildly efficient 20 minutes with 21 points (five-of-five from the field and 11-of-12 free throws), nine rebounds and three blocks, and trade deadline acquisition Saddiq Bey had 11 points, 10 rebounds and three assists.
The Oklahoma City Thunder received 30-point efforts from Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams and Isaiah Joe – but still lost 137-134 to the surprisingly in-form Charlotte Hornets.
Giddey had one of the best statistical games of his career with 31 points (14-of-22), 10 rebounds and nine assists; rookie Williams had 31 points (11-of-16), four assists and four steals; and Joe hit six-of-11 threes and 11-of-18 overall for his 33 points.
But P.J. Washington was not going to let the Hornets lose, scoring a career-high 43 points on 16-of-24 shooting as he added six rebounds and five assists in an eye-opening performance from the well-rounded six-foot-seven 24-year-old.
It was a standout showing off the bench for the spectacularly bouncy 22-year-old second-year center Kai Jones, collecting the first double-double of his career with 12 points (five-of-five) and 14 rebounds in 22 minutes.
The loss for the Thunder means they slipped to 37-39, still inside the play-in tournament placings, but now tied with the 11th-ranked Dallas Mavericks.
Anthony Joshua will retire from boxing if he loses to Jermaine Franklin on Saturday.
Former WBO world champion Johnny Nelson had suggested Joshua should call time on his career if he loses for the fourth time, having already been defeated by Andy Ruiz Jr. and Oleksandr Usyk (twice).
And the 33-year-old confirmed he does intend to hang up his gloves if he is beaten by his American opponent at the O2 Arena in London.
“I will. I will retire if I lose. I’m not here to battle people. If people want me to retire I will retire,” Joshua said to MailOnline.
“I’m not going to fight if people don’t want me too. It’s not even about the money. It’s about the competitor in you. That’s what’s important.”
Joshua said he would like to face Tyson Fury if the Gypsy King is unable to revive negotiations on a unification fight with Usyk, but also sounded as if he is looking forward to retirement and getting away from the pressure of elite boxing.
“It [pressure] comes with the business and it comes with the territory, I know that,” he said. “I know when I am retired, I am gonna be chilling. I’m gonna be thinking f*** everyone. I am done.
“You lot put so much pressure on me so when I am done, the chains are going to be gone. I am going to be laughing and loving life.”
Undisputed lightweight champ Devin Haney will collide with Vasyl Lomachenko in Las Vegas on May 20.
The undefeated American, holder of the WBC, WBA Super, WBO and IBF titles, cannot wait to face the Ukrainian at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
He said: “Lomachenko is a good fighter and future Hall of Fame candidate. I take nothing away from him or what he has done in the sport of boxing.
“Although he didn’t give me a shot when I challenged him in 2019, I won’t be petty. This is the fight the fans really want and I made it happen.
“The better my opponent is, the better I perform. I can’t wait for this fight.
“I know Lomachenko has an extremely high boxing IQ and I will show the world on May 20 that I’m the best fighter on the planet.
“I’m ready to defend my undisputed title in devastating fashion.”
Devin Haney and Vasyl Lomachenko will trade leather at the MGM Grand Garden Arena
Lomachenko, 35, was considered one of the world’s best fighters before he suffered a shock points loss to Teofimo Lopez in Sin City in 2020.
But the southpaw rebounded with a ruthless stoppage of Masayoshi Nakatani and then added two points victories over Richard Commey and Jamaine Ortiz.
He said: “My goal is to become the undisputed lightweight champion and Haney is the man with the belts. I respect him and am excited for this challenge.”
Vegas resident Haney, 24, has won all 29 of his professional fights.
Heung-Min Son feels “responsible” for Antonio Conte’s Tottenham exit because of his indifferent form on the pitch.
Conte left Spurs on Sunday following a week of intense speculation suggesting his days were numbered after an underwhelming run of form.
The final straw proved to be the 3-3 draw at Southampton – during which Spurs led 3-1 before a late collapse – and Conte’s remarkable post-match tirade, which saw him blast his players as “selfish”.
Conte also appeared to aim criticism at the club’s hierarchy during his rant but reportedly clarified to bosses a few days later that all comments were targeted at the players.
Nevertheless, his employers seemingly decided the relationship between Conte and the club had reached breaking point, with a divorce by “mutual agreement” announced.
1.88 – Tottenham averaged 1.88 points per game in the Premier League under Antonio Conte (P56 W32 D9 L15), the second highest figure for any Spurs manager (min. 38 games in charge):
Son, speaking on international duty, could not help but feel partly to blame, with the South Korea international’s form suffering a significant drop-off this season. He shared the Premier League’s Golden Boot last term with 23 goals but has managed only six in 26 appearances in 2022-23.
“As a player, I’m very sorry to him,” Son told reporters after South Korea’s 2-1 defeat to Uruguay.
“He is a world-class manager and we had a great journey together, I thank him a lot. I don’t know how other players are thinking about him, but I’m sorry to him.
“I should have shown more, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t help the team and I feel responsible because the coach took responsibility and left the club.”
Son added: “He has great skills and experience as a coach, I’m sure he’ll have great success in his future career.”
Conte’s assistant Cristian Stellini has been placed in charge until the end of the season, or until Spurs appoint a new head coach.
Julian Nagelsmann, recently sacked by Bayern Munich, is rumoured to be among the frontrunners, while former Spurs coach Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with a return.
Elena Rybakina is now two wins away from completing the rare ‘Sunshine Double’ after defeating Martina Trevisan 6-3 6-0 to reach the Miami Open semi-finals on Tuesday.
Only four women have ever claimed the Sunshine Double – which requires winning both the Indian Wells Open and Miami Open. Steffi Graf did it in both 1994 and 1996, Kim Clijsters did it in 2005, Victoria Azarenka accomplished the feat in 2016 and current world number one Iga Swiatek did it just 12 months ago.
Rybakina knocked off Swiatek and world number two Aryna Sabalenka in consecutive matches en route to the Indian Wells title, and she has now extended her winning streak to 12 with Tuesday’s victory. Against Trevisan, Rybakina served another 10 aces compared to zero from the Italian.
In her fourth-round match the Kazakhstan representative became the first WTA player this season to post three consecutive matches with at least 10 aces, and with another she became the first woman since Serena Williams at the 2020 US Open to do so in four consecutive matches at the same tournament.
She needed just 27 minutes to race through the second set, and in the process she booked a semi-final against third seed Jessica Pegula.
America’s top hope, Pegula had to come from behind against Russia’s Anastasia Potapova in the 4-6 6-3 7-6 (7-2) result, saving two match points in the deciding set to force the pivotal tiebreaker.
The match was delayed for hours due to persistent rain, and the contest lasted two hours and 38 minutes, meaning they did not finish up on court until nearly 1:30am local time.
While consistently making it deep into major tournaments, Pegula only has two WTA singles titles to her name, and only once since the end of 2019.
With one more win she can book her spot in the final, and a chance to claim her second WTA 1000 crown after breaking through at the 2022 Guadalajara Open.
Second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas was bundled out of the Miami Open in straight sets during Tuesday’s fourth round by 2022 US Open semi-finalist Karen Khachanov.
The Russian 14th seed prevailed 7-6 6-4 over Tsitsipas in one hour and 34 minutes, powering 25 winners and making only nine unforced errors, compared to the Greek’s 14.
Khachanov’s triumph ended a winless 0-6 head-to-head record against Tsitsipas, while it also snapped his own 23-match losing streak against top-10 opponents.
The Russian, who also made this year’s Australian Open semi-finals, has qualified for four of his six tour-level events this year.
Khachanov will take on 25th seed Francisco Cerundolo in the quarter-finals, with the Argentinian fighting back to get past Lorenzo Sonego 3-6 6-3 6-2 in just over two hours.
Defending champion and top seed Carlos Alcaraz had less trouble against Tommy Paul, cruising into the quarter-finals with a 6-4 6-4 victory.
Alcaraz won the winners’ count 24-9, setting up a quarter-final clash with ninth seed Taylor Fritz, as the Spanish 19-year-old chases a rare Sunshine Double, having won last week’s Indian Wells Open.
Fritz progressed after getting past seventh seed Holger Rune 6-3 6-4 in 86 minutes, sending down eight aces and 22 winners for the match.
Fourth seed Daniil Medvedev played late into the evening after a lengthy rain delay in Miami, but made light work of Quinten Halys 6-4 6-2, triumphing just past 1.30am local time.
Medvedev, who is into his third straight Miami quarter-final, will face American qualifier Christopher Eubanks in the last eight after he got past Frenchman Adrian Mannarino 7-6 7-6 in another rain-delayed contest.
Italian 10th seed Jannik Sinner knocked off sixth seed Andrey Rublev 6-2 6-4, advancing to face Emil Ruusuvuori after he beat Botic van de Zandschulp 4-6 6-4 7-5.
The stacked 2023 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class was reportedly revealed on Tuesday with Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Pau Gasol, Tony Parker, Becky Hammon and Gregg Popovich making the cut.
Wade, Nowitzki, Gasol and Parker are all first-ballot selections after playing their final seasons in 2018-19, while it was also Popovich’s first time on the ballot after previously declining Hall of Fame consideration in recent years.
Hammon’s elevation was also considered simply a matter of time, with the six-time WNBA All-Star, former long-time San Antonio Spurs assistant and 2022 WNBA championship-winning coach with the Las Vegas Aces having put together a stellar resume since turning pro in 1999.
With Hammon’s ties to the Spurs, it figures to be a special night for San Antonio fans as Parker and Popovich are enshrined, joining fellow linchpins of their dynasty Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili after their inductions in 2020 and 2022 respectively.
Popovich coached the Spurs to all five of their NBA titles – 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2014 – while Parker contributed to the last four after arriving in 2001 following an impressive youth career in France.
The six-foot-two point guard made six All-Star teams, and was named to the All-NBA Second Team three seasons in a row from 2012-14 as the Spurs battled LeBron James’ Miami Heat in a legendary rivalry.
His number nine jersey was retired by the Spurs, as is Nowitzki’s number 41 jersey with the Dallas Mavericks.
Nowitzki, who for a long period was European basketball’s biggest star, brought the Mavericks their only title in 2011 as he took down the Heat in James’ first season there.
The German was named league MVP in 2007, and went on to make 14 All-Star teams, while earning 12 All-NBA selections, including four on the First Team in the space of five years.
While both Popovich and Nowitzki could headline a Hall of Fame class in any given year, that honour may go to Wade, who was the architect of all three of Miami’s titles in 2006, 2012 and 2013.
Drafted in 2003, Wade ended up carrying the Heat – alongside Shaquille O’Neal – to their first ever championship in only his third season.
It was the beginning of a run that saw him make 14 All-Star teams, eight All-NBA teams, and three NBA All-Defensive teams as he rivalled James and Kobe Bryant for the status of best player in the league in 2009 and 2010.
While Wade may have been at his peak in 2009 and 2010, both of those seasons ended with Gasol lifting the title with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Gasol spent just six-and-a-half seasons in Los Angeles, but it is where he will be most fondly remembered after making such a profound impact that he recently had his number 16 jersey retired into the rafters alongside running-mate Bryant.
Adding to his NBA resume was his spectacular international play, where he became the all-time leading scorer in EuroBasket play, averaging 20.4 per game in 58 appearances for his country, while also carrying Spain to their first ever FIBA World Cup gold medal in 2006.
Andre Onana claims Inter Milan deserve more respect in the Champions League after progressing from a group containing Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
Simone Inzaghi’s side finished second in Group C in UEFA’s top club competition, with a home win and an away draw against Xavi’s Blaugrana proving crucial to their group-stage progression.
Inter then negotiated a tough last-16 task against Porto, winning 1-0 on aggregate in the two-legged affair, and face Benfica in the quarter-final.
The Nerazzurri could face either runaway Serie A leaders Napoli or AC Milan in the last four as Italian clubs dominate in Europe and Onana believes his side should get more credit.
The keeper told Mediaset: “We deserve more respect in Europe, given that we sent Barcelona to the Europa League and faced a complicated group.
“We have shown that we are a strong team. It doesn’t matter what will happen in the next round, we will face Benfica to win. I want to win everything.”
Hansi Flick rued a timid Germany performance as Belgium “took full advantage” to seize an unassailable early lead in Tuesday’s 3-2 friendly triumph in Cologne.
Yannick Carrasco and Romelu Lukaku fired Domenico Tedesco’s new-look Belgium into a 2-0 lead inside nine minutes at RheinEnergieStadion.
A Niclas Fullkrug penalty, his sixth goal in as many international appearances, brought Flick’s side back into it before Kevin De Bruyne – who created Belgium’s first two goals – put the game out of reach.
Serge Gnabry managed a late consolation but Flick acknowledged there was no way back after Tedesco’s visitors punished a woeful start to earn Belgium’s first win against Germany since 1954.
“We were too cautious, too passive and weren’t able to put our opponents under pressure, and Belgium took full advantage,” Flick said on RTL.
“Our passion brought us back into contention, but it wasn’t quite enough to get a result.”
While a late fightback offered Flick reason for hope, Germany must improve and make use of their international friendlies, given they have automatically qualified for Euro 2024 as a host nation.
Their cause was not helped by Leon Goretzka limping off with an ankle injury in the first half, raising fears the midfielder will not feature in Bayern Munich’s crucial Bundesliga meeting with Borussia Dortmund.
Just a point separates Bundesliga leaders Dortmund and Bayern ahead of Saturday’s Klassiker at Allianz Arena, with Thomas Tuchel set to take charge of the reigning champions for the first time.
The former Chelsea coach’s appointment came after the dismissal of Julian Nagelsmann last week, but Tuchel may be boosted by the injury update Goretzka provided after the match.
Bayern star Goretzka, who appeared in an upbeat mood, told reporters: “I’ve twisted my ankle. It shouldn’t last until Saturday.”
Rodri described Scotland’s style of play as “rubbish” after Spain fell to a surprise 2-0 defeat in Tuesday’s Euro 2024 qualifier at Hampden Park, accusing Steve Clarke’s hosts of time-wasting.
Scott McTominay scored early in both halves as Scotland maintained their perfect start in Group A, dealing Luis de la Fuente his first defeat since he replaced Luis Enrique as Spain boss.
While the result represents Spain’s first European Championship qualification defeat since October 2014 (2-1 v Slovakia), it is also the first time La Roja have lost a game by more than a one-goal margin since Euro 2016 (2-0 v Italy).
Spain were visibly frustrated as Scotland produced a resolute defensive performance in Glasgow, with players from both teams involved in a series of altercations as the game went on.
Spain’s stand-in captain Rodri was less than impressed with Scotland’s display after the game, telling ViaPlay: “It’s the way they play, in the end you have to respect it, but for me it’s a bit rubbish.
1 – Luis de la Fuente is the first Spanish manager to lose his first away game in charge of Spain 🇪🇸 since Vicente Miera in September 1991 (0-2 against Iceland 🇮🇸), also in a European Championship qualifier. Difficulty. pic.twitter.com/z8bOofD7L0
“It’s always wasting time, they provoke you, they always fall. This for me is not football. The referee says nothing and it’s a bit frustrating because we want to win.
“It’s difficult, because they waste time. But they have their weapons, and we will learn for the next time.
“We wanted to go in the duels and the battles. We always fight, but this is not about fighting, it’s about wasting time, it’s about four or five players falling to the floor, those kinds of situations.
“These teams are always physically strong, but we have to use our weapons. We are good with the ball and have to move the ball quickly. Today we did many good things, but we didn’t score.”
Scotland skipper Andy Robertson disagreed with Rodri’s assessment, believing Spain were guilty of play-acting in the early stages and praising his team-mates for winning the physical battle.
1 – Scotland earned their first win over Spain since November 1984 (3-1 in a World Cup qualifier), while this was just their third ever competitive victory against them (1957, 1984 and 2023). Spirited. pic.twitter.com/jxdaYqFoAa
“I think they were going down a little bit easily. We were trying to say that [to the referee],” Robertson said.
“We were always going to try to be physical and we wanted to be in their faces, to win our challenges and win our headers. I think we did that and I don’t think we crossed the line.
“I think, especially in the first half, they were rolling around a bit much, they used their experience and got a couple of us booked, but I think we won that battle and got under their skin.”
Kevin De Bruyne revelled in a reinvigorated Belgium realizing their potential as the new Red Devils captain hailed the “fun” approach Domenico Tedesco has instilled.
Manchester City superstar De Bruyne assisted two and scored another as Belgium defeated Germany 3-2 in Tuesday’s friendly at RheinEnergieStadion.
That made new coach Tedesco the first Belgium manager to start his tenure with two victories since Rene Vandereycken in 2006.
Tedesco also became the first Belgium boss to see his side score six goals in his first two matches since 1999 when Robert Waseige’s new side managed nine from their first pair of outings.
De Bruyne, whose 46 assists for his country are 15 more than any international team-mate since his August 2010 debut, lauded the early work Tedesco has delivered since Roberto Martinez’s exit.
“It was a nice match. The first 30 minutes were very good, full of effort. It’s good to see that we can be so good,” De Bruyne said on television channel VTM. “After that it was a bit more difficult, but it is logical that you also get into trouble against a team like Germany.
“The last quarter of an hour was hard, but it is good to see that this team can do that too. The combinations were there, defensively it was also pretty good. There were many positives.
“It’s fun to play like this, fun for everyone. Not only with the ball, also defensively. We try to put pressure on quickly and win the ball quickly. Then you get the ball back so much faster, that is also the intention of the coach. There were many good moments.
“The coach has already laid a certain foundation, for example in terms of structure. His way of playing is already a bit there, but there are of course also times when it is still a bit difficult.
“But after eight days together, I think this is the best we could do.”
Belgium crashed out in the group stages at the World Cup in Qatar as Martinez waved goodbye to what many deem a golden generation of international footballers for the Red Devils.
Martinez’s side finished third at FIFA’s top international tournament four years before at Russia 2018, sandwiched in between a pair of quarter-final eliminations at the European Championships.
8:26 – With 8 minutes and 26 seconds on the clock, the @BelRedDevils took their fastest 2-0 lead since February 2003 (within 7 minutes against Algeria). Supersonic. pic.twitter.com/30jBJ4aJUh
While it appears a vastly talented group of Belgian footballers may end their career without international reward, Tedesco’s new era has offered early promise.
A rare win over Germany, who were stunned by early goals from Yannick Carrasco and Romelu Lukaku, coupled with Friday’s 3-0 victory over Sweden in Euro 2024 qualifying have left Tedesco impressed.
“Yes, I am satisfied after these two victories,” Tedesco said on VTM. “Not only with the result, but also with the way we played. Only we should have finished the game in the first half.
“I wanted my players to show courage, to play forward and to claim the ball, even when Germany put pressure on us. We have the players for it. We have to believe in our own strengths, but we have to maintain the quality we bring for 90 minutes. And that’s the problem.”
Belgium’s elimination at the World Cup came as somewhat of a surprise, given their recent success at major tournaments, and Tedesco is out to offer his new players a lease of freedom.
“The players have qualities, they can play freely here and are allowed to make mistakes,” he said at his post-match press conference.
“The most important thing is that they develop as a team and as individuals. We must help and guide them in this.
“It is crucial that the enthusiasm is back. I have a good feeling and am extremely motivated. However, we still have a lot of work to do. If you win, it’s more fun, of course.
“But I do not agree that Belgian football was at a standstill after the World Cup. Losing matches at a World Cup, that can happen.”
Lionel Messi hopes the “craziness never ends” after scoring his 100th goal and ninth hat-trick for his country amid Argentina’s homecoming World Cup celebrations on Tuesday.
La Albiceleste routed Curacao 7-0 in Santiago del Estero, with Messi’s 20th-minute opener bringing up his 100th international goal, joining only Cristiano Ronaldo (122) and Ali Daei (109) in achieving that feat.
Messi became the first world champion to score 100 international goals, and he showed no signs of stopping there with further first-half strikes for a treble, taking him to 102.
The milestone came as Argentina rounded out their first two games back in their homeland since December’s World Cup triumph with wild celebrations, initially in Buenos Aires for Thursday’s 2-0 win over Panama.
The players emulated their celebrations from Qatar after the Curacao game, hoisting the World Cup trophy again after it came down from the stadium roof and doing a lap of honour to greet the supporters.
Messi was also presented with a plaque by Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia to acknowledge his 100th goal.
“What a nice way to close these dates, impressive today all the people in Santiago del Estero,” Messi wrote on Instagram.
“I wish we can continue to share together many moments like these and that this craziness never ends!!!”
Messi’s achievement comes after netting 21 goals in his 14 games for Argentina, along with seven assists. That has taken him to 156 goal contributions, which is the most in international football.
— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) March 29, 2023
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni added: “As for Lionel Messi, what I want is for him to be on the pitch and be happy.”
He added: “These days were different to the previous friendlies because the players were allowed to be with their people.
“We felt that they had that desire to go out to contact the outside, although that meant that it was difficult to prepare these two games. But in the end we got them through by playing with intensity.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Bukayo Saka for his consistency but claims the youg star still has room for improvement.
Saka has been a key pillar in Arsenal’s Premier League success this term, with the side sitting eight points clear of second-placed Manchester City as they chase their first league title since 2003-04.
Only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Tottenham’s Harry Kane have more combined goals and assists in the league this season, with Saka having netted 12 goals with 10 assists. Saka has also started all 28 of Arsenal’s league games this campaign.
“First of all, I think you have to recognise what he’s been doing,” Arteta told Sky Sports about 21-year-old Saka.
🙌 Start the week by enjoying all of Bukayo's 12 @PremierLeague goals so far this season
“The consistency he’s shown at his age and at this level is something rare to see. He’s taken it with normality.
“If you ask me if he has room for improvement, I would say: ‘Yes – a lot.’ He’s never satisfied, he always wants more and he can still do a lot of things better and more efficiently, but we are really pleased to have him.”
Talks are ongoing between Arsenal and Saka on a new deal, with his current contract due to expire in 2024.
Last week former Arsenal centre-back Kolo Toure urged the club to sign Saka on a 10-year deal to secure his long-term future.
Saka was outstanding for England at last year’s World Cup and netted in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Ukraine at Wembley.
Lionel Messi scored his 100th international goal before capping his performance with a first-half hat-trick as Argentina routed Curacao 7-0 during Tuesday’s friendly in Santiago del Estero.
Messi came into the game on 99 international goals but did not need to wait long to bring up triple figures, netting a 20th-minute opener, in a lopsided match-up where the world champions raced to a 5-0 half-time lead.
The Argentinian captain played the entire 90 minutes, scoring three goals within 17 devastating first-half minutes, while he also laid off the assist for Enzo Fernandez’s powerful strike among the flurry.
After Lautaro Martinez’s glaring second minute point-blank miss, Messi was denied by Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room’s sharp save, but soon after Giovani Lo Celso found him in space inside the box, setting him up to jink past two defenders and fire in a low right-foot shot for his 100th Argentina goal.
Nicolas Gonzalez added a second in the 23rd minute when he out-jumped Room to head home from a corner, before he played provider for Messi’s second with a neat left-foot finish in the 33rd minute.
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 29, 2023
Two minutes later, Messi held up the ball and dished out a deft pass for Fernandez to lash home, with the Paris Saint-Germain star wrapping up his hat-trick when he raced on to Lo Celso’s lofted pass and coolly converted after taking two touches.
Room brilliantly denied Martinez twice early in the second half, while Leandro Bacuna fizzed Curacao’s best chance over the bar from a 63rd-minute free-kick on the edge of the box.
Substitute Angel Di Maria added a sixth goal from the penalty spot in the 78th minute after Cuco Martina’s handball, with Gonzalo Montiel side-footing home another from Paulo Dybala’s cutback in the 88th minute.
What does it mean? Argentina’s happy homecoming
Argentina’s World Cup homecoming celebrations continued, following Thursday’s 2-0 win over Panama in Buenos Aires, with Messi taking centre stage with his latest feat in the country’s north.
It was the first time Argentina had scored seven or more goals since a 7-0 friendly win over Bolivia in September 2015.
Messi brings up eighth Argentina treble
Argentina’s captain grabbed all the headlines, with his latest treble marking his eighth hat-trick for La Albiceleste.
Half of those hat-tricks have come against CONCACAF teams (Guatemala, Panama, Haiti and Curacao), with three against CONMEBOL nations (Brazil, Ecuador and Bolivia) and one against a UEFA team (Switzerland).
Messi’s six-month surge for 100
Messi has surged to 100 international goals over the past six months, netting in 11 of the 12 games he has played for Argentina since September. The only time Messi failed to score was at the World Cup in a 2-0 win over Poland. He has scored 16 goals in his past 12 Argentina appearances.
What’s next?
Despite being world champions, Argentina still need to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, with their campaign commencing in September with games against Ecuador and Bolivia.
With his strike against Curacao on Tuesday, Lionel Messi reached another landmark by scoring 100 goals for Argentina.
The 35-year-old brought up the milestone in style, receiving a 20th-minute pass from Giovani Lo Celso before jinking past two Curacao defenders and rifling in a low right-foot finish.
The man considered by many to be the greatest footballer of all time had come in for some criticism over the years for his performances at international level.
That was until he led Argentina to Copa America success in 2021 and followed that up at last year’s World Cup, starring as La Albiceleste recovered from a shock opening defeat to Saudi Arabia to beat defending champions France in the final on penalties.
Of course, the sheer volume of his goals has been breathtaking, with only Cristiano Ronaldo and Ali Daei scoring more in international men’s football.
But we have picked out five individual strikes that were particularly memorable.
— Selección Argentina in English (@AFASeleccionEN) March 28, 2023
Argentina vs Mexico (July 11, 2007)
Having only just turned 20, Messi was expected to win the Copa America for his country in 2007.
Ultimately, Argentina were beaten in the final by Brazil, but not before Messi had graced the stage with a sumptuous lob in their 3-0 win against Mexico in the semi-finals, being fed on the right of the penalty before an outrageous lob over Oswaldo Sanchez into the far corner.
Argentina vs Brazil (June 9, 2012)
The two great rivals faced each other in New Jersey as they prepared for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, and a topsy-turvy contest had already seen Messi score twice.
In the 84th minute and with the score tied at 3-3, Messi went as trademark as possible, picking up the ball on the right just into the Brazil half before dribbling for goal. He cut inside the nearest defender on the edge of the box and curled a shot into the top-left corner of the net.
Argentina vs Paraguay (September 7, 2012)
Just a few months later, Messi was at it from distance again, this time even further out as he showed off his supreme free-kick taking ability.
With Argentina leading Paraguay 2-1 in their World Cup qualifier, Messi lined up a set-piece effort a little over 30 yards out, whipping the ball over the wall and in off the goalkeeper’s left-hand post.
Argentina vs Iran (June 21, 2014)
In their second group game of the 2014 World Cup, Argentina had struggled to break down a resolute Iran side who were on the verge of securing a famous 0-0 draw and valuable point.
That was until Messi picked up the ball on the right in the 91st minute in Belo Horizonte. He darted inside, as he so often does, and curled a sumptuous effort past Alireza Haghighi from some 25 yards, the ball nestling in the bottom-left corner.
Argentina vs Mexico (November 26, 2022)
Having already lost to Saudi Arabia in their first game at the 2022 World Cup, Argentina could not find a way past Mexico in the first hour of their second encounter either.
Or, they couldn’t until their captain stepped up.
With raucous fans urging them on at Lusail Stadium, Messi received a pass from Angel Di Maria before hitting a shot from outside the box low and hard to Guillermo Ochoa’s left, lighting the touchpaper that would ultimately end with the trophy in his hands at the end of the campaign.
The newest celebrity mom, Victoria Lebene, looked classy in a white outfit as she stepped on the red carpet at her husband’s birthday party.
The actress and beauty entrepreneur Victoria Lebene wore impeccable outfits during her pregnancy journey as she posted hilarious TikTok videos with her staff.
The fashionista wore a white three-quarte sleeve top with ruffles and matching trousers. The outspoken actress looked glamorous in her ponytail hairstyle and flawless makeup for the star-studded event.
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