However, Accra Hearts of Oak supporters, legends, and previous management members are yet to accept that Mohammed Alhassan, their former deputy captain, is now a porcupine. Mohammed Alhassan has yet to kick a ball for Asante Kotoko.
Hearts of Oak supporters have criticised their board members for cancelling the contract of their most seasoned defender over trivial matters and allowed him to sign with Kotoko as being highly incompetent.
Mohammed Alhassan signed a one-and-a-half-year contract with Asante Kotoko as a free agent after Slavko Matic, the coach of Hearts, deemed him surplus to requirements.
His transfer has now joined the tall list of controversial transfers that have happened between the two most successful clubs in the history of Ghana football.
More than 20 players have crossed carpets between Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko but not all the transfers generated controversies as some made their move at the twilight of their careers.
In this episode of the GhanaWeb feature, we bring you a list of five most controversial transfers between Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko including Mohammed Alhassan.
Charles Taylor
Charles Asampong Taylor made the most controversial transfer move in the history of Ghana football in the 21st century.
Charles Taylor in 2003, after winning the Champions League, Super Cup, FA Cup, and Ghana Premier League (3 times) made his dream move by joining his beloved Asante Kotoko.
The move was so controversial that he was cursed by many Hearts of Oak fans and despite returning to the club in 2006, many Phobians still consider him to be a traitor.
Ollenu Ashitey
The striker is on the tall list of players who also joined Asante Kotoko directly from Accra Hearts of Oak.
The Techiman Eleven Wonders marksman joined Asante Kotoko in 2018 after spending a year with Accra Hearts of Oak.
Ollenu Ashitey was a Porcupine when Kotoko’s team bus run into a stationary vehicle on the Accra-Kumasi highway while returning to Kumasi after a Ghana Premier League game.
Reverend Osei Kofi
Osei Kofi is regarded as one of the country’s best footballers and his record bears witness to that.
Osei Kofi is remembered for his role in Ghana’s AFCON success but his exploits at club level also contributed to his legendary status.
He became one of the early players who moved between the sworn rivals when he joined Kotoko from Hearts of Oak.
Osei Kofi made his name at Kotoko as a diminutive and nimble-footed winger with goals but he still credits Hearts for giving him the platform to showcase his talent.
Opoku Afriyie
Nicknamed Bayie, the former Black Stars striker left Asante Kotoko after being labelled an old man to join rivals Accra Hearts of Oak in the 1982 season.
According to reports, Opoku Afriyie was threatened not to join Accra Hearts of Oak but he was eager to prove a point so he left.
Asante Kotoko fans felt his absence when he led Accra Hearts of Oak to beat Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
He retired at Accra Hearts of Oak but came back to work as the team manager of Asante Kotoko in 2003.
Tributes have started pouring in following the demise of former Shama MP, Dr Ato Panford.
The Essikado-Ketan MP, Mr Joe Ghartey has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Dr Ato Panford, the former MP for Shama Constituency in the Western Region.
Dr Panford was MP for Shama between 2017 and 2021 and died at the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GHAPOHA) Hospital in Takoardi, after being ill for a short while.
Mr Ghartey, a presidential hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) led a team of party members to sign the Book of Condolence at Dr Panford’s residence.
The members include Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, the Western Regional Minister and MP for Takoradi; Mr Samuel Ericson Abakah, MP for Shama; and constituency executives of Essikado-Ketan and Shama.
Mr Ghartey described the late former MP’s death was a shock to him and the entire Essikado-Ketan Constituency.
“I was extremely fortunate to have known him and worked with him. He was an inspiration to all.
“As a mark of respect, I have postponed my nationwide tour of “Hope and Unity” which was to commence on Monday, February 13 in the Western Region to Wednesday, February 15.”
“I pray for his soul and for the souls of the departed to rest in peace until the day of resurrection”, Mr Ghartey said.
Mr Darko-Mensah, the Western Regional Minister also expressed his deepest regret on behalf of the President and Government for the sudden loss of Dr Panford, whom he first met in the 1990s.
He lauded Dr. Panford’s connection with industry in the Western Region – saying he would be remembered for his sense of dynamism in the NPP.
Mr Stephen Koomson, on behalf of the bereaved family, conveyed his gratitude to the delegation for mourning with them.
He said the family had decided to observe the one-week celebration of Dr Panford on February 24 at the St. Paul’s Methodist Church at Inchaba, in the Shama District.
Sexual intercourse or sex is an important act that human beings engage in.
Sexual Partners engage in sex for various reasons. Some people engage in sex for the purpose of achieving sexual satisfaction. Others engage in sex for the purpose of pro-creation. Regardless of whatever reason that influence people to engage in sex, the fact remains that sexual intercourse is an important aspect of human life.
Several benefits have been associated with sex. It is believed that sex helps to reduce stress and improve the mood of individuals. Sex is also believed to improve the physical well-being of those who engage in it. Moreover, sexual intercourse helps to deepen the bond that exists between two sexual partners. There is no doubt that sexual intercourse helps in improving the social, physical and emotional well-being of people.
While sex has several benefits, the age at which individuals begin to have sex determines the life trajectory of those individuals. In Ghana, the criminal code stipulate that the legal age of sexual consent is 16 years. At the same time, the law stipulates that the age of adulthood which is also the age at which one can get married is 18. The gap in the age of adulthood and age of sexual consent is a cause for worry.
Having different ages for adulthood and sexual consent portends grave danger for young people. Firstly, having different ages for sexual consent and adulthood is likely to have repercussions in terms of unsafe and illegal abortion. This is so because young people may experiment sex before they get married. This could lead to unwanted pregnancy in the event that they do not use protection. Taking into consideration the fact that Ghana is a highly conservative society, those who get pregnant might not be comfortable in divulging that they are pregnant or keeping the pregnancy. As a result, they are likely to engage in illegal and unsafe abortion. Illegal and unsafe abortion inherently can result in medical complications as well as death.
Also, having different ages for sexual consent and adulthood may play critical role in the occurrence of child marriage. This is so because some parents and guardians in the Ghanaian society may hold the view that their underaged children are sexually matured. In effort to use their children as alleviating household poverty, this parent may consequently marry off their children. This is especially the case for young girls. The future and education of the victims of child marriage get truncated. If the law is changed and the age of adulthood and sexual consent is aligned, it will go a long way to contribute to reducing child marriage in Ghana.
Another possible harm that may arise as a result of the age of sexual consent and adulthood not being aligned is the issues of transmission of sexually transmitted infection. In the Ghanaian socio-cultural context, parents and guardians shy away from discussion issues concerning sex with their children. Most parents hold the view that children will learn these things when they grow.
However, most of the young people engage extensively in sexual activities and most times do not use sexual protection. As long as the young people assume the age of 16 and they give consent, the sexual intercourse cannot be criminalize legally. However, most of these young people do not have extensive knowledge on sexually transmitted infections and how to prevent it. Shifting the age of sexual consent to 18 years to align with the age of adulthood will ensure that most young people are able to acquire some appreciable knowledge regarding sexual transmitted infection and the use of sexual protection.
An interest dimension to the problem at hand is the issue of adults who sleep with young men and women. There are instances where men sleep with girls who at 16 years of age. However, in the case that there is sexual consent from the young girls before commencement of the sexual intercourse, most of the men end up being jailed for defilement. This is so because sometimes parents end up influencing their children to falsely accuse the men of defiling them without consent. Aligning the age of sexual consent with the age of adulthood will help to deal with this problem.
This is so because once young girls and boys turn 18 and engage in sex, they are considered adults. It will be difficult for them to falsely accuse their sexual partners of rape or defilement. This will ensure that innocent people are not thrown into jail.
There’s also a social, biological and economic dimension to the need to align the age of sexual consent with the age of adulthood. In terms of the social dimension, most of the young women who engage in sexual intercourse before 18 years may be subjected to some social stigma. This is the case because these young women may end being pregnant. Teenagers who get pregnant especially below the age of 18 years face a lot of social stigma within the Ghanaian contest.
Most of the stigmatisation comes from their peers, health workers as well as their families. This could lead to depression, suicidal ideation as well as marginalisation from the society. This equally goes for boys below 18 who impregnate their mates.
When it comes to the economic dimension, most of the young women who get pregnant are not able to take care of themselves or the baby. This is so because they are not empowered educationally to be able to get jobs that can pay them enough money needed to cater for themselves or their babies. This therefore result in situations where they have to depend on their family members and friends for survival. Most of the girls end up engaging in prostitution just to survive. For the underage boys who impregnate their females peers, they often tend to abandon their sexual partners due to their inability to cater for them and their babies. This creates serious financial burden in the society.
The biological aspect of the problem narrows down to the fact that some of the underage girls who engage in sexual intercourse get pregnant. However, some of them might not be physically matured enough to be able to carry the baby during the gestation period till delivery and to have safe delivery. Often times the life of the mother or the baby gets compromise. It therefore brings to question whether there was a scientific and empirical foundation for us as a country to have a lower age for sexual consent and a higher age for adulthood.
There is the need for us as a country to think critically on whether it is acceptable to have age of sexual consent and age of adulthood being different. The minister in charge of gender, attorney general and the president must take step to shift the age of sexual consent to 18. Parliament must also play a role to ensure that this is done. This is to ensure that the well-being of the young people is protected.
Ghana’s inflation declined marginally to 53.6% in January 2023, from 54.1% recorded in December 2022, latest data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has revealed.
This is the first time in 19 months that inflation has dropped.
According to the figures, the rising food prices pushed the Consumer Price Index (CPI) up.
However, transport inflation fell for the first time in several months due to the reduction in fuel prices during the period. Prices of non-food items also declined during the period.
According to the figures, five divisions registered inflation higher than the national average.
They are Furnishings, household equipment (71.7%); Housing, water, electricity, gas and other (71.1%); Transport (68.8%); Personal care, social protection and miscellaneous services (63.1%) and Food and non-alcoholic beverages (61.0%).
The high inflation will keep lending rates still high at an average of about 35%. This means the cost of borrowing will still remain elevated.
Food inflation inched up to 61.0% in January 2023, from 59.7% recorded in December 2022.
Non-food Inflation declined to 47.9% in January 2023, from 49.9 % recorded in December 2022.
While, inflation for locally produced items was 50.0%, inflation for imported items was 62.5%.
With regard to the regions, Eastern region recorded the highest year-on-year inflation of 66.2%.
Greater Accra followed suit with an inflation of 65%.
Volta region however recorded the lowever inflation of 34.7%.
According to The Financial Times, Najafi is getting ready to make a £3.1 billion offer for the North London team.
The chair of MSP Sports Capital, Najafi, previously owned a small stake in the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
The MSP and partners reportedly are willing to put forward 70% of the purchase price while the 30% will come from backers in Abu Dhabi.
Tottenham‘s current owners, ENIC International Limited are reportedly willing to cash in on the club, letting go of 85.55% of the total share capital in the club.
ENIC has held the shares for 22 years now a possible purchase will bring an end to their long reign.
Inflation fell marginally to 53.6% in January 2023, from 54.1% recorded in December 2022, latest data from the Ghana Statistical Service has revealed.
This is the first time in 19 months that inflation has dropped.
According to the figures, the rising food prices pushed the Consumer Price Index (CPI) up.
However, transport inflation fell for the first time in several months due to the reduction in fuel prices during the period. Prices of non-food items also declined during the period.
According to the figures, five divisions registered inflation higher than the national average.
They are Furnishings, household equipment (71.7%); Housing, water, electricity, gas and other (71.1%); Transport (68.8%); Personal care, social protection and miscellaneous services (63.1%) and Food and non-alcoholic beverages (61.0%).
Food inflation inched up to 61.0% in January 2023, from 59.7% recorded in December 2022.
Non-food Inflation declined to 47.9% in January 2023, from 49.9 % recorded in December 2022.
While, inflation for locally produced items was 50.0%, inflation for imported items was 62.5%.
The Ghana Football Association has elevated Chris Hughton, the Black Stars’ technical adviser under Otto Addo, to senior coach.
Nii Odartey Lamptey said Chris Hughton had been with the Black Stars for a few months and had heard all the “misconceptions” about the group in his remarks regarding the appointment.
“Chris Hughton was part of the Black Stars technical team at the World Cup in Qatar so I am tempted to believe with what the media reports, he might have read all and heard it.”
“If Chris Hughton wants to change our system, this is the right time for him to do it. Having served as the technical advisor, he might have seen so many things. Now he has been awarded the head coach role so I am expecting him to correct those wrongs,” he said in an interview with Accra-based Asempa FM.
Nii Odartey Lamptey believes that it will be difficult for anyone in the hierarchy of the Ghana Football Association to force his wishes on Chris Hughton.
“With his experience and pedigree, I think it will be difficult for someone to influence the job of Chris Hughton.”
It will be challenging for anyone to sway Chris Hughton, the new head coach of the Black Stars, according to former Ghanaian international Nii Odartey Lamptey.
As the team’s new trainer, Hughton, 64, has taken Otto Addo’s post.
The present Ghana Football Association [GFA] leadership has, however, come under fire for allegedly meddling in the coaching careers of several individuals.
However, Lamptey, who is a Fifa U-17 World Cup winner believes it will be difficult for anyone to influence the work of the former Brighton boss due to his rich experience and pedigree in the game.
“Chris Hughton was part of the Black Stars technical team at the World Cup in Qatar so I am tempted to believe with what the media reports, he might have read all and heard it,” he told Asempa FM as monitored by Footballghana.com.
“If Chris Hughton wants to change our system, this is the right time for him to do it. Having served as the technical advisor, he might have seen so many things. Now he has been awarded the head coach role so I am expecting him to correct those wrongs.
“With his experience and pedigree, I think it will be difficult for someone to influence the job of Chris Hughton,” he added.
Prior to his appointment, Chris Hughton served as the Black Stars’ technical advisor.
He is expected to name his squad for the doubleheader against Angola in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] qualifiers in the coming days.
Hughton will be assisted by George Boateng and Didi Dramani.
Placement for 2022 graduates of the 2022 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) into Senior High Schools and Technical, Vocational, Education and Training (TVET) has been released.
It was released on Wednesday, February 15, by the Ghana Education Service(GES).
According to the Service, candidates can now log onto the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) to check their schools.
The Director General of the Ghana Education Service, Dr. Eric Nkansah made this known at a press conference.
According to him, “Out of the 547,329 candidates who sat for the examination, 538,399 qualified for school placement.”
He added that “372,780 candidates have automatically been placed into various schools.”
However, 165,601 candidates will have to do self-placement because they could not be matched to their school of choice,” he also said.
Meanwhile, Dr Nkansah insisted that first-year students are expected to report to school on February 20 for their admission processes to begin.
In a time when some Ghanaians are making plans to travel abroad for greener pastures due to the nation’s economic hardship, the US Embassy has warned of fraudsters who claim to offer quick visas to travelers.
In a Twitter reaction by the Embassy in Ghana, they admonished the general public to go through the right channels when seeking for visas to avoid being duped.
Borrowing the popular term ‘Wo k)) ho ko y3 d3n” abbreviated as ‘WKHKYD’ which is used as an expression after a disappointment (translated into the English language as ‘What did you go there for?’), they urged Ghanaians to only visit their website when in need of a visa.
“To avoid #WKHKYD experiences, always use the only authentic source for U.S. visa: https://gh.usembassy.gov/visas/,” the Embassy tweeted in a response to a Twitter user who brought their attention to a visa advertisement.
The giant billboard which has been erected in some parts of the country claims to offer visas to interested persons who want to visit the United States of America.
The Embassy’s response on February 12 has gained the attention of thousands of tweeps.
Dan Kwaku Yeboah, a sports presenter, has praised Kurt Okraku, the president of the Ghana Football Association, for having a significant impact on the lives of certain former Ghanaian football heroes.
Dan Kwaku Yeboah, a fierce opponent of Kurt Okraku, was moved when people like Dong Bortey and Armah Senegal emphasised the important role the GFA president plays in their life.
The sports journalist was impressed when Dong Bortey said that Kurt Okraku motivated him to start coaching in a recent interview.
“If you know Kurt Okraku, Don Bortey says he is grateful. You have affected his career positively and it’s commendable,” Dan Kwaku Yeboah said in gratitude to the GFA president.
He added, “in this world if someone does something you have to commend him and criticize them if they go wrong.”
“Most the players say you have helped them after their playing career by paving doors for them. Armah Senegal testified of his good works, so Kurt thank you,” Dan Kwaku Yeboah said.
On his 21st birthday, Southampton fans of the Premier League showered love on Ghanaian winger Kamaldeen Sulemana.
In the winter of January, Kamaldeen Sulemana moved from Stade Rennes to the Saints for a record fee of 20 million pounds.
Two appearances by the player have already won over the club’s followers.
Kamaldeen made his Premier League debut as a substitute against Brentford and then started the team’s match at home against Wolves.
The youngster had a good 2022 with the Ghana national team as he made his maiden appearance at the AFCON in Cameroon and also played at the 2022 FIFA World Cup
The talented winger began his career with Right to Dream Academy before moving on to FC Nordsjaelland in the Danish League before being signed by Stade Rennes.
As Kamaldeen marks his 21st birthday, fans of Southampton have been blessing the Ghanaian player with wishes.
Below are some messages from Southampton fans
happy birthday kamaldeen! excited to see what you can show us for the rest of the season ????❤️???? pic.twitter.com/Hapuemwh4o— mel (@meIlllII) February 15, 2023
Happy Birthday to a future Saints legend! Have a great day ????— Dan Fox (@bfgfox) February 15, 2023
Happy birthday ???? .. You just have one job to do on Sunday at Stamford Bridge— EFUA ????????❤️ (@Efua_ampofoa) February 15, 2023
We haven’t had a player make me smile so much as this guy in a long time. What a man.
Kamaldeen Sulemana becomes the first player this season to finish 8 dribbles’s significance to his club.
On the final day of the transfer window, the Saints paid a club record £20 million to Stade Rennes to acquire the Ghanaian winger.
Since joining the Saints, Kamaldeen has participated in two games, making his debut against Brentford as a substitute and starting the match against Wolves.
Nathan Jones thinks Kamaldeen’s signing might improve the club’s situation and strengthen the offenc
“This is another really positive addition for us this month. We’ve obviously been keen to add a little more potency to the side, and Kamaldeen is someone who does that for us. He’s at a stage in his career where we feel he can help us in the immediate term, but also continue to grow and develop further into the future,” Jones said.
Southampton will play away to Chelsea in their next game in the Premier League.
Deputy Ranking Member of the Finance Committee of Parliament, Isaac Adongo, has criticized government for sacrificing $10billion bondholders’ money for $3billion IMF bailout.
This comment comes after the finance minister in a press statement announced that the government has secured more than the needed 80% participation in the (DDEP) as part of key steps to reach board-level approval with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on a $3 billion facility to restore macroeconomic stability in the country.
Government targeted 80% participation in the program to help restructure 137.3 billion Ghana cedis in bonds on the domestic market to bring its total debt, which stands at about 575.5 billion Ghana cedis to sustainable levels which was a criterion the country must meet to secure a possible $3 billion bailout.
The government expressed gratitude to the people of Ghana for their support throughout these very difficult times and said it will consider inputs made by all stakeholders during the DDEP engagements to further streamline government’s expenditures.
The finance ministry maintained that the exercise was voluntary and thus the right of the individual to self-exempt was never in doubt.
Speaking in an interview on Morning Starr on Starr FM with Francis Abban the deputy ranking member said,” The government is saying, forgo your money so that we can achieve compliance with the internal arrangement of the IMF. So we can get a program that gives us $3 billion and yet the people’s money that you want to use to sacrifice is over $10billion. So, you want to destroy $10billion in order to go and collect $ 3 billion dollars over three years not even one year. These are people’s monies, these are not the government of Ghana money, these are pensioners’ money and these are monies they gave to you on the trust of the sovereign. Now the government says we want to take your money, we won’t give you the money because the economy is in trouble”.
He continued; “So the government says in the budget I have 52 billion of interest payment. 31billion of that is attributable to Ghanaians that I need to pay them in 2023. I am not going to pay you that money I will pay you zero. I have extended 21billion that I have to pay to external creditors. I write a letter to them suspending payment I’m not going to pay. The same external creditors, I owe then 22billion that I have to pay this year, I am not going to pay. So, in all, to achieve debt sustainability and be able to qualify for the IMF program, in 2023 alone, 74billion of debt service I am not paying. How can you do this and celebrate as success”.
Ghana hopes to reduce its debt to 55% of Gross Domestic Product by 2028 with the debt operation which involves both domestic and external creditors. The completion of the DDEP puts next engagements with external creditors on a possible debt restructuring.
Rising style influencers who rose to fame after competing in the prestigious Ghana’s Most Beautiful pageant have shared dazzling photos to celebrate this year’s Valentine’s Day.
2022 Ghana’s Most Beautiful winner Tung-Teiya looks splendid in a lace gown
The multiple award-winning beauty queen looked lovely in a red lace gown by top fashion designer Melanie Crane for her Valentine’s Day shoot.
Beauty queen Nyarkoah shows skin in a backless dress
The birthday girl flaunted her smooth body in a backless and thigh-high dress for her twenty-second birthday, which falls on Valentine’s Day.
She looked regal in stunning makeup as she smiled beautifully for the camera. Nelly Dwomoh represented the western region at the 2022 Ghana’s Most Beautiful contest.
Queen Tiwaa looks unrecognizable in a long-sleeve gown
The beautiful Ahafo representative at the 2022 Ghana’s Most Beautiful pageant Lauretta Tiwaa Boateng looked incredibly gorgeous in a red dress with billowing sleeves to celebrate her birthday and Valentine’s Day.
She looked splendid in a frontal ponytail hairstyle and smooth makeup for this shoot.
Beauty queen Afriyie looks gorgeous in a blond hairstyle
The 2022 Ghana’s Most Beautiful fifth runner-up looked sassy in a short red dress and high heels. The serial entrepreneur rocked a blond hairstyle, heavy makeup, and bold red lipstick for this look.
GMB 2022: 5 Gorgeous Photos Of Teiya, Winner Of 2022 Ghana’s Most Beautiful
Previously, YEN.com.gh wrote about Ghana’s Most Beautiful Beauty pageant’s 2022 edition has declared the winner, Tung-Teiya Dahamani.
Teiya competed in this regional event for young, intelligent women on behalf of the Northern region of Ghana.
Since the pageant’s debut in 2007, Teiya, the most recent queen, has been the third North American to win the competition. Nasara, who competed in 2009, and Zeinab, who competed in 2017, were Teiya’s immediate predecessors.
Ghanaian Tik Tok star, Hajia Bintu was not a happy person when a photo started making rounds on Twitter suggesting that she may have gone for liposuction over her Val’s day post.
Hajia Bintu rose to fame after her videos on Tik Tok went viral. In most of these videos, she is usually seen shaking her bum, flaunting her hips or showcasing how heavily endowed she is.
On the back of that, many have come to know and appreciate her to have a greatly endowed body devoid of surgical enhancement. Many believe her hips and bums are natural.
Well, when @_mmokob3 shared a photo that looked like Hajia Bintu had gone under the knife to improve the shape of her bum or to enhance the pelvic section of the lower part, she took great exception.
But actually, most curvy women have what we call cellulite…it is extra flesh or dotted part of their body usually found around their hips, butt or thighs.
Cellulite is the dimpled-looking skin that commonly occurs in the thigh region. It forms when fatty tissue deep in the skin pushes up against connective tissue. It’s estimated that more than 85 per cent of all women 21 years and older have cellulite.
Although cellulite can be removed surgically, most women prefer to keep it just like Hajia Bintu has done.
With the absence of that knowledge, Hajia Bintu replied vehemently by condemning the photo. Hajia Bintu intimated that nobody can bring her down hence the sharing of such a photo to dent her reputation and to suggest that she has gone for liposuction will not wash.
Isaac Opeele Boateng, a former assistant coach for Ghana’s Under-17 team, has challenged Sam Nartey George, Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, to utilise Good Morning Ghana on Metro TV to further his campaign against the Ghana Football Association.
Opeele is challenging Sam George to make those allegations about the FA on the show Dr. Randy Abbey hosts, who is a member of the GFA Executive Council.
Sam George might not be able to make those assertions on the show, according to the former Asante Kotoko coach, because doing so would be disrespectful to Dr. Randy Abbey, a close friend of Sam George’s.
“ The MP sitting on tv3 to spew coefficient by the GFA is not enough. When he goes to his friend Randy Abbey show on Metro TV he should spew it in Randy face that Randy took coefficient to get us Coach Milo and had coefficient at the World Cup then we know he is a bold honorable,” he tweeted.
Opeele has been sparring with Sam George as the two men hold dissenting views on the state of Ghana football under Kurt Okraku.
Coach Opeele was the one who first went after Sam George after the MP made allegations against the Ghana Football Association.
In response to Sam George’s claims that the officials of the FA interfere in national team call-ups, Coach Opeele sought to belittle the MP with the claim that he is a novice in football.
“I monitored hue & cry by devil advocates in Gh that, GFA should sue an MP. Basically, The novice MP has no voice in soccer. How many fans know him? It is same way a sports person passing bad political comment would be overlooked cos the person has no voice in politics,” he tweeted.
What did Sam George say
Sam George in a Joy Prime interview made some wild allegations against the Ghana Football Association and its president.
Sam George said that the FA have settled on Chris Hughton as the next Black Stars coach because he can be manipulated.
“That [coaching] job they have given it to Chris Hughton already, so why are we wasting our time?” he quizzed on Joy Prime.
“They have given it to him because they want someone they can manipulate, someone they can use to do their business, someone they can tell him to bring his team selection [with changes being made with regards to agency call-ups] regardless of how long the person has played or not played.
“People are using GFA to make money; they are using it to feed their family.”
When asked whether he had proof of his comments, he said, “Tell me how Baba Rahman found his way to the last squad at the final game at the World Cup [v Uruguay]. What ball did he play? What ball had he played? Is Baba Rahman’s agent not our GFA president?”
Felix Annan, a former goalkeeper for Asante Kotoko, says no player should have to go through what he went through there.
After getting married in the middle of the 2019–20 season, Felix Annan, the Porcupine Warriors’ captain and first-choice goalkeeper, was demoted to the sidelines.
Annan left Kotoko after losing the coach’s favour, Maxwell Konadu, to join Maryland Bobcats FC in the USA.
Although the former WAFA goalkeeper stated that he was battling issues at the club, Annan explained that his marriage was never part of the reasons he left the club.
“That question is becoming boring but I will answer the question concerning whether the coach warned me not to have my wedding. I can tell you it’s a big 200% no. He never said anything like that,” Felix Annan said.
According to him, the club gave up on him at a time he needed their support to help recover his form.
“They [Kotoko] shouldn’t repeat it because in Europe club protects players. How many times has De Gea gone through difficulties but they would never give up on him?
“I was unfortunate but I will never wish anyone goes through something like this again. It was painful,” Annan said in an interview with Angel FM.
Ghanaian triple jumper Nadia Chike Eke made a beautiful bride as she walked down the aisle in a private ceremony.
The celebrity bride and former athlete looked magnificent as she recited her nuptials and professed her undying love for her longtime partner and greatest supporter, Devon, in Accra, Ghana.
This beautiful and lavish wedding ceremony was done last year.
Ghanaian Olympian Nadia Eke slays in a red glittering kente gown
Former Ghanaian athlete, Nadia Eke wore a sleeveless floor-sweeping kente gown for her traditional wedding.
The style goddess rocked her elegant hairstyle and bold makeup for the beautiful ceremony.
Ghanaian Olympian Nadia Eke and Devon look stunning together
The celebrity bride left us awestruck with her simple yet classy plain kente gown. The tall and handsome groom looked stylish in a colorful long-sleeve shirt styled with black trousers and a red bucket hat.
Ghanaian Olympian and bride Nadia Eke shows off her dance moves
The happy and energetic bride looked classy in a black tassel dress and golden platform heels and she stepped on the dance floor to show off her moves.
Nadia Eke and the popular all-men catering company Menscookgh dance to Mr. Eazi’s trending song in the video below.
In 2014, she finished tenth at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, won silver at the African Championships in Marrakech, and was seventh at the IAAF Continental Cup.
She also won bronze at the African Games in Brazzaville in 2015. In 2016, she became the African champion during the 2016 African Athletics Championship.
She qualified to represent Ghana at the 2020 Summer Olympics in the Women’s triple jump event.
Daniel McKorley, the CEO McDan Group of Companies, has shown his two wives in celebration of Valentine’s Day on Tuesday, February 14.
Like many loving husbands, the millionaire businessman took to his official Instagram account to share photos of his wives, Abigail and Roberta.
The first photo showed the businessman rocking a white outfit with one of his wives. In his caption, he preached love.
“Live your life with love as your guiding principle — keep your family close and live special moments with them. Every day, make sure that you’re living your life with effort and the purpose of making your family and other people’s lives better,” he said.
He posed with the other wife in the photo. They two were formally dressed. The caption was about life and love.
“Life is already tough. The world is unfair to us all. So, surround yourself with positive people who love you, who support you and want you to succeed. Never take your family and close friends for granted. They are the only ones who will be with in tough times. So, give them the time they deserve in this hasty life. This will be your most important investment in life.”
Michael Essien, a former midfielder for the Black Stars, has finished the UEFA License A course.
After completing his License B course in 2020, the former Chelsea player has spent the last two years working as an assistant coach with FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark.
Michael Essien apparently completed his License A certificate programme while employed by FC Nordsjaelland, and he now holds the highest coaching credential in European football.
“Thank you to everyone who helped and supported me throughout the past two years getting my A license.
“I’m grateful to work in this Organisation RTD/FCN where I can continue to develop as a coach and person. It’s been a good experience and I appreciate everyone,” Michael Essien said in an interview quoted by footballghana.
Michael Essien finished his career playing for Lyon, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and AC as the second most successful Ghanaian player in Europe with 13 trophies including the UEFA Champions League.
Vice President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons has called into question government’s announcement into how over 85 percent of eligible local bondholders signed up for the Domestic Debt Exchange programme (DDEP).
Simons is particularly curious about how 35 percent of bondholders signed on within a 24-hour duration citing ‘customized’ calculations on the part of government to suit the high final participation rate of 85 percent.
“So, the government of Ghana has decided to choose its own arbitrary number for tendered outstanding principal & declared an 80%+ participation rate. Great!
“So, that means maximum DEBT RELIEF. Creditors want no stories going forward about debt service. We will all see by mid-year budget,” he tweeted on February 14 before
offering further explanation in a follow-up tweet.
Bright Simons also explained how government through its consultants adjusted the matrix for calculating the participation rate to allow it arrive at a higher participation rate.
“I see that government of Ghana has been getting full worth from those high end consultants from Lazard. As soon as they saw resistance they began to adjust the principal of outstanding debt to ensure the right participation rate. From GHS137bn to GHS130bn to GHS97bn,” he tweeted.
He posited further that most analysts had pegged the highest rate government could arrive at was between 60 to 63 percent but the adjustments made a higher rate possible.
“So essentially if you use any of the old outstanding principal numbers (focus only on the grand total at the bottom), you get 60% to 63% participation rate, as per analysts’ projections. But who cares at this point,” he added.
The Ministry Finance on February 13 announced that over 80 percent of local bondholders signed on to the DDEP in a statement that stated the closure of the programme as February 10, 2023.
“The Government’s Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) closed on Friday 10th February 2023 with over 80% participation of eligible bonds. The government wants to thank the people of Ghana for their forbearance and support throughout the very difficult times,” the statement said.
The ministry further emphasised that participation in the programme was voluntary and that the right of bondholders to self-exempt was never in doubt.
“However, under the circumstances, Government at the same time, always made a strong but humble appeal to bondholders to participate in the DDEP; seeing it as a very critical act of burden-sharing in the ongoing national effort to tackle the economic crisis, bring back microeconomic stability and guarantee sustainable growth and prosperity for the people of Ghana,” the ministry said.
While emphasising the significance of the exercise and the impact the economy would have felt if it was not undertaken, the ministry stressed that government’s commitment to honour payments to bondholders who elected not to participate in the exercise.
“We would like to stress that, all individual bondholders, especially our senior citizens should be rest assured that their coupon payments and maturing principles, like government bonds, will be honoured in line with government’s fiscal commitments,” the statement said
In May 2021, Scarlet Ejiogu predicted the unfortunate demise of South African singer Kieran Forbes AKA.
In a tweet, she advised the rapper to stay away from mafia friends since his death would be the result of meddling with the wrong people.
On Saturday, February 11, 2023, when AKAwas shot, credence was given to the prediction Ejiogu made when she stated the mode of killing.
“God says: South Africa’s Rap artist, AKA should beware of a gunshot that will take his life. He should avoid mafia friendships and gatherings or else he will become a target #SouthAfrica”
Following that, Scarlet made a new prediction about the life of Nigerian singer Tems.
She believes a burgeoning relationship between US rapper Future and Tems will develop into something more serious.
In a tweet, Scarlet did not only foretell that Tems and Future will become married couples but also added that the latter will be tamed by the former.
“God says: Music Artists, Future and Tems will eventually get married. Tems will use her African maternal hand to tame Future into marital submission @future @tems”
Already there have been signs of some sort of camaraderie between Tems and Future. Tems had even texted him about how their collabo got her to the Grammys, and so on.
The recent legal disputes in the petroleum upstream sector represent a serious threat to the sustainability of the country’s oil production, according to analysts
The experts, including Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Upstream Petroleum Chamber, David Ampofo, and Executive Director of the Institute for Energy Security (IES), Nana Amoasi VII, caution that if standoffs with major international players become a permanent feature of the domestic scene it could drive away potential investors, which could lead to multi-billion dollars’ worth of petroleum assets being stranded – especially as the world switches to renewables.
Speaking to the B&FT following Tullow Ghana’s decision to file a request for arbitration at the International Chamber of Commerce in London against the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) over tax disputes, Mr. Ampofo expressed concern over the frequency of such impasses.
While calling for circumspection as the matter is still before the court, he said: “Disagreements are bound to happen in the space; however, the goal should be that they are resolved as seamlessly as possible… failure to do that distracts from the core business and burdens everyone involved, almost unnecessarily.
“As we know, the companies have petroleum agreements they have signed with government which clearly spell out the rules of engagement. It is extremely important that government actions are carried out in a manner which conveys an appreciation of contract sanctity. This is crucial in any and every business relationship,” he said.
“Despite the international arbitration, Tullow and GRA are in search of a mutually acceptable settlement,” he explained, adding that the Chamber is in support of a swift resolution.
The two disputed tax assessments concern the disallowance of loan interest deductions and proceeds from Tullow’s corporate business interruption insurance policy for the years 2010-2020. The assessments amount to US$387million plus penalties, which Tullow argues violates its rights under its petroleum agreements.
This comes after Tullow received a revised corporate income tax assessment for US$190.5million from the GRA, as well as a new assessment and demand notice for US$196.5million relating to proceeds received during the fiscal years 2016-2019 under Tullow’s corporate business interruption insurance policy.
Furthermore, Tullow had previously filed a request for arbitration in respect of a separate assessment for branch profits remittance tax of US$320million in 2021, and a hearing is scheduled for October 2023.
The development comes at a time of lowered oil production, with Fitch Solutions warning that the lingering impasse between Aker Energy and Lukoil over development of the Pecan Oilfield leaves the nation’s oil production with an uncertain outlook.
Aker Energy, operator of the field, has been hesitant to submit an updated plan for development and commit to a final investment decision (FID) due to the involvement of Lukoil, which has a 38 percent stake in the project.
The risk of sanctions against Russian oil and gas companies has limited Aker’s ability to work with Lukoil. Aker has suggested that Lukoil divest its stake to overcome this issue.
However, Mr. Ampofo said these developments are turning the upstream sector into a tricky area for investors.
Describing Pecan as ‘crucial’ to development of the nation’s oil sector, he said: “Pecan is crucial and has been on the shelf for years. It is the country’s best hope of getting a new floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel into our waters and starting production. That is why we have had a dip, because we have had to rely on old and depleting wells.
“Significant development and appraisal needs to happen before we can find anything commercial in other blocs, and it will take years; but Pecan has had work gone into it already.”
He said with economic uncertainty across the globe, investors will be seeking more stability – especially from a legal standpoint – to allow for proper planning; adding that since the sector requires a lot of investment, with no guarantee for short-term returns and with public debt currently at unsustainable levels, the state should do more to court big-ticket investor participation.
Similarly, IES’s Nana Amoasi VII emphasised the Pecan Field’s importance in reversing Ghana’s consistent decline in oil production since 2019.
“The Pecan as we know can produce up to 110,000 barrels per day in the long-term. This 110,000 barrel per day rate represents almost 80% of today’s Ghana’s oil production per day rate,” he stated.
He added that Fitch Solution’s concerns regarding Ghana’s declining oil production are valid, and said the industry needs to bring new fields onboard as soon as possible.
The IES had sounded warnings that mishandling the highly-publicised Eni/Springfield impasse could impact investment in the petroleum upstream industry.
Consequently, Nana Amoasi VII said: “Certainly, the developments at Pecan Field and the Eni/Springfield impasse could have long-lasting implications for investments in Ghana’s upstream oil sector”.
Christian Atsu has not been located for more than a week, despite ongoing searches for the Ghanaian who is trapped in his demolished residence following the earthquake in Turkey on February 6, 2023.
Despite it being a difficult moment for Atsu’s family, they have been open about dispelling rumours and providing updates on the player’s rescue operation.
Atsu was first said to have been located, but the claim turned out to be untrue, leading his agent Nana Sechere to visit the scene and investigate the situation.
Also, his twin sister Christiana Atsupie Twasam and wife Marie-Claire Rupio have also engaged in interviews respectively pleading with Ghana and the UK governments to step in and help rescue their beloved.
Agent
Nana Sechere, the agent of Atsu provided an update on the search team’s effort so far via a press release on February 14, 2023.
“It has been 9 days since the earthquake and we still have not located Christian. I am at the quake site in Hatay with Christian’s family. The scenes are unimaginable and our hearts are broken for all the people affected.
“During my time here we have been able to locate Christian Atsu’s exact room location, and we have found two pairs of his shoes.
Yesterday we received confirmation that thermal imagery was showing signs of up to 5 lives, however, I am told that the only real confirmation of life is through sight, smell, and sound, and unfortunately, we were not able to locate Christian.
This is a difficult situation and we are extremely grateful to all the Turkish and foreign rescue teams, local civilians, and volunteers for their efforts and response in rescuing survivors. However, we urgently need more resources, including a translator, on the ground.
The agent indicated lack of equipment has slowed the rescue team’s work in locating and possibly saving the lives of people trapped in the rubble.
Things are moving incredibly slow and as a result of that many rescues are being delayed, and lives are being lost due to the lack of resources available to the workers. It is unfortunate that the club is not on the ground with us, side by side, in the search for Christian.
Their position and influence, accompanied with their local knowledge would be extremely helpful. We implore the President of the club and mayor of Hatay, Lütfü Savaş to provide additional resources to speed up the rescue efforts as a priority,” the post read. Christiana Atsupie Twasam
Christiana Atsupie Twasam, the twin sister of the player pleaded with the president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to aid in the search for her brother.
“He (Pres. Akufo-Addo) should come in the search of my twin brother because now where I am I don’t know whether he’s found or not because he can’t be found in any hospital now,” she is quoted to have said by Onuafmonline.
Atsupie Twasam also urged people to be measured in their utterances since the disappearance of Christian Atsu is a very sensitive case to the family.
“I believe you have to have correct information about the person. If you haven’t seen it with your eyes you don’t have to confirm. I believe if they rescue someone, they give him to the next available ambulance to send to any hospital but if you haven’t had official confirmation, you don’t have to confirm. Because this is a delicate issue,” she noted.
Marie-Claire Rupio A worried Marie-Claire Rupio, the wife of Christian Atsu in an interview with the BBC confirmed that her husband has not been found yet, adding that the rescue team lacks the necessary equipment for the operation.
“He is still trapped under the rubble but the problem is they don’t have the necessary equipment needed to get them out. So he is still missing and they don’t know where he is,” she told BBC in an interview.
She, therefore, made an appeal to the governments of Turkey and the United Kingdom to deploy more personnel and equipment to help rescue her husband.
“I will appeal for the Hatayaspor club and the Turkish authorities and the British government to send the equipment to get the people out who are still trapped in the rubble. Especially for my husband and the father of my children as well because they need the equipment to get them out. They can’t get that deep without the equipment and time is running out,” she stated. Uncle and Auntie
In interviews with Dan Kwaku Yeboah TV, the extended family members of Atsu also offered their views on the issue.
At the time they spoke, the narrative was that Atsu had been rescued and on admission at a hospital in Turkey, undergoing treatment.
The world happens to be celebrating Valentine’s Day today February 14, a day specially set aside to celebrate love.
On this day, lovers or couples tend to spend the day with their better halves and also tell them how special they are to each other.
However, that seems not to be the case with two women who were captured on video fighting each other at a mall’s parking spot.
According to a source where the video was fight cited, one of the ladies is the main chick of a man whiles the other is just a side chick.
The main chick is said to have tailed the side chick for some time and finally decided to square off with her in the restaurant where she was enjoying a meal with her man
The two ladies could be seen in the video fighting each other with one managing to strip the other naked and displaying her full unclad body to the people who were around and watching them dirty themselves.
The man who is believed to be at the centre of all these was captured in the video trying to separate his two lovers.
Communications and Digitalisation Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has revealed that, there are a total of 42,451,296 SIMs including newly registered ones in Ghana’s system.
However, as at February 9, 2023, only 33,793,132 have completed stage 1 of the registration while 8,68,164 are yet to link their Ghana Cards to their SIMs.
This was captured in the Order Paper of the house on February 14, 2024 as a response to the question on the progress of SIM card re-registrations in the country currently.
“Mr. Speaker, there are a total of 42,451,296 SIMs including new registrations. As at 9th February 2023, the total number of people who have completed stage 1 of the registration i.e. linking their Chana Card to their SIMs are 33,793, 132 representing 79.60% of the total number of SIMS in Ghana. The number of unregistered SIMs i.e. those who have not attempted to link their Ghana Cards to their SIMs are 8,658, 164 representing 20.40%. The number of people who have completed the process of the SIM registration i.e. stage 2 (Biometric Capture) are 25,150,522 representing 59.25% and unregistered SIMs under stage 2 is 17,300,774 representing 40.75%,” she said.
With regards to the data, Ursula Owusu said 19,514 SIMS have been registered out of 32,287 total number of SIMs.
“Mr Speaker, the total number of Data SIMs is 32,287. 19,514 of these have been successfully registered while 12,773 are unregistered. A Self-Service App has been developed to enable people complete the registration exercise in the comfort of their homes,” she added.
The Minister for communication, therefore, urged MPs to advise their constituents to register their SIMs.
“Mr Speaker, I continue to appeal to appeal to colleague members of Parliament to encourage their constituents to go and register their SIMs to ensure that the governments
Ghanaian music stars Edem, Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, KiDi and King Promise were all officially invited to the 2023 Grammy Awards ceremony, according to Grow, Unite, Build, Africa (GUBA) Enterprise founder Dentaa Amoateng.
The Sarkodie and King Promise failed to show up unlike their mates Edem, Stonebwoy and KiDi, however.
Speaking to Sammy Forson on Showbiz A to Z on Saturday, February 11, 2023, on Accra-based Joy FM, Dentaa explained that the five Ghanaian artistes were guests of the African Nominees Brunch.
The said brunch had been organised by her and with the express nod of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Recording Academy of the Grammy Awards, Harvey Mason Jr.
“I was like: ‘Harvey, can I get invites to some of these African artistes because there are not many Ghanaians that get the opportunity to be at the Grammys so if I am able to go, I wanna extend that to my African brothers and sisters?’,” she disclosed.
According to Dentaa, with Mason Jr’s permission, she secured three invitations for her Ghanaian fellows to attend the prestigious music awards show.
She wondered to herself which artistes had visas to be in America and, “How do you invite the right and key people? I had to think about: ‘Okay, who is in America right now?”
“I knew that Stonebwoy was in the US, KiDi was planning on going to the US, and Edem was also in the US,” the actress and businesswoman added.
“We did extend an invitation to Sarkodie [but he] wasn’t able to make it, and King Promise wasn’t able to make it [also],” Dentaa said without stating why the said acts could not honour the invitation.
“For me, I really wanted to make sure that we had a good representation at this year’s Grammy Awards,” she stressed.
She indicated that the purpose for inviting the Ghanaian acts was for them to network.
The GUBA founder’s African Nominees Brunch was held on the eve of the Grammy Awards, February 4, in California for African nominees for the 2023 Grammys. Aside the African nominees, the event had industry notables including top record label executives present.
Dentaa Amoateng, a Ghanaian-British creative arts personality, noted that the African Nominees Brunch will take place again for the 2024 Grammys. She hoped that more artistes including females would get the chance to be represented.
Fitch Ratings – Hong Kong – 14 Feb 2023: Fitch Ratings has downgraded Ghana’s Long-Term (LT) Local Currency (LC) Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to Restricted Default (RD) from ‘C’. The issue ratings on local-currency bonds issued domestically have also been downgraded to Default (D) from ‘C’. Fitch has affirmed Ghana’s Long-Term Foreign Currency (FC) IDR at ‘C’. Fitch typically does not assign Rating Outlooks to sovereigns with a rating of ‘CCC+’ or below.
A full list of rating actions is at the end of this rating action commentary.
Key Rating Drivers
Local Currency Debt Restructuring Confirmed: The downgrade of Ghana’s local-currency denominated debt follows the completion of a domestic debt exchange offer by the Republic of Ghana. This transaction is an element of the recovery programme for which the government is seeking the support of the IMF. On Dec. 12, 2022, Ghana and the IMF reached a Staff-Level Agreement on a three-year arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) of about USD3 billion.
Material Reduction in Terms: All holders, except pension funds, of 67 eligible bonds governed by Ghanaian law and denominated in Ghanaian Cedis (GHS) were invited to exchange their holdings into new bonds with the same aggregate principal amount, plus applicable capitalized accrued and unpaid interest, which have in the aggregate a lower average coupon and extended average maturity than the old bonds.
Collective investment schemes and individual holders below the age of 59 will receive bonds maturing in 2027 and 2028 with a 10% coupon. Individual holders aged 59 or older will receive bonds maturing in 2027 and 2028 with a 15% coupon.
All other participating holders will receive a set of bonds with maturity dates ranging from 2027 to 2033 in exchange of bonds maturing in 2023, and a set of bonds with maturity dates ranging from 2027 to 2038 in exchange of bonds maturing after 2023.
All these bonds will pay a 5% cash coupon and a paid-in-kind coupon of 3.35% to 5.00% until Feb. 13, 2025, and cash coupons ranging from 8.35% to 10.00%, depending on the specific series, from Feb. 14, 2025.
Distressed LC Debt Exchange: In Fitch’s view, this debt exchange constitutes a distressed debt exchange under the agency’s criteria, given this material reduction in terms vis-à-vis the original contractual terms, and given that the exchange is needed to avoid a traditional payment default.
According to Fitch’s sovereign rating criteria, a ‘RD’ rating is consequently assigned to the Long-Term Local Currency Issuer Default Rating. Among the 67 eligible bonds that could be tendered, six are rated by Fitch. A ‘D’ rating has been assigned to these six bonds.
Missed LC Principal Payment: A GHS4.2 trillion principal payment was due on Feb. 6, 2023. In the second amended and restated exchange memorandum released on Feb. 7, authorities announced that eligible holders holding this bond would not receive a final interest payment and a final principal payment, regardless of whether an eligible holder has tendered or not.
In a press release issued on Feb. 14, 2023, authorities announced that coupon payments and maturing principals would be honoured “in line with Government fiscal commitments.” This announcement does not clarify yet when the payment will be made to holders who opted out of the domestic debt exchange.
In particular, it does not clarify whether a principal payment will be made before the expiration of the grace period for this specific issue. This security is one of the six issues that have been downgraded to ‘D’.
Interest Payments to Be Significantly Reduced in 2023: Outstanding principal of eligible bonds amounts to GHS132.4 billion (22% of 2022 estimated GDP). Assuming an 80% participation rate equally distributed among eligible bonds and eligible bondholders, the domestic debt exchange would allow Ghana to reduce its interest payments by 1.5 to 2.0 percentage points of GDP in 2023, not considering the cost, in 2023, of rolling over bonds that would have matured in 2023.
Foreign-Currency Debt Not Affected: Fitch downgraded the Long-Term Foreign Currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDR) to ‘C’ from ‘CC’ on Dec. 21, 2022 following the government’s announcement of a suspension of payments on selected external debt.
Ghana subsequently asked official creditors for a restructuring of its external debt under the G20 Common Framework. A Eurobond coupon payment, due on Jan. 18, 2023, has not been honoured. Fitch has affirmed the LT FC IDR at ‘C’ but will downgrade it to ‘RD’ after the end of the grace period for this coupon payment that expires on Feb. 17, 2023.
Partially Guaranteed Notes Not Affected: Fitch downgraded the issue rating on Ghana’s U.S. dollar-denominated notes due October 2030 to ‘CC’ from ‘B-‘ on Dec. 21, 2022. The notes benefit from a partial credit guarantee (PCG) backed by the International Development Association for scheduled debt service payments up to 40% of the original principal.
Fitch had assigned a multiple-notch uplift to the notes to reflect its view that the PCG reduces the bonds’ potential for default and increases the possible recovery in the event of issuer default. The ‘CC’ rating for the partially guaranteed U.S. dollar-denominated notes due October 2030 has been affirmed.
ESG – Governance: Ghana has an ESG Relevance Score (RS) of ‘5’ for both Political Stability and Rights and for the Rule of Law, Institutional and Regulatory Quality and Control of Corruption. These scores reflect the high weight that the World Bank Governance Indicators (WBGI) have in our proprietary Sovereign Rating Model.
Ghana has a medium WBGI ranking at 50.8, reflecting a recent track record of peaceful political transitions, a moderate level of rights for participation in the political process, moderate institutional capacity, established rule of law and a moderate level of corruption.
ESG – Creditor Rights: Ghana has an ESG Relevance Score (RS) of ‘5’ for Creditor Rights as willingness to service and repay debt is highly relevant to the rating and is a key rating driver with a high weight. The current rating action reflects Fitch’s view that Ghana is in default.
RATING SENSITIVITIES
Factors that could, individually or collectively, lead to negative rating action/downgrade:
–Failure to make scheduled coupon or maturity payments on Ghana’s foreign-currency bonds within the grace period would lead to a downgrade of Ghana’s LT FC IDR to ‘RD’;
–The partially guaranteed notes could be downgraded depending on the evolution of the debt restructuring;
–Failure to honour interest and principal payment on maturing bonds to holders who opted out of the debt exchange during the grace period could result in a prolonged ‘RD’ LT LC IDR.
Factors that could, individually or collectively, lead to positive rating action/upgrade:
–Following the completion of the domestic debt exchange, Fitch will assign Ghana’s Long-Term Local-Currency Issuer Default Rating based on a forward-looking assessment of its willingness and capacity to honour its local currency debt;
–Once Ghana reaches an agreement with private creditors on the restructuring of its foreign currency-denominated debt and completes that restructuring process following the Common Framework official creditors’ claims treatment, Fitch will assign a Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating based on a forward-looking assessment of its willingness and capacity to honour its foreign-currency debt;
–Evidence that the partially-guaranteed notes will be excluded from the external debt restructuring could lead to an upgrade of the issue rating on the partially guaranteed notes.
Sovereign Rating Model (SRM) and Qualitative Overlay (QO)
Fitch’s proprietary SRM assigns Ghana a score equivalent to a rating of ‘B-‘ on the Long-Term Foreign-Currency IDR scale. However, in accordance with its rating criteria, Fitch’s sovereign rating committee has not utilized the SRM and QO to explain the ratings in this instance. Ratings of ‘CCC+’ and below are instead guided by the rating definitions.
Fitch’s SRM is the agency’s proprietary multiple regression rating model that employs 18 variables based on three-year centred averages, including one year of forecasts, to produce a score equivalent to a LT FC IDR.
Fitch’s QO is a forward-looking qualitative framework designed to allow for adjustment to the SRM output to assign the final rating, reflecting factors within our criteria that are not fully quantifiable and/or not fully reflected in the SRM.
Best/Worst Case Rating Scenario
International scale credit ratings of Sovereigns, Public Finance and Infrastructure issuers have a best-case rating upgrade scenario (defined as the 99th percentile of rating transitions, measured in a positive direction) of three notches over a three-year rating horizon; and a worst-case rating downgrade scenario (defined as the 99th percentile of rating transitions, measured in a negative direction) of three notches over three years. The complete span of best- and worst-case scenario credit ratings for all rating categories ranges from ‘AAA’ to ‘D’.
Best- and worst-case scenario credit ratings are based on historical performance. For more information about the methodology used to determine sector-specific best- and worst-case scenario credit ratings, visit https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/10111579.
REFERENCES FOR SUBSTANTIALLY MATERIAL SOURCE CITED AS KEY DRIVER OF RATING
The principal sources of information used in the analysis are described in the Applicable Criteria.
ESG Considerations
Ghana has an ESG Relevance Score of ‘5’ for Political Stability and Rights as World Bank Governance Indicators have the highest weight in Fitch’s SRM and are therefore highly relevant to the rating and a key rating driver with a high weight. As Ghana has a percentile rank above 50 for the respective Governance Indicator, this has a positive impact on the credit profile.
Ghana has an ESG Relevance Score of ‘5’ for Rule of Law, Institutional & Regulatory Quality and Control of Corruption as World Bank Governance Indicators have the highest weight in Fitch’s SRM and are therefore highly relevant to the rating and are a key rating driver with a high weight. As Ghana has a percentile rank above 50 for the respective Governance Indicators, this has a positive impact on the credit profile.
Ghana has an ESG Relevance Score of ‘5’ for Creditor Rights, as willingness to service and repay debt is highly relevant to the rating and is a key rating driver with a high weight. The distressed debt exchange reflected in the ‘RD’ LT LC IDR has a negative impact on the credit profile.
Ghana has an ESG Relevance Score of ‘4[+]’for Human Rights and Political Freedoms as the Voice and Accountability pillar of the World Bank Governance Indicators is relevant to the rating and a rating driver. As Ghana has a percentile rank above 50 for the respective Governance Indicator, this has a positive impact on the credit profile.
Except for the matters discussed above, the highest level of ESG credit relevance, if present, is a score of 3. This means ESG issues are credit-neutral or have only a minimal credit impact on the entity, either due to their nature or to the way in which they are being managed by the entity.
Ghanaian actor, Majid Michel, has urged pastors to refrain from telling their congregations that all their problems have been resolved on earth.
He maintains that suffering doesn’t end until death. He added that as long as humans are alive untold hardship will continue unabated. Therefore, Pastors should cease making such statements to their congregations.
In a TV XYZ interview, Majid Michel argued that such comments are untrue because people are constantly dealing with depression, which is also a sort of sorrow or hardship.
“Pastors should stop telling their congregations that their troubles are over. That’s a lie, your trouble will only be over when you die.
“…depression is not a bad thing, depression is your inner spirit indicating to yourself, your conscious mind that where we are is not good, let’s move on,” he said.
He continued by saying that, depression is not a bad thing for people to experience, so people should not be concerned when they get such moods.
According to the rapper, many of the songs were recorded at the time when he was working on his third studio album “Sarkology.”
“It was an era where I was recording too much. I knew myself, if I halted that music it will never come out. From that time till now, I still have almost close to 800 songs unreleased,” he said during an interview on Accra-based Y-FM.
He stated that the songs are at various levels of completion with some already completed whiles others are at the stage of a single verse and chorus while others have no chorus.
“At that time, it was just me recording a bunch of songs. And I just had to put them out there, because I record a lot. Now, my pace is a bit slow, but that era was just me trying to put songs out,” he added.
Released in 2014, the 30 track Sarkology album featured guest appearances from Fuse ODG, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Banky W., Timaya, 2 Face Idibia, Efya, Mugeez, Obrafour, Burna Boy, Vivian Chidid, Vector, Silvastone, Sk Blinks, Stonebwoy, Joey B, J Town, Lil Shaker, Raquel, Sian, Kofi B and AKA.
The 2023 Valentine’s Day witnessed repented fetish priestess Nana Agradaa, publishing a video that captured her in a red bra in the comfort of her living room.
Nana Agradaa who now goes by the name Evangelist Mama Pat outlined the plans she had for her husband in honour of the day adding that it is a time to show love and get your groove on.
“It is a lover’s day, today is all about me and my lover…you see, I have my red bra on,” she stated.
The founder of the Heavenway Champion International Ministries after confessing her love to her partner also went ahead to twerk in the viral video.
In a separate post, Eric Oduro Koranteng, the husband of Nana Agradaa was enjoying a live band performance with his wife as part of their special Val’s Day celebration.
International Ratings agency, Fitch, has downgraded Ghana’s local-currency credit score to ‘restrictive default’.
The latest verdict comes on the back of the conclusion of the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme with Fitch Ratings describing the exercise as a distressed one.
Fitch further cited the “material reduction in terms vis-à-vis the original contractual terms and the fact that the exchange is needed to avoid a traditional payment default” as part of its reasons for the recent downgrade.
The agency in its latest statement on Ghana also placed the country’s long-term foreign currency IDR at ‘C’, which is the lowest score before default.
This verdict is due to Ghana defaulting on its local bonds and Eurobond coupon payments in January this year while Fitch has also cut the foreign-currency grade to ‘RD’ on the back of the grace period expiring on February 17, 2023.
Meanwhile, the government of Ghana on February 13, disclosed that over 80 percent of local bondholders signed unto the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP).
The programme forms part of the requirement ahead of Ghana securing a Board-Level Agreement from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for an amount of $3 billion financial bailout.
Fund’s Executive Board is expected to approve the country’s bailout request by end of first-quarter 2023, with government having already obtained a government-secured staff-level agreement (SLA) three months ago.
Although the deal also hinges on a number of prior actions, key among which is the restructuring of public liabilities through the debt exchange programme – expected to be completed before the request can receive approval, successful closure of the DDEP paves way for government to expedite action toward reaching a full agreement with the Fund.
In addition to the DDEP, government is seeking to restructure its foreign debt and has initiated discussions with bilateral lenders to create an official creditor committee… which is the initial step required to begin negotiations on debt-relief.
If this step is not taken, approval of the IMF programme will be delayed; which could mean that the much-needed disbursements will be hindered.
As much as other countries undergoing the common debt restructuring framework treatment have faced slow progress, government is hopeful of a rapid debt overhaul.
“Ghana stands ready to complete all prior actions before end-March 2023; but more importantly, Ghana is committed to the IMF programme as a whole,” Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta said during the announcement of the SLA.
He added that: “We can only get to the IMF Board if we get sufficient commitment from our creditors in support of the debt operation”.
Two weeks ago, German Finance Minister Christian Wolfgang Lindner pledged unwavering support for the creditor committee’s establishment at the Paris Club for Ghana.
“I hope that an international creditors committee under the current framework can be formed soon. I would like to call on all creditors to join the efforts as swiftly as possible, and to be frank I remind China of its responsibilities as a very important bilateral creditor to Ghana – as I did already on the international level on occasion; for example, in the last IMF meeting,” the German Finance Minister said.
According to Reuters, the Paris Club of creditor nations has contacted other bilateral creditors, such as China and India, to engage in forming the committee.
Following Chad, Ethiopia and Zambia, Ghana is the fourth country to request a debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework, which was established in 2020 to simplify the coordination of creditor governments in restructuring debts of low-income countries after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Data from the Institute of International Finance (IIF) suggest that China is Ghana’s single biggest bilateral creditor with US$1.7billion of debt, while the country owes US$1.9billion to Paris Club members. Chinese lending represents around 80 percent of non-Paris Club debt, as the nation’s total external debt is US$28.4billion.
Calling on all creditors, the German Finance Minister added that it is essential to see a fair sharing among all creditors, saying: “This is why we need the creditor committee as soon as possible, in which China has to participate”.
In December 2022, the main holders of Ghana’s foreign debt established a creditor consortium to negotiate debt restructuring with government after a surprise announcement about the suspension of interest payments on its external debt. Already, data from the financial market data aggregator, Refinitiv, show that Ghana’s dollar-denominated debt ranges from 2023 to 2061, totalling more than US$13billion.
The nation’s Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) demonstrates that debt servicing absorbs more than half of total government revenues and almost 70 percent of tax revenues. Additionally, the total public debt stock, including that of state-owned enterprises among others, exceeds 100 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) and had accelerated to GH¢575.7billion at the end of November 2022, according to official data.
Following Michael Essien’s statement that he has obtained a UEFA A coaching License, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has responded.
The legendary member of the Black Stars wrote in a message on social media on February 14 that he is thrilled to have obtained the licence.
He stated that he would keep putting in a lot of effort to develop as a coach.
“As a coach, I am developing and learning on the job. UEFA A and UEFA Elite Youth A licences completed with joy. We appreciate the assistance from the family, @fawales, my tutors, my mentor, and RTD/FCN. And a big thanks to Tom Vernon and Flemming Pedersen,” Michael Essien wrote in a tweet.
Commenting on the post byMichael Essien, the Ghana FA said, “Congratulations Essien.”
Prior to the 2020–21 Ghana Premier League season, Abednego Tetteh joined Hearts of Oak, however he only appeared in a small number of games during his two years with the team.
Abednego Tetteh who was once the GPL’s top scorer left Hearts of Oak for King Faisal where he had a very short stint.
At Bibiani Gold Stars, he has rediscovered his form and believes that his incredible run is due to the fact that he feels at home.
“I am really shining now at Gold Stars, when you play a club (Hearts of Oak) and they don’t trust you that’s how things go. I feel it all balls down to trust, Gold Stars trusted me and I am here delivering,” the former Ebusua Dwarfs striker said
Abednego Tetteh scored a brace in Bibiani Gold Stars’ 2-2 draw with Accra Lions at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Wesley Girls’ High School (Gey Hey) marked its Speech Day in grande style as former students came out in their numbers to celebrate their annual event.
The event which took place on February 11, 2023, on the school’s premises in Cape Coast saw former students clad in the school cloth and colours.
The general theme that run through their outfits was how creative many of them styled their corset gowns and dresses.
Ghanaians admire beautiful pictures of Gey Hey girls
@mylo_melo said: No size
@YawTakoradi stated: Geyhey girls dey bee
@tatascaritas said: Hate Wesley Girls all you can but you see their Old Students Association naaaaaaaaaaa they are the best i have seen. Every damnn year they put in some wild effort Yo!!! Project after project naaaaaa i stan.
@SonOfThePriest remarked: This is beautiful.
@Sweetpepperrrrr said: The old girls are unmatched!
@arthurupthere said: A bevy of ladies
@owusuafriyie_1 said: Gey Hey girls dey be! @poundsborga stated: 3rd frame, 3rd from right tell her to ring my 054
Emmanuel Agyeman-Badu, a former midfielder for Ghana, has begged the government to pay off debts owed to the Black Satellites squad that won the 2009 U-20 World Cup in Egypt.
After overcoming Brazil 4-3 on penalties, Agyeman Badu hit the game-winning penalty as Ghana became the first African nation to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The government has yet to deliver the supplies promised to the Black Satellites, who were then led by Sellas Tetteh.
According to Great Olympics midfielder, the government should deliver on their promise since most of the team members are in dire need of financial help.
“I know the package the government did for us when we won the under 20 World Wup 2009 is 15 years but I’m pleading if they can do something about it to release the money to some of our colleagues and the technical team,” the former Asante Kotoko and Udinese Calcio midfielder posted on Facebook.
“We won’t wait for anything to happen and come and pretend on camera. Please, hear us out. Thank you.”
Sellas Tetteh, who led the team to win the trophy has also disclosed that he has yet to receive payment for leading Ghana to victory at the tournament.
“I have been discussing with Kurt Okraku [Ghana Football Association president] because since we, the technical team when we won the World Cup they didn’t pay us any money,” he told Sports Obama TV.
“They didn’t pay us any money. There was a document for it. I went and discussed that with Kurt Okraku. At least they were supposed to give us $4000.
“As for the players their money and all those things, they were not paid anything. They kept it in an account for them. I have spoken to the people in charge and Kurt Okraku but he has been busy because of the World Cup. I will try and meet him and talk to him” he added.
In a post on social media on Tuesday, February 14, the Black Stars legend said he is excited he has bagged the license.
According to him, he will continue to work hard to learn and grow as a coach.
“Step by step, I am learning and growing as a coach. Happy to have completed my UEFA A and UEFA Elite Youth A license. Thanks to the family, @fawales, my tutors, my mentor and RTD/FCN for the support. And big thank you to Tom Vernon and Flemming Pedersen,” a statement from Michael Essien on Twitter said.
Commenting on the post by Michael Essien, the Ghana FA said, “Congratulations Essien.”
Following his hiring by the Ghana Football Association, new Black Stars Head Coach Chris Hughton has received a warning from seasoned Ghanaian coach Joseph Emmanuel Sarpong to be strong in his judgements (GFA).
The former Brighton & Hove Albion manager has served as the Black Stars’ technical advisor for the previous 12 months prior to his current position.
Hughton, 64, served as technical advisor for Ghana after the Black Stars‘ elimination from the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup after losing both of their group games to Portugal and Uruguay.
Otto Addo, who is now with German side Borussia Dortmund as a Talent Coach stepped down following Ghana’s exit at the Mundial, a decision he initially communicated to the GFA before the start of the tournament in the Middle East.
Hughton will now take the pedals of the four-time AFCON champions for the next couple of months.
According to the GFA, the details of the contract and terms of engagement would be announced in due course.
Reacting to the news, J.E Sarpong lauded the GFA’s appointment and revealed to Class Sports on Monday, February 13,2023, what Chris must do to be successful with the national team.
“I think the appointment of Chris Hughton is a right choice, because he was part of the team that went to Qatar as a technical advisor and he saw it all and now knows the culture of the team,” Mr Sarpong noted.
“Of course, with this, he must know he is in a very hot seat, Ghanaians don’t take defeat easily, if you are a new coach, the expectations are that the team should gel, the team should move from the current step to another step,” he cautioned.
According to Sarpong, to be successful with the national team, the former Brighton Manager must not welcome unmerited talk from the GFA.
His comment comes on the back of several allegations concerning player selections imposed on coaches by the GFA.
“It means you must know who should come and be part of the team, you don’t have to listen to anybody, be your own man and surge ahead,” Sarpong stressed.
“But if you lose your guard and then you want to satisfy people within the FA premises, because they employed you, you will fail as a coach of the Black Stars,” he warned.
Ghana sits at the summit of Group E of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification with four points and face a double header against the Black Antelopes of Angola, here in Accra and Luanda on March 20, 2023, and March 27-28, 2023 respectively.
Apart from a lack of transparency, poor information flow, bad faith and poor treatment of creditor groups, a report put together by Banking Consultant Richmond Atuahene has also revealed that ministry of finance has been reactive instead of proactive with the domestic debt exchange programme.
The report says there are many instances of inconsistency and incoherence with the way the government has handled the whole process and its intended objective.
It said a critical review of the domestic debt exchange programme shows “it is not in line with the best principles for fair debt restructuring for emerging economies”.
“The strategy on the above has not been done properly by the Ghana government”, the report noted, adding: “The government has failed to inform Ghanaians [of] how much fiscal space the domestic debt exchange” — if implemented successfully — “will provide” and whether or not that space is “significant” for the duration of the programme.
“It has always been narratives; no figures have been attached to the domestic debt exchange programme”, the report observed.
An earlier publication by Morgan Stanley Investment Banking Group said it expects a cashflow savings of $7.2 billion between 2023 and 2028.
The debt exchange initiative will release approximately $1.2 billion each year in 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028.
The report said “from our earlier research findings published from the data analysis using NPV [Net Present Value] of the debt exchange of the total PV of bond value of domestic banks, firms and institutions; foreign investors, the Bank of Ghana, retail and individuals, insurance companies, SSNIT and rural and community banks of ¢431.962 billion showed the estimated losses of ¢117.346 billion in NPV to local bondholders with maturity extension from five years to 15 years with an average coupon rate declining from current weighted average of 20.0% to weighted average rate of 9.0% for the 12 eligible new domestic bonds maturing with predetermined ratios of 9% from 2027 to 2031 and 8% from 2032 to 2038”.
“With an overall NPV estimated losses of 58%, banking sector losses including Bank of Ghana and rural and community banks amounted to ¢67.880 billion, a major factor for determining the capital needs of the banks”.
“Furthermore, it is estimated that losses of 35% using NPV of the 23 local banks could amount to ¢41.315 billion and it could impact negatively on both banks’ solvency and liquidity”, it added.
The report said the reform of the fiscal space in the DDEP never included the stricter compliance and enforcement of a Fiscal Responsibility Act 2018, Act 982, which strictly requires that the annual fiscal deficit does not exceed 5% of the GDP, as well as the implementation of a revamped tax administration programme and public sector transformation.
“The way the government has been handling the operationalisation has not been in line with the best practices of the fair debt restructuring for the emerging markets”, the report said.
“The strategy should have involved first making a convincing case to the market on the prospect of significant cost savings that would contribute to sustainable debt dynamics from voluntary par‐for‐par exchange of expensive bonds with low-coupon, longer-maturity instruments but this has not happened”, the report said.
It also noted that “good faith actions should be displayed by the debtor – Government of Ghana”, pointing out: “The Ministry of Finance has shown bad faith in dealing all creditors.”
Kojo Forex, a Ghanaian forex trader and private fund manager, displayed a spectacular photo collage on his verified Twitter account showcasing his collection of high-end vehicles. As the young man posed on one of the customized cars, the picture highlighted the Evolution of his opulent whips.
The millionaire, who posted the picture on social media and seemed very upbeat, urged his followers not to look down on their modest beginnings.
”Evolution of my cars. I own as a Trader. Always trust the process. Guess the specific one I’m buying next! The correct guess wins $100,” he shared.
Kojo Forex sparks reactions More than 50,000 had seen the post, garnering 251 retweets, 23 quote tweets, and more than 1,000 likes. YEN.com.gh compiled some of the comments underneath his post
Ghanaian actress cum movie producer, Yvonne Nelson, has described people who solely rely on their spiritual fathers for intercession as lazy, instead of seeking God directly.
According to the actress on Kingdom FM, Christians have taken the easy route of Christendom and are subjecting themselves to anyone who wears the title of pastor, regardless of whether they are spiritually gifted.
“You can pray and read the word; no need to rely solely on spiritual fathers to pray on your behalf. People pay pastors to pray for them and I feel it’s laziness because you can do all those for yourself as a child of God.”
In addition, Yvonne said churches are increasingly becoming business avenues than houses of worship.
Despite this, she did not dispute the essence of religion, in which God still speaks and reveals hidden things about his people through prophets.
“I believe in dreams, not necessarily prophesies. If God wants to reveal something about me, he can show it in my dream or someone close to me can also dream about it. I don’t need a pastor to tell me God is real, Jesus and the Holy Spirit is real.”
Furthermore, she urged Christians to pray for a discernment spirit that would enable them to distinguish authentic from fraudulent practices.
Ghanaian actress and singer, Yaa Jackson Konadu has disclosed that she was five months into her pregnancy before she knew she was carrying a child.
On the account of Yaa, “it was too late” when news of her pregnancy was announced to her.
Speaking in an interview with Zionfelix, she noted that she could have taken good care of herself if only she discovered her pregnancy in the first trimester.
“It got to a time where I lost my appetite and became weak. I went to check at the hospital but then, it was too late. It was after five months that I found out I was pregnant…had I known earlier, I could have taken much care of myself.
“I never abort my pregnancy. I won’t harm that innocent baby…I was ready for anything. I have been with my man for almost two years but we’ve been friends since 2016,” she said.
The new mother who welcomed a son some few months ago added that she performed shows without raising eyebrows adding that she kept posting on social media until 7 months into her pregnancy.
“I was playing shows until my 7th month. My belly wasn’t protruding, I kept on posting on social media.”
Okyeame Kwame has commented on the just-ended 65th Grammy Awards and how artistes from Africa represented the continent.
According to myjoyonline.com, the rapper noted that if he were to attend the event, he would have dressed in a kente cloth accessorized with beads and a boom box that would be playing Adowa tunes.
With the traditional African look at the Awards, the artiste claims he would have made it impossible for other artistes to be looked at twice.
“I would have gone in my kente, in my ‘ahenema’, with my beads all around, and get like a boom box, a boom player and be playing ‘adowa’.
“Since I cannot go with a whole ensemble, I would have a whole boom box following me, and then I would go in my regal kente and gold everywhere, and it would have been very difficult for anyone to steal the shine,” he said.
He also expressed his admiration for the musicians who were invited to the Grammy event and stated that if the same offer to build connections had been made to him, he would have gladly accepted it.
“I thought it was an amazing opportunity because if I had the opportunity to go to the Grammys, I would jump on the next flight to go and see all those amazing artistes that I look up to and seize the opportunity to try and see if I can get a telephone number or two, so I can get some features and take pictures for my social media and connect; find management and find plugs, and try and see if I can get a real connection with someone that can take my music to the next level,” he added.
Ghanaian musicians Nautyca and Kelvyn Boy have collaborated on the latest Afro-Highlife jam dubbed Cough.
With production credits going to Cycox, Nautyca unleashed his first single for the year featuring the ‘Afrobeats Badman’, Kelvyn Boy.
Before the release, the Tema-based rapper shared the artwork keeping fans anticipating saying.
“Do you realize there is something great in you that needs to be acknowledged and worked towards? Never underestimate the power of what you can do. Keep pushing and soon you go tear free” He posted on Instagram.
It’s apt the Cough single will top and travel on the various streaming numbers looking at the spike it garnered since it dropped.
Fans, meanwhile, can easily sing along to the Afro-Highlife jam composed to entice every music lover.
Qatar Airways and Airbus have reached an amicable and mutually agreeable settlement in relation to their legal dispute over A350 surface degradation and the grounding of A350 aircraft.
According to a release by Qatar Airways, a repair project was now underway and both parties look forward to getting these aircraft safely back in the air.
The details of the settlement, the release said, were confidential and the parties would now proceed to discontinue their legal claims.
Meanwhile, the release noted that the settlement agreement was not an admission of liability for either party.
“This agreement will enable Qatar Airways and Airbus to move forward and work together as partners,” the release said.
Premium Lounge opening
In a related development, Qatar Airways has re-opened its luxurious Premium Lounge at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), complementing the airline’s triple daily flights, available for premium passengers and eligible one-world alliance partners.
The Premium Lounge features all of the facilities and qualities of the airline’s premium product, including both The Brasserie and The Global Deli, prayer rooms, business centre, shower facilities, Wi-Fi and zoned seating for more than 200 guests. Far-reaching views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower contribute to a warm and relaxing atmosphere.
Commenting on the airline’s latest Premium Lounge re-opening, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, stated: “This milestone illustrates our focus on continuous product enhancements. The re-opening of the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport marks our fifth global lounge within our growing network. This further demonstrates our commitment to provide unparalleled services to our customers, especially in France.”
At more than 1,000 square metres, the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge at Paris-Charles de Gaulle offers Qatar Airways First and Business Class passengers a sophisticated, modern and spacious environment in which to relax and commence their five-star journey experience.
Catering to exceptional premium culinary standards, the lounge is equipped with a full kitchen for freshly-prepared à la carte orders, in addition to an existing buffet spread, offering an international menu from across the globe.
Qatar Airways Paris Premium Lounge launched its operations in 2017 to serve the growing capacity of passengers travelling with the airline from Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Presently, Qatar Airways operates 18 weekly flights to Paris, offering passengers with the ultimate connectivity to Skytrax’s World’s Best Airport, Hamad International Airport.
Awards
A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways, was recently announced as the ‘Airline of the Year’ at the 2022 World Airline Awards, which is managed by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax.
The airline continues to be synonymous with excellence having won the main prize for an unprecedented seventh time (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022), while also being named ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’.
Keynote
Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 150 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, currently named the ‘Best Airport in the World” by Skytrax World Airport Awards 2022.
