Transfer season is over, and all eyes will be eager to see if new players make their team debuts this coming weekend. With Chelsea ending the transfer season as one of the biggest spenders, fans will be eager to see the impact new signings make on the pitch.
With transfer amounts of £106.8 million for Enzo Fernández and £62 million for Mykhailo Mudryk, Chelsea can only hope the team will turn around. Arsenal, who are currently top of the table, signed Jorginho for £12 million; will this tempo-setting player help the team maintain their title hopes?
Looking at the English Premier Leaguelineup this weekend, all eyes will be on Spurs as they take on second-place Man City.
Spurs VS Man City
English Premier League: Match Day 22 preview
Man City have struggled in their last three away games against Tottenham.This means things are looking up for the Spurs, who are now at full squad strength. Spurs’ new signings Arnaut Danjuma and Pedro Porro will be keen to make their first appearances this weekend. While earlier in the week Spurs captain Harry Kane was on the bench for an FA Cup clash due to illness, the team still managed a win.
Recently, City has struggled to find the net in their last eight away games, only scoring two or more in one of their matches. Super Star Erling Haaland has been less than stellar in his last six away games, only scoring in one match.
Everton VS Arsenal
English Premier League: Match Day 22 preview
If the Gunners want to start cementing their position at the top of the table, now is their chance. Playing against Everton, who is fighting for survival, provides an opportunity to score important goals.With key players still out due to injury and a mid-week FA Cup loss against Manchester City, the Gunners are going to need to stay focused.
In the past, it has been games outside of the top six where Arsenal tends to fall; these ‘smaller’ games are where the points are easily won, so it’s Arsenal’s game to lose.
With Everton having won three of the last four Premier League matches against Arsenal, the statistics speak for themselves. But Arsenal has won 99 of their 202 league matches against the Toffees; a win this weekend would make them the first English League team to record 100 wins against the same opponent. Hopefully, new teammate Jorginho will make his debut this weekend and make an impact where it matters most.
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FC Midtjylland statement reads: “The fast and goal-threatening offensive player Akwasi Dwomfour Owusu is moving from FC Nordsjælland to FC Midtjylland, where he will be part of the club’s U17 team” in order to continue with his development as an upcoming youngster,”
An excited Owusu also had this to say after signing his contract.
“FC Midtjylland is a big club that I think can help me develop. My ambition is to score even more goals and build on both offensively and defensively over the coming years,”
“My strengths lie in the one-on-one game. I am fast, goal seeking and love to score goals and assists. Now my goal is to get plenty of playing time, and then I hope one day to make it to the first team.”
Flemming Broe, FC Midtjylland’s coach stated that Owusu is technically skilled and can fit into the team.
“Akwasi is a fast player with good physical conditions. He has both scored many goals and made many assists in his youth, just as he is technically skilled and has a good mindset in relation to his own development,”
“He has already started on our U17 team, and here we have experienced a well-liked player who has fit in well with the team. We are very happy that Akwasi has chosen to sign
He noted that the introduction of the National Rental Assistance Scheme was an indication that the government has heeded the plights of members whose residual income cannot afford the payment of rent advance.
He reaffirmed the Union’s willingness to assist the government to develop policies that would make housing humanly friendly and ensure that tenants are given the necessary protection.
The National Rental Scheme is a key intervention by the government to provide low-to-middle-income earners with a mechanism to pay low monthly rent.
This effectively removes the need for rent advance payment and ultimately improves the quality of rental accommodation, especially in urban cities.
Government urged to create stronger consumer regulation regime – Tenants Union
The economist contends that the government’s stance prevents investors from making wise choices.
His remarks follow the government’s declaration that the program’s deadline would be extended until February 7, 2023. Lord Mensah thinks that time is running out.
“We seem to be rushing because if you look at the numbers that were churned out, and the time that we’re using to negotiate, we did not give the investor community [enough time] to absorb the kind of information that is before them for them to think through as to whether they can adapt or adjust to a level where they can come to a compromise.
His comment follows strong pushback from bondholders who have argued that the Ministry of Finance had failed to engage them appropriately on the domestic debt exchange programme and in some cases, have applied coercive tactics to get some stakeholders in the financial sector to sign onto the programme.
The Finance Ministry in an earlier statement established that it “has made significant progress with all stakeholders, including financial sector industry associations and representative groups of individual bondholders, with respect to their participation in the Programme.”
It also added that, “based on the agreement reached with the Ghana Association of Banks (GAB), Ghana Insurers Association (GIA), and the Ghana Securities Industry Association (GSIA), the new terms of the exchange have been accepted. A revised and final Exchange Memorandum will be released by Thursday, February 2, 2023.”
This comes after Mr. Santana became a trending topic on social media after he was ‘ignored’ by Dr. Osei Kwame Despite at his 61st birthday party.
In a post Delay shared on her Twitter handle, she asserted that she didn’t commit any crime to be blocked by the Despite Media Group employee, with a screenshot to back her claim.
“But I haven’t done anything, oo,” Delay tweeted on February 3, 2023.
Following the TV show host’s post, a presidential staffer named Samuel Bryan Buabeng tweeted that he too had been blocked by Abeiku.
This gave some netizens the room to air their views on why Abeiku was blocking some people after he went viral for allegedly trying to impress Dr Osei Kwame Despite.
In some social media reactions, a user said, “I’m not sure Santana himself would do this.. maybe the one managing his account.”
Another user added, “Delay, don’t mind Abeiku Santana, okay; he’s being emotional. Who likes trolling more than him?”
“Did you laugh at the child, or you didn’t???” a third asked.
Accra Hearts of Oak dropped points at home as they were held 0-0 by Legon Cities at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Eric Osei Bonsu hot the woodwork in the 29th minute – as Hearts of Oak were let of the hook from a free kick just on the edge of the box.
Hearts of Oak later had a decent chance to take the lead but Linda Ntange shot wide.
Nii Bortey Acquaye of Legon Cities was sent off in the 48th minute after a foul on Hearts of Oak player Clinton Appiah. Enock Asubonteng nearly snatched the win for the Phobians in the closing stages but his effort hit the woodwork in the 90th minute.
Hearts of Oak are in third place with 25 points three points behind 1st placed Aduana FC and one point ahead of arch rivals Asante Kotoko who have a game in hand against Karela United on Thursday.
This information was revealed by Mr. Benjamin Nisah, the head of research at the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), in response to Mr. Andrew Egyapa Mercer, the deputy minister for energy, who claimed that the government utilized cash rather than gold for the initial Gold for Oil contract.
Mr. Nsiah spoke on the 6 p.m. evening news on Accra 100.5 FM on Thursday, February 2, 2023.
By Thursday, February 02, 2023, it was planned to publish a revised and final exchange memorandum.
The new prospectus is still not available as investors wait for the updated document to be reviewed; nevertheless, the weekend will only be here in a few hours.
The final postponement of the entry deadline expires on February 7th, 2023.
A 30-year-old dog who lives in Portugal has been named as the world’s oldest by Guinness World Records.
Bobi, born on 11 May, 1992 is not just the oldest dog living – he’s the oldest dog ever.
He is 30 years and 268 days old as of today – and was certified the new record holder just two weeks after Spike, a chihuahua from Ohio in the US, was awarded the title.
Bobi is a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, which is a breed of livestock guardian dog with an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
His birth date was confirmed by the Portuguese government’s pet database and by the National Union of Veterinarians, Guinness World Records said.
The previous oldest dog ever was an Australian cattle dog named Bluey – at 29 years and five months.
Bobi has lived his entire life with the Costa family in the rural village of Conqueiros, in Leiria, Portugal.
He was born with three siblings in an outbuilding where the family stored wood, but they already had a lot of animals and had to put the puppies down, and Bobi escaped, said Leonel Costa, now 38.
Mr Costa said some of the biggest contributing factors for Bobi’s longevity is the “calm, peaceful environment” he lives in, “far from the cities”, and his diet. Bobi has always eaten “what we ate,” he said, adding he has never been chained up or on a leash.
He said Bobi’s mother, Gira, lived to the age of 18, and another one of their dogs, Chicote, lived to be 22.
“Bobi is special because looking at him is like remembering the people who were part of our family and unfortunately are no longer here, like my father, my brother, or my grandparents who have already left this world. Bobi represents those generations,” he added.
Due to his age, Bobi’s eyesight has worsened and he is less adventurous these days, preferring to relax by the fire.
“From being condemned at birth to now being the oldest
The year 2022 has undoubtedly been one of the toughest years economically for Ghana, with many of the country’s economic indicators hitting unprecedented lows.
So basically, the solution to Ghana’s problems was reducing the country’s demand for foreign exchange. But the use of monetary policies by the Bank of Ghana to attain this objective did not work as the cedi continued to depreciate throughout the year.
But not every Ghanaian accepted the Gold-for-Oil policy, with some saying that it is a way the government wants to reintroduce its rejected Agyapa Royalties deal, which sought to collateralise Ghana’s mineral resources.
The article takes a look at what this “Gold for Oil” policy is and why some experts are against it.
The Gold-for-Oil policy
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia in November 2022 first announced the government’s plan to undertake the Gold-for-Oil initiative. The deal hinged on buying oil products with Ghana’s gold instead of the US dollar.
Dr. Bawumia explained on Facebook that using gold to buy oil would help Ghana’s dwindling foreign reserves while also reducing demand for US dollars from oil importers.
“It will fundamentally change our balance of payments and significantly reduce the persistent depreciation of our currency,” the vice president wrote.
Under the policy, the government believes that using gold to purchase oil products would also bring stability to the exchange rate market and ensure domestic oil operators do not solely depend on foreign exchange to import products.
The government, through the Bank of Ghana (BoG), is expected to purchase gold from mining firms in Ghana. The BoG will then use the gold through 3rd parties to purchase the oil on behalf of bulk oil distributors in the country and thus eliminating the use of foreign currencies by these oil distributors to import their products.
The move is expected to save the nation $400 million which is required by bulk oil distributors to import oil products into the country every month.
Concerns raised on the feasibility of the policy:
Some experts in the oil and gas sector, including the former Deputy Minister for Energy, John Abdulai Jinapor, have raised issues about the feasibility of the policy.
In a Facebook post sighted by GhanaWeb, Jinapor described the government’s Gold-for-Oil policy as nothing less than a farce.
The former deputy energy minister, who is the current Member of Parliament for Yapei Kusawgu, said that the policy, just like the government’s Sinohydro deal, will eventually end up on the nation’s accounting debt.
The current deputy energy minister, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, who is reported to have said that the first consignment of oil the government brought into Ghana under the Gold-for-Oil policy was not paid for with gold as expected, has also raised concerns about the feasibility of the policy.
Egyapa Mercer is reported to have said that the government could not exchange gold for oil because the company it dealt with initially could not exchange gold for oil.
“The policy actually started with an intent to do strict barter for gold and petroleum products, but it became apparent that any of the international oil trading companies that do not have a commodity wing to deal with gold on their behalf will be excluded from the policy.
“We developed the policy such that we were operating two streams; one was direct barter and the second was monetising the gold so we can pay for IOTs that were not other commodity focused but solely petroleum products,” he is quoted as having said on Citi News.
Issues of transparency:
Another concern some experts in the oil and gas sector have raised is the issue of transparency.
Even though Vice President Mahama Mahamudu Bawumia has said that delivery of the first 40,000 batch of oil under the Gold-for-Oil policy shows that it will work, the exact quantum of gold used in the transaction has not been disclosed by the Bank of Ghana.
The Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers Ghana (COPEC), Duncan Amoah, has asked the government to be open about the real details of the Gold-for-Oil policy.
According to him, the government must be clear on whether it is using public funds to purchase the fuel or not.
“I think after this revelation, the ministry of energy, ministry of finance, Bank of Ghana, the government itself should come clean and tell Ghanaians that, look we are going to use your public funds to now go into the realm or arena of forex trading… We do think that whatever details or the nitty-gritty of the gold-for-oil policy should be communicated so that we all depart from this gold-for-oil mantra and deal with the reality of the issue,” he was quoted by citinewsroom.com.
Legitimacy of the policy:
The co-chair of the Ghana Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (GhEITI), Dr Steve Manteaw, has raised issues about the legitimacy of the Gold-for-Oil policy.
According to him, since the government is directly involved in the policy, it should have gotten parliamentary approval before implementing it.
“… we will be trading with a third party, rumours also say that the first tranche of the 40,000 (tonnes) is a Russian company that brought the money, which means that, there’s going to be an agreement between the company and the nation.
“And such an agreement is an international transaction and per the Constitution’s Article 181, such deals need parliamentary approval.
“Also, the person who will be supplying the petroleum product to Ghana will go through some level of agreement and such trading agreement needs parliamentary approval,” he said in an interview on Neat FM monitored by GhanaWeb.
Alex Mould, a former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), has also raised similar concerns.
Issues of criminality:
Issues of criminality have also been raised regarding the implementation of the policy.
Dr Steve Manteaw questioned the source of the money the government will be using to implement the policy.
According to him, the God-for-Oil policy was not stated in the 2023 budget, therefore, questions must be raised as to how the Bank of Ghana intends to come up with the money to purchase the gold it will be used for the policy.
“I don’t know if parliament is sleeping or what, because parliament needs to invite those leading the process to interrogate them in parliament so that if there are any policy documents, they can take and investigate properly into the deal because we’re tired of corruption activities in this country,” he said.
The Board, established in accordance with the Revenue Administration (Amendment) Act, 2020 (Act 1029), shall handle tax disputes and appeals against objection judgments made by the Ghana Revenue Authority.
According to Anthony Pile MBE, Chairman of the UKGCC Executive Council, “we expect that this will boost revenue mobilization, through swift adjudication, precision, and fairness in tax dispute settlement.”
“This is welcoming news for businesses and investors in Ghana, as taxpayers will be given a chance to have a fair hearing of their cases and a determination of the proper amount of their liabilities by an independent body, before being required to pay them. In the previous system of tax appeals, taxpayers had to resort to costly and protracted litigation at the courts to have their disputes with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) resolved.”
Mr. Pile further added that “we are looking forward to the notice of appointment of the Executive Secretary of the ITAB who will be responsible for receiving appeals”.
For years now, the UK – Ghana Chamber of Commerce has been one of the business community’s foremost advocates for tax policy and administration reforms, that best provides an enabling business and investment environment, while raising revenues to support the economic development of Ghana.
Medeama SC will host FC Samartex in a match week 16 encounter on Sunday afternoon at the Akoon Park.
Medeama SC beat King Faisal 3-2 in a cagey encounter in their last game in the Ghana Premier League which was played at the Baba Yara Stadium.
The Yellow and Mauve is 10th on the Ghana Premier League table with 20 points after 15 games.
On the other hand, FC Samartex drew goalless with Tamale in their last game in the league at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena in Samreboi. The Timber Giants are 9th on the league table with 20 points.
Medeama SC possible starting lineup: Felix Kyei, Appiah Kubi, Nurudeen Abdulai, Ibrahim Yaro, Kofi Asmah, Daniel Opoku, Prosper Owusu Boakye, Ernest Mwankurinah, Kofi Ansu, Kwasi Donsu, Vincent Atingah
Samartex possible starting lineup: Lawrence Ansah, Richard Baidoo, Godwin Abusah, Enoch Afful, James Serwornu, Emmanuel Adu Siaw, Ebenezer Acquah, Emmanuel Keyekeh, Prince Antwi, Mammud Issah, Ibrahim Giyasu
Kwasi Donsu of Medeama is the player to watch in this encounter.
Predicted scoreline: 2-0 We expect the home side to use their win against King Faisal as motivation to pick three points.
Alex, who was her friend, approached her with claims that he was into the purchase and supply of ‘kako’.
“The accused person convinced the complainant to invest her money into the business, and get good returns. The accused person thereafter demanded and collected cash, in the sum of GH¢30,000.00 from the complainant under the pretext of investing same into the said business,” he said.
He added that some days later, Alex brought some returns to the complainant as profit he generated from the money he received from her.
Trust
ASP Oppong said, Alex after winning the trust of the complainant, asked the complainant to contact her friends who might also be interested in the deal.
“The complainant fell for the prank and raised funds from her family and friends to the tune of GH¢475,500.00. She handed over the funds to the accused person who promised to use the money to order the said salted fish for the complainant which will enable her do the business herself,” he said.
The accused person after collecting the money ASP Oppong said, went into hiding and suddenly stopped communications with the complainant.
On July 7 2022, the prosecutor said, the complainant reported the issue to the police and Alex was traced and arrested at his hideout.
“He admitted the offence and pleaded with the police to give him up to ending of August 2022 to return the money but that failed. Investigation however revealed that, the accused person had never been involved in the purchase or supply of any salted fish as he had portrayed,” the prosecutor revealed
Injuries have once again threatened to derail Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League campaign, with Kylian Mbappe ruled out of the first leg against Bayern Munich because of an ankle injury.
Mbappe suffered the injury to his left thigh in the first half of ( Paris Saint-Germain Football Club) PSG’s 3-1 win at Montpellier in midweek and had to come off, having already twice missed a penalty in the early stages of the match. It raises questions about PSG’s handling of a player who starred for France at the World Cup right to the end, scoring a hat-trick in the final against Argentina, but then opted to make an immediate return to training with his club.
He was eventually afforded a week’s holiday at the start of January but he has not looked as sharp as usual – his only Ligue 1 goal since the World Cup was a penalty against Strasbourg on December 28. PSG have said Mbappe will be sidelined for around three weeks, meaning he could miss three key Ligue 1 games as well as a French Cup last-16 tie in Marseille.
While he will hope to be back in time for the second leg of that Champions League tie against Bayern on March 8, PSG must now hope that the presence of Lionel Messi and Neymar can be enough for them in the first game against the Germans on February 14. In recent seasons the injury headaches have usually been caused by Neymar, who has had a tendency to suffer from fitness issues just before big European ties.
But there must also be doubts about who can take Mbappe’s place in the team, given that a January transfer deadline-day move for Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech fell through, Pablo Sarabia has left the club and centre-forward Hugo Ekitike may still be too raw for a huge Champions League tie. Whatever happens, it is a stinging blow to lose Mbappe now after PSG pushed the boat out to offer him a new contract last year in order to lead the club’s latest charge for European glory.
In the meantime PSG have at least extended their cushion at the top of Ligue 1 to five points and Saturday’s visit of mid-table Toulouse will give coach Christophe Galtier the chance to look at other options. Galtier has already been struggling to find a suitable system for his team in recent games, switching from a three-man central defence to a 4-3-3 and a 4-4-2. One player who will hope to make more of an impact is Warren Zaire-Emery, the gifted midfielder who is not 17 until next month but scored his first Ligue 1 goal against Montpellier.
Numerous individuals who served in a variety of roles under numerous regimes have been completely forgotten as a result of the subpar work they did while in office.
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the Energy Minister of Ghana, cannot be unfairly judged by history because of the impact he has had as the person in charge of the vital energy sector of the nation and because he has been able to address the majority of the industry’s early challenges.
The fearsome face of the energy sector made him to devise various strategies with team members of the various agencies under the ministry and set out to work and the results are what Ghanaians are enjoying today.
Dr. Prempeh, who is the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, in the Ashanti Region, chalked incredible feat in his first year (2021) as the commander-in-charge of the sector and added more feathers in his cup by working extremely hard to achieve the best of results in 2022.
In 2022, the power sector witnessed massive projects that fed into the minister’s agenda of keeping the lights on in every corner of the country.
The power situation from Kumasi in the Ashanti Region to Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region has become best with the commissioning of 330 Kilovolt (KV) transmission line project at Anwomaso. Kumasi and the northern parts of the country now have stable power.
In June 2022, the Volta-Achimota-Mallam lines were improved and upgraded with the commissioning of 161Kv line that has helped to stabilize the power situation in the southern sector of the country.
In that same month in 2022, the Kasoa substation, which is the second largest Bulk Supply Point (BSP) with a productive capacity of 435 Measuring Apparent Power (MVA) was commissioned, resulting in significant power improvement in the reliability of power supply to Kasoa and its environs in the Central Region.
The Ellen Moran Primary Substation located at Kanda in Accra with productive capacity of 78MVA and the Legon Primary Substation with productive capacity of 52MVA, located at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), were completed and commissioned in 2022.
With the development and promotion of solar power very dear to the heart of the minister, the Kaleo/Lawra Solar Project, with productive capacity of 19 Mega Watts (MW), was completed and commissioned in August 2022 to add to government’s policy to increase the share of renewables in the national generation mix.
The power sector also witnessed the execution of Power Purchasing Agreements (PPAs) with some existing Volta River Authority (VRA) customers, including Newmont Ghana Limited.
The Energy Transition Framework was given an impetus in 2022, as it was being developed to provide the path to achieving net zero emission by 2070, while ensuring economic growth and utilization of Ghana’s natural resources. The Framework was launched by President Akufo-Addo at the Climate Change Conference-COP27 in Egypt.
With Dr. Prempeh’s aggressive and well-tailored programmes, Ghana’s electricity access has increased from 87.03% in 2021 to 88.54% as at the end of 2022.
Improved Cook Stoves Program saw the distribution of some 92, 552 units of Improved Charcoal Cook Stoves in 2022. The program has led to efficient energy utilization and reduced dependence on wood fuels.
Downstream petroleum activities were seriously attended to by Dr. Prempeh and his team in 2022 with the minister leading the charge for Cabinet to lift the ban on the construction of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) refilling plants.
The National LPG Promotion Programme (NLPGPP) was properly handled leading to US$17 million in funding support from the World Bank for the implementation of Phase 1 of the NLPGPP.
In addition to that initial 40,000 pieces of cook stoves and related accessories for distribution under the National LPG Promotion Programme (NLPGPP) were procured.
Stakeholder engagements with the Association of LPG Marketing Companies (LPGMCs), Ghana Alliance for Clean Cooking (GHACCO), Ministries of Health, Education, Transport, among others were part of the energy ministry’s preoccupation in 2022.
Dr. Prempeh was focused on the NLPGPP and ensured that an Operation Manual developed for the full implementation of the NLPGPP was developed as well as having the national launch of the programme.
To make the NLPGPP successful, there were reconnaissance activities in 19 Metropolitans, Municipals, and Districts (MMDAs) across Ashanti, Eastern, Western and Northern regions conducted, while 6,000 single burner LPG Cook Stoves and related accessories distributed at Obuasi, Kodie and Fomena.
LPG Behavioural Change and Public Awareness Strategy developed and Nationwide LPG Sensitization Campaign was launched in 2022 by the energy ministry with Steering Committee to provide direction and supervision for the implementation of programmes under the LPG4D instituted with Kintampo Health Research Centre as an Independent Verification Agency for the NLPGPP.
Dr. Prempeh saw the exclusivity agreement between Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) and Touchstone Capital Partners (TCP)/UIC Energy Ghana Limited (UIC) for the implementation of Phase 1 of the Petroleum Hub project facilitation in 2022 with the overall importance of the hub as his interest.
There was improved sustainability of the Price Stabilization and Recovery Account with total annual under-recovery payments of GHS153,753,694.94 and GHS240,655,682.57 from the Ministry of Finance for supplied RFO and premix fuel respectively facilitated.
A subsidy capping level for Residual Fuel Oil was introduced and the subsidy was gradually reduced to zero whiles financing the automation of premix fuel distribution to mitigate malfeasances facilitated.
The level of subsidy on premix fuel was also capped at 50% to ensure accumulated under-recoveries due to suppliers of products can be paid to avert the current supply disruption was also on the agenda of Dr. Prempeh in 2022.
Upstream Petroleum activities were well coordinated under the supervision of Dr. Prempeh, as Eni was granted conditional approval to jointly appraise the Akoma-1X and the Eban-1X discoveries in the Cape Three Points Block 4 contract area.
An additional discovery (Aprokuma-1X) has been made in the same contract area and merits appraisal and if these discoveries are proven to be commercial, the country’s reserves will be increased leading to increased oil and gas production and thus revenues. Also, jointly appraising and eventually developing the Akoma and Eban discoveries will reduce petroleum costs as the same infrastructure will be used to produce the two discoveries.
In 2022, there was the establishment of the Institution of Welding was established in the country to train indigenes in welding and fabrication and equip them with international certification for the global oil and gas industry. This enhances indigenes’ chances of employment in the global oil and gas industry.
There is no doubt that the Ministry of Energy in 2022 made giant strides under the competent leadership of Dr, Prempeh, as all sectors were fully attended to.
With assistance from the EU, the European Chamber of Commerce in Ghana (EuroCham Ghana) and the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana (CAG) have partnered to create the Ghana-EU Agribusiness Platform.
The EU’s larger goal is to create the AU-EU Agri-Food Platform, which will encourage inclusive and sustainable investments in African agriculture. This project is a part of that goal.
Speaking in an interview at the launch, Mr Andrea Ghai, Treasurer, EuroCham Ghana, said businesses that would subscribe to the platform would benefit from different information about market opportunities.
The platform incorporates several features, such as calendar of agribusiness related events, digital library of relevant publications, and an agribusiness directory, which benefits registered members by creating visibility and market linkages for their agribusinesses.
Mr Anthony Morrison, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CAG, said the platform would assure that the data of members were protected.
That, he said, would be done through the application of the EU data protection law and that of Ghana to ensure that they did not infringe on the privacy of members or provide undue advantage to competitors in the market.
Mr Raffaelle Quarto, First Trade Counsellor of the Delegation of the EU to Ghana, said the Union was seeking to create a strategic linkage with Africa.
One of Ghana’s talented and highly respected male celebrities, John Dumelo has left us awestruck with his birthday photo.
The style influencer promoted various Ghanaian menswear brands on his active social media pages by modeling and rocking their designs to local and International pageants.
Ghanaian actor John Dumelo looks stylish in a two-piece outfit
The award-winning actor wore a short-sleeve shirt with four pockets and matching trousers. The designer used a black and white flannel fabric which made him stand out at the public gathering.
Ghanaian actor, John Dumelo looks ethereal in a blue outfit
Ghanaian actor, John Dumelo wore a simple two-piece outfit with unique designs. The left pocket was designed with a white stylish fabric. He wore a brown leather watch and gold jewelry to complete his look.
Ghanaian actor John Dumelo looks dashing in a colorful kaftan
The brand ambassador and style influencer John Dumelo wore a tailored-made shirt and trousers as he smiled beautifully for the camera. The shirt has four pockets each with a button to add style and elegance to his look.
Ghanaian actor John Dumelo rocks a deep blue ensemble
Ghanaian actor John Dumelo wore this custom-made suit to an event in Johannesburg, South Africa. He looked effortlessly classy and dapper as he styled his look with black shiny shoes.
Ghanaian actor John Dumelo looked dashing in a stunning two-piece outfit while in Tanzania. The farmer and philanthropist wore black expensive sunglass, his favorite wristwatch, and black shoes.
Ghanaian actor John Dumelo and his wife rock white outfits
The handsome style influencer and his gorgeous wife Gifty Mawunya went on a date night in matching outfits.
John Dumelo wore a white lining shirt and his favorite jewelry. The young-looking mother looked dazzling in a white long-sleeve dress styled with a Chanel bag and accessories.
Gabriel Martinelli has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, the Premier League leaders have confirmed.
The 21-year-old is into his fourth season at Emirates Stadium after joining from Ituano in July 2019.
Brazil international Martinelli has made 111 appearances for Arsenal and has started all 19 of their league matches this campaign, making him one of seven ever-presents.
He was due to be out of contract at the end of next season, but terms have now been agreed on a deal that will reportedly run through until the end of the 2026-27 campaign.
Arsenal announced the news on their official website on Friday, with manager Mikel Arteta confident there is still more to come from the youngster.
“We’re delighted Gabi has signed a new long-term contract,” said Arteta, whose side are five points clear of Manchester City in the Premier League with a game in hand.
“Our supporters see his quality and energy every single time he puts on the shirt and he’s the same every day in training, with his hard work and positive values.
“Gabi is still very young, so we know there’s still much more to come from him and it’s great that we’ll be on this journey together.
“We’re now excited to continue to develop his huge talent and look forward to seeing him perform with Arsenal in the years to come.”
Martinelli has seven goals in 27 appearances for Arsenal this season – only Eddie Nketiah (nine), Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka (both eight) have more – while assisting a further three.
The former Corinthians youth player is one of several young players Arsenal are looking to tie down, with talks also under way with William Saliba and Saka.
“It’s great that Gabi has signed a new contract with us,” sporting director Edu added.
“The foundations of our squad continue to be built on young talent, so it’s great that Gabi has signed a new contract.
“Gabi is still just 21, and a player with big ability and personality. He is an important part of our future and we’re delighted that we have agreed a new contract.”
Plans are underway to construct a boys’ dormitory for students of Okagyakrom Senior High Technical School (SHTS).
The school which is providing second cycle education to people in the area and surrounding communities in the Jasikan Municipality will soon get a boys’ dormitory as the Oti Regional Minister, Mr Joshua Gmayenaam Makubu, has handed over a project site to a contractor to begin the construction of the dormitory.
The minister, sharing his personal experience of working as a farm labourer to raise funds for his Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE), advised the students to hard work to achieve their career goals.
He presented a GHC1,000 prize to the 2022 best West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) student of the school.
The Oti Regional Director of Education, Nana Kugbeadzor-Bakateyi II, tasked the school authorities to protect the properties of the contractor against thieves.
The contractor in charge of the project is Lovemak Ventures Ltd.
Chelsea broke the British transfer record to bring Enzo Fernandez to Stamford Bridge, paying £106.8million to acquire the Argentine midfielder from Benfica.
Blues owner Todd Boehly will expect the 22-year-old to make an instant impact for Graham Potter’s side.
As the Premier League giants prepare to host Fulham in tonight’s West London derby, we look at what the World Cup winner has to offer.
Rise to fame
Fernandez was a little-known talent when he joined Benfica from River Plate last summer, but it turns out that the Primeira Liga leaders put their eggs in the right basket and the South American did not disappoint.
He established himself as a regular starter for the Eagles, before heading to Qatar to take part in his first World Cup.
Having only made his debut for La Albiceleste last September, he shone at the global showpiece, picking up the competition’s Young Player of the Tournament award.
The sudden rise to prominence hugely inflated his price tag and interest in the young star, with Chelsea eventually winning the battle to land his signature.
With Jorginho leaving the Blues to join London rivals Arsenal and N’Golo Kante out of contract in the summer, Boehly and Co will hope Fernandez becomes the jewel in Potter’s midfield for many years to come.
Enzo Fernandez made his Champions League debut earlier this season
Array of arrivals
Fernandez was one of eight new signings at Chelsea last month, joining the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile, Noni Madueke and loanee Joao Felix in making the switch to the Blues.
At 23, Felix is the eldest of the January recruits, with Stamford Bridge chiefs investing in youth.
Both Fernandez and Mudryk have signed on until 2031, with the West Londoners hoping to build a new golden generation of talent for the two-time Champions League winners.
Fernandez will have a wealth of attacking weapons to supply and will hope to learn from more experienced colleagues Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta.
Undoubtedly, Fernandez’s record-breaking deal is a warning sign to Chelsea’s Premier League rivals that they mean business this season, and their long-term prospects are ominous.
The man himself said: “Together, we will look to achieve everything the club wants and take it to the next level.
“Chelsea is a big club, it’s a club that is always fighting for trophies and has won the Champions League in recent years.
“I will give my all and support my team-mates to make them even better.”
Numbers game
Enzo Fernandez was a significant influence for Argentina at the World Cup
Fernandez’s performances at the World Cup suggest that he has an incredibly high ceiling.
In Qatar he averaged 1.28 shots per 90 minutes, as well as 0.96 chances created for Lionel Scaloni’s men.
He also attempted a mammoth 3.52 crosses per game and 74.81 passes per 90.
Equally adept in defence and attack, he notched one goal and one assist to go alongside seven interceptions in the centre of the park.
The Buenos Aires native appears ready-made for one of the most physical leagues in the world.
Chelsea challenge
Enzo Fernandez won the World Cup on his first attempt
Yet the hefty price tag may weigh heavy on Fernandez’s shoulders, with some already criticising Chelsea’s eye-watering outlay.
Ex-Premier League striker Darren Bent said: “I’ve got no doubts he’s a good player. We saw it at the World Cup, he’s very good, but really to break the British transfer record?
“No, I think he’s a good player, but I can’t justify the fee.”
But boss Potter has defended the club’s decision, saying: “Every transfer is a gamble.
“If you look at the market for midfield players — and midfield players that haven’t won the World Cup — you’ll be quoted a lot of money.
“He has attributes that can help him play in any league in the world. He has already played well in the Champions League and we followed him before the World Cup, we knew about him anyway.
“We’re confident about the personality. I’m very pleased, because he is a fantastic player.”
Lying 10th in the league table and knocked out of both domestic cup competitions by Manchester City earlier this season, the only way is up for Potter and his new recruits.
All eyes will be on Fernandez as he seeks to embark on a glittering career in England.
The Northern Ireland international, 34, joined the Reds from Reading in 2019 and went on to score 19 goals in 64 appearances.
But she is now looking for a new club as a free agent, with the BBC claiming Women’s Championship side Bristol City are ready to swoop.
Liverpool boss Matt Beard said: “It’s always tough when you lose senior players. She’s a fantastic person and has been a great servant for the football club and we’re going to miss her.
“There were a lot of clubs interested. There was a role here for her but at the end of the day the opportunity arose for her to probably get regular football and I think she went down the path that was best for her.”
Founder and leader of Eastwood Anaba Ministries, has highlighted the need for the youth to prioritise chastity. He said virginity is a pride that should be jealously guarded.
According to the founder and leader of Eastwood Anaba Ministries, virginity is a pride that must be preserved.
He says virgins should not let people who have messed up their sexuality mock them because it’s still pride.
Eastwood Anaba is of the view that people who are not virgins are struggling but will never make it open but rather resort to mocking virgins just to force people into their zone.
“Those of you who are virgins, don’t let the people who have messed themselves up mock you that you are outdated; that’s why you’re a virgin. Virginity is a pride you must keep.
“You see, these ones who have messed up their sexuality will never tell you the truth, they will never tell you how they are struggling,” he added.
The France international, 29, has not made a single appearance for the fallen Italian giants since returning from Manchester United last summer.
He was on the bench last weekend after recovering from a knee injury but boss Max Allegri has revealed Pogba may have to wait even longer for his second debut in Turin following a setback.
And Juve, who were docked 15 points last month for false accounting, are now ready to sell him in the summer or tear up his contract, according to the Daily Mai
A Striker Burkina Faso Ahmed Simba Toure is very appreciative of Asante Kotoko’s support throughout his career to date.
The 35-year-old established himself as a key cog to the Porcupine Warriors. Toure became a household name in the country due to his outstanding performance.
The enterprising forward had three stints with Kotoko, winning three Ghana Premier League titles. He featured for Kumasi-based club in 2007/08, 2011/12 and 2014 to 2016.
In an interview with Kumasi FM, Ahmed Toure eulogized the Porcupine Warriors for the role played in his career.
“I will host my testimonial game in Kumasi because of Asante Kotoko Sporting Club, it is Asante Kotoko Sporting Club that has made me who I am today and I am forever grateful to them.”
“I have trained very well so I am in a good shape and if today, Asante Kotoko calls me to even play for them for 6 months without money, I will do it.” He said
Meanwhile, CAF has ordered fellow Ghana Premier League side Medeama to pay an amount of GHC101,500 to Toure for breach of contract.
TikTok star Jacline Mensah, has received a big compliment from Ghanaian actress and film producer, Yvonne Nelson, for her respectful demeanor and positive attitude toward work.
Yvonne Nelson expressed her admiration for the young TikTok star. She mentioned how impressed she was by Jackeline’s professionalism and respectful attitude toward everyone she works with.
According to Yvonne, Jackeline is a breath of fresh air in the entertainment industry, where many young individuals let success get to their heads.
She revealed in an interview with Asaase Radio that Tiktok star is one among many social media influencers who portrayed a good working attitude and hard work.
Due to this, she maintained her on her latest movie as one of the characters whiles sacking about six influencers who did not meet expectations.
Jackline has often been praised by her colleagues on several occasions. And it seems the content creator is not only cracking the ribs of her followers with funny content but has an admirable attitude as well.
Netizens reacted to her attitude:
magicfingersdayspa commented:
And later will they say the big Celebrities don’t support them,these younger generation ankasa nu they don’t want or like hard work
Ghanaian dancehall musician, Stonebwoy, has won the praise and admiration of many people both in Ghana and abroad, after his recent appearance on The Breakfast Club, a popular US radio show hosted by Charlamagne Tha God and DJ Envy.
Nigerian UK-based media personality, Adesope Olajide is the latest to show his admiration for the Ghanaian music star. Olajide took to social media to express his admiration for the artiste, calling the interview informative and enlightening.
He mentioned that it was the best interview he had seen from an African act on the platform.
Stonebwoy, whose real name is Livingstone Etse Satekla, appeared on The Breakfast Club on 1st February 2023 and spoke about his journey in the music industry and the challenges he has faced along the way.
He also discussed his clash with Shatta Wale in 2019, the lyrics of his songs and romantic relationships. Stonebwoy held his own and answered the questions thrown at him intelligently and eloquently.
Adesope Olajide praises Stonebwoy
Adesope Olajide, who is highly respected as a media personality, praised Stonebwoy’s performance, calling him a great ambassador for Africa and its music. He further described Stonebwoy as “deep”.
@stonebwoy interview on 'The Breakfast Club' has to rank amongst the top – Nigerian Media Personality @adesope_olajide reacts. ________ Sarkodie Shatta Wale Kwesi Arthur Come on united pastor Fred pic.twitter.com/4po0IxhCbN
Stonebwoy’s fans have taken to social media to express their appreciation for the artiste and his music. Bhim fans have described Stonebwoy as arguably the most “intelligent” Ghanaian musician.
Stonebwoy Gets Hailed By Fans
God’s Anointed said:
As a Nigerian, I was held spellbound by stonebwoy’s display of intellectuality. What a refined character he is. I always like listening to him and Sarkodie. Unlike the unrefined self acclaimed African dance hall fool – I mean “king”
Mohammed Suso wrote:
Bro am not a Ghanaian but to be honest stonebwoy is stonebwoy respect for this guy Ghanaians should protect him in all cost .smart intelligent knows how to talk.
Empress commented:
Stonebwoy to the world! He also performed at Rebel Salute in Jamaica and really put Ghana positively on the world stage. to the world! Big up me General!
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Despite Media Group, Dr Osei Kwame Despite, on February 2, 2023, marked his 61st birthday.
In a video shared by blogger, GhHyper, the millionaire also offered inspiration and prayed that those experiencing difficulties in life would find relief and join his league.
He also urged Ghanaians to pray for him to live a long life because he was over the danger zone age.
According to Despite, the ages of 57 and 60, were regarded as dangerous, however, he didn’t explain why.
“I am out of the danger zone. I have crossed it. 57 to 60 are considered danger zone ages. I employ all Ghanaians to pray for me so that I may live a long time.
“I pray for all the people behind me to come and join me,” he said as he sat comfortably in his cream-coloured vintage car.
On February 2, 2023, Dr. Osei Kwame Despite was escorted by over fifteen expensive G-Wagon and Brabus vehicles while going to have breakfast at the Peduase Valley Resort.
This was before he met with the East Legon Executive Club members group at Dr. Ofori Sarpong’s home.
On his arrival, he was greeted by the executive club members with smiles, a raucous welcome, and a birthday song.
The Lagos High Court has charged singer, Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman, known professionally as Oxlade over his leaked sex tape.
One can recall that the singer made the news in 2022 after his sex tape leaked on social media. He was accused of releasing the tape by the lady in the video identified as Blessing.
The singer received several backlashes and was made to apologize to the public and the lady.
Although Oxlade apologized, Blessing filled a lawsuit seeking N20 million in damages and a declaration that Oxlade’s act of recording the explicit sexual acts without her knowledge and consent constituted a flagrant violation of enabling laws and a gross violation of her fundamental rights to dignity, privacy, and freedom from discrimination guaranteed by Sections 34 and 37 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended); and Articles 5 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.
In a ruling dated January 24, 2023, Justice Olalekan Oresanya slammed the singer’s actions saying that recording and posting the tape online is “despicable, awful, nasty, and classless”.
The judge also reprimanded Oxlade for disrespecting the legal process and accused his lawyer of assisting him in desecrating the court.
The singer was then asked to pay the claimant N5 million in two installments of N2 million and N3 million.
In addition, the judgment prohibits Blessing from beginning any additional legal procedure or any process relating to the facts and matters giving rise to the litigation, as well as from instituting or addressing the concerns raised in the claim on any platform or before any third person.
A road accident at Yaw Bronya, a suburb of the Bosome Freho district in the Ashanti region, Bosome Freho claimed the lives of three people.
The deceased include a woman and two others, both men.
Sir Kenneth, an eyewitness who explained the incident to GhanaWeb’s Ashanti Regional Correspondent, Nana Peprah, said the tragic incident occurred on Thursday evening when two males on a motorcycle crashed into the unknown woman after she had crossed their path.
He said the two males who drove from Tebeso and were heading to Ofoase crashed the woman in Yaw Bronya, a town before Ofoase.
The source further stated that the three people died on the spot due to the rate at which the motorbike was speeding.
Amoako Mensah Yeboah, an assembly member for the Tebeso electoral area who confirmed the incident to GhanaWeb, said the crash happened at Yaw Bronya around 6:50 p.m. on Thursday when the two male adults were riding to Ofoase to present their final lotto report for the day.
He claimed that the accident was so severe that one of the victims’ helmet cracked into pieces.
He disclosed that the woman’s identity has still not been revealed since she is not from her electoral area.
Amoako Mensah revealed the identities of the two males, Annor Augustine, the motor rider, and Reuben, aka Teacher Gala.
According to the assembly member, police came to the scene, and the three deceased have since been deposited at a hospital morgue for autopsies and investigations.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) could not settle on a date for its presidential and parliamentary primaries after its meeting on Thursday, 2 February 2023.
The General Secretary of the party, Mr Justin Frimpong Koduah, told the media after a closed-door meeting: “I am sorry to disappoint you that from the Steering Committee through to NEC and National Council (NC), it has been resolved that as a party, we need to do further consultation on the timelines for the presidential and parliamentary elections and within the shortest time possible, we will come out with the timelines for our presidential and parliamentary elections”.
“As a party, we believe in consensus-building and we recognise the views of each stakeholder in our deliberations, so, we want to come out with a date that is built on consensus and once that is done, we will tell you when the timelines will come,” Mr Koduah said.
Just some days ago, a former MP, Mr Kwasi Addai-Nimoh, joined the flagbearer race of the governing party.
“I am humbled that my astute team has assessed my qualifications and motivations using some three criteria. Driven by my personal convictions, I am confident that my professional background and values can be useful in shaping the necessary initiatives that will significantly improve our country coupled with the clarion call I have been receiving over these last years from our party members, rank and file and from wide consultations with elders of the party, I, Addai-Nimoh, have thereby decided and officially announcing my candidacy to be elected as the next flagbearer of the NPP”, Mr Addai-Nimoh announced to journalists.
Already Trades Minister Alan Kyerematen resigned a few weeks ago and subsequently announced his bid for the slot.
Agric Minister Owusu Afritie Akoto followed suit.
Also, Asain Central MP Kennedy Agyapong has been rallying support to win the slot ahead of the 2024 polls.
A recent survey by two organisations claimed delegates of the NPP prefer Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia to Mr Kyerematen and Mr Agyapong.
Others such as Mr Kwabena Agyepong and Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku have also hinted at running for the slot.
Ghana internationalKamaldeen Sulemana believes the Black Stars have a bright future despite their poor performance lately at tournaments.
The Black Stars have recorded some poor performance lately at the AFCON 2021 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup where they exited at the group stage.
The Black Stars exited the competition in the group stage of the competition after just one win in three games while losing the other two.
Kamaldeen who played at both tournaments is confident Ghana can have a very strong squad in future.
The player explained that his short time in the Black Stars has been a learning gap and is optimistic about the future.
“I think we learned a lot, especially the young players because there’s so much ahead of us,” he told BBC.
“As a squad, we’re good together. We kept the ball on the ground and showed what Africans can do; moving forward I think the improvement is going to continue. The future is bright for the team.”
Kamaldeen Sulemana made his debut for the Black Stars in a friendly match against Mali in 2021.
Twinamatsiko Nelson was filmed brutally beating up an employee identified as Tumuramye Anita.
According to commentary surrounding the video the female presenter brought in a gig and asked for a 12% commission which the management of the FM station agreed to pay.
After the client paid the money through the female presenter, she refused to give the FM station it’s 88% of the gig money but was advertising the client’s products on the FM station anytime she was hosting her show.
This forced the manager to approach the FM presnter which led to a heated argument and consequently led to a fight.
The station Manager for 91. 5 Kanungu FM Twinamatsiko Nelson beat up an employee identified as Tumuramye Anita over a business commission. She was then suspended after the incident.@PoliceUg I believe this is assault & Twinamatsiko should be in custody by now. 😡 pic.twitter.com/1aj7myJVp7
Before the incident, Anita Rose was the station receptionist and the cashier until the manager relieved her of all those duties claiming the post of a cashier, receptionist, Radio presenter and also as station manager were too many.
After the fight, Anita Rose has been suspended from conducting some of her station programmes.
Kanungu FM Radio station is reportedly owned by a popular politician who is the current minister for ICT, Hon Chris Baryomunsi.
Asante Kotoko stated that during their match week 15 encounter with Karela United in Aiyinasie, some officials were assaulted and ejected from the Crosby Awuah Memorial (CAM)Park..
A video posted by a club official, Patrick Osei Agyemang, on Twitter showed that a scuffle occurred at the entrance, which got the police involved to control the situation by driving people out.
Although Osei Agyemang captioned the video to indicate that Kotoko officials were attacked, it is difficult to identify any Kotoko representative in the scene.
Kotoko via their official handle announced on Thursday, February 2, 2023, that they cannot update their fans on the game through text commentary because their media team and other officials were allegedly thrown out of the stadium.
“We, unfortunately, can not continue the text commentary as our media person and other officials of the club have been attacked and driven out of the stadium,” the club tweeted.
The incident is believed to have occurred prior to the start of the second half which resulted in Kotoko not being able to update their fans on the game via their various social media platforms.
The Reds eventually lost the game by a goal to nil after Samuel Atta Kumi converted a spot kick in the second half to hand Karela a vital in over the reining champions.
Apple sales decreased at the end of 2022 as consumers made less purchases due to the pressure of the rising cost of living.
In the three months leading up to December, sales at the industry giant for the iPhone decreased by 5% from the corresponding time in 2021.
The fall was worse than anticipated and the largest since 2019.
The announcement of the update coincided with widespread warnings from businesses of a sudden slowdown in the economy, particularly in the computer industry, which experienced a boom during the pandemic.
Apple boss Tim Cook said the firm was navigating a “challenging environment”.
“As the world continues to face unprecedented circumstances … we know Apple is not immune to it,” he said on a conference call with investors.
Apple said the sales declines occurred throughout the world and hit most of its products.
Sales of its popular iPhones were down more than eight per cent, and sales of Mac computers dropped 29 per cent.
The declines hit the firm’s profits, which fell 13 per cent to $30bn (£24bn).
Paolo Pescatore, analyst at PP Foresight, said the firm, like many electronics makers, is struggling to make the case that users should upgrade given “what is perceived to be incremental improvements on previous models”.
“More so when everyone is tightening their belts,” he added.
Globally the number of smartphones shipped sank 12 per cent last year, according to market analysis firm Canalys.
Apple executives said they expected their services business, which includes Apple Pay and Apple News, to continue to drive growth, noting that there are now more than 2 billion active Apple devices around the world.
“When we look at the behaviour of our installed base, we think it’s very promising,” said chief financial officer Luca Maestri, while warning investors that the firm was expecting sales to continue to decline in the months ahead.
Other big tech companies also said they were feeling pressure in updates to investors.
Amazon, which has been struggling to re-ignite its e-commerce business, said sales at its online stores dropped 2% in the final three months of 2022, compared with a year earlier.
Overall, Amazon’s sales in the three month period rose nine per cent to $149.2bn (£121bn), lifted by stronger growth in its cloud computing business.
But its profits dropped sharply, falling to near zero from $14.3bn (£11bn) a year ago, a change that chief financial officer Brian Olsavsky warned investors was likely to continue in coming months.
At Alphabet, parent company of Google and YouTube, sales were up just one per cent in the three months to December, compared with 2021, as firms cut back on advertising – the company’s main source of revenue – in the face of economic uncertainty.
Blakk Rasta has reacted to a recent comment passed about his music by Ghanaian songstress Efya.
He had a few things to get off his chest after Efya described his music as funny, which he strongly countered.
This week has witnessed two Ghanaian artistes dominating social media trends.
In an interview with GHONE TV, Efya stated that she had no idea who Blakk Rasta was, but went on to describe his music as amusing.
Her statement was influenced by Blakk’s ‘harsh’ comment about Sarkodie’s feature with Bob Marley.
“Who is that? He’s a rapper; he’s a what?…he’s a radio journalist?… But journalists say what they want they don’t care. I don’t think I know who he is. What does he do, radio?… Oh that funny man, yeah yeah yeah. He does funny songs, right? Listen, everyone for himself, God for us all,” these were the words of Efya.
In Blakk’s response on his radio show on 3FM, the reggae musician noted that he doesn’t take offence when people don’t recognize him; however, the claim that he does funny music “is all wrong”.
“Listen Blakk Rasta is a man you can describe using anything but to describe my music as funny, I think that she got it all wrong…again when I looked at her face, I saw some genuineness. I don’t think she intended to embarrass Blakk Rasta, she is just not aware of her environment,” he jabbed.
According to the reggae singer famed for his song titled ‘Barack Obama’, the female vocalist has abused drugs all her life and can’t be blamed when she spews nonsense on television.
“I am not that kind of artiste who is haughty…When I looked at the video, I sympathized with Efya. She looked so morose and totally hypnotized like somebody swallowed up by drugs.”
He added: “She said that Blakk Rasta is the guy who does funny songs. Surprisingly a number of people were sending me this video, talking about it. Some were angry, but hear me now, listen; I am not angry when people do not recognize me, never. That is why people say Blakk Rasta is so humble and I believe that I am humble. I thank God the Almighty Father for making me humble.”
This was in support of a football & water education event in Cape Coast to announce two water projects.
The retired footballer joined young leaders and trainees of ‘Play Soccer Ghana”, a football NGO, for the unveiling of the two water facilities, at Essikafoanbatem & Dehia.
The event formed part of Xylem Water Heroes Academy, a unique collaboration between Xylem and Manchester City’s global foundation, empowering young leaders in 10 cities around the world to solve local water challenges using the power of football.
About 100 children were given football and water education at the Football for Hope Centre, supported by Manchester City community coaches and Joleon Lescott.
Speaking at the event, Joleon Lescott who doubles as a Manchester City ambassador professed his joy in seeing the projects being undertaken in Cape Coast.
“I was honoured to join this visit to Cape Coast in Ghana alongside our partner, Xylem, and our amazing fan volunteers. To see first-hand the impact young leaders are making in their communities through the power of football, and to be able to contribute to the building of the water towers, was an incredible experience,” he said.
Joleon Patrick Lescott is a former English footballer who played as a centre-back and currently works as a coach with the England U21s.
Lescott began his career with Wolves before joining Everton and went on to play for Man City where he achieved a lot.
The ex-footballer won two Premier League titles and a FA Cup. He was once Everton and Wolves player of the year.
He also played at the 2010 World Cup, 2008, and 2010 UEFA Euros with England.
Due to the potential impact on airline profitability, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) advised the government to resisted the temptation to take such a step.
The country’s appeal to foreign investors would also be affected by such a decision, which would also stall the nation’s progress in terms of the advancements made in the aviation industry.
Sources said the government was planning to introduce a fresh policy to restrict access to foreign currency for imports as well as block investors seeking to repatriate their profits from doing so as part of a broader bid to halt the fast depreciation of the local currency.
But IATA maintained that any imposition of such policy may derail gains made by the country in the aviation industry over the years.
The Regional Vice-President of IATA in-charge of Africa and Middle East (AME), Kamil Al-Awadhi, at the fourth Aviation Ghana Stakeholders Breakfast Meeting in Accra, observed that any attempt to impose a policy of such nature may do Ghana more harm than good.
Consequently, he commended the government and the Bank of Ghana (BoG) for the exemplary way by which it was managing the repatriation of airline funds despite the economic challenges faced by the country.
The context
Nigeria last year blocked international carriers operating in that country from repatriating their profits amounting to some US$450 million as at July last year.
Africa’s largest economy restricted access to foreign currency for imports and for investors seeking to repatriate their profits as the country addressed a severe US dollar shortage.
ICAO process
Mr Al-Awadhi also called on Ghana to follow the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) process of increasing airport charges.
“Ghana must also resist the appetite of increasing charges without following the ICAO principles; such increases can lead to the erosion of Ghana’s competitiveness as a destination,” he said.
He said adherence to ICAO’s policies on charges and infrastructure through consultations with airlines and industry players was prior to ensuring fairness.
He said the recent increase in charge by Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the introduction of new charges by Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL) was an example in question.
Resilience
The vice-president noted the airline industry has been resilient in the face of the global pandemic, coronavirus COVID-19 crisis that shocked and disrupted the everyday lives of citizens of the world.
He said last year, airlines worldwide lost a combined US$6.9 billion down from the US$9.7 billion in 2021.
He said the fact that airlines were able to cut their losses in 2022 in an era of rising cost, labour shortages, strikes, operational disruptions and many mishaps plus growing economic uncertainties speaks volumes about people’s desire and need for connectivity.
According to him, in 2023, it was expected that the industry would accrue US$4.7 billion profit, the first industry profit since 2019 which according to him was a great achievement, considering the scale of the financial and economic dimension caused by the governments’ imposed pandemic restrictions.
The global economy
The Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, said it was common knowledge that the global economy heavily depended on the air transport industry.
He said aviation connected people, cultures, and businesses reiterating the importance of the industry to the global economy.
However, he said the industry evolved around many different factors and actors for growth.
He said it was not the right time to raise charges while some actors in the value chain were trying to make up for the lost revenues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The minister added that every increase deterred travellers and accrued less revenue not just for the airline but also for stakeholders across the aviation value chain, including manufacturers, maintenance, ground support.
The meeting
The breakfast meeting, which is an initiative of Aviation Ghana, is a series of dialogues that feature selected topics and is aimed at influencing government policies in favour of businesses in the aviation industry.
It brought together players in the private sector, policy makers and people from the government to deliberate on the recovery of the aviation industry.
On the theme, “Post-COVID-19 recovery process and the journey ahead. “Discussants included the Managing Director of GACL, Pamela Djamson-Tettey; Deputy Director General of GCAA, Daniel Acquah; customer service expert, J. N. Halm; and Accountable Manager of Passion Air, Edward Annan.
In addition to Tullow Oil Plc and MTN Group Limited, Gold Fields and Kosmos have also been informed that they owe unpaid taxes. They all contest the GRA’s assertions, but Gold Fields and Kosmos have chosen not to provide any financial information.
“Ghana is clearly facing fiscal and economic challenges at the moment,” Gold Fields spokesman Sven Lunsche said in response to Bloomberg.
South Africa urges MTN & GRA to resolve tax dispute
MTN Ghana disputes GH¢8billion tax liability
“We are hopeful that the government will not resort to unreasonable fiscal measures that will further imperil the challenges facing the corporate sector.”
Gold Fields is in talks with the GRA to resolve the demand for back taxes from 2018 to 2020.
MTN, which has been ordered to pay $776 million in back taxes, has until Friday to reach an agreement with the Ghanaian authorities.
Kosmos Energy, headquartered in Dallas, said the authorities claimed the company underpaid certain taxes and other contractual fiscal obligations.
It maintains that the claim is without merit and will be “vigorously disputed” it if required.
Kumawood Actor Michael Afrane has called out Kumawood Movie Producers who have failed to produce movies since the downfall of the industry.
According to Micheal Afrane, the industry is in coma and it needs all hands on deck to resurrect.
Speaking in an interview with Ambassador TV monitored by MyNewsGh.com, Michael Afrane expressed disappointment about some producers who have diverted into other businesses after the downfall of the industry.
“Majority of the producers are now selling phones and doing other business instead of coming together to support the comeback of the Kumawood Movie Industry” Micheal Afrane told Osei Kwadwo
“Currently only some actors and actress including few producers are investing in the industry because they have passion for the work” he explained.
Michael Afrane added that “Producers who don’t have passion for the industry have diverted to other business because they are afraid to invest in the industry due to the current state of the industry”
“The producers who have diverted to other businesses should keep the same energy if the industry bounces back”, he warned
“Kwadwo Nkansah Lilwin, Matilda Asare, Oheneyere Mercy Asiedu including few actors and producers are making huge investments of money to resurrect the industry while some producers are doing other businesses instead of supporting the industry” he explained.
An entrepreneur in the tech industry, Dozy Mmobuosi, is about to finalize a deal to purchase Sheffield United of the English Championship.
Times reports that Mmobuosi is in the final stages of the £90 million (NGN50 million) takeover.
With all paperwork completed, the billionaire needs to conclude the EFL’s owners’ and directors’ test for the deal to be completed, the report added.
Mmobuosi is the billionaire founder of Tingo Mobile PLC.
The Bramall Lane club was put up for sale by the current owner, Abdullah bin Musaid Al Saud and was close to selling to American businessman Henry Mauriss last year before the deal collapsed. Said is reportedly worth more than £7 billion (NGN4 trillion).
Mmobuosi would look to turn the financial fortunes of the club with things going almost perfectly on the pitch, Soccernet.ng reports.
Sheffield United are flying high in the English Championship despite the lack of big spending in the last two transfer windows due to a transfer embargo.
Managed astutely by English coach Paul Heckingbottom, Sheffield United are sitting in second position on the league table.
The Blades have an 18-point advantage over third-place Middlesbrough despite playing one fewer game and are a near-sure bet for promotion to the Premier League.
As part of events to mark his 61st birthday, Ghanaian business mogul and philantropist, Dr. Kwame Despite, on donated GH¢200,000 in cash to the Mampong-Akuapem School for the Deaf.
His cash donation, made on February 2, 2023, also included other gift items ranging from bottles of water and soft drinks, bags of rice, gallons of cooking oil, mattresses, and pillows for use by the students with hearing disabilities.
On Thursday, Dr Despite topped social media trends with the display of affluence by his friends who joined him in the celebration. Family members, including the sons of Despite, were also present at their father’s birthday celebration, which was broadcasted by United TV and a host of bloggers.
The man of the day also paid a courtesy call to Ghana’s former president, John Agyekum Kufuor, at his residence in Peduase with a long entourage consisting of luxury vehicles.
Despite’s annual ritual of donating on his birthday, has won him applause from Ghanaians, who showered him with praise for his kind heart and love for the less privileged in society.
Management and students of the Mampong-Akuapem School for the Deaf thanked the businessman for blessing them with the huge donation.
Record Producer, Hammer of The Last Two has revealed why he has advised Ghanaian rapper, Kwame Yogot, to focus his attention on doing more singing instead.
In a post on Facebook, the seasoned veteran music groomer disclosed that Kwame Yogot sent him a song to review and he was surprised about the singing abilities of the rapper.
“When rapper Kwame Yogot sent me this song a few weeks ago to review, I was so surprised to find out the entire chorus was sung by him, including the backing vocals and all.
“I immediately asked him to get rid of all the frivolous rap that so often waters down his songs and replace it with singing verses instead,
“Cos honestly the rap took away from the sincerity of the song and its conviction. I’m so glad he listened,” he wrote sighted by MyNewsGh.com’s Amansan Krakye.
Meanwhile, the ‘Biibi Besi’ hitmaker and multiple Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) nominee has released his new song titled “I’m Feeling Okay” after parting ways with his record label.
Deputy National Youth Organiser of the National Democratic Congress, Edem Agbana, has come to the defence of Ghanaian media personality, Abeiku Santana, following how he was trolled on social media on February 2, 2023.
Mr Agbana described the incident as unfortunate.
After chancing on pictures and videos from Despite’s 61st birthday celebration that went viral, scores of Ghanaians lambasted Abeiku Santana for being ‘unnecessarily nice’ and trying too hard to please the business mogul in a way that was found unpleasant.
Abeiku Santana topped Twitter trends, amidst trolls and ridicule from a section of Ghanaians, who purported that he was snubbed severally and his efforts to please the ‘big men’ went unnoticed.
But Edem Agbana thinks otherwise.
He has joined the list of a few individuals that have defended the broadcaster on social media.
Tackling the perception that Abeiku Santana sold himself short, the NDC Youth Organizer has argued that the broadcaster is naturally a very pleasant person, and regardless of one’s social status, he welcomes everyone with a broad smiles, a hug or a handshake.
According to Edem, he sees nothing wrong with Abeiku Santana serving his masters adding that, “you attract grace when you respect the grace of other people.”
“I have known Abeiku Santana since my undergraduate days. He is naturally a very pleasant person, and regardless of your social status, he welcomes you with broad smiles and a hug/handshake. You can write all the trash about him but hey, the gentleman earned a relationship with all these big guys through his decades of service. There is nothing wrong if he chooses to even clean their shoes for them. You attract Grace when you respect the Grace of other people. I don’t mind cleaning the shoes of people who have gone ahead of me,” he wrote on Facebook.
Citing himself as an example, the young politician said he served his way up the political ladder.
“I have served my way into leadership. In Level 100, I was excited to run errands for the SRC president, Mr. Benny Sumah. I considered it a privilege to even be in the company of the likes of Hamza S Suhuyini and Antonio Edem Asinyo. By Level 300, I became SRC president because they rewarded my ‘long service’ to the student body. Our generation must learn the true essence of service and humility.!!!”
The staff of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) have something exciting to look forward to on Valentine’s Day.
Music legend, Abrantie Amakye Dede, who called on the Director-General, Mr. Samuel Awuku, on Thursday 2nd February 2023, promised to treat the members of the company to some great tunes as part of his contribution to NLA’s 60th Anniversary Celebration.
As a precursor to what to expect on Valentine’s Day, he thrilled the management of NLA with snippets of his song.
Amakye Dede visits NLA
The maestro said his visit was a friendly one and was also to officially congratulate the Director-General, Mr. Samuel Awuku, on his appointment in 2021.
Mr. Samuel Awuku who was also joined by his deputy, Ms. Anna Horma Miezah, thanked the veteran musician for the visit and for supporting the growth of the NLA with his music over the years.
Mr. Awuku also appealed to Amakye Dede to use his platform to educate his fans against lotto fraud, perpetrated particularly on WhatsApp and Facebook.
He also urged him to share his experience with the youth and impart some knowledge to upcoming musicians.
Amakye Dede and staff of NLA laugh over a funny incident
Mr. Awuku, on behalf of Management, presented NLA’s 60th Anniversary chocolate to Amakye Dede.
Mr Awuku presents chocolate to Amakye DedeAmakye Dede poses with staff of NLAAmakye Dede gives a thumbs up
The captain of the Black Stars, Andre Dede Ayew, has given his first interview since joining Premier League team Nottingham Forest.
Andre Ayew joined Nottingham Forest as a free agent after mutually terminating his contract with Qatari side, Al-Sadd.
Speaking in his first interview, the 33-year-old admitted it has always been difficult playing against his new club anytime they meet.
He also stated that he knows what Nottingham Forest means to the city and is ready to give his best to ensure they remain in the Premier League.
Andre Ayew, who is reuniting with his former coach, Steve Cooper also spoke about their relationship on and off the pitch.
Andre Ayew, who has played for Swansea City and West Ham in the Premier League, will be looking to bring his experience to the party as Forest fights to stay in the English top flight.
According to him, it is only right for him to return to the Premier League which is the best league in the world after playing at his 3rd World Cup with the Black Stars.
As the cash-strapped government struggles to gather money and finalize a bailout from the International Monetary Fund, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is requesting millions of dollars in past taxes from some of the largest corporations in the country (IMF). The largest wireless provider in Africa, MTN Group Ltd., as well as Tullow Oil Plc and Gold Fields Ltd., have all received notices that they owe past taxes.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was entertained at the 2022 End of Year West African Soldier Social Activities (WASSA), which was organized by the Ghana Armed Forces on Wednesday, February 1.
Not only did the president get on the dance floor with Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings to exhibit his dance moves, but he was also blown away by the performances on the day.
Nana Akufo-Addo’s reaction to a dance performance by three plus-size women has caught the attention of many.
When the heavily-endowed women stood at the center of the grounds to wiggle their bodies, Ghana’s president screamed out ‘eiiiii’ as he couldn’t believe his eyes.
The ‘Di Asa’ dancers, with their backs facing the special guests, wiggled their bodies amidst cheers from the crowd.
Akufo-Addo’s reaction was captured by Metro TV and sighted by GhanaWeb.
They described the sight as one that will linger on the minds of those who were present at the 2022 WASSA.
The social event organized every year by the military to foster comradeship among the officers and men of the army also witnessed a performance from rapper Black Sherif.
The number increased by one when Nottingham Forest announced the signing of Black Stars skipper Andre Dede Ayew on Thursday night, February 2, 2023.
Antoine Semenyo’s move from Championship side Bristol City to Bournemouth and Kamaldeen Sulemana’s transfer from Rennes to Southamptoon were the two other transfers in the just ended January European window.
There was a time when the likes of Michael Essien of Chelsea, John Paintsil of Fulham, Asamoah Gyan, Sulley Muntari, Richard Kingson and John Mensah all played for clubs in the Premier League.
Here are the 9 Ghanaian players in the Premier League currently
Andre Dede Ayew
Dede Ayew’s contract with Qatari side Al Sadd was terminated days ago fuelling speculations that he was possibly on his way back to Europe to ply his club football.
Then the options narrowed when it was widely reported that he was returning to the EPL, where he had previously played for West Ham United an Swansea City.
Everton was a major suitor as was Nottingham Forest but it was the latter that announced signing Dede on a six-month contract.
Kamaldeen Sulemana
The Black Stars winger completed a move from Stade Rennes to Southampton on transfer deadline day.
The 20-year-old joined the Saints in a deal worth 25 million euros with further 3 million euros add-ons.
The winger played 34 matches in the French Ligue 1, scoring 5 goals with 2 assists.
Thomas Partey
The Black Stars midfielder is one of the most active Ghanaian players in the Premier League currently. Partey who is in his third season at Arsenal has played 80 matches in total with 8 goal contributions.
The former Atletico Madrid midfielder has been key in Arsenal’s quest to the league title this season. The Gunners are yet to lose a game with him in action.
Mohammed Salisu
Salisu joined Southampton from Spanish club Real Valladolid two seasons ago and has been able to work his way up to earn a place in the starting line-up of the Saints.
Mohammed Salisu who is one of the pillars in the Southampton defence has made an incredible 77 appearances for his club and has scored 1 goal with 1 assist.
The player was linked with a move away from the Premier League but chose to stay.
Daniel Amartey
Amartey is one of the most experienced Ghanaian players in the Premier League. The Leicester City defender is in his 7th season in the English League after joining the club from Copenhagen in 2016.
Amartey is also one of two Ghanaian players currently to have won the Premier League. The defender has made 103 appearances so far in the Premier League.
Antoine Semenyo
Despite being born and nurtured in UK, Semenyo is now about to make his debut in the Premier League. The Black Stars forward sealed a deal from Championship side Bristol City to Bournemouth in the January window.
The attacker who has been in fine form this season was able to score 4 goals in 5 matches in 2023 to earn his permanent move to the Premier League.
Tariq Lamptey
The 22-year-old right-back has come far after being handed his debut at Chelsea under coach Frank Lampard. He made 3 appearances for the Blues in the league before he was snap up by Brighton.
Lamptey has been a delight to watch since joining Brighton where he has made 65 appearances in four seasons.
The player has averaged 10 matches each season since joining The Seagulls.
The Black Stars midfielder is the most capped Ghanaian currently in the Premier League with a record 225 Premier League matches in 10 seasons.
The former Leicester City midfielder won the Premier League title with the Foxes before joining Crystal Palace.
Currently, in his 10th season, Schlupp has made 20 appearances so far with coach Patrick Vierra’s side.
The Black Stars forward is the only player in the list to have played for three different club in the Premier League; Aston Villa, Swansea and Crystal Palace .
The 31-year-old is currently in his 8th season in the EPL and has played 221 games. The forward has 46 goal contributions having scored 30 with 16 assists in total.
Stade Rennes coach Bruno Genesio has outlined the reasons why his team approved Kamaldeen Sulemana‘s transfer to Southampton.
The Ghana international joined Premier League side Southampton a club-record fee on the final day of the January transfer window.
The Saints paid £22 million to sign the pacey winger from the French club.
Explaining why his outfit sanctioned the Ghanaian winger’s move, the manager said it’s not worth keeping a player who doesn’t want to play for the club.
“It’s not that it never took. There were good beginnings, then periods of injury and poor form. A team that started to turn, to chain victories and it was more difficult for him.
“There was also impatience, because he is still a very young player. It still needs to be trained.
“He wanted to leave, it was not our case. But he wanted it so badly that at some point, it’s not worth keeping a player who doesn’t want to play for a club.
“I prefer to get a player who wants to come, who is motivated to play for his club.”
The Right to Dream Academy graduate struggled for game time at Rennes following injuries in the first half of the campaign.
He made 14 appearances and scored one goal in the Ligue 1 this season for Rennes before exiting the club.
Sulemana made 47 appearances in Ligue 1 for Stade Rennes since joining from FC
A thirty year old security man has been fatally shot by armed robbers at a quarry at Awutu Kwei in the Central Region.
Four assailants attacked the victim, Kofi Diaka who became unconscious at Hao-xin stone Quarry site on Thursday, February 2, 2023, around 4:30 PM, taking away GHC2,500.
The victim after being shot decided to run and hide but unfortunately fell down and couldn’t stand on his feet.
He was rushed to Winneba Special and Trauma Hospital for treatment but later referred to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital for treatment.
Reports say the same quarry site was robbed a week ago and an undisclosed amount of money taken away by armed armed robbers.
In an interview with Kasapa News, Alexander Thompson who is in charge of Safety Health at the quarry site said this is the third time they have been robbed and it puts fear in the foreigners who have invested in Ghana.
Meanwhile, the case has been reported to the police for investigation.
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