Son has been one of the most in-form players at Tottenham this season, scoring five goals and providing two assists in 19 appearances so far.
The Black Stars lost 3-2 to Portugal in the opening game while South Korea held Uruguay to a goalless draw in the other Group H game. Ghana will have to beat South Korea to stand a chance of progressing to the next stage of the competition.
“I know Son because we play in the premier league and we have a strategy to stop him,” Amartey said at a pre-match press conference.
“We will try to stop every offense against Korea and Son is a very good player. I know him because I worked with him in Germany.”
Ghanaian singer Wendy Shay has said that the only artist she can be compared with is American singer Beyonce.
Wendy Shay is one of the most controversial female songstresses in the music industry. She disclosed that she accepted the title “Queen of Ghana music” because her fans see her as exceptional.
“First of all, the Queen of Ghana Music was a title my fans gave me,” Wendy Shay told 3Music. “And who doesn’t appreciate good things? They gave me that title, and I was like, ‘If they see me as the queen of Ghana music’, I will take it.”
“That right there was to confirm the fact that, yeah, I have accepted that title because my fans gave it to me,” she said.
According to Wendy Shay, everyone has the right to choose any name they wish to call themselves
“I believe that everyone has the right to call themselves whatever they want. I think as far as giving ourselves a title, everybody is entitled to do so. And I believe that everyone is a queen. All of the other female artists are queens.
“But I was talking about myself, so they can also call themselves queens. I never mentioned anyone’s name. I was just making a statement and affirming the fact that my fans have given me that title,” she added.
The Rev. Dr. Stephen Wengam, the newly elected General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana, with a 13-member delegation, has paid a courtesy call on Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene.
The engagement was to introduce the leadership of the Church to the Asantehene and to discuss issues of national development.
Rev. Wengam commended the Asantehene for his unequaled contribution to nation building and the development of Asanteman, particularly, the championing and provision of scholarships for the poor and needy.
He also thanked the Asantehene for his support for churches – releasing lands for church buildings and construction of schools.
Rev Wengam spoke about the global influence of Assemblies of God, citing the worldwide membership of 70 million, Africa membership of 19 million and 600,000 in Ghana and stated the Church’s commitment to rapid socio-economic development.
He appealed to the Otumfuo to invite all political parties to a bipartisan round table to find solutions to the challenges facing the economy and pledged the Church’s readiness to working with every government and all traditional rulers to build a God fearing, united, peaceful and prosperous nation.
The Asantehene congratulated the new leadership and the Assemblies of God, Ghana for their contribution towards the development of Ghana.
He lauded the Church’s evangelistic activities, which had resulted in the spreading of the word of God to every part of the country.
Otumfuor promised to continue to work with every government and all political parties to ensure the peace and development of Ghana.
Any a time, comedians have made the stomachs of their audience ache with laughter anytime they mount the stage to delight them with jokes. They make sure their audiences leave shows still laughing their hearts out when they recollect some of the funny stories.
But in recent times, comedy has taken different forms and styles; thanks to social media. The advent and popularity of social platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and Instagram have birthed a new crop of comedians who are somehow different from stand-up comedians because they create skits—short comedy sketches.
In Ghana, a few skit makers were doing their own things before COVID-19. However, there is no doubt skits on social media in Ghana, like other parts of the world, gained a lot of attention and patronage during the pandemic.
Thankfully, the comedy skit industry in Ghana is picking up quite fast with some talented, fast-rising comedians capitalising on digital technology, content creation, distribution and consumption to create a viable field within the creative industry.
These skit Lords, as they are referred to, have created various ‘comic characters’ that have now become household names. These new crop of comedians are taking advantage of the wide reach social media has to create creative, engaging and funny content entertaining to the average social media user.
By a mile, one of such skit creators, Jeffrey Nortey, has gained ground with his pieces beyond Ghana. Jeffrey, who is an actor, presenter and spoken word artiste, is taking the comedy skit industry to another level and gradually bringing some well-needed attention to that sector by highlighting trending topics and life lessons with his act.
Jeffrey is talented and his experience as an actor, a TV presenter and a poet makes it quite easy for him to excel in that sector—arguably making him one of the most sought-after stars in that field.
Argentina’s victory over Mexico helped keep their World Cup ambitions alive thanks to a moment of characteristic magic from Lionel Messi.
Following the shocking loss to Saudi Arabia in their opening match, Messi and Argentina knew defeat would kill their ambitions of making it to the round of 16 after just two games.
Mexico was frustrating Messi in an attritional match, especially in the first half, which was rife with fouls and pauses that prevented Argentina from gaining any momentum.
After 64 minutes, Messi changed everything when he controlled a pass with his left foot and drilled a precise finish past Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa into the bottom corner from 20 yards.
Huge crowds of Argentina fans in the 88,966-person crowd erupted in joy and relief as their World Cup campaign kicked off.
Three minutes before full time, Enzo Fernandez added a beautiful second goal by curling a shot into the top corner, but Messi’s goal was the game-changer.
Reverend Dr Ernest Adu Gyamfia, Board Chairman of the National Peace Council (NPC), has commended the people of Volta and Oti Regions for their effective collaboration and frank conversations during the Council’s last year dialogue exercise.
The Council, between July and August last year, embarked on a series of dialogue in the Volta and Oti Regions to discuss claims of discrimination against people in the two regions and to promote national cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
The exercise, held in 18 communities, documented the origin, nature and most noticeable or important things that informed the claim of discrimination and its implications for national unity.
Reverend Dr Adu Gyamfia, speaking at the opening of a two-day conference to discuss the report generated from last year’s dialogue, described the exercise as educative, informative and resourceful to the NPC and all relevant stakeholders in championing the peace not only for the generation but for generations to come.
The Board Chairman said the struggle for peace was a collective responsibility of all citizens, urging all to continue to promote the values of respect for each other, good neighbourliness, tolerance for divergent views and peaceful coexistence.
He said Ghana embraced diversity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence since independence and it was in its furtherance that the constitution obliged the state to promote the integration of the people of the country and prohibited discrimination and prejudices on the grounds of place of origin, circumstances of birth, ethnic origin, gender or religion, creed or other beliefs.
Reverend Adu Gyamfia said the objectives of the conference was to promote peace and encourage peaceful coexistence between different ethnic groups, create a platform for participants to discuss and dialogue for mutual understanding.
It was also to encourage participants to seek dialogue as the first option to solving any conflict and the importance of love and tolerance in the building up of human societies.
The Board Chairman said the NPC’s doors were opened for discussions and they would be glad to constantly engage the populace to secure the peace and security of the country.
He said, ”we cannot as humans embark upon any meaningful development or enjoy the fruits thereof, in the absence of peace,” and entreated the citizens to cherish the prevailing peace and endeavour to sustain it.
Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, Volta Regional Minister, said the country’s international recognition as an oasis of peace in an otherwise violent regional neighbourhood continued to grow despite the fast-approaching imminent threat of violence from terrorists and violent extremist groups.
He said though the dynamics of the present violence in the West African sub-region might be different from those of the 1990s, they were still linked to the perception of identity-based discrimination and marginalisation in one way or another.
“Claims of marginalization in many of our troubled neighbouring countries have been allowed to escalate into violence because those who feel marginalised and discriminated against were not allowed to tell their stories and experiences, let alone to have such claims documented and addressed.”
“I am, therefore, excited to note that during my tenure as the Volta Regional Minister, a State institution has managed to conduct the first-ever structured appreciative inquiry into the issues underpinning this long-held perception of discrimination and marginalisation in a bid to make recommendations for Government to address.”
Most Revered Emmanuel Fianu, Leader of the Dialogues underscored the need for each and everyone to work unceasingly for peace in all areas “where we live if we want to have a cohesive nation.”
He noted that the Council undertook the safe and structured dialogue in line with its mandate of facilitating the development of mechanisms for cooperation among all relevant stakeholders in peace building in the country.
MUSICIAN, Great Sawanne has added his voice to artistes based in the various regions of the country to be given opportunity like their colleagues in the nation’s capital to excel too.
The artiste who is making great strides in the Northern part of Ghana where he is based believes he is not gaining nationwide appeal because artistes from that part of the country lack attention.
Great Sawanne is currently in Accra to promote his latest single Let Me Enjoy on which he tells workers to enjoy the fruits of their labour.
Expressing his frustrations to Graphic Showbiz in an interview, Great Sawanne said his popularity has not extended beyond Northern Region because of the limited chances of artistes from his region.
“It’s about time the industry paid attention to artistes from the North and equally appreciated the good music from there. I know a lot of talented musicians who are struggling but I know their worth and when given the chance, they will excel. These young talents have performed on my show and they really surprised me with their delivery.
“We are serious about music in the North and one interesting thing about us is that most of the musicians play at least one instrument. When we hit the stage, it is a different ball game all together, we put in all the energy and we never disappoint”, he said.
He plays the Kologo and due to how good he is at it, Great Sawanne has had the opportunity to travel to South Africa, France, Germany, Italy among others to perform.
Residents in the Shama District of Western Region have bemoaned the lack of effective measures in the budget statement to address the socio-economic hardships facing Ghanaians.
According to them, the 2.5 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) announced in the 2023 budget would further aggravate the sufferings of Ghanaians.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), the people expressed their disappointment with the 2023 budget as it did not show any commitment from the government to ensure drastic reduction of petroleum prices.
Madam Atta Panyin, a petty trader and Auntie Adjoa, a shop owner at Inchaban and Shama Junction markets respectively noted that the unstable prices of petroleum products had negatively affected their businesses.
They explained that manufacturers and producers had no choice than to increase the prices of their commodities and items due to the unrestrained increase of fuel prices.
They noted that the unfortunate situation had made some of the traders who contracted loans to finance their businesses unable to service them while other businesses had collapsed, affecting the livelihood of many people.
Mr. Esuah, Coufie, a retired civil servant, took a swipe at the government for not detailing concrete measures in the budget to help tackle the unemployment issues.
He said a freeze on employment in the public sector would contribute to a high unemployment rate in the country.
Also, some drivers who ply Takoradi – Cape-Coast-Accra Road said there was nothing new in the budget to boost the confidence of the general public.
The drivers appealed to the government to consider measures to help reduce petroleum prices to help save their businesses from collapse.
Ghanaian actor Van Vicker has graduated as a Master of Arts in Communications just a year after bagging a degree in July 2021.
This is a big deal for the award winning actor because it took him 26-years to enroll in a university after completing senior high school.
In July last year, Van Vicker graduated with a degree and the first-class honors, best student in strategic communication, and best communications student awards were conferred on him.
The actor attributed his delay in tertiary education to lack of financial support from parents and indicated that if the Free SHS policy was active during the late 90s, he would have completed his education earlier.
“I could not enroll at a tertiary institution in 1997 because my single mother sis not have the funds. If free SHS was available back in the day, most likely would have graduated in 2000/2001,” his Instagram speech read.
Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, has advised secretarial and internet café operators to provide innovative services to remain in business.
“Digital technology keeps evolving but at the core of digitalization is computer and internet access. Interestingly, those are your basic input. You, therefore, cannot be out of business once you adopt the right approach,” she said.
The Minister gave the advice at the launch of the National Association of Secretarial and Internet Café Operators-Ghana (NASICOG), in Accra.
It was on the theme: “Ghana’s Digitalization agenda, the role of internet café operators and secretarial service providers”.
The event also saw the inauguration of a seven-member National Executive Board to spearhead the operations of the Association.
In a speech read on her behalf, the Minister said Government had recognised the contribution of NASICOG members to the Digital Transformation Agenda and that Government would continue to provide the enabling environment to facilitate the growth of all businesses in Ghana.
She said many of the interventions rolled out by Government since 2017 had led to massive improvements in the delivery of services and experiences, with NASICOG members playing a pivotal role.
Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful noted that the emergence of mobile devices such as smartphones and laptops had negatively affected the patronage of internet cafés.
The Minister said that, however, was an opportunity for the Association to re-orient its members by building their capacity to serve as facilitators of access to those services.
Mr Bruce Thomas Suallah, NASICOG President, said even though NASICOG had the potential to drive Ghana’s Digitalisation agenda to the desired expectation, nobody cared about their operations.
“Whether we do things right or not no one cares. Institutions that have deployed online services do not engage us in anything,” he bemoaned, saying the Association was ready to support Government executing any technology-related programme.
The National President said they would soon organise workshops for institutions and agencies that had deployed online services to train NASICOG members on how to effectively use their systems, and appealed to the institutions not to turn down those requests.
He also appealed to Telecommunication Companies to consider a special package for them because they used a greater chunk of their data.
He urged the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to consider making the National President of NASICOG a member of the WAEC board.
“In this way, the flow of information from WAEC to NASICOG members and from the members to WAEC would be fast and effective.”
“Payment for the yearly subscription of Biometric Machine should be abolished. This is because for the past three years, we have recorded very low turnout in the NOVDEC registration. As a result, we feel re-activation of the Biometric Machine should be made free,” he added.
He asked members to remain resolute and committed to the course of NASICOG and asked all who were yet to register with the Association to do so.
National Association of Secretarial and Internet Café Operators-Ghana (NASICOG) was birthed in 2020, on Telegram and WhatsApp platforms.
A constitution was drafted and adopted in September, 2020, after which 157 members contributed GH¢20.00 each for the registration of the Association at the Registrar General’s Department.
On October 7, 2021, the Association received its registration certificate.
Their major objective, among others, is to provide a common front that will promote their activities in a professional way and seek the general welfare of members.
The month of November was a transformational month for Ghanaian socialite Afia Schwar as she took a flight to Turkey to undergo a series of surgeries on her body.
By far, she has undergone a successful hair transplant, a surgery to correct her knee and dentition, and she is preparing to go for her last surgery, a body sculpting operation.
Afia Schwar shared all her plans to her fans online and has returned with an update of what she intends to do after she’s done with her final surgery on this trip.
A video Afia Schwar has posted on her Instagram page has captured her at the clinic where most Ghanaian female celebs go for liposuction and BBL surgeries.
She wore a clinical robe and stood beside popular surgeon, @Dr.Serkanbalta, the doctor who worked on actress Kisa Gbekle and other celeb’s body.
Afia stated without shame that she was going to operate on her body so she can also buy pressure for ladies on social media starting 2023.
Mrs Perpetual Ofori-Ampofo, President of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association (GRNMA), has urged government to exempt health workers from its intended freeze on the employment of civil and public servants.
She said the country’s health sector workforce was inadequate and that a freeze on employment in the sector would have dire consequences on healthcare service in the country.
Mrs Ofori-Ampofo said this at GRNMA’s 5th Dr Docia Kisseih Memorial lecture and GRNMA history book launch.
The event was on the theme: “Continuity and Development: A Vision for GRNMA’s Existence”.
Mrs Ofori-Ampofo said already they were faced with the exodus of health professionals and needed to get others employed to fill the gap.
“I wish to state emphatically that the nursing and midwifery workforce as we speak is not adequate and, therefore, we need those who have completed nursing schools to be employed to support health care delivery,” she reiterated.
Mrs Ofori-Ampofo called on Government to improve the conditions of service of health professionals, especially nurses and midwives for them to stay and serve the country.
Dr Vida Nyagre Yakong, Dean, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Development Studies, Tamale, admonished health professionals to acquire additional knowledge and skills to augment their work.
“Strong leadership and specialised nursing skills are key to the continuity and development of GRNMA and its vision, of which we must not lose sight.
“I would, therefore, want to see more nurse leaders in clinical leadership positions, nurse practitioners’ positions, and academia where we could harness advanced skills to contribute significantly to the profession and practice,” she added.
Dr Yakong called on Government to develop a deliberate plan that would support members of the profession to have a special seat in government and to contribute towards health policy formulation.
The Dr Docia Kisseih Memorial Lecture extolled the exemplary virtues and contributions of Dr Kisseih to the nursing and midwifery profession.
The book launch documented activities and strides of the GRNMA in the last 60 years.
He could switch to a back and have more men in attacking areas. He is likely to set up his team in a 4-2-3-1 system an approach he feels on when Ghana needed goals against Portugal.
The formation, which was used against Switzerland, Nicaragua, and the latter part of the Portugal game, has given Ghana assurance in attack regarding chances creation and fluidity in build-ups.
Tariq Lamptey
Tariq Lamptey, who made a good impact with his cameo against Portugal could get the nod to start against South Korea.
He contributed immensely to the team’s build-up down the right and helped the team’s transitions.
Alexander Djiku to start from bench
If Otto Addo decides to settle on a four-back for the game, Djiku, who started in a three-man defense will be sacrificed.
Otto Addo could use the slot for a winger in his lineup.
Kamaldeen Sulemana
One key problem Ghana encountered during the Portugal defeat was the lack of a speedster down the flank.
Ghana’s wing game was flat and Otto Addo could change that with the introduction of Kamaldeen on the flanks against South Korea.
Ghanaian singer and sugarcane hitmaker, Camidoh has explained people label him as a Nigerian other than Ghana because of how he sounds, his style, and his vibe. However, Camidoh finds this mistaken identity as genuine love expressed by the people and he enjoys the attention that comes with it.
“People still think I’m Nigerian. Some think I’m Kenyan, but I feel like it’s cool. It’s okay because, the fact that they even look at you or study you and think a certain thing about you, it feels like you have their attention. It feels like people love you and that is the only reason they speculate. So it’s fine.”
The ‘Sugarcane’ hitmaker also spoke on his topic choice when making songs, he noted that some song topics aren’t his thing although people, including his mother, have asked him to make songs addressing social issues like galamsey, he prefers songs about life and love.
According to him, he loves LOVE and life is equally beautiful when you picture it differently with all the good things therefore he likes to talk about those.
“I feel like I make records about life situations and all of that. I remember making a song about how people make decisions. I make all those types of stuff. But developmental, I don’t think I will. I only make songs that I’m inspired to do. And I feel like God puts different agendas in the hearts of different people. So, when I’m blessed with a certain topic, I make it.” he said
Camidoh is out with a new song, ‘Slow’, featuring Nigerian musician Magixx, available on all music platforms.
Following their loss to Portugal, Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has stated that his team must defeat South Korea to have any chance of leaving the group.
Anas Aremeyaw Anas has stated a major goal his most recent investigative documentary dubbed ‘Galamsey Economy’ achieved.
The investigative journalist said the film was put together to expose “the pervasive rot that is affecting the economy and investor confidence in Ghana.”
He was reacting to recent allegations against his person as contained in a viral video, which content he described as mudslinging and lies being peddled by detractors.
His views were contained in a November 25 press release which read in part: “A video, made up of rehashed allegations from 2018 have been circulated on social media networks and other messaging platforms.”
The statement went on to respond to specific individuals who appear in the said video addressing specifically what they are on record to have said of Anas and of his outfit, Tiger Eye Private Investigations (PI.)
Among others, Anas responded to claims by Assin Central lawmaker, Kennedy Agyapong, wife of the former Ghana Football Association, GFA, president and journalist Justice Kwaku Annan, a dismissed employee of Agyapong.
“We challenge anyone with evidence of crime against Anas Aremeyaw Anas, to without hesitation, make same available to the relevant State authorities,” the statement stressed.
It concluded by emphasizing that Tiger Eye will continue along the path of using sting operations to expose rot in the society.
“Tiger Eye PI remains unwavering in its commitment to fight graft and crimes using sting operations (Anas principle), and absolutely nothing, be they threats or baggage of spurious allegations, will stop us from holding duty bearers accountable in the interest of God and Country.”
The 23-year-old forward, who has scored goals for France at the competition’s youngest age, once again stole the show by scoring goals in the second half to help his team advance.
Theo Hernandez and the Paris St. Germain player exchanged a beautiful one-two before stroking in to break the tie just past the hour mark.
Seven minutes later, Denmark equalized when defender Andreas Christensen headed in at the far post after France failed to clear a corner.
Christensen, however, would have considered himself fortunate to still be on the field at that moment after only getting a yellow card for hauling back Mbappe on the 20th minute as he attempted to sprint clear.
Hugo Lloris of France made a quick save to stop Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Tottenham’s first-time shot, while Martin Braithwaite agonizingly fired into the side netting.
Mbappe, however, had the ultimate word with four minutes remaining, slipping in at the far post to score Antoine Griezmann’s cross.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been handed an offer to play on into his 40s with Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr ready to hand him a three year deal after the World Cup, according to CBS Sports sources.
Ronaldo is a free agent following the termination of his contract with Manchester United earlier this week, and he has long been of interest to Al Nassr, as well as other clubs in the Middle East. CBS Sports revealed in August that that interest would extend beyond the World Cup, with the 37-year-old having been keen to play at Europe’s highest level going into his fifth tournament. In Portugal’s opening game against Ghana Ronaldo set another record on the international stage, scoring in his fifth World Cup.
Al Nassr hope that following the tournament Ronaldo will be keen to break new ground and after extensive talks with his representatives sources close to the club say their interest is “stronger than ever.” The terms on offer to Ronaldo are understood to be worth $75 million a year.
Due to contact being initiated over the summer, it is believed talks are relatively advanced but awaiting Ronaldo’s final decision. Should he choose to accept the offer, sources tell CBS Sports a deal would not take long to finalize.
Ronaldo asked to leave Manchester United in the summer, but none of Europe’s biggest clubs were prepared to offer him the platform of Champions League football that he craved. Following an explosive interview with Talk TV in which he accused United of “betraying” him and said he did not respect head coach Erik ten Hag — statements which could have led to the club sacking him if a mutual termination had not been agreed — it appears unlikely that the market has grown among the continent’s elite.
Al Nassr are one of SaudI Arabia, and indeed Asia’s, most successful clubs, winning nine league titles and reaching the final of the AFC Champions League in 1995. Their great rivals Al Hilal have also been linked with a move for Ronaldo. Al Nassr’s offer is understood to be the only formal contract offered to the Portugal international, whose future is expected to remain unresolved until after the World Cup.
The record goalscorer in men’s international football, Ronaldo struggled to make a major impact to Manchester United’s success after joining them from Juventus in the summer of 2021. Though he was their top scorer last season with 24 goals in 38 games across all competitions, United slipped from second in the Premier League the previous season to sixth.
Erik ten Hag’s appointment saw Ronaldo confined to a fringe role, starting just four top flight matches. Prior to the interview that led to his departure the veteran striker had been involved in several other controversies, leaving the ground early during a pre-season friendly and refusing to enter the game as a substitute in a defeat to Tottenham.
“TVI broadcast the debut game which had a total of 3.9 million people watching, with an average audience of 2.3 million and a share of 64.5 percent”, says UM, the media agency of the Mediabrands group.
This was the most watched game of the group stage, followed by the Brazil vs Serbia and France vs Australia games.
According to Univesal McCann, the transmission of this game by TVI was a good bet for the channel, since it recorded a share of 22.2 percent, an increase of 6.8 percentage points compared to the accumulated average for the month of October”.
After a goalless first half, Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring for Portugal via the penalty spot but Ghana improved after the goal and scored the equalised through skipper Andre Ayew from close range.
Portugal responded with two goals in two minutes to seal the points – Joao Felix converting a delightfully clipped finish and substitute Rafael Leao coolly stroking in just seconds after coming on.
The Black Stars will now switch their attention to their attention to the match against South Korea on Monday before taking on Uruguay on December 2 at the Education City stadium.
Lawyer and media personality, Afia Pokua got on the wrong side of social media users in her Facebook post that tagged Ghanaians as people filled with ‘pure hatred’ that hinders them from sharing in the joy of others.
Her ‘harmless’ post has attracted backlash in what has been termed as a deliberate attempt to ridicule Ghanaians by comparing them to Nigerians.
“Nigerians can praise and celebrate their own. These two Nigerian couple married this weekend in the US and UK but if it had been my people, enka PURE HATRED nkoaa as if it is their money. PhD in ‘Pull Him Down’ fuo,” Afia Pokua wrote in a Facebook post dated November 27 in reaction to two viral weddings.
Social media users have been pouring in congratulatory messages to two of Nigeria’s key personalities who tied the knot with their sweethearts.
The first was between Nigerian businessman Simon Guobadia and ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ star Porsha Williams who wedded in a custom ceremony on November 25 in Atlanta.
Also, Nigerian actress, Rita Dominic and her husband, Dr Fidelis Anosike, founder of Folio Media Group held their white wedding in North Yorkshire, England on November 26. It had in attendance popular personalities from their country.
Celebrities, fans and well wishes have congratulated the newlyweds but according to Afia Pokua, Ghanaians would have failed to ‘celebrate the couple’ due to their hatred. She added that they could have been questioned for splurging on their ceremony.
Social media users who disagreed with her assertion urged her to focus on the brighter side of life instead of condemning the good people of Ghana based on her experience with a few ‘bad ones’.
After defender Mohammed Salisu’s challenge in the 65th minute resulted in a penalty for Ronaldo and Portugal, Otto Addo was clearly unhappy.
In the match, Ghana fought hard but ultimately fell short, losing 2-3.
But Otto Addo in his outburst described the penalty as a gift from the referee to Ronaldo who made history as the only male player to score in 5 FIFA World Cups when he converted the penalty against Ghana.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the second group game against South Korea on Monday, Otto Addo apologized for his remarks and said he hopes to avoid a fine or any kind of punishment for the utterances.
“ First of all I like to apologize for the remarks after the game. I think I was a little bit too emotional and I hope I don’t get a fine. “
Ghana will play Korea on Monday in a game they must avoid defeat if they are to progress to the next stage of the tournament.
The South Korean team’s defensive strategies have been disrupted by Kim Min-injury, jae’s according to coach Paulo Bento.
Kim Min-jae of Napoli sustained the injury during Thursday’s scoreless draw between South Korea and Uruguay.
While Uruguay started with both current and former Liverpool strikers in Darwin Nunez and Luis Suarez, Heung-Min Son was able to play for South Korea despite having just damaged an eye socket, but none of them were successful in breaking through in a competitive game in Qatar.
“I don’t have enough data to make comments (about his injury). We will see what will happen,” Bento said.
“Because of his injury, it hindered our performance as we could not continue the game as we had…We struggled to take our defensive lines to other areas and then decided to lower it and group them together,”
“Min-Jae is a player who played almost all matches (in the Champions League for Napoli) in a short time and, as a consequence, we now have an injury in the World Cup,”
A group of aggrieved senior medical Staff at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi are considering taking legal action against the hospital’s board for authorizing payment of 8 months of accumulated (deferred) leave for the retired Chief Executive officer (CEO) Dr. Oheneba Owusu Danso including other benefits they deem as illegal.
On the 27th of October 2022, the hospital’s board Chairman, Nana Effah Apenteng, Omanhene of Bompata Traditional Area at a board meeting approved for the retired CEO of the facility to be paid his differed leave and terminal leave of a total of one hundred and sixty-four (164) working days.
By the board’s approval, the outgoing Chief executive Dr. Oheneba Owusu Danso is granted all his accumulated and terminal leave days and shall enjoy the same under the condition of service, as he proceeds on retirement as chief executive officer.
A memo intercepted by GHone News directed the hospital’s Director of Finance and Human Resources to comply as received from the board.
This means the retired CEO while on retirement will be paid every month his basic salary and all benefits he used to enjoy while serving as the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals Chief Executive Officer.
The memo sighted further explained that the hospital’s Director of Finance should pay the retired CEO his 8 months of supposed accumulated leave effective 2nd November 2022-July 2023.
Through this instruction from the board, the retired Plastic Surgeon will be paid his basic salary, payment in lieu of accommodation, rate of maintenance and kilometric allowance while he uses his personal vehicle.
Responsibility allowance of 50% of basic, 20% entertainment allowance, house help, garden boy, day and night watchman.
The memo further added, his free medical and dental care utility service should equally be paid for.
GHOne News can report on authority that this directive from the referral facility’s board is causing serious confusion in the hospital.
Some senior staff of the facility at a meeting threatened to embark on industrial action against the hospital board’s mismanagement of the hospital’s funds while the facility continues to struggle for working equipment.
However, other staff at the meeting suggested the hospital staff should rather sue the board for the court to reverse the directive for the said payment describing it as illegal.
According to them, the CEO while in office enjoyed all the benefits he was entitled to, therefore, such payment must be prevented to save the hospital’s money.
Founder of the Glorious Word Power Ministries International, Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah, was spotted at a well-attended and high-profile book launch in Accra last week.
The book in question was ‘The BitterSweet Pill of Politics,’ a book authored by Ama Bame Busia, a former Vice Chair of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and a one-time Council of State member.
Bempah, known as the Nation’s Prophet, was spotted at the event spotting a rather casual look. He wore a multicoloured long sleeved shirt with black trousers and brown sneakers with dark shades.
Photos on the Facebook handle of Second Lady Samira Bawumia showed that among other dignitarie present were: her husband Mahamudu Bawumia, former president John Agyekum Kufuor and First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo.
Also in attendance was Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, Madam Joyce Aryee, Chief of Staff Cecilia Abena Dapaah.
Mrs. Bawumia’s post was captioned as follows: “Last night, “The Bittersweet Pill of Politics” a memoir authored by Auntie Amma Bame Busia, sister to Prof. K.A Busia (former Prime Minister of Ghana) was launched by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
“The event was chaired by Former President Kuffour, under whose tenure she served as member of Council of State. The book, which promises an interesting read, chronicles her journey and experiences through Ghana’s political history from the 1940s till the mid 2000s.”
Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Policy Studies (CSPS) at the University of Ghana, Legon, Dr. George Domfe says, President Akufo Addo is a better manager of the economy than former president Jonh Dramani Mahama.
According to the renowned Economist, despite the global challenges, figures from the 2023 budget statement show the Akufo-Addo lead government has been superior management of the economy than its immediate predecessor.
Reacting to the 2023 financial statement on the Kumasi-based OTEC 102.9 FM’s morning show, “Nyansapo”, on Friday November 24, 2022, the Development Economist and a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Policy Studies (CSPS) at the University of Ghana said
Budget 2023 will spur Economic Recovery and Strengthen Fiscal Responsibility Focused on economic recovery and fiscal responsibility.
Growth rate
Speaking on the country’s Growth Rate in the first three quarters, Dr. George Domfe praised the government for chalking up an impressive rate in the midst of global turmoil.
“The Mahama lead government in 2016 had a 2.3 percent growth rate compared to the 4.8 recorded in 2022, proven that there is a vast difference between the two regimes”
Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta during the 2023 budget presentation said the Economy is expected to expand by 2.8% in 2023
This according to him forms part of the government’s macroeconomic targets for next year.
He added that the Non-oil real Gross Domestic Product growth rate will however grow at a rate of 3% in 2023.
The Finance Minister further revealed that Ghana’s Economy gr
According to the renowned Economist, despite the global challenges, figures from the 2023 budget statement show the Akufo-Addo lead government has been superior management of the economy than its immediate predecessor.
Reacting to the 2023 financial statement on the Kumasi-based OTEC 102.9 FM’s morning show, “Nyansapo”, on Friday November 24, 2022, the Development Economist and a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Policy Studies (CSPS) at the University of Ghana said
Budget 2023 will spur Economic Recovery and Strengthen Fiscal Responsibility Focused on economic recovery and fiscal responsibility.
Growth rate
Speaking on the country’s Growth Rate in the first three quarters, Dr. George Domfe praised the government for chalking up an impressive rate in the midst of global turmoil.
“The Mahama lead government in 2016 had a 2.3 percent growth rate compared to the 4.8 recorded in 2022, proven that there is a vast difference between the two regimes”
Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta during the 2023 budget presentation said the Economy is expected to expand by 2.8% in 2023
This according to him forms part of the government’s macroeconomic targets for next year.
He added that the Non-oil real Gross Domestic Product growth rate will however grow at a rate of 3% in 2023.
The Finance Minister further revealed that Ghana’s Economy grew by 4.8% in quarter 2 of the 2022 fiscal year.
“Ghana’s economy expanded by 4.8% in the second quarter of this year, higher than the 3.4% recorded in the first quarter, data from the Ghana Statistical Services has revealed”
“The appreciable growth rate was driven by Manufacturing (8.8%), Crops and Cocoa (4.5%), Mining and Quarrying (4.4%), Information and Communication (12.4%) as well as the Education (13.2%) sub-sectors”
“Other sectors which accounted for the growth include, the Services sector (5.2%) expanded more than the national average. It was followed by Agriculture (4.6%) and Services (4.4%)”. He added
Dr. Domfeh is of the view that measures outlined in the 2023 budget will address the impact of the economic shocks on Ghanaians through the exponential cut in some major government expenditures.
A Coordinator of the Tertiary Educational Institutions Network (TEIN) of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has justified why current National Youth Organiser of the party should be retained.
Jacob Nwaangu Gbelinyari who is the TEIN Coordinator for the Savannah Region, Lawyer George Opare Addo who seeking a second term in office, is very humble, respectful, accommodating, and above all one who is very committed.
“As a TEIN Coordinator working with Pablo over this short period, one can confidently with comfort describe him as very humble, respectful, accommodating, and above all one who is very committed to the NDC and his assigned duties as the National Youth Organizer”, he disclosed.
Read his full argument for the retention of Lawyer George Opare Addo
I have been keenly monitoring the recent happenings and types of campaigns being adopted by many candidates and their teams, and of a particular interest to I, is the area of the National Youth Organizer contest. Having worked with the Youth Wing of the Party, NDC all this while, and as a stakeholder of the Youth Wing having served as TEIN President, Tamale Technical University and currently coordinating TEIN of the Savannah Region, it’s appropriate I bring to light my experience with Lawyer George Opare Addo aka Pablo and why we cannot afford the risks of losing him for anyone.
As a TEIN Coordinator working with Pablo over this short period, one can confidently with comfort describe him as very humble, respectful, accommodating, and above all one who is very committed to the NDC and his assigned duties as the National Youth Organizer and will go the extra mile to getting his job done. Sometimes, it marvels many the level at which Pablo can go sacrificing his personal resources into the Party, NDC and its members. Indeed, it’s not only comforting watching Pablo work for the NDC but, sometimes it makes one very emotional and teary when people deliberately fabricate stories against him for cheap political gains, and knowing from within their heart of hearts that all such issues raised against him are all falsehoods.
To say Pablo has been phenomenal in delivering his mandate National Youth Organizer is an understatement. However, just like every incumbency, he cannot run from the misfortunes that come with such. Just as he has incumbency advantages, so has he got same incumbency disadvantages. If not for that, how can anyone of fair-minded judgement consider Pablo as a failure and thereby contesting him? If we were fair to the NDC, Pablo deserved an unopposed contest!
In the campaign against Pablo, all you hear his opponents keep trumpeting on is that “he is against JM”. Unfortunately for them, they cannot account to the public what they’ve done for JM and want to forcefully assume the position of “darling boys” to JM.
Equally unfortunate on their part, the more they try to paint Pablo as anti-JM, the more unconvincing they appear to be. During the 2016 electioneering period, the supposed “anti-JM” supported JM and his Campaign Team with 5 Pickup Trucks even as he toured the entire country campaigning for JM as well. While Pablo was this much sacrificial for JM and the Party, NDC, where were the supposed “JM darling boys”?
Pablo’s tenure as National Youth Organizer saw him procuring about 16 Pickup Trucks and over 200 Motorcycles for Regional Youth Organizers, Constituencies Youth Organizers, and as well as JM 2020 Campaign Team. While Pablo was this much sacrificial to the Party and JM, where were the supposed “JM darling boys”? Pablo as well printed and donated to the Party, NDC over 20,000 JDM customized T-shirts in the year 2020.
With all these sacrifices to JM, we are being forced to believe that Pablo is one against JM. Now, even people JM doesn’t know are forcefully assuming the position of darling boys to him over those he knows and gave them the opportunities to have served under his government. Surprising, isn’t it? Unfortunately, the delegates are wise to differentiate between truth and lies.
To you our respected delegates, when people come to you telling you they’re JM’s darling boys, ask them of their track records and what they intend to do for the Party giving the opportunity. As a Party so much hungry in our desire to delivering victory for HE John Dramani Mahama and NDC and as well as the good people of Ghana, we must make it a conscious habit of running clean campaigns regardless of our individual differences.
Where were the supposed JM darling boys and JM saw so much trust in Lawyer George Opare Addo and appointed him as his MCE for a period of four years? At every given opportunity, HE John Dramani Mahama has always indicated how much he loves Pablo and how much Pablo loves him back. This is the reason why Pablo has been the National officer to have had travels, especially that which are foreign to engage the Party chapters abroad than any other National officer.
As part of Pablo’s achievement, he helped through Alhaji Inusah Mahama, the Savannah Region Youth Organizer, to deliver the Salaga South seat to the NDC. But for Pablo’s effort, can you imagine the NDC of John Dramani Mahama’s Savannah Region having 3 seats against the NPP securing 4 seats?
How can I against all odds, turn my back to all these glaringly clear records? Would that not be deliberate hatred and/or witchcraft?
Our dear respected Youth Organizers and TEIN representatives, if you do not want us to gamble with the victory of HE John Dramani Mahama and the NDC come 2024, I entreat you choose and retain Lawyer George Opare Addo as the National Youth Organizer to continue with his sacrificial works for the NDC.
I come in peace and bring you greetings from the Savannah Region.
Sutton says the former Real Madrid star has a set a ‘terrible example for young kids everywhere’ because of his ‘cheating’ to win the penalty as quoted by Daily Mail.
Ronaldo elected himself to convert the penalty before two more goals were added by Joao Felix and substitute Rafael Leao to complete the victory in the Group H opener of the World Cup.
Ghana head coach Otto Addo was outraged by Elfath’s decision to give the penalty to the Seleçao as he expressed during the post-match conference.
“If somebody scores a goal, congratulations. But this was really a gift. Really a gift. What more can I say? [It was] a special gift from the referee,” Addo said
The recovered amount which covers a period of ten months is almost double of what was recovered between 2019 and 2021.
According to official figures available, EOCO in 2019 recovered only GH¢4,301,262.79, GH¢4,365,129.69 for 2020, and GH¢6,142,984.01 for 2021.
Speaking to the development on the floor of parliament last Thursday, the Finance Minister said “ Mr. Speaker, the Office, through the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), recovered an amount of GH¢27.55 million (being GH¢11.14 million direct recovery into the Consolidated Fund and GH¢16.41 million indirect recovery to other institutions) from the proceeds of crime as at end September, 2022”
According to him, the office also investigated 490 cases out of which 19 are being prosecuted.
“Mr. Speaker, EOCO investigated 490 cases out of which 19 are being prosecuted at various courts. The Office secured one court conviction, and five cases were dismissed. In addition, the Office carried out 55 sensitisation programmes on cybercrimes, 55 on gaming, three outreach programmes on human trafficking and irregular migration. In 2023, EOCO anticipates investigating 450 cases, out of which over 50 cases will be prosecuted. The Office plans to carry out 60 sensitisation programmes on cybercrimes, 55 on gaming, and five outreach”
Prior to the Al Sadd forward tying the score ten minutes later, Ronaldo had given the 2016 European Champions the lead from the penalty spot.
Cameroon, the defending African champions, lost their initial match to the Netherlands, and Senegal, Tunisia, Morocco, and Morocco also failed to score in their opening matches.
Ayew has now netted three goals at the World Cup, making his third appearance on the global stage.
Meanwhile, in a thrilling encounter, Ronaldo, Joao Felix, and Rafael Leao scored for the Portuguese, while Ayew and Osman Bukari netted for Ghana.
Ayew must produce another warrior performance for his country in their second group game at the 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament in Qatar to have a chance to play in the knockout stages of the mundial.
Ghana will next face South Korea, before finishing their group with a clash against Uruguay on December 2.
British-Ghanaian rapper, Stormzy, has unveiled featured artistes on his upcoming project ‘This Is What I Mean’.
The rapper who recently dropped visuals for his heartfelt song ‘Firebabe’ took to his social media pages to share some new info about the upcoming project.
In a tweet, ‘Big Michael’ revealed the artistes featured on the album which is scheduled for release on Friday, November 25, 2022. Ghana’s Black Sherif, Amaarae and Juls join the list as well as Nigeria’s Ayra Starr, Teni, P2J, Oxlade, Tempoe and Ms. Banks.
Highly talented acts like Goerge Moore, Knox Brown, Ayanna, Dion Wardle, Scribz Riley, KZ, Owen Gutts, India Arie, and others were also featured on the album.
“This Is What I Mean” is the follow-up to Stormzy’s acclaimed 2019 album “Heavy Is The Head.”
In order to discuss how freight forwarders may stay relevant in a volatile global supply chain, the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) conducted its 25th Annual General Meeting in Koforidua, the capital of the Eastern Regional Region.
The Omanhene of New Juaben, Daasebre Nana Kwaku Boateng III, addressed the audience and urged freight forwarders to deal with importers honestly and avoid deceptive practises.
In order to keep freight forwarders relevant, according to GIFF President Eddy Akrong, efforts should not be spared in exploring ICT solutions whose benefits would make freight forwarders more appealing to traders.
He appealed to the Minister of Transport to bring to finality some unjustifiable shipping line charges. Eddy Akrong said the GIFF research hub which was recently launched would make available research data to tackle challenges and also provide solutions to issues within the port and shipping industry. The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Benonita Bismarck, revealed that the Authority in collaboration with the Committee of Freight Forwarder Associations (COFFA) and the Ghana Union of Traders Association have engaged the shipping lines in order to streamline processes and address the general service quality issues within the cargo clearance space with the view to stemming the tide of arbitrariness in the introduction and increases in tariff.
She further disclosed that the 2021 estimates of the amount of demurrage paid by shippers in Ghana showed a significant decline to $19million and that the Authority will continue to pursue a further reduction to the barest minimum in the interest of shippers, especially with the recent increases in the daily demurrage rates by some shipping lines coupled with the current exchange rate volatility. The Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong commended freight forwarders for their immense role in the global supply chain.
“The various roles and activities carried out by the freight forwarder makes him indispensable in the current global supply chain. From Customs Brokerage to compliance, networking, scheduling, inventory management, warehousing, administration and documentation, the freight forwarder clearly maintains his relevance in the current turbulent global supply chain,” he noted.
The Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah averred that to ensure a competitive business environment, there is the need to harmonize and standardize shipping line charges, negotiate for minimum service standards and more importantly, build strong regulatory framework for enforcement and compliance. This, according to him, will ensure non-proliferation of charges at the Ports, arbitrary increases of charges, improved service quality and value for money.
Leveraging on technology and building capacity and partnerships across the global supply value chain, he said could provide a competitive advantage in the service provision.
“I therefore want to take this opportunity to urge the Institute to provide the needed support and capacity building to ensure that members are abreast with modern trends in the industry,” he stated. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah revealed that the Ghana Shippers Authority Act has some inefficiencies, which precluded them from exercising their Authority, therefore, the act would be amended to give them more power.
He noted that sustainable shipping is the future of the industry, hence, the need to ensure that the maritime industry evolves along that trajectory.
“Ensuring environmental friendly ports, promoting regulations for green shipping through technology and renewable energy along the shipping value chain are some of the interventions being pursued by Government. Therefore, ensuring green logistics operations across the logistics value chain is a strategy that we must all pursue in our various capacities,” he stated.
A National Security operative accused of robbing a gold company director of 5kg of gold worth GHS2.7 million has been remanded into police custody by an Accra Circuit court.
Kelvin Prince Boakye, aka Don King, has been charged with conspiracy to commit crime to wit robbery, robbery, and possession of unregistered Burni pistol loaded with three rounds of 9 mm ammunitions without authority.
Boakye, 48, has denied the various charges and expected to reappear on December 13, 2022, before the court presided over by Mrs Evelyn Asamoah.
The prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Maxwell Oppong, narrated that the complainant, name withheld, was the manageress of Wahid Gold Company Limited, Tesano.
It said the company dealt in gold and that the Managing Director, Mohammed Ko Chan Tha, was domiciled in Dubai.
It said the accused claimed to be a national security personnel and residing at Sowutuom, Accra.
The prosecution told the court that on November 5, this year, the complainant and other workers, who were witnesses in the case, went to buy 5kg of gold from the accused person’s accomplices at the cost of GHS2.731,138.
It said the gold was taken to SSL Refinery at Kotoka International Airport Terminal two for testing.
The prosecution held that after the testing, it was confirmed to be pure gold.
It said the accused person’s accomplices who were yet to be arrested lured the complainant to escort them to Accra Mall with the money.
On their way, the prosecution said the complainant called the Managing Director and one Emmanuel Amuzu, a worker who were with the gold at the refinery to inform them that she had handed over the money to the accused person’s accomplices.
It said suddenly, Boakye and two others yet to be arrested armed with AK47 rifle went into the refinery and took the Managing Director, Mohammed Ko Chan Tha, Emmanuel Amuzu and other witnesses’ hostage, beat them and robbed them of the 5kg gold.
The prosecutor said the CCTV installed at the refinery captured the accused person and his accomplices’ act and that they escaped and went into hiding after the robbery.
On November 18, this year, Boakye was arrested at Awoshie.
The prosecution said when Boakye was searched, an unregistered Bruni pistol with one round of 9mm ammunitions and a gotta handset were retrieved from him.
It said when Boakye’s residence was searched, two rounds of 9mm ammunitions, two bullet proof vest, one ballistic helmet, two stunt guns and one pepper spray were found.
During interrogations, Boakye mentioned five persons as his accomplices.
The prosecution said efforts were underway to apprehend Boakye’s accomplices.
Fifa has opened disciplinary proceedings against Serbia’s football association after its team hung a controversial flag depicting Kosovo in their dressing room prior to their World Cup defeat by Brazil.
The flag showed an outline of Kosovo filled with the Serbiaflag, with the words ‘no surrender’.
Tensions are running high between ethnic Serbs and the Albanian-led government in Kosovo, amid fears violence could flare up again, 23 years after the Kosovo war.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 but Serbia – an ally of Russia – does not recognise it as an independent country.
On Friday, the Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK) submitted a complaint to Fifa, football’s world governing body, over Serbia’s “chauvinistic rhetoric”.
In a statement, it said: “Such acts of chauvinism have no place in a sports event, and even less inside the facilities where the biggest event of world football takes place, therefore FFK, as an equal member with all other members of Fifa, demands from this institution to undertake sanctioning measures against actions that incite hatred between peoples and are against human values.”
It added: “It is unacceptable for this act to pass in silence, therefore we strongly request that Fifa strictly implement its rules and punish the football federation of Serbia for this aggressive action and against the values that football conveys.”
Kosovo’s sports minister, Hajrulla Ceku, said it expected “concrete actions” from Fifa against Serbia’s “hateful, xenophobic and genocidal messages”.
Fifa’s proceedings were opened on the basis of article 11 of the Fifa disciplinary code, which is “offensive behaviour and violation of the principles of fair play” and includes “using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature”, as well as article four of the regulations for the 2022 World Cup which refers to team’s responsibilities at the tournament.
Kosovo was accepted into Uefa and Fifa in 2016 but under Uefa rules, Serbia and Kosovo can not play each other in World Cup qualifying because of the tensions between the two countries.
Serbia were beaten 2-0 by Brazil in their World Cup opener in Qatar on Thursday, and play Cameroon in their next Group G fixture on Monday.
By 467.4 billion Ghana Cedis at the end of September 2022, Ghana’s debt was at an unsustainable level, necessitating a plan to reduce it.
Following the presentation of the 2023 budget, the deputy minister told EIB parliamentary correspondent Ibrahim Alhassan that Treasury bills are not included in debt operations.
“This budget seeks to achieve certain things that we want to bring stability in the economy and also help us get our debt to a sustainable level. In doing so we are looking at debt exchange as the minister announced. This debt exchange is going to be done in conjunction with the regulators and all the relevant stakeholders.
“We haven’t concluded on the debt exchange but one thing I want to put out there is to allay the fears of anybody at all. Is that for all Treasury Bills they are not in the perimeter of the debt restructuring or debt exchange,” Madam Osei Asare assured.
She also stated that what the government is seeking to bring with the program is to bring the debts to a sustainable level so that the market can correct itself and reduce interest rates.
“That will reflect in the inflation and help in bringing down the prices of goods and services as well as food.
“We believe that as we sit together in our tenure, rates that best fit the market that we have now we will be doing ourselves a lot of good in bringing our debt levels down, to make sure that we stabilize the economy,” she added.
A renowned labour consultant has accused the finance minister of creating needless fear and panic among the teeming unemployed with his freeze on all government employment as contained in the Thursday budget statement to the Legislature
Mr Antwi Boasiako Sekyere said what the minister said was not apt.
He explained that there cannot be a freeze on employment when every year people retire and need to be replaced.
“Every year, scores of people are needed to fill vacant positions in the teaching sector as well as the nursing sector and the security sector,” he explained.
The former Deputy Minister for Manpower and Labour Relations in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) argued against the minister’s claims while speaking in an interview on the Accra 100.5 FM’s midday news on Friday, November 25, 2022.
He said what will be at play with Ghana getting a deal from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is the employment in some of the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), adding that some of these SOEs have as many as three deputies who draw salaries and allowances from the consolidated fund.
He said the IMF will not allow this to happen as part of the austerity measures when a deal is reached with the fund.
“Under NDC, we went for an IMF deal but recruited to fill positions but the New Patriotic Party in opposition accused the government of not employing because of the IMF deal when they know that was not the case,” he said.
To reduce public expenditure, the government has put a freeze on recruitment in the public sector beginning next year, 2023.
This is part of some 13 measures announced by the Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta in the 2023 budget statement presented in Parliament on Thursday, 24 November 2022.
These measures according to the finance minister are cabinet directives.
The 13 measures are listed below:
1. All MDAs, MMDAs and SOEs are directed to reduce fuel allocations to Political Appointees and heads of MDAs, MMDAs and SOEs by 50%. This directive applies to all methods of fuel allocation including coupons, electronic cards, chit systems, and fuel depots. Accordingly, 50% of the previous year’s (2022) budget allocation for fuel shall be earmarked for official business pertaining to MDAs, MMDAs and SOES;
2. A ban on the use of V8s/V6s or its equivalent except for cross-country travel. All government vehicles would be registered with GV green number plates from January 2023;
3. Limited budgetary allocation for the purchase of vehicles. For the avoidance of doubt, purchase of new vehicles shall be restricted to locally assembled vehicles;
4. Only essential official foreign travel across government including SOEs shall be allowed. No official foreign travel shall be allowed for board members. Accordingly, all government institutions should submit a travel plan for the year 2023 by mid-December of all expected travels to the Chief of Staff;
5. As far as possible, meetings and workshops should be done within the official environment or government facilities;
6. Government-sponsored external training and Staff Development activities at the Office of the President, Ministries and SOEs must be put on hold for the 2023 financial year;
7. Reduction of expenditure on appointments including salary freezes together with suspension of certain allowances like housing, utilities and clothing, etc.;
8. A freeze on new tax waivers for foreign companies and review of tax exemptions for free zone, mining, oil and gas companies;
9. A hiring freeze for civil and public servants
10. No new government agencies shall be established in 2023;
11. There shall be no hampers for 2022;
12. There shall be no printing of diaries, notepads, calendars and other promotional merchandise by MDAs, MMDAs and SOEs for 2024;
13. All non-critical projects must be suspended for 2023 Financi
The government’s commitment to reaching its Sustainable Development Goal of encouraging affordable and clean energy sources has been reaffirmed by deputy energy minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam.
He claims that the country of Ghana’s energy requirements have greatly increased over the last few decades as a result of population growth, fast urbanisation, and industrialization initiatives.
The deputy energy minister stated that the electricity sector, for example, has seen growing demand translating to regular expenditures in transmission lines and bulk supply points, among others, at the 6th Ghana Energy Awards (GEA) on November 25, 2022.
“In 2007, the discovery of oil, off Ghana’s shores in commercial quantities along with the first production in 2010, put a new dimension on the economy and this important sector continues to witness significant expansion in the upstream and downstream areas,” the Deputy Energy Minister said.
He explained that the framework will among others guide the country on the path towards energy transition in a just manner and way which does not jeopardize Ghana’s developmental needs.
“Our job in the coming years is to ensure we work toward government’s vision for the power sector which is to secure a safe, reliable and affordable energy that is able to propel Ghana’s industrialisation agenda on a sustainable path,” Amin Adam concluded.
Ghana remains committed to its SDG goal of Affordable and Clean energy
0 seconds of 3 minutes, 10 seconds, Volume 90%
The Ghana Energy Awards was held to recognise the efforts, innovations and excellence of stalwarts in the sector. The awards scheme further seeks to celebrate the tremendous work of competing players under the various award categories.
The 6th edition of the award scheme was under the theme: “Global Decarbonisation: A Just and Equitable Energy Transition in Ghana.”
It was organised by the Energy Media Group, in partnership with GP Business Consulting and endorsed by the Ministry of Energy, World Energy Council Ghana, with validation by Mazars.
There was only one big story circling before France’s game with Denmark. Would Olivier Giroud become his country’s all-time leading goalscorer?
But fellow frontman Kylian Mbappe had other ideas.
The man described as a “superstar” stole the show with both goals as defending champions France won 2-1 to become the first team team into the World Cup knockout stage.
“Kylian, what can I say?” said France boss Didier Deschamps. “An exceptional player. He has the ability to be decisive, stand up from the crowd and make the difference.
“Opponents have to rethink their structure and formation. Kylian is supported by other players who are as dangerous as him, but free him up to play his game.
“He had the objective of playing at the World Cup and France needs Kylian.”
‘He’s got it all, a very special talent’
Brilliant and pure box office, Paris St-Germain forward Mbappe again proved why he is tipped to be the game’s best player.
His number 10 shirts were everywhere you looked outside and inside Stadium 974, while his name got the loudest cheer when the line-up was read out before kick-off.
Lightning quick, skilful and coolness personified in front of goal, supporters and journalists are left drooling every time Mbappe gets the ball at his feet.
He gave Denmark a warning of his pace in the first half when, out of shot, he suddenly darted in behind looking to latch onto Antoine Griezmann’s through-ball.
As he looked to break clear, he was hauled down by Andreas Christensen, who only got a yellow card as two Danish team-mates were in a supporting position. It was doubtful, though, that either would have got near Mbappe as he burst away.
He did get his reward just after the hour mark, playing a delightful one-two with Theo Hernandez to convert, before bundling in the winner on 86 minutes from Griezmann’s cross.
“What a player, what a superstar,” former England striker Alan Shearer said on BBC Radio 5 Live. “He made the difference tonight.
“When you’ve got that guy in your team, in the form that he’s in, he looks so comfortable and confident in front of goal, you’ve got a chance. He won the game for them.
“Whatever you have to have as a forward, Kylian Mbappe’s got it all. The timing of his runs, the understanding of when and how to go. He’s a very special talent.
“Because of him, that is France’s chance [of winning the World Cup again]. If he keeps on performing and he’s in that mood, France have got a chance.
“He looks like a kid in the playground – he just looks like he’s enjoying it. As soon as he gets the ball you can hear the roar and he’s feeding off that, there’s no doubt about that. He loves that – and rightly so.”
Silent, but deadly
Giroud and the great Thierry Henry are tied on 51 international goals, with the AC Milan striker having looked to go out on his own against Denmark.
But Giroud may now be looking over his shoulder as Mbappecloses in on the record mark with every game in a Les Bleus shirt.
The 23-year-old is now on 31 goals, seventh on the all-time list alongside arguably France’s greatest-ever player in Zinedine Zidane.
Henry played in four World Cups and scored seven goals, but Mbappe has already equalled that number, which is also one fewer than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite it only being his second tournament, Mbappe is now France’s second-highest scorer at a World Cup.
He is behind Just Fontaine, who only played at one tournament in 1958, but scored a remarkable 13 goals in six games.
With Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema ruled out of the tournament with injury, Mbappe may have to shoulder more of the responsibility in the attacking third.
Asked if Mbappe is a team leader despite his young age, Deschamps added: “He is a leader, yes. There are three types of leaders; physical, technical and mental leaders. Leadership does not have one pace.
“Mbappe does not talk much, but is like a steam train on the pitch and gets the crowd up and wants to do everything for the team. There are natural-born leaders on the pitch.”
All significant mining firms must sell 20% of all gold processed at their refineries to the Bank of Ghana (in Ghana Cedis) before the gold is exported starting on January 1st, 2023 (as agreed upon with the Bank of Ghana).
The Bank of Ghana and the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) will coordinate with large-scale mining companies to ensure compliance with this directive.
Also, all Community Mining Schemes (CMS) shall sell their gold outputs to Government through PMMC.
Therefore, all mining licenses for CMS shall include a clause mandating licensee to sell their gold output to Government.
Also, all Licensed Small-Scale Gold Miners shall sell their gold to Government through PMMC.
The gold to be purchased by the Bank of Ghana and the PMMC will be in cedis at spot price with no discounts.
These directives would also help local gold refineries obtain gold supplies from PMMC to support their operations as they work toward obtaining the required London Bullion Market (LBMA) certification.
Eddie Jones said England’s defeat by SouthAfrica was “entirely my fault” but believes they can have a “really good go” at next year’s World Cup.
The hosts were beaten 27-13 at Twickenham as the world champions dominated the set-piece.
Head coach Jones apologised for the performance but said his players were still heading in the right direction, 10 months out from the World Cup.
“We are disappointed we didn’t play how we wanted to,” Jones told Amazon Prime.
“South Africa do things to you that are some times difficult to deal with.
“We didn’t land a shot like we wanted to. You have to win contests and we didn’t win in the air or the set-piece, so it’s hard to get in the game.
“We lost two of the key contests but we will improve in those areas. Results tell you everything and that is what we are judged by but I feel like there is growth in the team, which we have seen, but wasn’t evident today.”
Jones’ side have lost six of 12 Tests in the calendar year, England’s worst run since 2008.
Defeat by the Springboks followed a comeback draw against New Zealand, a victory over Japan and a defeat by Argentina in a disappointing autumn schedule.
Asked if he was still confident in his ability to lead the side into next year’s World Cup in France, Jones said: “I think about where we are going towards a World Cup.
“Obviously we want to win games and be successful but are we moving in the right direction? Yes we are.
“I have coached for a number of years and I believe I can coach well. People will say what they say, and there are ups and downs in sport but we didn’t play well today and I apologise for that, it’s entirely my fault.”
He added: “Obviously on results, we are not happy but I feel like we are building a really good base to have a really good go at the World Cup, a really good go.
“A number of young players got great experience today and they’ll come back better players for that. We’ve got other players coming back to form, some of our more senior players and we’re not far away.
“We need to develop consistently. Test match rugby is all about consistency.”
‘The plan was clear’
Manu Tuilagi’s 50th cap brought pride but frustration as South Africa thwarted England
England centre Manu Tuilagi, who won his 50th cap, acknowledged that South Africa forced England into errors.
“It was a tough game,” Tuilagi told Amazon Prime. “We wanted to come out and attack, which I thought we did at the start but the Springboks were tough and physical and they put a lot of pressure on us. They forced us to make mistakes and they capitalised on it.
“The plan was clear but South Africa are a quality side and they put us under a lot of pressure. We weren’t good enough today and we have to take it on the chin.
“We are building nicely. Sometimes it’s hard for people to see that but we definitely believe in that.”
England captain Owen Farrell, Tuliagi’s midfield partner, said the side would come back stronger.
“It has not worked out for ourselves today and we were not able to show the best of ourselves but we have put in some good work over the past five weeks and we have to make sure that is not for nothing,” said Farrell.
“We lacked a bit of accuracy and bite at times. The game was really slow to start which they are very good at. We didn’t get our teeth stuck in much like that Argentina game, we must learn to do better.”
South Africa ended the year on a high after narrowly losing in Ireland and France before beating Italy last weekend.
Captain Siya Kolisi, who lifted the World Cup in 2019, said: “It is a big relief for us. We have been working really hard over the past few months.
“I know some results haven’t gone our way but we are still grateful to get the kind of support we are getting from back home.
“England were tough at the beginning but we just stuck to our guns and tweaked a few things.”
For efficient debt management and sustainability, the Tax Justice Coalition Ghana has urged the government to be open about the nation’s debt and its restructuring.
The Coalition made this request during a workshop with the title “Ghana’s Debt and Economic Crisis: Global and Domestic Challenges” that was conducted in Accra on Tuesday, November 24.
Speaking at the event, Dr Vitus Adaboo Azeem, the Chairman of the Coalition, charged the Government to make available all data on Ghana’s debt including quasi-government-backed debt guarantees to fast-track Ghana’s negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
He said the Government must regularly publish all transactions of State Enterprises, including the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) and the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF).
The Coalition said government must ensure the commitment by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to protect Cedi-denominated debts to protect domestic savings to avoid a total collapse of the economy.
Dr Azeem said, “Government must immediately reduce the cost of government machinery, either by a further cut on the overall emoluments of the office of government machinery and reduce the number of non-essential staff.”
He also advised that an intentional strategy to grow domestic private capital is a way of increasing local content was developed and implemented by the Government to help solve the current economic crisis the country is facing.
Apart from this, he encouraged the Government to implement strategic measures to shore up revenue mobilisation effort through technology-based approaches such as automated tax filing and payment systems, efficient tax-related data management systems and improve tax compliance across all the tax handles.
The Chairman also urged the Government to intensify efforts to curb the illicit financial flows as the nation continued to lose valuable revenues through such avenues.
He said, “The Government must strengthen state accountability institutions such as the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), CHRAJ, EOCO, Ghana Audit Service and Internal Audit Agency by adequately resourcing and guaranteeing their independence to ensure efficiency in public financial management and fight corruption more effectively.”
The review of the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy) was received with disappointment by some Cape Coast residents in the Central Region, and they renewed their requests for the government to rescind the policy entirely.
They bemoaned that the already shaky economy would not be improved by the proposed revision of the revenue collection policy.
The E-Levy was implemented by the government in 2022 as part of efforts to boost revenue. It is a 1.5 percent deduction from a set list of electronic transactions with a daily threshold of 100 Cedis.
In view of this, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, while presenting the 2023 budget in Parliament on Thursday, November 24, announced a reduction in the rate of the policy from 1.5 percent to one percent without the threshold.
The review, among other fiscal and austerity measures, is targeted at salvaging the country’s southbound economy.
This means that subject to approval by Parliament, Ghanaians will pay E-Levy of one percent on all affected forms of transactions despite the amount involved.
Speaking to some citizens on the development, they expressed disappointment at the policy and questioned the sensitivity of government to their plights.
Madam Abigail Mensah, a trader at the Kotokuraba Market, said she did not want the policy in any form and that it must be scrapped off immediately.
“Already, we can barely afford to feed ourselves and our families and the best government can do is to push us off the cliff with taxes?” she queried with a visibly livid expression.
Comparing the E-levy in its current form to the proposed review, Madam Lordina Ackah, also a trader, preferred it to be left untouched because the percentage removed was an insult.
In an interesting twist, another market woman, Madam Gertrude Dadzie who also called for the levy to be scrapped, suggesting that the government found better means of easing the plight of Ghanaians.
A taxi driver, Mr Francis Awotwe, called on the government to cancel the E-Levy and bring back the tollbooths.
Lamenting the hardship in the economy, he said he made nothing from his taxi business because every money he made went into buying fuel.
“I buy a gallon of petrol for more than 80 Cedis and I do not make up to 300 Cedis in a day. How much do I give my car owner and how much do I take home to cater for my family?” he retorted.
“In spite of this, the government still wants to take away the small money I send to my poor old mother in the village.”
Meanwhile, some mobile money vendors have said the development would collapse their businesses even further.
Mr Nii Armah Tagoe indicated to the Ghana News Agency that his average daily profit of 80 Cedis had dropped to 20 Cedis since the introduction of the levy.
He said even though transactions conducted were not affected by E-Levy, customers’ activities had dropped significantly due to the lack of proper education on the policy.
“We have not made any profit since the E-Levy came and the trend now is that many people no more do withdrawals and deposits than money transfer.
“The review is worse, and it is going to kill us more,” he added.
Another vendor, Mr Ahmed Yussif, said he did not expect any significant effect on his business, adding that the impact, if any, would be felt after a month.
It has always been said that music is the language of feeling and of passion, as words are the language of reason. Now the nature of man consists in this, that his will strives, is satisfied and strives anew, and so on forever.
It is an open secret that Deputy Majority Leader of Ghana’s Parliament Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin is one of the major legal brains in the country.
What is not known is his ability to sing which left his guests shocked when he hosted them at his constituency.
The lawmaker for the Effutu constituency in the Central Region hosted his constituents to discuss employment and job creation related matters.
After dinner with them, he took over the microphone to sing some hymns while Dr. Alfred Addaquaye remained on the black and white keys to give him back up.
The guests were marveled how he changed the tempo from ‘Staccato’ to ‘allegro’ proving his versatility and command over music.
Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo Markin is in the spirit. I am touched. pic.twitter.com/hqaneVJJU5
Fans in Saudi Arabiahave been unable to watch all of the World Cup after a streaming service was blocked by the country’s government.
Tod TV, owned by Qatar-based broadcaster beIN SPORTS, holds the rights to the tournament In Saudi with 22 matches free-to-air.
But 42 can only be watched via a streaming service, that was blocked an hour before the opening ceremony.
The Saudi Media Ministry told viewers the service violated regulations.
Saudi Arabia came from behind to beat two-time winners Argentina 2-1 in their opening match in what is one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.
Tod has written to advertisers on its platform explaining that it is “experiencing an outage which is currently impacting” its service.
The service also sent a message to viewers saying the situation was due to “matters beyond our control”.
Subscribers have complained on social media about the issue.
Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, draped the Saudi flag over his shoulders at the Argentina match
This comes nearly two years after Saudi Arabia and three other Arab states announced an end to a diplomatic dispute with Qatar. As part of the row, Qatar had filed a complaint against Saudi Arabia for blocking beIN and refusing to take action against alleged piracy of its content, which the Saudis denied. The dispute was resolved last year.
This week the Saudi Sports Minister told BBC Sport that Qatar had done an “amazing job” with the World Cup, and that it could help strengthen ties between the two countries.
“We’re neighbours, everyone has issues and we have to overcome these issues and use such an event to showcase that people are willing to work together,” he added.
The rulers of the two countries – the Emir of Qatar and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia – have appeared together at two matches.
BBC Sport has contacted Fifa and the Saudi Media Ministry for comment, while BeIN declined to comment.
Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) personnel were called to help douse an inferno at the China Mall Warehouse located at Weija Junction on Saturday, November 26.
The facility, located near the Empire Cement factory had been on fire since Saturday afternoon with the blaze continuing into the evening, according to GNFS.
At the time of filing this report, the following major updates had been issued:
a. Four fire tenders had been deployed from four different stations
b. The building contained fuel and building materials
c. The GNFS had to break portions of the building for better access
d. The fire had at a point been spreading
Below is a progressive account of the first six hours since the fire alert incident was issued:
Fire Incident Alert issued:
GNFS reported at around 4pm that an active fire incident was being looked into: The post on their official Facebook handle read as follows:
Inferno involving multiple building materials at Weija Junction near Empire Cement in Accra. Fire in progress.
Three (3) fire engines have been dispatched from Weija, Budumburam and Abelemkpe Fire Stations to contain the situation.
Firefighters are currently busy at the fire scene and risking it to douse the high blaze.
Fourth pump deployed
An hour later, the GNFS alerted to the fact that a fourth pump had been deployed from the National Headquarters to support the operation on the ground.
A post on Facebook added that: “Rigorous and tactical firefighting currently in progress. The Police are currently at the fire scene to provide security.
No casualty recorded at the fire scene.
Contents of building disclosed:
Close to three hours since the alert was issued, it appeared that the fire fight was ongoing but the blaze was also raging.
According to the GNFS, “Contents in the building include fuel, building materials, etc.”
Monitor deployed after parts of building broken into:
At about 7:15pm, an appliance referred to as a monitor was deployed to help douse the fire. At this point portions of the building had been weakened by the raging fire and personnel remained on the ground with little visibility but making do with some lights.
Reignitions and bulldozing parts of building for better access:
The last update from the incident at the time of filing this report was at around 10pm.
It read: “Due to lack of accessibility to fight the fire in the building, there has been several re-ignitions.
“Efforts are now being made to break portions of the building to create space for offensive firefighting.”
Lordina The Soprano is set to release her debut single titled ‘Onyonko Nkwafo'(A Faithful Friend).
The reassuring song talks about how God is faithful in His dealings with us. A friend who sticks with us through it all. Onyonko Nokwafo is a popular Christian song rearranged by the renowned US-based Ghanaian Composer Ohene Adu Nti.
Lordina’s remarkable encounter with this song in 2018 left with her a lasting experience leading to the recording of this Christ-centered piece in 2022.
Her vocal dexterity and that of the legendary Pastor Nii Okai bring to life the soulful expression of this great song and gives it a classic contemporary gospel feel. This song was produced by KODA.
Onyonko Nokwafo will be available from 1st December 2022 on all digital platforms, followed by the release of the Official Video on 29th December 2022 on her YouTube channel (Lordina The Soprano).
It is her utmost fervent prayer that this song rekindles the fire of faith in the lives of all who listen to it.
Argentina’svast support gathered in their thousands at Qatar’s Energy City adjacent to the vast Lusail Stadium with only one man on their minds as they faced World Cup jeopardy.
Lionel Messi has carried the hopes of this football-mad nation for most of his career but there was an added layer of tension as Argentina confronted old rivals Mexico in an ear-splitting atmosphere on the stage that will host the final.
Argentina knew defeat would effectively end their World Cup after two games following the embarrassment of the loss to Saudi Arabia in the opener. Messi knew this would mean the major honour that has eluded his grasp in a glittering career would be forever out of reach.
Messi was, once again, shouldering the burden of Argentina’s expectations – and once again he delivered by pulling out a piece of trademark magic when they needed it most to change the course of an attritional game, and perhaps even change the course of his team’s World Cup in the process.
The clock showed 64 minutes. Each passing second turned up the pressure valve on Argentina and, in turn, on Messi. He knows any Argentina failure on this stage, justified or not, can be painted as Messi’s failure.
He had been on the margins but took centre stage to devastating effect as Mexico fell victim to the magical left foot that has broken the hearts of so many opponents.
One touch delicately killed the pass from Angel di Maria. The second touch arrowed a low finish into the bottom corner past the outstretched left arm of Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.
Amid an explosion of noise from Argentina’s fans, Messi ran towards them with arms outstretched in that familiar celebratory pose. He looked highly emotional with the relief and release, engulfed by team-mates who knew the man they rely on most had delivered again.
When the crowd of players dispersed, Messi stood in front of the light blue and white-clad supporters pumping his arms in exultation. He knew what it meant to them. They knew what it meant to him. Mutual ecstasy.
The greatest players deliver when it matters so it should be no surprise Messi produced again.
Until that moment, it had not been an easy night for Messi against Mexico, who clearly relished the idea of putting the skids under an Argentina side heavily tipped to lift the World Cup in this same Lusail Stadium on 18 December.
Messi had been marginalised by Mexico. He could not exert any influence in a first-half morass of stoppages and infringements, the 35-year-old often at walking pace looking for a patch of space where he could escape close Mexican attentions.
It was when a football match eventually broke out in the second half that Messi flourished with the characteristic darting runs, the quick passes and, of course, the stroke of genius that broke the deadlock.
Argentina relaxed thanks to Messi, this team’s security blanket, and Enzo Fernandez added a glorious second with a curling right-foot shot after 87 minutes.
It sent their fans in the 88,966 attendance, the highest at the World Cup since the 1994 final in Pasadena, home happy – well at least those who did go home because many stayed on in one stand for almost an hour after the final whistle paying homage to their heroes, and one hero in particular.
Messi had brought life to Argentina’s World Cup. They still need victory against Poland, with their own national icon in striker Robert Lewandowski, to be certain of going through but real belief has surged through their ranks thanks to one stroke of Messi’s left foot.
He knew just what was riding on this game.
“We can’t give up now,” said Messi. “We have all the finals to play – we can’t make mistakes. We knew we had to win, that another World Cup was starting for us, and we knew how to do it.”
Messi certainly knew how to do it.
He knows this will be his last World Cup, the one elite stage on which he has yet to collect the prize. Messi suffered the heartbreak of defeat by Germany in Rio’s Maracana in the 2014 final. This was the closest he has come to laying hands on the World Cup.
Messi’s career has brought four Champions Leagues, the Ballon d’Or seven times and 10 La Liga titles at Barcelona. His time at Paris St-Germain is still regarded as something of a footnote but even there he has won a Ligue 1 crown.
The World Cup is the missing link and this is Messi’s last chance to claim it.
Argentina did not entirely convince, have yet to show the form that has them ranked number three in the world, and the prospect of a painful exit still remains when they face dangerous opponents in Poland.
For now, however, Argentina’s World Cup show is back on the road because where there is Lionel Messi, there is hope.
Head coach Hansi Flick says Germany’s WorldCup clash with Spain is a “first final” as they try to avoid another early exit at a major tournament.
A group-stage elimination in 2018 was Germany’s earliest for 80 years and they reached the last 16 at Euro 2020.
After shock 2-1 defeat to Japan in their opening game, another loss to Spain could end Germany’s hopes of progressing in Qatar.
“The last two tournaments were not [good],” Flick said.
He added: “We want to avoid a repeat of this. The focus is on concentration. This is the first final for us at the World Cup and that’s what it’s about – to avoid a repeat of that.”
Spain come into the match aiming to book a place in the knockout stage after a 7-0 thrashing of Costa Rica in their opener.
Head coach Luis Enrique, however, expects a tough game against the under-pressure Germans.
“Without a doubt, they are the team that is most similar to Spain in terms of dominating the play and controlling it,” he said.
“That is a beautiful challenge for us. I think it will be an open game.”
TEAM NEWS
Luis Enrique has hinted at making changes despite Spain’s 7-0 win against Costa Rica.
Germany will monitor winger Leroy Sane, who has been sidelined with a knee problem.
Niklas Sule, normally a central defender, struggled at right-back against Japan and could be replaced by Thilo Kehrer or Lukas Klostermann.
Flick could also shift Joshua Kimmich to right-back and change his midfield.
If Japan avoid defeat against Costa Rica in Sunday’s first game, then Germany would be out with another loss. Spain will go through if they win and Costa Rica are beaten.
SUTTON’S PREDICTION
This is a hard one to call. Germany are inconsistent but you can see the way Hansi Flick wants to play.
They will try to take the game to Spain but that is very dangerous.
Spanish football expert Guillem Balague was another to appear on our 5 live World Cup preview show and he said Spain might struggle to score goals, but they have not made a bad start with seven in their first match.
I can see this ending a draw, which would not knock Germany out but leave them on the brink of a group-stage exit for the second successive World Cup.
Prediction: 1-1
MATCH FACTS
The Germans have won just one of their last seven matches against the Spaniards, including a 6-0 defeat in the Nations League when the sides last met on 17 November 2020. That was Germany’s heaviest defeat since 1931.
Spain are bidding to win consecutive World Cup matches for the first time since recording six successive victories on the way to lifting the trophy in 2010.
Luis Enrique’s side scored as many goals in the 7-0 win versus Costa Rica as they did in four matches (comprising 390 minutes) at the 2018 World Cup.
Germany won each of their first eight matches under Hansi Flick, but have claimed just two victories in nine games since (D5, L2).
Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia was spotted aboard a local flight on an in-country flight.
A photo shared by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni on social media disclosed that the Tamale-bound flight took off in the morning of Saturday, November 26.
A smiling Bawumia is strapped with his seat belt aboard the Africa World Embraer 145 plane.
He is without a passenger on the double-seat row with his security aide seated right behind him.
Manasseh captioned the photo thus: “This morning, those of us on board Africa World’s Embraer 145 commercial flight to Tamale were joined by an unexpected passenger.
“I don’t know how often it happens, but this is the first time I have heard or seen Ghana’s president or vice president on a local commercial flight,” the post added.
The photo has generated divided reactions with those praising his gesture whiles others are dismissing same as mere theatrics and actions meant to show off.
For others, they point to how leaders in other jurisdictions often ride bicycles and board buses and trains to and from work.
Find the photo as shared by Manasseh:
The bar is soo low. Leaders outside board public transport to work. Others even ride bicycles.
But a former journalist of the year is obsessed with the leader of a poor country boarding a commercial flight. SMH pic.twitter.com/8amyXp1MFG
Context is key Ma guy. He made the tweet in a certain context. If you apply that, you would realize that it isn’t any different from those riding bicycles elsewhere
On November 10, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, the Minority Leader, introduced a motion in Parliament requesting a vote of censure against the Finance Minister for alleged economic mismanagement.
The motion, which was in accordance with Article 82 of the 1992 Constitution, cited seven grounds for the vote of censure.
Ground Two alleges the unconstitutional withdrawal from the Consolidated Fund in blatant contravention of Article 178 of the 1992 Constitution supposedly for the construction of the National Cathedral.
Ground Three alleges the illegal payment of oil revenues into offshore accounts in flagrant violation of Article 176 of the 1992 Constitution.
Ground Four alleges deliberate and disreporting of economic data to Parliament, whereas Ground Five alleges fiscal recklessness leading to the crash of the Ghana cedi, which was currently the worst-performing currency in the world.
Ground Six accuses the Minister of alarming incompetence and frightening ineptitude resulting in the collapse of Ghana economy and an excruciating cost of living crisis; while Ground Seven alleges the gross mismanagement of the Ghanaian economy, which the Minority said had occasioned untold and unprecedented hardship.
Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, subsequently, referred the Motion to an eight-member bi-partisan Committee for further investigations and report to the House.
A three-day public hearing, consequently, commenced on Tuesday, November 15, during which the Minister denied any wrongdoing.
He, however, apologised to citizens for the economic difficulties they faced.
During the hearing the Minister’s lawyer raised an objection on Ground One by that the issue of conflict of interest was beyond the jurisdiction of Parliament so the Committee decided to refer that to the plenary for consideration.
With regard to Ground Three, the Committee after hearing testimonies from the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation and the Public Interest and Accountability Committee, decided there was no need for the Minister to respond to the issue and decided to submit a written report on it to the plenary.
The bi-partisan Committee had Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga East for the Minority Caucus, and Mr Kobina Tahir Hammond, New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Adansi Asokwa, for the Majority Caucus, as Co-Chairmen.
The Minority Members of the Committee included Samuel Okudzoto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu; Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, MP for Klottey-Korle, and Mr Bernard Ahiafor, MP for Akatsi South.
Members of the Majority side included Mr Patrick Yaw Boamah, MP for Okaikkwei Central; Mr Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, MP for Asante-Akyim Central; and Mr Andrew Egyapa Mercer, MP for Secondi.
