Legendary Rapper, Emmanuel Kwesi Botwe, known as Kwaw Kesse has called on the Ghana Police to question Shatta Wale and Bulldog about the death of his Manager, Fennec Okyere.
Kwaw Kese made this call after Shatta Wale revealed that his former Manager, Bulldog confided in him about how he arranged for Fennec’s murder.
Bulldog, known in real life as Nana Asiamah Hanson has a fallout with his former Artiste, Charles Nii Armah Mensah known in the Showbiz fraternity as Shatta Wale.
Shatta levelled on the fallout to accuse his former worker of many crimes including the murder of Fennec Okyere.
Relentless Kwaw Kesse also found it as the best opportunity to find closure for his Manager’s death.
He tagged Ghana Police to conduct the necessary investigations and ensure justice prevails.
Fennec Okyere of blessed memory met his untimely death on the 13th of March, 2014.
He was murdered in his apartment by some unknown gunmen at Manet Gardens.
Upon Abodam’s request, Ghana Police has acted swiftly by contacting Shatta Wale to assist them with information regarding the case.
An 18-year-old lioness has baffled staff at a zoo in Kansas after growing an “awkward teenage mane” after the pride’s last male lion passed away.
Looking at Zuri, you’d think she was a young lion growing his mane for the first time, but she is actually an 18-year-old female.
That makes the mane around her neck pretty unusual, with only a handful of similar cases reported in the past. The lioness reportedly started growing a mane soon after the last male lion at Topeka Zoo in Kansas passed away in October of 2020.
Although zookeepers don’t believe there is any connection between the lack of a male lion and Zuri’s mane, they do admit that the lioness has gotten feistier since growing the new fur, growling, snarling, and roaring more often than before.
“I don’t think there’s really any kind of evolutionary reason for this, either lack of males or too much competition with other females or anything like that,” Kris Everatt, a conservation scientist, told Live Science. “I think it’s just a random event.”
But Zuri’s curator, Shanna Simpson, believes that there is some connection between the death of Avus, the last male lion at Toopeka Zoo and the lioness’ awkward mane.
“She feels like she needs to protect her pride, so her testosterone increases,” Simpson told CJ Online. “And boom, she’s got more fur around her neck.”
Topeka Zoo has yet to conduct any hormone tests for Zuri, but all standard test results came back normal, so there is no reason to suspect that her mane is a result of any kind of cancer or any other serious condition. Hormonal imbalance could be the cause, given her old age, but the zoo doesn’t plan on conducting invasive testing just to be sure.
“We have no reason to believe she’s unhealthy in any way with what’s going on with this faux mane,” Simpson said. “She’s just very weird-looking.”
In 2016, cases of wild lionesses in Botswana growing impressive manes made international headlines, and there were also a 2011 case in South Africa and a 2018 case at the Oklahoma City Zoo, but female lions growing manes is considered extremely rare.
There is growing interest from clubs in Ghanaian forward Ibrahim Sadiq who currently plies his trade in Sweden with BK Hacken.
After a stuttering spell at FC Nordsjaelland, the former Right to Dream Academy prospect moved to the Swedish side in February this year.
The fortunes of the former Ghana youth star have rapidly changed as his stock has risen with his side on the cusp of a league title triumph.
At the Swedish side, he has been integral in their quest for the title as he has scored seven goals and provided two assists in 16 matches.
BK Hacken is ready to protect its prized asset despite interest and will not the forward go on the cheap.
Speaking on the interest in the player, BK Hacken Sports Manager Martin Ericsson told Sportbladet “Sadiq has had an enormously strong finish and many clubs have been watching. We have long contracts on these players and on a player like Sadiq we know the value is high. It has to cost if someone wants to buy a young player from us.”
Ibrahim Sadiq has a contractt with the club he joined earlier this year until 2025.
The former Black Stars regular signed for the Major League Soccer club in 2017 and has since gone on to become an important player for the team.
At the end of the 2022 MLS season for Columbus Crew, the club has taken various decisions relating to players on the team’s roaster.
According to a club statement, it has exercised the option to extend the contract of a number of players including Jonathan Mensah to 2023.
“Columbus Crew today announced roster decisions following the 2022 Major League Soccer season. The Club exercised the contract options on eight players, while 15 players were already under contract for 2023.
“Goalkeepers Eloy Room and Patrick Schulte; defenders Milos Degenek, Mo Farsi, Jake Morris, Will Sands and Josh Williams; midfielders Kevin Molino, Alex Matan, Aidan Morris, Yaw Yeboah, Sean Zawadzki and Lucas Zelarayan; and forwards Cucho Hernandez and Jacen Russell-Rowe were already under contract for the 2023 season,” parts of a Columbus Crew statement has said.
Since joining Columbus Crew, Jonathan Mensah has played over 170 matches in the Major League Soccer.
Veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr has said that he is very scared about what the current hardships in the country might lead to.
According to him, the government is failing to prove that our democracy is working to improve the livelihood of Ghanaians.
Pratt Junior, who made these remarks in a Good Morning Ghana interview monitored by GhanaWeb, intimated that the prevailing economic conditions are similar to reasons for coups he had witnessed.
“I am very, very frightened. The economic hardship is one thing; everybody is complaining about the hardship. People go to the market (and) prices are escalating; everywhere you go, you are hit with this (hardship), you can’t tell what is going to happen tomorrow and so on. That anxiety is there.
“But beyond that anxiety, I am very, very deeply frightened about the possible consequences of this development… I’m a little old; I saw 1972, I saw the palace coups in the Acheampong era, I saw 1979, I saw 1981. I saw them; I experienced them. And there are important lessons that hit me in the face,” he said.
The veteran journalistadded that the government must prove that it is working to resolve the challenges Ghanaians are facing to avert the possibility of any upheaval.
“…our focus ought to be, first and foremost, alleviating hardship. That should be an important part of our focus on alleviating hardships. Our next focus beyond alleviating hardship ought to be creating an atmosphere in which everybody feels that they have a contribution to make, they are making that contribution and that the contribution is valued. We need to do that.
“The third thing to do is simply to send out a signal that the current democratic order is capable of delivering when it comes to the needs and aspirations of our people. Because this democratic order is useless and meaningless if it does not deliver the needs and aspirations of our people. And we need to do that as quickly as possible,” he noted.
He added that, currently, he does not see these objectives being pursued by the government, “and that is where the danger is”.
Dennis Appiah was awarded a frame in which was a shirt, embossed with his name and number 100, for the number of games played in all competitions with FC Nantes during the match between the FCN and Clermont Foot 63, at La Beaujoire.
On the occasion of the Canaries’ victory against Stade Brestois 29, the FC Nantes defender crossed the significant 100-match mark with the Club des Bords de l’Erdre.
Appiah was a France youth international having earned caps at under-16, under-17, and under-18 level.
Appiah has made 13 appearances in the French Ligue 1 this season for FC Nantes. The former Monaco youth player joined FC Nantes from Belgium outfit Anderlecht in 2016 for 3 million euros.
Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) Vice-President Fred Pappoe has stated that the GFA, government and the leaders of the playing body should agree on a fitting bonus package for the Black Stars.
According to Fred Pappoe, the stakeholders should also take into consideration the current economic situation in the country and not produce a package that will raise eyebrows.
The Black Stars of Ghana will play an international friendly against Switzerland before flying to Doha, Qatar.
Ghana is in Group H with Portugal, South Korea, and Uruguay. The Black Stars will play its first game against Portugal on 24th November.
“In matters of this nature I feel there are two important issues. One is timing of the decision making process and the second is the amount or quantum. I feel the timing is really important. What one has to do or I hope it has been done already is for the team, the FA and the government to come together of course with the leadership of the players to determine a very fitting bonus package for the team,” he said on Peace FM as monitored by footballghana.com
“When I say fitting I am not saying a bonus package that will be just one side that is players got what they want or government got what they want but it should be something which should be realistic. When you look at the economic climate now we have to come up with a figure that the players will be happy a bit that will be so unrealistic looking at what Ghanaians are going through now. All these factors will have to go into play,”
“What we have indicated to them is that we are not going to increase what they had in Brazil. So, whatever they had in Brazil stays because of the current economic circumstances,” this is a comment attributed to Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif.
The Minister was speaking in an interview about the preparations of the team for the upcoming Qatar 2022 World Cup.
2014 demand for US$100,000 appearance fee
A March 13, 2014 story by the Daily Graphic reported that the Blacks Stars had demanded that they are paid $100,000 (GH₵254,250) per player in appearance fee at the Brazil 2014 World Cup, citing an Allsports.com.gh report.
The fee is a 25% raise on the $75,000 paid in the 2010 World Cup and was made as part of the team’s petition to its management committee during discussions in Montenegro last week, the report stated.
In the same petition, the Black Stars told the Ghana Football Association (GFA) that they wanted their winning bonuses to be paid in dollars instead of the cedis the government has proposed.
Subsequent events led to the players mounting a revolt that forced the government to fly US$3 million in cash to Brazil to settle their fees.
Government to reveal the budget for 2022 World Cup after team exits – Sports Minister
Mustapha Ussif also disclosed that the government has budgeted for Ghana’s campaign but that he cannot disclose the details to Ghanaians.
The Minister stated that Ghanaians will only know about the budget for the 2022 FIFA World Cup when the Black Stars’ campaign ends.
“We have budgeted for the entire tournament and where we are going to reach will determine how much we will going to spend.”
“So until we finish the tournament, we can’t tell you (Ghanaians) how much we are going to spend but we have a budget estimated for the entire tournament,” Mustapha Ussif said as quoted by JoySports.
The Black Stars will begin their 2022 FIFA World Cup with an opening game against Portugal on Thursday, November 24 at the 974 Stadium in Doha, Qatar.
He still holds the African record for appearances in World Cup finals squads.
Morocco
With Youssef En-Nesyri struggling with injury in recent years, Morocco are short up top.
The Sevilla man scored 18 league goals during the 20-21 campaign, but has netted only five since then and is currently injured as Qatar looms.
That’s why Ahmed Faras would make such a big difference to this squad.
He’s the North Africans’ top scorer of all time, twice the highest scorer in the Botola, and, crucially, has experience of winning the Afcon—he was a champion with the North Africans in 1976.
The interplay with Hakim Ziyech would be something beautiful.
In midfield, Thomas Partey and Iddrisu Baba forge a strong partnership, although the potential of an injury to the Arsenal star could leave the Black Stars in the lurch.
Michael Essien didn’t have an enviable fitness record himself, but imagine if you could add The Bison—in his prime—into this Ghana midfield.
He’d be an immediate upgrade on Baba, and would help the Black Stars get over any injury concerns for Partey…but only if Essien can remain fit as well!
Senegal
The Teranga Lions have strength across the park: a fine goalkeeper, a strong centre-back pairing, excellent midfield, and in Sadio Mane, a world-class option up top.
What they perhaps lack, assuming Mane plays in a more advanced role, is a touch of creative genius a little deeper in the park, as the midfield of Nampalys Mendy, Cheikhou Kouyate and Idrissa Gueye can be fairly one-dimensional.
Perhaps Khalilou Fadiga, a veteran of the 2002 World Cup quarter-finalists, could add a spark of magic to the Senegalese midfield, and help pull the strings as he did during their magical run 20 years ago.
Tunisia
Tunisia are going to need to rely extensively on their defence during the World Cup, with the Carthage Eagles up against it after being pitted alongside reigning champions France and dark horses Denmark.
They have impressed defensively so far this year, not conceding a single goal in seven matches between the Nations Cup and the devastating defeat by Brazil.
There are still concerns, however, about the goalkeeping position, where both Aymen Dahmen and Bechir Ben Said are competing for the starting berth.
Eagles legend Chokri El Ouaer would be a major upgrade on the home-based duo, and would immediately step into this team, probably taking the armband in the process.
He amassed nearly a century of caps between 1990 and 2002, representing Tunisia at the 1998 World Cup having made the Nations Cup Team of the Tournament two years previously.
Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, has said the government intends to limit the availability of foreign exchange for the import of some goods into the country in the coming days.
This move ties into the government’s efforts to limit the importation of goods that can otherwise be produced locally.
The information minister noted that the government intends to cut down on imports to encourage local production while speaking in an interview on the current state of Ghana’s economy.
“We want to gradually fade these things out by reducing the availability of foreign exchange for those imports while supporting local production, and in about six months, we can do a full review and if it becomes necessary to do an outright ban, having improved local production, then you can get into that area.”
Mr Oppong-Nkrumah stressed the importance of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) such as dairy products, baked goods, fruits, and vegetables. This is “because we produce all of them here in Ghana,” he said.
A study by “the balance” reveals that if a country imports more than it exports, it runs a trade deficit. If it imports less than it exports, that creates a trade surplus.
Exports boost economic output, as measured by gross domestic product. They create jobs and increase wages.
The balance says it’s dangerous if a country relies on a foreign power to keep its population fed and its factories humming. For example, the United States suffered a recession when OPEC embargoed its oil exports.
Ghana is known to be heavily dependent on imported goods, and this is grossly affecting the economy following the Russia-Ukraine war and the impact of the post-pandemic crisis.
A presidential candidate hopeful of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ernest Kwaku Kobeah has waded into calls for the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, to resign.
He believes dismissing the Minister will boost investors’ confidence to make the economy fit.
Ghana’s economy keeps on in limbo whiles market women and traders demonstrate and protest economic hardship due to the depreciation of the cedi to the dollar since the country’s economy is import-driven.
But the Ghanaian businessman in the United Kingdom and a presidential candidate hopeful of the NDC, Kwaku Kobeah is of the view that many investors are keeping their monies from investing in the Ghanaian economy since they do not have any confidence in the minister since there is no policy that has been put in place to revert the ailing economy.
“It is obvious now that the finance minister has failed and the longer he prolongs at the ministry the more difficult we go through as a country,” he said on Accra-based Original FM.
According to him, the Bank Of Ghana has revealed that Ghana’s total public debt stock went up marginally by GH¢130 million to GH¢393.4 billion in June 2022, about 78.3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product, stating that this will affect the economy since no policy or production can reduce the rate of importation into the country.
He said even though the Parliament has failed under Article 82 which gives a clear procedure on how a Minister can be removed but his stay in office will bring the era of Kalabule in 1979 when the military took over to discipline some traders on the street.
It appears that what started as mere social media banter has taken a wrong turn as Shatta Wale has smeared some strong allegations on his former manager, Bullgod.
Things escalated so fast between both parties to the extent that Shatta has taken to social media to raise an alarm concerning the alleged involvement of Bullgod in the death of a certain individual named, Fenick.
Shatta and Bullgod’s banter was initially centered on the GoG album; however, the dancehall artiste has shifted the focus to a whole new personal attack on his former manager.
“Bull Dog since you are bringing out secrets, you will tell Ghanaians. What happened to Fenick’s Murder !! And I am not joking about this time !! I am ready to tell the court about what you told me about you and your men and how planned that foolish act get ready.
“This Akuffo addo won’t give you a murder chance to be on our streets !!! Watch how this ends !! You can’t fight time !!!,” Shatta wrote on Facebook.
The post has since sparked wild reactions on social media, with some individuals drawing the attention of the Ghana Police Service by tagging their social media handles.
Others have berated the dancehall artiste for sharing such sensitive information, adding that he could also be arrested for being an accomplice.
Some netizens believe that Shatta did not draw lessons from his earlier arrest, and he can go to jail one more time for keeping mute over such an information.
Background
Bullgod was the prime suspect in the murder case revolving around the death of Kwaw Kesse’s former manager, the late Fennec Otchere.
He was tagged the prime suspect because of his constant beef with Mr. Okyere which led to him threatening the former in an interview on TV.
The late Fennec Otchere was murdered at his Manet Gardens residence at Spintex in Accra in March 2014.
National Petroleum Authority (NPA), together with other stakeholders in the energy sector, is currently scouting for sources that provide feasible and reliable fuel to feed Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in the country.
The Information Minister, who disclosed the exercise embarked on by the NPA and some other agencies, explained that the high cost of petroleum products prompted the need to search for favourable alternatives.
Mr Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah told the media on Monday that Bulk Distribution Companies (BDCs) are obtaining petroleum products at exorbitant prices. Thus, an increase in the imported products is passed down to the OMCs, who in turn increase their prices at the pumps.
“The deregulated market we have here where BDCs import from big companies on high fees from the refinery wherever and bring them in is contributing to the quickened escalation of fuel prices.
“To arrest it, the Energy Ministry working through NPA and other agencies etc has been tasked to find reliable, cheaper sources of fuel for the Republic so that the OMCs locally can tap into and hopefully halt that escalation in fuel prices,” he said.
This goes to affirm comments made by President Akufo-Addoduring his address to the nation on the current stage of the economy last Sunday.
The President stated that his government would tackle the cost of living by working to stabilise prices of petroleum products through new supply arrangements.
At the time Mr Oppong-Nkrumah made the comment, a litre of petrol and diesel cost about GH¢15 and GH¢19 respectively.
In less than 24 hours, fuel prices went up by 20 per cent, with a litre of petrol and diesel selling at GH¢17.99 and GH¢23.49 respectively.
This implies that a gallon of petrol (3.97 litres) goes for GHS68.18, while that of diesel costs GHS89.03.
Meanwhile, the government says it would stabilize the prices of petroleum products to mitigate the effects of increased fuel prices on Ghanaians.
Following the incessant rise in fuel prices, transport fares were adjusted by 19 per cent on October 29, 2022.
The implementation of the new fares has been a hard pill to swallow by several commuters.
Over the weekend, a passenger exchanged punches with a driver and his conductor over why his fare increased by GHS2 at the Lapaz bus terminal.
It is alleged that the middle-aged man died after he hit his head on the pavement after being knocked out by the driver.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMCs), Kwaku Agyemang Duah, has provided some clarification as to why fuel prices have increased by over 20% in less than twenty-four hours.
On Monday, fuel pump stations sold a litre of petrol at GH¢15 and GH¢19 respectively.
With a 20% increment slapped on the prices of the products, petrol and diesel went for GHS17.99 and GH¢23.49 respectively on Tuesday.
For the umpteenth time, the depreciation of the cedi is said to be responsible for the further hike in fuel prices.
Mr Agyemang Duah said, “there would be an increase in the next pricing window because of the depreciation of the cedi to the dollar. Over the period, the issues have been piling up, so we have to do something about it.”
However, reports have it that the local currency has begun to appreciate.
As of October 26, a dollar was sold at GH¢13.0148, according to the Bank of Ghana.
A day later, the foreign currency sold at GH¢13.0158, seeing an increase. On October 31, the cedi appreciated as a dollar traded at GH¢13.0156.
At the beginning of November 2022, a dollar sold at GH¢13.0151.
On the matter, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has explained that OMCs have been given room to continually increase prices at the pumps in order to avert a shortage of petroleum products.
“Given the fact that the products are actually bought from the world market in dollars, anytime the dollar changes, it affects the character of the pricing. ”
“Yes, we ought to have been operating with the two weeks window framework, but because of the volatility of the cedi against the dollar, and the fact that you ought to be a little flexible with what will be established with the windows within which the prices are supposed to be varied,” Director of Communications at the NPA, Mohammed Abdul-Kudus, said.
The unexpected hike in fuel prices has further exacerbated the conditions of private and public transport operators.
“I used to spend GHȼ350 to fill my car tank but right now it is almost GHȼ600. I don’t make money, sometimes you will drive all day and not earn the money used to purchase the fuel but we are hoping and praying to God that things will turn around one day,” a commercial transport operator narrated.
Meanwhile, aggrieved individuals have called on the government to expedite the process of subsidizing the prices of petroleum products, as announced by President Akufo-Addo last Sunday when he addressed the nation.
As part of efforts to provide affordable fuel to Ghanaians, the government has tasked the NPA to vary its sources of fuel procurement.
“In President Kufuor’s time, we did it with Nigeria, Sahara lifting for us and you could have supply credit lines and a fixed price that you could bank on and it is a very similar arrangement that has already commenced and I am expecting that in the coming weeks the NPA, the Energy Ministry will have the opportunity to provide the details,” said Information Minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah.
Some Ghanaians on social media, especially on Twitter have hailed Mohammed Kudus after his exciting performance against Rangers in the UEFA Champions League.
Kudus was on the scoresheet for the Dutch champions and also provided and as assist as they beat Rangers 3-1 in Ibex.
The 22-year-old was exceptional and his goals involvement put him head and shoulders above all the players on the field as he won the man-if-the-match-award.
The goal against Rangers took his tally to four goals in six matches while providing two assists in the process.
Also, the man-of-match award was his second in the competition. Ajax finished third in their group and therefore has been relegated to the Europa League.
Check out some reactions below
Mohammed Kudus’ stats in one champions league campaign looks quite stellar
— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) November 1, 2022
— ???????????? ???????????????? ???? (@TheEuropeanLad) November 1, 2022
— Delali Phrank Awutey (@delaliphrank) November 1, 2022
— Max TV (@maxtvgh) November 1, 2022
????????Mohammed Kudus is a goal away from matching Andre Ayew’s goal scoring record in the Champions League (5)
Dede Ayew has played 24 games (started 19 times), Kudus on the other hand has played just 8 games (started 6) pic.twitter.com/4OBgWYefI2
— Bortey ???????? (@joelbortey) November 1, 2022
A fully fit Partey, inform Kudus and goal scoring Inaki Williams will win Ghana the WorldCup in Qatar
— NUNGUA (Dr Burna) (@burnaculer) November 1, 2022
⚽️????️ vs Rangers
⚽️ vs Napoli
⚽️ vs Liverpool
⚽️????️ vs Rangers
Mohammed Kudus has now contributed to six goals in the Champions League for Ajax this season, all as a false 9.???????????? pic.twitter.com/uoIx9aEmCa
— Yaw Ampofo Jr (@Yaw_Ampofo_) November 1, 2022
Anytime Kudus plays for Ajax, he gives out his very best and scores too.
I pray Schreuder considers starting him always!
— Elvis ???????? (@Kayjnr10) November 1, 2022
Mohammed Kudus scoring in the World Cup Month, herr Ghana is winning this
— Twilight????????????☠️ (@the_marcoli_boy) November 1, 2022
Mohammed Kudus with another champions league goal ????????????????
— Fentuo Tahiru Fentuo (@Fentuo_) November 1, 2022
— Gary Al-Smith (@garyalsmith) November 1, 2022
Kudus goal plus assist watch reactions from Ghanaians, our star boy is cooking????????????????
The 48-year-old had overseen the Black Stars for a year and a half before he was shown the exit door by the GFA following a 1-0 defeat to South Africa in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Coach Akonnor is owed eight months outstanding arrears and was reportedly set to report GFA to the World governing body, FIFA, over unpaid salaries following the termination of his contract.
“It’s frustrating,” Akonnor told Joy Sports. When I was actively working, I wasn’t paid regularly.”
“Sometimes, it is embarrassing to talk about it.”
He added, “I will answer all those questions at the appropriate time. People questioned “then why did you do it when you were not paid? those questions, I will answer them, but for now, silence is golden.”
CK Akonnor, who qualified Ghana for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon was replaced by Milovan Rajevac who oversaw Ghana’s worst-ever performance at an AFCON at the last edition of the tournament in Cameroon.
A 20-year-old woman accused of adultery has been sentenced to death by stoning.
However, human rights activists are making all efforts possible to prevent the incident from happening.
According to the BBC, the woman was found guilty in June 2022 by a court in the city of Kosti, in Sudan’s White Nile state.
With the help of her lawyer, Intisar Abdala, the woman has appealed the ruling of the court, and all fingers are crossed to see whether the appellate court will uphold the lower court’s decision or quash it.
Sulaima Ishaq, the head of the Violence Against Women Unit at the Ministry of Social Development described the judgement of the court as unfair.
“We don’t have a minister who can intervene to demand her release,” Ishaq lamented as the Sudanese government was overthrown by a military junta, which resulted in the dissolution of the government.
The BBC reports Mossaad Mohamed Ali, executive director of the African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) as alleging that the woman was not given access to a lawyer while in custody and was not aware of the charges against her.
“We have grounds to believe she was illegally forced into signing a confession by the police,” the ACJPS boss alleged.
It is reported that the woman separated from her husband in 2020 and went to live with her family. A year later the man accused her of adultery, leading to her arrest and prosecution.
Sudan still imposes the death penalty for some hudud crimes – offences specified by Allah in the Quran, including theft and adultery. In Sudanese law, they carry penalties such as flogging, the amputation of hands and feet, hanging and stoning.
South Korea skipper, Son Heung-Min picked up a nasty head injury during Tottenham Hotspurs’ win over Olympique Marseille in the UEFA Champions League.
Chancel Mbemba crashed into Son as they jostled in an aerial duel. Memba made contact with his shoulder with a solid blow across Son’s left cheekbone.
There has been no update yet from Tottenham, and South Korea will be hoping that the injury will not keep their captain out of the 2022 World Cup, which begins in just 18 days.
The Korean was subbed off immediately as match officials ensured that the correct protocol for a head injury was undertaken.
Son Heung Mi, despite the injury, joined his teammates to celebrate Tottenham’s comeback win over Marseille which sent them through to the round of 16.
At the moment he is doubtful for Spurs’ game against Liverpool on Sunday, November 6, 2022.
South Korea are in Group H of the World Cup alongside, Ghana, Portugal, and Uruguay.
Ghana Police Service, in an official statement, have announced that dancehall musician Shatta Wale has been contacted to assist with investigations into the 2014 murder of Fennec Okyere.
This comes after the musician confessed in a Facebook post that his former manager, Bullgod, had a hand in the death of Fennec.
“Bull Dog since u r bringing out secrets. You will tell Ghanaians. What happen to Fenicks Murder !! And I am not joking about this time!! I am ready to tell the court about what you told me about you and your men and how planned that foolish act get ready. This Akuffo Addo won’t give you a murder chance to be on our streets !!! Watch how this ends !!! You can’t fight time!” read the post sighted by GhanaWeb.
The police statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Grace Ansah-Akrofi, noted that they “have made contact with Shatta Wale, who is cooperating with us on the matter.”
Read the full statement below:
1. The attention of the Ghana Police Service has been drawn to a tweet by Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jnr., popularly known as Shatta Wale regarding the death of artiste Manager Fennec Okyere.
2. The Police have made contact with Shatta Wale who is cooperating with us on the matter.
3. The Police would like to put on record that the recently established Cold Case Unit, has been working for months on all unresolved murder cases, including that of Fennec Okyere with support from the affected families.
4. This new development from Shatta Wale is therefore going to complement our ongoing investigation.
5. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the families who have been working with the Cold Case Unit since its establishment for their cooperation and understanding.
6. We wish to assure the public that the Police will continue to work relentlessly on these cases in order to bring closure to the affected families.
With Champions League, Italian Serie A, Copa Italia, and English FA Cup medals, Sulley Muntari ranks high as one of the most successful Ghanaian footballers ever.
From left back to left wing and then to central midfield, Sulley Muntari’s determination and hunger for success propelled him to a height many footballers from the continent can only dream of.
In a career that spans nearly two decades, Sulley Muntari wore the jerseys of AC Milan, Portsmouth, Inter Milan, Udinese, and Liberty Professionals.
Like every other person, Hajia Kande’s son experienced some challenges in his footballing journey but the Konongo-born player was guided by two principles and those principles elevated him to the level he attained in football.
In his interview with Dan Kwaku Yeboah, Sulley Muntari highlighted the impact of his late mother Hajia Kande on his life and career. According to him his love for his mom is the reason he pushed so hard to achieve success.
Another principle that made Sulley Muntari one of the best Ghanaian players was his strong-mindedness. Muntari told Dan Kwaku Yeboah that at a young he recognized that he needed to fight for every opportunity.
“At that young age, I started building myself with the knowledge that nothing is going to be free or easy for me. From there I started building myself and told myself that I will never let anyone intimidate me. Whatever I do, I do it with a clean heart and sincerity,” he said.
The Ghana cedi,which has recently experienced some drastic depreciations against the dollar, pound, and euro, is gradually appreciating.
As of October 24, 2022, the cedi (¢) was trading against the US dollar ($) at a buying price of 15.05 and selling at a rate of 15.65 (according to Afriswap Bureau De Change).
Checks by The Independent Ghana, however, indicate that the cedi (as of October 31) is going for 13.60 per dollar.
Our checks further indicate that Ghana cedi gained 1.07% value against the US dollar on the retail market last week.
It also appreciated 3.36% week-on-week against the pound, but lost 1.83% week-on-week against the euro.
Also, as rumours abated, there was a slight decrease in the pressure to sell the cedi. At the close of last week’s trading, it had a year-to-date loss of almost 54% and was sold for 13.80 to the US dollar.
The cedi also went for GH¢14.90 to the pound and GH¢13.20 to the euro, respectively.
The Bank of Ghana’s supply-side measures were strengthened by the COCOBOD syndicated loan’sfirst tranche payout of $790 million, which increased foreign exchange reserves.
That notwithstanding, the cedi lost more ground in the interbank market as the Bank of Ghana sought to reduce spreads, limiting possible arbitrage opportunities in the market.
Meanwhile, the Bank of Ghana auctioned $60 million to Bulk Oil Distribution Companies this week at a 30-day forward rate of 13.2474/$, up from 10.7907/$ in the prior auction, showing that supply is still being constrained by continuing demand pressures.
Analysts predict that the cedi will experience some stability this week as foreign exchange liquidity increases and demand driven by speculative activity decreases.
The life of a footballer is short as the average footballer gets to play actively for 10 years. While many go to real estate, hotels, and other investment ventures with the money they get while playing, only a handful pursue a career in academia.
Footballers across the globe do not have a reputation for intelligence as there is an ill-conceived perception that unintelligent people chase a career in football but there are those who have made themselves to be an exception to that rule.
Today we look at six footballers who are actively playing the sport and are on top of their game but have still managed to get degrees and other academic certificates even with a very busy tight schedule.
1. Romelu Lukaku – Inter Milan (On loan from Chelsea)
Born on May 13, 1993, to Adolphine Bolingoli Lukaku and father, Roger Lukaku, in the city of Antwerp, Belgium, Romelu picked up a career in football at an early age after he was enrolled in the Rupel Boom academy team.
Romelu has had a great career after playing for Anderlecht, Chelsea, Manchester United, Everton, and Inter Milan.
Aside from scoring over 300 goals in his career, Lukaku is also an intelligent young man who can speak eight languages. The 29-year-old can speak German, English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, and a Swahili dialect.
He also has a degree in tourism and international relations from the University of Leuven.
34-year-old Mata who set up Didier Drogba to score that iconic UEFA Champions League goal in 2012 is second on our list with two degrees.
Juan Mata is a brilliant football with an Ivy League education. He holds two degrees from the Universidad Camilo Jose Cela, one in Sports Science and another in Marketing.
3. Simon Mignolet
The Belgium goalkeeper is the only shot-stopper in this list who is best remembered for his time in the English Premier League with giants Liverpool.
Born on March 6, 1988, the Belgian international is the second player on this list who has two degrees despite playing football actively.
Simon Mignolet holds a degree in both law and political sciences. The 34-year-old Club Brugge goalkeeper graduated from the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium.
4. Giorgio Chiellini
Considered to be one of the greatest defenders of his time, Giorgio Chiellini is one of the most decorated players to have ever played in the Italian Serie A.
The Italian international who is also the captain of Juventus wasn’t satisfied with just being one of the best defenders in the world so he decided to take on another challenge and that was in academia.
Giorgio Chiellini is not just a genius on the Football pitch. The Italian defender graduated with a Masters’ Degree in Business Administration from The University of Turin’s School of Management and Economics.13 Jun 2022.
Giorgio is the only player on this list who has a Masters’s Degree. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Commerce in 2010 and graduated with a Masters’ Degree in Business administration in 2017.
He got both his degree and masters from the University of Turin.
5. Gerard Pique
Another player on our list is Barcelona and Spanish international, Gerard Pique Bernabeu.
Pique is one of the most decorated players in history after winning the Champions League, Premier League, Club World Cup, Super Cup, Euros, and FIFA World Cup with Manchester United, Barcelona, and the Spanish national team.
Gerard Pique is not only good at football but also at academia. He has a Business Economic Degree from of the most prestigious business institutions in Europe.
He graduated from, the ESADE business school in Barcelona, Spain.
Wilfried Ndidi
Representing the brothers on the continent is Nigerian international, Wilfred Ndidi.
Considered to be one of the best midfielders in the English Premier League, 25-year-old Wilfred Ndidi also has an academic qualification which according to the player is his retirement plan.
Wilfred Ndidi bagged a degree in Business Management at De Montfort University in the UK in August 2022.
The Bank of Ghana has rebutted claims by Director of Research at the Ghana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Dr Kwabena Nyarko Otoo, indicating that it is engaged in the unlawful transfer of funds overseas.
Dr Nyarko Otoo made this allegation over the weekend while speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile show hosted by Samson Lardy Anyenini.
“Dr Otoo, on the programme, said there is evidence or growing suspicion that Bank of Ghana is actively collaborating with some operatives at Cowlane in Accra to illegally transfer funds offshore,” the Bank of Ghana’s statement dated November 1 read.
According to the Central Bank, it considers the comment made as reckless since there was no evidence provided by Dr Otoo, who spoke out of “pure conjecture, mere suspicion or hearsay.”
The statement further noted the institution’s disappointment considering the “quarters from which the allegations were made.”
Following the clarification, the Bank of Ghana has entreated members of the public to disregard the false report.
“As a Central Bank, we are focused on our mandate of price stability, and doing all within our power to reduce the rising general level of prices. We are doing this guided by our core values of accountability, professionalism and integrity, and in accordance with law,” the Bank added.
Also, individuals who obtain information on the work of the Central Bank are encouraged to cross-check with the institution before making unfounded allegations.
Currently, the Bank of Ghana, together with stakeholders in the financial sector and law enforcement agencies, is clamping down on the activities of illegal foreign exchange operators in the country.
Those found culpable will be penalised, the Bank assured.
Head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, has entreated priests and nuns to desist from watching pornography.
He has also asked them to delete such materials from their phones.
The BBC, the 86-year-old sounded the word of warning at a session in the Vatican while responding to a question about how digital and social media should be best used.
According to the news outlet, the Pope told priests and seminarians that “the devil enters from” watching porn, hence the need to stay away from it.
“…a vice that so many people have… even priests and nun,” the Pope lamented. “The pure heart, the one that Jesus receives every day, cannot receive this pornographic information.”
“…delete this from your phone, so you will not have temptation in hand.”
Pope Francis went further to advise priests and seminarians to use social media for good purposes, but not waste too much of their time on it.
Not all men of God have the ability to overcome temptation, so the Pope’s warning is not out of place.
In 2018, a reverend father was put under house arrest while criminal proceedings were initiated against him after he allegedly raped an 11-year-old girl in a car, claiming he “thought she was at least 15 years old”.
Reports at the time indicated that the suspect, Father Paolo Glaentzer, a septuagenarian, was arrested in July of that year in connection with the crime.
The Italian man of God did not deny having sexual intercourse with the victim, but said it was “an exchange of affection” between him and the girl, who, according to him, looked “much more mature than she was”.
“I found out she was 11 years old… I thought she was at least 15,” he cried.
He blamed his conduct on the devil after finding himself on the wrong side of the Italian laws, which recognised age 16 as the legal age for consent to sex.
Scores of Ghanaians have rubbished President Akufo-Addo’s address to the nation on the state of the economy, which took place last Sunday.
Describing the address as a publicity stunt, some Ghanaians have touted that the President failed to address the locus of the challenges burdening the economy.
Prior to Akufo-Addo’s speech on Sunday, October 30, 2022, citizens envisaged that the President would highlight key measures to address some specific challenges they believe are the causes of the country’s economic crisis.
Among other things, some Ghanaians wanted the president to scrap taxes on petroleum products, downsize his government, halt the construction of the national cathedral, and sack his Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.
However, to their dismay, the President focused on other challenges that he believes are the main factors crippling the economy.
President Akufo-Addoalso listed five measures his government would be implementing to turn around the adverse impact.
He mentioned that the government will improve the revenue collection effort from the current tax-revenue to GDP ratio of 13% to somewhere between 18-20%.
He also indicated that the government will reduce Ghana’s total public debt-to-GDP ratio to some 55% in present value terms by 2028.
The President added that his administration will, among other things, review the reforms in the energy sector, capping of statutory funds, implementation of the exemptions Act, a new property rate regime, a 30% cut in the salaries of political office holders and encourage the habit of eating what you grow policy.
Taking to his Facebook page, the Member of Parliament of North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwawho expressed his disappointment stated that Akufo-Addo should have apologised for the economic difficulties he has “imposed” on Ghanaians in his address.
Mr Ablakwa said “just imagine how President Akufo-Addo would have been celebrated by Ghanaians tonight if he said the following: I am sorry for the economic difficulties I have imposed on you; I have with immediate effect fired Ken Ofori-Atta and Charles Adu Boahen; I am reducing the size of my government by 40%; I am slashing taxes on petroleum products.”
Commenting on the 30% salary cut by Akufo-Addo’s, former Finance Minister, Seth Terkper, said the measure is insufficient in helping the government in its debt sustainability.
He noted that “30% fall in staff wages to help fiscal consolidation? Total Expd: Budget (c135.6b), Rev. Budget (c133.8b), hence reduction is c1.8b (only 0.0133%). Note, total wages & allowances rise, not decrease: Budget (ghc35.8b) vrs Rev. Budget (c37.9b) = c2.1b or 0.059%. Waiting for 2023B.”
Taking his part, Ransford Gyampo, a lecturer at the University of Ghana, asserted that the President’s address was inadequate and failed to address some fundamental issues.
According to him, the president failed to pinpoint how his government intends to achieve the objective of restoring confidence in the economy and hope in the people.
Arguing his point out, he said, “the ratio of our debt to GDP was around 56% in 2016. It is now expected to hit 104% according to the World Bank by the close of 2022. We must focus on addressing this rather than the manoeuvrings to keep power. There’s no potent campaign message than fixing our current challenges.”
Sulley’s love for his deceased mother is an open secret and he reaffirmed it in an interview with Dan Kweku Yeboah: “she was my everything, she is my everything and now she has given me the strength to take care of my siblings which I was ready for.”
In the interview, Sulley said there is one person he cannot turn deaf ears to and that is his mother, “for my mum, whatever she says I do it.”
But he recalled a time when for the very first time in his life, he had to choose between his mother’s wish and his ambition of playing in Europe.
Sulley Muntari narrated that, his mother wanted him to play for Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko while he was yearning to play in Europe because he believed it was the only way to change the fortunes of his family.
He said he almost signed for Kotoko as his mum wished, but he missed Kotoko’s Chief Executive officer, Hebert Mensah at the entrance.
“There was one time we went to Kumasi. We were going to Herbert Mensah but while our car was entering, his car was going out. So, I missed him. I would have definitely signed if I had met him.”
After not tying himself to Kotoko, Sulley took the opportunity to be more thoughtful about his career and how he could change his family’s situation.
Following a long thoughtful moment, he decided to “disrespect” his mother for the very first time.
“But then I came back and sat down. At that age, looking at my mum, and my siblings where we were coming from, I was like ‘for the first time in my life, I will disrespect my mum’. Meaning I won’t listen to what she was saying and pause (Playing for Kotoko) to have a great future. I could see there was a future for it, in the long term.”
“No, they(Kotoko) didn’t see me again. So when I went back to camp, Sly spoke to me. I saw Derek, Essien, and Obodae. They were young and they played for Ajax, Panatheniacos, Bastia and all these big teams. Ibrahim Razak was also playing for Italy. And also I thought about it, looking at old Kotoko, Awudu Adama, even Joe Henricks wasn’t there, Prince Adu Poku, the Stephen Oduros and the likes, top, top players. For me, I would come from school to play only two matches and they will put me on the bench. Because I’ve seen top, top Kotoko players who couldn’t make any impact, so from colts straight to the first team was going to be difficult. So I thought of all these aspects and I said no. Mum, I’m sorry. There was no one cedi at home. No cedi to buy foodstuff and all that,” he said.
Sulley continued that even though his mum was disappointed, his decision was the right way to make his mother whip the benefits of her investment in his career.
“Yes(she was disappointed), but she had invested her whole life(in me). I can come from camp and there is no money. The last one that she should have spent on my siblings, she will say “take it”. Then she will go and hustle from the side. So all of these things pushed to make my own decision to go and I’ve never regretted it.”
Sulley said Hajia Kande came around after he left the shores of Ghana when Alhaji Sly Tetteh secured trials for him at Manchester United.
“She was angry a little bit but after when I left the country(she accepted it). Sly took me right away to Manchester United.”
Although his mother passed away in 2021, she lived to enjoy the fruit of her investments. Sulley is one of the wealthy ex-Ghanaian footballers but prefers to keep a low profile on his wealth.
Ghanaian numerologist, Atta Agyemang has given spiritual insight into what he claims to be the financial struggles of Brazilian football icon, Ronaldinho.
Basing his claim on the arrest of Ronaldinho in Paraguay in 2020 for the alleged use of a ‘fake passport’, Atta Agyemang stated that Ronaldinho’s struggle is due to the day he was born.
“You know of Ronaldinho. He is the best footballer the world has ever seen and was born on March 21. After all the fame and money he got, he was once arrested for using a fake passport.
“When they fined him for using the fake passport and checked his account, he had only six dollars. Samuel Eto’o and other players had to come together to get him money. Someone will say he was a liar but he has two threes. 21st is three and March is three,” he said told Kumasi-based Angel FM.
Prosecutor Federico Delfino said the brothers recognized they had committed a crime but said they did so unwittingly.
“We are looking for an alternative way out of this that doesn’t result in a formal accusation and that recognizes that these people were, we can say, taken by surprise,” Delfino told reporters in the Paraguayan capital.
Ronaldinho and his brother Roberto Assis were heavily fined and Samuel Eto’o had to step in and pay for his former Barcelona teammates, according to reports.
Contrary to the numerologist’s assertion, Ronaldinho is believed to be living a good life and swimming in riches.
According to French outlet Le Pais, Ronaldinho has recovered from his blip and now making huge monies from investing in estate, music, and wine production.
The 2002 World Cup winner is also making millions from his image rights.
A popular taxi driver has allegedly been murdered in Ajumako Mando in the Central Region.
The lifeless body of the driver was discovered with his head and the vehicle missing. This has generated fear among the residents of the community.
Before his death, Botwey carried out his taxi-driving business from a taxi rank at Ekumfi Essarkyire and was well-known in the area.
According to adomonline.com the Financial Secretary of Ekumfi Essarkyire Protoa Station, Ibrahim Mustapha, disclosed that some people hired the services of the deceased on Saturday.
However, after leaving the station with them in his Toyota Vitz with the Registration number GT 6188-20 from Ekumfi Essarkyire to Ajumako Botwey never returned.
Before his death, Botwey carried out his taxi-driving business from a taxi rank at Ekumfi Essarkyire and was well-known in the area.
According to adomonline.com the Financial Secretary of Ekumfi Essarkyire Protoa Station, Ibrahim Mustapha, disclosed that some people hired the services of the deceased on Saturday.
However, after leaving the station with them in his Toyota Vitz with the Registration number GT 6188-20 from Ekumfi Essarkyire to Ajumako Botwey never returned.
In efforts to clamp down on corruption and its related activities in the country, ABAK Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation, in collaboration with the Centre for International Private Enterprise and Connected Development, has launched an initiative dubbed “Follow the Money.”
This campaign seeks to use innovative techniques to prompt and empower citizens to monitor project implementation and government budgets.
It is to ensure accountability of all, especially public officers, in the country.
The initiative, which was launched in Kumasi, is part of the National Endowment for Democracy funded project entitled Global Anti-Corruption Mobilisation Phase IV.
While highlighting the essence of this project, Executive Director for ABAK Foundation, Mr Philip Duah, also mentioned that his outfit would advocate and track government spending on projects in communities, especially those with international funding.
Further, he noted that in order to keep the government accountable, it is critical for the populace to be properly educated about how policies and programs are being implemented.
He contended that the failure of citizens to demand accountability from public officers has largely contributed to delays and shoddy implementation of development projects, hence the need for the public to be sensitised on how to hold public officials accountable.
Throwing more light on the initiative, Founder of Connected Development, Mr Hamzy Lawal, said it had yielded positive results in other jurisdictions through empowerment of the citizenry and stressed the need to ensure beneficiaries of projects owned them.
He further raised concerns over the alarming rate ofembezzlement of public funds and corruption related activities in Africa and charged citizens to play a crucial role in curbing the menace by closely monitoring how such funds are expended.
Mukwala scored the first goal for the Porcupine Warriors when they humbled King Faisal 3-0 in the domestic top-flight on Monday night.
The 23-year-old had been looking to score his first goal for the club since joining before the 2022-23 season began after featuring in five competitive games.
The former Vipers SC and URA FC striker opened the match’s scoring after slotting in a pass from Dickson Afoakwa in the 10th minute.
Captain Richard Boadu converted a penalty kick to double the lead for Kotoko 17 minutes later at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
Nicholas Mensah sealed the victory for the Porcupines just a minute after the break when Mukwala set him up.
Speaking after the game, Mukwala expressed the desire to bag in more goals for the Porcupine Warriors.
Asked if he was under pressure to score, he said, “Not really, that is not pressure, but what I believe is I have to adapt to the environment of Ghana because I am a new player, so I have to fit in the environment and basically get coordination with my fellow players. There’s being tag of war, but I believe I will score more goals.”
The Uganda forward has a goal and two assists so far in the Ghana Premier League this campaign after three appearances.
Black Stars defender, Alexander Djiku is reported to have made an injury return after picking up a hamstring in Strasbourg’s drawn game against Toulouse on Sunday, October 23, 2022.
Alexander Djiku started Strasbourg’s matchday 11 French League 1 game against Toulouse but was taken off in the 26th minute after picking up a hamstring injury.
The thought of Djiku missing the 2022 World Cup became a big worry for most Ghanaians as he will be key to the Black Stars’ campaign.
However, according to 3Sports, Alexander Dijku won’t miss the World Cup after returning to group training as he continues his recovery process from the hamstring injury.
“Alexander Djiku returned to group training earlier today after picking up a minor hamstring injury,” 3Sports tweeted.
One of the daughters of the president Gyankroma Akufo-Addo has denied allegations she was awarded a $25 million contract by the state to beautify some interchanges in the capital, Accra.
The claim was first made by controversial media practitioner Kevin Taylor on October 26 on his Loud Silence medium but has since been republished on other media platforms.
Kevin Taylor’s publication alleged that while the huge contract was awarded to Gyankroma, who is also CEO of the Creative Arts Agency, other daughters of President Akufo-Addo’s were also running capital intensive businesses.
But in a swift rebuttal Gyankroma explained in a press statement sighted by YEN.com. gh that no contract to beautify interchanges or underpasses has either been conceived, offered, or accepted by her.
“Indeed, any tender or contract awarded for such a project would have been made public,” she said.
The press statement further explained how some of three key interchanges in the capital came to be painted:
The projects were solely conceived, managed, and financially undertaken by The Creative Arts Agency, through its own fundraising activities.
Site 1: Ako Adjei, was funded by the private sector.
Site 2: Tetteh Quarshie, was paid for by myself, Gyankroma Akufo-Addo.
Site 3: was completed through the generosity of the creatively minded Ben Asante, CEO of Ghana Gas, understanding its social community importance.
The paint used for each site, again, was provided by Coral Paints and its CEO, who understand the importance of pushing visibility of Ghanaian artists.
“The absurdity of $25 million, or any amount for that matter, being awarded to myself to undertake this project is a disgusting narrative. It is a complete fabrication being propagated by some shameless persons, and which, unfortunately, has been published by sections of the media,” she was worried.
She said the beautification of the interchanges was done for profit reasons and “there have been no lucrative contracts awarded for it.”
“All efforts to undermine my credibility through the publication of these falsehoods and baseless lies will not wash.
“I have instructed my lawyer to seek redress in the law courts against persons and media houses that published these falsehoods with the sole intention of destroying my reputation,” Gyankroma Akufo-Addo disclosed in the statement.
Owing to a strong desire to beat their arch-rivals, Accra Hearts of Oak to the Ghana Premier League title in 1996, Asante Kotoko allegedly went the extra mile of bribing some Ebusua Dwarfs players to play a match of convenience in their decider in Swedru, Central Region.
According to former Dwarfs striker Willie Brown, some of his colleagues took the money to help Kotoko win the 1996 Ghana Premier League, but he did not.
The former Ghana U-17 player said he rejected the money because it was not something he had worked for.
“I quite remember we played a match against Kotoko. Kotoko bribed some of our players. When they brought the money, I said this money is not my hard-earned money. Although my salary didn’t come regularly at that time, I said that(my salary) was my own money. So I didn’t take the bribe and I sent them away. They initially went and gave the money to my wife who rejected it before they finally gave it to my brother-in-law. This happened in 1996. In that match, if Kotoko had won, they won have finished first but I made Hearts finish first instead,” he told Dan Kweku Yeboah TV.
“My brother-in-law said, “here is the money, should I give it to you?” I told him “No, it’s not my money. But tell them if I get the chance, I will score.” so he should take the money back, and give it to their team manager.”
Willie Brown kept his word and pulled parity for Dwarfs from a corner to tie the game 2-2 at the death. He said after the scoring he almost got dragged by Kotoko officials who were present at the stadium.
“It was 7 minutes left to full time, and we got a corner. It is something I learned from Kwofie and I sued to practice in training. With the power I put behind the ball, it just hit the bar and went in, 2-2. When the referee whistled for the full time I saw the Kotoko officials coming to me and I shouted “I’ve not taken any money”. Their officials were coming onto the field because they have heard that Hearts have won. So at the moment the team manager, game and showed them the money and they were all quiet.”
Willie Brown revealed that the Kotoko team manager offered him a move to India which earned him his first financial breakthrough deal after rejecting the bribe.
The former Ebusua Dwarfs player was a member of the Black Starlets team that won Ghana’s first U-17 World Cup in 1991.
Starting in 2023, public sector employees won’t be able to use their personal emails for work-related purposes.
The National Information Technology Agency will be in charge of managing the platform that they are supposed to utilize for official government emails.
Speaking at the technology breakfast meeting organised to sensitise public chief executives on leveraging on the government’s digitalisation drive in Accra, the Minister of Communication and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, advised all governmental organisations to communicate with the agency to ensure their inclusion on the platform.
This strategy, according to Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful, would prevent cases where state information is exposed to cyberattacks and maintain the continuity of state information.
She charged the public sector CEOs to tighten structures to protect government information in the discharge of duties and noted that the goal is to ensure “that official information stays within the official domain.”
“In other countries, you could lose your job for not using your official email because it compromises the security of the entire system. It destroys institutional memory. It makes government information available everywhere in the world.”
Also concerned that government business could fall into the wrong hands, Mrs. Owusu-Ekufulsaid, “Somebody somewhere is using that information that has been provided on those supposedly free platforms and doing all kinds of things with our data which we don’t know about.”
Dong-Bortey made over 100 appearances for the Accra club and was instrumental in the club winning four league titles and the CAF Confederation Cup. He was a joint topscorer of the leadue in 2002.
Phobianews. com can exclusively reveal that, a deal to draft Bortey in the technical team is near completion, although an announcement is not expected to be made any moment now.
Bortey was earlier today sighted at the club training ground heavily involved in the activities of the technical team.
She bemoaned the level of dragging she’s had to face since the end of the show and said she’s not cut for that.
Big Brother Naija level-up winner, Phyna, has lashed out at her fans as she warns them to stay off her business.
The hype lady turned reality TV star, who broke down in a video she shared on Snapchat, said her fans, popularly known as Phynation, have caused her more harm than good.
Phyna, who noted that she’s been going through a lot lately, asked fans of other former housemates to stop comparing her to her colleagues and to allow her to live her life as she pleases.
She bemoaned the level of dragging she’s had to face since the end of the show and said she’s not cut for that.
“I want everyone out of my business, I love you guys, I love you Phynation but it seems you guys have caused more harm than Good to me. I’ve been going though a lot lately I really wish everybody should just stay off my business and let me be. I don’t know if you guys want me to fall into depression, but I’m not giving room for that.
“I only won the show, I did not do it myself…don’t compare me to anybody, I am more of a neutral person than all this. Everybody should just leave me alone”. A visibly enraged Phyna said in part.
Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has revealed that Ken Ofori-Atta’s dismissal as Finance Minister is being contended by a wealthy businessman in the country.
According to the Majority Leader, the business mogul, whom he failed to identify, interceded on behalf of Mr Ofori-Attawhen he engaged some legislators on his side of the House, who called for the head of the minister.
“I’m told on authority that some businessman came here and tried to do something. I was told that he came here and tried to mediate in his own way what he thinks the problem is,” he said.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsunoted that the disgruntled Majority MP’s paid no attention and advised him not to involve himself.
“So he went away,” the Parliamentary Affairs Minister is quoted by JoyNews to have said.
It is unclear whether the intercession took place before the 80 NPP MPs, led by Andy Appiah-Kubi, the MP for Asante Akim North, held a press briefing on October 25, 2022, and demanded the removal of Mr Ofori-Atta and Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, Charles Adu Boahen.
The Majority Leader has expressed interest in finding out the motive behind the business tycoon’s unwavered support for the Finance Minister, albeit he has been blamed for Ghana’s economic crisis.
“If that is the case I want to talk to that man and know his motive. But people could also be indulging in speculation. So we want to hear him to see what it is… Did he come here?… did he come with any inducement? What was the motivation? Not having heard him, I don’t want to prejudge,” he stated.
The Majority in Parliament has suspended their demand for the removal of the Finance Minister after engaging President Akufo-Addo.
President Akufo-Addo, who has touted Mr Ofori-Atta as a viable minister, has called on Ghanaians to permit the sector minister to complete the country’s negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Also, he was the 2023 Budget Statement presented to Parliament before talks on Mr Ofori-Atta’s dismissal progressed any further.
The minority, however, is bent on removing the minister from his post. The Minority, led by Haruna Iddrisu, the Tamale South MP, has filed a motion to censure the Finance Minister.
Speaker Alban Bagbin has admitted the motion was filed on October 25.
George Boateng left his role as manager of Aston Villa’s U-23 side ‘to concentrate on his role’ with the Ghana national team ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Steve Nash and the Brooklyn Nets are going their separate ways.
The news broke early Tuesday afternoon, with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski initially reporting that the team had fired Nash, who first became head coach back in September 2020. Meanwhile, Shams Charania of the Athletic reported that the team and Nash had both “agreed to part ways,” with a follow-up ESPN update stating the same.
Nash also released a statement confirming his departure.
“A very heartfelt thanks to Joe and Clara Tsai along with Sean Marks for giving me the opportunity to coach the Brooklyn Nets,” Nash said. “It was an amazing experience with many challenges that I’m incredibly grateful for.”
In a subsequent press release, Nets leadership also addressed the split.
“I’ve gotten to know Steve during his time in Brooklyn, and he is not one to shy away from challenges,” Nets Governor Joe Tsai said in a statement. “My admiration and respect for him grew over time as he brought hard work and positive attitude to our organization every day, even in periods of exceptional storm surrounding the team. Clara and I want to thank Steve, Lilla, and their family for making this extraordinary commitment. We began this journey as colleagues, we part as friends.”
According to Woj, the frontrunner to take Nash’s place is suspended Celtics coach Ime Udoka.
Suspended Celtics coach Ime Udoka has emerged as the likely next Brooklyn Nets head coach and his hiring could be finalized as soon as the next 24-to-48 hours, sources tell ESPN. Celtics will let him leave for another job.
Nash’s departure comes at a tumultuous time for the franchise, which is dealing with an inability to live up to expectations, as well as Kyrie Irving’s off-court issues.
If you’re a connoisseur of film, particularly one who’s well-versed in matters of horror, then the “elevated” descriptor likely has a palpable effect on you.
In a new interview, director Jordan Peele addressed the “elevated” label, notably not expressing enthusiasm about its usage in relation to his own work.
Indeed, in a recent interview with the Verge, Peele dismissed the “elevated” categorization as a limiting way of looking at the medium.
“I don’t want people to think that I’m trying to make ‘elevated’ films,” Peele told Charles Pulliam-Moore. “I think that’s a trap that I don’t quite appreciate because I, you know, I like making fucked-up films. I like making weird movies that I’m really just not supposed to make—and sometimes challenge people on the other side of things as well.”
Nope, Peele’s latest film, hit theaters back in July and is now available for at-home viewing. Speaking over the summer with Karla Rodriguez for Complex, Peele addressed whether he, as a filmmaker, ever feels a sense of pressure when it comes to besting himself with each new project.
“I think you have to treat them as separate entities,” he said at the time. “Because I think even if people think they want you to do something similar, they really want you to break out of that mold and so that’s always the challenge I put on myself. How do I keep some essence of what people like about my work but give him something completely different and that’s how we got Nope.”
On the latest episode of her Archetypes podcast, Meghan Markle invited her “dear friend” Sophie Grégoire Trudeau—wife of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau—to chat about motherhood and more.
The pair discussed on “Good Wife/Bad Wife, Good Mom/Bad Mom with Sophie Trudeau, Pamela Adlon and Sam Jay” how they met at a fashion awards night in Toronto around seven years ago. They also got into their shared reality as wives and mothers in the public eye, and the “crushing guilt” that comes with it.
We also get introduced to her “Sophie G” nickname, which is a little different than her more formal title these days, “Madame.”
The pair have remained friends over the years. Markle revealed in the podcast they drank wine poolside at her mansion over the summer.
Markle had high praise for her longtime pal, saying in the podcast Grégoire Trudeau is “emblematic of strength that comes from embracing your humanity, even in the face of all these family and home and public pressures.”
Kwaw Kese has made a public call to the Ghana Police Service for the arrest of his colleague; Shatta Wale and his former manager; Bullgod, after the latter suggested Bulldog was involved in the death of a man he named Fenick.
Following Shatta’s Facebook post on Wednesday morning, Kwaw has pleaded with authorities to, as a matter of urgency, pick up the two for questioning over the 2014 unsolved murder of Fennec Okyere, his late manager whose life was cut short by some unknown men who gunned him down at his residence.
“@ghpoliceservice Pls help us get justice on my Managers murder. I believe @shattawalenima and @bullhaus know something we need to know. Pls let’s delve into this,” read Kwaw’s Instagram post sighted by GhanaWeb on November 2.
Shatta Wale’s allegationsagainst Bullgod come in the wake of their banter on social media that has witnessed both parties calling each other out.
On November 2, Shatta Wale who once worked with Bullgod said in a Facebook post that the artiste manager planned the death of one ‘Fenick’.
“Bull Dog since u r bringing out secrets. You will tell Ghanaians. What happen to Fenicks Murder !! And I am not joking about this time!! I am ready to tell the court about what you told me about you and your men and how you planned that foolish act get ready. This Akuffo Addo won’t give you a murder chance to be on our streets !!! Watch how this ends !!! You can’t fight time !!!” read the post sighted by GhanaWeb.
Kwaw Kese has for years, sought justice over the unsolved murder case. He has opened up about how the demise of Fennec cost him his career.
Earlier this year, the rapper commemorated the death anniversary of his beloved Fennec in a post that read: “Dear Fennec I’ve been through a lot since the devil took you away. All the people we did good for, are paying me back with hatred. It’s been 8 years. Pls don’t let our enemies feel victorious, the day we’ll get to know your killers is the day my heart will rejoice. I love you forever. Your brother Kwaw.”
Fennec Okyere, the late manager of rapper Kwaw Kese was brutally murdered on Thursday, March 13, 2014. He was 31 years old.
Professor at the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS), Elikplimi Komla Agbloyor, has advised the government to adopt alternative measures in the event of an unsuccessful IMF deal.
The IMF’s aid, according to the professor, may not be sufficient to help mitigate the high economic crisis the country is currently facing. Hence, he recommends that the government prepare a plan B.
He said, “What I was expecting the President to do is that we should have a plan B. For example, in case there is a delay in securing a deal with the IMF or in case the deal doesn’t even go through, which is a possibility, do we have a plan B? I am saying this because the IMF in itself will help, but I don’t think it is sufficient. “
Professor Komla mentioned that there is an expected 3 billion dollars to flow into the economy by the close of the year if the IMF deal is secured successfully. This move, he said, would slow the free fall of the cedi and make a probable “recession more bearable”.
“One of the causes of increases in the cost of living or inflation is the depreciation of the cedi. So if we can secure an arrangement with the IMF, then that will help the cost of living.
In reference, he cited Egypt as an example, arguing that the country is still dependent on Gulf countries for support even after securing about five billion dollars to shore up its foreign exchange transactions.
In view of this, he stressed that “apart from the deal with the IMF, the government should be making plans for other options to increase our foreign exchange reserve.” Especially in the short term,” the associate professor advised.
Ghana is currently in hard times. Citizens wake up to new fuel prices almost every three to seven days. The alarming depreciation of the Ghana cedi coupled with its significant effect is reflected in all other aspects of the livelihood of ordinary Ghanaians.
Several labour unions have embarked on industrial actions, and 80 members of the majority NPP in parliament demanded the removal of the finance minister.
Host of the E-Forum show on GhanaWeb TV, Benefo Buabeng Abrantepa is anticipating an all-star song for the Black Stars’ campaign in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Kweku Flick and Akwaboah have already released their songs aimed at creating awareness and soliciting support for the Black Stars.
Reacting to the songs and their impact on generating support for the Black Stars, Abrantepa lauded Kweku Flick and Akwaboah for the amazing pieces of work they have put out.
Abrantepa made this statement when he joined GhanaWeb Sports Editor, Perez Erzoah Kwaw, and host Joel Eshun to discuss the Importance of supporters at the World Cup and the most memorable Black Stars’ World Cup song on the third episode of the GhanaWeb Mundial show.
Board member of Accra Hearts of Oak, Alhaji Brimah Akambi has stated that the club will crumble like Kumasi Cornerstone if Board Chairman, Togbe Afede XIV quits.
The supporters have blamed the club’s struggles on the supposed bad decisions of Togbe to keep certain personalities in the club’s administration.
Akambi, one of the heads sought by the fans, has advised supporters to back every decision made by the Board Chairman, or else the club will end up in the gutters, like Venomous Vipers and Cornerstone if Togbe abandons the Phobians.
“If care is not taken and Togbe Afede XIV moves away from Hearts of Oak, the gospel truth is that the club will turn to Venomous Vipers FC or Cornerstone FC,” he told Service Radio.
“So I will urge the supporters to support the club and the board and rally behind the club in prayers,” he added.
Corners and Vipers were great teams back in the day that produced and played consistently in the country’s top flight.
Currently, Corners are in the very lower division while Vipers are in the second tier league.
Togbe Afede owns the majority share of Hearts of Oak. He took over the club in 2009. He won his first League title in 2021, the most successful year under his leadership. They won three trophies in 2021 and added two more in 2022.
He is on the verge of completing Ghana’s first modern training center for Hearts of Oak in Pobiman, Accra.
The English Premier League side snatched the first spot in Group D from the jaws of Olympique de Marseille at the 50,000-packed Stade Vélodrome on Tuesday, November 1, 2022.
The 2019 UEFA Champions League runners-up staged a comeback at the Stade Vélodrome after Clement Lenglet’s second-half header and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s strike in stoppage time snatched a dramatic 2-1 win at Marseille who took the lead through Chancel Mbemba in the 46th minute.
The 2-1 victory took Tottenham to the top of the table with 11 points followed by German club, Eintracht Frankfurt who finished the group stages with 10 points.
In a video that has been sighted by GhanaWeb, Harry Kane, Yves Bissouma and other Spurs players were seen jamming to Burna Boy’s ‘Last Last’ song as it was being played in the locker room.
Black Stars midfielder, Mohammed Kudus has lifted the lid on his competition with Dutch-born Ghanaian international, Brian Brobbey as they continue to compete for the number 9 spot at Ajax.
Brian Brobbey and Mohammed Kudus have been going neck-to-neck since the start of the ongoing 2022/2023 season as coach Alfred Schreuder is yet to settle on his permanent number 9.
Brobbey started the season as the leading marksman before Mohammed Kudus took over with his explosive performance against Rangers at the Johan Cryuff Arena and it has been a back-and-forth between the two since then.
Mohammed Kudus on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, got the nod to start against Rangers in the return leg in Scotland and the Black Stars midfielder repaid coach Alfred Schreuder’S trust with a goal and an assist.
The Ministry of Education has revealed that the government has given about GH¢198 million to the ministry for distribution to the Free Senior High School (FSHS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
This money, according to Spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, Kwasi Kwarteng, is purposely to support feeding at the various SHS and TVET schools nationwide.
The Ministry has, therefore, released an amount of GH¢126 million, covering non-perishable food items to the National Food Buffer Stock Company, and GH¢72,106,603 covering perishable food items & recurring expenditure to all senior high and TVET schools across the country.
The government’s allocation of funding follows a long period of inconsistent food distribution to schools around the nation. As the food shortage crisis deepens, some senior high school heads around the nation have threatened to shut down their institutions as a result of this.
It would be recalled that around mid-year, the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) released a statement emphasising that if nothing is done to avert the worsening food shortage situation in the schools, students would be asked to go home.
The Ministry, however, refuted the claim, but later made reference to a scarcity of perishable goods and told CHASS that the government is taking steps to pay off unpaid debts to the buffer stock in order to guarantee that food is provided to the schools.
The release of these funds is the fulfilment of the promise made to CHASS.
Therefore, Mr. Kwarteng has reassured the public that the ministry is committed to making sure that all second-cycle institutions receive timely supplies of sufficient and high-quality food items.
Background to food shortage
Minister of education, Dr. Yaw Osei-Adutwum acknowledged on July 21, 2022 that the government owes the National Food Buffer Stock Company an unpaid balance of GH340 million.
This disclosure was made on the floor of Parliament House as it was being discussed how the country’s high schools were experiencing a food crisis due to debt to the firm and other issues.
Dr. Osei-Adutwum emphasised that the government was striving to pay off the debt and put an end to the Senior High School food crisis.
The continuous increase in prices of food items across the country has had a grave impact on livelihoods.
Bemoaning the harsh economic difficulties, the Conference of Principals of the Colleges (PRINCOF) has asserted that they are unable to feed teacher trainees across the country.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, requested to allow students to feed themselves starting from November 7, 2022.
In a press statement signed by the Executive Secretary of PRINCOF, Dr Harriet Naki Amui, said, “Principals of Colleges of Education have been trying really very hard to feed trainee teachers in recent times as a result of current market trends.”
“Prices of food items have shot up astronomically, and food suppliers have refused to supply any food items to colleges because of the indebtedness to these suppliers.”
In Ghana, there are about 40 colleges of education and each student is being provided with three square meals a day at a cost of GHS6.50 by the government.
The fund provided by the government, according to Dr Naki Amui, is insufficient to provide these students with three meals a day.
She mentioned that her outfit, on numerous occasions, asked the government to increase feeding grants to the schools, but the request has not yet been approved.
In response, the Ministry of Education has indicated that it is working assiduously to resolve all outstanding financial obligations.
In a Facebook post, the Public Relations Officer of the Education Ministry, Kwesi Kwarteng, mentioned that the ministry has already begun discussions with the Finance Ministry to release funds to help fend for trainee teachers.
“MoE is aware of the urgency of the situation and is working with the Ministry of Finance to swiftly resolve all outstanding obligations/commitments to the Colleges of Education. The public is further assured of our commitment to address disruptions within the food supply chain ahead of the November 7th ultimatum,” he said.
The founder and leader of Shining Grace Chapel International, Prophet Isaac Appiah, popularly known as Ogya Nyame has clarified that his prophecy about Ghana not qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup never failed but the situation changed.
Ogya Nyame prior to Ghana’s play-off against Nigeria, said he saw in a vision that the Super Eagles of Nigeria were jubilating after the two-legged game with the Black Stars in both Accra and Lagos.
In an interview with GhanaWeb, he explained that his first prophesy changed which he corrected but people did not talk about the second prophesy on how Ghana can qualify.
“Anyone who follows me knows that if I say something today and it changes(in the spiritual realm) I will come and say it. And if I say it and add that I can let you qualify, I can. It was at that point that I released that I was a champion in Ghana.”
“I said that Nigeria say they will score two goals in Kumasi but we have come against that. For Ghana, we had no goal so it will end in a draw and it will even rain, but I’ll halt the rain until the end of the match. The game ended in a draw and it rained but no one talked about it.”
“I also said that (in the return leg) I saw that the Ghanaian goalkeeper have fumbled a shot and conceded, so I told them to pray and overturn it. You saw the goalkeeper fumbled Partey’s shot.”
In his first prophecy on Accra FM, Azuka said he saw Nigeria celebrating.
“Do you know that I have already watched Ghana’s game against Nigeria and I saw the Nigerians jubilating after the two games and that means that the Black Stars will not qualify,” he said in an interview on Accra FM.
But it did not turn out to be as he predicted as Ghana eliminated Nigeria by securing a favourable 1-1 draw in Abuja, having drawn goalless in the first leg of the playoffs.
In the second leg, Francis Uzoho fumbled Thomas Party’s shot from a distance and the goal was all Ghana needed to qualify.
