TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Bono Regional Hospital in dire need as shortage hits blood bank

    The Bono Regional Hospital is appealing for voluntary blood donation from the general public as its blood bank has run out of stock.

    The shortage of blood at the blood bank, management says is adversely affecting the daily operations of the hospital.

    The hospital which needs an average of 20 pints of blood daily for an emergency, labour and surgical cases is currently unable to meet the demand as a result of the shortage.

    According to the Head of Laboratory of the Bono Regional Hospital, Mr Abdul Ganiu, there has been a significant reduction in the quantity of blood in stock.

    Abdul Ganiu attributed the drastic reduction in blood donation to the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus has put fear in many people.

    He told Ghanaweb in an exclusive interview that before COVI9-19, the hospital used to record over 350 voluntary blood donations a month but the figure has gone down drastically as only 17 people have donated blood between January and July this year.

    He revealed that because the hospital is unable to engage institutions as it used to do as a result of the restrictions imposed on mass gatherings because of Coronavirus, it is now forced to rely on a family replacement to stock the blood bank.

    “Our blood bank has currently run out of stock as people have stopped donating blood voluntarily since the outbreak of the Coronavirus. We need blood to be able to carry out operations at the surgical, labour and children wards and to handle accident cases effectively.”

    He urged the public to cultivate the habit of voluntarily donating blood by joining the “I pledge 25” campaign as it will go a long way to save many lives.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • I’m a ‘British Ashanti New Yorker’ – Reggie Rockstone

    Reggie Rockstone is a Ghanaian rap legend and his works are boldly written all over Ghana’s music industry. Aside from being a household name, the legendary musician also commands great respect from music lovers in the country.

    Both the old and young generations revere him for the impact he has made on Ghana’s music and his introduction of Hiplife music that paved the way for many other artistes and shot them to fame and affluence.

    Of course, many people know Reggie Rockstone but just as the adage goes “behind every successful man, there is a woman”; so behind Reggie Rockstone’s success, there is a man.

    Speaking in an interview with Nkonkonsa on YouTube, Reggie Rockstone recounted the immense contributions of his late father Ricky “Ricci” Ossei (Saint Ossei), a renowned fashion designer.

    Not much is known about Ricky’s role in Reggie Rockstone’s music career and so the musician decided to throw light on what the father did that Ghanaians need to know and acknowledge.

    According to him, the late father inspired his music career and was the one who built him a studio to record his music.

    He added that the father was also his chief marketer and supported his career. Reggie Rockstone noted that he owes all his music achievements to the late father.

    He narrated that when he returned to Ghana from the United States to pursue his music career, his father was the one who suggested he should do Hiplife and in line with his dream, he learned the Twi language so as to make the mark his father set for him.

    “English is my first language. I learned to speak Twi…I’m a British Ashanti New Yorker…He told me not to call it Hip Hop. He said stop the foreign life; let’s do a hybrid; Hip Hop, Highlife and we got Hiplife. It was my father and myself. He was very good to me.”

    He further added he is proud to inherit the legacy of his father.

    “Shatta Wale said I live in my father’s house. It’s true. I am staying in my father’s house. I am Dada B Original…I inherited my father and just like our President lives in his father’s house. Where does Shatta Wale think his children will stay when he dies?”

    Watch the full interview below:

    Source: Peace FM

  • ‘You would have been 76 years today’ – Mahama celebrates the late Atta Mills

    Today, July, 21 would have been the 76th birthday of the late Professor John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills and John Dramani Mahama who was his Vice President from 2008-2012 has taken to social media to celebrate his former boss.

    Mills, who became Ghana’s third President in the fourth republic passed on his birth month – Tuesday, 24 July 2012 – after battling with a short illness.

    8 years after his demise, John Dramani Mahama has eulogised him.

    In a post, he wrote, “You would have been 76 years today, Prof. Though in eternity, memories of your sterling qualities and principled leadership are still fresh with us.”

    “You will forever remain in our hearts. Yours is a soul that cannot be forgotten, a man we cannot celebrate enough!

    “Happy birthday my comrade, mentor, and friend. Continue to rest well, Sir.”

    He posted another one on Twiter saying, “You would have been 76 years today, Prof. Though in eternity, memories of your sterling qualities and principled leadership are still fresh with us. You will forever remain in our hearts. Yours is a soul that cannot be forgotten, a man we cannot celebrate enough!”

    See the social media post of former President John Dramani Mahama below,

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Andre Ayew tips Swansea manager for success

    Swansea City star Andre Ayew has hailed the impact of coach Steve Cooper, exclaiming he will be a prominent manager in the future.

    The 40-year old Welshman joined the Swans last summer after spending four years with the England Under-17 side, leading them to World Cup glory in 2017, where they beat Spain 5-2 in the final.

    Cooper has been heavily involved with youth in his managerial career including at Liverpool, where he managed the likes of Raheem Sterling and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

    He has continued with that tradition at Swansea, mixing a core of young players with the experience of players like Ayew and Wayne Routledge, and the South Wales outfit has a slim chance of making the promotion play-offs with one more Championship round to go.

    “I’m impressed by the gaffer and his staff. They have done a great job and it’s not easy when it’s your first year and you have a lot of young players around,” Ayew told BBC Sport.

    “He has quality and you can see we have an identity and style of play.

    “It’s true we’ve had ups and downs, but when you have a team with a lot of young players, you can’t get everything straight away.

    “His message is coming across well and I’m happy to have met and worked with him. He’s got great ideas and he’s going to be a big manager in the future.”

    Ayew acknowledged experience is needed to make it into the top-flight and is satisfied with the squad, particularly how fast the younger players have grown.

    “The quality is there but to get into the Premier League you need quality, young players and experience,” Ayew continued.

    “When you want to win and get to another level, you need experience in your squad.

    “Maybe we needed a few more to add to what we have already, but I’m happy with what I’ve seen.

    “The boys have grown quickly and I hope it’s not too late for this season.”

    Swansea travel to Reading on the final day of the season and while they will need to do all to win, they will need their rivals Cardiff City to lose at home to relegation-threatened Hull City.

    “We’re not going to think about next season, we’re going to think about this one because it’s still on,” the Ghana captain stated.

    “We know in football when you are playing a team who is fighting for their lives, it’s very difficult.

    “We have to do our job because if something happens there [Cardiff] and we don’t get the three points, we’ll be disappointed.”

    Source: goal.com

  • George Boateng lauds Kudus Mohammed after Ajax move

    Former Dutch international, George Boateng has lauded Mohammed Kudus following his move to Ajax Amsterdam.

    The 19-year-old joined the Dutch side for a fee of 9 million euros from Danish side, FC Nordsjaelland.

    And according to Boateng, who played for Feyenoord beleives the youngster has a huge talent to become a big star at the club.

    “The reason Ajax brought him in is because they saw what I have also seen ”, he says at Citi TV.

    “He has had a difficult time, but this year he will be the sensation at Ajax.

    “He has so much potential, what a talent to have in your selection. After the sale of Ziyech to Chelsea, they were looking for a comparable player and they ended up with Mohammed Kudus, that says a lot,” he added.

    The youngster is one of the contenders for the Golden Boy award because of his good performances at Nordsjaelland.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Both of my kidneys are damaged, my life is dependent on dialysis – Man narrates ordeal

    William Bortey, a 26-year-old man who is currently battling the end stage of a chronic kidney failure disease has shared his story with GhanaWeb in an exclusive interview.

    Chronicling how he was diagnosed of the disease on ‘GhanaWeb Special’, William explained that in 2015, due to a strain in the relationship with his sister, which affected him psychologically, he was diagnosed with High Blood pressure.

    A report by heart.org, states that High Blood Pressure (HBP or hypertension) is the second leading cause of kidney failure. The report explains that uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause arteries around the kidneys to narrow, weaken or harden. These damaged arteries are not able to deliver enough blood to the kidney tissue, thereby causing a kidney not to function properly.

    William told GhanaWeb’s Bernice Owusuwaa in the interview, that he resorted to the use of herbal medicines in curbing his High Blood Pressure but that only aggravated his current condition.

    Five years down the line, without any symptoms, doctors informed him in January 2020 that both of his kidneys have been irreparably damaged following a visit to the hospital after a short illness.

    His mother, who is a peasant farmer and trader by profession, has been forced to quit her job to care for her son, whose life is now solely dependent on a dialysis machine.

    Mrs Bortey told GhanaWeb that, they are dependent on assistance from friends, family and loved ones to be able to go for the dialysis twice every week.

    The family, his mother said, spends an amount of almost GHC600 only on the dialysis treatment; adding that, it has caused a lot of financial burden on them.

    At the moment, the life of William is dependent friends, family and loved ones who in their small way support him financially.

    William who used to work in a CCTV installation company before his current health condition aspires to be a businessman in the future and prays to recover by undergoing kidney transplant surgery which will cost GH¢160,000 in India.

    He is, therefore, pleading with the general public and NGOs to support him financially. To help save him kindly donate to his MOMO details below:

    Account Name: Bortey William

    Account: MTN

    MOMO Number: 0242746115

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Bordeaux renew interest in Ghanaian defender Emmanuel Ntim

    Girondins de Bordeaux have renewed their interest to sign Ghanaian international Emmanuel Ntim in the upcoming summer transfer window.

    Prior to the suspension of football as a result of the Coronavirus (Covid1-19) pandemic, the French Ligue 1 side was monitoring the exploits of the Valenciennes defender.

    After being hit financial as a result of the blowback of the crisis, the club stepped back a bit, fearing that they may not have the funds to facilitate the signing of Emmanuel Ntim.

    The latest information picked up by footballghana.com has indicated that Girondins de Bordeaux have renewed the interest in the full-back and planning to make an official bid for the player to strengthen their team for the next season.

    The versatile player has caught the eye of Bordeaux manager Paulo Sousa who is bent on finding a defender that can play in multiple positions across the back four.

    After an impressive campaign with Valenciennes in the past season, Emmanuel Ntim is now valued 650,000 euros by Transfermarket.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • George Boateng reveals why he never played for the Black Stars

    Former Dutch midfielder George Boateng has revealed that the Ghana Football Association never made the first approach to invite him to play for the Black Stars.

    The Nkawkaw born ended up playing for the Dutch national team after earning his first call up at the age of 18 whiles playing for Feyernoord.

    “As a young star, when I made my debut in the Feyenoord first team, nobody in the GFA ever came to me or sent a letter to express their interest, to say George Boateng is one of our players, he was born in Ghana, he is eligible to play for us,” he told Citi Tv’s The Tracker Show.

    “Can we please ask him or invite him for a game? Such a thing never took place,” he added.

    “When I was 18 and I debuted, the Dutch national team did that, they invited me to come and play for the under-18 team, which I did

    “The player is not the one who is supposed to make the initial approach to the GFA, to ask if I can play for the team, that is the unorthodox way.

    “The professional way is that the federation will send an invite because it is supposed to be an honor for you to be invited to play for your country.

    “So in that seven years, I could have made my mind up and played for Ghana,” he concluded.

    Boateng who is now youth team coach at Aston Villa, made four senior team appearances for the Europeans.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Egyptian club Wadi Degla SC close to signing Asamoah Gyan

    Egypt Premier League side Wadi Degla SC are close to signing Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan, GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively report.

    According to a close source, negotiations between the club and the players and the player’s representatives are far advanced.

    Wadi Degla want to make the all-time Black Stars goalscorer as their marquee signing for the 2020/2021 season.

    Gyan is currently without a club after his spell with Indian side NorthEast United FC came to an end in January 2020.

    The 34-year-old scored four goals in eight appearances and with one assist in the Indian Super League.

    Wadi Degla are noted for signing veteran players to light up the Egyptian top-flight.

    The last to play for them was former Chelsea and France winger Florent Malouda in 2016 where he scored three goals in 18 matches.

    Gyan has 51 goals in 109 matches for Ghana and is also Africa’s highest scoring player in the history of the FIFA World Cup.

    The former Ghana captain has previously played for Modena, Udinese Calcio, Stade Rennes, Sunderland, Al Ain FC, Shanghai SIPG and Kayserispor.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • I wont over-brand and go hungry Fameye to critics on his dressing

    Sensational singer, Fameye known for producing soul touching inspirational songs has reacted to a section of music fanatics who have been on his case for his style of dressing.

    The “Mati” hitmaker stated in an interview with Eddie Ray on Kasapa Entertainment that “over branding will make you go hungry”.

    Fameye cited a scenario whereby a fan reached out to him to complain about his dressing stating that he was odd among his fellow musicians.

    “I have to live within my means not to please anyone with extravagant lifestyle”

    “Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Ed Sheeran and many rich people dress modestly,” Fameye added.

    It is public knowledge that many musicians are in a bid to please the masses by indulging themselves in living flamboyant lives which affects them in the long run but that seems not to be the case of the young music star.

    Fameye has released a new song with Okomfour Kwadee which he did in honour of the Ghanaian legend.

    Source: Kasapa FM

  • Today in history: Former President Mills celebrated last birthday before his demise”

    Former President John Evans Atta Mills on Saturday July 21, 2012 celebrated his 68th birthday which turned out to be his last birthday as he died three days after.

    The very empathic Professor Mills as he had done during his previous birthdays choose to celebrate the day in the company of orphans at some orphanage homes.

    Read the full article as published by radioxyzonline.com below

    The President of Ghana, John Evan Atta Mills marks his 68th birthday today.

    To underscore his caring nature, the President has in the past, reached out to orphans in parts of the country.

    They include the Peace and love orphanage, Osu Children’s Home in Accra and the Fetteh Orphanage in the Central region.

    Director of Communications at the Presidency, Koko Anyidoho in an interview with XYZ News, said the President intends celebrating his birthday in a similar manner.

    “President Mills is not known to be an open celebrant of his birthday, for him, it is always a very quiet moment and private for him.

    “Years down the line some donations have been done on his behalf to various orphanages and the less advantaged ones and I think the same thing will happen this year”.

    Meanwhile, as part of celebrations the Atta Mills Brotherhood International Ghana will embark on a campaign against Malaria.

    The group will also participate in a vigil today organized by the Ododododiodio branch of the NDC.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Jeffrey Schlupp features as Crystal Palace lose to Wolves

    Ghana international Jeffrey Schlupp featured for Crystal Palace as they lost 2-0 to Wolves in the Premier League on Monday.

    The 27-year-old played 73 minutes before he was replaced by Jairo Riedewald at the Molineux Stadium.

    Daniel Podence opened the scoring for the hosts in the 41st minute of the game by nodding in from close range to finish off a lovely team move.

    After the recess, Jonny Otto added a second as they sealed all three points to move back above Tottenham into sixth place.

    Palace barely threatened with Andros Townsend’s long-range free-kick and Wilfried Zaha’s weak shot both comfortable for goalkeeper Rui Patricio to deal with.

    Roy Hodgson’s side have tailed off badly since the restart and cannot finish higher than 13th place.

    Schlupp has made 16 league appearances for Crystal Palace so far this season, scoring two goals and providing one assist

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Coronavirus: No Ghanaian has an excuse to disobey the protocols – Egyapa Mercer

    NPP Member of Parliament (MP) for Sekondi, Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer has called on security authorities to be strict in enforcing the mandatory wearing of nose masks and other health protocols against the spread of coronavirus in the country.

    Hon. Egyapa Mercer, speaking on Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’, was disgusted by the reluctant behaviour of some Ghanaians to abide by the protocols, particularly regarding the wearing of nose or face masks.

    He wondered why some Ghanaians are so recalcitrant that they cannot see how life-threatening the coronavirus is and the need for them to protect themselves and others.

    He stressed that ‘”… this government is leading. It’s doing things to protect you and me; to protect all Ghanaians” but emphasized it will take the collective effort of all Ghanaians to win the war against the disease.”

    “We can’t allow any individual to sacrifice his/her disobedience and put the collective totality of Ghanaians at risk. So, it’s about time that the enforcement is done to the letter. No excuse! Because the science tells us that the more we prevent ourselves from inhaling droplets and the air that is contaminated by wearing nose masks all the time when stepping out of your house, that’s the only way we can prevent and stop the spread of the disease,” he stated.

    Watch his full submissions below:

    Source: Peace FM

  • Dr. Kwaku Oteng, CEO of Angel Broadcasting Network and group of companies releases some keys to success

    Business mogul, Dr. Kwaku Oteng who happens to be the CEO of Angel Broadcasting Network, Angel Industries and other group of companies has released some keys to success to the the youth.

    The honorable man has done so well for himself in the line of bringing up and growing businesses which has definitely made him an icon and a role model to the youth.

    As many look up to him, they would love to know certain key things that could have helped and lead him to this greatness.

    In a recent interview, Dr. Kwaku Oteng shared with the youth some keys that helped him reach the heights he has attained in currently.

    According to him, as a young person you should always take your God seriously and also pay your tithe well, giving example of how he was able to make three times of what he was making within 3 months, 20 years back when he started paying his tithe well.

    He stated that it is very important for one to pay his/her tithe and also worship God in honest, adding that no one is perfect yet one should try to get closer to God.

    Watch video below;

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Dr. Kwaku Oteng, Owner of Angel Group of companies talks about keys to his success in life…

    A post shared by Phylx Akakpo (@iamphylxgh) on

    Source: ghbase.com

  • Nicki Minaj announces pregnancy

    First came love, then came marriage and soon will come Nicki Minaj with a baby carriage.

    On Monday the rapper announced via her official social media accounts that she and husband Kenneth Petty are expecting.

    Minaj posted a photo showing her in what appeared to be a two-piece sporting a prominent baby bump.

    “#Preggers.” the caption read.

    She surprised fans in October when she posted about marrying Petty, an old friend of hers.

    “Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty 10•21•19,” the caption read, seemingly sharing her new legal name and the date she made it official with boyfriend Kenneth Petty.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    #Preggers 💛

    A post shared by Barbie (@nickiminaj) on

    Last month she talked to People magazine about how much she enjoys married life.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    👰🏽🤵🏽😢🙏🏽🎀 Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty 10•21•19

    A post shared by Barbie (@nickiminaj) on

    “When you have someone that feels like your soulmate or someone who understands you, it just makes you feel like you’re on top of the world,” Minaj said.

    This will be Minaj’s first child.

    Source: CNN

  • Shatta Wale is my ‘godfather’ not sex partner – Wendy Shay

    Singer Wendy Shay has denied having an amorous relationship with dancehall artiste Shatta Wale.

    Wendy Shay has since her music career been battling questions on whether or not she has sexual relation with her Manager, Bullet.

    She recently raged against Accra FM’s Presenter, Nana Romeo for insisting he had evidence of her alleged sex relationship with Bullet and dared to make the evidence public if she challenges him.

    The Presenter’s insistent behavior caused Wendy to walk out of the studios.

    Wendy Shay has constantly refuted the sex allegations against her but it appears the allegations are far from over.

    The singer faced similar interrogation with host Abeiku Santana on Okay FM’s Drive Time when she appeared in the studios to promote her new song ‘Emergency’.

    She was questioned on her relationship with Shatta Wale because the two were recently spotted at an event which saw the latter plant a kiss on her cheek.

    There are other occasions too where Shatta Wale has been speaking fondly of her.

    In her response, she stated categorically that she and Shatta Wale only have a unique chemistry but their relationship has nothing to do with them exercising their waists on the bed.

    “We share some chemistry. I haven’t found such chemistry with any male artiste yet…Shatta Wale knows he’s my godfather,” she emphasized.

    Watch video below:

    Source: Peace FM

  • Kenya calls ‘extraordinary’ summit over coronavirus

    Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta has called for an “extraordinary meeting” of his national security council at the end of this week over the rise of Covid-19 cases in the country.

    State House spokesperson Kanze Dena said the meeting will review how well the containment measures are working.

    President Kenyatta announced the reopening of the economy on 7 July after a series of restrictions were brought in to contain the spread of the virus.

    Over the past two weeks, more than 7,000 cases and 83 deaths have been reported.

    The country’s total number of confirmed cases stands at 13,771 and 238 people have died.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Task force constituted to track arbitrary increase in transport fares

    A task force has been constituted by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) to monitor compliance of the recently approved transport fares.

    The task force was formed following reports of arbitrary increases in transport fares by some commercial transport operators.

    A statement signed by National Chairman of GPRTU, Kwame Kuma, and General Secretary of the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council, Emmanuel Ohene Yeboah.

    It said drivers have increased their fares against the approved fares which took effect from July 11, 2020, to the detriment of the general public.

    As such, the Union and the Council have asked union executives, company directors, station managers and masters to ensure compliance by drivers to the approved fares.

    It said the baseline for the calculation of the 15% increase was that of the first scheduled increase in Road Transport fares which took effect from September 16, 2019.

    Source: Daily Guide Network

  • GCB drives financial index to mark positive closure

    The benchmark index closed the week 11.53 points (-0.62%) lower at 1,8761.24 with a -17.54% year-to-date return while the market capitalization decreased by 0.54% to settle at GH¢52.55 billion.

    GCB Bank (+10.00%) pushed the GSE Financial Index up by 2.65 points (+0.15%) to close at 1,722.38 with a -14.72% year-to-date return in spite of a decline in the price of Ecobank Transnational (-14.29%).

    The SAS Manufacturing Index was down 17.79 points (-0.68%), closing at 2,581.74 with a year-to-date return of -25.84% due to Fan Milk (-5.71%).

    MTN Ghana (-1.72%) summed up the decliners chart this week at GH¢0.56.

    Trading activity strengthened as 30,685,707 shares valued at GH¢17,522,571 changed hands compared to 6,580,784 shares valued at GH¢3,950,671 last week.

    MTN Ghana dominated trades by volume and value, accounting for 97.84% of the total volume traded and 97.40% of the total value traded.

    We expect trading activity to pick up as investors take advantage of bargain stocks.

    Source: SAS Ghana

  • Ivory Coast governing party ‘wants Ouattara third term’

    The ruling party in Ivory Coast wants President Alassane Ouattara to run for a third term after the man who was slated to succeed him died suddenly earlier this month.

    The executive director of the RHDP, Adama Bictogo, told RFI that Mr Ouattara was “best placed” to beat the opposition and was the “cement” holding the party together.

    President Ouattara was expected to step down after elections in October and the party had chosen the Prime Minister, Amadou Gon Coulibaly, to run to replace him. But a fortnight ago he died after falling ill at a ministerial meeting.

    The party is now looking for a replacement but Mr Bictogo says President Ouattara should stand to avoid splitting the party.

    RFI quotes a presidential source as saying that Mr Ouattara was “still hesitating” about whether or not to stand, after saying he would not seek a third term.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Why build a cathedral when there is so much poverty and filth? – KSM asks Akufo-Addo

    Self-acclaimed King of Prime-time TV and godfather of Ghanaian comedians, Kwaku Sintim Misa, famed as KSM, has questioned the government’s intention to build a national cathedral.

    KSM threw the question to the leadership of the country while speaking in an exclusive interview with Nkonkonsa.

    The on-screen personality inquired why the government wanted to spend so much money to build a cathedral. He queried if God would come down to live in the cathedral.

    He insinuated that building such an edifice to please God was a misplaced priority since many Ghanaians were still living in filth and abject poverty.

    “Just imagine Ghana, with all respects wanting to build a cathedral of how many millions of dollars? Why? Does God live in that cathedral? I would take you to places in Accra here where you would see the filth and poverty that people are living in,” KSM recounted.

    According to KSM, left to him alone, the millions being channeled into the building of the cathedral should be used for the personal development of the citizenry.

    The ace TV show host was speaking on how religion had become so institutionalized and being used to con people and ridding them of their money.

    He also touched on the fact that organized religion had skewed the thinking of many people such that they acted without thinking through them logically.

    KSM also hit at men of God who claimed to possess healing powers and asked them to seek permission from President Akufo-Addo to heal Ghanaians who have contracted the COVID-19.

    Following this statement, KSM indicated that since he was born, he had never come across a genuine prophet.

    Watch KSM make his submissions below:

    Source: Peace FM

  • Zimbabwe investigative journalist arrested

    An outspoken journalist who recently exposed alleged government corruption involving coronavirus supplies has been arrested in Zimbabwe.

    Hopewell Chin’ono live-streamed his arrest on Monday on social media before being told to put his phone down.

    It is not yet clear why security officials broke into Hopewell Chin’ono’s home and arrested him.

    The US embassy called it deeply concerning, and the journalist’s lawyer said it was an abduction.

    “We’re not sure where he has been taken. His helper says they did not produce any warrant when they came to his house,” human rights lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa said in a video statement.

    Motioning to a smashed patio door at Mr Chin’ono’s home, Ms Mtetwa said eight or so security agents were involved in the raid.

    This video streamed on Facebook appears to show the moment the investigative journalist was confronted inside his home:

    What did Mr Chin’ono report about?

    Mr Chin’ono’s reporting on alleged Covid-19 procurement fraud within the health ministry led to the arrest and sacking of Health Minister Obadiah Moyo.

    President Emmerson Mnangagwa fired Mr Moyo earlier this month for “inappropriate conduct” over the $60m (£47.5m) medicines supply scandal.

    Zimbabwe’s opposition MDC party said the state was persecuting a journalist for exposing government corruption.

    A government official later responded by tweeting that journalists were not above the law.

    What’s happening in Zimbabwe?

    BBC Africa correspondent Andrew Harding says the incident comes at a time of rising tensions in Zimbabwe, with hyperinflation strangling the economy, and talk of a new round of mass protests against Zanu-PF, the party that has run the country since independence.

    Zimbabwe’s government promised reforms and economic growth after former President Robert Mugabe was ousted from power three years ago.

    But critics say it has reverted to its old habits of repression and corruption.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Nigeria: Development Commission MD faints during corruption probe

    Professor Daniel Pondei, the acting managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, fainted during a House of Representatives probe into the activities of the agency.

    He was immediately revived and ferried out of the venue where the investigation which is chaired by House Committee on Niger Delta, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo held.

    Pondei was fielding questions from a panel on the budget of the NDCC between February to date under this watch when he slumped. N81 billion is alleged to have been misappropriated by the agency.

    The investigation was suspended for 15 minutes to enable the lawmakers to determine whether to continue or have it postponed.

    Watch the video below:

    Watch the video below:

    Source: mynigeria.com

  • Kidney failure: The disease that kills the poor and spares the rich

    Have you ever lost a dear friend, family or loved one to kidney disease?

    The survival of a person battling kidney disease in Ghana is dependent on the financial capacity of the individual. This is because the cost of treatment for both an acute or chronic kidney failure disease is very expensive for the average Ghanaian.

    Speaking to GhanaWeb in a recent report, Dr Mensah Amoah, a nephrologist at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital revealed that the disease which is killing young people between the ages of 20-40, is largely due to the costs incurred during the treatment process.

    “It is very expensive for the average Ghanaian. Even me, if I have kidney failure, it will be very expensive for me to sustain dialysis. Each section of dialysis cost about GH¢325, and you need at least 3 for each week. So the dialysis alone, that is about GH¢1000.

    So in a month, thus 4 weeks, that will be about GH¢4000. You also need medications to boost your blood level up. You need BP medications…If you add all those extra costs, then you will need about GH¢5-6000 every month. The average Ghanaian cannot afford it.”

    Click here for the full story

    What happens to the poor person whose parents are just farmers and traders and are not in the position to afford the cost of treatment?

    GhanaWeb in our latest special series, puts the spotlight on William Bortey, a 26-year-old man, suffering from a chronic kidney failure disease.

    William, who has been battling this disease since January 2020 chronicled how he was diagnosed with the disease and the financial burden it has had on his family.

    Speaking to GhanaWeb’s Bernice Owusuwaa in the exclusive interview, William explained that in 2015, due to a strain in the relationship with his sister, which affected him psychologically, he was diagnosed with High Blood pressure.

    In the effort of trying to solve this medical condition, in his way, he resorted to the use of herbal medicines but that only aggravated his current condition.

    Five years down the line, without no symptoms, doctors informed him in January 2020 that both his kidneys have been damaged following a visit to the hospital after a short illness.

    His mother, who is a peasant farmer and trader by profession, has been forced to quit her job to care for her son, whose life is now solely dependent on a dialysis machine.

    Mrs Bortey told GhanaWeb that, they are dependent on assistance from friends, family and loved ones to be able to go for the dialysis twice every week. Due to their poor financial background, they are sometimes forced to starve to save the little gifted to them.

    William who used to work in a CCTV installation company before his current health condition aspires to be a businessman in the future and prays to recover by undergoing kidney transplant surgery which will cost GH¢160,000 in India.

    He is, therefore, pleading with the general public and NGOs to support him financially. To help save him kindly donate to his MOMO details below:

    Account Name: Bortey William

    Account: MTN

    MOMO Number: 0242746115

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Nigerian official collapses at corruption hearing

    A Nigerian government official answering questions on mismanagement of funds collapsed on live TV while facing lawmakers.

    Daniel Pondei, who is the acting managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), was being questioned by a committee in the House of Representatives when he slumped forward in his chair.

    There was a commotion as attempts were made to revive him, with several people fanning him while a man who looked like an aide, stuck his hands into Mr Pondei’s mouth to stop him from choking.

    Thereafter, he was helped out of the auditorium leaning on two men.

    Mr Pondei had been grilled for about 45 minutes on alleged mismanagement of funds at the NDDC, where details of massive spending have come to light in recent weeks in a hearing that has shocked Nigerians.

    He has said that the spending was justified.

  • “Your make-up alone can scare the devil” – A plus ‘fires’ Hawa Koomson over Kasoa shooting

    A Plus has descended on the Minister for special development, Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson describing her makeup as capable of scaring the devil.

    This is due to the recent scuffle which ensued between some thugs of the opposition NDC and the incumbent NPP, in one registration centre, thus the steps to Christ registration centre in the Awutu – Senya East constituency in Kasoa.

    There were reports of burnt motorbikes and gunshots. The minister in defense admitted that, she sent her boys to prevent some foreigners from registering their names in the voters register around the area, and boldly reiterated that, she fired the gunshot herself.

    She has gone under heavy criticisms from many Ghanaians who deem her actions were uncalled for, and Kwame A plus is no exception. According to A plus, there was no need for a gun, for even her make-up alone could have scared them from registering these purported foreigners.

    Below were reactions from some Ghanaians after his post;

     

  • Kasoa Gunshot: ‘No resignation letter else you lose my friendship’ – Franklin Cudjoe to Akuffo Addo

    Yesterday, reports from the Awutu Senya East constituency indicated that the reigning MP, Miss Hawa Koomson fired a gun after she stormed a registration centre with some “15 men” as described by eyewitnesses

    Franklin Cudjoe is the Founding President and Chief Executive Officer of IMANI Centre for Policy and Education. The Director and activist has waded into conversations concerning the actions of the Minster for Development Initiatives. He has descended heavily on the legislator and charged on President Akuffo Addo to sack her and strip her off her Ministerial position.

    Although Miss Hawa Koomson admitted firing a gun at a registration centre – Step to Christ centre in the Awutu Senya constituency. In a phone interview on Adon TV, she denied the allegations that she stormed the centre with some “15 armed men,” as narrated by eyewitnesses.

    Mr. Franklin Cudjoe has registered his displeasure over the act by the Minister and vowed to unfriend the President if he fails to sack her from Parliament.

    Franklin Cudjoe stated this in a new post on his official Facebook page. He wrote, “My President, NADAA, sack her!! No resignation letter else you will lose my friendship.”

    See Franklin Cudjoe’s post below;

    He also indicated that, “I dont expect anyone within the NPP or in Ghana to stand up and defend the Minister.”

    In a related development, Ghanaian musician and anti-corruption campaigner, Kwame Asare Obeng, widely known as Kwame A-Plus, has also rounded up ‘missiles’ against the legislator and described her attitude as ‘something less the standard of a Minister of State.” He also charged the President to take immediate actions to prove his competence.

    Several Ghanaians also to social media to express their displeasure over this act by the legislator. Read some reactions from other Ghanaians below;

  • Close your shops now! GUTA orders illegal foreign retail traders at Circle

    The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has authorised all foreign retail traders who are working illegally at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle to immediately cease operations.

    According to the President of Association, Dr Joseph Obeng, these illegal foreign traders have refused to close their shops after the Committee on Foreign Retail Trade embarked on a three-day exercise to cross-check their documents.

    The documents presented, he said showed that almost 90 per cent of them did not meet the requirements needed to operate in the country.

    “It has come to our notice that the illegal foreign retail traders have blatantly refused to close their shops after the committee on Foreign Retail Trade in the country had opened for inspection of their documents and ordered them close the shops back…We have been briefed by the committee on Foreign Retail Trade that over 90% of the foreigners have not met the requirements. Almost all ECOWAS member traders operating in the country are guilty of the rules of origin as stated in the ECOWAS protocols, which means that they do not trade goods manufactured in their respective countries”.

    “We will not countenance anything on the contrary and as a result, we demand the immediate closure of those shops to avoid any unfortunate situation, as tension is mounting on the matter,” Dr Obeng stressed in a press statement copied to GhanaWeb.

    GUTA’s call for these shops to close down is based on section 27 of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act 865, which bars foreigners from engaging in retail business in Ghana.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • GhIPSS Instant volume up by 600% in first half of the year

    The Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement System, a subsidiary of the Bank of Ghana, says its GhIPSS Instant Pay (GIP) has gone up by almost 600 percent in the first half of 2020 compared to the same period last year.

    According to GhIPSS Half Year Performance report, the volume of GIP transactions at the end of June 2020 stood at 2.45 million compared to 350,666 for the same period in 2019.

    GIP is an electronic payment system that enables a customer to transfer money from one bank account to another of a different bank or a wallet and the transfer is effected instantly.

    Commenting on the performance, Mr. Archie Hesse, the Chief Executive of GhIPSS, said that the persistent growth in GIP transactions was largely because it had allowed people to make and receive payments instantly even without the need to move to a banking hall.

    “With increasing advocacy for electronic payment options due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is anticipated that GIP will continue to enjoy high usage,” he said.

    Though instant pay can be accessed from the banking halls, it is mostly available on the various internet and mobile banking platforms of the banks.

    Many Fintechs also ride on the GIP technology for their money transfer services.

    Mr Hesse said GhIPSS would enhance public education on GIP to ensure that more people are aware of the service and use it to make payments more convenient and efficient.

    He is hopeful that GIP will continue to record growth in patronage as more people turn to electronic forms of payments.

    “With increasing advocacy for electronic payment options due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is anticipated that GIP will continue to enjoy high usage,” he said.

    Mr. Hesse expressed the hope that with GIP and Mobile Money Interoperability, two very important payment interventions, will reach a significant number of people outside the banking sector.

    Source: GNA

  • Man appears in court for building without permit

    The Nkawie Circuit Court has granted GH¢100,000.00 bail with two sureties, to a resident of Sepaase in the Atwima-Nwabigya South Municipality for building without a permit.

    Emmanuel Addai was also charged with flouting the orders of the Municipal Assembly to stop work.

    He pleaded guilty to the charge of building without permit and not guilty to flouting the orders of the Atwima-Nwabiagya South Municipal assembly and will reappear before the court on July 29, this year.

    Prosecuting, Mr Robert Forson, the Municipal Environmental Health Officer told the court presided by Mr Johnson Abbey that the building sited was at Sepaase.

    He said on June 02 this year, officials from the Environmental Health Department of the assembly met the accused, owner of a storey building at an unapproved place at Sepaase and ordered him to stop.

    He said he was also ordered to produce all the necessary documents on the building to the Department of the assembly for inspection and verification but he refused and continued with building.

    Mr Forson said the Department had no other option but to put him before the court to answer for his behavior.

    Source: GNA

  • Court remands student over alleged murder of colleague

    A 22 year old student, Enoch Agyemang has been remanded into prison custody for the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Agnes Amoah at Ekon, a suburb of Cape Coast in the Central Region.

    The Cape Coast District Court presided over by Mrs. Gloria Bonsu, did not take the plea of the accused who is a third year student of the Sammo Senior High School in Cape Coast.

    He will be reappear on Tuesday, July 28.

    Prosecuting, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Daniel Gadza told the court that last Wednesday July 15, the accused left the premises of his school without permission to visit the deceased in her house and left around 1900 hours.

    He said 0n Thursday, the police had information that a lifeless body has been found at Ekon and proceeded to the scene and later identified the deceased as Ms Ampah.

    According to ASP Gadza the police found the body in a pool of blood and on examination saw bruises on her forehead and the left side of her ribs.

    He said a statement written by the accused indicated that the deceased asked for GHC 50.00 from him to travel but he could not give it to her and this resulted in a heated argument.

    The prosecution said during the scuffle the deceased pulled out a pocket knife in an attempt to stab the accused and in trying to defend himself, he took the knife from her and stabbed her twice on her left rib and forehead.

    The Prosecution said the accused then surrendered himself to the police on Friday July 16 and was arrested for investigation while the body of the deceased was deposited at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital for preservation and autopsy.

     

    Source: GNA

  • My daughter died from Meningitis and not coronavirus – Methodist Girls’ SHS father

    The father of a final year Methodist Girls’ Senior High School (SHS) student who died last Friday, July 17, 2020, has disclosed that his daughter lost her life to Meningitis.

    The final year SHS student died a few weeks after resuming school with other school mates to prepare for the final exams.

    A statement issued by the Ghana Education Service said the deceased was rushed to the Tetteh Quarshie hospital on Thursday, July 16, 2020, “when her friends detected that she was not well.”

    She was transferred to Koforidua Regional Hospital on Friday where she later died on Friday, July 17, 2020.

    The GES assured the family of its support in giving her a befitting burial.

    However, the father of the deceased, Alex Addo said medical experts have now concluded that she was afflicted and died from Meningitis.

    In an interview on Accra-based Joy FM, he said “The medical experts say it’s Meningitis. According to the school, it started on Thursday and Friday they took her to the hospital…It’s hard, it’s hard.”

     

    Source: Pulse Ghana

  • Receiver to pay GH¢151.8 million to staff of defunct SDI’s

    The receiver is set to pay GH¢151.8 million to 5,637 former staff of 209 defunct Specialised Deposit Taking Institutions (SDIs) as outstanding salary arrears and compensation due them before the end of this month.

    This follows the Bank of Ghana (BoG) making available funds to the receiver and official liquidator to fully settle employee-related claims which otherwise rank as unsecured claims in the receiverships/liquidation of the affected companies.

    The amount is made up of GH¢144.3 million in compensation due the former employees and GH¢7.5million in salary arrears.

    A total of 2,036 staff of 177 microfinance companies (MFCs) will receive GH¢24.6 million for outstanding salary arrears and other related claims.

    It comprises GH¢20.3 million compensation and GH¢4.3 million salary arrears.

    In addition, 3,547 former employees of 21 savings & loans (S&Ls) and finance house companies will also be paid GH¢125.8 million.

    It is made up of GH¢122.7 million compensation and GH?3.1 million salary arrears.

    For 11 microcredit companies (MCCs), 54 ex-staff will also receive GH¢1.4 million for outstanding salaries and compensations.

    The compensation is GH¢1.35 million while the salary arrears is GH¢0.05 million.

    The receiver, Mr Eric Nana Nipah, told journalists in Accra that the negotiated settlement includes full payment of all outstanding salaries post-receivership.

    Details of the compensation package

    He said the compensation includes three-month basic salary per each year of service, accrued outstanding leave days for 2019 to be commuted to cash, and the option of first right of refusal to purchase official cars assigned to staff prior to receivership.

    He added that the rest are medical insurance for 2019 allowed to run till expiry; validation and payment of outstanding medical bills as at receivership date; and 30% discount on all outstanding loans.

    On challenges, he cited availability and access to employee data for verification and computation of exit packages as one of them.

    According to him, 155 MFCs had ceased operations prior to the receivership date and there are currently no employee records available for these MFCs.

    Mr Nipah explained that negotiations and computations were currently ongoing with employees of 15 MFCs.

    He noted that two savings and loans companies had ceased operations and closed prior to receivership.

    He also stated that there were no employee records for 28 microcredit companies that had ceased operations prior to the revocation date.

    The receiver said he inherited all staff willing to work with them for an initial period of five months for MFCs and three-and-half months for S&Ls.

    The monthly payroll inherited by the receiver was approximately GH¢13.1 million for the over 5,000 staff retained.

    Mr Nipah said following a gradual phasing out process, the current staff strength of the receiver is approximately 2,000 with a monthly payroll of approximately GH¢5 million.

    The resolved companies are 347 microfinance companies, 23 savings & loans and finance house companies, and 39 microcredit companies in official liquidation.

    Source: thefinderonline.com

  • RISGL lauds IFC for US$12 million capital injection

    Rider Iron and Steel Ghana Limited (RISGL) has expressed appreciation to International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of World Bank Group for the approval and disbursement of US$12million loan to support the construction of steel manufacturing plant in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.

    The director of Rider and Steel Ghana Limited, Eng. Walid Al Alami, believes that the capital injection from IFC is a game-changer, not just for the company but also for the industry and Ghana.

    “The loan will propel us to meet domestic demands and support many other businesses along the way,” he said.

    The company also expressed its gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for bringing some relief to the Ghanaian people at a time that the world is struggling with job losses due to COVID-19.

    Again, the company expressed gratefulness to His Majesty Asantehene, Otumfour Osei Tutu II for the warmest reception and offering the company a vast land to operate.

    “The Rider Iron & Steel Ghana Limited factory based in Odumasi-Konongo, right on the N6 Accra-Kumasi road will be the largest steel manufacturing factory in West Africa equipped with six 20 MT furnaces that will be able to produce more than 240,000MT worth of Rebar steel and Structural material such as angle steel, C channels, I beams, ..etc). The plant will create about 450 direct jobs and generate more than 13,000 indirect jobs in value chain, mostly among individuals and micro-enterprises engaged in scrap collection,” a statement from the company said.

    General Manager of RISGL Dr Majd Hawwari indicated that this engagement with IFC, will take the industry to another level regarding the rate of employment for the next 30 years.

    Also, he emphasised that the company pays lots of attention when it comes to environmental protection since the factory will be equipped with sophisticated air pollution reduction systems. On the other hand, being under the one district one factory initiative (1D1F) the company will be able to better satisfy its corporate social responsibilities.

    Source: Class FM

  • I was never intimidated – Anim Cudjoe on pressure from Kotoko fans

    Talented winger Matthew Cudjoe has denied that he felt pressured to impress for Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko.

    The 16-yer-old, who spent a season with Kotoko, admitted playing for the club comes with a lot pressure because of their huge fan base but he was never under pressure.

    Cudjoe gave an impressive account of himself before the season was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

    He is famously remembered for his great display in 2-1 win against Hearts of Oak at the Accra Sports Stadium.

    With the game ending in a stalemate, Cudjoe, a second-half substitute, helped Kotoko win a penalty which was converted by Naby Keita.

    “It is true Kotoko and Hearts are the biggest clubs in the country and playing for them comes with a lot of pressure but I was never intimidated by the huge followers. I am rather motivated when I see a huge crowd. I want to entertain them and make them happy with my style of play,” Anim Cudjoe said.

    He made 6 appearances in the Ghana Premier League for Kotoko.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Mass exodus to hit Hearts of Oak – Reports

    Following the truncation of the 2019/20 football season, eight players are reportedly on their way out of Hearts of Oak according to report.

    According to a report filed by Sunyani-based Nimde3 FM, the eight players were left out of the 26-man squad presented to the Hearts of Oak management by head coach Edward Nii Odoom.

    The players left out of the squad include right-back Christopher Bonney, and attackers Bernard Arthur and Abubakar Traore.

    Some of these eight players would be moving out of Hearts of Oak on loan while the rest will have their contract terminated.

    It is reported that Christopher Bonney might join Inter Allies on loan as the Tema-based club have shown interest to sign the right-back for the 2020/2021 league season.

    The Ghana Premier League giants have signed three expatriate players to beef up their squad for next season.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Winful Cobbinah set to play Champions League football with KF Tirana

    Ghanaian international, Winful Cobbinah is set to make his debut in the UEFA Champions League next season with Albanian champions KF Partizani Tirana.

    KF Tirana booked their place in the Champions League after their league win over Flamurtari.

    The former Hearts of Oak midfield gem played a key role to help Tirana to clinch the ultimate.

    The 28-year-old scored seven times in the Kategoria Superiore this term and also provided two assists in the 29 matches he played for the Blue and Whites.

    KF Partizani Tirana won their first league title in 11 years since their last success in 2009 and will play in the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds in the 2020 21 season.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Nigerian official collapses at corruption hearing

    A Nigerian government official answering questions on mismanagement of funds collapsed on live TV while facing lawmakers.

    Daniel Pondei, who is the acting managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), was being questioned by a committee in the House of Representatives when he slumped forward in his chair.

    Source: BBC  

  • Joseph Akomadi secures Turkish top-flight promotion with Hatayspor

    Ghanaian youngster Joseph Akomadi and his team Hatayspor have clinched promotion to the Turkish top-flight for the very first time in history.

    Hatayspor qualified to play in Turkish Superlig after winning TFF First League with 66 points.

    Akomadi, 20, was promoted to the first team of Hatayspor from the youth side at the beginning of the season.

    He made two appearances for the club throughout the 2019/20 campaign and has chalked a historical feat.

    Akomadi will be making a debut in the Turkey top division next season if he is kept in the club.

    Hatayspor won 19, drew 9 and lost 6 out of 34 matches to finish as the leaders of the Turkish second-tier league.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • JHS, SHS duration has not changed Deputy Minister of Education

    The Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum has debunked speculations that the duration for the Junior High School (JHS) and the Senior High School (SHS) education has been reformed by the government.

    The National Council for Curriculum Assessment (NaCCA) is reported to have hinted that the JHS duration had increased to four years, while the SHS duration had reduced to two years, but Dr Adutwum clarified that the report is untrue, and that the NaCCA has not made such statement.

    “It is not true, people started long time ago, but they (NaCCA) countered it,” he said in an interview with GhanaWeb on July 2020, 2020.

    The Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education will maintain the three-year education duration for both JHS and SHS students.

    View the images below:

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • GFA, GHALCA working to ensure football returns in October – Kudjoe Fianoo

    Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) boss Kudjoe Fianoo has disclosed that his outfit and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) are presently engaging the Ministry of Youth and Sports to ensure the return of football in October.

    Football activities in the country have been halted since mid-March due to coronavirus pandemic and there is a national ban on contact sports that runs out at the end of July.

    The FA has announced an anticipated October return date for football.

    “We [GFA president Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku and I] met the Sports Minister [Isaac Kwame Asiamah] to thank the Government [of Ghana] through the ministry for coming to our aid by way of the YEA [Youth Employment Agency] package and even asked him to work around the clock if we could get more,” Fianoo told Oyerepa FM.

    “For us to resume football, we were told we have to convince the government beyond all reasonable doubt that whatever we want to do will be in the national interest but not some individual’s interest.”

    Fianoo also spoke about the controversy surrounding the GFA’s disbursement plan for coronavirus relief support from Fifa and Caf.

    On Thursday, the GFA announced it was expecting a combined $1.8m funds for prompt distribution to various industry stakeholders including Ghalca, men and women’s Premier League clubs, men’s Division Two clubs, Regional Football Associations (RFAs), and more.

    Some stakeholders have, however, expressed unhappiness about the disbursement plan.

    “I have heard the agitations of our members even though we are yet to receive the money, with some members questioning why Ghalca is getting $2000 [€1750],” he said.

    “But that notwithstanding, looking at how unhappy our members are, we will engage the FA president to find out if there’s a possibility to do broader consultations. At least they should give us the opportunity to also share our thoughts.

    “There’s the need for broader consultations because on a lighter side if care is not taken, this can result in a third world war.

    “Kurt’s administration is a listening one and I’m confident they will listen but should that fail, we will support whatever the members will say.”

    Source: footballghana.com

  • George Boateng tips Kudus Mohammed to succeed at Ajax

    Former Holland midfielder George Boateng believes Ghanaian youngster Kudus Mohammed will succeed at Ajax Amsterdam.

    The Ghana born Dutch international ex-footballer insists Ajax are convinced about the 19-year old’s potential, and see him as replacement for Moroccan forward Hakim Ziyech.

    “The reason why Holland and Ajax is bringing him in this way is because they can see what I have seen,” he told Citi Tv’s The Tracker Show.

    “He has got such a huge potential. What a talent to have among the squad,” he added.

    “With Ziyech being sold to Chelsea they were looking for someone similar to that and found Mohammed Kudus and that says a lot.”

    Kudus Mohammed joined the Eredivisie side from FC Nordsjaelland on a five year contract in a deal worth 9 million Euros.

    The Right to Dream Academy graduate enjoyed a stellar campaign with the Wild Tigers last season, earning him nomination for the Golden Boy Award.

    George Boateng played four times for the Dutch national team.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Andre Ayew to think about his future ‘when time is right’

    Andre Ayew says he will think about his future “when the time is right” as he focuses on Swansea City’s play-off bid.

    Ayew, 30, is Swansea’s highest earner and the Championship club may have to let him leave for financial reasons should there be interest this summer.

    But Swansea’s 17-goal top scorer, who has a year left on his contract, says what is to come for him next season is off the agenda for now.

    “At the moment I’m not thinking about that,” said forward Ayew.

    “I’m just thinking about getting three points (at Reading) on Wednesday and hopefully Hull City winning. That’s what I want. I’m not thinking beyond that at all.”

    Swansea, in seventh, are three points behind sixth-placed Cardiff and will reach the play-offs if they win at Reading and the Bluebirds are beaten at home by relegation-threatened Hull.

    Fifth-placed Nottingham Forest have not yet secured their play-off spot after defeat to Barnsley on Sunday, although Swansea would need Stoke to win at the City Ground on the final day and a five-goal swing in goal difference to catch Sabri Lamouchi’s team.

    Whenever the season ends for Steve Cooper’s side – and whichever division they are in – the question of whether Ayew stays will be raised.

    The Ghana star has been a key player in 2019-20, but his salary is huge for a club who have been cutting costs since relegation from the Premier League in 2018.

    There is a belief at Swansea Ayew should be playing at a higher level – though the former Marseille player has enjoyed his season in the second tier.

    Ayew rejoined Swansea from West Ham for a second spell at the club in January 2018, and returned to south Wales again last summer after a season-long loan at Fenerbahce.

    When asked if he would like to remain at Swansea next season, Ayew said: “I’m happy here. I love it and I have a great bond with the club and fans.

    “When I came back it was after an injury and then we went down. It was a difficult period, but this season I was able to put things back into order and make sure the fans know I’m back.

    “I’m happy for that and they’re happy with me and that bond is back. I’m a player who needs that feeling around me to give my best.

    “Having that from the Swansea fans is very important to me.

    “It’s something we’ll sit down and think about when the time is right, but at the moment I’m thinking of trying to make the play-offs.”

    Ayew says Swansea must ensure they win on the final day and “afterwards we’ll pray”.

    Hull head for Cardiff having won only once in 19 league games, but could avoid relegation if they triumph in the Welsh capital.

    Forest, who are without a win in five matches, need a point against Stoke to reach the play-offs for the first time since 2011.

    Speaking before Forest’s loss at Barnsley, Ayew said: “I’d prefer to be in Cardiff’s position. In football you have three possibilities – win, lose or draw. Cardiff have two possibilities – win or draw – and that position is good for them.

    “We know in football when you are playing a team who is fighting for their lives, it’s very difficult.

    “We have to do our job because if something happens there (Cardiff) and we don’t get the three points, we’ll be disappointed.”

    While he has been pleased with his form this season, Ayew says he will “only be really happy” if Swansea finish in the play-offs.

    He is one of old heads at the Liberty Stadium alongside the likes of Kyle Naughton and Wayne Routledge, but says more senior professionals would have helped Cooper’s youthful squad.

    “The quality is there but to get into the Premier League you need quality, young players and experience,” Ayew added.

    “When you want to win and get to another level, you need experience in your squad.

    “Maybe we needed a few more to add to what we have already, but I’m happy with what I’ve seen.

    “The boys have grown quickly and I hope it’s not too late for this season.

    “We’re not going to think about next season, we’re going to think about this one because it’s still on.”

    As well as a young squad, Swansea have an inexperienced head coach.

    Cooper had spent his career working in academy football and with England’s youngsters before taking the Swansea job in June 2019, but Ayew is convinced the 40-year-old is destined for big things.

    “I’m impressed by the gaffer and his staff,” he said. “They have done a great job and it’s not easy when it’s your first year and you have a lot of young players around.

    “He has quality and you can see we have an identity and style of play.

    “It’s true we’ve had ups and downs, but when you have a team with a lot of young players, you can’t get everything straightaway.

    “His message is coming across well and I’m happy to have met and worked with him. He’s got great ideas and he’s going to be a big manager in the future.”

    Source: bbc.com

  • Sawla sexual assault: We will support you – District Heath Directorate to victim

    The District Health Director of Sawla-Tuna-Kalba in the Savanna Region, Mr. Zakaria Abdul Kasim, on behalf of the Directorate has pledged to support Miss Doreen Smith in her quest to seek justice.

    Miss Doreen Smith over the week was reported to have been sexually harassed by the District Health Insurance Authority(NHIS) Director, Mr. Mahama Sakara.

    In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb, Mr. Kasim narrated, “On the 9th of July, Miss Doreen Smith reported to the directorate that she was sexually assaulted by, Mr. Mahama Sakara. So an emergency management meeting was conveyed for us to take a decision on how to handle the issue.

    The lady was invited to give an account of the issue, then she told us that she has a recording of all that transpired during the process, then she was asked to play for us hear and she did.

    Then management asked her what she wants and she said she wanted to make it a police case, then we gave her the green light to make the report whiles we see how we can support her.

    Later on the 15 of July, 2020 which was on Wednesday, the police brought us a letter, written to us officially that the lady has reported the case to them for investigations.”

    Mr. Kasim noted that since it is the responsibility of the directorate to ensure that its members are safe, he pledged to support the lady in spirit and will do anything under the powers of the directorate legally to support her.

    “If we don’t support her, I don’t think somebody will do and if we don’t do that, then our existence as management and also as a manager is of no use.” He added.

    Mr. Kasim, hinted that the Union of Professional Nurses & Midwifery, Ghana(UPNMG) which the lady is a member too, is also prepared to offer Miss Smith a lawyer to advance the case to court.

    He also made it clear that, the Directorate could have joined the case for unlawful entry into the health facility because the facility belongs to Ghana Health Service, and making an official visit to the place without seeking the directorate consent was unlawful.

    Adding that, Mr. Sakara’s visit to the CHIP compound was unlawful, because he never seek permission from them before going there and they could have taken him on for disrupting a public officer from doing his duty but they are not interested in that, what they are interested in now is the criminal aspect of it.

    He, however, emphasized that, “nobody has the right to enter any health facility officially without first seeking the approval of the Health Directorate.”

    Meanwhile, all effort made to get Mr. Sakara respond to the allegations labelled against him has proven futile.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Tongues are wagging – Is Mr. Drew and Afia Schwarzenegger warming each other in bed?

    It is raining besties!

    All of a sudden, everyone has a bestie and is ever so willing and ready to flaunt him or her to the envy of the world.

    Self-acclaimed queen of comedy, Afia Schwarzenegger is the latest to join the bestie bandwagon.

    The mother of three says young singer Mr. Drew is her bestie and we cannot think far at all.

    Until now, we had not the slightest idea that they were even friends, let alone besties.

    If this is not for clout, then we have a fair idea of how this is going to end. Many have come, and many have left and we are just not ready for another drama.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    My bestie @mrdrewofficial …… He is talented n favoured

    A post shared by 👑Queen Afia Schwarzenegger👑 (@queenafiaschwarzenegger) on

    Source: GhanaCelebrities.Com

  • Walt Disney World resort bans eating and drinking while walking

    Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, has updated its safety guidelines to stop visitors from exploiting a loophole in its mask policy.

    The resort opened earlier this month with strict rules on social distancing, masks, and a host of measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

    While the wearing of masks is mandatory for guests, until recently guests were able to take them off while eating and drinking.

    The rules have now been changed and visitors can still eat on site while being “stationary and [maintaining] appropriate physical distancing”.

    Disney has been criticised for reopening as Florida grapples with one of America’s largest outbreaks of Covid-19. But the entertainment giant has defended its decision.

    “Covid is here, and we have a responsibility to figure out the best approach to safely operate in this new normal,” said Josh D’Amaro, Disney’s theme park chairman, in an interview with the New York Times.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Face Off Game: Hearts of Oak’s Richard Attah to take on Kotoko’s Danlad Ibrahim

    Goalkeepers Richard Attah and Danlad Ibrahim will come up against each other in a FIFA football match on PS4.

    The Kotoko tough goalie threw a challenge at the Phobian on social media claiming to be a better player of the FIFA football game on PS4.

    The Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim who spent the 2019/2020 football season on loan at Berekum Chelsea sent a warning to the Phobian shot topper after thrashing a colleague 7-0 in a friendly game.

    In a reaction to the post on Twitter, Hearts of Oak goalkeeper, Richard Attah described the former Ghana U-17 goalie as a small boy.

    According to him, he will beat Danlad Ibrahim to bring shame to Asante Kotoko and all of their followers.

    It is understood that the two Ghanaian goalkeepers are planning to face off for a game very soon to decide who is better at playing the game.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Ropapa Mensah scores debut goal for Pittsburgh Riverhounds

    Ghanaian forward Ropapa Mensah scored his first goal of the season for Pittsburgh Riverhounds as they thrashed Philadelphia Union II 6-0 in the USL championship on Saturday night.

    The lethal forward scored to break the game’s duck after 29 minutes, with a sublime cheeky chip over the goalkeeper.

    Riverhounds scored 5 more goals afterwards to complete the mauling to make two wins out of two games this campaign.

    Mensah was substituted in the 64th minute.

    The former Inter Allies FC star has now recorded 1 goal and 2 assists with Riverhounds so far this term.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Mr Eazis girlfriend Temi Otedola celebrates him as he clocks 29

    Girlfriend of singer Mr Eazi, Temi Otedola, has taken to social media to celebrate his birthday.

    The Empawa Africa founder turned 29 on Sunday. July 19.

    Temi Otedola, the daughter of Nigerian billionaire, shared never seen pictures with the sensational singer.

    “Where do I even begin…!!! Happy Birthday to the DON, Oluwatomison, Mr Ajibade James. i love you plenty plenty @mreazi,” she wrote.

    The couple marked three years of their relationship early this year.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    3 years 🤍

    A post shared by Temiloluwa Otedola (@temiotedola) on

    The love between Temi Otedola and Mr Eazi has been growing stronger by the day and the 2 are not ashamed to show their love to the entire world and the relationship looks like its going to the next level.

    Source: Kemifilani.com

  • Hearts of Oak’s Togbe Afede XIV named Ghana’s Entrepreneur of the Decade

    Hearts of Oak majority shareholder Togbe Afede XIV has been named the Overall Entrepreneur of the Decade at the Ghana Entrepreneurs and Corporate Executive Awards.

    The businessman was crowned on Saturday, 18 July, 2020.

    Togbe Afede XIV, is Paramount Chief of the Asogli State in the Volta Region, is also the president of the National House of Chiefs.

    He is the Executive Chairman of the World Trade Centre in Accra and founder and CEO of SAS Finance Group Limited.

    In 2012, he bought nearly 40 percent shares in Hearts of Oak to be the single majority shareholder.

    He was installed Executive Board Chairman.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet