TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Im an expert in propaganda – Kweku Baako confesses

    The Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide newspaper, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako, has admitted that he is a colossus when it comes to propaganda and nobody within the political sphere can beat him to it.

    Baako stated on Peace FM that he started engaging in what is called ‘agitprop’ [agitation and propaganda] whilst growing up and he is fully prepared when folks within the political circles invite him into it.

    “I’ve learnt the rudiments of propaganda. Growing up, we engaged in ‘agitprop’ and I’ve been involved for a very long time. We have both positive and negative sides to propaganda and I am expert in that,” he noted.

    Baako, who was commenting on issues relating to the global novel Coronavirus pandemic stated that he will defer to expert opinion when it comes to the nitty-gritties regarding the virus.

    “At any moment, I’ll defer to an expert opinion on such matters but where my strength lies, I’ll argue,” he said.

    He added that he has developed a certain trend that when it comes to any serious discussions regarding the novel virus, he has little or no knowledge, therefore, he does not want to engage anybody on that.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • BoG Hospital is Mahamas legacy Ato Forson replies Kweku Baako

    Parliament has stated unequivocally that the Bank of Ghana (BoG) Hospital, which was built whilst former President John Dramani Mahama was in office, is the legacy of John Dramani Mahama.

    According to him, even though the hospital was built with public funds, the former president provided the needed leadership and vision to make sure that the project was successful.

    In a statement cited online by GhanaWeb, the Ajumako-Enyan-Esiam Member of Parliament, who was responding to some comments by Abdul Malik Kweku Baako, indicated that even though the central bank has autonomy, it does not apply when it comes to the use of public funds.

    “It must be made clear that the Central Bank makes profit through its operations. The profit of the Bank of Ghana is a public fund; hence the use of the funds is subject to the directives of the Government of the day under the laws of Ghana thereof,” his statement read.

    Mr Forson, who was also a board member of the central bank noted: “It was the vision and policy directive of President Mahama during that era which informed the construction of the Bank Hospital”.

    “For the record and for the avoidance of any scintilla of doubt, the Government of Ghana is the shareholder of the Bank of Ghana just as the Ghana Cocoa Board,” he added.

    Ato Forson further chided Kweku Baako, stating that with his selective amnesia he only remembers the autonomy of Bank of Ghana but has forgotten that the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and the BoG Act, 2002 (Act 612), prescribes the responsibility of price stability including inflation, interest rate and the management of the currency to the Bank of Ghana and he [Baako] blamed Mahama for the depreciation of the cedi.

    “Mr. Baako can continue to do his blinded PR for the Government he prefers; however, he is not entitled to his own set of facts,” he stressed.

    Read Cassiel Ato Forson‘s full article below.

    The Bank Hospital remains an undeniable John Mahama legacy

    As former Deputy Minister responsible for Finance and one who served on the board of the Bank of Ghana from 2013 to 2017, I confirm without equivocation that the Bank Hospital is a President John Mahama legacy.

    The Bank Hospital was built using public funds at the time H.E. John Mahama was President of the Republic. President Mahama provided the leadership and vision that was needed at the time to conceptualize and establish the hospital.

    Mr. Baako needs to understand that the central Bank has functional autonomy and that autonomy does not apply when it comes to the use of public funds.

    It must be made clear that the Central Bank makes profit through its operations. The profit of the Bank of Ghana is a public fund, hence the use of the funds are subject to the directives of the Government of the day under the laws of Ghana thereof.

    Having served on the Board of the Bank of Ghana, I can impeccably confirm that it was the vision and policy directive of President Mahama during that era which informed the construction of the Bank Hospital.

    For the record and for the avoidance of any scintilla of doubt, the Government of Ghana is the shareholder of the Bank of Ghana just as the Ghana Cocoa Board.

    It is trite knowledge that the government of the day apart from appointing the Governor and Deputy Governors, making appointments to the baord; the Government offers policy direction on how income (profit) accrued from a public institution which has functional autonomy is utilized.

    There is no gainsaying in the fact that the novel coronavirus pandemic has brought to the fore the great vision and sound judgement of President Mahama in positively altering the health landscape of our country. From the Bank Hospital to the Ridge Hospital to the University of Ghana Hospital to the Dodowa Hospital to the Upper West Regional Hospital to the Maritime Hospital and many others, President Mahama stands vindicated for the superiority of his vision in transforming the health sector of Ghana.

    The least President Mahama deserves especially from someone who claims to be his friend is an honest admission of the facts.

    How ironic that when it suits Mr. Kwaku Baako, he blames President Mahama for the depreciation of the currency during his tenure without recourse to the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and the Bank of Ghana Act, 2002 (Act 612) which prescribes the responsibility of price stability including inflation, interest rate and the management of the currency to the Bank of Ghana and yet by some warped logic and selective amnesia, he only remembers the Bank of Ghana’s functional autonomy now simply because he must deny President Mahama credit.

    Mr. Baako can continue to do his blinded PR for the Government he prefers, however, he is not entitled to his own set of facts.

    As a former member of the Bank of Ghana Board, I am honoured to assert that The Bank Hospital is a proud legacy of the NDC and John Mahama. No amount of unprincipled propaganda gymnastics can change this obvious fact.

    Perhaps Mr. Baako should use all that energy to tell us what investments his darling President Akufo-Addo has made in the health sector since assuming the Presidency particularly at this crucial time when we are at war against COVID-19.

    Facts shall always be sacred.

    Signed,

    Cassiel Ato Forson (MP)

    Ranking Member, Finance Committee of Parliament.

    Ex-Member, Board of Bank of Ghana.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Neymar welcome anytime at Barca – Suarez

    Neymar “will always be welcome” back at Barcelona, the Spanish giants’ striker Luis Suarez told Mundo Deportivo on Wednesday.

    Neymar left Barca in a world record move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 but has been persistently linked to a possible return to the Camp Nou.

    Suarez told the paper: “Everybody knows ‘Ney’, we all know the affection we have for him in the dressing room.

    “His ability is indisputable and he still has so much to show. He will always be welcome in the changing room, we appreciate him a lot.”

    Suarez, 33, recovering from right knee surgery, said it was “complicated” to talk about players joining Barca at this time of crisis with the coronavirus pandemic.

    “But I can talk about players, and these are huge players,” he commented when asked by the paper to discuss the rumours linking the 28-year-old Neymar with a Barca return.

    The Uruguayan also had warm words for Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez, the 22-year-old Argentine whose name also been associated with a move to Catalonia.

    “Lautaro is a player who is progressing in Italy, he is a flexible centre-forward, with spectacular moves and that shows what a great a striker he is.”

    Questioned about how any eventual new signings would fit in Suarez said: “There will always be a healthy rivalry between us, and while we are all focused on the same objective, that is winning, any players who come in to help the team achieve its aims will always be welcome.”

    He then turned to last week’s deal with the club to cut players’ wages by 70%, with Barca captain Lionel Messi accusing the club of undermining the squad during negotiations.

    “There were some things that were said that were false, like that the players didn’t want to see their salaries reduced, that some were against it.

    “That they (club management) were saying that without being part of the squad was annoying. It annoyed all the players.”

    Suarez emphasised all the players were united from the start in wanting to help the club as much as possible.

    “The deal was delayed because it’s not easy to revoke the salary of 22-23 players.

    “It was worked out between the club and the players’ lawyers, but it wasn’t easy to do.”

    Source: France24

  • Elephants, dogs reclaim India’s streets in virus lockdown

    Hundreds of monkeys have taken over the streets around India’s presidential palace, leading an animal offensive taking advantage of deserted streets as the country remains under a coronavirus lockdown.

    With India’s 1.3 billion population and tens of millions of cars conspicuous by their absence, stray domestic animals and wildlife has moved to fill the void, while also suffering from the pandemic fallout.

    In the financial capital Mumbai, peacocks have been seen perched on top of parked cars, displaying their spectacular trains.

    In Delhi, troops of monkeys now scamper over the walls of the Rashtrapati Bhawan presidential compound, past military guards and into the grounds of ministries and other official buildings.

    “They are stealing a lot more, but not yet threatening humans,” said one officer on duty at the palace entrance.

    The Rhesus macaque monkeys — who often snatch food from shoppers’ bags — have long been a problem in the capital, but there have been reports of some getting into office buildings during the lockdown.

    Other animals have also been emboldened by the coronavirus restrictions on humans, who are only allowed out for food and essential items.

    A Himalayan black bear last week wandered into Gangtok, capital of the northeastern state of Sikkim, entering a telecoms office and injuring an engineer, media reported.

    Source: France24

  • Efia Odo names one weired thing she is really good at

    Popular Ghanaian media personality, Andrea Owusu who is widely known as Efia Odo has labelled one weird thing she is good at doing.

    Taking to her Instagram handle, she posted a photo of a lady with some medal and mentioned what she is good at.

    Sharing the photo, the controversial media personality wrote;

    “Momma would be proud”

    See her post below:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Momma would be proud

    A post shared by Efia Odo (@efia_odo) on

    Source: www.ghgossip.com

  • Neymar welcome anytime at Barca – Suarez

    Neymar “will always be welcome” back at Barcelona, the Spanish giants’ striker Luis Suarez told Mundo Deportivo on Wednesday.

    Neymar left Barca in a world record move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 but has been persistently linked to a possible return to the Camp Nou.

    Suarez told the paper: “Everybody knows ‘Ney’, we all know the affection we have for him in the dressing room.

    “His ability is indisputable and he still has so much to show. He will always be welcome in the changing room, we appreciate him a lot.”

    Suarez, 33, recovering from right knee surgery, said it was “complicated” to talk about players joining Barca at this time of crisis with the coronavirus pandemic.

    “But I can talk about players, and these are huge players,” he commented when asked by the paper to discuss the rumours linking the 28-year-old Neymar with a Barca return.

    The Uruguayan also had warm words for Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez, the 22-year-old Argentine whose name also been associated with a move to Catalonia.

    “Lautaro is a player who is progressing in Italy, he is a flexible centre-forward, with spectacular moves and that shows what a great a striker he is.”

    Questioned about how any eventual new signings would fit in Suarez said: “There will always be a healthy rivalry between us, and while we are all focused on the same objective, that is winning, any players who come in to help the team achieve its aims will always be welcome.”

    He then turned to last week’s deal with the club to cut players’ wages by 70%, with Barca captain Lionel Messi accusing the club of undermining the squad during negotiations.

    “There were some things that were said that were false, like that the players didn’t want to see their salaries reduced, that some were against it.

    “That they (club management) were saying that without being part of the squad was annoying. It annoyed all the players.”

    Suarez emphasised all the players were united from the start in wanting to help the club as much as possible.

    “The deal was delayed because it’s not easy to revoke the salary of 22-23 players.

    “It was worked out between the club and the players’ lawyers, but it wasn’t easy to do.”

    Source: France24

  • Kenya pays musicians, actors, other creatives $950k to entertain citizens amid coronavirus

    President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage to set aside Ksh.100 million ($944,356) to cushion local artistes from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

    Addressing the Nation on the state of the COVID-19 outbreak in the country, Kenyatta said the Ksh.100 million fund will allow artistes, actors and musicians to continue entertaining the public through TV, radio and the internet.

    “I direct the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage to avail Ksh.100M from the Sports Fund to our artistes, actors and musicians during the period of the covid-19 pandemic so they may continue to entertain their fellow brothers and sisters through TV, radio and the internet,” said Kenyatta.

    At the same time, the Head of State has announced that effective this week, all local artistes will be earning a total of Ksh.200 million per month which translates to an annual payment of over Ksh.2 billion.

    “Starting this month, all our local artistes will be earning a total of Ksh.200 million per month that will be paid to musicians through the system and other platforms that we have developed.”

    “This shall translate this year to over Ksh.2 billion going into the pockets of our young artistes and young Kenyans. These payments will begin this week,” Kenyatta said.

    He noted that the new payment of Ksh.2 billion is the pledge the government made in January this year to increase monies paid out to artistes after they received an underwhelming annual pay of Ksh.200 million last year.

    Source: www.myjoyonline.com

  • Ghana records one more COVID-19 death; total now 6

    Ghana has recorded an additional death from COVID-19 as cases in Ghana crossed the 300 mark.

    The total number of deaths as of April 8, 2020, is now six.

    No details have been provided on the latest death.

    The known cases of COVID-19 in Ghana now stand at 313.

    The Central Region has also recorded its first case of the virus.

    Greater Accra Region has most cases with 274 followed by the Ashanti Region with 25, Northern Region with 10 and Upper West Region, Eastern Region, Upper East Region and Central Region with one apiece.

    Find below the latest update from the Ghana Health Service

    SITUATION UPDATE, CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASES IN GHANA AS AT 07 APRIL 2020, 14:40 HRS

    Enhanced contact tracing and testing is ongoing in Ghana and has resulted in increased number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.

    As at 7th April 2020, 23:30 hr, a total of 313 cases of COVID-19 with six (6) deaths have been recorded. The regional distribution of the cases are as follows: Greater Accra Region has most cases (274) followed by the Ashanti Region (25), Northern Region (10), Upper West Region (1), Eastern Region (1), Upper East Region (1) and Central Region (1).

    A total of 161 cases were reported from the routine surveillance, 37 from enhanced surveillance activities and those from travellers under mandatory quarantine in both Accra and Tamale are 115.

    The period for mandatory quarantine for travellers who arrived 21-22 March 2020 has ended. In all, a total 1,030 travellers were quarantined during the period. Out of these, 79 (7.7%) were positive during the initial testing whilst 951 were negative. Twenty-six (26) among those that were initially negative were found to have converted to be positive at the exit screening, bringing to a total of 105 which constitutes 10.2% among the travellers that were quarantined.

    With regards to enhanced contact tracing and testing, as at 7th April 2020, a total of 11,016 samples from contacts have been processed and 37 (0.34%) have been confirmed positive for COVID-19.

    Source: citinewsroom.com

  • Archipalago set to release a song to diss Shatta Wale

    Social media commentator and entertainment critic, Archipalago has hit the studio to record a diss song for dancehall artiste, Shatta Wale after the latter threatened to beat Sarkodie if he dares jab him again.

    Yesterday, Shatta Wale in A Facebook live video vented his anger on Sarkodie warning him to stay off clear his path and keep his name out of his mouth because he is not on the same level with him.

    His rants got to Archipalago who has always been a stunt supporter of Sarkodie and threatened to beat Shatta Wale on behalf of Sarkodie if he sets his eyes on him.

    Well, Achipalago is set to release a diss song to Shatta Wale on the back of the numerous WhatsApp messages Shatta Wale is sending him insulting his mother.

    According to Archipalago, it is the main reason why he had to hit the boot to record a diss song for the dancehall artiste.

    Watch a teaser of the song below:

    Source: ghbase.com

  • Coronavirus: Kumasi central market traders to go on double-tracking system

    The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has announced that traders at the Kumasi Central Market will begin a shift system with 1,942 members dealing in all assorted commodities of all trade associations allowed to sell in the market daily.

    This follows the closure of the market on Tuesday, 7 April 2020 with the explanation that the traders have not been observing the World Health Organisation’s social distancing protocol, which is recommended as one of the key ways of preventing the spread of COVID-19.

    According to the KMA, it received reports of the “blatant disregard” by the traders to the social distancing protocol on Monday, 6 April 2020.

    “The scary nature of the report warranted an emergency METSEC meeting with the 11-member committee of the Kumasi Central Market as well as other leaders of the 67 trade associations of the market” a statement issued by the Chairman of METSEC Osei Assibey Antwi said.

    According to the KMA, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer (PRO) Henrietta Afia Konadu Aboagye, the assembly reached this decision after a joint meeting with the Metro Security Council (METSEC) and the eleven-member Steering Committee and leaders of the 67 trade associations of the market.

    It indicated that “a shift shall be practised by the traders, henceforth, in the Central market, that each shift shall be identified by a uniquely designed identity card in red, gold and green colours”

    The statement continued: “Five thousand eight hundred and twenty-five (5,825) shall be grouped into three, with each group being identified with the card” prescribed and that “only 1,942 members, dealing in all assorted commodities of all trade associations shall be allowed to trade on each day.”

    It added that although the market shall be reopened on “Wednesday, 8 April 2020 to formalise all arrangements pertaining to the rotational system to be practised”, there “shall be no trading activities.”

    The market will, however, “officially be opened for trading activities on Thursday, 9 April 2020.”

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Coronavirus: Twitter boss pledges US$1bn for relief effort

    Jack Dorsey, the founder of Twitter and payment app Square, has said he will donate $1bn (£810m) towards efforts to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

    According to Mr Dorsey, the donation represented approximately 28% of his wealth.

    He made the announcement on Twitter, writing that the “needs are increasingly urgent”.

    Mr Dorsey did not layout exactly where the funds would be sent to help in the battle against COVID-19.

    In the US there is a shortage of ventilators and personal protective equipment, and business and individuals are also struggling economically.

    Mr Dorsey will use shares he owns in Square to fund the donations which will be distributed through the Start Small Foundation.

    The 43-year-old is the chief executive of both Twitter and Square.

    He said he was using shares of Square and not Twitter because he owned “a lot more” of them. The shares will be sold over time, which could impact on their value and the overall size of the donation.

    Once the COVID-19 pandemic has been “disarmed”, the funds will go toward girls’ health and education and research into universal basic income.

    In a six-part Twitter thread, Mr Dorsey said he wanted to donate to causes where he could see an impact in his lifetime.

    The donations will be made through a limited liability company. It is a tool many wealth individuals use for donations, but is often criticized for a lack of transparency.

    Mr Dorsey sought to get ahead of this charge by posting a link to a google doc which will publicly track the funds donations.

    The Twitter boss is not the only tech billionaire to pledge part of their wealth towards coronavirus-related efforts.

    Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has committed $30m, the bulk of which is focused on efforts to create a treatment.

    Amazon’s Jeff Bezos has donated $100m to food banks in the US to help those struggling with hunger during this period.

    Apple’s chief executive Tim Cook announced in March the company would donate medical supplies to Italy which has been hit hard by the virus.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Mohammed Polo slams PFAG founder Anthony Baffoe and other members as ‘jokers’

    Ghana legend Mohammed Polo has slammed the Professional Football Association of Ghana (PFAG) founder Anthony Baffoe for disrespecting him and other oldies players.

    According to Polo, a 1978 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Baffoe and other former Black Stars such as Sammy Kuffour who are currently running the PFAG are not fit to be in that position because they won nothing during their playing days for Ghana.

    He said the formation of the PFAG in the first place was unnecessary because it has made him and his playing colleagues who achieved a lot for Ghana irrelevant.

    “Mohammed Polo” Former players had two slots at the GFA presidential election then suddenly, Professional Football Association of Ghana (PFAG) was formed as its replacement. For what,” he quizzed.

    “They are a joke! They do not respect. We (former players) served Ghana (locally) but they served their respective clubs (abroad). How many cups have they won (for Ghana?

    “Samuel Kuffuor has disappointed me, you must respect your seniors. Who is Tony Baffoe, what has he done for Ghana? How many times has he played for Ghana? Is he not from Germany before he arrived in Ghana? How can you come and direct us who are natives?”

    “He has an opportunity, he is now with CAF but he should not disrespect us. What Kuffuor has done is also disrespect. They don’t respect us.”

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Ugandan police officers charged for ‘torturing’ women

    Ten police officers in Uganda have been charged for allegedly torturing a group pf women while enforcing a lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus, the Uganda Police Force said on Tuesday.

    The officers were accused of caning 38 women and forcing them to swim in mud in the northern town of Elegu.

    The 10 officers will be held in custody until 7 May, the police said.

    Photos of the women showing injuries they had sustained and their muddy clothes were shared online over the weekend.

    Ten police officers in Uganda have been charged for allegedly torturing a group pf women while enforcing a lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus, the Uganda Police Force said on Tuesday.

    The officers were accused of caning 38 women and forcing them to swim in mud in the northern town of Elegu.

    The 10 officers will be held in custody until 7 May, the police said.

    Photos of the women showing injuries they had sustained and their muddy clothes were shared online over the weekend.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Always overwhelmed when playing against Hearts Of Oak – Amos Frimoing

    Former Asante Kotoko skipper, Amos Akwasi Frimpong was bought to replace Yaw Frimpong who left for TP Mazembe.

    Frimpong served Kumasi based side for eight years and was awarded as the captain of the club in 2015 and led Porcupines Warriors to various achievements before leaving to Guinea giants AS Kaloum Stars.

    According to Amos Kotoko loss to continental club masters Accra Hearts of Oak in the 2004 Caf Confederation cup finals motivated him to show his best anytime his side face against Phobians.

    “Before joining Kotoko, I escorted my father always at Kumasi Baba Yara Sports Stadium to watch Asante Kotoko games. I remember when Hearts of Oak flogged Asante Kotoko in the CAF confederation Cup final game, I felt sick and could not walk back home,” he told Kumasi FM.

    “Anytime Kotoko Sporting Club meets Accra Hearts of Oak, that painful history gives me a special motivation to do something as a wreak,” he disclosed.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Oti Akenteng made the Technical Directorate of the FA ‘unfunctional’ – Coach J.E Sarpong

    Veteran coach J.E Sarpong has described Francis Oti Akenteng’s reign as Technical Director of the Ghana Football Association as ‘unfunctional.’

    According to the outspoken former Ebusua Dwarfs coach, Oti Akenteng was not respected at the Football Association rendering his job ineffective.

    Oti Akenteng’s tenure as Technical Director of the FA came to an end last week after over a decade of holding the position.

    “Oti Akenteng for all these years tried to work but he was not respected by the former FA, so his work was not clearly seen,” he told High Radio 103.1 in Bechem. “Oti too is a person that made the GFA Technical Directorate unfunctional, It wasn’t functioning,” he added.

    “If you compare other Technical Directorates of Africa and even out of Africa to ours, we weren’t doing anything here. Oti was the bane of Ghana coaching.

    “Because Oti was not respected it trickled down to every coach in this country. So the FA thought was Oti wasn’t good then the rest of coaches aren’t good. The former FA didn’t respect Ghanaiann coaches,” he continued.

    The Ghana Football Association is searching for a new Technical Director with application opened for interested coaches.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Don’t stigmatize coronavirus patients – Psychology lecturer

    A psychology lecturer at the University of Ghana, Charles Wiafi Akenten says stigmatizing against persons with COVID-19 can affect the fight against the global pandemic.

    He is of the view that most people may decide to hide when they develop symptoms of the deadly virus because of the fear of being stigmatized.

    “If I know that I will be rejected and stigmatize, people will be pointing fingers at me which in the long run will affect my self-esteem then if there is a way I can hide without letting people know I have the symptoms I will do that. It means I will infect many people, coughing is involved and many may be force to come out but if they don’t the lives of people are in danger”.

    Ghana has recorded 287 cases of COVID-19 with 5 deaths so far.

    256 of the cases were confirmed in the Greater Accra region while 12 were confirmed in the Ashanti Region.

    10 cases have been confirmed in the Northern Region while the Upper West Region, Upper East region and Eastern Region have recorded one case each.

    President Akufo-Addo announced that a decision to extend or not the lockdown which ends on Monday will be made this week.

     

    Source: primenewsghana.com

  • Kofi B’s death was not normal, it was highly spiritual – Eagle Prophet

    Ghanaians have managed to heal their broken wounds after the death of talented Ghanaian Highlife musician Kofi Boakye Yiadom aka Kofi B.

    Popular for so many hit songs, the musician died on February 2, 2020.

    While family, friends and music lovers are expected to pay their last respect to the late musician on April 25, 2020, popular Kumasi-based prophet Reindolf Oduro Gyebi aka Eagle prophet says his death was not normal but highly spiritual.

    According to the man of God, in the presence of Jack Alolome, So me So and SP Kofi Sarpong, he prophesied to Kofi B about an impending death if he was not vigilant.

    “He was seated right here in my church with So me So, SP Sarpong and Jack Alolome during one of my programmes. I told him plenty things and added that if he is not careful, his life will be shortened,” he gave shallow details about the prophecy.

    Using a reported account of brother of the late Kofi B on how the musician died, he reiterated that it confirmed whatever prophecy he gave Kofi B.

    Kofi B’s brother only identified as Freddie told Dave Hammer in an interview that his late brother saw his death in a dream.

    He added that, Kofi B was shot in the chest in a dream, though they took him to a prayer camp along the Pokuase road, he gave up the ghost even after fasting for 3 days.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Sadick Adams opposes pay cut for Ghana Premier League stars amid coronavirus crises

    Former AshantiGold SC and Asante Kotoko SC forward Sadick Adams has kicked against the idea of pay cut for Ghana Premier League players.

    The suspension of the 2019/2020 football season due to the novel coronavirus pandemic has seen clubs sweating over the payment of salaries of players and other incentives.

    Many have suggested that the players accept a pay cut in this period so as help the clubs to avoid financial difficulties.

    But the Adams says the clubs should increase salaries instead because players earn very little as salaries.

    “I don’t support the ideology of pay cut for our Premier League players how much do they take to talk off pay cut,” he said on Boss FM.

    “The clubs should rather pay them well or increase the their pay.”

    The experienced striker is close to joining Eleven Wonders FC for the rest of the 2019/2020 season

    source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Ronaldinho and brother under house arrest in Paraguay

    Former Brazil forward Ronaldinho has been released from prison and placed under house arrest in Paraguay.

    The 2005 Ballon d’Or winner had spent time in jail along with his brother after being arrested on 6 March, accused of using fake passports.

    The pair had previously been denied bail but posted $800,000 (£648,000) each and must now stay in a four-star hotel in Asuncion while awaiting trial.

    Both Ronaldinho, 40, and his brother Roberto Assis deny any wrongdoing.

    Their lawyer has called their imprisonment “arbitrary, abusive and illegal.”

    In allowing the pair to leave prison, Judge Gustavo Amarilla said the size of the bail paid was “significant” and would “guarantee they will not flee”.

    Ronaldinho had initially visited Paraguay to promote a book and a campaign for underprivileged children.

    The 2002 World Cup winner played for clubs including Paris St-Germain, Barcelona and AC Milan before retiring in 2015 after a spell at Brazilian side Fluminense.

    Ronaldhinho won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and was named Fifpro World Player in 2005 and 2006.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Eleven Wonders C.E.O Takyi Arhin calls on government to support GPL clubs

    Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Premier League side Techiman Eleven Wonders, Takyi Arhin is pleading with government to come to the aid of local clubs amidst the outbreak of the coronavirus.

    Football has been halted in the West African state due to the pandemic, leaving club administrators with the dilemma of either administering pay cuts of players salary or withholding wages until football returns.

    Mr. Arhin speaking on Bechem based Radio Station, High 103.1 said clubs must be supported by government during this difficult times.

    “The people that have suffered the most during these times are football people. If you will remember after the Anas Expose’, government nearly collapsed football, keeping all of us inactive,” he said. “We couldn’t even travel,” he added.

    “Even when FIFA came to normalize football, football people were prevented from helping so it was few of us who were able to voice out our opinions.

    “After everything we had to take loans to pay our players. Now that football is back, we have coronavirus, even Pharmaceutical companies and GUTA are calling on government, aren’t we also Ghanaians to call on government?,” he quizzed.

    “So it’s fair to ask government for help.”

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Coronavirus: How centuries old tradition of funerals has been affected in Ghana

    Funerals are a big deal in Ghana and it is not uncommon, in some parts, for a ceremony to last up to seven days, drawing thousands of crowds adorned in flowing red and black robes and gold jewellery.

    Some families even hire professional mourners to cry at the funeral of their loved one because “it serves as a reward to the person who has died,” says Adwoa Yeboah Agyei, who owns The Funeral Shop and Services, a franchise with locations across Accra.

    Anguished families

    But a centuries-old tradition has come to a halt.

    Since Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo suspended all public gatherings in mid-March in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, burials have been limited to no more than 25 people in the West African nation.

    Obed Ampadu-Asiamah’s 73-year-old father, Daniel, passed away soon after the announcement following complications from a stroke.

    Obed has been scrambling to make painful phone calls send notices informing attendees he could only invite 25 family members and friends. They originally expected 2,000 people and an official funeral has been postponed to a later date.

    ?”We had to cut all the in-laws and the grandchildren. None were able to attend,” he told CNN, his voice shaking.

    “We could only provide six slots for members on my father’s side of the family and three for members of his church.”

    The large funeral home they rented to hold the ceremony was moved into a small, private chapel within the same venue.

    Face masks concealed the anguish on the faces of mourners dressed in red and black, as they stood several feet apart with heads bowed in remembrance of a highly respected man, who established churches in parts of West Africa.

    Livestreaming burials

    At Transitions, Ghana’s largest private funeral home, a once heavy flow of ceremonies now trickles at a slow pace.

    Genevieve Carnelius, the general manager, stated that finances and operations have been badly affected, but says her priority now is to work with clients like Obed to remotely reschedule their loved ones’ funerals to uncertain future dates.

    The home currently offers online live streaming from their chapel, where Ampadu-Asiamah’s burial service took place, and where mourners across the globe can view the ceremonies of their loved ones.

    Once a lucrative sector, businesses catering to funerals are reeling.
    Maryam Abdullah is a fashion designer who sews traditional garments primarily for weddings and funerals.

    In an empty shop once bustling with customers, she sighed as she explained how Covid-19 has affected her business.

    “No one is coming. Even the people who have already brought cloths for me to sew have not returned to pick them up, said Maryam. She understands why, though. “If this is what it takes to stop the spread of this coronavirus, I am okay.”

    For now, she prefers her clients to stay at home because she feels more protected from contracting the virus herself, but it will only be a matter of time before funds run dry, she added.

     

    A stray from traditional customs

    Shaking hands with the family of the deceased is a deep-rooted tradition in many Ghanaian tribes that has taken place for hundreds of years and has become a mandatory part of ceremonies to show respect for the dead, says Queen Naa Tsotsoo Soyoo I, a Ghanaian Queen mother, who forms part of a powerful group of traditional women leaders.

    She explained how significant the ban on mass funeral gatherings has affected the customs of such ceremonies.

    “A significant part of funerals is bringing families together to embrace through handshakes, hugs and to mourn in close proximity of one another,” said Queen Naa.

    “The immediate implication of what is now taking place is that families will be unable to connect. This is something that has never happened in generations and it is definitely going to have a social impact.”

    Despite all the sudden changes to traditional practices at funerals, she acknowledged that certain inherent rites will never go away. For example, in Islam, the second largest religion practised in Ghana, senior Muslim members of the community must recite Quranic verses over the deceased immediately after designated family members perform a ritual cleansing of the body.
    The person must be buried within 24 hours of death.
    ??
    “With all that is going on, the testament of a funeral will always be a view of how a person lived life and the core of every funeral is that the individual is sent off with respect and dignity,” she added.

    No one can predict how long the effects of Covid-19 will alter lives as we once knew it. But Queen Naa is certain of one thing. “There will be many celebrations of life when this is all over.”

     

    Source: cnn

  • Premier League ‘could lose £1bn’; while football’s ‘clubs and leagues in danger’

    The Premier League could lose £1bn if the 2019-2020 season cannot finish – and English football faces “the danger of losing clubs and leagues” amid economic challenges “beyond the wildest imagination”.

    The season has been halted indefinitely amid the coronavirus pandemic.

    Premier League chief executive Richard Masters warned of “further losses” if the situation “deepens and extends” beyond this season.

    Meanwhile Football Association chairman Greg Clarke said: “Many communities could lose the clubs at their heart with little chance of resurrection.”

    Amid those projected losses, Masters also defended clubs considering the use of government furlough scheme. However the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee responded to tell the Premier League to “stop defending the indefensible”.

    Some clubs have placed non-playing staff on temporary leave, while talks continue over the salaries of players. On Monday, Liverpool reversed a decision to furlough staff and apologised after facing criticism.

    The Premier League proposed a 30% pay cut for players, but the Professional Footballers’ Association says it would harm the NHS.

    Top-flight players are now negotiating on a club-by-club basis over proposed wage cuts after collective talks broke down without resolution over the weekend.

    ‘Clubs showing restraint on furloughing’

    Masters’ warnings came in a letter to MP Julian Knight, the chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee – who has accused top-flight football of being in a “moral vacuum”.

    In the letter, Masters defended clubs’ rights to furlough staff, saying: “We do agree with you that restraint needs to be shown by all and we and our clubs are doing just that. Individual clubs will need to make these decisions based on their own forecasts as each club will have its own unique position.”

    “The furlough scheme announced by Government is meant for the whole economy, including many enterprises which might be regarded as providing entertainment or otherwise dependent on elite talent.

    “Not only is our industry facing losses now, but to be realistic, we must also base our plans on full recovery being some distance away.

    “Ultimately, the very heavy losses that we face will have to be dealt with or else clubs or other enterprises who depend on football for income will go out of business.”

    However, Knight continued his criticism on Tuesday, responding: “It is time for the Premier League to stop defending the indefensible.

    “It is frankly laughable to think that clubs are showing restraint on use of government money to pay non-playing staff and flies in the face of public opinion. Liverpool has listened to fans, done the right thing and changed its mind.”

    ‘Agree a common cause to save our game’
    Speaking at an FA Council meeting, Clarke said “in the face of this unprecedented adversity” there was a need to “share the pain to keep the game alive” among all stakeholders – players, fans, clubs owners and administrators”.

    “It is time for the stakeholders to agree common cause to save our game. Contribute. Football is a team game and now is the time for teamwork,” he added.

    With no games being played, Football League clubs are struggling with cashflow issues without ticket sales, as well as matchday and merchandise income.

    On Monday, England men’s manager Gareth Southgate and women’s boss Phil Neville said they would take a 30% pay cut.

    FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said the financial impact of postponements, including England fixtures, FA Cup matches and Wembley events could be as high as £150m.

    Clarke said: “We are committed to finishing the professional football season as this resolves the issues of promotion and relegation together with title winners on merit.

    “However, we may not be able to finish the season as football is not our priority – human life is – and we will do as the government directs as the pandemic unfolds.

    “Further down the football pyramid, our leagues have requested that the season is curtailed and that decision rests with the FA Council.

    “The pandemic will be followed by its economic consequences and all business sectors will suffer.

    “We face the danger of losing clubs and leagues as finances collapse.”

    National League chairman and former FA chief executive Brian Barwick admits the game will change as a result of the pandemic, but insists the “starting point” will be to “protect our clubs”.

    “Certainly at National League level, we have to look at all the ways we can retain our clubs,” Barwick told BBC Radio 5 Live.

    “We have 68 clubs across our three divisions and we are concerned about making sure that when we come through this we have 68 left.

    “It is going to be tough and tight, so any opportunities that the government give us, or the wider sporting industry gives, or football gives us, we have to take heed of and do the right thing.”

    Source: bbc.com

  • Tottenham boss Mourinho accepts he broke social-distancing rules after pictured with players

    Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho says he “accepts my actions were not in line with government protocol” after being pictured flouting coronavirus social-distancing guidelines.

    Mourinho was pictured leading a training session with record signing Tanguy Ndombele on Hadley Common.

    Davinson Sanchez and Ryan Sessegnon were filmed running together through the same London park.

    Serge Aurier posted a video of himself on Instagram jogging alongside another.

    Spurs said they have spoken to the players to “remind them to respect” the coronavirus guidelines.

    “I accept that my actions were not in line with government protocol and we must only have contact with members of our own household,” said Mourinho.

    “It is vital we all play our part and follow government advice in order to support our heroes in the NHS and save lives.”

    Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said the players and Mourinho should be leading by example.

    The Premier League has been suspended since March because of the pandemic.

    A spokesperson for Tottenham said: “All of our players have been reminded to respect social distancing when exercising outdoors.

    “We shall continue to reinforce this message.”

     

    Source: BBC 

  • Ghana Premier League to get landmark third transfer window

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has announced it intends to open the Ghana Premier League transfer window for the third time following disruption of the top flight and its second window by the coronavirus pandemic.

    The league, like many others in the world, has been ground to a halt as part of social distancing measures to curb the spread of the disease which has infected over 1,414,692 persons globally, claiming the lives of 81,248.

    The second transfer window, opened on March 16 and set to run until April 13, has also been heavily negatively impacted by the situation.

    “The Ghana Football Association wishes to announce that the second Transfer Window of the 2019/20 season that opened on the midnight of Monday, March 16, 2020 would be allowed to run till midnight Monday, April 13, 2020,” the GFA announced on its official website on Tuesday.

    “However, the Executive Council has decided that following the guidelines advisory from FIFA when normalcy is restored, the GFA will apply to FIFA to open the window for a period to allow clubs to strengthen their squads.

    “The Premier and Division One League, the Women’s Premier Leagues are currently on hold due to the Corona Virus pandemic.

    “It would also be recalled that the commencement of the lower leagues of the Regional Football Associations was also halted because of the pandemic.”

    The Premier League was at the matchweek 15 stage when it was forced to take a halt after a government of Ghana directive banning all social gatherings including sporting events.

    Currently, national capital Accra and second-largest city Kumasi, who combined house seven of the 18 participating league teams, are on lockdown.

    Eleven Wonders coach Ignatius Osei Fosu recently told Goal about their challenges in making new signings during the current transfer window due to the lockdown and social distancing challenges.

    Source: Goal.com

  • Our national teams must have a style of play Mohammed Polo

    Former Ghana international Mohammed Polo has entreated the next Technical Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to introduce a style of play for the various national teams.

    A long-serving director, Oti Akenteng’s tenure expired last month following the decision by the new GFA administration not to renew his deal.

    The football’s governing body (GFA) has since opened applications in search of a competent person for the vacant position.

    Polo in an interview with Koforidua based Bryt FM affirmed that, it is about time Ghana football gets it style of play as he believes that will help in enhancing the various national teams to flourish.

    “I am a developer and everyone knows what I have done as a coach. In terms of player development I am the best. I will urge the next GFA technical director to help our national teams with a style of play. I believe that is what we lack at the moment”

    “The TD must make sure there is a direction and style of football because you can talk about Brazil, Italy and Spain who have Samba, Catenation and Tiki Taka as their style” he told Bryt FM.

    He added that, they had a style when the Black Stars conquered Africa four times and is of the view that, Ghana can start winning trophies only if the TD comes out with a good philosophy.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Coronavirus in Nigeria: The engineers fixing ventilators for free

    Two Nigerian software engineers have been fixing ventilators for free at a hospital in northern Nigeria.

    William Gyang and Nura Jubril, who have experience doing electrical repairs, discovered that there were 40 faulty machines at the University of Jos teaching hospital.

    They’ve already fixed two and are now working on the others.

    https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-africa-52216400/coronavirus-in-nigeria-the-engineers-fixing-ventilators-for-free

    Source: BBC News

  • How coronavirus inspired a gangland truce

    An unprecedented truce has broken out in the notorious, crime-infested townships around Cape Town, as rival gang leaders stop their turf wars to bring food to households.

    With South Africa in the middle of a lockdown, many people in poor communities are struggling to buy the goods that they need.

    A virus and a nationwide emergency may have achieved what the police and the army have failed to do here.

    Instead of selling drugs and robbing people, rival gangs are bagging up food supplies for hungry families. There is relief here for sure that a ceasefire has taken hold during the lockdown.

    But it is hard to tell what people here really think about the men who have terrorised their neighbourhoods for decades – and the authorities are sceptical.

    The temporary ceasefire offers the slither of a hope that the virus will bring lasting change to some of the most dangerous streets in the world.

    Source: bbc.com

  • No salary cut for players – Club CEOs insist

    Chief Executive Officers of Ghana Premier League clubs have kicked against the decision to cut players salary.

    The debate to cut player salary has strongly emerged following the suspension of football activities in the country due to the outbreak of coronavirus.

    As part of the measures to slow the spread of coronavirus, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has suspended all football activities.

    Most European clubs have cut player salary to ease the financial burden on the clubs.

    However, the Ghana League Club Association and the Professional Football Association of Ghana (have said they will stand against the decision to slash player salary.

    The Chief Executive Officer of Bechem United, Nana Kwesi Darlington believes Premier League players are not properly paid and with the decision to slash their pay should not be considered.

    “It is sad we found ourselves in this situation because I know players want to come back and play,” he told Asempa FM.

    “Our coach has given the players programs to follow whiles at home and I must commend the players for adhering to the instructions of the coach even at home.

    “The players were paid in full when the Premier League was suspended. Bechem United as a club does not support the decision to slash player salary.

    “It is out there that Premier League players are not paid well so should you decide to slash their salary, how much will they earn at the of the month?

    “I will urge club owners to do their best for the players during this period. I will also call on the players to extend their contract with their clubs if they have six months or a year left on their contract to repay the clubs,” he added.

    However, Chief Executive Officer of Ashgold, Frederick Acheampong also shared that the decision to slash player salary must not be considered.

    “I am struggling to understand why player salary must be slashed because there is no football.

    “If there should be a decision that Premier League players should contribute to help the frontline workers, then I will welcome that decision but the decision to slash player salary must not be considered at this hour,” the GFA Executive Council Member added.

    Source: ghanafootball.com

  • Coronavirus: Deputy Attorney-General, wife donate GHC20,000 to Trust Fund

    Deputy Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame and his spouse, Dr. Joycelyn Dame, have donated GHC20,000 to support the work of the COVID-19 National Trust Fund set up by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

    The cheque for the amount was received by the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Opare yesterday, at the Jubilee House yesterday.

    The Chief of Staff expressed appreciation for the commendable gesture, and hoped that it would inspire other members of government and the entire citizenry to do the same.

    In a short interview, Mr. Dame noted that the nation finds itself in unchartered waters and called for extraordinary support from all of its citizens.

    “The President of Ghana had exhibited exceptionally bold and decisive leadership at this time. It was thus in the right vein for all to selflessly lend a hand and support his endeavours to steer the nation out of this unprecedented emergency,” he said.

    He promised assisting, as much as possible, the vulnerable in the area where they live.

     

    Source: dailyguidenetwork.com

  • I was a complete package not a ‘standing fan striker’ – Kwadwo Poku ‘Mahala’ brags

    Former Asante Kotoko and King Faisal striker Kwadwo Poku ‘Mahala’ has been sounding his own trumpet by claiming that he was the best striker among his peers during his playing days.

    According to the striker he played with the creme de la creme during his playing days but he was a head and shoulders above them all.

    Speaking to Kumasi-based Silva FM, Kwadwo Poku shared, “During my era, I played alongside Osei Kuffour, Ibrahim Tanko and Isaac Boakye. I was a complete package of a forward not a ‘standing fan striker’ because I was able to dribble, pass, shoot and tricky as well. The only thing I lacked was aerial ability”.

    He adds further that during his prime Ghana’s all time top scorer Asamoah Gyan was only a third best striker after Shaibu Yakubu.

    “I was deputized by Shaibu Yakubu during my reign. Asamoah Gyan was the third striker by then.”

    He however blamed his lack of opportunities in the senior national team on luck.

    “Most players earn call up to the Black Stars because of luck. I think I wasn’t lucky” he added.

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • Coronavirus: Separated parents in South Africa allowed to move kids between houses

    Separated parents are now allowed to move their children between houses during the nationwide Covid-19 lockdown, provided they meet certain legal requirements.

    While government had previously been unclear about the issue, new regulations regarding the matter were gazetted on Tuesday.

    Separated or divorced parents who want to move their children between them during the lockdown, will need a court order or an agreement that is registered with the family advocate, such as a parental responsibilities and rights agreement or a parenting plan.

    The responsible parent transporting their child or children must have these documents, or a certified copy, in their possession when travelling.

    Another requirement parents will have to meet, is to ensure that no person in the household has come into contact with a person who is known or suspected to be infected with Covid-19.

    Previously, Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu said children must remain with one parent throughout the lockdown and that movement between parents was prohibited, News24 reported.

    Source: allafrica.com

  • Ishmael Addo is my all time best striker in GPL – Eric Bekoe

    Former Asante Kotoko forward Eric Bekoe has picked Hearts of Oak legend Ismael Addo as his all time best forward in the Ghana Premier League.

    Bekoe, one of the most revered attackers in the domestic league, during his days with Kotoko believes there has never been a better striker in the GPL than Ismael Addo.

    Ishmael Addo was three times Ghana Premier League golden boot winner, scooping the award from 1999 to 2001.

    “Ishmael Addo is my all time best striker in the Ghana Premier League,” Bekoe told Sikka Sports.

    Ishmael Addo went on to score 64 goals in 71 games for the Rainbow club before moving to Europe to continue his career. Addo was capped 9 times by Ghana scoring just one for the Black Stars.

    He won the Ghana Premier League five times, the CAF Champions League and the CAF Super Cup.

    Eric Bekoe was also top scorer in the Ghana Premier League in the 2007/08 season.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • 33 persons quarantined in Obours municipality test negative for COVID-19

    Thirty-three (33) persons placed under mandatory quarantine in Juaso at the Asante Akim South Municipality of the Ashanti region, where former MUSIGA President, Bice Osei Kuffour (Obour) is contesting for Parliamentary candidate on the ticket of the governing NPP, have all tested negative.

    The said persons are said to have had some form of contact with the deceased dad of the late musician, who tested positive for the deadly COVID-19.

    According to a letter written to one of the individuals, Mr Frimpong Oduro, the Health Directorate said, “The Asante Akim South Municipal Health Directorate wishes to inform you that results of your laboratory test for COVID-19 is negative.”

    The letter signed by the Municipal Health Director of Health Services in the Municipality, Reuben Osei-Antwi, however, urged all persons who have tested negative to continue abiding by the safety precautions as listed by the Ghana Health Service.

    The Health Directorate is still awaiting the test results of 25 persons who voluntarily presented themselves for testing.

    Read the letter below:

     

    Source: ABCNewsgh.com

  • Latif Blessing rated 4th best dribbler in MLS

    Ghanaian international Latif Blessing has been ranked as the 4th best dribbler in the MLS for the 2019/20 season.

    Blessing, who plays for Los Angeles FC, has had an impressive season and came up with 79 percent to place 4th out of 12 players selected.

    San Jose Earthquakes attacker Valeri “Vako” Qazaishvili leads the way in completed dribbles (100) and success rate (68.97%), with his teammate Cristian Espinoza third (81) in the former category.

    LAFC forward Carlos Vela, the reigning Landon Donovan MLS MVP, has the highest dribble volume, but has completed just under 50 percent of those attempts. He is second in dribbles completed (95).

    Blessing and his teammates Eduard Atuesta are 4th and 5th respectively on the list as they are quick to drop their shoulder and evade pressure in the final third.

    The Ghanaian featured in 36 games for LAFC, scored six goals and provided three assists in the 2019 MLS season.

    He has previosuly featured for Ghana Premier League side Liberty Professionals and MLS side Sporting Kansas City.

    The 23-year-old was included in the provisional squad for Ghana before the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations but failed to make the final cut.

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • Maritzburg United set to sign Felix Annan as Ofori replacement

    Maritzburg United are set to sign Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Felix Annan in the ongoing transfer window, according to reports in the local media.

    The Team of Choice have set sights on replacing Richard Ofori with Annan who is on top of their transfer list.

    The former Wa All Stars shot-stopper Richard Ofori is reportedly leaving Maritzburg United to join fellow Premiership side Orlando Pirates.

    Maritzburg United are reportedly preparing an official bid to the Porcupine Warriors for the services of Annan who has been relegated to the bench following the exploits of Kwame Baah.

    The 25-year-old lost his no.1 position at Kotoko after match week 11 of the 2019/20 Ghana Premier League which has been suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak.

    He has been one of the most consistent performers in the topflight for the past three seasons.

    He was a member of the Black Stars squad that represented Ghana at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

    Source: footballghana.com

  • 10 foolish reasons why I married

    Number 1. SEX:

    For many, sex is the main reason for marrying; to avoid the temptation of falling into sexual misconduct, they would hurriedly marry. Others too will marry to prevent unexpected pregnancy during their courtship. I imagined how promiscuous i would become if i did not think of marriage or decide to marry in the shortest possible time. One foolish reason I married was to prevent any sexual misconduct, unexpected pregnancy and to enjoy sexual pleasure without fear or remorse.

    Number 2. HEAVEN:

    Have you wondered how many have died in their sins? Good people have died in their sins because of one little addiction they could not overcome. In order to overcome that sin that affects almost every single person, i had to marry. For me, marriage was my key to salvation and heaven. As a devoted Christian or religious person, If you have a sexual sin proplem and you do not know how to solve it, your best bet would be to marry; since marriage seems to be the safe haven to enjoy sex legally. For many, if they could overcome their sexual sin, they would be relieved of guilt and addiction, thus, making marriage their salvation. One of the foolish reasons I married was so that in case I died even one week into my marriage, I would make it to heaven.Lol!

    Number 3. FEELINGS:

    Like they say, love is the accumulation of feelings. the higher the feelings, the more you call in love. At one point, my feelings went very high, and i did what anyone in love would do…marry! Feelings are the first indicators of any attraction; without it, it becomes very difficult to know if you love someone or you’re loved by someone. When you begin to have that uncontrollable and unusal feeling for someone and the only reason to explain the feelings is that it makes you happy, then you know you’re in love. If you can measure the feelings you get when you reach a high frequency, you would know that it is time to marry. One of the foolish reasons I married was because my feelings frequency level hit the rooftop.

    Number 4. HER FACE AND LEGS

    I often would admire her face and legs. I would daydream about it and wonder how anyone in this world could have such smooth face and nice legs. hmm…’let me marry her, I thought. So I did. Who marries because of fine legs and face nowadays!? PS: I did not mean that she used make up kit to improve the smoothness of her legs and face; she had natural done legs and face.

    Number 5. ARGUMENTS:

    I almost always won arguments. lol! yea, i did. For some reason, i did not understand why she made me always ‘win’ arguments. It made me feel good about myself but also made me wonder what sort of a woman she was. I simply wanted to marry someone i can ‘win’ over and over… someone who makes me feel ‘better’ and brings out the best in me. So i decided to marry her. Have you ever argued with someone and at the end you felt very incapable and useless? Have you ever argued with someone who made you feel like your ideas are never good enough? Arguing with my partner used to be like that sometimes but most times, she would allow me have my way during arguments just to feed my manly ego. I realized that after I seemed to have won an argument, I would go to her to console and encourage her then I end up accepting her point of view. Well, for me, the fact that I felt good about winning an initial argument made me happy. One foolish reason I married was to win arguments.

    Number 6: She ate dog meat

    How weird! Upon all the delicacies she could find, dog meat was a delicacy where she came from. She danced funny…stumping of feet on the ground as if dodging thousand cockroaches in a room. She was the reason I first visited Navrongo in the upper east region of Ghana. She was the reason I first ate dog meat;that was her delicacy. As a matter of fact, our marriage would be incomplete if I did not provide a dog to her family. I realized I was going to marry from a group of people who enjoyed eating dogs; For some foolish reason, I did not mind; after all,dog meat tastes delicious. In short, I saw her clan to be different or Unique as you might think.

    Number 7: WORK & PAY

    My imagination about marriage was that after marriage, my wife’s salary will be mine too. I imagined how we will share our salaries, buy a car and build a house from it. All these day dreams pushed me to marry her oo. How many marry because they know their spouses have stable jobs?

    People who see marriage as a business would always prefer spouses who have a stable job so they can help financially; but Is that not a foolish reason to marry? Who nurtures your children when both of you are busy at work? Who prepares and keeps the home when both of you are busy enriching someone else? Well, before I married, I thought like a business man;i wanted her to work very hard to help keep the home.

    We’ve been married for almost 3 years and she is weaning our child and chasing her dreams. It wasn’t the kind of business plan I had for her but we would get there hopefully. Work and pay seems to be trending lifestyle recently.

    Number 8: Strong Children

    Before I married, I heard and read online that ladies from the Northern part of Ghana were strong and hardworking…i too, wanted a strong woman to produce stronger children for me. What a way to understand science. LOL! Indeed, she looks soft but very strong at heart. I hope our children would have such strength. Is strength transferable?

    Number 9: Glass Free

    Years ago, people who wore glasses were seen to be bright or intelligent, thus were very much admired by me. Now, i see people who wear glasses as ‘physically challenged’; why would i marry a physically challenged person, i sighed! Therefore, i purposed in my heart to marry someone whose family did not have any history of sight disorder. When i met my wife, she passed the test..lol! I foolishly decided to marry because because she didn’t see at glasses.

    Number 10: SINGER

    Listening to soothing music is one of the things i enjoy doing. I also enjoy choral tunes so i wanted to marry someone who sings chorale or is generally, a good singer. I imagined how she would sing to me in a lovely serenade mood and also how I would compose songs for her to sing. Immediately, I zoomed in to find a singer to marry. Well, I found one; she sings in a choir and composes songs too. One foolish reason I married was to have her sing for me every night. What’s yours?

    In conclusion, I am only married for a few years and I have not regretted all the foolish reasons I married. They all turned out for my good.

    Tell me what made you choose your partner by leaving a message in the comment section. www.victorwellrich.blogspot.com

    Source: Victor Wellrich

  • Ebusua Dwarfs part ways with six players

    Embattled Ghana Premier League outfit Ebusua Dwarfs have parted ways with six players as they seek to prune down their squad.

    The Cape Coast based side in their quest to augment their charges for the second round of the Ghana Premier League have offloaded six players to pave way for new signings.

    The players are goalkeeper Stephen Awere, Jacob Apretwum, Isaac Donkor, Osei Afriyie, Emmanuel Owusu and Bokuo Hayford.

    Reliable source says that, the six players have been released due to poor output in performances and the decision has been communicated to them.

    Ebusua Dwarfs are expected to announce the signings of new players in the coming days to fill the void.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Berekum Chelsea striker Kofi Owusu justifies why he has put on weight

    The dependable hitman returned to the club as a free agent after having stints in Egypt and Burkina Faso since emerging as the top scorer in the 2015-2016 season.

    The 26-year old has been phenomenal for the Blues in Ghana Premier League before on hold of the season due to Covid-19 Pandemic.

    Berekum Chelsea’s goal monger Kofi Owusu has revealed that he is increasing in weight after the pandemic break in the league.

    In an interview with OTEC 102.9 FM, He said some of us cannot go out to train or shakeup due to the restrictions by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwah Akuffo-Addo”.

    ” Although I trained at home but it is not like training with my club (Berekum Chelsea FC) where you are strictly instructed to do,” he added.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • I was determined to leave a legacy at Asante Kotoko – Eric Bekoe

    Former Asante Kotoko forward Eric Bekoe says he succeeded during his days with the Reds because he was always determined to leave a legacy at the club.

    Bekoe is fondly remembered for his exploits with the Porcupine Warriors, helping the club to a league and FA Cup double in the 2007/08 season. He was a also golden boot winner in that same season.

    His tenure with the Reds was short after spending just a season before moving to Egypt to sign for Petrojet.

    “I was determined to leave a legacy at Asante Kotoko,” the 33-year old told Sikka Sports.

    “You serve Asante Kotoko, you don’t play for Asante Kotoko. When you are playing for you should know you are rendering your service to the club,” he added.

    Bekoe revealed the story of how he ended up at Kotoko, despite being told he was not up to the standard of the club.

    “Coach Bashiru Hayford told me I’m not up to the Asante Kotoko standard after scoring for Hearts of Lions against Kotoko,” he said.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • The reason why Sarkodie decided to release ‘Sub Zero’ despite coronavirus pandemic revealed

    Some of the commentary on social media after Sarkodie decided to release “Sub Zero”, a song that has been labeled as a diss song to people who have been picking on him are that the timing is not right.

    His estranged friend, Shatta Wale, in particular, has gone all out to lash out at him for releasing a diss song just to make money even though any people are dying because of the coronavirus pandemic.

    If you find yourself in the bracket of people who share the same opinion as Shatta Wale, Sarkodie has finally revealed why he went ahead to release the song which currently has over 280K views on Youtube.

    Speaking with MzGee on TV3 Wednesday morning, the BET award winner stated that he only released the song for people to entertain themselves with during this period of dismay because that is his duty as an entertainer.

    He told MzGee…

    As Entertainers, We Still Do Not Have To Stop Working; This Is The Time People Need Us To Entertain Them So It Takes Their Minds Off This Whole Covid-19 Thing And Helps Them Mentally.

    On speculation that the is a diss song directed to Asem, Shatta Wale, Ball J and King Of Accra, Sarkodie mentioned that it was never the case and added that he did the song for his fans.

    Watch him make this revelation below (Check out the from the 14th minute)

    Source: zionfelix.net

  • COVID-19: Zoomlion, Local Government Ministry disinfect 2,585 markets in 13 regions (Photos)

    Since the first reported case of the coronavirus in Ghana, there has been several interventions from both government and the private sector all aimed at combating against the spread of the pandemic and managing conditions of the infected persons.

    In view of this, the Local Government and Rural Development Ministry in collaboration with its major partner in the environmental sanitation management sector, Zommlion Ghana Limited has embarked on a massive disinfection program dubbed: National Disinfection Exercise to disinfect all markets, streets and some neighborhood across the country.

    The exercise was first started in Accra but moves to 12 other regions where markets in various municipal and district assemblies across the region were disinfected totaling 2,585.

     

    Source: David Andoh  

  • Virus-hit Iran urges IMF to approve its loan request

    Iranian President Hassan Rouhani urged the International Monetary Fund on Wednesday to give the sanctions-hit country a $5 billion emergency loan to combat its novel coronavirus outbreak.

    The Islamic republic is battling one of the world’s deadliest coronavirus outbreaks which it says has killed more than 3,800 people and infected more than 62,500.

    There has been speculation abroad that the real number of deaths and infections could be higher.

    Iran has said it needs the funds to continue fighting the virus.

    But its arch enemy the United States, which effectively holds a veto at the IMF, is reportedly set to block the loan, arguing Iran will use the funds for military purposes.

    “I urge all international organisations to fulfil their duties,” Rouhani said during a cabinet meeting.

    “We are a member of the IMF… if there’s going to be any discrimination between Iran and others in giving loans, neither we nor world opinion will tolerate it.”

    Iran announced on March 12 that it had requested the loan.

    The country has not received assistance from the IMF since a “standby credit” issued between 1960 and 1962, according to IMF figures.

    According to the IMF’s website, a Rapid Financial Instrument “is available to all member countries facing an urgent balance of payments need”.

    “If they do not act on their duties in this difficult situation, the world will judge them in a different way,” Rouhani said.

    ‘Maximum pressure’

    US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a recent interview that Iran would use any economic relief to pursue nuclear weapons and back Shiite militias in Iraq that the administration blames for a wave of attacks on bases used by US troops.

    “You see the way… the regime is treating their people in this time of enormous crisis. You see the way that they continue to spend money,” Pompeo told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt.

    US President Donald Trump’s administration has waged a campaign of “maximum pressure” on Iran since it withdrew from a landmark nuclear deal in 2018.

    It has since imposed wave after wave of crippling sanctions that target key sectors of Iran’s economy such as oil sales and banking.

    Iran has repeatedly called on the Trump administration to reverse its sanctions policy, which has been opposed even by US allies, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

    Medicines and medical equipment are technically exempt from the US sanctions but purchases are frequently blocked by the unwillingness of banks to process purchases for fear of incurring large penalties in the United States.

    “It will go down in history that the White House, which was engaged in economic terrorism so far, is now a terrorist in health issues too,” Rouhani said.

    European nations have delivered medical goods to Iran in the first transaction under the Instex financing mechanism set up to get round US sanctions.

    But it is more than a year since Britain, France and Germany announced the creation of Instex and Iran has questioned European governments’ commitment to seeing it through in defiance of the Trump administration.

    Source: France24

  • Coronavirus: Court remands Nigerian for taking blood sample of pregnant women

    A 34-year-old Nigerian has been arrested for allegedly defying the restriction order by taking blood samples of pregnant women and residents at Gbese Community, a suburb of James Town without legal authority.

    Chukwuka James, 34, has therefore been remanded by the Accra Circuit Court presided over by Afia Owusuwaa Appiah to re-appear on April 15, 2020.

    His plea was not taken because prosecution had indicated it will need time to augment their facts with new information.

    In court on Wednesday, the Prosecution led by Chief Inspector Gulliver Tenkorang told the court that the suspect was arrested holding medical equipment.

    He told the court that certain amendments needed to be added to the facts and will need one week to have that done. He subsequently prayed for the suspect to be remanded.

    The court while remanding the suspect to reappear on April 15, for his plea to be taken, ordered the prosecution to file their disclosures before the next court date.

    Tears flow

    The suspect immediately after being remanded broke down in tears while kneeling before the court and asking for clemency.

    He said it was not intentional that he came out that day and begged for forgiveness.

     

    Brief facts

    The facts of the case as presented to the court were that Chukwuka James, 34, is a Nigerian national and currently resides at Newtown, in Accra.

    According to Chief Inspector Tenkorang, the prosecutor in the case, due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the president by Executive Instrument 65 in accordance with provisions of the Imposition Restrictions Act 2020 (Act 1012) imposed a two-week lockdown on some specified areas, including the area of suspect in Newtown on March 30, 2020.

    He told the court that on April 4, 2020, at about 0900 hours, police had information that the suspect was taking blood samples, checking BP, and sugar level of residents in Gbese Community.

    According to him, the police proceeded to Gbese in James Town and arrested the suspect who had in his possession glucometer, thermometer, test strips and gloves.

    Upon interrogation, the suspect informed the police that he is a distributor of food supplement and admitted that he went to Gbese to check the blood pressure of his client.

    He said it came to light that suspect does not fall within the exemption group with regards to the imposition of restrictions on all persons in Ghana.

    A pregnant woman who lives in Gbese Community confirmed to police that her blood pressure was checked by the accused person.

     

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • Kwame Bonsu trains with foreign players at Esperance despite lockdown

    Ghanaian international Kwame Bonsu has begun training with his fellow foreign players at Tunisian side Esperance de Tunis despite being in lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

    The COVID-19 has forced the suspension of the football season in Tunisia just as in all other parts of the African continent.

    As players of Esperance continue to stay at home in waiting for the COVID-19 storm to pass, the technical handlers have developed a plan for players to train while in isolation.

    Former Kotoko defensive midfielder Kwame Bonsu has been made to join his fellow foreign players at the club to train in a small group.

    The other foreign players include Ivorian Ibrahim Wattara, Nigerian Samuel Atafiti, and Junior Junior Lucosa.

    Staying at the same residence, these players come together and follow a training program sent to them on a daily basis on WhatsApp from physical trainer Sabri Bouazizi.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Bashir Hayford implores GFA to set up an academy in all regions

    The Ghana Football Association (GFA) have been implored to set up academy centers across all the various regions by former AshantiGold coach Bashir Hayford.

    According to the tactician, the era of colts is gradually being taken over by academies and hence the GFA must consider building academy centers in all the regions of the country.

    “Academy Football is an advanced form of Colts Football. Most countries in the world and in Africa have moved from colts football to academy football. Those who are supposed to train players at the colts are now establishing academies” told Ahomka FM.

    “I propose that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) should put in their maximum effort to establish an academy in all the regions in Ghana to enhance the development of players and nurture talent.”

    The veteran coach is one of at least 3 experienced coaches that have applied for the vacant technical director role at Ghana FA.

    Hayford says it will be a dream come true to land the GFA technical director role.

    “That will be the happiest time in my life because I have prepared myself very well to take up every challenge in football so that I can help serve my country,” Hayford told Footballmadeinghana.

    “I will be very happy because I know what is in me, I know what I can do.

    “My dream is that one day I will give what I have learnt back to the FA.

    “So that [leading the technical directorate] will be my happiest day if I assume that seat.”

    Hayford is a two-time Ghana Premier League winner with Asante Kotoko in 2007/2008 and Ashantigold SC in 2014/2015 season.

    Hayford’s rich coaching experience includes handling top-flight clubs like Power FC (now defunct), Heart of Lions, Asante Kotoko, AshantiGold and Ebusua Dwarfs.

    Source: Primenewsghana.com

  • Hearts PRO Opare Addo insists club will not embark on wholesale recruitment

    Director of Communications for Accra Hearts of Oak, Kwame Opare Addo has insisted that the Phobians will not embark on wholesale recruitment in the ongoing transfer window.

    The Phobians have completed the signing of midfielder Abdilrahmane Mamane Lawali and Nigerian striker Danjuma Ademola Kuti in the ongoing transfer window as they look to augment their squad for the return of the league.

    “Certainly it will not be mass recruitment. We looking forward to add just one or two signings to augment the squad because we have the players and the strength already.

    ” We will add to the team what the coach has recommended to make the team as solid as we want it” he said.

    Opare Addo finished by calling on the fans to exercise patience as they seek to augment squad with better players.

    Source: Footballmadeinghana.com

  • Twitter users react to Pastor Chris’s ‘5G conspiracy theory’

    Since the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus in China last year December, there seems to be a new form of conspiracy theory coming up every week about the origin of the virus.

    In recent times one of the theories that has gained a lot of attention and support is the allegation of a relationship between the new 5G internet technology and the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Adding weight to this theory on the African continent is the founder and president of LoveWorld Incorporated, also known as Christ Embassy, Pastor Chris Oyakhiloma.

    While other proponents of the theory have been quite questionable with their claims, the level of presentations made by the Christian leader has gained him a core group who also believe in the theory.

    And even though there has been a lot of criticisms directed at the man of God, an army of Tweeps are declaring support for the preacher with a hashtag #iStandWithPastorChris.

    With thousands of tweets made with the hashtag, majority of the tweeps are either Christian faithfuls who feel the current happenings fall in line with the bibles prediction events preceding the end time, while others also think it all plays into a bigger picture of a new world order about to take control of the world.

    Either ways the argument on the true origin of the novel coronavirus which is claiming several lives across the world is a question that is yet to receive a definite answer and will probably see more theories with more arguments being made for or against them.

    Check out some of the #iStandWithPastorChris tweets below

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

     

  • Sam Johnson advises CK Akonnor on Ghana selections

    Former Ghana international Sam Johnson has urged Black Stars coach CK Akonnor to keep the same yardstick for selection of both home and foreign-based players for national duty.

    Akonnor, who was appointed the new coach of the West African nation in January, recently revealed performance inconsistencies is a challenge to his desire to hand more opportunities to locally-based players.

    In recent years, coaches of Ghana’s senior national team have been heavily criticised for marginalising domestic players in squad selections for national duty.

    “It is the right thing to call up consistent players but he [Akonnor] should not only limit it to the local scene,” Johnson said, as reported by Prime News Ghana.

    “If I am playing [locally] and you don’t call me and someone else [foreign-based player] playing [for the Black Stars] is not playing [at club level] and you call him, it is not fair.

    “But there are exceptions where some players are not active at their clubs but perform well when handed the national team invite.

    “My advice to the local players is that they should fight and get into the first eleven when they receive call-ups.”

    Early last month, Akonnor named his first Ghana squad which featured four home-based players.

    Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Richard Attah, Ashanti Gold fullback Kwadwo Amoako, Asante Kotoko centre-back Habib Mohammed and Aduana Stars striker Yahaya Mohammed were the privileged men.

    The team was to assemble for a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying double-header against Sudan which was ultimately cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    Johnson and Akonnor played together for Ghana at the 2000 Afcon.

    Source: Goal.com

  • Coronavirus may die naturally – Dr Nsiah-Asare

    Former Director-General of the Ghana Health Service and Presidential Advisor on Health, Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare, has said that Coronavirus may die off naturally after three months.

    He says like the life span of any other virus which bears the characteristics of flu, they naturally have a three month life span and they seem not to exist again after the period.

    Speaking on Okay FM’s ‘Ade Akye Abia’ programme, he explained that they are anticipating that the global community will be free in about three months time.

    “However, we are only hoping that this type of virus does not change in any form again. If it continues to remain in its current state then we are sure of fighting it off within the next three months.”

    “We are pleading with Ghanaians not to be alarmed as the number keeps increasing,” he said.

    He urged Ghanaians to continually observe the daily hygiene protocols and safety measures put in place by the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service.

    He assured that the Ghana Health Service is working vigorously with contact tracing to stop the virus from spreading further.

     

    Ghana’s Coronavirus cases have increased to 287

    The 73 new cases which were recorded as of Monday, April 6, were discovered following measures for enhanced contact tracing and testing.

    The Great Accra Region has the most cases numbering 256 followed by the Ashanti Region which has 18 cases. The Northern Region has 10 cases, while the Upper West Region Eastern Region and Upper East Region have a case each.

    A total of 172 cases were reported from the routine and enhanced surveillance activities and those from travellers under mandatory quarantine in both Accra and Tamale are 115.

    The period for mandatory quarantine for travellers who arrived 21-22 March 2020 has ended. In all, a total of 1,030 travellers were quarantined during the period

    Out of these, 79 were positive during the initial testing whilst 951 were negative. Twenty-six (26) among those that were initially negative were found to have converted to be positive at the exit screening, bringing to a total of 105 among the travellers that were quarantined.

     

    Source: peacefmonline.com

  • Four out of five peoples jobs hit by coronavirus

    A total of 81% of the global workforce of 3.3 billion people have had their workplace fully or partly closed.

    Restrictions on daily life have led to the closure of many companies and the laying off of staff either permanently or temporarily.

    The International Labour Organization (ILO), an agency of the United Nations, has been looking at the global impact with a series of charts.

    Their work shows the global scale of the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

    “Workers and businesses are facing catastrophe, in both developed and developing economies,” said ILO director general Guy Ryder.

    “We have to move fast, decisively, and together. The right, urgent, measures, could make the difference between survival and collapse.”

    Nearly 200 million people could end up out of work

    The outbreak is expected to wipe out 6.7% of working hours across the world during the second quarter of 2020.

    That is the equivalent of 195 million full-time workers losing their jobs.

    The worst-hit region is predicted to be the Arab states, with an 8.1% decline in working hours (five million full-time workers).

    The ILO says it is “the most severe crisis” since World War Two.

    It adds that the eventual increase in global unemployment during the course of 2020 will depend largely on two factors:

    *How quickly the world economy recovers in the second half of the year.
    *How effectively policy measures will boost the demand for labour.

    There is a high risk that the end-of-year worldwide unemployment figure will be much higher than an initial ILO projection of 25 million people.

    Different sectors of the economy have been hit in different ways by the sudden downturn in work.

    Not surprisingly, with travel at a minimum and social lives put on hold, the accommodation and food services industries are among those suffering most, along with manufacturing, wholesale and retail, and real estate and business.

    Together, they account for nearly 38% of the global workforce, with 1.25 billion people employed in these industries around the world.

    Americas and Europe have most high-risk workers

    The percentage of people around the world in high-risk jobs varies considerably.

    A total of 43.2% of people in the Americas and 42.1% in Europe and Central Asia work in high-risk sectors.

    These regions have far fewer informal workers, who make up the majority of the workforce in Africa, the Arab states and Asia and the Pacific.

    While these workers play a crucial role in the economy, especially in countries like India, Nigeria and Brazil, they miss out on things like social protection, that other permanent workers have.

    Mr Ryder said: “This is the greatest test for international co-operation in more than 75 years. If one country fails, then we all fail, We must find solutions that help all segments of our global society, particularly those that are most vulnerable or least able to help themselves.”

    Source: bbc.com