Author: Chris Kodo
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Northern Region to get coronavirus testing lab
The Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research (KCCR) is working with the Ghana Health Service to set up a laboratory in the Northern Region to enable health officials swiftly test for the deadly novel coronavirus in the northern part of the country.
Samples sent to the KCCR sometimes delay as it is the only facility with the capacity for testing for the virus in the middle and northern sector of the country.
The KCCR has since February tested 1,600 samples of suspected COVID-19 cases of which 24 of those from the Ashanti, Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions turned out positive.
KCCR handles between 300 and 600 samples on daily basis, necessitating the need for more laboratories across the country for expedited service delivery.
Scientific Director at KCCR, Prof Richard Phillips Adame, says dealing with a virus-like COVID-19 requires specialized laboratories.
“We hear in the media expand diagnostics to everywhere but remember that the virus we are dealing with is a dangerous organism and so if you are working with dangerous organisms you need to work in special laboratories†he stated.
“At KCCR, we have what we call bio safety labs with negative pressure in the rooms so when you are working there you can work safely and such safety labs are not many in the country,†he stated.
To reduce the pressure on KCCR, the Ghana Health Service is working with the Centre to establish another testing lab in the Northern Region to cater for samples from the area.
Source: 3news.com
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Contacts of Upper West COVID-19 patient test negative Minister
All contacts that were traced to the only COVID-19 case in the Upper West Region have tested negative for the disease.
This was disclosed to Citi News by the Regional Minister, Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih.
About 46 persons had been identified as close contacts of the patient.
“According to my health authority, the patient is responding to treatment and so far, all the contact people whose samples were taken have proven negative. The tests are negative and that is pleasing to the people of the Upper West Region,†Dr. Hafiz Bin Salih told Citi News.
The first case in the region was announced by the Minister on March 27, 2020.
According to the Minister, the patient is a 42-year-old Ghanaian who visited UK, Spain and returned to Ghana through Egypt.
“The good thing is that, even before the test result came out positive, the suspect was in self-quarantine. He has isolated himself because he had returned from countries where the disease is prevalent…This should not bring fear into us. It does not mean he is going to die,†the Minister said at a press conference on Tuesday.
According to health workers, the patient joined a public transport to the Upper West Region from Accra and was confirmed positive of COVID-19 on March 27, 2020.
Subsequently, samples of persons including health workers who contacted the patient were taken for testing.
Source: citinewsroomÂ
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Madina main market closed
The La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly has announced the closure of the Madina main market for trading activities until further notice.
The affected areas include; Doku, Nkulenu, Market Drive, Asante & Asante, and Nkwantanang Roads, the Market Loading Bay, Car park and the Main Market.
The members of the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) arrived at the decision due to the failure of traders to adhere to the social distancing protocols issued by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Municipal Chief Executive, Jennifer Dede Afagbedzi, in a statement said the move has become necessary as the continuous abuse of the safety precaution would have dire consequences on the control of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
Meanwhile, all affected traders are advised to move to the BOHYE Market at Redco and Madina New Road Market to continue their trading activities.
It hoped that the leaders and market Queens would meet with the traders to arrive at the best practices to ensure adherence to the social distancing protocol, adding “any inconvenience caused is deeply regrettedâ€
Source: dailyguidenetwork.com
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COVID-19: Community water agencies to also provide free water to consumers Minister
Community water providers, and not just the Ghana Water Company Limited, are supposed to provide free water to their customers for the next three months amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
President Nana Akufo-Addo announced that the government will be taking care of the water bills for all Ghanaians for April, May and June 2020.
The Ghana Water Company Limited currently caters for about 66 percent of Ghanaians but there was some uncertainty over whether consumers in other brackets would also benefit from the relief.
Providing clarity on the directive at a press conference in Accra, the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Madam Cecilia Abena Dapaah noted that all their systems of the “Ghana Water Sanitation Agency…will also provide water for free.â€
“Again, all community-based water systems are to serve water to the community residents for free,†she added.
During this period, health facilities will be given priority in the water supply during the period.
“Hospitals, clinics and other health centres will enjoy priority of water as they have been doing. If there is anything, they will call the Ghana Water Company to quickly mobilized tanker services to serve them.â€
In addition, tanks will be installed in urban areas and rural areas if necessary “to make sure water is easily accessible.â€
All water tankers, publicly and privately-owned, are also going to be mobilised to ensure the supply of water to all vulnerable communities.
Customers will still be sent their bills to track the consumption of households with inscription that the debt had been catered for by government.
The Minister urged the efficient use of water noting that “this is not the time to wash our cars with hoses.â€
“We are all encouraged to use water judiciously. Mechanisms are being put in place as we enjoy from the benevolence of our leader to monitor the irresponsible use of water.â€
In addition, she urged Ghanaians “to make sure that we do not tamper with the pipelines and infrastructure of both Ghana water Copmanhy limited and community water and sanitation agencies.â€
Source: citinewsroomÂ
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Immigration Ladies donates to Immigration Service
The Immigration Ladies Association (IMMILAC) has donated sanitary items to the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) for distribution to its academy and training school to help in the fight against the novel coronavirus.
The items include 30 Veronica buckets, 20 rubber bowls, 20 pieces of hand washing liquid soaps and 4 packs of tissues.
A statement signed by Superintendent Micheal Amoako-Atta, Head of Public Affairs and copied the Ghana News Agency said.
Presenting the items, Mrs Judith Dzokoto-Lomoh, Comptroller-General of Immigration (DCGI) in charge of Finance Administration and the President of the Association, said IMMILAC is pleased to support and contribute its quota to contain the spread of the deadly COVID-19.
She said: “These are not normal times, and as female officers with motherly instincts, it is appropriate to show that motherly care to mankind, especially our would-be officers,” she said.
Mrs Dzokoto-Lomoh assured management of the GIS that there are more to come and that the gesture exhibited by IMMILAC was just the beginning.
The Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI), Mr Kwame Asuah Takyi expressed gratitude to the Association saying the items would help sanitize the environment of the Immigration Service Academy and Training School (ISATS) against the pandemic.
He assured the Association that the items would be immediately dispatched to ISATS at Assin Foso in the Central Region to augment the operational directives that has already been put in place by the Service.
IMMILAC was formed in December 2009 as an association comprising all female officers of the GIS irrespective of rank to help raise the standard of discipline and professionalism among female officers, nurture individual talents through mentorship and ensure the welfare of members.
Source: GNA
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Lady cries uncontrollably like KNUST’s Sammy after her boyfriend dumped her (video)
A beautiful young lady has been captured crying as though her life was about to end after her boyfriend allegedly dumped her.
In a video sighted by YEN.com.gh, the young girl, who was visibly suffering from broken heart was crying bitterly and would not be comforted by her female friend.
The lady was on a phone, tearfully making attempts to win the heart of her man back but all her efforts yielded no positive results.
The less than two-minute video has the lady literally begging her boyfriend not to dump her while professing her unmatched love for him.
Her friend, on the other hand, tried to comfort her and urged her to keep the little dignity left by letting the man go.
In spite of efforts to get her to calm down, it appears it would take a while for her to deal with the unexpected split from her boyfriend.
Watch video below.
source: yen.com.gh
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COPEC, Consumer Protection Agency sue NPA over new levy on LPG
The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers and the Consumer Protection Agency have sued the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) over the introduction of the Cylinder Recirculation Recovery Margin which will allow LPG operators to start charging 13.5 pesewas for each kilogram of LPG.
The two companies in their writ of summons argue among others that the NPA failed to consult with various stakeholders before introducing the policy.
“Plaintiffs state that the failure of the 1st defendant to consult with the service providers before the introduction of the new petroleum pricing formula has led to agitations among such service providers, particularly, the LPG Marketing Companies Association of Ghana (LPGMCs) who have issued a statement calling on the 1st defendant to withdraw the CRM.â€
The plaintiffs are thus seeking a declaration that the Cylinder Recirculation Recovery Margin be declared unlawful on grounds that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NPA, Hassan Tampuli failed to consult the NPA Board before introducing the policy.
“A declaration that the failure of the 2nd Defendant [Hassan Tampuli] to secure the approval of the 1st Defendant [NPA] board before announcing the new LPG cylinder recovery margin was unlawful,†portions of the writ said.
Purpose of Cylinder Recirculation Model
The NPA on Wednesday, April 1, 2020, directed industry players to begin 13.5 pesewas charge on each kilogram of LPG.
It also instructed Oil Marketing Companies to increase the levy on Fuel Marking Margin from three pesewas to 4.5 pesewas per litre on every product.
According to the NPA, the introduction of the Cylinder Recirculation Recovery Margin is to support stakeholders in the supply chain ahead of the implementation of the Cylinder Recirculation Model.
Although the NPA has justified the move, some industry watchers have however said that both directives are unlawful and must be withdrawn with immediate effect given the impact it will have on the business.
NPA in its release issued on Friday, April 4, 2020, maintained that such calls are unfortunate because its projection rather shows that for this very pricing window (1st April to 15 April, 2020), consumers are expected to enjoy a price reduction of about 11.56 percent even with the introduction of the Cylinder Recovery Margin.
“The attention of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has been drawn to a statement issued by the LPG Marketing Companies Association of Ghana (LPGMCs) on the above subject, dated April 3, 2020, calling for the withdrawal of GHp 13.5 Cylinder Recovery Margin which took effect on April 1, 2020. We wish to state categorically that, contrary to their claim that the introduction of the margin will increase the product price at the pumps and thereby burden the consumer, the facts as they stand do not support that.â€
“The margin is, therefore, to assist the marketers to offset some of their financial expenses, in accordance with the full cost recovery principle of petroleum products pricing in Ghana. It is therefore unfortunate for the LPGMCs to hold such a positionâ€, it added.
The NPA had said it will continue to engage in this and other related issues of mutual concern over the concerns raised regarding tax components on LPG.
“We are certainly aware of the difficult situation we all find ourselves in at this time, and the last thing we will do is to further burden the consumer with additional taxes. The NPA would, therefore, like to assure members of the general public of our commitment to ensure product availability, affordability, and accessibility, while ensuring the safety of the general public and the business viability of players across the value chainâ€, the statement concluded.
Source: citinewsroomÂ
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Coronavirus: GHAFTRAM yet to be updated on drugs submitted for testing – Secretary
The Ghana Federation for Traditional Herbal Medicine Practitioners Association (GHAFTRAM) says it is yet to receive any feedback from authorities after submitting some 25 medicines to the Ministry of Health for testing and treatment for the deadly coronavirus.
General Secretary of GHAFTRAM, Nana Kwadwo Obiri explained to Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm that, the drugs sent were in two forms, i.e immune boosters already certified by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
He said their request is for the FDA to re-run tests on the drugs to find out if they help treat the coronavirus.
“We presented two sets of medicines including herbal medicines which are yet to be tested and approved for use. The second set of drugs were immune booster already approved by the FDA but we want to run further tests to see if we can use them to treat the virus.â€
“But as I speak to you, we are yet to receive any response from authorities. I do not know the drugs are and so, if you want to know anything about the drugs, you would have to speak to the Ministry of Health about it,†he added.
Meanwhile, he has commended the Health Ministry for providing them with Personnel Protective Equipment (PPEs) to be distributed among their members.
Source: rainbowradioonline.com
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Ill beat you the next time you throw jabs at me Shatta Wale warns Sarkodie
Dancehall Artiste, Shatta Wale says the next time Sarkodie will jab him in any of his songs, he will personally find him and beat him up.
“If you jab me again, I will beat you for you them to lock me. You can go and report me but anytime you jab me I will beat youâ€.He threatened.
According to him, he has not seen any individual as ‘stupid’ as Sarkodie in the music industry.
He claimed that he does not care if Sarkodie reports him to the police that he has threatened him or not.
Shatta Wale said the President will be ashamed to hear that while the country is battling a deadly disease, musicians in the country are focused on fighting among themselves while they could have supported the President in his efforts.
Shatta Wale expressed his disappointment in Sarkodie for releasing a diss song during a period when the country is in crisis and people are losing their lives.
Source: mynewsgh.com
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Mast collapses on building at Baatsona, Spintex road
With people having to observe social distancing and self-quarantine in order to help curb the Coronavirus pandemic, a mast sited on the Management Development and Productivity Institute(MDPI) building at Baatsonaa, Spintex has collapsed on a residence.
Information reveals that the mast belongs to SuperTech Limited. Information gathered within the neighbourhood indicates that it collapsed due to lack of regular maintenance culture.
Nii Gontein Teiko Tsuru II, Chief of the Akononku Divisional Area, who lives in the vicinity revealed that “fortunately, no casualties were recorded but the destruction of property cannot be disregarded.â€
In his submission, Nii Adotey Gbosange, Nungua Stool Secretary revealed that the land in question was acquired by the then Head of State, General Kutu Acheampong for the establishment of the MDPI administrative building and classrooms in the year 1974.
“In the year 1974, the government acquired a parcel of land (156.184) acres for MDPI at Baatsona from the then Nungua Chief Nii Odai Ayiku IV.
The MDPI Senior Officials were led by the wife of the late Chief to meet the Chief and an agreement was made to that effect for the lease of the land. Thereafter, a Surveyor from the Lands and Surveys department was brought in to work on the land at the time for the MDPI, including the land where the Texpo Market is situated currently.
In 1975, the government took over on behalf of the MDPI for the necessary agreement with the Nungua Stool since the body was under the government.
To that effect, the arrangement was then changed from leasehold to compulsory acquisition by the Government of Ghana.
There were about ten peasant farmers who were farming on the land for so long on parts of the land which was to be acquired.
This made them owners since they were indigenes of Nungua.
Compensation was awarded to eight families among the farmers. The other two families did not accept.
After the Revolution in 1979, developments halted on the land in question and encroachers took over the land to build their residences. The purpose of the building has been neglected. Some telecom institutions have their mast on building.
“It is therefore important that Government acts promptly and decisively about what will be made of the building, albeit forming a committee to look into the matter to resolve it since May 2017.
The place has become a threat to life and property of citizens who live in the neighborhoodâ€.
Source:George Nii Armah Teiko
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Paris bans daytime jogging in bid to slow spread of coronavirus
Paris officials said on Tuesday they would ban lone daytime jogging as people continue to flout anti-Coronavirus lockdown rules, after France recorded its highest daily death toll.
Under nationwide confinement rules that came into force on March 17, people can leave their homes only for essential purposes, which had included a solo walk or run within one kilometre of their homes.
But as sunny days arrived over the weekend, large groups of Parisians were seen running, walking and congregating in groups, even as police issued fines for lockdown violations and hospitals struggled to cope with the influx of patients.
On Tuesday, as France entered its fourth week of lockdown, Paris toughened the confinement rules, announcing a ban on individual outdoor sports between the hours of 10:00 am and 07:00 pm starting Wednesday.
The move came just after Health Minister Olivier Veran announced Monday a record daily coronavirus death toll of 833 people in 24 hours.
He said 478 people were admitted to intensive care in the period, a higher figure than in previous days.
‘Far from over’
“It is not over. Far from that. The path is long. The figures that I have announced show this,” the minister said, urging people to “stay at home and continue this confinement effort”.
Interior Minister Christophe Castaner had already urged regional officials to toughen restrictions locally.
Announcing the new measures for Paris, Mayor Anne Hidalgo and the capital’s police chief Didier Lallement said in a statement that “every excursion avoided aids the fight against the epidemic”.
On Monday, the mayor of Sceaux, a commune south of Paris, issued a decree obliging all residents over the age of 10 to cover their mouth and nose when leaving the home starting on Wednesday.
Those who do not have surgical masks must wear a homemade alternative or tie a scarf or bandanna around their face, otherwise they could be fined 38 euros ($41).
In a radio interview earlier on Tuesday, Hidalgo said she was not making masks obligatory although she did encourage everyone to cover their faces and noses.
The French government requisitioned all medical masks earlier in the outbreak for doctors and nurses.
Source:Â AFP
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Selfless Yahaya Mohammed will take salary cut for Aduana Stars to survive
Aduana Stars top striker Yahaya Mohammed says he is willing to take a salary cut if necessary, to ensure his club survives any financial crisis amid the CoronaVirus outbreak.
The Covid-19 pandemic is gradually affecting various sectors massively worldwide.
With fears that this has already started to impact negatively on the global sports economy, football clubs have started applying measures to avert any financial collapse.
One of such is a salary cut or deferral with clubs like Barcelona, Juventus already implementing this.
In Ghana, the discussion continues as to whether local clubs should take this up especially considering how much they pay their players.
Yahaya Mohammed has added his voice to the discourse and according to him it’s unfair to use a one suit fits all approach for some.
He, however, told local radio station Bryt FM that when the need arises, he will agree to a salary cut to allow Aduana Stars steer away from financial collapse.
He told Bryt FM “Per my relationship with Aduana Stars if management decides to reduce our salaries I will be the first person to accept it because I know the club do not have any sponsorship apart from Betwayâ€
“The club only depend on gate proceeds and in Ghana, apart from Kotoko and Hearts of Oak who have the highest fan base the rest struggle to even get much from gate proceeds. So we will do that to help the club owner for him know that he is dealing with reliable people who can help in a difficult timeâ€.
“What I know is that, (Cristiano) Ronaldo has his own sponsors including several Europeans players and so in this difficult times they can accept pay cut, but in the case of local players there is no single sponsor and that makes it difficult to cope with pay cut. So I will entreat Ghanaians to stop making comparison.â€
Source:Â Footballmadeinghana.com
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Regina Daniels sends social media in frenzy as she discloses the photo that Ned Nwoko cherishes most
Nigerian power couple and internet sensation, Regina Daniels and her sweet Ned are definitely the ruling couple right now.
Everything about them interests their fans given that whole fuss about their marriage.
Young actress Regina Daniels is arguably one of the beautiful screen goddess, intelligent and crowd-puller in Nollywood.
And we definitely believe it took a lot for 63-year-old Ned Nwoko to win her over!
Aside from bringing fame into the marriage, Regina Daniels absolutely has her own charms.
Here are photos that we think Ned Nwoko will definitely go crazy for!
Source:Â GhanaCelebrities.Com
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Coronavirus: Kwame NV drops ‘Heal the World’
Rising music artiste, Kwame NV is on a mission to help salvage the world as he debuts an emotional single titled ”Heal the World”.
According to versatile music sensation known in real life as Stellen Ninson, the song was in response to deadly Coronavirus pandemic which has claimed over 50,000 lives from more than one million cases reported.
“My maiden single is aimed at encouraging people around the world during this challenging and uncertain time.
“It is my hope that God would listen to our prayer and heal the world and cleanse it from all sins,” he said.
When asked about what motivated him to write the song, Kwame NV said, “I was devastated by the havoc caused by the deadly the virus and wanted to contribute to awareness creation, so I decided to write the song and hopefully it would encourage people to remain steadfast”.
He paid tribute to some artistes who have lost their lives during this pandemic among others who have lost their loved ones.
The single produced by Yaw Spoky is available across some digital platforms including Audiomack, Youtube, Soundcloud, among others and would touch the hearts of music-loving fans considering the message it carries.
Source:Â ghananewsagency.org
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Minister Ike features Emmanuel Wonder to bring hope with ‘Only Jesus Can Do’
Amidst the tribulations the world finds itself, renowned gospel musician, Minister Ike has collaborated with Emmanuel Wonder to bring a message of hope to the world.
In a new release dubbed ‘Only Jesus Can Do’ produced by BRM Production, the two communicate to the world that it is only Jesus who can deliver the world from these trying times.
The Coronavirus disease is an albatross around the necks of virtually all nations across the globe.
It is traced to have its origin from Wuhan in China where the spread started in late 2019 and has later spread rapidly to other parts of the world.
The virus has killed thousands of people with infected persons of over a million population across the globe.
Source:Â Minister Ike TV
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Coronavirus wreaks havoc in African American neighbourhoods
Stark statistics from Chicago health officials have underscored the heavy toll of coronavirus on black Americans.
Black Chicagoans account for half of all coronavirus cases in the city and more than 70% of deaths, despite making up 30% of the population.
Other cities with large black populations, including Detroit, Milwaukee, New Orleans and New York, have become coronavirus hotspots.
The US has recorded nearly 370,000 virus cases and almost 11,000 deaths.
Globally there have been nearly 75,000 deaths and more than 1.3m cases total.
What do Chicago’s statistics show? As of 5 April, 1,824 out of Chicago’s 4,680 confirmed Covid-19 cases were black residents, said city officials on Monday.
That compared with 847 white, 478 Hispanic and 126 Asian Chicagoans.
Chicago has seen a total of 98 deaths as of Sunday, with 72% of them black residents.
The disparity is reflected across the state, where black people account for 41% of Covid-19 deaths, despite making up 14% of the population of Illinois.
Chicago public health commissioner Dr Allison Arwady told reporters that black city residents already lived on average about 8.8 years less than their white counterparts.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot said the coronavirus was “devastating black Chicago”.
She said city inspectors would be sent into shops to ensure everyone was adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Mayor Lightfoot also raised the possibility of curfews in areas where people gathered outside liquor stores, reports the Chicago Sun-Times.
What’s the picture nationally?
Though the coronavirus has been called the “great equalizer”, data suggests that vulnerability to the infection may vary by neighbourhood.
In Michigan, African Americans make up 14% of the population, but they account for 33% of the coronavirus cases and 41% of deaths, figures from the state health department showed on Monday.
White residents account for about 23% of recorded cases in Michigan and 28% of deaths, according to the data.
Detroit, Michigan, is about 80% black, and the city together with its surrounding suburbs accounts for around 80% of confirmed coronavirus cases.
A similar disparity has emerged in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, one of the most segregated cities in the US.
African Americans made up almost half of Milwaukee County’s nearly 1,000 cases as of last Friday and 81% of its 27 deaths, despite black people accounting for 26% of the population there, according to a study by ProPublica.
Some 40% of Louisiana’s coronavirus deaths have occurred in the New Orleans area, where the majority of residents are black.
Health officials have previously said the Big Easy’s residents suffer from rates of obesity, diabetes and hypertension that are higher than the national average, making them more vulnerable to Covid-19.
What’s behind the disparity in Chicago?
Mayor Lightfoot said diabetes, heart disease and respiratory illness were “really prevalent” in black communities.
Dr Arwady told reporters that even if everyone in the city did have access to a doctor, “we would still see significant health disparities because of food deserts and lack of walkable streets”.
Source:Â bbc.com
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Charles Taylor slams Bernard Dong Bortey for claiming he’s ‘The Best Ever’
Former Ghana Premier League icon Charles Taylor has twisted the knife into his former teammate Bernard Dong Bortey for touting himself as ‘The Best Ever (TBE)’.
There has been a hot debate on social media as which of the two former Hearts of Oak players was the best during his active career.
Bortey recently delivered a verdict on the matter by extolling his qualities as the finest.
Taylor, who later made a controversial move to Asante Kotoko, pour cold water on Bortey’s boast.
“We are in a democratic era so everyone has the right to brag and It’s foolishness to praise yourself,” Taylor told Atinka FM.
“Only low minded persons will praise or boast of what they have. I have commended Bortey on several occasions of being a good talent, but now everybody knows how to play football and they all have their own style.
“I will not take this world to anywhere, I know how to play, I know how to play and during this quarantine period me and my wife would’ve been at the ghetto. No way.”
Source:Â GHANAsoccernet.com
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AC Milan has always been my favorite team – Kevin-Prince Boateng
Ghanaian forward Kevin-Prince Boateng claims AC Milan is his favourite team amongst all the other clubs he has played for in his career.
Currently playing on loan at Besiktas JK from Italian side Fiorentina, Boateng was responding to a question during an Instagram live video session with fans and followers.
Boateng thus answered the question “Which is your favourite team?”:
“AC Milan has always been my favourite team, but I have also played in other teams where I felt very good.” He said.
The 32-year-old chose the Italian giants over FC Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur and Hertha Berlin where he started his footballing career.
Boateng has also had spells at Portsmouth FC, Borussia Dortmund, Eintracht Frankfurt, US Sassuolo, Genoa CFC, FC Schalke O4 and UD Las Palmas.
Boateng joined AC Milan in 2010 after excelling at the World Cup in South Africa with Ghana where he netted one goal and helped the Black Stars reach the quarterfinals stage.
Source:Â GHANAsoccernet.com
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I stopped playing league because of corrupt referees – Nii Odartey Lamptey
Legend Nii Odartey Lamptey has revealed he withdrew his Glow-Lamp Academy from playing in Ghana Football Association-organized leagues because of corrupt referees.
The former Anderlecht and Aston Villa player alleges that some unscrupulous match officials were taking bribes to influence- an act which was highlighted in the No.12 documentary on football corruption in the country.
“When I started this academy, I was playing in the league and reached the middle league but I had to stop for four years and concentrate on the project because I realized a referee could demoralise me and force me to abandon the academy. I would shatter the dreams of a lot of kids,” the Sekondi Eleven Wise assistant coach said.
“So I decided to focus on the project and complete the facility. With that even if you [referees] cheat me and I quit, there will be something to fall on. I spoke to Tony Yeboah years back and that’s the reason why he left
“Referees are all about money. If we are able to pay them well, all these bribery will be minimized.”
Source:Â GHANAsoccernet.com
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Top 10 most followed Ghanaian artistes on twitter
You might be wondering about the top Ghanaian Artistes with the biggest following on Twitter, right?
Rapper Sarkodie is in a comfortable lead with 3 million Followers, followed by dancehall act, Shatta Wale with 1.8M followers, then followed closely by Stonebwoy with 1.5M followers.
Well, this list highlights the Top 10 Most Followed Ghanaian Musicians on Twitter in 2020,
Check it out;
Source: ghgossip.com
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Mahama’s 7 key recommendations that will boost COVID-19 fight in Ghana
Former president John Dramani Mahama has recommended some key measures he believes, could help scale up the fight against the spread of the Coronavirus disease in Ghana.
Mr. Mahama made the recommendations via his Facebook page on Saturday, April 4, 2020, when he made some donations of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to some health facilities in the country.
The former president donated PPEs worth more than GH300,000 to the hospitals.
The hospitals that benefitted from the donation of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer area Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital, Regional and District hospitals nationwide.
He also took the opportunity to propose some strategies government can apply in fight the novel COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Ghana has recorded 214 cases of the COVID-19, as at Sunday, April 5, 2020.
YEN.com.gh presents 7 of the strategies to help Ghana win the fight against COVID-19;
1. The need for partnership in ECOWAS and AU and consensual efforts to manage our borders and movement of people and also leverage on food production capabilities such as rice, grain and other such products.
2. Government must provide insurance to frontline health workers who are engaged in the fight against COVID-19.
3. Immediate development of a National Infectious Diseases Response plan that clearly sets out the specific steps that must be taken to prevent the entry of such diseases, quickly arrest them even if they do enter our shores at the very early stage to reduce its impacts on the bearest form on our population.
4. Establish another medical research center with capacity like the Noguchi Medical Research Institue in the northern part of Ghana.
5. Immediate expansion of the 37 Military Hospital by doubling the current bed size and also build an Infectious Disease Centre to cater for the southern sector to help with the management of diseases like Ebola and COVID-19.
6. Government must expand the testing centres to include the Navorongo and Kimtampo Research Centres ensuring that Noguchi or the KCCR supports to test more people in a good time.
7. Vitamin fruits and food supplements should also be distributed to the poor and vulnerable.
YEN.com.gh also reported earlier that National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, John Dumelo, says it is important for government to increase mass testing of Ghanaians as a way of tackling the current disease.
He opined that the government should make available more test kits in the country to increase the capacity of the health professionals to prevent the spread of the disease.
source: yen
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Former Asante Kotoko star Baba Amando weeps over global coronavirus deaths
Former Asante Kotoko star Baba Amando has shed tears over the massive deaths recorded worldwide as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The former Ghana international wept profusely in trying understanding the current situation and called on God to intervene and heal the world.
Amando, now based in the United Arab Emirates, posted a video on his Facebook page crying like a baby.
“My problem is so much pain. Why are people suffering? Some people don’t have places to sleep. God, where are you? Why is the whole world suffering?” he said.
Source:Â GHANAsoccernet.com
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I was never scared of any defender in the Ghana Premier League – Ahmed Toure
Burkinabe international Ahmed Touré has noted that he was never scared by any player during his time in the Ghana Premier League.
The striker has a name in the Ghanaian top-flight after excelling for record champions Asante Kotoko as well as Bechem United.
Now 32-years of age, the former captain for Ivorian side ASEC Mimosa has stressed that he always had his way with defenders during his time in the Ghana Premier League.
Speaking to Kumasi-based Fox FM, Ahmed Toure said that he admits there were some tough defenders that he came up against but they never scared him because he always managed to pass by them to score.
In his time at Bechem United, the forward made 25 appearances while finding the back of the net 13 times.
At Kotoko, Toure equally impressed after netting 12 goals in 28 appearances for the Porcupine Warriors. In that very 2011/2012 season, the Burkinabe international was named the best players of the campaign.
Source:Â footballghana.com
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Ghana’s second transfer window to close on April 13
The Ghana Football Association has announced that the second transfer window of the 2019/20 football season will be closed on Monday, April 13, 2020.
A host of clubs in the Premier League as well as Division One League have been busy in the transfer window which was opened on March 16.
Clubs are boosting their squads ahead of second round of the league season which has been suspended due to the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic in the country.
The statement from the GFA reads: “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.”
“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.”
Source:Â footballghana.com
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The day 16-year-old Abedi Pele stormed Kumasi with RTU and shocked Kotoko
On 6th April 1981, which is exactly 39 years today Abedi Pele and his RTU side stormed Kumasi & handed Kotoko a 0-1 defeat to break their home invincibility.
The scorer of the all-important goal was PMK Kusi a.k.a Teacher Kusi. He scored from a well-taken freekick in the 40th minute to beat Sam Ampeh.
16-year-old Abedi Pele was in the thick of events and he was a thorn in the flesh of the Kotoko players.
Kotoko starting line-up
Ampeh, Gyaabah, Zito, Duku, Gyekye, Papa Arko, Opoku Afriyie, Kofi Badu, Nuru, Opoku Nti, Frimpong
Source:Â pulse.com.gh
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COVID-19: DIY nose masks cant protect you Former GHS Director
A former Director-General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr Ebenezer Appiah-Denkyira, has warned Ghanaians against producing and wearing their own face or nose masks because it cannot protect them from the deadly coronavirus.
According to him, like the hand sanitizers, the nose and facemasks must meet the standards of the Ghana Standard Authority.
Some Ghanaians have taken advantage of the pandemic to produce nose masks from wax prints and other materials.
But in an interview on Accra-based radio station, Starr FM, Dr Appiah-Denkyira explained that, “You cannot just put on any ordinary face and nose masks because when it soaks it affects the bearer so it is not advisable to produce your own nose or face mask.â€
Meanwhile, government has selected five local manufacturing companies to start producing nose masks to help fight the Coronavirus disease.
Commenting government for the move, Dr Appiah-Denkyira however called on government to target densely populated areas such as Choker, James Towm, Nima and others for screening.
Source: graphic.com.ghÂ
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Lumor among 20 players in Mallorca due for contract extension
The Coronavirus pandemic has affected the football calendar immensely and thus players on loan at various clubs may see their contracts end without completing the season.
Spanish club Mallorca will be hardly hit during this period as they are set to lose 20 players.
Most of these players will see their contract end on June 30.
Ghanaian International Lumor Agbenyenu is among the 20 players whose loan deal will end in May should the league not have bounced back by then.
Lumor joined Mallorca on loan from Portuguese side Sporting CP and has made 20 appearances for the club this season in the La Liga.
With football suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus outbreak in Spain, the La Liga season may be extended which could affect players whose contract runs out by June 30.
Mallorca may consider offering these 20 players a contract extension in order to complete the season.
According to reports FIFA is also considering a special dispensation in the area of transfers amid the coronavirus outbreak in order to ensure players are able to finish their contracts when the season resumes.
Source:Â GHANAsoccernet.com
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Thousands left homeless as fire engulfs over 800 structures at Old Fadama
Thousands of people living at Old Fadama, an urban slum area, have been rendered homeless following a fire outbreak which destroyed over 800 wooden structures on Tuesday dawn.
According to eyewitnesses, the inferno which started around 2 am spread quickly as most of the structures were made of wood.
Several properties, running into thousands of Ghana Cedis have been lost in the fire according to a report by The Ghana Report.
However, no casualties have been recorded.
The victims, who are mainly head potters(kayayei), mechanics and traders were unable to salvage any of their belongings.
They accused the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) of displaying a careless attitude towards the situation.
According to them, the Fire Service arrived at the scene with empty fire tenders tank and this, they said, added to the wild spread of the fire.
The stranded victims have called on the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and benevolent citizens to come to their aid.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
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No defender scared me in the Ghana league — Ex-Asante Kotoko striker Ahmed Touré brags
Burkina Faso hitman Ahmed Touré has boldly claimed that he was never afraid of any defender in the Ghana Premier League during his time with Asante Kotoko and Bechem United.
Touré established himself as cult hero during his stint at Asante Kotoko.
The 32-year-old played massive role in the Porcupine Warriors 2011/2012 Ghana Premier League triumph, hitting 12 goals in 28 games to clinch the championship best player gong.
He left Asante Kotoko at the end of that season before rejoining in 2016.
After spending two seasons with the Reds, Touré left to join Lebanese side Nejmeh SC on a short deal before signing for Bechem United in 2016.
The deadly poacher became a key cog for the Hunters, scoring 13 goals in 25 league games, to lead the side to 10th place finish.
During an interview with Kumasi-based Fox FM, Touré declared that though he experienced so many tough battles with defenders in the league, none of them scared him.
Touré currently plays for Congolese giants AS Vita following his two-year spell with Ivorian outfit Asec Mimosas.
Source:Â GHANAsoccernet.com
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Being popular doesnt make you sensible- M.anifest drops bombshell
Ghanaian rapper, song writer, and singer M.anifest has advised the public to be cautious of the kind of celebrities they take advice from.
Many celebrities in Ghana and abroad are fond of saying and posting quotes to motivate or make their fans feel important. While most of these quotes are senseless and practically offers nothing to the reader, some tend to inspire readers.
Well, Manifest has made it clear that popularity has nothing to do with sensibility.
He took to his Twitter page to post; “Popularity has nothing to do with being sensible. Kindly remember this before subscribing to opinions of popular people.â€
Source: ghbase.com -
Great Olympics sack four experienced players- Clottey, Saka axed
Ghanaian side Great Olympics have sacked four top stars less than a year after signing them.
Striker Emmanuel Clottey, winger Ollenu Ashitey, defender Godfred Saka and goalkeeper Ernest Sowah are among the experienced players told to look elsewhere.
The Wonder club have terminated the contract of the four veterans over poor performance, media reports claimed on Tuesday.
Olympics brought in the high-profile former Premier League start to the side at the start of the season but they failed to impress.
The Accra side have moved quickly to mutually terminate their contract amid the coronavirus crisis which has crippled football in the West African nation.
It appears a massive reshuffle in the team as they seek to sign younger players to feature in the top-flight when normalcy is restored.
Source:Â GHANAsoccernet.com
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Caleb Ekuban completes Trabzonspor attacking trio to contribute century of goals
Ghana forward Caleb Ekuban has joined striking partners Anthony Nwakaeme and Alexander Sorloth as the trio contribute a century of goals for Trabzonspor.
The 25-year old is having a good campaign with the Turkish Super Lig side after netting eight times this season, despite playing as an auxiliary striker.
In two seasons, Ekuban has scored 25 goals for the club and created 9.
His attacking partner Anthony Nwakaeme, has scored 24 times in two seasons creating 20 more in assist.
The duo were joined by Crystal Palace forward Alexander Sorloth, Trabzonspor’s leading scorer this season, having found the back of the net 25 times and made 6 assists.
Trabzonspor are currently top of the Super Lig table due to the contributions of the three players upfront.
Despite their attacking prowess the trio cost the club less than 7 million Euros.
Ekuban’s versatility and top performances has seen him attract interest from Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers with serie A contenders Lazio also linked with the attacker.
Source:Â GHANAsoccernet.com
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Prince David Osei gifts fans GHC200 each to lessen their plight amidst Coronavirus pandemic & partial lockdown
Ghanaian celebrities have really come to the party in the wake of this whole headache with the deadly coronavirus disease.
Many of them have in their own small way gone out to give out some sanitizers, toiletries, food items, and even money to their fans and followers on social media to help them stay safe.
So far, the likes of Shatta Wale, Gloria Sarfo, Criss Waddle, Medikal and his wife, Fella Makafui, Asamoah Gyan, Jackie Appiah, Ohemaa Mercy, Tracey Boakye, Edem, Joselyn Dumas, and many others have touched lives in various special ways.
Ghanaian actor/model/entrepreneur Prince David Osei is the latest person to add his name to this tall list of celebrities who have been very benevolent during these trying times.
Taking to his Instagram page earlier this morning, he shared screenshots of the money he has sent to some of his followers after they requested for help.
He captioned the post: “Pls those who sent me DM based on my earlier post..There you go ðŸ™..God bless us all.. to be continued â¤ï¸#weareinthistogether#stayhome#staysafe“
Source:Â zionfelix.net
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I will not accept a pay cut, contracts must be respected – Karela Utd captain
Captain and goalkeeper for Ghana Premier League club Karela United, Isaac Hagan has disclosed that he will not accept a pay cut if the club brings forth the proposition.
In the absence of the football season due to the Coronavirus pandemic, clubs are going through a difficult period especially as their main source of income which flows from the gate proceeds is not coming anymore.
In a bid to ensure that club owners are not overburden with player salaries, there have been calls by some administrators for players to be engaged on receiving a pay cut just as it has been done in other parts of the world.
In an interview with West FM, Isaac Hagan of Karela United has strongly opposed the idea as he observes that contracts must be respected.
“I’m not ready to accept, any pay cut from my management, it’s a contract let’s respect it because I received a small salary and I can’t compare my salary to that of European’s players who have personal sponsorshipâ€, he said.
Source:Â Footballghana.com
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If you are in need, contact your Assemblyman Government tells vulnerable
Government has directed all needy persons or persons who find themselves in need of assistance to contact their local authorities to be captured in the data of vulnerable persons.
The data will inform the government, particularly, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection of the need to urgently attend to them and ensure their needs are catered for.
According to Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, though government has factored in Kayaayei and the homeless, it has also made room for people who genuinely will need some form of assistance during the lockdown.
He noted, “I think that if there are really really people in a tough spot, they can let the local authorities know…â€
“What we will quickly ask some of these people to do is to let the local Assemblyman or Unit Committee member be aware so that the local assembly can have the aggregate of information at the assembly that says that as we did this quick audit we found out that there are an extra 100 people who are not Kayaayei etc but another 100 or 150 people within our Assembly who may require some help. And then, they working with the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection can come to terms on how to assist these persons within this one week†Kojo Oppong Nkrumah explained.
Source: abcnewgh.com
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I will like to return to the Ghana Premier League – Kim Grant
Former Accra Hearts of Oak head coach, Kim Grant has disclosed that he will love to return to coaching in the Ghana Premier League in the future.
The ex-Black Stars forward spent a year as the first team coach and Director of Football for the Phobians before he was shown the exit door.
His sacking came about after he lost his first Ghana Premier League match against Berekum Chelsea on the back of talks that he did not have the required coaching license to sit on the bench of any of the top-flight clubs.
Months after leaving his post, Kim Grant says it is possible he will be back to coach in the country.
“Of Course, l will like to return to the Ghana Premier League but for now I am spending quality time with my familyâ€, the gaffer said in an interview with Big FM.
Source:Â Footballghana.com
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Ibrah One has coronavirus His beautiful wife reveals in a romantic video Watch
It is obvious young Ghanaian millionaire, Ibrah One has not contracted the deadly coronavirus disease.
Because if he has, how can one explain the decision of his wife to receive the multiple passionate kisses from him while they spend time in their bed amidst the partial lockdown declared by president Akufo-Addo.
I am pretty sure it was just a joke, a very weak one, she decided to throw into their whole love-making mood to make it more fun and interesting.
Anyway, check out their lovely video of hubby and wife time below
Source:Â zionfelix.net
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Seidu Yahaya: Ghanaian midfielder seals move to Latvian club FK Liep?ja
Ghanaian international Seidu Yahaya has completed his transfer to Latvian Premier League side FK Liep?ja.
The experienced midfielder has been in talks with the club over a possible move in the last couple of weeks.
After successful negotiations, the 31-year-old has sealed his move to FK Liep?ja from Belarusian giants Dinamo Minsk.
With the Latvian top-flight expected to commence soon, Seidu Yahaya is expected to immediately link up with his new teammates for pre-season training.
Seidu Yahaya has loads of experience after playing for the likes of AEK Athens, Meccaibi Haifa, Sherrif Tiraspol and Al Fayha.
Source:Â Footballghana.com
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Athletic Bilbao’s Iñaki Williams was named after priest who helped his Ghanaian parents
Spanish striker of Ghanaian descent Iñaki Williams was named after a Catholic priest who helped his parents when they arrived in Spain from Africa.
His parents decided to name him Inaki after the priest Iñaki Mardones who ensured that his parents, who were immigrants succeded in the European country.
When Iñaki’s parents Félix and MarÃa arrived in Spain in 1994 they had nothing but thanks to the priest they were able to have a life in Bilbao.
“I went to pick them up at Abando [railway] station,” Mardones said told Spanish magazine.
A young Iñaki Williams in the hands of priest with parents around
According to him, it was not easy taking care of them especially as Maria was eight months pregnant at the time.
He narrates how difficult it was getting Maria to the hospital because she didn’t have a health card.“It was difficult at first as they did not have a health card, to follow Comfort’s pregnancy, it was necessary to use health professionals who were sensitizedâ€
This happened until June 15, 1994, the day of the birth of Iñaki: “we went in a taxi to the hospital in Basurto,” he recalls. And the parents, grateful for their help, gave the newborn the name of the one who had given them a hand from the moment of their arrival: “together with those of life and faith, it is the greatest gift they have given me,†explains Mardones.
Iñaki William has grown to become a professional football and is already a household name in Spain, having demonstrated great attacking qualities at boyhood club Athletic Bilbao.
The 25-year-old has made over 180 appearances for Bilbao and has scored 40 goals.
Source:Â GHANAsoccernet.com
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I had to swerve Medeama SC for Asante Kotoko- Empem Dacosta
Asante Kotoko defender Empem Dacosta has revealed how he turned down Medeama SC to join the Kumasi-based club.
According to Dacosta, a call from the former management of club, Mr. Edmund Ackah turned his head in favor of the Porcupine Warriors.
“I had to swerve Medeama for Kotoko, I was in the office of Mr Moses Parker when Mr Edmund Ackah of Kotoko called me,†Dacosta told Kumasi FM
“I quickly left for Kumasi for my medicals and eventually signed for Kotoko.â€
Dacosta joined Kotoko on a three-year deal from fellow Premier League side Karela United for their 2019 CAF Champions League campaign.
The defender is likely to join Legon Cities after failing to command a starting place in the team.
Source: ghanaweb.com
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I am proud that I built the directorate to where it is- Oti Akenteng
Former Technical Director of the Ghana Football Association, Francis Oti Akenteng has commended himself for the work he did during his tenure.
The 65 year old will not continue his role as the Technical Director after the GFA opted against extending his contract after 14 years of service.
The GFA are now searching for his successor.
In an interview with Joy Sports,Oti Akenteng noted that it is not easy to make decisions in that role.
“I am so proud that I headed the technical directorate and built it to where it is. It is not easy to be at the pinnacle of a whole football association where all the technical decisions are on you.â€
Source:Â Footballghana.com
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Malik Jabir applies for GFA technical director job
Black Stars and Asante Kotoko legend Malik Jabir has applied for the vacant Ghana football Association Technical Director Role.
The Ghana Football Association wants a replacement for Francis Oti Akenten, whose contract expired at the beginning of March.
The former Asante Kotoko Coach confirmed this in an interview with Kumasi based Ashh FM.
†I have applied for the Ghana Football Association technical director role. With my experience in football and coaching I think I am capable of doing a good job for thereâ€
Malik Jaber is the second local coach to publicly express his interest in the job after Bashir Hayford.
He has previously coached ASFA Yennega in Burkina Faso and was once a technical advisor for Nigerian club Kano Pillars.
Source:Â Footballmadeinghana.com
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Besiktas grant K.P Boateng permission to return home
Turkish giants Besiktas have granted Ghanaian forward Kevin Prince Boateng permission to return home.
The German born Ghanaian has been in quarantine for the past two weeks following the suspension of the Turkish Super Lig due to the spread of coronavirus.
The team had earlier rejected his request to leave the country due to inactivity.
But the Turkish Football Federation have announced that all foreign players, who want to leave for their home countries be given the chance to go home.
Besiktas have asked the on-loan Fiorentina star to make sure he is available when he is recalled to camp.
Boateng and his family are expected to leave Turkey in the coming days for Germany, where the situation looks controllable.
The 32-year old joined Besiktas in the January transfer window from Fiorentina and has already settled, after three goals in six games.
Source:Â GHANAsoccernet.com
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Charles Taylor launches attack on current local players, says they are not serious
Celebrated Ghanaian footballer, Charles Asampong Taylor has blasted local players for not exhibiting seriousness in their game.
During a discussion on GTV Sports plus over the weekend, the former Black Stars forward said that it is the bad attitude of players in the local leagues that have forced the public to lose interest in the league.
“Players of today are serious not as compared to our time. This is the reason why interest in the game is on the declineâ€, Charles Taylor said.
While blasting players for not being serious, he advised them to learn from the attitude of retired players and show the desire and hunger to succeed.
In his prime, the ex-Hearts of Oak baller was unplayable and at a point formed a partnership with Bernard Don Bortey who was equally as good.
Taylor helped the Phobians to win the treble back in the 2000s where they lifted the CAF Champions League, the Ghana Premier League, and the FA Cup.
Source:Â Footballghana.com
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COVID-19: We are not giving Kayayei monies but food Gender Minister
Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection Cynthia Mamle Morrison has refuted claims that head porters popularly known as Kayayei will be enjoying some monetary benefits from the government.
Her comment comes on the back of various news portals reporting that government had instructed the Local Government Ministry to provide GH¢10 daily to every head porter (Kayayei) in the lockdown catchment zones
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, 7 April 2020, Cynthia Morisson said, “We have the vulnerable at heart. Yesterday, I had a call that said the Kayayei wanted to be on the street because they wanted to feel free. They were actually expecting monies to be given to them. We are not giving anybody money. We are not sharing money but food.â€
She also noted that her outfit has secured an accommodation facility at Madina in the Greater Accra Region for Kayayei in the capital.
“5 buses conveyed 381 Kayayei to a shelter provided for them. This is because we do not want them to be on the street, we got a place for them in Madinaâ€.
Kayayei flee home
Following the announcement of Ghana locking down some city centers due to the Coronavirus outbreak, some head porters, numbering about 76, attempted to flee from Accra back to their hometowns, but their journey back home was unsuccessful as it fell within the lockdown time on Monday, March 30, 2020.
Their attempted crossover to the North was seen as a threat to stop the spread of the virus in the country, and they were stopped by security officials.
The attempted flee, hence, triggered the government to implement the initiative.
Meanwhile, Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has donated GH¢500 to each of the stranded Kayayei (head porters) who were stopped while on their way to the Northern Region.
The move is to ameliorate their plight during the period of the partial lockdown.
The donation was made on behalf of the Vice President by the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Hajia Alima Mahama.
Source:Â www.ghanaweb.com
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Halima Abubakar welcomes a baby boy- Congratulations are in order
Nollywood actress Halima Abubakar is the mother of a bouncy baby boy.
Halima put to safe delivery on the 3rd of April but she just shared the news with her Instagram family and has since been receiving congratulatory messages from colleagues in the industry.
In a past interview, the now new mother revealed that she could not have kids outside marriage. It looks like she has gone back on her words entirely.
We sincerely pray the birth of this child renews and brings her all the fulfilment she needs in life.
View this post on Instagram
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Premier League players prepared to step up – Taylor
Premier League players are “mindful of their social responsibilities” and “prepared to step up to the mark” during the coronavirus pandemic, says Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive Gordon Taylor.
Talks are ongoing about a collective pay deal in response to the crisis.
The Premier League proposed a 30% pay cut, but the PFA said it would harm the NHS.
“It is a question of asking players to be involved,” Taylor told BBC Sport.
“The question needs to come from the clubs and then to open up on the table and say it is not a question of us using your money for purposes you don’t want.”
Premier League players are set to start negotiations on a club-by-club basis over proposed wage cuts after talks broke down without resolution over the weekend.
Four top-flight clubs – Newcastle, Tottenham, Bournemouth and Norwich – have placed some non-playing staff on furlough leave under the government’s coronavirus job retention scheme, increasing the pressure on players to take a pay cut.
On Monday, Premier League leaders Liverpool reversed the decision to furlough some staff after criticism from fans and former players.
“It is not for me to tell clubs how to run their businesses. It is for me to look at the players’ side of things,” said Taylor.
“A football club is an entity involving non-playing staff – they need to look at the position of non-playing staff, the youngsters at clubs, the academies, the community programmes in their own areas and the bigger picture of the national health.
“I can only repeat that the players are mindful of their social responsibilities and they are quite prepared to step up to the mark to deal with it.”
Taylor said all parties involved in the talks “can agree” if there are “full and frank discussions” between clubs, owners and players.
Players are understood to be wary of agreeing pay cuts that would help billionaire owners save money which may subsequently be spent on transfers.
“The players want to do their bit into the charity that they would donate to. They didn’t want money being used for things that they didn’t agree with,” said Taylor.
“We have to deal with this on a club-by-club basis. It is the hardest way but I believe it is the best way.”
Health secretary Matt Hancock last week called for players to take a pay cut and “play their part”.
Former England captain and current Derby striker Wayne Rooney said players have been left in a “no-win situation”, and Taylor agreed they were “very put out that they were being put in a corner”.
“Many players have their own charity foundations and, within their contracts, players give six hours a week to community activities,” said Taylor.
“It is unfair the Secretary of State singled out footballers because of their profile – they are not self-employed, they do pay tax and they do contribute.”
Source:Â bbc.com
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Urgent need for government to consider a waiver on electricity bills – ISSAPR
The Institute of Security Safety and Policy Research (ISSAPR) has commended government for taking the bold step in absorbing utility bills of the household for the next three months.
According to a statement by the institute, there is an urgent need for government to further waive or reduce electricity bills so as to enable citizens to cope with the restrictions on movement.
“There is the urgent need for Government to further waive or reduce electricity bills so as to enable citizens to cope with the restriction on movement which has also increased their energy usage for activities such as distance/online learning by students, connecting with family and friends, working at home and staying abreast of developments about the COVID-19 pandemic,” the statement read.
Read the full statement below:
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
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7 super fun indoor games the whole family can enjoy this lockdown period
There are so many things that are going awry because of this pandemic and a lot more would follow suit.
Businesses would collapse, families would be torn apart, marriages would go south, homes would be broke, parents and children would be at loggerheads with each other amongst other haplessness that are not even worth mentioning.
We are all in the known that the aftermath of Covid-19 would be as damaging and tragic and we can only hope that we survive it all.
Before any of that happens, we can at least look at the sunny side of this lockdown. It would be insane to ignore how dreadful the pandemic is but we cannot say it is all rots.
If there is a single that this lockdown has brought, it is the fact that it has been able to bring everyone home. Children are home, some parents are home, siblings are everywhere, cousins and nieces and what have yous.
This means family time and family time has to be fun and engaging.
Check out a list of fun activities you can enjoy with the family this lockdown season.
Ludo
Oware
Scrabble
Family Tug of War
