TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • COVID-19 marriage: Ghanaian couple go-ahead to marry with only seventeen people in attendance -Video

    On March 15, 2020, President Akufo-Addo during his second briefing to the citizenry about measures the government is taking to minimize the spread of the deadly coronavirus disease placed a ban on any social gathering that will have more than twenty-five people in attendance.

    This meant that parties, attending church/mosque, funerals, big outdoor events, weddings, and the likes were going to be greatly affected.

    Well, it seems this Ghanaian couple, whose video has been chanced on by zionfelix.net does not really care about all of that.

    They went ahead to have their very simple but very interesting wedding ceremony somewhere in Ghana.

    In the video, I can could roughly about seventeen people at the venue, which means they did not go against the law.

    The people also made sure that they obey the social distancing rule by setting quite apart from each other at the venue.

    This is certainly a great way to cut down cost right? Anyway, check out the beautiful video below

  • Minority MPs walkout after Muntaka accuses Speaker of lawlessness

    The Minority in Parliament has walked out of the House after it’s Chief Whip Muntaka Mubarak accused the Speaker of lawlessness.

    This was after Prof. Mike Ocquaye refused to halt proceedings over lack of quorum.

    The House was considering the Corporate Insolvency Bill with only about 60 MPs in the chamber out of 275.

    One-third parliamentarians are needed to form a quorum.

    Muntaka Mubarak says Prof. Mike Ocquaye’s decision not to halt proceedings amount to a shame.

    Minority Chief Whip Muntaka Mubarak

    He interrupted proceedings with his outburst after the Speaker refused to recognise him.

    “You are condoning illegality. That is why there must be rules and order, now what you are doing means you are indulging in illegality,” he said on the Floor.

    He said the Minority kept telling the Speaker the House does not have the numbers and thus they do not have the quorum but Prof Ocquaye carried on with proceedings.

    “What is then the use of our constitution and the standing orders? This is not fair, you are abusing the privileges of this House. You are making this house lawless Mr Speaker,” the Asawase MP told the Speaker.

     

    Source: myjoyonline 

  • Coronavirus: Ghana Tourism Authority closes down beaches

    The Ghana Tourism Authority has ordered all beaches to be closed to the public until further notice.

    The decision taken is on the back of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s suspension of public gatherings to prevent the spread of the deadly Coronavirus in the country.

    In a press release sighted by GhanaWeb, it noted that “the GTA with the support of the National Security and the Ghana Police Service will begin the patrols of the beaches from Tuesday, March 24, 2020 to ensure compliance with the closure order.”

    The Authority further entreated the general public to cooperate with government to fight the virus by adhering to the order and the precautionary measures outlined by the President weeks ago.

    About coronavirus

    Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

    Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.

    Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

     

    Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

    Read below the statement

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Coronavirus: New York warns of major medical shortages in 10 days

    The coronavirus outbreak in New York will get worse, with damage accelerated by shortages of key medical supplies, the city’s mayor has said.

    “We’re about 10 days away from seeing widespread shortages,” Bill de Blasio said on Sunday. “If we don’t get more ventilators people will die.”

    New York state has become the epicenter of the outbreak in the US and accounts for almost half of the country’s cases.

    There are now 31,057 confirmed cases nationwide, with 390 deaths.

    On Sunday, the state’s Governor Andrew Cuomo said 15,168 people had tested positive for the virus., an increase of more than 4,000 from the previous day.

    “All Americans deserve the blunt truth,” Mr de Blasio told NBC News. “It’s only getting worse, and in fact April and May are going to be a lot worse.”

    New York now accounts for roughly 5% of Covid-19 cases worldwide.

    On Friday, President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for the state which gave it access to billions of dollars of federal aid.

    However, Mr de Blasio has continued to criticise the administration for what he views as an inadequate response.

    “I cannot be blunt enough: if the president doesn’t act, people will die who could have lived otherwise,” he said. “This is going to be the greatest crisis, domestically, since the Great Depression,” he added, referring to the economic crisis of the 1930s.

    Speaking at a news conference at the White House on Sunday, Mr Trump said he had also approved a major disaster declaration for Washington state and would approve a similar measure for California.

    “This is a challenging time for all Americans. We’re enduring a great national trial,” he said.

    President Trump also said a number of medical supplies were being sent to locations nationwide, as well as emergency medical stations for New York, Washington and California, the worst-hit states.

    Doctors across New York have reported depleted medical supplies and a lack of protective gear for healthcare workers on the frontlines of the outbreak.

    Warnings of such shortages have reverberated across the country as other state governors have pleaded with the federal government to make more supplies available.

    In California, officials instructed hospitals to restrict coronavirus testing. Meanwhile, a hospital in Washington state – once the centre of the US outbreak – said it could run out of ventilators by April.

    And on Sunday, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said states were “competing against each other” for virus supplies.

    “We need millions of masks and hundreds of thousands of gowns and gloves,” he said. “We’re getting just a fraction of that. So, we’re out on the open market competing for these items that we so badly need.”

    An almost $2 trillion (£1.7 trillion) emergency stimulus bill intended to blunt the punishing economic impact of the pandemic failed to pass the US Senate on Sunday.

    The bill got 47 votes, falling short of the 60 needed in the 100-member chamber.

    Democrats raised objections to the bill with Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer saying it had “many, many problems”. Democrats accused Republicans of wanting to bail out big businesses.

    Talks between Democrats and the White House are continuing.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Coronavirus: Parliament to temporarily relocate to AICC

    The Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, has hinted that the Legislature is likely to relocate to the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) to enable MPs to heed to the Social distancing measures.

    According to the Speaker, the Conference centre is spacious and would allow all parliamentarians to properly observe the measures against the spread of the COVID-19 disease.

    “As the Majority Leader suggested the other day, we are in the process of making all relevant arrangements if we can relocate temporarily to the conference centre…and carry on. Maybe this would make people realise that Parliament is in need of a more spacious place,” the Speaker of Parliament said on Monday.

    Coronavirus cases in Ghana have jumped to 24 from 21, as of Sunday evening.

    The update was posted on the government website dedicated to matters concerning the virus.

    Details of the new cases have not been disclosed.

    Among the confirmed cases, seventeen (17) are of Ghanaian nationality and seven (7) other nationals namely: Norway, Lebanon, China, France, UK.

    With regards to contact tracing, a total of 575 contacts have been identified and are being tracked.

     

    Source: Starrfm.com.gh

  • Coronavirus: South Korea reports lowest number of new cases in four weeks

    South Korea has reported the lowest number of new coronavirus cases since infection rates peaked four weeks ago, fuelling hope Asia’s worst outbreak outside China may be abating.

    The country recorded 64 new cases of Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, taking the total to 8,961 with 111 deaths.

    But health officials warn against complacency, saying the country still faces a long war against the infection.

    Europe is currently at the center of the pandemic.

    Italy reported 651 new deaths on Sunday, bringing the total there to 5,476, while Spain added another 462 deaths in the past 24 hours for a total of 2,182.

    In New York, the city mayor warned of a worsening outbreak, with damage accelerated by shortages of key medical supplies.

    And the expectation that the battle against the virus will be a long one was reinforced by news from Japan that its prime minister has admitted for the first time that the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games could be postponed.

    How different is South Korea’s approach?

    Nearly 20,000 people are tested every day for coronavirus in South Korea, more people per capita than anywhere else in the world.

    The country has created a network of public and private laboratories and provides dozens of drive-through centers where people with symptoms can check their health status.

    South Korea developed its approach after an outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) in 2015, when 36 people died in the country, which had the second-largest number of Mers cases after Saudi Arabia.

    Mers forced the country to reassess its approach to infectious diseases and its Centres for Disease Control set up a special department to prepare for the worst, a move which appears to have paid off.

    Laws on managing and publicly sharing information on patients with infectious diseases changed significantly after Mers and could be seen in action this year when the government used phone alerts to tell people if they were in the vicinity of a patient.

    This weekend, the government stepped up preventative action by sending out emergency alerts urging people to stay away from places which encourage mass gatherings such as churches, karaoke rooms, nightclubs and gyms.

    It also asked religious leaders to check the temperature of followers and keep them at least two metres apart during any services they deemed necessary.

    A number of churches are now facing legal action after violating the guidelines.

    Why is South Korea fearing a new wave?

    The country has seen two waves of infections, Yonhap news agency reports, the first beginning on 20 January with the first confirmed case, and the second with mass infections among a religious group.

    Now there are fears that imported cases could fuel the third wave.

    The government plans to install around 20 phone booth-style test facilities inside Incheon Airport to speed up the process of testing all arrivals from Europe.

    The new entry procedures started on Sunday. So far 152 people have arrived in the country showing symptoms of the virus and they are awaiting their test results.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Coronavirus: 3 persons quarantined in the Ashanti region

    Three persons suspected to have contracted the coronavirus have been quarantined in the Ashanti region.

    Chief Executive Officer of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Dr. Oheneba Owusu Danso, said samples have been taken from them for testing.

    Dr. Danso disclosed this at a press conference organised but the regional health directorate in Kumasi, today, Monday, 23 March 2020.

    The nation has recorded 24 cases of the coronavirus with one death.

    Out of the number recorded, four of the cases are from the Ashanti region.

    Dr. Danso advised Ghanaians not to depend solely on hand sanitizers but ensure that they clean their hands regularly and adhere to social distancing and other precautionary tips.

    He also entreated Ghanaians to take more fruits and vegetables to build their immune system to withstand diseases.

    For his part, the Regional Health Director, Dr. Emmanuel Tenkorang, also advised the aged to self isolate themselves and stop hugging people to protect themselves from the disease.

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • Minority walks out of parliament over Corporate Insolvency Bill

    Parliament on Monday witnessed a staged walkout by the minority as the chamber was considering the Corporate Insolvency Bill, 2019.

    According to the Minority Chief Whip, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, it was inappropriate for the Speaker of Parliament, Prof Mike Aaron Oquaye, to go ahead with the proceedings requiring members to vote because they don’t form a quorum.

    The Corporate Insolvency Bill which was supposed to be passed within the first quarter of 2019 is expected to promote efficient closure and transfer of assets of businesses which are no longer viable, and a proper winding up of businesses where the members for other reasons, decide to cease operations.

    The bill when passed seeks to improve the quality of the legal regime for corporate bodies and their administration when they become insolvent.

    More to follow…

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • You are abusing parliament – Muntaka tells Speaker

    Minority Chief Whip, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, has chided the Speaker of Parliament Prof Mike Aaron Oquaye for holding proceedings though the house fell short of the constitutionally required quorum.

    His comments come on the back of the the House deliberating on the Corporate Insolvency bill 2019.

    Speaking on the floor of Parliament today, he raised concerns on the need for the Speaker to observe Article 104 of the Constitution.

    The said article stipulates that “104. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this Constitution, matters in Parliament shall be determined by the votes of the majority of members present and voting, with at least half of all the members of Parliament present. (2) The Speaker shall have neither an original nor casting vote.”

    According to the minority chief whip, it is illegal for the speaker to carry on proceedings which require members to take a decision on the Bill under consideration.

    On his part as the Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, called out the minority chief whip for not being circumspect with his pronouncements.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • We were not consulted before Parliament legalised cannabis for industrial use – Mental Health Authority

    Chief Executive Officer for the Mental Health Authority, Dr. Akwasi Osei has said they were not consulted before the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes law was passed.

    He made this known on the Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm Monday, March 23, 2020.

    “We were not consulted before the bill was passed. This troubling and unfortunate. When you see the MPs, tell them I say the passage was a terrible thing for the country. We would blame them for any negative impact of this passage,” he said.

    Ghana has legalised the use of cannabis for health and industrial purposes.

    This is after Parliament passed the Narcotics Control Commission Bill, 2019 on Friday (March 20, 2020).

    The law empowers the Minister for Interior to grant licences for the cultivation of cannabis of not more than 0.3 percent THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that gives the users a high sensation, for industrial and medicinal purposes.

    Per the law, makes the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) has been made a Commission with enhanced powers to oversee the industrial use of some narcotic substances.

    But Dr. Akwasi Osei believes the passage would have serious health implications for the country.

    He lamented the passage would cause more harm than good for the country.

    He hinted he would write to the president to reject the law by refusing to accent his signature to it.

    “I am currently writing a letter to the president to asks him to reject the law. He should not accent his signature to the law. It is dangerous and in five years, we will regret passing this law.”

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • NPP Chairman exposed in galamsey activities in Ellembelle District

    A group of small-scale miners in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region have implicated the constituency Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Samuel Akainyah popularly known as Atito in their galamsey activities.mining

    According to the miners, the NPP Chairman and his constituency secretary, Mr John Nwolley have greater share in the proceeds from their galamsey enterprise under the guise of giving them the required backing and protection to perpetuate their galamsey activities.

    A miner, Mr. Kofi Akapoo, flanked by the Western Regional Chairman of Small-Scale Mining Association, Mr. Daniel Kaku Mensah and other miners, told a news conference at Anwia in the Ellembelle District.

    According to him, following a tip-off, the District Chief Executive (DCE) led the District Police Command to arrest the miners on Wednesday, March 18, 2020.

    He said since the seven mining groups entered into a contract of GHc10,000 every two weeks with Chairman Akainyah, they petitioned his office to intervene to bail them out of cells but he turned his back on them.

    Mr. Akapoo was categorical that the miners have signed a community mining document with Chairman Akainyah but have not signed any document with the DCE.

    Mr. Akapoo wondered why Chairman Akainyah had not been able to streamline their operations to move away from galamsey to Community Mining after collecting Ghc140,000.00 from the seven groups of miners since they started the galamsey operations in October 2019.

    Mr. Akapo dismissed the rumour that the DCE collected GHc10,000 each from the 7 groups upon seizure of their excavators at the galamsey sites.

    He defended that the DCE had never collected a pesewa from the Miners.

    “Even when we tried to compensate the DCE with money, he turned the amount down and cautioned us to stay away from galamsey”.he revealed.

    In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb’s Western Regional Correspondent Daniel Kaku, the Chairman of the National Small Scale Mining Association, Mr. Napoleon Tandoh who guaranteed bail to the arrested Miners said after petitioning the DCE and the District Command, the miners have been given one month for the filling and reclamation of the degraded land.

    He commended the DCE for making a bulldozer available to fill the galamsey pits and an excavator to reconstruct all choked river bodies which happen to be the source of drinking water to three communities namely: Anwia, Teleku-Bokazo and Nkroful.

    Mr. Tandoh thanked Hon. Kwasi Bonzoh and the Police Commander for granting them bail.

    He, on behalf of other miners, thanked the DCE for giving the Miners the assurance to roll out the Community Mining project in the District which is expected to employ about 10,000 workers.

    The Western Regional Chairman of the Small Scale Miners Association, Mr. Daniel Kaku Mensah condemned the act of Chairman Akainyah for giving a false hope to the miners to streamline their operations to secure a Community Mining license for them to continue with the mining.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Rastafari Council applauds Parliament for legalising weed for medical use

    The Rastafari Council have applauded Ghana Parliament for legalising cannabis for health and industrial purposes in the country.

    On Friday 20th March 2020, Parliament passed the Narcotics Control Commission Bill, 2019, which transforms the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) into a Commission with enhanced powers to control and eliminate trafficking of prohibited narcotic drugs.

    Per the new law, NACOB also becomes a Commission with additional powers to oversee the industrial use of some narcotic substances.

    The new law empowers the Minister for Interior to grant licences for the cultivation of cannabis of not more than 0.3 percent THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that gives the users a high sensation, for industrial and medicinal purposes.

    Reacting to this development, the Rastafari Council who have been advocating the legalisation of cannabis over the years congratulated the government and urged it to take advantage of this opportunity to initiate policies to industrialise the production and processing of cannabis in the country as part of the Ghana Beyond Aid agenda.

    “The legalisation of Cannabis in Ghana paves the way for sustainable job creation, income opportunities for households and marginalised populations, enhanced foreign capital remission through export, lawful access to medicinal advancements in cannabis, and the regeneration of lands which have been destroyed through surface mining and acts of environmental degradation,” the Council said in a statement.

    The Council admonished the public to abide faithfully by the regulatory requirements contained in the Act in order to realise its objects.

    The Council further said it looks forward to engage further with Parliament and the various arms of government on ways to harness the enormous economic, medicinal and environmental prospects of cannabis legalisation.

    Already, countries like Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Lesotho, and South Africa are among African countries that have decriminalised the use of cannabis for health purposes.

    source: classfmonline.com

  • Coronavirus: Germany bans groups of more than two to curb virus

    Germany has expanded curbs on social interactions to try to contain the coronavirus outbreak, banning public gatherings of more than two people.

    In a televised address, Chancellor Angela Merkel said “our own behaviour” was the “most effective way” of slowing the rate of infection.

    The measures included closing hair, beauty and massage studios. Other non-essential shops had already been shut.

    Shortly afterwards, Mrs Merkel’s office said she would quarantine herself.

    A doctor who vaccinated her on Friday against pneumococcus, a pneumonia-causing bacteria, had tested positive for coronavirus. The chancellor, 65, will be tested regularly in the next few days and work from home, her spokesman said.

    Germany, Europe’s largest economy, has so far confirmed 18,610 cases and 55 deaths from Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus.

    People will not be allowed to form groups of three or more in public unless they live together in the same household, or the gathering is work-related. Police will monitor and punish anyone infringing the new rules.

    Restaurants will now only be allowed to open for takeaway service. All restrictions apply to every German state, and will be in place for at least the next two weeks.

    “The great aim is to gain time in the fight against the virus,” said Mrs Merkel, urging citizens to keep contact outside their own household to an absolute minimum and to ensure a distance of at least 1.5m (5ft) from another person when in public.

    Italy, the worst-hit European country, reported 651 new deaths on Sunday, bringing the total there to 5,476, according to the government. The figure is the second-worst daily total but less than that announced on the previous day.

    The number of confirmed cases in the country – where people have been largely confined to their homes for two weeks – has risen from 53,578 to 59,138, the lowest rise in percentage terms since the outbreak began.

    Earlier, President Sergio Mattarella said he hoped the rest of the world could learn from Italy’s troubles. He said citizens across the European Union needed to feel the bloc was taking concrete action to combat the virus.

    Meanwhile, Spain registered its worst figures so far after 394 people died in a single day, bringing the national total to 1,720. Officials said the number of new daily registered cases, like Italy, had also fallen from Saturday to Sunday.

    The government is seeking to extend the state of emergency until 11 April, a step that needs to be approved by parliament. The measure introduced on 14 March bars people from all but essential outings.

    “We’re at war,” Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said, a day after warning that “the worst is yet to come”. Also on Sunday, the government announced it would restrict entry at air and sea ports for most foreigners for the next 30 days.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Police kills armed robber in shootout, rescues 16 goats

    A suspected armed robber has been shot to death in a shootout with a police personnel at Aboaso near Mamponteng in the Kwabre District in the Ashanti Region.

    Two of his accomplices are said to be on the run and are being tracked by the police.

    According to official police sources, a patrol team on Saturday dawn spotted a Toyota corolla taxi cab with registration number GM 4893 13 with two other male occupants on board and signaled the driver to stop.

    The driver who ignored the signal instead, fired at the police two times but they returned fire and a bullet hit the driver.

    He lost control and the car eventually ran into a stationary Kia Pregio mini bus parked in a nearby fitting shop.

    The two accomplices on board, immediately alighted and bolted but a team of investigators on arrival at the scene found out that the driver of the vehicle was dead behind the steering wheel.

    A search conducted in the taxi revealed 16 live goats and one sheep found in the boot and at the back seat. Some of the animals had their mouths tied up with black cello tape.

    Also found were two live AA cartridges, two cutlasses, a plier, one screw driver, a lighter, quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, a Tecno mobile phone and five bundles of black sellotapes.

    Two used AA cartridges were also found at the spot where the suspects fired at the police.

    The body of the deceased driver has since been deposited at the Methodist Faith Healing Hospital at Ankaase for preservation, identification and autopsy.

    Source: MyNewsGh.com

  • Coronavirus is real – Elikem Kumordzie

    Fashion designer and actor, Elikem Kumordzie has taken to social media to advise Ghanaians to take the coronavirus seriously, saying it is real.

    Elikem who is one of the people that have been quarantined by government, shared a video of his experience after he and others were quarantined when they touched down at the airport.

    “I am in a government quarantine, and I want to bring your mind to the fact that this thing is real, coronavirus is so real”, he said.

    The government as part of measures in ensuring there is decrease in the spread of the coronavirus has directed all travelers to be quarantined for 14 days.

    This initiative came shortly before the country shut all of its borders, except to goods and essential cargo.

    Detailing his experience from the airport to the hotel, Elikem Kumordzie had nothing but praise for the government and the initiative it had taken to help curb the spread of the virus.

    According to Elikem: “There was an announcement just before the plane landed, that we were going to be quarantined for between 72 hours to 14 days. We waited for an hour to two hours, and then we were transported to the hotel. What I liked most was the fact that they involved all the forces in the exercise, the police, and the army.”

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Ghanaian lad Justin Kumi named in Italy U16 youth division best XI

    Sassuolo whiz kid Justin Kumi has been chosen as the best-attacking player amongst his peers in Italy’s U16 League.

    In a selected 11 put together by Italian website lagiovaneitalia, Kumi ranked the highest for players in his position with a rating of 62.5.

    There 939 footballers in the U16 league.

    Kumi has been Sassuolo’s most prominent player and a regular fixture this season with 12 goals and 3 assists.

    His score of 62.5 was the highest rate on the sheet.

    Born to a Ghanaian father and an Italian mother, the 15-year-old has received adulation from Neroverdi fans for his entertaining displays and ebullient presence in the Youth Championship.

    Kumi joined Sassuolo this season from Giorgione Calcio in Castlefranoco.

    His precocious talent has already earned him a deal with kit sponsors Adidas.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Hearts of Oak set to sign Asokwa Deportivo youngster Emmanuel Osei

    Ghana Premier League giants Hearts of Oak SC are set to complete the signing of Asokwa Deportivo midfielder Emmanuel Osei in the on-going transfer window.

    The Phobians have inquired about the availability of the youngster over a possible switch and are currently locked in negotiations with the club.

    Osei has been on the radar of several clubs in the Premier League following his exploits with the Division One side, having led them eliminate Asante Kotoko SC in the 2019/20 MTN FA Cup round of 64 at the Obuasi Len Clay stadium.

    The highly-rated youngster has scored four goals in 10 games for Asokwa Deportivo in the 2019/20 Division One League season.

    Meanwhile, “The Ghana Football Association has suspended all its competitions with immediate effect until further notice following the directives given by the President of the Republic.

    Source:  footballghana.com

  • COVID-19: A lot of lessons to be learnt in these times Sarkodie

    Rapper, Sarkodie has admitted that there is a lot to learn from the Coronavirus pandemic by both Ghanaians and the rest of the world

    Ghana has so far recorded 21 confirmed cases with one death.

    The country has now after several months closed down its borders to human traffic.

    Reacting the rising figures, the rapper who is known across the world said: “A lot of lessons to be learnt in these times”.

    His tweet was backed by his followers who believed that Ghana and the world, in general, will take its health issues seriously after the fight against the Coronavirus.

    Source: MyNewsGh.com

  • The city’s mayor, Bill de Blasio warned that “people will die who could have lived otherwise”

    At least 23 people have died in one of Bogotá’s largest jails after what the authorities are calling a mass breakout attempt amid rising tensions over coronavirus.

    Colombia’s Justice Minister Margarita Cabello said 83 inmates were injured during a riot at La Modelo prison.

    Inmates at prisons across the country held protests on Sunday against overcrowding and poor health services during the coronavirus outbreak.

    The justice ministry is investigating.

    Ms Cabello said 32 prisoners and seven guards were in hospital. Two guards are in a critical condition.

    She said the violence was a coordinated plan with disturbances reported across 13 of the country’s prisons.

    Denying claims of unsanitary conditions amid fears of a coronavirus breakout, she said: “There is not any sanitary problem that would have caused this plan and these riots.

    “There is not one infection nor any prisoner or custodial or administrative staffer who has coronavirus.”

    She said prisoners had run amok and some would be charged with attempted murder, and damage to property.

    A large number of relatives gathered outside the gates of La Modelo prison to await news of their loved ones. They said they had heard of shots being fired after the security forces arrived.

    Videos posted to social media showed inmates setting fire to mattresses.

    The country’s 132 prisons have an 81,000-inmate capacity but house more than 121,000 prisoners, according to figures from the justice ministry.

    So far, there have been 231 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Colombia and two people have died.

    The country is set to begin a nationwide quarantine from Tuesday which is expected to last 19 days. It will restrict residents’ movements with the exception of medical staff, security forces and pharmacy and supermarket staff.

    People over the age of 70 have been told to stay indoors until the end of May.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Coronavirus: New York warns of major medical shortages in 10 days

    The coronavirus outbreak in New York will get worse, with damage accelerated by shortages of key medical supplies, the city’s mayor has said.

    “We’re about 10 days away from seeing widespread shortages,” Bill de Blasio said on Sunday. “If we don’t get more ventilators people will die.”

    New York state has become the epicentre of the outbreak in the US and accounts for almost half of the country’s cases.

    There are now 31,057 confirmed cases nationwide, with 390 deaths.

    On Sunday, the state’s Governor Andrew Cuomo said 15,168 people had tested positive for the virus., an increase of more than 4,000 from the previous day.

    “All Americans deserve the blunt truth,” Mr de Blasio told NBC News. “It’s only getting worse, and in fact April and May are going to be a lot worse.”

    New York now accounts for roughly 5% of Covid-19 cases worldwide.

    On Friday, President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for the state which gave it access to billions of dollars of federal aid.

    However, Mr de Blasio has continued to criticise the administration for what he views as an inadequate response.

    “I cannot be blunt enough: if the president doesn’t act, people will die who could have lived otherwise,” he said. “This is going to be the greatest crisis, domestically, since the Great Depression,” he added, referring to the economic crisis of the 1930s.

    Speaking at a news conference at the White House on Sunday, Mr Trump said he had also approved a major disaster declaration for Washington state and would approve a similar measure for California.

    “This is a challenging time for all Americans. We’re enduring a great national trial,” he said.

    President Trump also said a number of medical supplies were being sent to locations nationwide, as well as emergency medical stations for New York, Washington and California, the worst-hit states.

    Doctors across New York have reported depleted medical supplies and a lack of protective gear for healthcare workers on the frontlines of the outbreak.

    Warnings of such shortages have reverberated across the country as other state governors have pleaded with the federal government to make more supplies available.

    In California, officials instructed hospitals to restrict coronavirus testing. Meanwhile, a hospital in Washington state – once the centre of the US outbreak – said it could run out of ventilators by April.

    And on Sunday, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said states were “competing against each other” for virus supplies.

    “We need millions of masks and hundreds of thousands of gowns and gloves,” he said. “We’re getting just a fraction of that. So, we’re out on the open market competing for these items that we so badly need.”

    An almost $2 trillion (£1.7 trillion) emergency stimulus bill intended to blunt the punishing economic impact of the pandemic failed to pass the US Senate on Sunday.

    The bill got 47 votes, falling short of the 60 needed in the 100-member chamber.

    Democrats raised objections to the bill with Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer saying it had “many, many problems”. Democrats accused Republicans of wanting to bail out big businesses.

    Talks between Democrats and the White House are continuing.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Coronavirus: NDC parliamentary candidate leads medical experts to sensitize Jomoro residents

    Correspondence from the Western Region

    The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate for Jomoro Constituency of the Western Region, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, has began sensitisation in the area to educate residents on the deadly coronavirus.

    The dreaded Coronavirus is wrecking havoc across the globe. There has been some level of public campaign and awareness creation on the virus in some parts of the country but very little in that regard, in the Jomoro Constituency.

    This worrying development has necessitated some action from the NDC Parliamentary Candidate of Jomoro who has began embarking on public education and awareness creation on the preventive measures against the killer virus.

    Constituting a team of medical experts to assist her with this exercise, the NDC PC for Jomoro started her public education on the preventive measures for Covid-19 on Thursday, 19th March, 2020.

    Herself and her team commenced the exercise from Tikobo No.1 market where some nurses in her team educated market women and children on the proper way of handwashing.

    With 6 Veronica Buckets for handwashing stationed at vantage points in the Tikobo No.1 market with at least two medical professionals at each station, education for market women began with demonstration of the proper way of handwashing.

    She also distributed 50 ml hand sanitizers to market women for protection against Covid-19.

    Day two of her campaign took her to the various radio stations in the Constituency to educate the people about the virus.

    On New Day FM, her team of medical professionals educated listeners on the deadly Coronavirus and ways of preventing the spread.

    Key amongst the points raised by the medical professionals on the preventive measures was keeping proper personal hygiene, avoidance of handshaking and avoiding crowded places.

    There was public education also on West FM in Elubo. She also donated hand sanitizers, 200 packs of nose masks and 200 packs of gloves to the various security services in the area and these were the beneficiary security services; Fire service, Police service and Ghana customs and Immigration service.

    The team also educated Elubo market women on covid-19 as well as the proper handwashing techniques.

    Four handwashing centres were set up in Elubo at vantage points for the public education on proper handwashing.

    On Saturday, March 21, 2020, she led her medical team to educate the good people of Jaway Wharf about the virus.

    Dorcas Affo-Toffey who is also a philanthropist donated alcoholic-based hand sanitizers, nose masks, hand gloves to the residents.

    She provided the community which is also a border town with Veronica Buckets.

    Security personnel at the Jaway Wharf border were not left out. She, therefore, took the opportunity to encourage them to adhere to the President’s directives.

    In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb’s Western Regional Correspondent, the NDC Parliamentary Candidate expressed worry over the deadly virus and prayed to God to have mercy on the world.

    She urged the residents to adhere to government’s preventive measures and asked them to pray earnestly to God.

    She was optimistic that very soon the deadly Coronavirus would stop spreading.

    She, therefore, called on other benevolent organizations to join the campaign against the virus.

    She commended the media for the active role they were playing in the fight against the virus and urged the media to continue to create awareness about the virus.

    Some residents who spoke to the Western Regional Correspondent expressed satisfaction about the initiative.

    They stated that before the candidate’s intervention, alcoholic-based hand sanitizers and other preventive items became their headache.

    They said they were finding it very difficult to get some of the alcoholic-based hand sanitizers to buy.

    They, therefore, promised to apply the preventive items to avoid contracting and spreading the deadly Coronavirus.

    Source; www.ghanaweb.com

  • Earthquake rocks Croatia’s capital Zagreb

    An earthquake has rocked Croatia’s capital Zagreb, damaging buildings and leaving cars crushed by falling chunks of masonry.

    A teenager is in a critical condition after a roof collapsed, local media say. The spire of the city’s cathedral also snapped off.

    After Sunday’s tremor, Zagreb’s mayor urged people to return to their homes given fears about the coronavirus.

    The 5.3-magnitude quake is the largest to affect the city in 140 years.

    Aside from the teenager, another sixteen people were injured.

    Panicked residents ran out into the streets when it struck around 06:00 local time and were initially told to stay out by authorities.

    “Keep your distance. Don’t gather together. We are facing two serious crises, the earthquake and the epidemic,” Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic said.

    However Mayor Milan Bandic later said they should return home. “Eighty per cent of Zagreb residents live in structures that have reinforced concrete structures,” he said.

    Several buildings were damaged, including the parliament. It will be out of action until further notice. Speaker Gordan Jandrokovic described the damage as “quite extensive”.

    The BBC’s Guy Delauney in the region says the earthquake acted as a cue for some residents to head for their holiday homes on the coast.

    But by early afternoon police had closed motorway toll booths and set up control points to prevent people entering coastal districts because of fears of spreading coronavirus, our correspondent reports.

    Croatia has more than 200 Covid-19 infections.

    People in southern Austria and Slovenia also felt the tremor.

    Source: bbc.com

     

  • Wizkid quarantines himself in the studio, making music

    Nigerian sensational singer, songwriter and afrobeat genuis, Wizkid, quarantines himself in the studio amid coronavirus outbreak in Nigeria.

    As the ruthless virus gains root in Nigeria, Star Boy, as he is affectionately referred to by his fans has quarantined himself with other record producers, working on a yet to be released song. The singer was seen with the crew listening to some cool vibes which will soon be released to music enthusiasts.

    He shared images of himself on his instastories, telling the world what he has been up to in this quarantine season.

    See images below:

    Source: ghgossip.com

  • Alderweireld donates electronic tablets to hospitals

    Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld is donating “dozens” of electronic tablets to hospitals to help sick people keep in contact with family and friends.

    The 31-year-old, who recommitted his future to Spurs earlier this season, wants to help people feel less alone during the coronavirus pandemic and while football is postponed for the foreseeable future.

    In a video address on his personal Twitter page, the Belgium centre-back said: “I hope everyone is following the government measures to stop the further thread of coronavirus

    “This virus creates many needs, especially the lack of person contact.

    “People that are sick can’t see their friends or family, so my plan is to buy dozens of tablets to give to hospitals and nursery homes, so people can video chat with their loved ones and friends, to get through this tough period.

    “In the next days and weeks, I’m trying to get those tablets to places where they can help. I hope anyone that can spare, or give, or do something to help a little bit the people in need, to see family and friends, because it will help a lot. We stay together strong.”

    His team-mate Lucas Moura spoke of his worry for his parents back home in Brazil, who he could be unable to see for some time, but stressed the need to stay positive and follow the government’s guidelines.

    “Yes, I speak to them every day, just saying the same things, to stay at home, to take care,” he said. “Of course, I am worried about my parents because for older people, it’s worse. I think about them all the time.

    “I’ve never seen a situation like this. It’s strange for everyone, different for everyone, but we need to stay positive, follow the rules, stay at home and like I said, I’m sure we will pass this and come back to normal.”

    Source: skysports.com

  • Besiktas eye Ghana’s Bernard Mensah

    Besiktas are eyeing a summer move for Ghanaian midfielder Bernard Mensah, Footballghana.com can confirm.

    The 25-year-old has emerged as star in the 2019/20 Turkish Süper Lig and has impressed hugely for Kayserispor.

    Mensah has scored two goals and registered two assists in his last five games for the Turkish side and has caught the eye several clubs in Europe.

    Be?ikta? tried to sign to the Ghanaian in the winter transfer window but the move fell through as the struggling side rejected the offer.

    As a result, he has been the subject of intense transfer speculation with other clubs expressing interest in signing him in the upcoming summer transfer window.

    Besiktas have held talks with Kayserispor over the possible transfer of the former Atlético Madrid ace but they are unwilling to meet his €3.6m fee demanded instead they are ready to offer two players in a swap deal.

    Mensah has previously played for Vitória de Guimarães, Atlético Madrid, Getafe CF and Kas?mpa?a.

    Source: ghanafootball.com

  • Liverpool deserve title – Wayne Rooney

    Wayne Rooney believes Liverpool should be given the chance to finish the Premier League season and lift the trophy as champions.

    The former Manchester United striker, who supports Everton, says not finishing the 2019-20 campaign after the coronavirus pandemic subsides would create too many problems, including “legal fights”.

    Writing in the Sunday Times, the player-coach at Derby County also indicated it may take until the end of this year to do so, but that football must follow the governments advice on how to deal with the health crisis.

    “Liverpool will win the Premier League,” he said. “Now, as you can imagine, I have Everton fans phoning me up saying: ‘The season has to be cancelled!’ And, of course, as an Evertonian and someone who played for Manchester United for 13 years, there’s a bit in me that thinks that would be good .

    “But no. Liverpool have been fantastic. They have put so much work in. They deserve this title. Can you imagine waiting 30 years and then having it taken away like this? The right decision has been made.

    “It’s also right in terms of promotion and relegation and Champions League places. These issues are so big for the clubs involved that I imagine there would be a lot of legal fights if the season was just abandoned.

    “The fair thing is to finish 2019-20 – even if we have to lose next season in the process.

    “It wouldn’t surprise me if finishing the season takes until the end of 2020. Football, like every other industry, is in unknown territory and, just like every other industry, has to listen to the advice and take all necessary precautions.

    “For me, that rules out finishing the season behind closed doors.”

    Source: skysports.com

  • Coronavirus: Ghana’s Toku in self isolation in Denmark

    Ghanaian Youth international Emmanuel Toku is currently in self-isolation in Denmark following the outbreak of the coronavirus in the European nation.

    Speaking in an interview with Accra based Happy FM, the Youngster narrated the ordeal he is going through in Denmark due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

    According to the former Cheetah FC attacker, his football club has called off all training sessions and activities and the players are forced to stay home and practice self-isolation.

    Toku says that although Copenhagen, where he stays, is not on total lockdown, the entire place is usually inactive and he is mostly just playing video games for the most part of the day.

    The former Black Satellite skipper joined Danish side club BK Fremad Amager last summer after impressing with Ghana at the FIFA U17 world cup in India.

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • Hearts target Adebayor, three others ahead of GPL second round

    Ghanaian top flight side, Accra Hearts of Oak have set their sight on securing the services of four top players ahead of the second round of the 2019/20 Ghana Premier League season.

    Local media reports suggest that interim Coach Edward Odoom has submitted names of the four players to the Board of the Accra based club as they hope to end their eleven-year title drought this season.

    The four-man list given to the Hearts of Oak Board of Directors include Niger international and joint Ghana Premier League top scorer Victorien Adebayor.

    Adebayor, 23, is one of the highest performing forwards in Ghana this season having scored 12 goals in fourteen matches for Inter Allies.

    Karela United duo Emmanuel Keyekeh and Diawisie Taylor are also on the list as is Liberty Professionals skipper Michael Ampadu.

    Hearts of Oak are currently lying ninth on the GPL log with 21 points after fourteen games played.

    The Phobians have already signed former Bechem United and Al Hilal striker Abednego Tetteh on a free transfer

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • Asante Kotoko eyes Bechem United’s Moro Salifu

    Asante Kotoko are eyeing a move for Bechem United midfielder Moro Salifu as they seek to strengthen their squad before the Ghana Premier League resumes.

    Salifu has excelled in the league thus far and Kotoko are reportedly interested in acquiring his services in the ongoing transfer window.

    The Porcupine Warriors lads have officially inquired about the availability of the 21-year-old and are expected to begin negotiations soon.

    He has made 14 appearances and scored two goals for the Hunters in the league.

    He returned to Bechem United after ending his short stint with Ivorian side Academie de Football Amadou Diallo (AFAD) last year.

    The league and other football competitions have been suspended following a ban on public gatherings due to the spread of coronavirus pandemic.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Lack of Champions League will affect signings – Arteta

    Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta admits it is a “no-brainer” the club will struggle to attract top players if they fail to qualify for the Champions League for a fourth successive season.

    The Gunners face the possibility of no European football at all next year and the financial ramifications that would entail.

    A shock defeat to Olympiakos in the Europa League last 32 has closed off one route to a Champions League return, while they sit 10th in the Premier League.

    Manchester City’s appearance in the Carabao Cup final meant Arsenal did not have a league game this weekend but instead head to Portsmouth on Monday night for an FA Cup fifth-round clash.

    Winning a record 14th FA Cup could present the best way for Arteta to qualify for Europe as it offers a place in the Europa League.

    But the 37-year-old knows the lure of Champions League football is important not only to bring in new faces but also keep hold of key talent like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.

    “I think it is a no-brainer,” Arteta replied when asked if it was easier to get players to sign when Champions League football was on offer.

    “Every player in the world wants to play Champions League and, if you talk about having this option on the table, players are in a much more open way to join this club or to renew their contract or to convince anybody because we want to be in that competition.

    “It will be difficult but this is the situation we are in now. We’ve been in that situation because we haven’t performed as well as the other top four clubs have been doing.

    “That’s the reality and we have to face that reality face to face and try to make the best decisions.”

    Source: skysports.com

  • CAF President Ahmad affirms the suspension of all continental competitions due to coronavirus

    The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Ahmad Ahmad has hinted that all continental competitions have been put on hold until further notice in light of the coronavirus outbreak.

    As the widespread of the global pandemic keeps increasing in Africa with over 1000 confirmed cases, almost all countries on the continent have already suspended all football activities.

    As CAF are playing their role in preventing the spread of the virus Ahmad affirmed that both the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the 2020 CHAN tournament are officially suspended.

    Even though there are no statements from CAF concerning other continental competitions, Ahmad says all of those competitions including the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup have been postponed to an unspecified later date.

    “The CAF organizes football, the number one passion of our content but it also goes beyond this. It participates in the development and prevention of any threats against Africa and humanity. It needs to be a symbol of progress,” Ahmad said.

    “Which is why to take our responsibilities and prevent the spread of the virus, we have deiced to postpone all competitions including the 2021 AFCON qualifiers and the 2020 CHAN along with the 42nd CAF General Assembly until an unspecified date.

    “The CAF staff has been suggested to work from home since this morning until at least the end of March.

    “I understand the disappointment of millions of our African fans but the health and security of the players, officials, partners but most importantly fans are our priority.

    “This sanitary crisis is to be written in the history books as it is a fight even nation is taking part in. And I hope to see Africa playing an exemplary role.”

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Thomas Partey gives hope to English clubs chasing him

    Athletico Madrid and Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Teye Partey is one of the most sought after players this season in Europe following his stellar performances for the rojiblancos.

    The Ghanaian midfielder put in a showing when his side eliminated Champions League holders Liverpool at Anfield.

    Partey has a modest release clause with the rojiblancos set at a manageable 50 million euros which can be easily afforded by the Arsenal, Manchester United who has shown interest in acquiring the midfielder.

    Athletico Madrid have tried to extend his contract and increase his release clause to 100 million euros but the player is yet to put pen to paper.

    The club has tabled improved terms before the 26-year-old central midfielder but is yet to sign it giving hope to the English teams chasing him.

    It appears Partey is ready to listen to offers from the Premier League and the rojiblancos have been alarmed with the way and manner Rodri left them to join Manchester City in the summer.

    Partey has admitted that his agents are in talks with Athletico Madrid but does not give any assurances he will stay with the rojiblancos beyond this season.

    “My agent is speaking with the club,” he said. “Sometimes what we want we can’t have but I hope everything turns out well.” The midfielder says he is “proud to attract attention from more clubs” and says it motivates him to keep improving. “Leave? Sometimes it’s not the decision of the player, but the club too. If Atlético wants me, I’ll be here until they don’t and then we will see what we’ll do.” he added.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Coronavirus: Olympic doubts grow as Canada withdraws athletes

    The 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo have been thrown into further doubt after Canada became the first major country to withdraw.

    Their announcement came shortly after the Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, admitted for the first time that the games could be postponed.

    Meanwhile, the Australian team has said it was “clear” the games could not go ahead, and told its athletes to prepare for a 2021 games.

    The games are due to begin on 24 July.

    What did Canada say?

    The country’s Olympic and Paralympic committee said it had taken “the difficult decision” to withdraw after consulting athletes, sports groups, and the Canadian government.

    It then “urgently called” on the International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee, and World Health Organization, to postpone the games for a year.

    “While we recognise the inherent complexities around a postponement, nothing is more important than the health and safety of our athletes and the world community,” their statement said.

    The Canadian later posted a message on Twitter saying: “Postpone today. Conquer tomorrow.”

    What did Shinzo Abe say?
    For weeks, Japanese officials have said the games will go ahead as planned.

    But, speaking in parliament on Monday, Mr Abe admitted for the first time that Tokyo 2020 may have to be delayed.

    “If it is difficult to hold (the games) in a complete way, a decision of postponement would be unavoidable as we think the athletes’ safety is paramount,” he said.

    But he insisted the games would not be cancelled altogether.

    The Olympics have never been postponed or cancelled in peacetime. The 1940 Olympics – which were called off because of World War Two – were due to be held in Tokyo.

    What is the International Olympic Committee’s position?
    On Sunday, the IOC said it had given itself a deadline of four weeks to make a decision on the 2020 games.

    It said postponement was one “scenario”, but insisted that cancellation “would not solve any of the problems or help anybody”.

    In a letter to athletes, IOC president Thomas Bach said: “Human lives take precedence over everything, including the staging of the games…

    “At the end of this dark tunnel we are all going through together, not knowing how long it is, the Olympic flame will be a light at the end of this tunnel.”

    What do other countries and athletes say?
    On Monday, Australia told its athletes to prepare for an Olympics and Paralympics in the northern summer of 2021.

    “It’s clear the games can’t be held in July,” Australian chef-de-mission Ian Chesterman said.

    On Sunday, the head of World Athletics, Sebastian Coe, wrote to Mr Bach to say holding the games in July was “neither feasible nor desirable”.

    USA Track and Field has called for a postponement, as has the competitors’ group Global Athlete.

    “As the pandemic gets worse and worse and there are more and more societal restrictions put in place, I think the call needs to be made now,” said British cyclist Callum Skinner, who fronts the Global Athlete.

    Source: Primenewsghana.com

  • Bernard Mensah gets his wish as Turkish league is finally suspended

    Sanity has finally prevailed in Turkey where the government has forced the Turkish Football Federation and the Sports Ministry to put on hold the Turkish Super League.

    The coronavirus pandemic has forced all major leagues in Europe to be halted but teams in the first and second-tier leagues in Turkey were still being forced to play football behind close doors.

    With all the complaints from players and coaches, the league organizers were still adamant that it will go ahead despite the dangers of contracting the deadly coronavirus.

    On Thursday, after a meeting between the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the minister of youth and sports Dr. Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoglu in Ankara, a decision was arrived to suspend all football-related activities.

    Per a release on the Turkish Football Federation website, the situation regarding Covid-19 and its effect will be monitored by the relevant bodies, while a new calendar for the leagues and competitions will be determined later.

    “The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has announced that all football activities in Turkey have been suspended until further notice because of the continuous spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19),” the statement read.

    “This decision was reached following a recommendation made by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday and a meeting between the TFF and the Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoglu on Thursday in Ankara.”

    Ghana’s Bernard Mensah had complained bitterly about the Turkish going ahead in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic spread, while former Nigerian captain John Obi Mikel had his contract canceled by mutual consent by Trabzonspor after complaining about the league being played amid the COVID-19 upsurge.

    But with the Turkish league being suspended it’s bad news for Ghana’s Caleb Ekuban whose team Trabzonspor sits atop the pile.

    Source: Ghanaguardian.com

  • Official: Karela United and coach Enos Adepa part ways by mutual consent

    Karela United have announced parting ways with head coach Enos Adepa by mutual consent on Saturday evening.

    Enos, a former Ghana Premier League winner, joined Karela before the start of the season in December 2019.

    However, after 15 matches in the league, he has failed to deliver on expectations as the club find themselves in the relegation zone.

    Karela are 17th on the 18-team league and have won just one of their last nine matches.

    The club assured its supporters that a new manager will be appointed before the league returns from indefinite suspension.

    Read the official statement below:

    “The management of Karela United Football Club has reached an agreement with Coach Enos Kwame Adipah to part ways by mutual consent”

    “The club would like to thank Mr. Enos Kwame Adipah for his contribution to the club since he joined in December 2019 and wishes him the best in all future endeavors”

    “The club wishes to assure all supporters and the football family that plans are in place to appoint his replacement in the coming days.”the statement read.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Kevin-Prince Boateng takes on a new look during self isolation period

    The Besiktas forward updated his fans on social media with a bald look amid the Turkish top flight suspension.

    The Ghanaian midfielder and his team mates have been sending updates of their social life to fans and Boateng decided to get them talking with a bald photo of himself, something he is rarely seen with.

    He is currently in self isolation and putting in the work to stay fit and weave his magic once again when the league gets back into action.

    The 33 year old has scored two goals in six appearances so far for Besiktas this season and is eager to add to that tally when he returns.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Derrick Sasraku to snub Hearts, Medeama SC for Aduana Stars

    Former Club Africain striker Derrick Sasraku is set to snub Hearts of Oak and Medeama SC to sign for Aduana Stars in the on-going transfer window.

    Despite reports linking the 25-year-old to these two clubs, Sasraku is closing in on re-joining the Ogya lads.

    According to his representatives, he is in advanced talks with his former club as they look to beef up their attacking department despite the impressive form of Yahaya Mohammed who has scored 11 goals in 15 games.

    Sasraku is without a club after mutually parting ways with Tunisian club Club Africain last month after joining them in 2018 from Aduana Stars, where he scored 10 goals in 23 matches to help them clinch the Ghana Premier League title.

    During his stay at Club Africain, he made 20 appearances and scored three goals for the club.

    He has been linked with a move to several clubs in the Ghana Premier League.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Cameroon’s Speaker of Parliament test positive for coronavirus

    For not wanting to comply with government instructions, the behavior of the Right Honorable Cavaye Yeguie Djibril exposed the lives of 167 deputies and their relatives.

    According to hospital sources, the President of the National Assembly of Cameroon has tested positive for Coronavirus. Indeed, the latter was part of an Air France flight declared to be high risk by the medical authorities of the Yaoundé Nsimalen international airport. The Minister of Health therefore immediately requested that all passengers on this flight observe 14 days of self-isolation.

    Concerned about his perch, Cavaye Yeguie Djibril had confused parliamentary immunity with sanitary immunity by rushing to the national assembly. He had been re-elected for the umpteenth time, president of the august chamber; as expected.

    Cavaye Yeguie Djibril attended at least 2 plenary sessions in the Cameroonian National Assembly. Are we moving towards the quarantine of the 167 deputies currently in the lower house of our parliament? The measure is more than necessary if the news of the status of the Right Honorable is confirmed.

    And if the 167 deputies are quarantined. How will we proceed to catch up with all the people with whom they have been in contact between Tuesday and today to put them in quarantine too? Question at zero francs.

    Grégoire Owona, Nourane Moluh Assana or Cabral Libii… who have taken selfies with the old king of the deputies for 28 years are called to run to the hospital to pass a test at Covid-19, before it is late!

    Source: www.afrinews.pro

  • Ghana star Mubarak Wakaso joins campaign to kick out deadly coronavirus

    Ghana star Mubarak Wakaso has joined the campaign to kick out deadly coronavirus out of the world.

    The midfielder who plies his trade in China where the virus was first discovered has delivered a powerful message in Hausa to encourage Ghanaians and the world in this difficult times.

    The virus has claimed over 10,000 lives after over 300,000 infections in the world, while Ghana have confirmed 21 cases with one dead.

    The virus has led to the suspension of all major football leagues in the world. The Chinese league was the first to be suspended.

    Wakaso signed for Jiangsu Suning F.C in January but is yet to kick a ball.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Besiktas board tells Boateng to stay in Turkey amid coronavirus fears

    Besiktas forward Kevin-Prince Boateng expressed his desire to leave Turkey to Ghana or Germany due to the spread of the coronavirus but the management of the club has asked him to stay according to reports.

    The virus has triggered the suspension of the Super League in Turkey and Boateng wanted to use that opportunity to go to his home in Germany or spend some time for the country he represented internationally, Ghana.

    The management of Turkey however wrote a short message asking Boateng to stay put.

    The 33 year old is now self isolating in Turkey and is undertaking some individual training to get himself in shape for when the league resumes.

    Find the statement below:

    “We do not want [you] to leave. This virus took captive the whole world. It’s dangerous anywhere, at risk everywhere … in Germany in this way … We understand the inconvenience, but [in] Turkey most measures [are in] the area and at least one of the attractions that the country’s epidemic. Nobody Do not panic. You have said, ”

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Efia Odo hasnt slayed for nothing, check out one property she has acquired

    Social media influencer and video vixen Efia Odo has finally proven she has not been slaying for nothing as she reveals one thing she has gained from this lifestlyle.

    Efia Odo during a Question and Answer section with her fans made this known when a fan asked her about where she stays.

    Most people are of the view social media influencers who slay have nothing to show for their lifestyle apart from expensive Iphones and flashy lifestyle.

    Well according to Efia Odo she has something worth boasting about which happens to be a house.

    This was revealed when a fan asked if where she is staying is rented or its her own place, during her Question and Answer with her fans.

    She stated clearly that she owns a house and therefore not in a rented apartment.

    See screenshot below;

    Source: ghbase.com

  • Andre Ayew among 12 players to win an award in their first EPL month

    Black Stars captain, Andre Morgan Rami Ayew is among 12 players to have won an award in their first English Premier League month.

    Ayew was named the Premier League Player of the month of August following his impressive displays in his first season in the Premier League for Swansea City in 2015.

    The 30-year-old who joined Swansea on a free transfer in the summer of 2015 scored three goals in four matches with Swansea City, leading them to the 4th place in the table with 8 points.

    Ayew did not only score against Chelsea but also followed-up with goals against Newcastle and Manchester United.

    Bruno Fernandes – February 2020 (Manchester United)

    The Portuguese midfielder has been an instant hit at Old Trafford since completing his £68 million move from Sporting Lisbon on January 29.

    Signs that United had finally bought a midfield dynamo were clear on his debut when Fernandes shone in the goalless draw with Wolves.

    Fernandes went on to star in an impressive 2-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, providing an assist against the Blues, before scoring his first goal a week later in the 3-0 win against Watford. He also set up Mason Greenwood to score the third goal that afternoon.

    Teemu Pukki – August 2019 (Norwich)

    Norwich City’s Teemu Pukki burst onto the scene at the start of this season, proving the quality he had before qualifying Norwich back to the Premier League.

    The 29-year-old netted five goals in four games in the opening month of the campaign, including a hat-trick against Newcastle and a strike on the first night of the season at Anfield.

    Things have slowed down since then, though, with Pukki netting just six times in the Premier League since.

    Anthony Martial – September 2015 (Manchester United)

    Martial burst onto the scene after completing his big-money move, worth an initial £36 million, from Monaco in the summer of 2015.

    At the time, the 19-year-old scored three goals in four league outings, including a sensational solo striker on his debut against Liverpool at Old Trafford.

    It remains Martial’s only Player of the Month prize. He has gone on to score 64 goals in 208 appearances for United across all competitions, playing a crucial role in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s front line this season.

    Diego Costa – August 2014 (Chelsea)

    The Spaniard was an instant hit at Stamford Bridge, leading the line for José Mourinho as the Blues won the Premier League title in 2014-15.

    He started strong too, scoring four goals in three games during the opening month of the season that saw him win the Player of the Month prize.

    The Spain international netted on his debut against Burnley and against Leicester before claiming a double in the 6-3 victory over Everton.

    Costa, now back playing for Atletico Madrid, was named in the Team of the Season for 2014-15 and won one more Player of the Month prize, in November 2016.

    Steven Fletcher – September 2012 (Sunderland)

    Although Fletcher signed for Sunderland in August 2012, he did not make his Premier League debut until September 1.

    Fletcher joined in a deal worth £12m from Wolves at the end of the transfer window and quickly repaid his fee with five goals in four league appearances.

    They included a double on his debut against Swansea City and the winner in a 1-0 home victory against Wigan, which was enough to see him win individual honours.

    Darren Bent – August 2005 (Charlton)

    Bent moved to The Valley in the summer of 2005 and a made a blistering start to life in south London.

    He smashed in a brace on his Charlton debut against Sunderland and went on to score in all of his first four appearances for the club, leading to him winning the Player of the Month for August.

    Bent would continue his impressive form in front of goal and finished the 2005-05 season as the highest-scoring Englishman with 18 goals.

    Teddy Sheringham – August 2003 (Portsmouth)

    When his contract with Tottenham expired in in the summer of 2003, Spurs opted against signing Sheringham to new terms and he was free to leave the club.

    Portsmouth were the ones to secure his signature as they looked for a striker capable of keeping them up in their first season of Premier League football and he looked like an instant hit.

    He scored on the opening day of the season at home to Aston Villa and then hit a hat-trick against Bolton that saw Sheringham become the oldest top-flight player to score a treble.

    His early goal-scoring form also saw him win the Player of the Month prize for August 2003.

    Robbie Keane – August 1999 (Coventry)

    Keane burst onto the scene as a youngster with Wolves and his form captured the attention of England’s biggest clubs. He was sold to Coventry at the start of the 1999-2000 campaign for around £6m.

    He got off to a flying start in sky blue, scoring a brace on his debut against Derby County. The Irishman also found the back of the net a week later in a draw at Sunderland.

    That was enough to see him handed the Player of the Month award for August 1999 and his good form continued with Keane netting 12 goals in his first 31 appearances.

    Patrik Berger – September 1996 (Liverpool)

    After a stunning Euro 1996 for the Czech Republic on English soil, Liverpool moved quickly to buy Berger from Borussia Dortmund for just over £3m.

    Although he signed earlier in the summer, Berger did not make his debut until September when he came off the bench in a 2-1 win over Southampton and immediately caught the eye of those on the Kop.

    During that month he scored back to back doubles in victories over Leicester and Chelsea, which saw him crowned Player of the Month. But only two more goals would follow in that campaign, a slightly disappointing return.

    David Ginola – August 1995 (Newcastle)

    The Frenchman arrived at St James’ Park as something of a coup. Ginola was reportedly wanted by Barcelona but ended up on Tyneside with Kevin Keegan instead.

    Such was the excitement around his arrival, Ginola only needed to score once in August to be named Player of the Month.

    Ginola was an integral part of Keegan’s team that finished second that season behind Manchester United but only scored five league goals.

    Jurgen Klinsmann – August 1994 (Tottenham)

    The German won the Premier League’s first-ever Premier League Player of the Month award back in 1994 thanks to his stunning performances on arrival in England.

    After arriving from Monaco, Klinsmann scored a header on his debut against Sheffield Wednesday. He followed that up with braces against Everton and Ipswich in the month of August which made him an easy choice for Player of the Month.

    Klinsmann scored 22 goals across all competitions in that first season in English football and went on to establish himself as a Tottenham legend. He also finished second in the 2005 Ballon d’Or standings

    Source: footballghana.com

  • MLS trio Mensah, Accam and Afful donate undisclosed sum to help combat coronavirus

    US-based trio Jonathan Mensah, David Accam and Harrison Afful have contributed an undisclosed amount of money to help the fight against Coronavirus.

    The MLS stars have contributed their widow’s mite to help deal with the deadly disease back home.

    It is being coordinated by local NGO One Ghana who have acquired gloves, industrial soap, Sanitizers, detergents, mouth and nose guards etc.

    The health material has been distributed to some communities in Accra and Tema to fight the spread of the virus.

    Jonathan Mensah has been installed captain of Columbus Crew where Afful also plays as first choice right back.

    Accam signed for expansion club Nashville SC this season and featured for the club before the league was halted.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

     

  • Coronavirus: Follow the instructions and be safe CK Akonnor to Ghanaians

    Black Stars head coach Charles Akonnor has urged Ghanaians to abide by the precautionary measures so to avoid contracting the deadly coronavirus.

    The disease, also known as Covid-19, has become a global threat, having so far infected over 300,000 people and claimed nearly 10,000 lives.

    In Ghana, the disease, 21 cases have been reported with one confirmed dead.

    “The coronavirus is here. There has been a lot of instructions about it. Let’s stick to it. One is to wash your hands and be clean, use your sanitisers very well and try as much as you can to be safe,” Akonnor said in a video posted by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on social media on Saturday.

    Akonnor had invited his first squad for Ghana’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations double-header qualifiers against Sudan.

    However, the fixtures have been called off by CAF due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Coronavirus: France-based Ghana defender Opoku makes passionate plea

    Ghana centre-back Nicholas Opoku has expressed his concern about the growing global disruptions of the coronavirus pandemic.

    The disease, also known as Covid-19, has almost brought the world to a standstill in a desperate attempt to curb the growing number of infections and fatalities.

    Over 260,000 people have been infected while more than 11,000 deaths have been recorded, resulting in a halt of almost all sporting competitions, among others.

    “As we already know, we’re in a difficult time right now. This coronavirus is causing a lot of damages in a lot of things in the whole world,” Opoku said in a video posted by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) on social media.

    “I’m pleading with each and everyone to stay safe. These [are some of the things we need to follow]: Washing your hands with soap and using sanitisers, avoid shaking hands and body contacts. Stay safe and stay healthy.

    France, where Opoku plays club football for Amiens, is among the most affected nations by the coronavirus pandemic, having so far registered 12,475 cases of infection and 450 deaths.

    In Ghana, 21 cases have been confirmed, with one person losing his life.

    Ligue 1 and the Ghana Premier League are among a host of competitions to have been brought to a halt by Covid-19.

    All public gatherings, including sporting and religious events, have been banned temporarily in the West African nation.

    Source: Goal.com

  • Kevin-Prince Boateng goes hairless

    Besiktas forward Kevin-Prince Boateng has shared a picture of him having a new look in which he has no hair.

    The 32-year Ghana international has been known to wear different hairstyles during his nomadic career.

    This coupled with his high taste for fashion has made him one of the most recognisable players in any team he plays for.

    “New hair same happy face,” read the caption of Boateng’s post on Instagram.

    Boateng is currently on loan at Besiktas from Fiorentina and has played six times in the Turkish Super Lig, scoring twice.

    The league was recently called off due to the growing coronavirus pandemic. It was still in operation last weekend despite other European leagues going on suspension.

    Although games were played behind closed doors, the decision to continue led to a backlash from players like Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel who has since left Trabzonspor.

    Kayserispor and Ghana attacker Bernard Mensah also voiced his concerns.

    Turkey has so far recorded nearly 1000 cases of the virus.

    Source: Goal.com

  • Injury-plagued Kwadwo Asamoah likely to leave Inter Milan

    Inter Milan and Ghanaian player Kwadwo Asamoah is close to the end of the road with the Nerazurri’s as his physical condition has taken a toll on him.

    The versatile players has more than often been out injured this season with one injury or the other.

    Despite Antonio Conte’s esteem for the Ghanaian, the latter could leave for physical reasons. He was part of the starting line up at the beginning of the season, but the former Juventus man has now found less space in the team due to physical problems.

    He has been tormented by a troublesome knee cartilage problem, which already in 2014 had forced him to stop.

    The purchase of Ashley Young in January has inevitably pushed Asamoah down the pecking order.

    The player has a contract with Inter Milan until June 2021 and receives around € 3 million per season.

    Asamoah’s lack of physical reliability of the former Juventus player could push Inter to sell him.

    In addition to Asamoah, Cristiano Biraghi could also leave at the end of the season.

    The idea of ??the Inter club would be to invest in another left midfielder that can alternate with Ashley Young.
    Inter think of Marcos Alonso

    The name associated with the Milanese company is that of Marcos Alonso.

    The Chelsea player has already been trained by Antonio Conte in London . The Spaniard this season is not considered indispensable by Frank Lampard and could leave England for the right price.

    Among other things, Chelsea are already working on a substitute: they like the former Inter man Alex Telles (currently at Porto) and Ben Chilwell from Leicester.

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • Coronavirus: Ghanaian trio still playing football in Belarus

    Ghanaian trio, Francis Narh, Dennis Tetteh and James Kotei are among very few football players on the globe involved in competitive football action despite the risk of coronavirus pandemic.

    On Sunday afternoon duo Narh and Tetteh started the game for Slavia Mozyr who suffered a 3-1 loss to Slutsk in the Belarus Vysshaya Liga.

    Defender James Kotei was unused as he watched the game from the bench for the entire period at the City Stadium which is the home grounds of Slutsk.

    Belarus is one the countries in Europe who have recorded less cases of the pandemic with 69 cases recorded and just 15 recoveries.

    19,000 people in the country have been tested for the coronavirus with number of cases expected to rise in the coming days.

    Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe bordered by Russia to the northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest and has an estimated population of about 10 million according to wikipedia

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • K.P Boateng will determine his own fate at Besiktas

    The Black and Whites are planning to continue with the Ghanaian star in the first place,but will make their final decision about the Ghanaian at the end of the season.

    Kevin-Prince Boateng, who joined Besiktas from Italian Serie A team Fiorentina during the winter transfer period , has played 6 matches for Be?ikta? and scored 2 goals.

    It is stated in the contract that the experienced football player, has a clause that “If he plays 45 minutes or more in 10 matches, his contract will be automatically extended”, his status in the club will be shaped in the next matches.

    The Ghanaian star, who has played 6 games for Besiktas this season, was included in the game against Alanyaspor and lasted on the field for 28 minutes.

    For this reason, it is stated that the 33-year-old star, who has to serve 45 minutes or more in 5 of the 8 matches left in the league to extend his contract, will be determined according to the performance he will exhibit.

    Testimonials will not be paid to Fiorentina

    With the football he has displayed in 6 matches in the league so far, Boateng, will not even be expected to fulfill the option requirement in his contract if he increases his performance in the remaining weeks.

    If coach Sergen Yalç?n is satisfied with the experienced offensive player, the player will wear the Besiktas shirt next season.

    Source: Ghanaguardian.com

  • Düsseldorf rule out permanent deal for on-loan defender Kasim Nuhu

    Fortuna Düsseldorf sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel has ruled out signing on-loan defender Kasim Adams permanently.

    This means the Ghana international will be returning to his parent club TSG Hoffenheim at the end of his spell in the summer.

    Fortuna Düsseldorf acquired the services of the centre back for the season with no option to buy.

    Two other on-loan players- goalkeeper Zack Steffen (from Manchester City) and Mathias “Zanka” Jürgensen (from Fenerbahçe) cannot be bought by the club.

    Adams, 24, has managed 12 league appearances for the struggling Bundesliga side.

    Source: GNA