TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Lifestyle: Why men take off their wedding rings!

    The wedding ring can be a beautiful, romantic symbol of a couple’s commitment to each other.

    But is it practical? Or even safe? In a thread on the AskMen page on Reddit , guys have been sharing just how often they actually wear their wedding rings, and all the different reasons they have for removing them.

    Read:Lifestyle: How to avoid adultery in your marriage

    Some men responded that they wear theirs every day. “I practically never take mine off,” said one commenter, while another added: “I have been without my wedding ring for no more than a few minutes in total since I put it on 9 years ago.”

    Others said that they wear theirs all of the time, except for when they’re swimming, or at the gym. And then there were some who hardly ever actually put theirs on.

    Read:Lifestyle: 50% of women in relationships have a back-up partner in mind just in case Study

    “I havent worn mine in about 29.9 of our 30 years married except for the rare formal occasion when we are dressing up to go and she pulls it out of her jewelry box and hands it to me,” reads one comment, adding that they work as a mechanic and welder. “Jewelry doesnt work for me, Id like to keep all of my fingers, if possible, and am usually too busy / hurried to remember to remove it.”

    “I only take it off for rock climbing and thats only because I got told off by a climbing instructor,” said one guy. “Apparently they can deglove your hand. Not something I wish to learn for myself.”

    Read:Why men check out other women and what it means for their relationship

    The risk of degloving or some other grisly injury is, it turns out, more common than you might think, and at the forefront of a lot of men’s minds when it comes to their wedding bands.

    “My dad had to have his cut off by a jeweler, that’s how often he removed his. However, my father-in-law got his finger degloved at work because of his ring,” said one. “Lost the finger, kept the bent ring.”

    Read:Lifestlye: 7 Ways to spark conversation with your longtime crush

    Prompted by a few other horror stories on the thread, one commenter recommended silicone wedding rings as an alternative to metal.”Im a firefighter by trade and Ive seen an AVULSED FINGER early in my career to know I never want that!,” He said.

    “I wear my silicone band 99% of the time and my Cobalt wedding band on nights out with the wife/special occasions. The silicone is very comfortable for a minimalist like myself, cheap, and easily replaceable.”

    Source: Menshealth.com

  • Coach Samuel Boadu in a stable condition after collapsing during Medeama’s win over Ashgold

    Medeama Sporting Club have confirmed that head coach Samuel Boadu is in a stable condition after collapsing on the touch line during their one nil win over Ashantigold.

    The mauves and yellows recorded yet another win over the miners at the Akoon Park but something tragic nearly happened when the head coach of Medeama complained of headache.

    Read:Medeama coach Samuel Boadu to be named as Ghana U-20 coach Reports

    Moments later the Medeama gaffer was seen going down and had to be rushed to the Pentecost hospital in Tarkwa the absence of an ambulance in a saloon car at the Akoon Park where he is in a stable condition.

    Source: Goal.com

  • Govt ctee appeals to media and stakeholders to step up advocacy against ‘galamsey’

    The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining has appealed to the media and stakeholders to step up advocacy against galamsey as the 2020 elections approaches.

    Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, Project Coordinator for the Committee, Dr Naa Dedei Tagoe said since 2020 is an election year, the miners can blackmail the appointees of the government with votes.

    Read: Galamsey forcing GWCL to consider shutting down Daboase plant

    This, she said could erode all the gains made in the fight so far, hence the need for the media and other stakeholders to keep the advocacy on.

    Dr Tagoe argued that illegal mining is a fight that needs to be sustained adding “the people on the ground need to know that we are serious about it.”

    Reports however, say the menace is back after it was quelled months ago due to a joint police-military taskforce, Operation Vanguard and a total ban on small-scale mining altogether.

    Anti Galamsey Military Deployment

    The ban on small-scale mining has since been lifted.

    Meanwhile a former Deputy Finance Minister Mona Quartey, who is currently a Director of Golden Star Resources, has charged the Committee to vividly illustrate to local communities that engaging in illegal mining activities is destroying their communal resources.

    Read: Sack MMDCEs of galamsey-prone areas Ken Ashigbey

    Galamsey back Oda

    Speaking on Newsfile, she said they could even use visuals to show them how their communities would look after the devastating effects of illegal mining hits.

    “The people who do the mining would leave and you would be living in hell,” she said.

     

    Source: myjoyonline 

  • Barca overpowered by rampant Valencia for first defeat under Setien

    Quique Setien suffered his first defeat as Barcelona manager as Valencia claimed their first home win over the Spanish champions since 2007.

    The hosts broke the deadlock when Jordi Alba deflected Maxi Gomez’s powerful strike past Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

    Gomez, who had a first-half penalty saved by Ter Stegen, completed the scoring in the second half.

    There were unsavoury scenes before the game as rival fans clashed outside the Mestalla Stadium.

    Setien had enjoyed a good start to his Barca reign, guiding the club to victories over Granada in La Liga and UD Ibiza in the Copa del Rey round of 32.

    Read:Messi scores in 700th match as Barca ease into last-16

    The visitors were quick to gain a stranglehold on possession but were almost non-existent as an attacking force in the first half, with Valencia enjoying the better of the early chances.

    Los Che were gifted a golden opportunity to take the lead when Gerard Pique felled Gomez inside the penalty area, but the Uruguayan’s spot-kick was superbly palmed to safety by Ter Stegen.

    The former Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper had to be on his toes moments later to parry another Gomez effort on to the woodwork, before tipping Kevin Gameiro’s follow-up past the post at full stretch.

    Barcelona started the second half with greater purpose and Ansu Fati almost fashioned an opening after combining well with Lionel Messi, but the teenager could only poke his shot straight at Jaume Domenech in the Valencia goal.

    Read:Atletico fight back to beat Barca and reach Super Cup final

    Messi appeared eager to take matters into his own hands as the second half progressed, dragging a fierce low effort wide of the far post before heading off target from Antoine Griezmann’s delivery.

    Gomez ended the visitors’ hopes of a late revival with 13 minutes remaining, curling into the far corner after Ferran Torres had broken clear down the right-wing.

    Former Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista thought he had made it 3-0 late on, but the Brazilian’s volley was disallowed for an infringement inside the Barcelona box.

    Second-placed Real Madrid can move three points clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga if they win their game in hand at Real Valladolid on Sunday.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Democrats undoing election, say Trump lawyers

    President Trump’s lawyers have begun defending him at his impeachment trial, accusing Democrats of seeking to overturn the result of the 2016 election.

    “The president did absolutely nothing wrong,” White House Counsel Pat Cipollone said.

    Mr Trump’s defence will last three days and follows the Democrats’ prosecution case which ended on Friday.

    The president faces two charges linked to his dealings with Ukraine.
    He is alleged to have withheld military aid to pressure the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, into starting a corruption investigation into Mr Trump’s political rival, Democrat Joe Biden, and his son Hunter.

    Read:Pelosi loses Senate Democrats on Trump impeachment delay

    The charges, or articles of impeachment, accuse him of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

    Democrats also accuse Mr Trump of making a visit by Mr Zelensky to the White House contingent on an investigation.

    Mr Trump is charged with obstructing Congress by failing to co-operate with the House of Representatives impeachment inquiry.

    The president dismisses the accusations as a witch-hunt.

    The trial in the Senate will decide if Mr Trump should be removed from office. This is unlikely as the Republicans control the Senate and any such move would need a two-thirds majority.

    Echoing a line heard from many Republicans, Mr Cipollone said Democrats were “asking you not only to overturn the results of the last election… they’re asking you to remove President Trump from the ballot in the election that’s occurring in approximately nine months.”

    Read:Democrats add last-minute evidence to Trump impeachment case before Senate trial

    “They are asking you to do something very, very consequential and, I would submit to you … very, very dangerous,” he said.

    Much of the abuse of power charge centres on a phone call in July between Mr Trump and Mr Zelenksy.

    Trump defence lawyer Mike Purpura insisted there was no quid pro quo – as asserted by the Democrats.

    “Zelenksy felt no pressure. President Zelensky says he felt no pressure. The House managers tell you they know better,” he said.

    In a news conference after Saturday’s hearing, Adam Schiff, the Democrats’ lead prosecutor, raised the disputed issue of calling witnesses.

    “The one question they did not address at all is why they don’t want to give the American people a fair trial, why they want this to be the first impeachment case in history without a single witness and without a single document being handed over.

    Read:Democrats to focus on legality for removing Trump

    “That ought to tell you everything you need to know about the strength and weaknesses of this case”.

    The leader of the Democrats in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, told reporters that Mr Trump’s defence team had inadvertently “made a really compelling case for why the Senate should call witnesses and documents”.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Civil Aviation workers want Board Chair removed

    Workers of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) are calling for the immediate removal of the Board Chairman, Air Commodore Rexford G.M Acquah (Rtd), for acting unprofessionally and outside his mandate as stipulated in the Ghana Civil Aviation Act 678.

    In a petition to the Minister of Aviation sighted by classfmonline.com, the workers are accusing the Board Chairman among many others, the micromanaging of the authority with disregard to the functions of management and staff of the authority.

    Read: Aviation Minister sparks fight over Upper East airport location

    They claim Air Commodore Rexford G.M Acquah (Rtd) is abusive and abrasive in nature towards top management as well as the rank and file of the authority- and had lots of run-in with members of staff.

    The letters were signed by the leadership of the Local Division Union, the Ghana Air Traffic Controllers Association, the Ghana Air Traffic Safety Electronics Association, the Aviation Safety Inspectors Association of Ghana, the Ghana Aeronautical Information Services Association, the Senior Staff Association and the Ghana Civil Aviation Electrical Staff Association, and copied to the Chief of Staff and the Director General.

    “His continuous unilateral imposition of his dictates and interference in the day-to-day operations of the authority as well as his unwarranted habit of threatening management and staff over internal administrative matters have become unbearable”, they alleged.

    Read: Ghana, India to collaborate in aviation sector

    Continuing, they said he has an insatiable desire for the use of authority assets despite a dedicated vehicle at his disposal and two air-condition units bought for him.

    Additionally, he controls the processes of interviews for vacant positions including sitting in as part of the panel.

    “As leaders of the Local Divisional Union and all other professional associations representing the entire general staff body, we are obliged to help build, grow and ensure the stability of the authority in particular and the aviation industry in general. Unfortunately, the actions of the Board Chairman are not in sync with the tenets of the authority”, they emphasized.

    “In essence we have agreed that we can no longer work with him and he must be removed immediately”, they added.

     

    Source: classfmonline.com

  • COCOBOD introduces slashers to improve cocoa quality

    The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has taken delivery of 100,000 pieces of motorised slashers to be distributed to cocoa farmers throughout the country.

    The slashers are to prevent the farmers from resorting to the use of weedicides on their farms and, thus, reduce the risk of having the beans contaminated and rejected on the world market.

    Read: COCOBOD already selling cocoa at new increased prices for 2020/21 crop season

    The COCOBOD banned the use of weedicides on cocoa farms and the slashers are expected to reduce the drudgery and discomfort farmers go through in managing their farms.

    Dual role

    At a two-day training workshop on the use of the slashers at Bunso in the Eastern Region, the Deputy Chief Executive in-charge of Agronomy and Quality Control of COCOBOD, Dr Emmanuel Agyemang Dwomoh, said aside from being used for weeding, farmers could also use the slashers to prune their farms.

    He described pruning as a crucial agronomic and productivity enhancement activity that must be given all the needed attention to boost yields.

    Dr Dwomoh said the machines could be used for clearing weeds, as well as cutting unwanted branches on cocoa trees without difficulty, adding that “the slashers are easy to use and can clear a hectare of land within two hours”.

    The workshop was to equip the field staff of COCOBOD with the needed knowhow on the appropriate use of the slashers and pruners ahead of the start of the mass pruning exercise scheduled for February this year.

    It was attended by more than 200 participants made up of regional managers and regional and district extension coordinators from all the cocoa-growing regions.

    Dr Dwomoh entreated the participants to pay attention to every bit of information given by the facilitators to enable them to effectively train various volunteers in cocoa communities on how to properly use the machines.

    Read: Cocoa demand exceeds supply 2 months into new season

    Pruning

    Last year, Dr Dwomoh said, they were able to prune only about 14 per cent of the areas marked for pruning.

    Dr Dwomoh said the target this year was to ensure 100 per cent pruning of all farms with the aid of the motorised slashers.

    The Head of Business at Crop Doctor, Mr Sudhir Kumar, who took the participants through the machine assembling processes and safety measures, was grateful to COCOBOD for the partnership and pledged his outfit’s support towards the implementation of the initiative.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Western Region CHRAJ calls for government support

    Madam Afua Yankson, Western Regional Deputy Chief Investigator of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has expressed concern about the lack of office space, especially for one-on-one engagements with clients.

    She further indicated that inadequate funding to deliver its mandate on public sensitization and limited means of transport to carry out investigations coupled with the distance barrier to reach clients for follow-ups and investigations also continue to hamper their operations.

    Read: Help tackle public sector corruption Akufo-Addo tells New Deputy Commissioner of CHRAJ

    Madam Yankson who expressed the sentiments in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Takoradi, noted that the challenges confronting the Commission pose a great disservice to the Commission in its operations.

    She in this regard appealed to the government to provide logistics and increase funding for the region to administer its mandates more effectively and efficiently.

    According to her, human rights violation cases such as children rights cases, property rights, women rights, economic and social rights, civil and political rights are the predominant cases that are brought before the Commission.

    She explained that the Commission was established under the 1992 Constitution of Ghana by the CHRAJ Act, 1993 (Act 456) with a three (3) broad mandates of human rights, administrative justice and anti-corruption.

    She said, CHRAJ was the National Human Rights Institution of Ghana, the ombudsman of Ghana, and an Anti-Corruption Agency & Ethics Office for the Public Service of Ghana.

    Read: Enough of fornication sermons, target corruption too CHRAJ boss to Clergy

    Madam Hanson hinted that the Commission last year recorded more human rights violation cases against the previous year and that no case on Administrative Justice and corruption was recorded.

    The Deputy Chief Investigator mentioned the loss of interest to pursue cases by complainants, lack of accurate address to trace perpetrators and inaccurate contacts to reach both complainants and perpetrators for follow-ups as some challenges they also face in handling cases.

    She urged the public to embrace education on human rights to reduce violation against others and corruption so as to improve upon the quality of life.

     

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Gbewaa Palace assault: We are sorry Police to Ya-Naa

    The Northern Regional Police Command has expressed its sincerest apology to the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Naa Abubakari Mahama and the entire Kingdom for the unprofessional conduct exhibited by some police officers on Thursday 16th January 2020 at the Gbewaa Palace, Yendi.

    Some police officers followed a driver to the Palace where he had gone to seek refuge and assaulted and injured him after he failed to stop when he was signaled by the police officers at a checkpoint on the Bimbilla-Yendi road.

    Read: Police arrests mother, 24, for dumping baby in a bush

    The five Police officers at Bimbilla in Corporal (Cpl), Kenneth Amoah Korsah, Lance Corporal ( L/Cpl), Prince Agyemang Duah, L/Cpl, Prince Setordzi Mmadzi , L/Cpl, Bruce Xonam and L/Cpl Samuel Takyi have since been interdicted by the Police Administration for their unruly conduct.

    The Northern Regional Police Commander, COP Timothy Yoosa Bonga in a statement addressed to the Ya-Naa said “we sincerely apologize and assure you that such an unfortunate incident will never repeat itself. Again, we assure you and the people of this Kingdom the best of our services.”

     

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • Missing man, 45, found decomposing in River Ayensu

    A 45-year-old who went missing for a week has been found dead in West Akyem Municipality stretch of River Ayensu in the Eastern Region.

    The decomposing body of the deceased, Kofi George, was found Saturday morning at Kwame Tia Community section of the river.

    Read: Mother of 8 dead, six others injured in Kumasi accident

    The West Akyem Municipal Director of National Disaster Management Organization(NADMO), Addo Kwasi Annor, said the body of the deceased has been buried with the supervision of Police and Environmental officers and NADMO.

    The widow told EIB Network Eastern Regional correspondence, Kojo Ansah that, the deceased husband, a farmer, left home a week ago but did not return.

    Read: One dead, several injured in a fatal accident at Nkawkaw

    The deceased left behind five(5) children.

    Police has since commenced investigations into the incident.

     

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • Whats Happening? Shatta Wale destroys the wind screen of a salon car

    The Shatta movement boss, Shatta Wale who is known for showing off his wealth, properties and extravagant lifestyle has once again shown it in a recent video.

    In a video posted online by the Shatta movement boss, he was seen smashing the wind screen of an orange salon car till it was totally damaged.

    Read:Watch a funny video of Shatta Wale jabbing and advising social media trolls

    Judging from the settings, the video was a behind the scenes shot of one of his video shoots, which he was required to damage the wind screen of the car.

    It will be difficult to judge if the car was in a good shape before it was destroyed despite how new it looked, because it is known directors often look for wrecked cars for scenes like this.

    Read:Efia Odo throws fresh insults at Shatta Wale

    Watch video below;

    Source: ghbase.com

  • DKB inspired me to organise Political Refugee after backlash – OB Amponsah

    Ghanaian comedian OB Amponsah has heaped praises on colleague comedian DKB for encouraging him to birth a programme out of a crisis.

    The comedian was attacked by NDC sympathisers over what they described as unsavoury comments he made against the former president John Mahama at the 2019 December 2 Remember event.

    Following the backlash received for his joke, the comedian has apologised to Ghanaians and Mr Mahama.

    Read:The 6 insults from NDC members that unsettled OB Amponsah

    OB in a post on his facebook page, spotted by GhanaWeb, revealed that DKB advised him to rise storm and crack more of those jokes to make people know that jokes are just jokes.

    He added that DKB’s statement birthed the idea of his just ended show ‘Political Refugee’.

    “DKB, mandem called me after my December wahala to check on how I was doing. Then he asked me “So are you going to do political jokes anymore?”. I answered “Me? Never!!”.

    Read:OB Amponsah mocks actress Vivian Jill Lawrence on social media

    He replied “Coward. This is the time to rise above the storm and crack more of those jokes to make people know that jokes are just jokes.

    You shock me waaa. That statement from him was what fueled the idea of Political Refuge, because earlier, Socrates Safo had called to suggest that I try put up a show about my plight, and I declined.

    DKB then went ahead to push some few funny bits I could develop and then asked me to look sharp. We all have our shortcomings Charlie, but when you look past them, you realize that young man is quite supportive and cute. Bigups dude,” his post read.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Dozens escape death in another Accra-Kumasi highway accident

    Dozens of passengers in two buses escaped death on the Asuobi stretch of the Accra-Kumasi highway Saturday afternoon in an accident involving multiple buses.

    The incident occurred around 5:40 pm, Saturday.

    Reports reaching starrfm.com.gh indicate that a Jeoun bus and a Hyundai Bus speeding from the Kumasi direction veered off the road in an attempt to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming Bus which was overtaking other vehicles.

    Read: Dompoase accident: I saw truck run over victims Survivor

    “These two buses were coming from Kumasi. One Hyundai bus with registration number GE 564 -18 and then a Jeoun VIP Bus with registration number GS 8198-12 all coming from Kumasi. When they got to Asuboi, there is this Articulator truck is broken down and has occupied part of the road.

    “So there was this VIP bus from Accra which did an overtaking and the driver of the Jeoun VIP bus saw that if he has to go he will crash with the bus so he veered off the road and the Hyundai bus following it also veered off the road and they climbed a small hill at the roadside,” an eyewitness Kwadwo Minta told Starr News.

    Read: Near-Fatal Accident On The Accra-,Tema Motorway, Leaving Passengers Injured

    He said occupants in the buses who were injured have been rushed to Suhum government Hospital and a Health Center nearby for treatment.

    This accident comes barely two weeks after at least 35 passengers died on the Cape Coast Takoradi road when a Man Diesel with registration number GR 5704-18 which was travelling from Takoradi towards Cape Coast and a Hyundai bus with registration number GN 3780-10 from Cape Coast towards Takoradi crashed head-on.

     

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • Bobrisky speaks on his alleged arrest & Sister Derby supports him

    Nigerian cross-dresser, Bobrisky has finally spoken on alleged news that he has been arrested by the Nigerian Police and his cars also seized.

    Instablog9ja, a popular Nigerian online portal that shared the video says Madam Bob was picked last night by some officers at his residence inside Bera Estate, Chevron Drive, Lekki.

    Read:Bobrisky arrested, all cars seized Video

    Details surrounding his arrest were vague at that moment although the portal added that it has to do with her sexual orientation.

    Commenting on the saga, Bobrisky sent a shout out to all Bloggers.

    He wrote on his Instagram handle;

    Read:OB Amponsah mocks actress Vivian Jill Lawrence on social media

    “Bloggers repeat after me…. Always get your gist right…. no soldiers arrested me or collected my cars 😂😂😂😂😂

    I heard one dead kayamata seller and her boyfriend gistlover are happy they arrested their mother !!!!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂. Same bloggers said I died last week so how come soldiers arrested my dead body 😂😂😂😂😂.”

    Sister Derby also took to his comment to react.

    “Thank goodness. I was getting angry here. ❤❤❤,”  Sister Derby wrote.

    See Screenshot Below:

    Source: celebritiesbuzz.com.gh

  • Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: Man Utd boss says there is ‘no quick fix’ at Old Trafford

    Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says there is no “quick fix” to improve his squad.

    Pressure is mounting on Solskjaer to make January signings after Wednesday’s 2-0 home defeat by Burnley.

    It was a second straight Premier League loss and the players were jeered.

    “We’ve had one proper transfer window and we’re trying to do something now,” said Solskjaer, who took over – initially on an interim basis – in December 2018.

    Read:Man Utd want to be as good as Liverpool, says Solskjaer

    During the summer transfer window, United spent over £130m on defenders, bringing in Harry Maguire from Leicester City and Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace, and also signed winger Daniel James from Swansea City.

    Solskjaer referenced the squad-building at Liverpool since Jurgen Klopp took charge in October 2015, with the Reds now 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League and the reigning European champions.

    “Jurgen Klopp spent four years building his team and they’re doing well now,” said the Norwegian.

    “It’s not going be a quick fix – eight or 10 players in the transfer window.

    “We can’t react to all the noise outside. There’ll be criticism – you’ve got to take it, you’ve got to be stronger mentally.

    Read:We played like it was a testimonial Solskjaer

    “I am, the club is. The staff are very strong mentally and we’re sticking to what we believe in. I’ve got full faith.”

    Man Utd remain ‘supportive’ of Solskjaer – but could FA Cup game be his last in charge?
    ‘Toxic, embarrassing, worst squad in 30 years’ – pundits and fans on Man Utd defeat
    Man Utd fined £20,000 for failing to control players
    BBC Sport understands Solskjaer, who succeeded Jose Mourinho, still has the support of the Old Trafford board and the 46-year-old insisted he has been “trusted” to rebuild the squad.

    “When you start on something you stick to that plan. I’m not going to change, six, nine or 10 months into the job and believe in a different way.

    “The foundation has to be laid and the culture properly set and laid down. This group is a good core of players who believe in what we’re doing to carry us forward with signings and players coming back.

    Read:Solskjaer due £5m compensation package in the event of Man United sacking

    “You need to knock the house down, you don’t just start with the roof. We’ve had some rainy days and wish that roof was on, but we can’t hide.

    “All my conversations with the club have been positive.”

    Phil McNulty answers your questions on Solskjaer’s future
    Man Utd will not pay Sporting Lisbon’s 80m euro asking price for Fernandes

    Solskjaer won’t last beyond this season – Martin Keown
    Looking ahead to the Red Devils’ FA Cup fourth-round tie at League One side Tranmere Rovers on Sunday (15:00 GMT kick-off), Solskjaer revealed defender Victor Lindelof has recovered form illness and should feature.

    He added he has prepared his players for “divots” in the playing surface at Prenton Park.

    “The pitch is not great but that’s the same for both of us and the players just have to be focused,” said Solskjaer.

    “Everyone’s got to be focused with the bounce of the ball.”

    Source: BBC Africa

  • Iran raid left ’34 US troops with traumatic brain injuries’

    The Pentagon has said that 34 US troops were diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) following an Iranian attack on their base in Iraq.

    Seventeen troops are still under medical observation, a spokesman said.

    President Donald Trump had said no Americans were injured in the 8 January strike, which came in retaliation for the US killing of an Iranian general.

    Mr Trump had cited the supposed lack of injuries in his decision not to strike back against Iran.

    But last week, the Pentagon said 11 service members had been treated for concussion symptoms from the attack.

    Read:Iran denies missile downed plane, calls for data

    Asked about the apparent discrepancy this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Mr Trump said: “I heard that they had headaches, and a couple of other things, but I would say, and I can report, it’s not very serious.”

    “I don’t consider them very serious injuries relative to other injuries I have seen,” he said when asked about possible TBIs.

    The Pentagon says no Americans were killed in the Iranian missile strike on the Ain al-Asad base, with most sheltering in bunkers as missiles rained down.

    On Friday, defence department spokesman Jonathan Hoffman told reporters that eight of the affected soldiers have been sent back to the US for further treatment, while another nine are being treated in Germany.

    Sixteen troops were treated in Iraq and one in Kuwait before all 17 were returned to active duty, officials say.

    Read:US House votes to limit Trump war powers against Iran

    Mr Hoffman added that the US Defence Secretary Mark Esper had not immediately been aware of the injuries in the days after the attack.

    Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America, a non-profit organisation, slammed the Trump administration for taking so long to reveal the extent of casualties.

    “This is a big deal,” its founder Paul Rieckhoff tweeted. “The American people must be able to trust the government to share information about our sons and daughters in harms way. Nothing is more serious and sacred.”

    TBIs are common in warzones, according to the US military.

    The most common cause of a TBI for deployed soldiers is an explosive blast, writes the US Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center.

    Read:World War 3: Iran fires missiles at US targets in Iraq: All the latest updates

    They are classified as mild, moderate, severe or penetrating. A mild TBI is also known as a concussion, and can be caused by a blast’s “atmospheric over-pressure followed by under-pressure or vacuum”.

    The air vacuum is capable of penetrating solid objects, making it possible for soldiers to avoid blunt force trauma but still receive an invisible brain injury.

    On Friday, tens of thousands of Iraqis protested in the streets Baghdad against the presence of some 5,000 foreign troops in the country.

    The Iraqi parliament has urged all foreign fighters – including from the US – to leave.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Man kills six of his family in small town

    A man has shot dead six members of his family – including his parents – in the south-west German town of Rot am See, local police have said at a briefing.

    The 26-year-old suspect called the emergency services at lunchtime to say he had shot several people in a restaurant.

    The man, who had a gun licence, was arrested as he waited for police outside the building.

    The bodies of three men and three women were found inside the restaurant.

    Read:Man kills father over cooked yam

    The victims were aged between 36 and 69, the police in the state of Baden-Württemberg said.

    Two other relatives were injured, one critically.

    The police said the suspect had also threatened two teenage members of his family – but that the boys were not harmed.

    The shooting is believed to be related to a family dispute.

    Read:Ho West Assembly driver allegedly kills man over GHC25

    Police are trying to determine the exact motive for the shooting.

    There is no evidence that anyone else was involved in the shooting, they say.

    The shooting happened at around 12:45 (11:45 GMT) in a building in the Bahnhofstrasse that features the Deutscher Kaiser restaurant.

    The area has been sealed off. A team of forensic scientists are currently working at the scene.

    Rot am See is a small town of some 5,000 residents in the Schwäbisch Hall district north-east of Stuttgart.

    Source: www.bbc.com

  • Uganda confirms yellow fever outbreak, three dead

    Ugandan health minister Ruth Aceng on Friday confirmed that three people have been killed in a yellow fever outbreak in the midwestern and northwestern parts of the country.

    Two adult men, who were 18 and 21 and dealing in cutting and trading timber between Uganda and neighboring South Sudan, succumbed to the virus in the northwestern district of Moyo earlier this month, and a third male victim, a 37-year-old cattle keeper, died last November in the midwestern district of Buliisa, the minister said.

    The cattle keeper’s wife, 38, also tested positive of the yellow fever virus, on January 22.

    “Blood samples were withdrawn and sent for testing at Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI). Results from UVRI confirmed yellow fever infection,” Aceng said.

    Read:50 dead, dozens in hospital as yellow fever hits Nigeria

    She said the health ministry and the World Health Organization have dispatched rapid response teams to Moyo and Buliisa districts to “support investigations, active search for cases, community mobilisation and sensitization.”

    Uganda has requested yellow fever vaccines from the International Coordination Group that manages global stock piles of yellow fever and meningitis vaccines, Aceng said.

    “We anticipate that within the next two weeks, vaccines will be available and vaccination will commence in Moyo and Buliisa districts,” she said.

    Aceng said her ministry has applied with the Global Vaccine Alliance and the WHO for inclusion of the yellow fever vaccination into its routine immunization schedule.

    Read:No yellow fever, polio vaccination, no entry Saudi Arabia

    “Having faced four outbreaks, Uganda now qualifies to introduce yellow fever vaccine as a long-term measure to prevent yellow fever outbreaks,” she said. The minister said all travellers in and out of the country must be vaccinated against yellow fever.

    “Travelers are urged to comply with this travel requirement to ensure the risk of spread of yellow fever through international travel is minimized,” Aceng said.

    “The ministry would also like to re-assure Ugandans and all other residents that with the experience and expertise available in the country, the disease will be contained,” she said.

    The yellow fever is mostly caused by a type of mosquitoes called “Aedes Aepyti” found in the tropics and sub-tropics. It is transmitted from person to person through mosquitoes, although there are also forest monkeys that transmit it.

    Read:How black people were eliminated in Argentina throughout history

    According to the ministry, symptoms of the disease include high fever, headache, general body aches, fatigue, vomiting, blood in urine or stool and yellow discoloration of skin or eyes.

    If not detected and treated on time, the disease will affect the blood and the victims will experience renal failure and possible coma.

    Source: Theeastafrican.co.ke

  • Ghanaian men are liars – Paulina Oduro

    Legendary Ghanaian highlife musician and actress Paulina Oduro has expressed her discontent at what she describes the “excessive lying nature of Ghanaian men”.

    According to the gifted musician, Ghanaian men were not attractive to her in her youthful age because they tell lies at the least provocation.

    As a result, she dated foreign men from Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.

    Read:Supa is just a wee smoker and irrelevant Paulina Oduro

    Paulina Oduro made this revelation in an interview with Deloris Frimpong Manso, the host of “The Delay Show”.

    “One thing I have noticed about Ghanaian men; they have to learn not to lie. They have to be straight forward,” she remarked.

    She added that aside from Ghanaian men being deceptive, lots of them are also controlling.

    Read:Paulina Oduro urges female secular musicians to stay true to their dreams

    “Ghanaian men are very controlling. My father is also a Ghanaian. I just have preferences as to how I would like to be treated,” she stressed.

    Watch the full interview below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Stunning Ghanaian model with autism gets featured on calendar to create awareness

    A beautiful Ghanaian model living with autism by name Yacoba under the auspices of the Afi Antonio Foundation has been featured on a prominent calendar to create awareness about the medical condition.

    The Afi Antonio Foundation is a non-profit organization run by Afi Antonio who was adjudged the most influential young Ghanaian under the Social Enterprise & Philanthropy in 2018.

    Yacoba, the beautiful model, has been used on the calendar to teach the public about some nitty grittes that come with being autistic.

    In addition, the calendars are made to raise funds to support persons living with autism as well as the underprivileged in society.

    Read:Meet the 15-year old Ghanaian model with autism

    The initiative has received positive reactions on social media with loads of individuals joining in to support the movement.

    Just recently, popular Ghanaian actor Vincent E. McCauley Jr. and Farida Bedwei, a staunch advocate for cerebral palsy who also lives with autism joined the movement by making great purchases to lend indicate his unflinching support.

    Speaking about the project of making both the desktop and wall calendars, the leader Afi Antonio said: “This is towards autism awareness and the model on the calendar is Yacoba, a model living with autism. And every page has a touching message [educating and giving real education] about autism.”

    She was quick to add that: The proceeds would be going to support the needy and persons living with autism.

    Read:Singer eShun supports children with autism

    This is a worthy course to support so even if you already have a calendar at home, just buy one to support a good initiative as each goes for 50 cedis” Some of the touching quotes on the calendar include:

    “What is autism? Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with and relates to other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them.”

    “When you are frustrated because of the things I cannot do, just imagine how frustrated I am because I am unable.

    “Always Unique Totally Intelligent Sometimes Mysterious [AUTISM]”

    Source: Yen.com.gh

  • Dr. Osei Kwame Despite walks his daughter down the aisle

    Business mogul and Chief Executive Officer of Despite Group of Companies, Dr. Osei Kwame Despite was spotted holding hands with his daughter, Anita as he walked her down the aisle in a circulating video.

    His daughter had tied the knot to an unknown man yesterday, January 23 at East Legon in Accra.

    Read:We helped Kwame Despite, but he has neglected us Judas cries

    According to reports, the wedding was nothing short of glamorous and classy, and was attended by a large number of socialites and elites in the society, as well as friends and family members.

    Watch the video below:

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Liverpool to check on Sadio Mane injury following win over Wolves

    Liverpool will assess Sadio Mane after the forward suffered a hamstring injury in their 2-1 win over Wolves.

    The Senegal forward limped off in the first half and was replaced by Premier League debutant Takumi Minamino.

    Roberto Firmino scored a late winner to take the Reds 16 points clear of Manchester City at the top with a game in hand.

    “Sadio felt something in his hamstring. We don’t know yet. We have to wait,” said Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

    Read:Sadio Mane is best player in Africa

    The Reds face three games in the next nine days – with an FA Cup trip to Shrewsbury on Sunday followed by league games against West Ham on Wednesday and Southampton next Saturday.

    “That is tough and it’s probably without Sadio,” said Klopp.

    Klopp ‘forgot’ how many points Liverpool are ahead

    Wolves 1-2 Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp savours Firmino’s ‘magic moment’ as Reds edge Wolves
    Liverpool were given one of their toughest tests of the season before eventually extending their unbeaten run in the Premier League to 40 games.

    Jordan Henderson headed them into an early lead before Raul Jimenez’s deserved equaliser for Wolves – with Firmino scoring an 84th-minute winner.

    Read:Sadio Mane apologises for missing Senegal visit after awards ceremony

    Klopp says he is not feeling any pressure about being so far clear at the top,

    “I don’t think about it, I had to ask about exactly the amount of points, that’s the truth, I really forgot in the week,” he said.

    “I didn’t think about it, I know we play Sunday at Shrewsbury, I know we play Wednesday at West Ham and I know we play Saturday.

    “That’s three games in seven days which is a lot. We lost Sadio Mane and that’s the pressure I think about. All the rest is no pressure.

    Read:Pep hoping for Klopp chat after backtracking on Sadio Mane jibe

    “We said it before it would be a really tough game, Wolves are doing so unbelievably well, they are so different to everything else you face.”

    Klopp praised his captain Henderson, who scored the opener and set up the winner.

    “I am not sure when Hendo became involved in offensive set-pieces. He is normally the protection. It showed another side and he is in outstanding shape at the moment,” he said.

    “He played an unbelievable game in a difficult game. He was helping people, shouting at people – but it is not about shouting, it is about what you say.

    “He only asks of others what he expects of himself. We couldn’t be in this situation without him.”

    Source: BBC.com

  • Coup plot: Meet me outside if youre a man Defence lawyer to police prosecutor

    Lead defence lawyer in the case of the Republic versus Fredrick Mac Palm and nine (9) others, Victor Adawudu, today extended an invitation to police prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Slyvester Asare, for a fight outside the Court if he claims “he is a man”.

    The invitation of the defence lawyer was made right before the District Court Judge Rosemond Dodua Agyiri, before who, indictment proceedings are being heard.

    Read: Coup plot trial: State prosecutors are abusing their powers Defence lawyer

    The police prosecutor, Sylvester Asare, himself a lawyer, in responding to a complaint by Victor Adawudu, that his client was refused a request to be taken to the Police Hospital for treatment instead of the BNI hospital, asked the defence lawyer to be careful what he says about the BNI. This caution by the ASP did not go down well with the defence lawyer. He shouted on top of his voice in court, “What do you mean by that. If you are a man, meet me outside the court and I will show. What do you mean by I should be careful”.

    District Court Judge Rosemond Dodua Agyiri, intervened and calmed down tempers in her court. To settle the issue that generated the argument, the District Court judge ordered that the accused person, Frederick Mac Palm, be sent to the Police Hospital at all material times should he require medical attention.

    Earlier on before the contention, the District Court dismissed an application by defence lawyers requesting for full disclosure of all the documents, evidence and files the Prosecution intends to rely on to establish their case against the accused persons.

    The court indicated that since the case is one to be tried by indictment, the District Court cannot ask the Prosecution to make any disclosures at this time. The court ruled that disclosures will be made at the High Court as soon as Indictment proceedings are completed and the case is set down for trial.

    Read: Coup plot: Evidence will shake the nation Prosecution

    The court adjourned sitting to the 6th of February 2020.

     

    Background

    Information about the foiled coup plot first came to light in the country on the 23rd of September 2019, when the government announced that some person had been arrested after several months of investigations.

    The accused persons, Dr. Fredrick Mac Palm (1st accused), Donyo Kafui A.K.A Ezor, Bright Alan Debrah Ofosu a.k.a Bright Alan Yeboah, Col. Samuel Kodzo Gameli, Gershong Akpah, W.0.2 Esther Saan Dekuwine, Cpl. Seidu Abubakari, L/Cpl. Ali Solomon, L/Cpl. Sylvester Akanpewon and ACP Benjamin Agordzo, are suspected to have masterminded a fifteen months plot to destabilize the country and possibly take over the government of the Republic.

     

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • FAO warns of possible locust invasion in Ghana

    The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nation is warning of a possible invasion of desert locust in the northern part of Ghana.

    According to the Organisation, this could affect agriculture season yields which could lead to food insecurity and impact the livelihoods of citizens in the country.

    Speaking on Joy News Today, Head of the Pests, Crop and Disease Division of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), Ebenezer Aboagye, indicated that with the early warning the Ministry has instigated processes to procure insecticides to deal with the pests when they reach Ghana.

    Read: Farmers schooled on fall armyworm infestation

    “The best thing to use to control them is the insecticide, so processes are ongoing, it is almost complete so assuming instead of worms we have an invasion of these locusts, we can quickly divert and use the insecticide to wipe them out,” he said.

    He added that an alert has been issued to all regional and district directors and Prime Protection Officers to be on the lookout of these food devouring pests.

    “Now we are doing some surveillance throughout the country, so our staff are going round to see whether they are can identify the swamps.

    “The farmers will also be involved so that when they go to their farms and they see any group of grasshoppers there, they should quickly alert the staff to move in there,” he stated.

    Mr Aboagye further added that, with the pests having a speed of 150km/h (93miles) with the wind, they could be closer to the country within three-four days but assured the populace that systems have been put in place to control the insect when they invade the country.

    East Africa has been hit by the worst invasion of desert locusts in 25 years, the UN’s FAO has revealed.

    Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia are all struggling with “unprecedented” and “devastating” swarms of the food-devouring insects.

    This has caused the UN to call for international to help fight the huge swarms of desert locusts sweeping through the eastern part of the continent.

    A spokesman for the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), called for aid to “avert any threats to food security, livelihoods, malnutrition.”

     

    Source: myjoyonline 

  • NIC denies increasing motor insurance cost

    The National Insurance Commission (NIC) has refuted claims circulating on social Media that it has increased the cost of motor insurance policy by 100 percent as a result of the implementation of the Motor Insurance Database.

    The National Insurance Commission, NIC, this week announced that it has stopped the issuance and use of the old motor insurance stickers effective January 20, 2020. But shortly after the announcement, some motorists reacted that the cost of insurance policies have gone up.

    Read: NIC to clamp down on fake insurance stickers with implementation of MID policy

    Speaking at a press briefing, the Commissioner of the National Insurance Commission, Justice Yaw Ofori explained that some insurance companies were under-valuing their policies but with the introduction of the digital platform known as the Motor Insurance Database all companies have been compelled to adjust their rates to the original cost.

    “The rates have not been increased. I believe that some of the companies are now complying with the directive not to undervalue their product because the new digital platform will reject anybody trying to undervalue a policy to beat the competition,” he explained.

    Mr. Ofori stated that the regulator will not allow insurance companies to abuse the rules in an attempt to attract more customers.

    He warned that undervaluing insurance policy makes companies financially vulnerable when there is an accident and customers come for their claim.

    Meanwhile, the MTTD of the Ghana Police Service says it is ready to enforce the new Motor Insurance Database.

    Superintendent Daniel Sasu Mensah is Head of Operations at the MTTD told journalists the police are ready to implement the directive.

    Read: NIC cancels issuance of manual insurance stickers

    Background

    The change was announced in a statement issued by the NIC to the public to among other things ensure the safety of the general public and curb the phenomenon of fake motor insurance stickers.

    The Commission, which is the regulatory and supervisory body of the insurance services sector maintained that the objective of the introduction of the Motor Insurance Database is to curb the menace of vehicles with fake motor insurance stickers plying the roads, thus endangering lives and property.

    The NIC has, therefore, urged the public to check the insurance status of vehicles by Dial *920*57# before boarding such cars.

     

    Source: citibusinesssnews 

  • We will dedicate our victory over Kotoko to the fans – Hearts coach Edward Odoom

    Ahead of the Super Clash on Sunday, interim coach of Hearts of Oak Edward Nii Odoom has hinted that his charges are motivated to win the game against their arch-rivals Asante Kotoko to honor their fans.

    The two most glamorous clubs in Ghana will battle it out for the bragging rights when they meet on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium for the matchday 6 fixture.

    Read:GOC President promises to reward Hearts if they beat Kotoko on Sunday- Hearts Supporters Chief reveals

    Odoom has won two games, drawn one and lost a game after taking over from Kim Grant who was sacked after losing the match day one fixture to 2012 GPL champions Berekum Chelsea at the Accra Sports Stadium.

    In an exclusive interview with Ghanaweb.com, he said “I love my fans and they have been following us since our game in Sogakope and Dansoman to cheer the team-up. I want the fans to replicate that by trooping to the stadium on Sunday in their Phobian jersey to cheer the team to victory and the win will be dedicated to them,” said Edward Nii Odoom.

    Read:Kim Grant prevented us from juju Hearts team manager Saban Quaye reveals

    Meanwhile, Hearts of Oak have only won a game against Asante Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium in the past 6 years.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Partey features as lower-tier side shock Atletico in Copa Del Rey

    Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey played for Atletico Madrid as they were shocked 2-1 by Cultural Leonesa in the Spanish Copa Del Rey on Thursday night.

    Argentine striker Angel Correa put Atletico Madrid in front in the 62 minutes before Leonesa levelled seven minutes from the end through Julen Castaeda.

    Read:Partey misses penalty as Atletico Madrid lose to Real Madrid in Spanish Super Cup final

    Sergio Benito then delivered the winner for the hosts in the second period of extra-time.

    Partey was introduced at half time in place of Mexico international Hector Herrera.

    The defeat completes a miserable January for Diego Simeone’s Atletico who were defeated in the Spanish Super Cup by Real Madrid and 2-0 at Eibar in La Liga last weekend.

    Read:Partey vs Ndidi: Ghanaians and Nigerians start Twitter war over who is better

    Atletico were one of four top-flight sides dumped out of the tournament on Thursday at the last 32 stage.

    Also exiting the Copa del Rey on Thursday were Eibar, Real Betis and Celta Vigo.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Avoid hooliganism ahead of Hearts, Kotoko clash – Kurt Okraku

    Mr Kurt Okraku, President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), has said Sunday’s Super Clash between Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko will be used as a tool to preach against hooliganism and to promote the “Bring back the Love” campaign.

    The two arch-rivals on Sunday lock horns at the Accra Sports Stadium in a highly anticipated match of the 2019/20 Ghana Premier League (GPL) season.

    Read:GFA shows mercy to Kotoko

    Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the match, Mr. Okraku remained hopeful that, the match would be used as a platform to showcase the positives of Ghana’s football to the outside world.

    “We believe that it is important for us to use our best platform to push the good things we are doing for Ghana football.

    “On Sunday, Ghanan football would have a big platform to showcase our quality to the world. It is a day we are using to preach against hooliganism and also igniting and bringing back the passion and love for football.

    Read:Hooliganism must be curbed In Division One League Kweku Eyiah

    Mr. Okraku added that, the match should be considered as a unifying factor and also show to the Ghanaian sporting populace that football was not war, as it is meant to bring people from diverse background together.

    He also wished the two teams good luck ahead of the gigantic encounter as well the match officials who are expected to handle the clash.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Coconut farmers in Western, Central sign pact with processing company

    Coconut farmers in Western and Central regions have signed an agreement with GKV Investment, a private coconut processor, for technical support to increase production and supply to feed the company.

    The coconut processing company based in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis has also inaugurated “GKV-SNV Hortifresh Coconut Innovation Platform” for Coconut farmers in the two regions to churn out quality yields and boost supply.

    Read: Coconut Federation to take advantage of $15 billion coconut industry

    Mr. Emmanuel Andoh-Mensah, the Acting Director of Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – Oil Palm Research Institute (OPRI) of the Kade office in the Eastern region has said.

    Speaking during the inaugural ceremony of the GKV-SNV Hortifresh Coconut Innovation Platform, he said the company decided to mount the innovation platform to assist farmers with relevant technical support to maximize coconut production for mutual benefit.

    The current yield of the crop for most farmers is pegged between 1000 and 2000 nuts for the West African Tall breed and between 2000 and 3000 nuts for the Hybrid.

    But, Mr Ando-Mensah said, with proper agronomical practices, the West African Tall could yield 5000 plus, while the Hybrid could surge by 8,000 plus nuts.

    He said heaps of researched and documented information on the coconut plant were readily available and encouraged farmers to constantly engage the Centre for support during their farming activities.

    Read: 11 benefits of coconut that you should know

    Mr Kojo Nunoo, the Managing Director of GKV Investment, described coconut oil as premium deemed suitable to meet all health needs, particularly people with diabetes, and encouraged Ghanaians to cultivate the habit of consuming the oil.

    He said to have regular supply of the nuts for production of the “essential oil,” the company together with its partner, SNV-Hortifresh, initiated the project to increase production among 50 selected farmers from 29 towns.

    Under the agreement reached with the parties, participant farmers would become partners in transforming coconut business in their respective communities towards increased productivity and enhanced economic life.

     

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • GFA to hold first “Meet the Press” on Monday

    The Ghana Football Association will interact with the press in a new program it has instituted dubbed the GFA Meet the Press series.

    The GFA Meet the Press series will be a quarterly media interaction program where the GFA President, Executive Council Members, the General Secretary, Departmental and Committee heads and other key officials will be present to interact with the media.

    Read:Snakes force GFA to withdraw stadium license of Liberty

    The maiden edition comes off on Monday, January 27, 2020, at the Conference Room of Exim Bank in Accra at 11:00 a.m.

    The GFA President, Executive Council members and members of committees of the GFA, except the independent judicial committees, will be present to respond to questions from the media.

    Read:National Media Commission wants GFA to publish StarTimes deal

    After the maiden edition on Monday, the GFA will rotate the Meet the Press Series in other regions of the country to give media organizations and journalists from other parts of the country the opportunity to interact with the GFA.

    Source: Ghanaguardian.com

  • I pray Kotoko beats Hearts of Oak on Sunday – Coach Kwasi Appiah

    The former coach of the Black Stars, James Kwasi Appiah says that he is an avid supporter of Kumasi Asante Kotoko and prays that his former side will triumph over the Phobians in Sunday’s super clash.

    Hearts of Oak will host Asante Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium in match day six of the Ghana Premier League.

    Read:Kotoko and Hearts set for epic Super Clash duel in the UK

    The Phobians have been in fine form going into the fierce encounter on Sunday with Hearts without a defeat in their last three matches while Kotoko have been limping in their last three games, recording their only victory in three matches against Ebusua Dwarfs last Sunday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

    Kwasi Appiah represented Asante Kotoko during two stints with the first coming from 1983-1993 before making a short stint after sojourns abroad.

    Read:GOC President promises to reward Hearts if they beat Kotoko on Sunday- Hearts Supporters Chief reveals

    In an interview with Accra based Angel Fm, he professed his love for his former club and the wish that they triumph on Sunday.

    “Being with Kotoko for over 15 years automatically makes me a true Fabulous , so I am a Kotoko Supporter, I pray they beat Hearts of Oak on Sunday .

    “Kotoko vs hearts of oak games are normally not based on good form , at times the one with good form sheds tears after the 90minutes.”he added.

    Read:Kotoko fan shot in the eye wants team to beat Hearts

    Source: Ghanaguardian.com

  • No more birth tourism: United States limits visas to pregnant women

    In the latest immigration control measure, the United States said Thursday it would no longer issue temporary visitor visas to pregnant women seeking to enter the country for so-called “birth tourism.”

    In announcing the rule change, which takes effect Friday, the White House said foreigners were using the visas “to secure automatic and permanent American citizenship for their children by giving birth on American soil.”

    Read:Trump to become first US president to attend March for Life

    “The integrity of American citizenship must be protected,” it said in a statement.

    Calling the practice “a glaring immigration loophole,” the White House argued the crackdown on “birth tourism” was for public safety and national security as well as immigration control.

    “The birth tourism industry threatens to overburden valuable hospital resources and is rife with criminal activity, as reflected in federal prosecution.”

    Read:Trump latest travel ban may include four African countries

    The US constitution guarantees automatic American citizenship to anyone born on US soil.

    US President Donald Trump has made restricting immigration a top priority of his administration, and has threatened in the past to abolish birthright citizenship.

    Source: africanews.com

  • Zaha’s new agent speaks with Bayern

    Wilfried Zaha’s representatives have held preliminary talks with Bayern Munich following his decision to hire super-agent Pini Zahavi, but at this stage it seems unlikely Bayern will sign him.

    The agreement to team up with the renowned Israeli negotiator and part with his long-time agent Will Salthouse is seen as a clear indication that the Ivory Coast international still wants away from Selhurst Park at the earliest opportunity.

    Read:2019/20 season: Second transfer window opens on March 16

    The talks with the Bundesliga champions come just 72 hours after the switch.

    While a transfer in January is not out of the question, it is thought a move in the summer is more likely.

    Zaha knows his future may lie outside the Premier League, with only a handful of clubs across Europe having the funds to consider such a deal.

    Read:Barcelona make Eriksen enquiry

    Last summer Palace turned down a bid, believed to be around £70m from Everton, with chairman Steve Parish holding out for around £80m, prompting Zaha to put in a transfer request to the club.

    Arsenal also saw a £40m bid rejected from Palace for the 27-year-old during the previous transfer window, while there was also interest from Napoli.

    More recently, long-time admirers Chelsea have reportedly rekindled their interest in the winger with the lifting of their transfer ban, and Zahavi known to be a good friend of the Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.

    Source: skysports.com

  • Barcelona make Eriksen enquiry

    Barcelona have made an enquiry about signing Christian Eriksen from Tottenham in the January transfer window.

    Eriksen met with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy on Tuesday and reiterated that he wants to join Inter Milan this month, according to Sky in Italy.

    Inter are still pushing hard to get him but it now appears as though Barcelona have entered the frame for his signature.

    Read:Barcelona seek second loan move for Kevin-Prince Boateng after Suarez injury

    However, while there is still no agreement between Tottenham and Inter on the final fee for Eriksen, personal terms are understood to have been agreed and the deal is close to being completed, according to Sky in Italy.

    Eriksen’s contract expires at the end of the season and he has been free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs since January 1.

    Inter made a renewed £11m plus bonuses offer for the Denmark international on Monday, but Spurs are holding out for their £17m valuation.

    Read:Barcelona sack Ernesto Valverde and appoint Quique Setien

    However, Inter Milan’s chief-executive Giuseppe Marotta is optimistic the two clubs can agree a deal for Eriksen this month. He told Sky in Italy: “Eriksen is a fantastic player. We’re waiting and we’re still confident in this deal.”

    The 27-year-old has made 28 appearances in all competitions for Spurs this season but has scored just twice in the Premier League.

    He was included in Tottenham’s matchday squad for their 2-1 win over Norwich on Wednesday, coming off the bench shortly after the hour-mark.

    Inter have already completed the signings of Victor Moses and Ashley Young this month.

    Source: skysports.com

  • I dont do lesbobo, whoever thinks that of me is an idiot- Paulina Oduro spits fire

    In a yet-to-be-aired interview with Deloris Frimpong Manso on her popular programs the Delay Show, Paulina Oduro blasted those who think she is a lesbobo when the issue came for up discussion.

    According to Paulina Oduro, whoever thinks that she is a lesbian is an idiot and stupid person.

    Read:Video of two women from Kumasi doing lesbobo hits social media

    ”Whenever I hear people say that am a lesbian I wonder why they tag me as such. Stupidness!Is it by force to have a man?

    Why do Ghanaians put  label on people. Stupidness! Maka Maka, Whoever thinks am a lesbian is an idiot”  she fumed.

    Source: Ghbase.com

  • ‘A fish jumped out the water and stabbed my neck’ – Indonesian needlefish boy

    An Indonesian teenager has described – for the first time – his terrifying swim to safety after a fish leapt out of the sea and speared him through the neck.

    Warning: This article contains an image some readers may find distressing.

    Muhammad Idul revealed how the force of the needlefish impaling itself in his neck threw him from his boat and into the water, prompting a desperate swim to shore and a sprint to hospital some 90 minutes’ drive away.

    The fact the 16-year-old is still alive, smiling and able to tell his tale is thanks to his quick-thinking friend, a bit of luck – and some very careful surgeons.

    Read:Indonesia president urges delay in law banning sex outside marriage

    Stabbed

    The injury has turned Muhammad into a bit of a star, after pictures of the fish in his neck went viral and were shared around the globe.

    But, speaking exclusively to BBC Indonesian five days after the shocking accident, he says it was just meant to be a late-night fishing trip with a school friend, Sardi.

    “Sardi’s boat sailed off first, and I went later in another boat,” he recalled. “About 500 metres [half a mile] off the beach, Sardi turned on the flashlight.

    “A needlefish suddenly jumped out of the water and stabbed my neck.”

    Muhammad fell off the boat into the dark water below. The fish’s long, slender – and sharp – jaws pierced right through his neck, from just under his chin to the base of his skull.

    What’s more, the fish was still thrashing, pushing the teenager around in the water as it tried to escape.

    Muhammad grabbed the fish and held it tight, hoping he could stop it making the injury worse.

    Read:Fake news sparks panic among Indonesia quake victims

    “I asked Sardi to help – he stopped me from trying to remove the fish to prevent bleeding,” he said.

    The boys somehow managed to swim back to the beach with Muhammad holding the 75cm-long fish clasped in his arms and still stuck in his neck.

    Muhammad’s father Saharuddin rushed him to a hospital in Bau-bau, about an hour-and-a-half from their village in South Buton, South East Sulawesi.

    But while doctors there were able to cut the fish so just its head remained in his body, they could not remove the beak from Muhammad’s neck because they did not have the right equipment.

    For that, they needed to travel further afield, to a provincial hospital in Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi.

    Even at the bigger Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, however, staff were stunned at what they had been presented with.

    Read:Indonesian maid in Saudi Arabia executed for killing employer who raped her

    Its director Khalid Saleh said it was the first case of its kind, and required five specialists to carefully remove what remained of the fish in an hour-long surgery.

    Five days later, Muhammad is keen to get home: his neck is bandaged, and it doesn’t hurt any more. He still can’t move it to the right, but he is smiling.

    He could have to wait a little longer, however.

    “We’re monitoring his condition. He might be discharged in a few days but he can’t go back to his village yet because he needs more check-ups,” Khalid Saleh explained.

    The incident has also not dampened Muhammad’s love of fishing.

    “I just need to be more careful next time. Needlefish can’t tolerate light – that was why it jumped out of the water and stabbed me,” he said.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Democrats to focus on legality for removing Trump

    Democratic managers will resume their opening presentations Thursday at the Senate impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.

    The seven managers, who are acting as the de facto prosecutors in the Senate, are expected to focus on the Constitution and layout the legal grounds for Trump’s removal from office. They spent about eight hours Wednesday detailing the first article of impeachment — arguing the president abused his power last year by withholding hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to pressure Ukraine to investigate Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden.

    Thursday’s session — Democrats’ second of three days to make their opening statements — will begin at 1 p.m. EST.

    Read:Pelosi loses Senate Democrats on Trump impeachment delay

    Manager Rep. Adam Schiff, who gave Democrats’ opening remarks Wednesday, said they plan to “apply the facts to the law as it relates to the president’s abuse of power.”

    Democratic managers are expected to take eight hours per day to fulfill the 24 hours they’re allotted to make their opening presentation before Trump’s White House attorneys make their case, most likely on Saturday. They will continue their opening remarks Monday and Tuesday before the questioning stage begins mid-next week. After that, the off-ramp stage will consider motions, including any by the White House to dismiss the case and those to include witnesses.

    Read:Trump impeachment: Democrats plan first formal vote

    Trump attorney Jay Sekulow indicated Wednesday, however, the president’s defense team will not seek to dismiss the case.

    “I want to let them try their case,” he told reporters. “And we want to try our case because we believe without a question the president will be acquitted. There is not a doubt.”

    Wednesday’s session followed a marathon fight to set the rules on Tuesday, during which Republicans defeated nearly a dozen Democratic amendments — including those to include key administration witnesses like former national security adviser John Bolton.

    Senate Democratic leader Charles Schumer assailed his GOP counterpart, Sen. Mitch McConnell, and accused him of continuing a cover-up in behalf of Trump.

    Read:Democrats add last-minute evidence to Trump impeachment case before Senate trial

    Trump, who returned to the United States Wednesday after attending the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, said he would like to see witnesses like Bolton appear at the trial, but said it’s out of the question due to national security concerns.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • There is nothing ‘Ghanaian’ in Gambia apart from Adonko bitters Prophet Nigel Gaisie

    Charismatic ministry icon Prophet Nigel Gaisie who is the founder and leader of the Prophetic Hill Chapel has lamented on the fact that there is no Ghanaian business in The Gambia apart from the popular Ghanaian alcoholic beverage “Adonko bitters”.

    The Prophet was reacting to insults and insinuations he received through a Facebook live video from a hotel room in The Gambia where he was interacting with his fans across the world.

    Read:Video of Nigel Gaisie prophesying that 24 people will die in an accident on Cape-Takoradi road

    Prophet Nigel Gaisie was infuriated when a viewer asked whether there was a woman hiding in his room where he was transmitting live from to wit that the Man of God was engaging in amorous affairs whiles on a Godly mission.

    He, therefore, cautioned against Ghanaians behaviour of “pulling” successful people down and advised that they concentrate on encouraging businessmen to flourish and expand their territories to promote Ghana.

    Read:Mahama Will Win 2020 Elections With 52.1% Prophet Nigel Gaisie

    Prophet Nigel also warned that the public should desist from the usual insults and hate speech on his personality because he has decided to reciprocate those uncouth acts in equal manner.

    Source: attractivemustapha.com

  • Police arrest 3 suspects over Mankessim cop killing

    At least three persons have been arrested in connection with the Mankessim police shooting incident, Kasapafmonline.com has learnt.

    The details and names of the suspects are unknown yet, but reports say the three are all residents of Mankessim.

    They have since been transported to Cape Coast by the Regional Police Command for further investigations.

    Read: IGP offers GHC10k bounty for Mankessim cop killer

    This comes barely 24hrs after the Inspector-General of Police, James Oppong Boanuh announced a reward of GHC10,000 to anyone with credible information leading to the arrest of those who shot and killed one police officer and two others in Mankessim on Wednesday, January 2020.

    Lance Corporal Kingsley Boahen was gunned down by suspected armed gunmen who exchanged fire with a group of police officers from the Mankessim Divisional Command after a botched robbery attack at ZEN Filling Station.

    Read: Police chase Mankessim cop killers, offer GHS10,000 bounty

    The deceased who was in plain clothes was said to have been on his way to work when he was trapped in the cross-fire.

    The body of Lance Corporal Kingsley Boahen was found with gunshot wounds at a distance of about 200 metres away from the robbery scene, a statement signed by Central Regional Police spokesperson, DSP Irene Oppong indicated.

     

    Source: kasapafmonline.com

  • Ghana maintains scores in Corruption Perception Index

    Ghana since 2018 has scored the same points, 41 out of a possible 100, according to the latest Corruption Perception Index (CPI) report released by Transparency International.

    In Sub-Saharan Africa, Ghana tied with West African counterpart Benin on 10th, a statement from the local chapter of the organisation, Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), has said.

    The country performed better than 37 other Sub-Saharan African countries including Burkina Faso 40, Lesotho 40, Ethiopia 37, Gambia 37, and Tanzania 37.

    Read: Corruption Perception Index: Ghana ranked 80 out of 180 countries

    In 2019, while Ghana performed better than Burkina Faso and Lesotho, Ghana could not catch up with countries like South Africa, Senegal, São Tomé and Príncipe, etc. that scored better than Ghana in 2018.

    The CPI for 2019 released worldwide on Thursday scores and ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption.

    The CPI 2019 draws on 13 surveys and expert assessments to measure public sector corruption giving each country a score from (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

    CPI 2019 focuses on political integrity and highlights the relationship between politics, money and corruption.

    By political integrity TI means the quality of (a) contesting and exercising power (political/public office) consistently acting in the public interest, and (b)providing equal, open and meaningful access to the affected stakeholders before arriving at decisions.

    “Frustration with government corruption and lack of trust in institutions speak to a need for greater political integrity,” said Delia Ferreira Rubio, Chair of TransparencyInternational.

    “Governments must urgently address the corrupting role of big money in political party financing and the undue influence it exerts on our political systems,” he added.

    Read: Corruption is a major threat to attaining Ghana Beyond Aid Osafo-Maafo

    There were other recommendations on what Akufo-Addo government needs to do to address the canker.

    According to GII, “government must take a critical look at elements that promote public sector corruption including patronage, clientelism, nepotism and suspiciously close ties between politics and business.”

    It also wants government to enforce sanctions against vote-buying, abuse of incumbency and threats to voters in order to ensure the 2020 elections are held in a fair and transparent environment.

    Below is the statement from CPI

     

    Source: myjoyonline 

  • More adorable unseen photos of Strongmans daughter, Simona Lawreshia Osei pops up See

    Rapper Osei Kwaku Vincent, popularly known as Strongman finally allowed his fans to see the full picture of his daughter, Simona Lawreshia Osei just about a week ago.

    It turned out later he did this because he was using her as the for the art cover of his much-anticipated “10AM” album.

    Read:Strongman finally buys air conditioner; Flaunts his nicely decorated living room

    Well, just after a week, more adorable photos of the cute young angel have been sighted on the official Instagram page her parents have created for her.

    Check out the photos zionfelix.net sighted below…

    Source: zionfelix.net

  • National security operative allegedly stabbed to death over funeral donation

    A national security operative, identified as Abdul Mummin has been allegedly stabbed to death at Awoshie in Accra over his failure to honour a funeral donation.

    The incident happened Wednesday night, January 22, 2020.

    The suspect, identified as Emmanuel Gyabour, 32, accused the security operative [Mummin] of failing to donate towards the funeral arrangement of his [suspect’s] father.

    Read: National Security allegedly arrests radio host over comments about separatist group

    The suspect was rescued after the incident and sent to the Anyah Police as a mob attempted to lynch him.

    He is currently in the custody of the Anyah Police for further investigations, reports Graphic Online’s crime reporter, Emelia Ennin Abbey.

     

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • It’s Ghana’s time to return to World Cup – CK Akonnor

    Ghana coach Charles ‘CK’ Akonnor is determined to lift Ghana over South Africa, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia to keep the Black Stars’ hopes of making a return to the World Cup alive.

    The four teams have been pitted against each other in Group G of the penultimate round of qualifiers for Qatar 2022.

    The West Africans are eyeing another appearance at the global gathering after missing out on Russia 2018.

    “We know all the teams,” Akonnor said in a TV interview after Tuesday’s draw in the Egyptian capital of Cairo.

    “South Africa, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia will do their bit to get there (Qatar) but we will put in hard work and we know that hard work pays.

    Read:I have never doubted the competence of C.K Akonnor George Amoako

    “The last [World Cup] we went to was in Brazil. We didn’t qualify for the last one and we are hoping and believing that this is the time for us to be back there.

    “But it is important for us to put in hard work.

    “It is the desire for all the teams to qualify but we will put a lot of work in the desire to qualify.”

    Having drawn a bye for the first round qualifiers, the Black Stars will hope to finish top of Group G in the second round to reach the third and final round of the series.

    Read:Kwasi Appiah assures Akonnor of support

    The 10 group winners will face off in play-off home and away fixtures in November next year to decide Africa’s five representatives for the final tournament in Qatar.

    Ghana, Africa’s joint-best performers at the World Cup with a quarter-final appearance in South Africa 2010, have qualified for the tournament on three occasions.

    The Black Stars made their debut at Germany 2006, reaching the Round of 16, before going on to make the quarter-final four years later.

    In 2014 in Brazil, the West Africans failed to qualify beyond the group stage, finishing bottom of Group G behind eventual champions Germany, United States of America and Portugal.

    Source: Goal.com

  • Marcel Desailly tips Ghana over South Africa in Qatar 2022 qualifiers

    Former France midfielder and 1998 World Cup winner Marcel Desailly is looking forward to a fierce battle between Ghana and South Africa for a 2022 World Cup qualifying ticket but expects the Black Stars to trump Bafana Bafana in the end.

    The two sides were drawn in the same group of the second round of the African qualifiers on Tuesday. Zimbabwe and Ethiopia complete the line-up in Group G.

    Only the group winners will progress to the third and final round of the qualifying series for a Qatar 2022 ticket.

    “The Black Stars (Ghana) look like a new team because there are some new faces,” Ghana-born Desailly, who helped out in conducting the draw, said after the event on TV.

    Read:2022 WCQ: Marcel Desailly expects a tough game between Ghana and South Africa

    “There is a new coach who is a former captain of the national.

    “He has more coaching experience but they have to start the qualifiers very well because the balance of the group is good.

    “I am expecting a tough match against South Africa.

    “I am confident Ghana will qualify for the tournament in Qatar.”

    Read:Osei Kwame Despite purchases Lizzy Sports Complex from Marcel Desailly Report

    The group matches will take place between October this year and October next year.

    Ghana beat South Africa to qualify for their maiden World Cup appearance in Germany in 2006.

    Interestingly, the Black Stars and Bafana Bafana are also in the same group for the qualifiers for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

    The West Africans are looking to make a return to the global showpiece since their last appearance at Brazil 2014, where they were eliminated at the group stage.

    Source: Goal.com

  • 2019/20 season: Second transfer window opens on March 16

    The second window for the 2019/20 football season will open on the midnight of Monday 16th March, 2020.

    The opening up of the second transfer window is in accordance with the GFA Regulations which makes provisions for the re-opening of registration within the football season.

    Read:Ghana player registration window draws 2019-20 Premier League opens

    The window is expected to close on Monday 13th April 2020 Midnight (Monday night).

    All participating clubs in the premiership and the second tier are expected to complete their second window signings before this deadline.

    Source: footballmadeinghana.com

  • Serena Williams makes Australian Open third round but laments errors

    Serena Williams said she was frustrated by her own form as she overcame Slovenian Tamara Zidansek with a patchy performance to reach the third round.

    The 38-year-old American, bidding for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title, won 6-2 6-3 in 78 minutes.

    However, Williams squandered 0-40 leads in successive Zidansek second-set service games before pulling clear.

    “I made so many errors in a row and had to battle through my own internal problems,” said Williams.

    Read:Serena Williams on track for Grand Slam record at US Open final

    “I knew I had to play better and couldn’t keep making unforced errors like that, otherwise it was going to be a long evening for me.”

    The eighth seed will next face China’s 27th seed Wang Qiang, who was thrashed by Williams at September’s US Open.

    Wang froze as she lost in 44 minutes on her maiden Grand Slam quarter-final appearance and will be hoping to put up a better fight in Melbourne on Friday.

    Williams again looks in menacing form, however. Victory over 22-year-old Zidansek was a seventh straight win for Williams, who claimed the Auckland title earlier this month.

    Read:Serena Williams wins first title in three years

    Williams, a seven-time champion at Melbourne Park, started sharply with a break in the opening game and, after staving off an opportunity for 22-year-old Zidansek in the fourth, pulled away to take the first set in 31 minutes.

    Zidansek raised her level to make the second set more of a contest as errors started to creep into Williams’s game.

    The American had to dig deep to fight off four break points before eventually holding for 3-3 – and that sucked the life out of 70th-ranked Zidansek.

    Williams, whose roars after each point were becoming increasingly loud, almost inevitably pinched her opponent’s serve to love in the next game.

    From that point it was relatively comfortable, Williams winning eight of the final 11 points to seal victory.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Burnley punish toothless Man Utd

    Burnley plunged more misery on Manchester United as they beat Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side 2-0 to claim their first win at Old Trafford for 58 years.

    United could have moved to within three points of Chelsea in fourth with a win but Chris Wood (39) and a stunning effort from Jay Rodriguez (56) further dented their hopes of climbing the league.

    For United, it was a similar story as they enjoyed over 70 per cent possession, a huge amount of territory but had absolutely no end-product with Nick Pope in the Burnley goal untested for large parts.

    Read:Man Utd want to be as good as Liverpool, says Solskjaer

    The home fans that remained at full-time, which wasn’t many, voiced their frustration at the final whistle as Burnley moved seven points clear of the drop zone after taking maximum points from their last two games.

    Old Trafford had been a place of comfort for Untied this season with only Crystal Palace leaving with maximum points and just 25 days after United won 2-0 at Turf Moor, there was a confidence about the hosts in the early stages.

    Aaron Wan-Bissaka was providing good width but both Juan Mata and the lacklustre Anthony Martial couldn’t profit from his service when fluffing their lines from close range.

    Dan James rose highest to meet another ball from the right-back that drew action from Pope before Charlie Taylor produced an epic last-ditch tackle to thwart a dithering Martial.

    Read:Worst Man United have played Solskjaer

    Burnley rode that storm and did what they do best, punish the opposition from set-pieces.

    The goal came on 39 minutes as United fell to pieces from under a direct free-kick into their area. Nemanja Matic lost out to Ben Mee and his flick was seized upon by Wood, who reacted quicker than Harry Maguire and smacked a quality first-time finish into the top corner.

    Mason Greenwood was called from the bench at the break as Solskjaer looked for some spark.

    The youngster did show some skilful touches but everything United tried was read perfectly by an expertly-drilled Burnley defensive unit.

    Source: skysports.com

  • Lampard says Chelsea have striking options if Abraham ruled out

    Frank Lampard says Chelsea can cope without leading scorer Tammy Abraham after the England striker suffered an ankle injury scare in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with 10-man Arsenal.

    Abraham hobbled off the Stamford Bridge turf at full-time as Chelsea failed to capitalise on old boy David Luiz’s red card, thwarted by Hector Bellerin’s late equaliser.

    Cesar Azpilicueta thought he had scrambled Chelsea to victory with a neat finish only to see Bellerin steal a share of the spoils, after Gabriel Martinelli’s breakaway goal had cancelled out Jorginho’s penalty.

    Read:Mourinho taught me how to bond with young players Lampard

    Abraham has 13 Premier League goals for Chelsea in his breakthrough top-flight campaign with the Blues but boss Lampard was adamant his side could cope even if the England star faces a spell on the sidelines.

    Lampard said after the match that Abraham had had ice on his ankle but he was unaware of the severity of the injury.

    When asked if Chelsea could cope without Abraham, Lampard said: “Yes, yes, and we have the players there to do that.

    “I hope he’s not (out for several weeks) but then if he is, then yes we do have the players.”

    Chelsea boss Lampard refused to dampen down links with Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani on Monday, and injury to Abraham could increase the Blues’ need to recruit a striker in the January transfer window.

    Read:Chelsea must be at their best at the Mestalla against Valencia Tammy Abraham

    Olivier Giroud reportedly wants to join Inter Milan to link back up with ex-Blues boss Antonio Conte, while Chelsea also have Michy Batshuayi as their other frontline striker.

    Lampard reiterated that the club are more likely to look at loan deals than permanent transfers this month, as he plots his long-term strategy.

    “I know and I feel where we need strengthening,” he said. “It’s not going to be just January, this is more of a short-term window for us.

    “This season has given us some answers on the pitch in where we need to improve. But that’s not so much for this window.”

    Source: France24

  • Clinical Leicester hit four past West Ham

    Leicester returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion, boosting their top-four hopes with a 4-1 victory against West Ham at the King Power Stadium.

    Brendan Rodgers’ side came into the game on the back of successive defeats in the Premier League, but there was no sign of a lack of confidence as the hosts roared into a two-goal lead in the first half, despite losing Jamie Vardy and Nampalys Mendy to injury.

    West Ham showed signs of life in the second half and they were handed a lifeline when Mark Noble scored from the penalty spot after substitute Wilfred Ndidi brought down Sebastien Haller just inside the penalty area.

    Read:Leicester go second with seventh PL win in row

    The Hammers severely tested Leicester’s resolve as they searched for an equaliser, but Rodgers’ men held firm and their class shone through in the end as Ayoze Perez’s double in the final 10 minutes ended the challenge of David Moyes’ side.

    Victory sees Leicester, who moved eight points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea and 14 points ahead of Manchester United in fifth, consolidate third place in the league, while relegation-threatened West Ham stay 17th but level on points with Bournemouth and Watford in 18th and 19th respectively.

    Despite dominating possession in the opening stages, Leicester struggled to create any clear-cut openings as West Ham kept their defensive shape.

    Read:Leicester beat Everton on pens after thriller

    Barnes slid the ball through for Pereira, whose low shot appeared to be heading narrowly wide of the far post until the former’s intervention saw him score his third goal in four games.

    It wasn’t all plain sailing for the hosts as first Mendy hobbled off in the 32nd minute, before Vardy followed suit 12 minutes later after initially trying to play on with a left hamstring problem.

    Barnes slid the ball through for Pereira, whose low shot appeared to be heading narrowly wide of the far post until the former’s intervention saw him score his third goal in four games.

    It wasn’t all plain sailing for the hosts as first Mendy hobbled off in the 32nd minute, before Vardy followed suit 12 minutes later after initially trying to play on with a left hamstring problem.

    Vardy shot straight at Darren Randolph, while Pereira sliced a half volley high and wide, but the pressure eventually told in the 23rd minute.

    Source: skysports.com

  • Akufo-Addo renews calls for intra-Africa trade

    President Nana Akufo-Addo has renewed calls for African nations to commit greater zeal and resources to trading among themselves, saying the low level of intra-Africa trade will not build a sound foundation for the continent’s prosperity.

    The President made the call when he opened the 2020 Ghana Investment and Opportunities Summit in London.

    More than 500 entrepreneurs from the United Kingdom, and Ghana as well as Ghanaians in the Diaspora are attended the summit.

    Read: We are working to reduce cost of doing business in Ghana Akufo-Addo

    The two-day event was under the theme: Accessing the African Common Market through Ghana -Technology, Digitisation and Industrialisation.

    This comes at the heels of the just-ended UK-Africa Summit.

    The President pointed out that contemporary international business challenges require more vigorous business deals among African states, in the areas of technology, digitisation and industry to enhance their prosperity and also ensure the welfare of future generations. “So, let us now think differently and position ourselves for serious business, rather than relying on the export of raw materials all the times,” he added.

    Nana Akufo-Addo said that Ghana was responding positively towards that challenge, adding that the country’s key economic indicators were pointing into the right direction. “We are accelerating the structural transformation of the economy and also educating the youth with a strong sense of entrepreneurship for nation building,” he told the summit.

    Read: Akufo-Addo opens trading at London Stock Exchange as market partnership is launched

    Nana Akufo-Addo said equipping the youth for private business skills was vital, considering the projection that Africa would have the largest number of young people by 2050.

    Earlier, Mr Graham Stuart, UK Minister for Investment at the Department of International Trade, described Ghana as a remarkable economic success story in Africa, adding that the critical infrastructural projects in the country were a solid foundation for further growth.

    He said that he UK was set to open a new chapter of greater lucrative trade ties with Ghana after Brexit.

     

    Source: Vince Owusu-Appiah