TIG Post

Author: Chris Kodo

  • Africa Green Revolution Forum Conference held in Accra

    The Founder of Silicon Valley of Ghana,Fiber Optics Inventor and Nanotechnology Expert was on the Panel with Google Director of AI at the Agricultural Green Revolution Forum held at the National Conference Center in Accra. The two experts discussed innovation in digitization in Agriculture.

    Dr. Thomas Mensah discussed innovation focused on digitization in Agriculture. He showed Drone application that can look at a herd of Cows from the Sky and be able to identify which cows are about to give birth so that Vetenarians can attend to them. According to Dr. Mensah Infra Red imaging can measure the temperature of the herd of cows and the pregnant ones that are about to deliver baby cows have temperatures 10 degrees lower than all the cows.

    Read: Microsoft, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa collaborate to support agriculture transformation

    Mr Mustpha Cisse discussed how Google is working on Technology to identify cows with disease using Artificial Intelligence. He also discussed how a plant with disease can be identified using Google AI Technology.

    The two scientists discussed drone applications in Agriculture whereby drones can identify individual plant crops, before making decision when to irrigate the farm, when to apply pesticide and fertilizer.

    Dr. Thomas Mensah showed a smart watch that can be integrated into the digitization process to aid the farmer manage his farm.

    Read: GIPC woos investors at Africa Green Revolution Forum

    The AGRF was founded by Kofi Annan, with its Chairman Strive Masylwa , Founder of Echonet, and Former President Obasanjo of Nigeria presiding over the Awards Program. The President of Ghana His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo congratulated the Award Winners at the Dinner Gala for the Conference held at Kimpinski as part of the one week conference.

    The incoming president AGRA HE Hailemariam Desalegh was also introduced during the conference. Dr. Mensah was glad to meet Strive Masilwa who he has known for quiet sometime. He also presented his book “Right Stuff Comes in black too” to former President Obasanjo of Nigeria who had requested a copy.

     

    Source: Charles Ntiamoah-Mensah

  • Top universities worldwide ranked

    Cost, location and career prospects are all key considerations for would-be students choosing a university.

    But reputation plays an important role, too.

    The annual World University Rankings, released by Times Higher Education (THE) on Wednesday, analysed more than 1,300 institutions around the world.

    Considered the most comprehensive global ranking, it uses 13 “performance indicators” to judge institutions’ excellence in teaching, research, income and international outlook.

    There was no change at the top this year, where European and North American universities continue to dominate.

    Read:Ghanaian students excel at Harvard Model UN, win $10,000 Grant for social development

    The hallowed University of Oxford took the top spot for the fourth year in a row, with its traditional rival the University of Cambridge dropping to third place behind the California Institute of Technology.

    Switzerland was the only country outside the United Kingdom and North America to break into the top 20, with the ETH Zurich coming in joint 13th place.

    Regionally, Europe had the most top-ranking universities in the top 200, accounting for just under half, while the United States was the country with most institutions in the top 200, a total of 60.

    Ellie Bothwell, THE’s rankings editor, said that while Europe continued to perform “extremely well” and attract academics from around the world, there could be challenges ahead.

    “Europe must overcome serious hurdles if it is to maintain its strong position in future global rankings. Economic stagnation and increasingly isolationist political tendencies both threaten the positions of European institutions at a time when international cooperation and investment is key,” Bothwell said in a statement.

    Seven territories included in the analysis for the first time were Bangladesh, Brunei, Cuba, Malta, Montenegro, Puerto Rico and Vietnam.

    Read:Ghanaian boy who studied with lanterns graduates from Harvard, Cambridge and Columbia Universities

    Iran was one of the biggest overall climbers, overtaking France and Australia with 40 universities included.

    None made it into the top 200, however, with Israel’s Tel Aviv University providing the Middle East’s sole entrant at joint 189th place.

    Africa was represented in the top 200 by two South African institutions: the University of Cape Town and the University of Witwatersrand, while Latin America was notable for its absence. Brazil’s University of Sao Paulo is the region’s highest-ranked institution, placing in the 251-300 band.

    Asia is the only region posing a serious threat to Anglo-American dominance in the rankings, now in their 16th year.

    China has grown to be the fourth-most-represented country in the world, while Japan has consolidated its position as the second, though it lags behind countries such as Denmark and Belgium in terms of top-200 representation.

    “It has long been clear that the emerging countries of Asia are going to play an increasingly powerful role among the global elite of higher education,” Phil Baty, THE chief knowledge officer, said in a statement.

    “Future editions of the World University Rankings will most likely reveal intense competition, and while European and American institutions face significant hurdles, Chinese and other Asian universities have challenges of their own they must meet.

    “These include ensuring that the excellent academics they produce do not move abroad to more established institutions in Europe and North America; promoting a culture of scholarly creativity and freedom; [and] boosting ties with nations across the globe”.

    Source: aljazeera.com

  • I knew Thomas Partey will be a top player when he first trained with Atletico- Javier Baños

    The scout who discovered Thomas Partey, Javier Banos has revealed that he was quick to inform Atletico Madrid to sign the player when he first arrived in Spain.

    According to Banos, after a friendly game between Atletico Madrid and Getafe, he had to persuade the club to keep the player.

    Read:Thomas Partey buys Spanish football club Alcobendas

    “He came to the test of Atlético de Madrid, we tested him in a friendly against Getafe and at the break I tell Manolo Romero, head of scouts, to call Julián Muñoz, director of the academy because this boy is a First Division player. You have to sign him now, ” Baños told Mundo Deportivo.

    Baños is not surprised by the level the Ghana international has reached now, praising the co-owner of lower-tier side Alcobendas for his progress in his professional career.

    Read:Thomas Partey retains Ghana Footballer of the Year award

    “He is such a humble and grateful player that little by little he has been growing and he was seen to be up. He gives everything every minute he is on the field. He has always made his way to work, work, work … And right now he is a top player. A footballer who is usual to see him in the Champions League. He has already played a final … it’s amazing, “he said.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • CAF CL: Asante Kotoko will qualify in Kumasi – PRO

    Public Relations Officer of Asante Kotoko, Kennedy Boakye Ansah is highly optimistic his side will secure qualification in Kumasi against Etoile du Sahel on Sunday, September before the second leg in Tunisia.

    The Porcupine Warriors will welcome the North African club to the Baba Yara Stadium for the first leg of the final phase of the qualifying stage of 2019/20 CAF Champions League.

    Read:CAF CL: Kwesi Appiah advises Asante Kotoko ahead of Etoile du Sahel clash

    Speaking to Sports Express on Royal TV, the spokesperson revealed the Reds have quality players to defeat Etoile du Sahel to seal qualification ahead of the second leg in two weeks time.

    “We have the quality to beat Etoile du Sahel and with the kind of preparations the players are going through, I am confident the game will be killed here on Sunday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

    Read:Kotoko to seal loopholes in match ticketing

    “The players are very much aware of the task ahead of them and with right mentality and approach there’s no way Etoil will survive at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium ” he added.

    Asante Kotoko advanced to this stage of the competition after a 4-3 aggregate scoreline against Kano Pillars.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • GFA Presidency: Time for a woman to lead Ghana football – Former Gender Minister calls out

    Ex-Ghana Deputy Minister for Gender Rachael Appoh says it is time for a female to occupy the GFA Presidential seat.

    Speaking to Saddick Adams on Angel FM Floodlight Sports, the former Gomoa Central MP said the image of the game has been battered so much that it is imperative for a woman to come cleanse the game.

    Likening the situation to that of FIFA, Appoh believes there are very credible women like Fatma Samoura in Ghana who can lead football.

    Read:The dynamics of the GFA Presidential Elections

    She, however, said women who intend to contest will naturally be discriminated and maligned but that should not deter them from challenging the men to the top seat.

    “I think it is time for women to challenge the men for the GFA seat because women have the credibility to save the image of the game”

    “It has happened at FIFA and other places so Ghana too can take leaf especially as we have many competent sportswomen here”.

    Read:How to become the next GFA President

    “The men are not only people who can run Sports or who love sports. I believe it is time for a woman to come and contest even though they’d be intimidated, they shouldn’t shy away from the position”.

    So far, about six persons who have declared their intentions to contest are all males.

    The GFA will go to polls on 27th October to elect a new leader to replace deposed Kwesi Nyantakyi.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • CAF confirms qualified teams for Caf U-23 nations cup tournament

    After the final round of qualifiers for the CAF U-23 nations cup tournament which will come up in Egypt,the boys have now been separated from the men.

    It is now clear countries that will be battling for the three slots to represent Africa at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games.

    Read:CAF Champions League wrap: Kotoko, Enyimba progress to next stage

    Host nation Egypt will welcome Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia for the final tournament scheduled for 8-22 November,2019 in Cairo.

    Of the eight qualified nations, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa are the only teams to have participated at every edition of the quadrennial championships since its inception in 2011.

    Read:Ibrahim Tanko dedicates CAF U23 Nations Cup qualification to Ghanaians

    Nigeria were champions at the last edition in Senegal in 2015, whilst Senegal finished third, which also had Mali and Zambia.

    Ghana and Cameroon have qualified for the finals for the first time with Cote d’Ivoire making a return since 2011.

    Qualified teams: Egypt (host), Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • Beijing to exit 200 most polluted cities list

    Beijing’s notoriously bad air quality has improved in recent years and the Chinese capital is expected to drop out of a list of 200 most polluted cities in the world this year, a data provider said Thursday.

    Beijing “is on track” to reduce PM2.5 — tiny particles that are the deadliest air pollutants — by nearly 20 percent this year compared to 2018, Swiss air purification technology company IQAir’s research arm AirVisual said.

    The average hourly PM2.5 readings in the smog-choked Chinese capital fell to 42.6 micrograms per cubic metre of air in the first eight months of 2019, down from 52.8 for the same period last year.

    Read:US-China officials begin trade war talks in Beijing

    “Compared to a decade earlier, the difference is even more striking,” the report said. “The PM2.5 concentration in the first eight months of 2019 was less than half that of the same period in 2009.”

    The annual average PM2.5 concentration reached an eye-watering 104.0 in 2010. It began a steady decline in 2013.

    But the current levels are still four times higher than those recommended by the World Health Organization.

    The tiny particulate matter can lodge deep in the lungs and cause respiratory ailments, lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

    Read:Stakeholders review Beijing Declaration

    Beijing was ranked 122 among the most polluted cities in the world in 2018, according to a March report by environmental group Greenpeace and AirVisual’s data.

    The improvements in air quality were driven by the city’s strict push to trim coal consumption and shut down or relocate polluting plants, the Beijing municipal government said in a February statement.

    Source: France24

  • Kotoko to seal loopholes in match ticketing

    The Management of Asante Kotoko S/C, is putting in place adequate measures to check ticket racketeering in their Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) Champions’ League preliminary fixture against Tunisia’s Etoile du Sahel.

    The first leg is being honored at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi, on Sunday, September 15, 2019, in a match expected to attract more than 35, 000 spectators.

    The issue of ticketing in matches involving the Porcupine Warriors, two-time African champions, had for some time now been a suspect with consistent reports of mass racketeering.

    Read:President Cup: We are prepared for Kotoko Hearts MD

    The GNA Sports gathered that in a bid to nip in the bud this “mafia” work, the Management was engaging the services of experts to enhance proper accountability during the said match.

    “Kotoko has suffered over the years when it comes to the issue of fake tickets being used at the points of entry to the Stadium,” Nana Kwasi Gyambibi, a Kotoko Management member told newsmen in Kumasi.

    This, he said, deprived the club of the needed revenue, stressing that in most cases, the huge patronage for Kotoko’s matches did not commensurate with proceeds at the gates.

    Read:Liberian referee Hassen Corneh to handle Kotoko-Etoile clash in Kumasi

    Nana Gyambibi said as part of security measures for the impending game, printed tickets with special features would be sold in advance at some designates points of the city.

    Those features, he explained, could only be identified with bar codes printed on the tickets.

    “We would be scanning the bar codes to identify the authenticity of each ticket before entry is allowed to the spectators, ” Nana Gyambibi noted.

    Additionally, there are plans to install CCTV cameras at very important positions of the Stadium to enhance the security situation.

    Source: ghananewsagency.org

  • Message in bottle saves family stranded on waterfall

    A family of three who got stuck on a raging waterfall were rescued after floating an SOS message in a bottle down a river.

    Curtis Whitson, his girlfriend, and his 13-year-old son were on a backpacking trip in central California in June.

    Their plan was to follow the Arroyo Seco river through a canyon until they reached the waterfall.

    At the waterfall, they would shimmy down a rope and carry on their journey to a campsite.

    But on day three of the hike the family found themselves stranded in a narrow part of canyon where the walls were 40ft (15m) high on either side.

    Read:10-month-old baby girl rescued after being buried alive by her mother

    The rope Mr Whitson expected to be there wasn’t, meaning they couldn’t climb down or out. To make matters worse, the waterfall was flowing too fast for them to enter.

    “My heart sank when I realised the volume of water was just too dangerous to make rappelling down possible,” Mr Whitson told CNN.

    With no phone signal or “a single soul” in sight, Mr Whitson concocted a plan. He wrote a note on a bar order slip that his girlfriend, Krystal Ramirez, 34, had brought to keep game scores: “We are stuck here at the waterfall. Get help please,” the note read.

    Mr Whitson put the note in a green water bottle and carved “help” into the side. Then he threw the bottle into the water. “With one lucky toss, it went right over the waterfall,” he told CNN.

    Read:How a young Banker, Philanthropist rescued a physically-challenged pregnant woman

    The note was found around a quarter-mile (0.4km) down-river by two hikers, who raised the alarm, Mr Whitson said.

    Rescue crew found Mr Whitson, his son Curtis and Ms Ramirez at around midnight on 15 June, just hours after hikers found the floating message.

    “They were really out of options if they hadn’t gotten the message out that way, it might’ve been a while,” Todd Brethour, of the California Highway Patrol, said.

    Mr Whitson, a glass and door repairman from Morro Bay, California, said he wants to find the hikers who found his message.

    “It blows me away how it all came perfectly together,” he told the Washington Post. “What are the odds?”

    Source: bbc.com

  • US should avoid ‘warmongers’, says Iran on John Bolton’s firing

    The United States should distance itself from “warmongers” after hardline national security adviser John Bolton was dismissed, Iran’s president said on Wednesday.

    Bolton was one of the strongest advocates of the ongoing US “maximum pressure” policy towards the Islamic Republic.

    “Americans have to realise that warmongering and warmongers are not to their benefit,” President Hassan Rouhani said in televised remarks. “They should not only abandon warmongering but also abandon their maximum pressure policy.

    “Iran’s policy of resistance will not change as long as our enemy continues to put pressure on Iran.”

    Tensions ratcheted up after the US pulled out of an historic international accord signed in 2015 between Iran and the world powers, under which Tehran accepted curbs on its nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief and access to world trade.

    The US pressure policy includes crippling sanctions aimed at halting all Iranian oil exports – the economic lifeblood of the nation’s economy.

    Read:Rouhani says Iran favours talks but US must lift sanctions

    Iran has called the reimposition of sanctions “economic terrorism”.

    ‘No preconditions’
    Bolton’s dismissal by President Donald Trump on Tuesday raised the possibility of talks between the arch rivals after more than a year of escalating tensions, including Iran shooting down a US drone and the American military nearly launching a reprisal attack.

    Iranian presidential adviser Hesameddin Ashena hailed the firing as a “clear sign of the defeat of America’s maximum pressure strategy” against Tehran.

    But Ali Shamkhani, a top Iranian security official, said Bolton’s exit has “no impact” on how Tehran views US policy. He said what matters to Iran is American “compliance with international commitments, as well as lifting cruel and illegal sanctions”, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

    Immediately after Bolton’s departure, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Trump could meet Rouhani for talks at an upcoming United Nations meeting with “no preconditions”.

    However, Iran’s envoy to the UN, Majid Takhteravanchi, said Bolton’s dismissal didn’t change its position that there will be no negotiations until economic sanctions are lifted.

    “The departure of … Bolton from President Donald Trump’s administration will not push Iran to reconsider talking with the US,” Iran’s IRNA news agency quoted Takhteravanchi as saying.

    Trump, meanwhile, left open the possibility the United States could ease sanctions on Iran, saying on Wednesday he believes Tehran wants to strike a new deal on its nuclear programme.

    “We’ll see what happens,” Trump told reporters at the White House when asked about the possibility the US would ease its pressure campaign.

    One analyst cast doubt on speculation Bolton’s removal could boost the chances of a meeting happening at the UN General Assembly later this month.

    “Such a meeting will not take place. The removal of a moustache person [Bolton] from the White House means little,” tweeted Mohammad Marandi, head of the American studies department at Tehran University.

    Read:Iran seizes another tanker in the Gulf, state media say

    ‘Warmonger-in-chief’
    The US announced new sanctions on a “wide range of terrorists and their supporters”, including Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, after Bolton was fired on Tuesday .

    Reacting to the move, Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif derided the United States.

    &nbsp

    Zarif has often said a “B-team” – that includes Bolton – could goad Trump into a war with Iran.

    ‘Undue pressure’
    Iranian officials also accused the US and Israel of “undue pressure” over its nuclear programme, and warned it could be “counterproductive” to cooperation with the UN’s nuclear watchdog.

    Tehran’s ambassador to the International Atomic Agency (IAEA), Kazem Gharib Abadi, said recent statements by US officials and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amounted to “a US-Israeli plot” to put pressure on the agency and its inspection activities in Iran.

    Abadi told reporters Tehran “interprets these acts … as undue pressure on the agency”.

    The dispute centres on the IAEA calling on Iran earlier this week to “respond promptly” to the agency’s questions after reports that unexplained uranium was found at a facility.

    Netanyahu has accused Iran of operating a previously undisclosed nuclear site aimed at developing nuclear weapons, and then destroying it after it was detected.

    Iran has abandoned commitments under the nuclear deal Rouhani said on Wednesday further measures could be taken “if essential and necessary”.

    On Saturday, Iran began installing advanced centrifuges to enrich uranium at a faster rate, its third step in reducing pledges.

    Asked how much uranium Iran intended to produce, Abadi said Iran would do so “to the extent that the country is in need”.

    Trump said it would be “very very dangerous” for Iran to enrich uranium, a key step in developing a nuclear weapon.

    “I do believe they’d like to make a deal. If they do, that’s great. If they don’t, that’s great too,” he said. “They have tremendous financial difficulty and the sanctions are getting tougher and tougher.”

    Source: aljazeera.com

  • Man Utd made contact with me before I signed new Athletic deal – Inaki Williams

    Inaki Williams has confirmed that Manchester United made contact with him over the summer before he opted to sign a new contract with Athletic Club.

    The pacey forward was linked with a move to Old Trafford during pre-season as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looked to bolster his squad ahead of the new campaign.

    And Williams has revealed that the Red Devils did enquire as to whether he would be interested in moving to the Premier League, but he instead opted to remain in Bilbao.

    “I had contact from Manchester United but I cannot tell you who it was,” he told radio station Cadena SER.

    The 25-year-old signed a new nine-year deal with Athletic in August, which saw his release clause increase from €85 million (£81m/$95m) to €135m (£125m/$150m).

    Read:Inaki Williams sets new record against Barcelona in La Liga

    Having come through the club’s academy, Williams has made 207 appearances for the San Mames outfit since his debut in 2014, scoring 50 goals.

    He has previously been linked with Liverpool while there have been suggestions he could even move across the Basque country to join Athletic’s rivals Real Sociedad.

    But he insists he is going nowhere, and even suggested that he could look to retire with Athletic when the time comes for him to hang up his boots.

    “My number one option has always been to stay at Athletic Club and to retire here. Joining Real Sociedad? No, I could never go there. 100 per cent.”

    Read:Manchester United eye move for Ghanaian striker Inaki Williams

    Athletic sit second in the Liga table following their first three matches of the season having picked up two victories and a draw.

    They began the new campaign with a dramatic 1-0 win over reigning champions Barcelona and backed it up with a 1-1 draw away at Getafe.

    Williams then got off the mark for the season with the opening goal of his side’s 2-0 victory over Sociedad in the Basque derby, leaving Gaizka Garitano’s side sitting two points behind early pacesetters Atletico Madrid.

    They return to action following the international break on Friday when they visit newly-promoted Real Mallorca.

    Source: Goal.com

  • Trump delays tariff hikes on Chinese goods ahead of talks

    US President Donald Trump will delay a planned tariff hike on $250bn (£202.8bn) of Chinese goods as a “gesture of good will”.

    In a tweet, Mr Trump said a 5% increase to duties scheduled for 1 October will be postponed for two weeks.

    He said the delay had been requested by China, and also follows a move by Beijing to scrap some US tariffs.

    It comes as the two sides prepare to hold fresh talks aimed at resolving their long-running trade dispute.

    Last month, the US said it would increase the tariff rates on all Chinese goods, which included raising a 25% tax on $250bn of Chinese imports to 30%.

    Read:Trade war: US set to hit China with new wave of tariffs

    On Wednesday, Mr Trump said China’s Vice Premier Liu He had asked him to postpone the upcoming tariff increase from 1 October as the date coincided with the anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.

    Earlier, China released a list of 16 US imports that will be exempted from tariffs including anti-cancer drugs and animal feed.

    Significant US exports to China, like pork, soybeans and American-made cars, are among the goods that will still be hit by the hefty taxes.

    Growing tensions

    The world’s largest economies have been locked in a bruising trade fight for the past year that has hurt businesses and weighed on the global economy.

    Tensions escalated in recent months and Washington said it would target all Chinese imports to the US with new duties by the end of the year.

    Read:US will delay tariff hike on Chinese-made cell phones, toys

    Against that backdrop, both sides are preparing to return to the negotiating table.

    Preliminary meetings are set to take place later this month in Washington before US treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin and trade representative Robert Lighthizer meet China’s Mr Liu in October.

    Still, some analysts argue the latest gestures by the US and China have not brought a resolution to their trade row much closer.

    “A broad settlement is not in sight,” Gary Hufbauer of the Peterson Institute for International Economics said.

    “Beijing is prepared for a continuation of tariffs and hostile rhetoric through 2020. And Trump cannot back down without getting a storm of criticism from the hawks, both Democrats and Republicans.”

    Source: bbc.com

  • Ghanaian forward Issah Abass to switch nationality to play for Netherlands

    Ghanaian youngster, Issah Abass is on the verging of switching nationality to the Netherlands.

    The former Black Starlets forward has been monitored by the Dutch FA following his explosive performance and has officially written to him to switch his nationality to feature for the Orange lads.

    “The Dutch FA have approached him [Issah Abass] to switch his nationality to play for the Netherlands U21 side and their senior national team,” a close source to the player told Kickgh.com in an exclusive interview.

    “His dream has always been playing for Ghana but the country has not handed him an invitation yet. It’s a great opportunity for him as a player either to accept or reject the call from the Dutch FA.

    Read:Issah Abass registers first goal for FC Utrecht in Eredivisie draw at Feyenoord

    “He was approached during his short stint in Holland before returning to FC Utrecht on a season-long loan deal from German Bundesliga club Mainz 05.

    The 20 year old will join the likes of Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Memphis Depay who opted to play for Netherlands instead of Ghana.

    Abass was part of the Ghana U17 team that disqualified from the 2015 Africa U17 Cup of Nations for fielding an ineligible player.

    Also, he earned a call-up to the Ghana U20 ahead of their 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup which was stage in New Zealand.

    Read:Performance of Ghanaian players abroad

    Following his sterling output in the Slovakian top-flight league with NK Olimpija Ljubljana where he scored 17 goals in 54 matches, he was signed by German Bundesliga club Mainz 05 on a five-year deal.

    He was chased by several clubs in Europe including Anderlecht, West Ham United, Atlanta Calcio, Southampton but German side Mainz 05 won the race with a transfer fee of two million euros.

    His debut season at Mainz 05 with affected with series of injuries where he made only one appearance in the 2018/19 season.

    Mianz 05 loaned him out to Dutch Eredivisie side FC Utrecht on a season-long loan deal this summer.

    Abass has scored one goal with an assist in his five-game outings for FC Utrecht in the ongoing season.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Benefits of after school activities in Ghana

    According to Youth.gov effective afterschool programs bring a wide range of benefits to youth, families and communities.

    By boosting academic performance, reducing risky behaviours, promoting physical health, and providing a safe, structured environment for the children of working parents.

    The Rosa Kids app is a one stop app which contains after school activities from top schools and children clubs in Accra.

    Activities such as ballet at the Royal Ballet Academy, and football at Liberty American School. To after school clubs at Tender Lilies and The Wit School offer a great range of activities at a high standard for children.

    These afterschool programs on the Rosa Kids app are provided in safe places where children are supervised and safeguarding guidelines are followed. All the schools can easily be contacted through the app.

    Read:Schools without playgrounds to face sanctions

    After school activities also play an important role in encouraging physical activity and good dietary habits, which can benefit the whole family.

    So if you are a parent interested in finding out the after school activities in your area have a look at the Ross Kids app which can be found on the Google play store now.

    Also, if you are a parent or teacher aware of high quality after school programs running in your area.

    Fill in the form below to add the after school program to the app so other parents can also be aware of the excellent services available for children.

    Click here

    Ballet @ Royal Ballet Dance Academy, Nungua Barrie

    After school club @ The Wit School

    Source: ROSA

  • Felicite Tomlinson: Drug use killed One Direction star’s sister

    An aspiring fashion designer died accidentally from a fatal combination of drugs, a coroner has concluded.

    Felicite Tomlinson, 18, the sister of One Direction star Louis Tomlinson, was found unresponsive by a friend in her west London flat on 13 March.

    Inner West London Coroner’s Court heard the pair had taken cocaine the night before, while traces of Xanax and OxyContin were also in her system.

    Coroner Shirley Radcliffe described the combination as “the perfect storm”.

    Miss Tomlinson, known to her friends as Fizzy, was an aspiring fashion designer who had 1.3 million followers on Instagram.

    Read:Western North youth urged to stay away from drugs

    The inquest heard she had a history of “recreational drug use over the years” but this had been on a more “consistent basis” since the death of her mother Johannah in 2016.

    The night before she died, the 18-year-old purchased cocaine with her friend Zainab Mohammed and, along with a male friend, took a number of lines.

    Recounting Miss Mohammed’s version of events, Dr Radcliffe said Miss Tomlinson was still breathing at 05:00 BST the next morning, but when her friend woke later at about midday she “couldn’t hear breathing” from the bed next to her.

    The inquest was told Miss Tomlinson was persuaded to complete a successful stint at an Egyptian rehab facility in Autumn 2018, but relapsed in 2019.

    Read:Kenya sniffer dogs fail to detect drugs

    In a statement, her GP Dr Paul Eulinger said the 18-year-old “refused to give up drugs in the knowledge they could kill her”.

    Concluding the teenager’s death was a result of misadventure and drugs toxicity, Dr Radcliffe described her as “a bright, much-loved daughter and sister” whose “use of drugs was a considerable danger to her”.

    “She was an individual who took drugs deliberately and has succumbed to their… effects accidentally.”

    Source: bbc.com

  • Deliveroo TV advert banned for being misleading

    A TV ad for Deliveroo has been banned for suggesting the food delivery firm could deliver anywhere in the UK.

    The ad, shown in March, showed various scenes of people using the Deliveroo app and having food delivered to them, all in unusual places or circumstances.

    The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said it was “likely to mislead” because it wrongly implied delivery “was unrestricted throughout the UK”.

    Deliveroo said it felt on-screen text had made it clear restrictions applied.

    In the ad someone is shown receiving a delivery in a field after apparently tunnelling underground to escape from prison. An astronaut is also shown receiving a delivery in space.

    Read:Pope tells U.K. to obey UN, give back Chagos Islands to Mauritius

    Meanwhile a voice-over states: “Order what you want; where you want; when you want it” while text at the bottom of the screen reads: “Some restrictions apply, obviously…”

    There were 22 complaints from people who, knowing that Deliveroo did not deliver to their areas, said that the ad was misleading.

    Deliveroo’s parent company, Roofoods, said that the exaggerated scenes in the ad showed it was not meant to represent real life – simply that it was possible to order from Deliveroo in different everyday locations.

    Read:Video of U.K based Ghanaian advising Ghanaians to stay back home goes viral

    It also said customers could check their app to see whether their area was covered without incurring any cost.

    But the ASA said that without any additional explanation, viewers were likely to take the claim “Order what you want; where you want; when you want it” literally.

    “Because we considered the ad suggested delivery was unrestricted throughout the UK when that was not the case, we concluded that it was likely to mislead,” it said.

    The ad must not appear again in its current form and Roofoods has been told to ensure that similar claims do not appears in its marketing again.

    A Deliveroo spokesman said: “Deliveroo designed a playful advert to show that, through our service, people are able to order food to a wide range of places, whether home or work, for a range of occasions.

    “We know some will be disappointed that their local area isn’t currently served by Deliveroo, but we are expanding rapidly across the UK.”

    Source: bbc.com

  • Greenpeace blocks unloading of coal at Polish port

    Greenpeace said its activists climbed cranes at the Polish port of Gdansk Wednesday to block the unloading of coal from Mozambique, and called on the government to move to renewable energy.

    “At dawn, 29 Greenpeace activists climbed two cranes at a coal terminal of the Gdansk port,” Greenpeace Polska spokeswoman Katarzyna Guzek told AFP. The activists hung banners on the cranes reading “Poland without coal 2030”, she added.

    Local police told AFP they were aware of the Greenpeace action and were monitoring the situation along with port officials.

    “First we blocked the vessel from docking, now we’re preventing it from unloading the shipment,” said Guzek.

    Read:Cyclone Idai: Huge area of Mozambique submerged

    The group tried on Monday to prevent the cargo vessel Indian Goodwill from docking, blocking it with its own vessel, Rainbow Warrior.

    Armed border guards intervened, hauling the Greenpeace boat out of the port and detaining the captain and another activist early on Tuesday.

    They released another 16 activists on board after identity checks, and the vessel anchored outside the port.

    Prosecutors said they would decide Wednesday whether to charge the two activists — the Spanish captain and an Austrian national — detained for navigation security violations.

    Greenpeace wants Poland’s right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) government to abandon burning coal by 2030 — the European Union’s target date for phasing out coal use.

    Read:Bid to punish underage marriage in Mozambique

    “We have little time left to prevent an unfolding climate disaster and the Polish government’s reliance on coal puts at risk our hopes for a safe and sustainable future,” Greenpeace Poland programme director Pawel Szypulski said in a statement.

    “This is why activists are compelled to take action. Polish citizens are calling for a transition from coal towards renewable energy.”

    Under the 2015 Paris climate treaty, the EU pledged to reduce its carbon emissions responsible for causing rising global temperatures by 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030.

    The Polish government plans only a gradual reduction in dependence on coal for electricity production, from around 80 percent today to 60 percent in 2030.

    Poland along with Hungary has rejected an EU bid for zero-net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, insisting this would hamper their economies.

    Source: France24

  • Rihanna’s star-studded bash is toast of NY Fashion Week

    Rihanna’s A-list bash, Vera Wang’s return to the runway, and Proenza Schouler’s eighties power suits — AFP takes a look at the highlights from the fourth full day of New York Fashion Week on Tuesday.

    Rihanna dominates

    Pop icon Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty lingerie show was the week’s most anticipated but exclusive event and doubled as an invitation-only concert, featuring some of music’s buzziest acts such as Migos and Halsey.

    In a spectacle that dominated New York’s Fashion Week celebrity models, including the Hadid sisters and Joan Smalls, made appearances alongside artists like Normani.

    A-listers entered Brooklyn’s Barclays Center for the show from Rihanna, a fashion and beauty mogul who unveiled the launch of her new luxury line with French powerhouse LVMH earlier this year.

    Now in its second year, her hugely popular lingerie catwalk will stream on Amazon’s Prime Video service on September 20.

    Setting herself up as the anti-Victoria’s Secret — a thin-obsessed brand that this year canceled its annual catwalk — Rihanna’s line features body-inclusive pieces from bombshell lace-up corsets and sheer floral thongs, to tomboy boyshorts and high-neck bralettes.

    Read:Rihanna slaps Donald Trump with a legal warning

    Despite — or perhaps because of — a social media ban inside the Barbadian star’s show, it still dominated Tuesday’s conversation as stars and stylists alike scrambled to exist in the shadow of Rihanna’s Instagram account, @badgirlriri.

    Vera Wang returns

    Designer Vera Wang returned to the catwalk for the first time in several years, and told AFP it was “great timing” thanks to the streamlined event that has gone from seven to five days.

    “There was almost 400 shows at one point, which I think you lose any kind of perspective,” she said. “So I think this new editing made me feel it was right for us to come back, particularly with what we do which is really couture level, sewing and draping and cutting.”

    For her return Wang, made famous by her wedding dress creations, proposed her vision of sensuality that featured confections of body-revealing tulle, and suspenders reminiscent of garter-belts.

    “I dress a lot of Hollywood and I wanted to do my version of Hollywood when I’m not dressing a star in particular,” Wang said.

    Read:Adele wrote about how much she loves Rihanna and, honestly, same

    New decade incoming

    Inspired by the notion of a new decade, Coach designer Stuart Vevers “wanted a collection that was about change and also something that was stripped-back and upbeat, optimistic and looking forward to the new decade.”

    Originally a specialist in bags and accessories, Coach has always kept leather firmly anchored in its DNA.

    But while it featured in this year’s collection, Vevers did not make it the central element, playing with the brand’s legacy while lending a fresh touch.

    The British designer — who presided over the launch of Coach’s ready-to-wear line in 2015 — went back to basics, offering jackets, skirts, and leather pants, often matching.

    1980s power

    Models looked particularly statuesque stalking Proenza Schouler’s runway, where architectural tailoring paired with belted feminine draping was the theme.

    This year’s ready-to-wear collection featured sharp-shouldered power-jackets paired with sensuous cowlneck layering in sleek neutrals, often accessorized with thick, oversized hoop earrings.

    Some sported voluminous pants while others wore slim-but-flowing maxi skirts over opaque matte black or white tights with strappy-heeled sandals.

    Designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez pulled together many of the more feminine looks with waist-nipping belts or timeless trenchcoats given contemporary flavor with details like asymmetric buttons.

    Source: France24

  • Xenophobia: 84 Nigerians return from South Africa today

    84 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa is expected to arrive in Nigeria on Wednesday at 2.pm local time via the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos in company of officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which disclosed this in an update made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, explained that although 313 Nigerians were confirmed as those to form the first batch of evacuees, only 84 of them would arrive on Wednesday because they were the ones cleared to embark on the flight to Nigeria.

    According to the ministry, 640 Nigerians have indicated the desire to return from South Africa and have registered to do so.

    Read:Xenophobia hub: Over 600 Nigerians head home from South Africa

    The ministry added that the second batch of evacuees would depart Johannesburg for Nigeria on Friday.

    “The Air peace aircraft which was scheduled to take off at 9. a.m local time was delayed due to the fact that checking in and clearance procedures by immigration are very slow.

    “There are complains of system failure and out of the 313 confirmed for first batch of evacuation today, only 84 are cleared so far.

    Read:Successive SA governments have been weak in tackling xenophobic attacks expert

    “The more the Aircraft waits for the passengers, the higher the amount the Aircraft will pay for Parking,” the ministry stated.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that following the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, Proprietor of the Airline, Mr Allen Onyeama, volunteered to send an aircraft to evacuate Nigerians willing to return free of charge.

    The process which was earlier scheduled to commence on Sept. 6 had stalled as it was reported that most Nigerians willing to return did not have valid passports or travel documents to complete immigration formalities.

    Source: www.punchng.com

  • K.P Boateng elected to take Fiorentina’s penalties this season

    Ghana forward Kevin Prince Boateng has been chosen by Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella as the club’s penalty taker.

    The striker will take the club’s penalty together with Erick Pulgar.

    Pulgar has scored twice from the spot but on both occasions, Kevin Prince Boateng was not on the pitch.

    Read:KP Boateng insists he wants to do great things with Fiorentina

    The Chilean midfielder revealed he will relinquish the role to the Ghanaian if they had a penalty and he was on the pitch.

    “I can tell you that in Fiorentina Montella chose me, along with Boateng , as a rigorist. It will work like this, we will both go to the spot and decide. Nice, we’ll be two,” Pulgar told La Nazione.

    Read:Playing next to Lionel Messi is incredible KP Boateng

    Boateng has started the season well, scored a goal in two game in the serie A.

    The 32-year old joined the Viola’s from Sassuolo on a two year deal.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Woman charged with fraud in Neymar rape case

    Police in Brazil have charged a woman who accused the international footballer, Neymar, of raping her in a Paris hotel in May with perverting the course of justice.

    Najila Trindade and her former husband, Estivens Alves, have been accused of lying to police and attempting to blackmail the player.

    The Paris St-Germain player has been cleared of any wrongdoing.

    Ms Trindade’s lawyer said the indictment had taken him by surprise.

    Cosme Araújo rejected the police accusations and said his client had never colluded with Mr Alves to extort money from the Brazilian football star.

    Read:Chris Brown arrested in Paris after rape allegation

    ‘Consensual sex’
    The case dominated newspaper headlines in Brazil and abroad for several weeks.

    It first came to light in June, when the Paris St-Germain star released a seven minute video on Instagram revealing that he had been accused of rape.

    He also published Whatsapp messages and images that he claimed to be of the woman.

    In the video he says he had to make them public to “prove that nothing really happened”.

    He said they met online. He paid for her trip to France and they had consensual sex before Ms Trindade returned to Brazil and went to a police station to accuse him of attacking her.

    Read:Paris based model threatens to expose Black Star player Wakaso for dumping her after abortion

    Ms Trindade then went public, giving a television interview and releasing footage and a video clip purportedly showing an altercation between the two.

    Police later filed a defamation suit against Ms Trindade, who allegedly insinuated the force was corrupt, according to news agency AFP.

    Neymar denied the allegations from the beginning and said he was being extorted.

    Police closed the case at the end of July.

    The São Paulo attorney general’s office said the case was suspended due to a lack of evidence.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Alhaji Grunsah drops out of GFA Presidential race

    Owner and bankroller of King Faisal, Alhaji Karim Grunsah says he has decided to drop out of the 2019 Ghana Football Association Presidential race based on the advice of his family members.

    According to the outspoken football administrator, he will channel his energies in helping Ghana football in a different capacity and not as the President of the Association.

    Speaking on Accra based Asempa FM on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, Grunsah said the decision was not forced on him.

    Read:I will eliminate corruption from Ghana Football if voted GFA president Alhaji Grusah

    “I have withdrawn from the GFA presidential race, I will no longer contest for the position. My family both home and abroad spoke to me and cited different examples of how I can be of service to this country aside being the President and at the end of the day, they made sense to me so I have agreed not to contest. However, I will try and contest for a position on the Executive Council”, he said on Asempa FM.

    Until today, Alhaji Grunsah was one of several football administrators who has publicly expressed interest in succeeding Kwesi Nyantakyi who left the position in 2018 following his role in the Number 12 documentary released by Anas Aremeyaw Anas.

    Read:English will be translated to Arabic for me as GFA President Alhaji Grusah

    The remaining major contenders for the position are former Vice Presidents of the GFA, George Afriyie and Fred Pappoe, as well as Kurt Okraku, Wilfred Kweku Osei Palmer and Nana Yaw Amponsah.

    Unconfirmed reports suggest the elections will be held on October 27.
    120 members of Congress, representing various clubs, welfare bodies and constituent bodies will vote to elect a new FA President and his Executive Council members when the time comes.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Kevin Hart is ‘doing very well’ after car crash

    Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has said Kevin Hart is “doing very well” after suffering major back injuries in a car crash earlier this month.

    Comedian and actor Hart was taken to hospital after a vintage car he was a passenger in rolled down an embankment in the California hills.

    Speaking on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Johnson said his pal was “a lucky man”.

    “Everything is good,” he said. “I spoke with Kevin – I connected with him today.”

    Read:Oscars 2019: Winners in full

    He added: “And you know what? These things happen in life and thankfully he was strapped in nicely to his car seat.”

    Hart was supposed to be Clarkson’s first-ever guest on her new TV talk show, so following the accident Johnson cut short his honeymoon (with his new wife’s permission) to fill in.

    The pair are close friends – having starred together in films including Jumanji and Central Intelligence – and the former professional wrestler, 47, confirmed he would soon pay Hart a hospital visit.

    “I love the guy, he’s one of my best friends,” Johnson went on.

    Read:Oscars 2019: Olivia Colman and Green Book spring surprise wins

    “And honestly, I mean, thank God, it could have been a lot worse. So, he’s a lucky man, and he knows it, too.

    “I wish him the best and a speedy recovery and I’m going to see him soon.”

    Hart and the car’s driver were both taken to hospital following the crash in the hills above Malibu on 1 September.

    The driver of the car was not under the influence of alcohol, according to a California Highway Patrol collision report.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Arab nations condemn Netanyahu’s West Bank annexation plan

    Arab nations have condemned a plan by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to annex part of the occupied West Bank.

    On Tuesday Mr Netanyahu pledged to apply Israeli sovereignty over the Jordan Valley and northern Dead Sea if he is returned to office following a general election next week.

    Officials in Jordan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia sharply criticised the announcement.

    The Arab League denounced “the dangerous development” as “aggression”.

    Palestinian diplomat Saeb Erekat said such a move would be a “war crime” that would “bury any chance of peace”.

    Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967 but has stopped short of annexation.

    Read:Jailed Palestinian who sold land to Israelis set to be freed

    Palestinians claim the whole of the area for a future independent state. Mr Netanyahu previously insisted Israel would always retain a presence in the Jordan Valley for security purposes.

    What did the Israeli PM say?

    Mr Netanyahu, who was campaigning for the election, unveiled the plan in a televised address.

    He also said he would annex all Jewish settlements in the West Bank, but this would need to wait until the publication of US President Donald Trump’s long-awaited plan for a peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians.

    “There is one place where we can apply Israeli sovereignty immediately after the elections,” Mr Netanyahu said about the Jordan Valley and northern Dead Sea. “If I receive from you, citizens of Israel, a clear mandate to do so.”

    The prime minister leads the right-wing Likud party who are currently neck and neck in the polls with the opposition centrist Blue and White party.

    A snap general election is being held next Tuesday, after Mr Netanyahu earlier this year failed to successfully form a workable coalition government following another vote.

    The BBC’s Middle East Correspondent, Tom Bateman, says the prime minister’s announcement is likely to help him shore up support on the political right.

    Blue and White’s co-leader, Yair Lapid, hit out at Mr Netanyahu, insisting he “doesn’t want to annex territories, he wants to annex votes”.

    “This is an election trick and it’s not even a particularly successful trick because the lie is so transparent,” he said.

    How have others responded?

    The Arab League said Mr Netanyahu’s plan would violate international law and “torpedo” the foundations of peace.

    Read:Israelis kill Hamas commander in undercover Gaza raid

    Senior Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi told AFP news agency Mr Netanyahu was “not only destroying the two-state solution, he is destroying all chances of peace.”

    Jordan’s Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, called the plan a “serious escalation” and warned it could “push the whole region towards violence”.

    Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, described the pledge as “racist” and criticised Mr Netanyahu for “giving all king of illegal, unlawful and aggressive messages” before the election.

    Saudi Arabia also condemned the announcement on state media as a “very dangerous escalation” and called for an emergency meeting of the foreign ministers of the 57 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in response.

    What is the background to the West Bank issue?
    The Jordan Valley and northern Dead Sea area makes up about a third of the West Bank.

    Israel occupied the West Bank, along with East Jerusalem, Gaza and the Syrian Golan Heights, in the 1967 Middle East war. It effectively annexed East Jerusalem in 1980, and the Golan Heights in 1981, although neither move was accepted internationally for decades.

    The Trump administration has since recognised both steps, overturning previous US policy. It remains unclear if they will advocate for a two-state solution – a plan which has dominated previous international diplomatic efforts to achieve peace in the region.

    The fate of the West Bank goes to the heart of the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Israel has built about 140 settlements there and in East Jerusalem which are considered illegal under international law, though Israel disputes this.

    Source: bbc.com

     

  • Lawyer Naa Odofoley Nortey set to head GFA Elections Committee

    Member of the GFA Normalisation Committee Lawyer Naa Odofoley Nortey is set to head a five-member committee that will oversee the elections of the Ghana Football Association, according to reports in the local media.

    Article 54 of the GFA statutes on the formation of the Elections Committee states:

    “The Elections Committee is an Adhoc committee the body in charge of organizing and supervising the election process in accordance with the provisions of these Statutes and the Elections Regulations of GFA.

    Read:The dynamics of the GFA Presidential Elections

    “The Elections Committee shall be made up of five (5) members, including at least one woman and a lawyer who shall be the Chairperson.”

    Mrs Nortey is expected to chair the GFA election committee since she is the only female and a lawyer among the five members of the NC.

    On Monday, the Normalisation Committee released a statement to deny reports that an Election Committee was going to be formed and headed by Rex Danquah.

    Read:GFA elections: Normalisation Committee to act as Elections Committee

    However, the NC in a statement said, “Pursuant to Article 79.2 (Transitional provisions) of the newly adopted Statutes of the GFA, members of the Normalization Committee of the GFA shall act as the Elections Committee for the upcoming GFA presidential and executive council elections”.

    Naa Odofoley Nortey is a legal practitioner who was born in Accra, Ghana. She is a Partner at Beyuo & Co, a position she has risen to due to hard work and selfless dedication to her work.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • CODEO raises red flags over ECs voting time cut proposal

    The Coalition of Election Observers (CODEO) has raised concerns over the proposal by the electoral commission to cut down voting hours.

    The commission considering reducing the voting time from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., instead of the 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Read: Akufo-Addo petitioned to halt election of MMDCEs

    The move is to allow for counting of ballots and collation of results before night falls and to facilitate the early declaration of election results, the EC chair noted at a conference in Accra.

    Speaking to Morning Starr Wednesday, programs coordinator for CODEO Paul Abrampah said the move must be carefully thought true.

    “We have come to a point where we want to ensure results realized after elections are acceptable by all. If we change the closing time of elections from 5pm to 4pm, what happens to electoral areas that have challenges and start voting later than any other area because rivers must be crossed to those places and the like.”

    Read: Electoral Commission punches CODEO

    Reacting to the concerns, spokesperson for the commission, Sylvia Annor said they will engage all stakeholders before a decision is taken on the matter.

    “The voting period will be discussed with stakeholders. The late closure affects ultimately the voting results especially that of Presidential elections. The timing is at the preliminary stage of discussion. We are not there yet. On polling days, there are isolated cases of delays even in developed nations. We are working around the clock to make sure all anomalies are rectified”.

     

    Source: starrfm.com.gh

  • Vaginal fluid transplants may soon be available in US

    US doctors are hoping to start offering women vaginal fluid transplants and have set up a programme to screen potential donors.

    They believe some women could benefit from a dose of healthy vaginal microbes to protect against an infection called bacterial vaginosis (BV).

    The Johns Hopkins University team say they were inspired by the success of faecal or poo transplants.

    Although antibiotics can treat BV, it often comes back.

    What is BV?
    BV is not a sexually transmitted disease, despite being an infection.

    It’s quite common and women who have it may notice that they have an unusual discharge that has a strong fishy smell.

    Read:US team supports KATH doctors in anaesthesia care

    The condition is not usually serious, but should be treated because having BV makes women more vulnerable to catching sexually transmitted infections and getting urinary infections.

    If the woman is pregnant, it increases the risk of her having the baby early.

    Why might donor vaginal fluid help?
    BV can happen when there is a change in the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina.

    The vagina, like the gut, is home to lots of different microorganisms.

    Our diets, lifestyles and some types of medication that we may take can upset this finely balanced ecosystem.

    While there has been a large amount of work into the gut microbiome, less is known about the vagina.

    Experts known that healthy microorganisms in the vagina prefer an acidic environment, and when the pH becomes too alkaline other bacteria – including those that cause BV – can thrive.

    A number of factors can raise vaginal pH and make BV more likely, including having sex (semen and saliva are slightly alkaline) and using douches or vaginal washes, as well as hormonal changes at particular times of the month during a woman’s menstrual cycle.

    What would the transplant involve?

    The researchers have been looking at what makes a fit, safe donation in preparation for starting to offer women with BV the transplants – which they hope to do soon now that they have regulatory approval from the Food and Drugs Administration.

    They screened a small number of volunteers and have reported their findings in the journal Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology.

    Based on the 20 women they have tested, the researchers say they have gained some insights into what might make an “ideal” donor.

    Vaginal fluid samples dominated by a bacterium called Lactobacillus crispatus tended to have higher protective lactic acid content and a lower pH which might be beneficial, they say.

    Read:Chlamydia sex infection vaccine passes safety test

    As a precaution, donors would be asked to abstain from sex for at least 30 days before giving a sample and would be screened for any infections, including HIV, to prevent them being passed on to any recipient, they add.

    One of the researchers, Dr Laura Ensign, said: “The donation is a self collection, which we know people tend to prefer.”

    The woman inserts and then removes a flexible plastic disc – similar to a menstrual cup or a contraceptive diaphragm – to collect the sample.

    “It’s quick and easy and one sample collected like that would be enough material to make one dose for transfer,” she said.

    It would be drawn up into an applicator for the recipient to insert in a similar way to a tampon.

    Dr Ensign said: “If we can get funding, we could start right away. Some of the donors that we studied said they would want to take part.

    “We’d plan to give transplants to 40 recipients to begin with. Some would receive the real thing and others a placebo. All of them would get antibiotics for their BV too though.”

    Source: bbc.com

  • British Airways warns of continuing disruption after strikes

    British Airways says it will take “some time” for flights to get back to normal, despite the end of a two-day strike by pilots.

    Nearly 150 aircraft are out of place, along with more than 700 pilots and 4,000 cabin crew, it said.

    BA was forced to cancel almost all of its flights on Monday and Tuesday due to the strike over pay.

    But it expects further disruption in the coming days as it tries to get customers to their destinations.

    “The nature of our highly complex, global operation means that it will take some time to get back to a completely normal flight schedule,” BA said.

    Read:Nearly all British Airways flights canceled as pilots go on strike

    “Due to the union’s strike action, nearly half of our fleet of over 300 aircraft and more than 700 pilots will start the day in the wrong place [on Wednesday].

    “In addition, more than 4,000 cabin crew have had disruption to their rosters, and in many cases will be unable to operate again for several days due to legal rest requirements.”

    The airline is offering affected customers refunds or the option to re-book to another date of travel or an alternative airline.

    Balpa said that the strikes had been a “powerful demonstration of the strength of feeling of BA pilots”.

    Tens of thousands of flights had to be cancelled, costing BA an estimated £40m a day.

    It called on the airline to come “back to the negotiating table with some meaningful proposals” to try to avert the next scheduled strike, on 27 September.

    Balpa general secretary, Brian Strutton, said: “Surely any reasonable employer would listen to such a clear message, stop threatening and bullying, and start working towards finding a solution.”

    Read:Ozwald Boateng to design new British Airways uniforms

    Pilots had previously rejected an 11.5% pay increase over three years proposed by BA in July.

    Balpa says its members have taken lower pay rises and made sacrifices during more stringent times for the airline in recent years.

    But it says that now BA’s financial performance has improved – its parent company IAG reported a 9% rise in profits last year – they should see a greater share of the profits.

    BA has said its pilots are already paid “world-class” salaries, and has described the pay offer as “fair and generous”.

    After three years of the proposed pay deal, some captains could be taking home more than £200,000 per year, including allowances, it said.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Asante Kotoko to sign Justice Blay permanently from Medeama SC

    Asante Kotoko is eager to complete the signing of Medeama SC midfielder Justice Blay on a permanent basis, Footballghana.com can report.

    Blay joined the Porcupine Warriors on a season-long loan deal from Medeama SC a few months ago and has been impressive for the club.

    Read:Kotoko signs highly-rated Medeama midfielder Justice Blay on loan

    According to reports, the officials of Asante Kotoko are preparing a mouthwatering offer to sign the 27-year-old permanently after a successful loan spell.

    The midfielder has been a key cog in coach Kjetil Zachariassen’s team after making five appearances for the club so far.

    Read:Kotoko determined to eliminate Kano Pillars Justice Blay

    Following his splendid display for the Reds, he has been invited to the Black Stars ‘B’ for the 2020 CHAN qualifier against Burkina Faso.

    He is currently a key member of Asante Kotoko squad for their 2019/20 CAF Champions League campaign.

    Blay has a three-year contract with two-time MTN FA Cup champions Medeama SC.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Guinea FA rubbishes claims of CK Akonnor appointment as National Team coach

    Guinea FA has rejected reports that ex-Ghana captain Charles Kobina Akonnor has been appointed coach of the country’s national team, Ghanasoccernet.com can exclusively report.

    The 45-year-old was among 17 coaches shortlisted for the job this week after the post became vacant after the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Egypt.

    Even though the former midfielder has not undergone any interview after being named in the shortlist, a report in Ghana claimed on Tuesday that he has already been appointed.

    Read:CK Akonnor joins Ranieri in race to become new Guinea coach

    The report claimed that beat off competition from seventeen other coaches including former Leicester City manager Claudio Renieri, Florent Ibenge, Paulo Duarte, ex-Togo coach Didier Six and Francois Zahoui for the vacant position.

    The claim further added that ‘the Ghanaian gaffer signed a three-year deal with the Guinea Football Federation (FGF) after undergoing a successful interview session in Conakry’ and ‘the former Ghana international Charles Kwablan Akonnor has been named the new head coach of Guinea until 2022.’

    However, the Guinea Football Federation (FGF) has rubbished the claim insisting Akonnor is yet to undergo an interview in Conakry along with the other coaches shortlisted for the job.

    “Mr Akonnor is one of the candidates expected to undergo the interview on 12 September 2019. He is expected to be in Conakry for the interview,” Guinea Football Federation (FGF) spokesman Akoye exclusively told Ghanasoccernet.com on Wednesday.

    Read:CK Akonnor to earn €30,000 monthly if appointed Guinea coach

    The ex-Wolfsburg player is seeking to join the West African nation as a replacement for Paul Put who was sacked after Guinea were eliminated from 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt in the round of 16 stage.

    Akonnor has vast experience in coaching with his stint at top Ghana Premier League clubs namely Hearts of Oak, Dreams FC, Ashanti Gold SC, Asante Kotoko and relegated club Sekondi Eleven Wise.

    He has been without a club after parting ways with Asante Kotoko few months ago after guiding them to win the GFA Normalization Committee Special Competition.

    Guinea will begin their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers campaign with Mali in November this year.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Akufo-Addo petitioned to halt election of MMDCEs

    The election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives along party lines will further polarise Ghana, some three citizens have said in a petition to the President.

    Peter Antwi Boasiako, Bill Boampong Darlington and Felix Hilton Kwamena Hamilton want Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to use his “prerogative as the President of the nation, to halt this amendment…”

    Read: Election of MMDCEs: EC sets referendum for December 17

    The amendment would allow political parties to field and sponsor candidates for local government elections, which is currently barred by Article 55/3 of the 1992 Constitution.

    “55 (3) Subject to the provisions of this article, a political party is free to participate in shaping the political will of the people, to disseminate information on political ideas, social and economic programmes of a national character, and sponsor candidates for election to any public office either than to district assemblies or lower local government unit.”

    But the petitioners are worried that allowing political parties into local government elections “would undoubtedly create sharp divisions at the grassroots in our communities and will not help to maintain harmony among the local people.”

    “We believe that the political factionalism at the grassroots will destroy friendships and families, considering our fragile young democracy,” they wrote.

    Read: NCCE urges massive participation in referendum on MMDCEs election

    According to them, “there is also no concrete evidence which clearly suggests that the proposed election of the MMDCEs will actually improve on the current system” where the President appoints the MMDCEs.

    “…we are of the view that the current system which allows you to appoint the MMDCEs can achieve the purpose for quicker development of our communities,” the petition said.

     

    Source: Myjoyonline.com

  • Exhausted Central Africans leave exile for unknowns at home

    Under the tarpaulin shading the back of the lorry, the heat is still stifling on a rough road for some 30 refugees travelling home to the strife-weary Central African Republic.

    Potholes rattle spines and send up fine grit that sticks to the sweaty bodies of exhausted adults and small children and animals, almost hidden in a tangle of limbs.

    Yet the men and women look relieved.

    They are glad to be homeward bound after tough years spent in the Republic of Congo, following agreements signed with neighbouring countries by the government and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in July and August.

    Albert Bekpa, a fisherman from the capital Bangui, made the most of the journey despite the discomfort.

    Read:Over 40 killed in attack on refugee base in Central African Republic

    “This is a feast day!” he proclaimed, brandishing an elegantly carved walking stick, a treasure he has kept close since exile in 2014.

    His cries found echoes from outside.

    All along the track from the Congolese border to a UNHCR transit camp at Mongoumba, villagers turned out to hail their returning compatriots. Children waved palm branches and the elders stood up from their seats.

    The United Nations estimates that more than a quarter of the 4.7 million inhabitants in the deeply poor and landlocked CAR fled abroad in the turmoil after an armed movement drawn from the Muslim minority ousted President Francois Bozize in 2013.

    Since then, the CAR has been ravaged by conflicts pitting a range of armed movements against the security forces and each other in a ragged civil war fuelled by ethnic factors, religious faith and a struggle to control resources.

    – ‘A legal framework’ –

    The UNHCR estimates that more than 600,000 of the uprooted civilians still live abroad, mainly in Cameroon, the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    Many refugees have returned on their own, particularly since the Bangui government, which is supported by a UN peacekeeping mission, signed peace pacts in February with 14 of the armed groups staking territorial claims.

    For the past seven months, several provinces have seen relative calm.

    “Those who returned in spontaneous fashion had no support,” said Stella Fatime, communications official with the UNHCR. “We needed to set a legal framework to guarantee that volunteers could return in dignity and safety.”

    According to available figures, 4,983 refugees in the Republic of Congo have asked to be taken home since August 1 under one of the signed agreements.

    Read:Three things you did not know about Nescafé in Central & West Africa

    Valerie, a Christian trader from the mainly Muslim PK5 district of Bangui, wants to forget the clashes between communities that forced her to flee in 2013.

    “In the camps, we lived together very well,” she said as the lorry arrived at Mongoumba. “We’ll do the same at home.”

    Communal ties may have been fine in the Congo camps, but everybody agreed that life was grim.

    Food rations and medical supplies were inadequate, schooling was difficult and the chances of employment were hopeless.

    – ‘Life of a slave’ –

    “Some people managed to get jobs as hired daily labourers in the fields. Me, I had to wait for nightfall to go out to fish in hiding, find something to eat. It was the life of a slave!” Albert said.

    “Depending on the WFP (World Food Programme) and the UNHCR is no kind of life,” said Youssouf, another trader from PK5.

    Among the 365 “voluntary” repatriated people of the day, many expressed similar sentiments to Albert and Youssouf, saying that they felt compelled to return to be able to feed their families.

    The UNHCR gives each adult 150,000 CFA francs (229 euros / $252) to help them make a fresh start. Abdelaziz had no illusions that he would have to use the money for temporary housing in Bangui.

    “Our house was destroyed in 2013. But we’ll manage,” he said, planning to rent as long as it takes him to hustle up the means to live — or survive — in one of the world’s poorest countries.

    Those with property still standing also faced the unknown and were warned as soon as they reached the transit camp.

    “If your house is occupied by somebody, do not chase them out. You must speak to the district chief,” an organiser warned by megaphone.

    With another four hours of rough riding ahead to reach the capital, Albert and his family listened to the announcement with concern. “I had plots of land in Bangui and I just don’t know what has happened to them.”

    Source: France24

  • Ghana U23 coach Ibrahim Tanko reveals tactical plan which upended Algeria

    Black Meteors coach Ibrahim Tanko has revealed the tactical masterstroke which stymied Algeria for Tuesday’s 1-0 win to qualify for the 2019 CAF U23 Cup of Nations.

    Ghana made amends from a poor first leg display at home last Friday where they rallied to earn a 1-1 draw.

    Tanko tweaked his starting XI and introduced Asante Kotoko center-back Habib Mohammed and Michael Agberkornu and that made a huge difference in shutting out Les Verts.

    The ex-Borussia Dortmund striker told GHANASoccernet.com: ”We made two changes in today’s game because looking at the first leg, we saw that especially in the first half our midfield was poor so we decided to play with two holding midfielders today- [Isaac] Twum and Michael [Abgerkornu].

    Read:AFCON U-23 qualifier: Ibrahim Tanko hopeful of good preparation for Algeria game

    ”Michael did very well in the first half, but unfortunately, we had to change him because he had a yellow card and we don’t want to play with one less especially with this game.

    ”So looking at the scoreline we had to risk a little bit so we brought in Osman Bukari who’s more offensive and then we drew Yaw Yeboah back to play with Twum so this changes gave us more options upfront.”

    Captain Yaw Yeboah scored a beautiful individual effort goal in the 68th minute to ensure the Meteors sealed a 2-1 aggregate win.

    Tanko insists his team scored not against the run of play, but through a worked-out plan.

    Read:Coach Ibrahim Tanko facing dilemma ahead of Black Stars, Meteors assignments

    ”So when you look at the goal Yaw Yeboah scored, it’s also part of the tactical plan change we did because we put Isaac Twum in front of the back four and gave Yaw the free role that he can move everywhere,” he added.

    ”He took the ball from the midfield and went through the defence to score a very good goal for us.”

    Ghana will be playing the first appearance in the tournament after missing out in Morocco 2011 and Senegal 2015.

    Hosts Egypt, South Africa, Zambia, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Mali are the finalists for the 8-22 November 2019 tournament.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Amazon bets big on India with mega-office

    With 49 elevators moving a floor per second and zumba classes for its more than 15,000 employees, Amazon’s new Indian headquarters, its biggest building globally, matches its ambitions in a vast but challenging market.

    The US retail giant launched its first site in the South Asian nation of 1.3 billion people in 2013 and is locked in a fierce battle with Walmart, which bought a 77-percent share in local e-commerce behemoth Flipkart for $16 billion last year.

    “For Amazon, India is a very important geography,” the firm’s human resources director for India and the Middle East, Deepti Varma, told AFP at the gleaming new 86-metre (282-feet) tall office building in the southern tech hub of Hyderabad.

    While the prospects of success in the vast nation are tantalising, the risks are also high, with Amazon and Flipkart incurring big losses as they expand and attempt to tap into new markets in Asia’s third-largest economy.

    Read:22-year-old Ghanaian arrested for scamming Amazon $370,000

    Both firms will also face fierce competition from Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries — helmed by Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani — which is preparing to go up against the two US companies with its own e-commerce platform.

    Bureaucratic hurdles present further challenges.

    New e-commerce rules that came into force in February banned companies like Amazon from selling products from firms in which they have a stake. They are also forbidden from entering into exclusive deals with sellers.

    The regulations were brought in after brick-and-mortar retailers complained the e-tailers were unfairly selling products at discount prices.

    “Going forward, the challenges are more around regulation and how to navigate the policy and regulatory environment,” Ankur Bisen of Delhi-based consulting firm Technopak told AFP.

    “We have seen how some of the policy announcements have got them off-guard.”

    Read:Amazon sparks fears with sales forecast

    Amazon has already earmarked $5 billion in investment funds for India, where one in three people use the internet — a figure forecast to swell by 300 million by 2020 mainly due to growing smartphone use.

    India’s e-commerce sales are expected to triple between now and 2022, when they are likely to pass the $100 billion mark, according to recent research by industry body NASSCOM and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

    Walmart, the world’s biggest retailer, said in May after reporting its first-quarter earnings that despite losses at Flipkart, “we continue to believe is a very sound long-term investment in a compelling market”.

    India is also a major source of employment for Amazon’s global operations with some 62,000 full-time staff and 155,000 contract employees.

    Bisen said the Hyderabad campus “is a signal to the government that ‘we are increasing our base in India and we are making sure there is a lot of India that is built into Amazon’s global story’”.

    Source: AFP

  • Three Australians detained in Iran

    The Australian government on Wednesday said three citizens had been detained in Iran, the latest in a series of Westerners to be seized by authorities in Tehran.

    “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the families of three Australians detained in Iran,” a spokesperson told AFP.

    “Due to our privacy obligations, we will not comment further.”

    The Times of London earlier reported that two British-Australian women were being kept in Tehran’s Evin prison.

    Read:Australia drug bust: Four UK men arrested over huge MDMA haul

    Australian public broadcaster ABC said that the Australian boyfriend of one of the women had also been detained.

    It is not clear if the three have been charged. One of the women is reported to have been in detention for up to a year.

    The news of the trio’s detention comes after Australia announced that it would join a US-led mission to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

    Prime Minister Scott Morrison in August announced a “modest” contribution to the controversial mission — including a frigate, a P8 maritime surveillance aircraft and support staff — which will also involve British forces.

    Read:Australian kids take stolen car on 1,000-kilometre road trip

    Earlier this week the Australian government updated its travel advice for Iran to “reconsider your need to travel” and “do not travel” to areas near the border with Iraq and Afghanistan.

    Already difficult relations with Iran have threatened to boil over since US President Donald Trump abandoned a deal to limit Iran’s nuclear programme in 2018.

    Iran has responded by resuming some prescribed nuclear activities.

    Meanwhile, a rising number of dual nationals have been detained, in what many see as a ruthless diplomatic strategy.

    Analysts see the arrests as a tactical ploy to gain leverage, or as part of the murky politics in Iran — with hardliners in the judiciary and the security apparatus scuttling the more conciliatory approach of moderates.

    Source: France24

  • California passes landmark gig economy rights bill

    Lawmakers in California have passed a law that paves the way for gig economy workers to get holiday and sick pay.

    Assembly Bill 5, as its known, will affect companies such as Uber and Lyft, which depend on those working in the gig economy.

    Some estimates suggest costs for those firms would increase by 30% if they have to treat workers as employees.

    Read:California Governor supports bill that could upend Uber, Lyft model

    But opponents of the bill say it will hurt those that want to work flexible hours.

    The business models of gig economy companies are already under strain – Uber lost more than $5bn in the last quarter alone. Some estimates suggest that having to treat workers as employees, rather than independent contractors, could increase costs by as much as 30%.

    Read:California governor to halt executions

    Uber and rival ridesharing service Lyft joined forces to push back again the bill. They suggested a guaranteed minimum wage of $21 per hour instead of the sweeping changes the bill would bring.

    But that pledge wasn’t enough to sway California’s Senate, and the state’s governor Gavin Newsom is expected to soon sign the bill into law. That paves the way for California’s 1 million gig workers to gain added rights next year.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Cameroon leader wants talks to end separatist crisis

    In a rare address to the nation, Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has announced plans for major talks to end the conflict in the English-speaking regions of the country, where separatist fighters are demanding independence.

    The two Angolophone regions argue they have been marginalised for decades by the central government and the French-speaking majority.

    Mr Biya outlined measures to quell the crisis, which began three years ago when lawyers and teachers in the North-West and South-West regions went on strike over attempts to impose French in schools and courts.

    According to BBC Monitoring, the 86-year-old leader said talks would be chaired by the prime minister and would include politicians, armed groups and victims:

    “The dialogue in question will mainly concern the situation in the North-West and South-West regions. Since it will focus on issues of national interest such as national unity, national integration and living together, it is obvious that it will not concern only the population of these two regions.”

    Read:Cameroon prisoners live stream riot

    Mr Biya, who has been in power since 1982, said consultations would be held before talks started at the end of the month. They would bring together a wide range of people to seek ways to end the violence:

    “In the coming days, delegations will also be dispatched to meet the diaspora to enable them to make their contribution to discussions on the resolution of the crisis.”

    The president reiterated his offer of a pardon to any separatists who voluntarily laid down their arms, the AFP news agency reports.

    UN chief António Guterres welcomed the announcement, urging all Cameroonians to take part in the dialogue.

    Since the crisis turned violent in 2017, it is estimated that nearly 2,000 people have been killed and more than 500,000 forced from their homes.

    Read:Constitutional crisis worsens in Cameroon

    The recent sentencing of 10 separatist leaders to life in prison has further exacerbated the crisis, leading to a lengthy lockdown in the Anglophone regions that has closed schools and shops.

    But the president, quoted by AFP, sought to play down the rulings, saying:

    “The secessionists’ propaganda wanted to present recent court decisions made against a number of our compatriots, in the context of this crisis, as an obstacle to the planned dialogue. That is not the case.”

    According to AFP, the self-proclaimed leader of Ambazonia, Sisiku Ayuk Tabe, one of those sentenced, had said he was open to dialogue if the army withdrew from the North-West and South-West regions.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Joseph Aidoo reveals how Celta Vigo coach helped him settle in Spain

    Ghana defender Joseph Aidoo has pointed out that Celta Vigo coach Fran Escribá helped him settle at the club easily.

    The former Inter Allies player joined the La Liga side from Belgian champions KRC Genk in a big money move in the summer.

    Read:Joseph Aidoo stars as Celta Vigo share spoils with Sevilla

    Aidoo has warmed his way into the starting line up of the Sky Blues with some stupendous displays this season but the defender narrates how the coach played a role in making him feel comfortable.

    “Before the game he approached me and told me that I didn’t have to impress anyone, that I know the player time I am and that I should do what I know how to do. He also told me that he believes in me and that motivated me more to do my best,” he told Joy online.

    Read:Spanish football has matured Joseph Aidoo

    Aidoo made his debut against Valencia, helping Celta Vigo to a 1-0 win at the Baladios.

    He also starred in the 1-1 draw against Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Anthoine Hubert: Funeral of Formula 2 driver held in France on Tuesday

    The funeral of Formula 2 racer Anthoine Hubert, who died in a high-speed crash at Spa in August, was held on Tuesday.

    Hubert, 22, was involved in a three-car accident in an F2 race during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend.

    Formula 1 drivers Charles Leclerc, Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon and George Russell were among those present at the funeral in Chartres, France.

    “Anthoine, your smile, your energy, that’s the image we have of you,” said former F1 world champion Alain Prost.

    Read:Formula 2 driver Anthoine Hubert killed in Belgium crash

    Prost, representing Hubert’s team Renault Sport Racing, talked of the driver’s “kindness, curiosity, intelligence, professionalism and gentleness” and said his “quest for perfection would have propelled him towards a bright future”.

    The ceremony lasted more than three hours and was shown on a giant screen outside the town’s French Gothic cathedral, with Hubert’s father Francois, girlfriend Julie and other friends also paying tribute to the driver, who had won two F2 races this season.

    Read:Formula 1: Race organisers express concerns over future of the sport

    Jean Todt, president of motorsport’s governing body the FIA, F1 directors Ross Brawn, Chase Carey and Sean Bratches, and team executives Mattia Binotto of Ferrari, Cyril Abiteboul of Renault and Fred Vasseur of Alfa Romeo Racing, were among the mourners.

    Giuliano Alesi, who was also involved in the three-car crash, attended with his father Jean, a former driver.

    The other driver in the crash, 20-year-old American Juan Manuel Correa, is “in a critical but stable condition,” his family said on Saturday.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Yaw Yeboahs superb solo strike sends Ghana to U-23 AFCON

    Ghana has defied odds to beat Algeria 1-0 and qualify for their first-ever CAF U23 Cup of Nations finals.

    Captain Yaw Yeboah, who plays for Celta Vigo, scored the only goal to ensure the Black Meteors secured a 2-1 aggregate win.

    Ghana gaffer Ibrahim Tanko made three changes to his squad that performed abysmally last Friday at the Accra Sports stadium with Asante Kotoko defender Habib Mohammed, holding midfielder Michel Agbekornu and former Black Stars B captain Isaac Twum all starting.

    Read:Yaw Yeboah revels in Black Meteors Africa U-23 qualification

    The changes made by the former Cameroon assistant manager yielded positive dividends as the Meteors showed more intent with captain Yaw Yeboah tormenting the Algerian defenders in the first half.

    Les Fennecs elevated their game after recess but struggled to breakthrough with pockets of chances for both sides not taken.

    Read:Yaw Yeboah joins Celta Vigo on loan

    Mercurial captain Yaw Yeboah broke the deadlock in the second half after 69 minutes.

    Although, captain Yaw Yeboah scored the crucial goal to send Ghana through it was Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Kwame Baah that kept the Algerians at bay with some stupendous saves to thwart their efforts.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Ibrahim Tanko’s Black Meteors defeat Algeria to book AFCON ticket

    Coach Ibrahim Tanko has silenced his critics as his Black Meteors side outfoxed their Algerian counterpart in their second leg clash with 1-0 to qualify for the CAF under 23 Nations Cup.

    Ghana defied the odds to beat Algeria in the away encounter to grab their first-ever CAF U23 Cup of Nations finals.

    The results thus give Tanko a redemption of image as he came under a lot of criticism following last Friday’s result in the first leg.

    Pundits have doubted Ghana’s chances at Setiff after that floundering performance that created mixed feelings ahead of their journey to Algeria.

    Read:Black Meteors players cry out over ill-treatment

    But the return encounter on Tuesday evening saw the Skipper Yaw Yeboah grabbing the headlines with his goal that sends Ghana to the next step towards Tokyo 2020.

    Yeboah, who plays for Celta Vigo, scored the only goal to ensure the Black Meteors secured a 2-1 aggregate win.

    Head coach Ibrahim Tanko made three changes to his squad that performed abysmally last Friday at the Accra Sports stadium with Asante Kotoko defender Habib Mohammed, holding midfielder Michel Agbekornu and former Black Stars B captain Isaac Twum all starting.

    The changes made by the former Cameroon assistant manager yielded positive dividends as the Meteors showed more intent with captain Yaw Yeboah tormenting the Algerian defenders in the first half.

    Read:Michael Osei happy with Black Meteors preparations for Algeria test

    Les Fennecs elevated their game after recess but struggled to breakthrough with pockets of chances for both sides not taken.
    Mercurial captain Yaw Yeboah broke the deadlock in the second half after 69 minutes.

    Although, captain Yaw Yeboah scored the crucial goal to send Ghana through it was Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Kwame Baah that kept the Algerians at bay with some stupendous saves to thwart their efforts.

    Ghana thus becomes one of eight countries to seek Tokyo 2020 qualification in the Cup Of Nation tournament to be played in Egypt.

    The Black Meteors have failed to qualify for the Olympics since they last participated in Arthens 2004 and they will have to fight for one the of the three available tickets.

    Source: ghanaguardian.com

  • Thomas Partey signs four Ghanaian players for Spanish side Alcobendas

    Atletico Madrid ace Thomas Partey has signed four Ghanaian players to Spanish side Alcobendas, a club he co-owns.

    The Ghana midfielder has signed Samuel Tetteh Yemoh, Gideon Acquah, Samuel Buer and Felix as new players for the Spanish lower tier side.

    Samuel Tetteh, a defensive midfielder joins the club for the season from Utebo FC. He previously played for the youth side of Leganes.

    Read:Thomas Partey excited with new Atletico Madrid players

    Gideon Acquah arrives from Ghana Premier League side Medeama FC. The left back can also play in central midfield.

    Samuel Buer is another player from the youth ranks of La Liga side Leganes, but spent last season at Madrid-Boadilla International. He joins the club for the 2019/20 campaign.

    Thomas Partey has proven to be an astute football businessman as he has splashed out to buy Spanish third division club Alcobendas Sport.

    Read:Thomas Partey savors dramatic late winner for Atletico in 3-2 win over Eibar

    The midfielder silently acquired a stake in the club with the mission of getting them promoted to the top leagues of of the fiercely competitive league systems in the world.

    The four partners bought the club in July and they all have equal share in the club playing in the third division of the Spanish football system with the mission of gaining promotion by scouting some of the best young players in Spain.

    Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

  • Akufo-Addo, ECOWAS head and three other African presidents to grace GUBA Awards USA

    President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and three other African presidents are set to grace the maiden edition of the Ghana UK Based Achievement (GUBA) Awards USA chapter which will take place on the 26th of September, 2019 at The Pierre, A Taj Hotel in New York City.

    The three African Presidents who will be present at the event alongside President Akufo-Addo are the President of Madagascar; Andry Rajoelina, President of Guinea; Alpha Condé and President of Burkina Faso; Roch Marc Christian Kaboré. In attendance will also be the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Jean-Claude Kassi Brou.

    Read: Fight against corruption: Prosecute your men NDC dares Akufo-Addo

    GUBA Awards is a prestigious awards programme that seeks to reward, celebrate excellence and innovation of Africa individuals and organisations in the Diaspora and Africa.

    GUBA, in explaining why the Presidents were selected stated that “these African leaders actively show diligent efforts in embracing growth for the continent as well as encouraging all to take part with their contributions to Africa and the Diaspora through their respective lines of work…other honoured guests including Karen Boyin-Towns, Vice Chair NAACP Board of directors and Hollywood actor Danny Glover will be given the opportunity to engage, intermix and socialize with these Heads of State all while celebrating the amazing accomplishments to come out of Africa”.

    Speaking on recognising efforts of game-changers, GUBA announced that the Founder of Ashesi University Patrick Awuah will be awarded for his exemplary work in education.

    Read: Top bank owners to face jail Akufo-Addo

    “The African Diaspora in the Americas continues to influence Arts and Culture, Business, sport, technology, and entertainment. GUBA recognizes and celebrates the efforts of these game-changers, as a way to encourage the promotion of growth and innovation in Africa, to the rest of the world.”

    “There will also be a presentation for our Black Star Awardees on the evening; Patrick Awuah for his exemplary work in Education, Rosa Whitaker for her Excellence in Africa advancement, Richelieu Dennis for Editorial achievements and many more”.

    GUBA Awards USA is powered by GUBA Enterprise and proudly title sponsored by Samara Company Limited; producers of SASSO Insecticide Spray and co-sponsored by the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, Kosmos Energy Limited, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre and Turkish Airlines.

     

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Builsa South: Pentengsa gets new ultra modern CHPS compound

    A new ultra-modern CHPS compound for the improvement of maternal healthcare delivery in the Pentengsa community of the Builsa South District of the Upper East Region has been commissioned today.

    The new CHPS compound was funded by the Builsa South District under the District Development Facility (DDF) and has a maternity ward, Reproductive and Children Health UNITY (RCH), Changing rooms, Out Patient Department (OPD).

    Read: You have failed us Kumawu chiefs to Health Minister

    Tangoba Abayage, the Upper East Regional Minister, who commissioned the new facility Tuesday, said maternal and child health should be prioritized to eradicate the current high rate of maternal mortality in Ghana.

    She said the CHPS will help improve maternal and neonatal health in the area, as well as make health care delivery accessible to people and especially, expectant women and children in the community.

    She said: “I am glad that we also have this project here. What this means is that health delivery will be accessible to the people in this community. People do not have to walk far to access health care, especially, our women and our children. We know that those who bear the brunt of health issues in our communities are women and children. When they are pregnant the travel very far to access health services and because of that some don’t even go at all”.

    “One of the reasons we have high maternal and infant mortality rate is because of the lack of access to health services. This will definitely help reduce maternal and infant mortality in this community”.

    District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Daniel Kwame Gariba, who took the minister round her tour of the district called on community members to make use of the health facility.

    Read: Minority to summon Health Minister over abandoned hospital projects

    He urged them to keep faith with the Nana Addo government more life-transforming policies and projects.

    Tangoba Abayage later visited the Sandema Senior High School (Sansec) where she inspected work on a six-unit classroom block and storey block being constructed to support eliminate the accommodation challenge in the school.

    She also visited the site I. Fumbisi where government is constructing a warehouse under it one district, one warehouse policy.

    She additionally paid a working visit to the locations in Sandema where a multi-purpose district business development centre and a district police station are being constructed.

     

    Source: Senyalah Castro

  • Sanofi partners Eastern Regional Hospital to combat Diabetes and Hypertension

    Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cancers, diabetes and hypertension are popularly referred to as “silent killers” because those who have them may be unaware while the diseases damage the body, reduce the quality of life and ultimately cause premature death. NCDs are major public health concern and development challenge as they force people and families into poverty due to huge expenditures on treatment. They impact the quality of life and undercut productivity.

    In Ghana, NCDs contribute significantly to illness and disability. The prevalence of adult hypertension appears to be increasing and ranges from 19% to 48%. The prevalence of adult diabetes in Accra and Kumasi is 6% to 9%. However, NCDs are largely preventable and can be effectively managed by taking actions to tackle the risk factors and providing access to quality healthcare.

    Read: Complete abandoned hospital Kumawu Traditional Council

    SANOFI, a global healthcare company with a mission for empowering life of people worldwide, has risen to support in addressing some of the challenges of NCDs by launching its innovative Diabetes and Hypertension Clinic (DHC) program in Ghana as a public-private partnership. The goal of the DHC program is to bring healthcare closer to the people and help diabetes and hypertension patients in particular to receive effective healthcare.

    The first DHC in the program was launched on 5th September at the Eastern Regional Hospital (ERH), Koforidua a public health facility under the Ghana Health Service. While welcoming participants to the contract signing and ribbon cutting ceremonies, Dr. Kwame Anim-Boamah, Hospital Director, expressed concerns about the rising number of diabetes and hypertension cases in Ghana and commended the efforts of SANOFI for making ERH the first hospital to benefit from the program.

    Also speaking at the occasion, Folake Odediran, the General Manager Rx and Country Chair, Sanofi Nigeria-Ghana, explained that the rising burden of diabetes and hypertension is worrisome and require the collaboration of all stakeholders. She stated that “…for us at SANOFI, we believe that life is a health journey. And as a health-journey partner, we support patients by providing them with healthcare solutions along their health journey. This underscores our decision to launch diabetes and hypertension clinic in Ghana as a corporate social responsibility project”.

    Read: Hypertension, leading cause of death in Eastern Region Dr Kwame Anim-Boamah

    The launch attracted a large turnout of people from the hospital, Koforidua community and the company. Participants were conducted round the DHC facilities to inspect some of the equipment and supplies donated by the company.

    According to the terms of the partnership, SANOFI will collaborate with ERH for up to two years to promote general disease awareness, training of healthcare workers, disease screening and education of people living with diabetes and hypertension.

    Dr. James Appiah-Kusi, Physician Specialist and Head of Diabetic and Hypertension Unit, expressed gratitude to SANOFI for choosing to collaborate with the hospital. He pledged the commitment of the hospital and management to ensure the project delivers on its objectives.

     

    Source: Sanofi Partners

  • Invest in your wards education – Upper East Regional Minister

    The Upper East Regional Minister, Tangoba Abayage has urged parents to take the education of their wards seriously and invest in it.

    She said the education of children is key and integral if the country wants to achieve development and rob shoulders with her counterparts on the global stage.

    Speaking during a call she made at the Gbedema chief palace in the Builsa South District Tuesday, as part of the second phase of her tour of the region, the minister emphasized the need for parents to commit themselves to the education of their children, saying it is the best investment any parent can ever make.

    She urged them to desist from lavishing monies on unprofitable ventures and channel such resources to their wards education.

    Noting the important role the children would play in the future if given good education today, the minister appealed to the chief to join in encouraging parents within his area to put their children in school and ensure that they get some education.

    Read:Prioritize youth education to achieve SDGs Action Aid Ghana

    She expressed optimism in the massive development education sector would give Ghana should Ghanaians join hands to support government to invest in the education of citizens.

    “Education is the game changer for every society. If any society will develop, it will depend on the education of its people. So whiles we are encouraging the children to be in school and to take their education seriously, we must also encourage parents to invest in the education of their wards. That is the best investment anyone can ever make. We all know that through President Nana Akufo SHS is free. So they have to invest in their wards so that when they complete the basic school level, they can enjoy the free SHS policy. And I am optimistic that should we all join hands in supporting government to invest in education, this country will become a very developed country in the near future”.

    At the Gbedema Primary School where she marked the annual ” My First Day At School” visit, Miss Tangoba distributed some educational materials including school uniforms, biscuits and soft drinks to the pupils.

    She encouraged the pupils to take education seriously and adviced them against playing truancy.

    Read:Focus on education to unlock potentials British High Commissioner

    The Minister also urged the staff of the school to give off their best to guarantee proper teaching and learning in the school.

    She assured them of government support for the education sector, adding that education is a top priority of government.

    The chief of Gbedema, Nab Nkrumah Aparichang, who was surprised by the minister’s visit to his palace, gave his words of commitment in helping education find a place in his land.

    He thanked the Minister for her commitment to the development of Buluk and prayed for her tenure.

    Atiim Regina, the Head Teacher of the Gbedema Primary School, expressed her appreciation to the Minister for the distributed items and visit.

    She noted that the items, especially the uniforms, would go a long way to support the needy children in the school.

    Source: Senyalah Castro

  • EC begins exhibition of voters register today

    The Electoral Commission (EC) has begun a nationwide exhibition of the voters register today.

    The exhibition exercise which starts today, September 10, 2019, is expected to end on Tuesday, September 17, 2019.

    Deputy Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Dr Bossman Asare in a press conference stated that this “exhibition exercise is to allow for prospective voters verify if their details (names, age, sex, etc were properly captured during the registration exercise and make requests for amendments or insertions where necessary”.

    Read:166,000 new voters registered in Greater Accra

    He further said work starts from 7am to 6pm each day including Saturdays and Sundays, entreating the public to visit any of the 3,702 polling stations to do these cross-checks.

    Dr Bossman Asare noted that this exhibition exercise underway has the compilation of 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2019 voters registers.

    He, therefore, urged the public to show keen interest in the exercise so the EC can update and produce a credible voters register for the upcoming District level elections.

    Read:Limited Voters Registration exercise fraught with massive challenges NDC

    However, a referendum is to be carried out to equally “allow political parties to participate in local level elections by sponsoring and campaigning for district-level elections candidates”.

    “Most people are of the view that the referendum is on the election of MMDCEs. The amendment of Article 243(1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana will allow for the election of MMDCEs by citizens…this upcoming referendum is on to amend Article 55(3) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana to introduce a multi-party system of elections at the local level”, Mr Asare said.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Next 007 should be a woman says Bond star Pierce Brosnan

    Former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan has said it is time a woman to take on the 007 mantle.

    The Goldeneye actor, who played the role in four films, told the Hollywood Reporter he believes it would be “exhilarating” and “exciting” to see a female Bond.

    “I think we’ve watched the guys do it for the last 40 years,” said the 66-year-old.

    “Get out of the way guys and put a woman up there!” he added.

    Daniel Craig is set to reprise his role as the fictional British spy for a fifth and potentially final time in next year’s No Time To Die.

    Brosnan, who also starred in Die Another Day, Tomorrow Never Dies and The World Is Not Enough, is hoping for a change of gender for the character but believes franchise producer Barbara Broccoli would not be up for the idea.

    Read:Idris Elba is close to finally winning the role of James Bond

    “I don’t think that’s going to happen with the Broccolis,” he said.

    “I don’t think that is going to happen under their watch.”

    The next Bond film has filmed on location in Jamaica, as well as at Pinewood Studios near London.

    There have been reports British actress Lashana Lynch will take over Bond’s famous codename after his character leaves MI6 in the new film, but she will not be the next Bond.

    Read:Fire at studios where Harry Potter filmed

    James Bond’s treatment of women in previous films has come under question in recent years and Fleabag’s Phoebe Waller-Bridge was brought on to the writing team, tasked with making its female characters “feel like real people”.

    Jodie Comer, who worked with Waller-Bridge on the Bafta-winning Killing Eve is listed as the bookmakers’ early favourite, should Bond become a woman.

    However, Rachel Weisz, who is married to the current incumbent, Craig, last year told The Telegraph that “women deserve their own stories”.

    Earlier this year, Idris Elba made more positive noises regarding a potential female, or black Bond. He told Variety: “Are we interested in having a Bond character other than being a male? Could be a woman – could be a black woman, could be a white woman.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Why Dogboe has been suspended indefinitely in Arizona

    Former World Boxing Organization super bantamweight champion Isaac Dogboe is currently serving an indefinite medical suspension by the Arizona Department of Gaming.

    The ADG in an e-mailed response to the Graphic Online stated that Dogboe was suspended following his last bout against the hard-hitting Emanuel Navarrette in Tucson, Arizona on May 11, 2019.

    The suspension will be in effect until Dogboe is cleared by a physician.

    Read:Isaac Dogboe urged to move up in weight

    “Isaac Dogboe was placed on medical suspension following his last bout in Tucson on 05/11/19. The suspension is in effect until Mr. Dogboe is cleared by a physician,” the email said.

    It will be recalled that Dogboe, 24, lost his WBO title to knockout artist Emanuel Navarrete (28-1, 24 KOs) last December, losing a 12-round unanimous decision.

    In their rematch on May 11, Navarrete brutally stopped Dogboe in the 12th round after punishing the Ghanaian throughout the fight.

    Read:Boxing: Isaac Dogboe gets brand new Mercedes Benz from Silver Star Auto

    In the aftermath of the fight, Dogboe has switched trainers twice.

    First, he ditched his father and long-time trainer Paul Dogboe for legendary American trainer Paul Roach.

    According to reports, Roach trained Dogboe for only 10 days because his father wouldn’t let the American take over the reigns.

    He is currently training with former multiple world champions James Toney ahead of a rumoured November 30 return against Carl Frampton in LA.

    Source: Graphic.com.gh

  • Tunisia: Towards an undecided election?

    Tunisians will be heading to the polls on Sunday, September 15 to choose their next president.

    An election seen as a major test of the only democracy to emerge from the 2011 Arab spring.

    Read:Tunisian speaker takes over after president dies

    26 candidates, many of whom are political heavy weights will be vying for presidency. They include Prime Minister Youssef Chahed, Defence Minister Abdelkarim Zbidi, media mogul Nabil Karoui, and Abir Moussi, one of the two female candidates.

    With days to the first round of vote, an unprecedented presidential debate was held last Saturday between the candidates.

    Read:Tunisia struggling to bury drowned migrants

    The showdown is seen as the highlight of the campaign period and a turning point in Tunisian politics ahead of the vote.

    There was however an empty space for controversial media mogul Nabil Karoui, who is currently detained on money laundering charges.

    Source: africanews.com