TIG Post

Author: Persis

  • First Lady commissions computerised library in Moree

    First Lady of the Republic, Rebecca Akufo-Addo on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, commissioned a forty-seater computerised library facility in Moree in the Central region.

    The library is stocked with modern computers and books on different subjects and will serve as an attractive and welcoming environment for the youth to develop the habit of reading.

    Her foundation, the Rebecca Foundation has so far built three of such computerized libraries in the Dafiama Bissue Issah in the Upper West Region, Sefwi Debiso in the Western North Region, Wenchi in the Bono Region.

    The Foundation will soon construct three more libraries at Kumawu in the Ashanti region, Krachi East in the Oti Region and Achimota school in the Greater Accra Region.

    She expressed gratitude to all donors and sponsors who have contributed towards the construction of the libraries.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Ghana goalkeeper Richard Ofori loses mother aged 62

    Ghana goalkeeper Richard Ofori has lost her mum Mrs. Mary Ankamah aged 62 following a short illness, GHANAsoccernet.com can report.

    The sad event occurred at the residence of Mrs. Ankamah who succumbed to death on Tuesday at Aburi in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

    Ofori is the first choice goalkeeper of the Black Stars and plays for Maritzburg United in the South African top-flight.

    The former Wa All Stars shot stopper has 19 caps for Ghana so far since making his debut in 2015.

    Ofori has been two Africa Cup of Nations in 2017 in Gabon and in 2019 in Egypt.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Joseph Esso’s representative debunks reports of agreeing terms with Kotoko

    Manager of former Hearts of Oak forward Joseph Esso has quashed reports his client has agreed personal terms with Asante Kotoko SC.

    Local media publications on Tuesday suggested the talented attacker has reached agreement with Asante Kotoko and would be joining them soon.

    Esso was released by the Phobians about a fortnight ago after failing to reach agreement to renew his expired contract.

    The player’s manager Wasiu Ali Mohammed speaking to allsportsghana.com debunked the reports but confirmed top Ghanaian clubs have shown interest in signing the player.

    “Yes he has not agreed anything with any Ghanaian club even though all the top clubs getting in contact with me which is not surprising until a player of Esso calibre becomes available every club will be interested.” Wasiu said.

    Esso joined Hearts of Oak from Ebusua Dwarfs three seasons ago has since become a household name in the Ghana Premier League because of his exploits.

    The 23-year-old was an integral member of the Ghana team that finished second at the 2019 WAFU Cup of Nations in Senegal.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Majeed Waris gears up for 2020/21 Ligue 1 season

    Ghanaian striker Majeed Waris is gearing up for the new season with French side Strasbourg.

    The 28-year-old is seen in a photos on social media building up his muscles to get condition and shape before the football season commences.

    Waris was in action for the first since the 2019/20 season was cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic as Strasbourg defeated Nîmes Olympique 1-0 in a friendly game courtesy Lebo Mothiba strike from the spot.

    The Ghanaian played full throttle for his side.

    Waris joined the French Ligue 1 side in January on loan and has been a key cog of the team – making seven appearances and scoring two goals as Le Racing finished in 10th position having amassed 38 points.

    He also won two Man of the Match awards.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Patrick Razak set to meet Hearts of Oak management on Thursday

    Ghanaian international, Patrick Razak is set to meet management of Accra Hearts of Oak ahead of his proposed move to the club.

    Razak has been without a club since his contract with Guinean outfit Horoya AC was terminated earlier this year.

    The former Tamale Utrecht Academy who is now a free recently reiterated his desire to feature in the Ghana Premier League.

    Earlier report in the local media suggested that, Razak is nearing a sensational return to former club Hearts of Oak ahead of the 2020-21 Ghana football season.

    The report further stated that the Accra based club are closed to reaching an agreement with the speedy winger following months of negotiation.

    It is believed that the two most glamorous clubs in the country, Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak are keen to secure the services of the winger.

    But Koforidua based Bryt FM can reveal that the highly rated winger will on Thursday, August 20, 2020 meet and hold talks with the Phobians in a bid to reunite with the club.

    Meanwhile, the player not long ago expressed readiness to play for his former outfit again again if they are able to reach an agreement with his management.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Expect more magic – Mohammed Kudus to Ajax fans

    New Ajax signing Mohammed Kudus is delighted to have gotten his new adventure off with 45 minutes of action in a pre-season friendly against Wolfsberger on Tuesday.

    The Ghanaian lasted for the duration of the second half as Erik ten Hag’s side registered a 2-0 triumph in their first game of a training camp in Austria ahead of the 2020-21 Eredivisie commencement next month.

    He joined Ajax on a five-year deal from Danish outfit Nordsjaelland in a transfer reportedly worth about €9 million last month.

    “It’s good to get back on the pitch. I had some days off and have been preparing to start playing, so it was good to get some minutes for my legs and do what I do best. It was a great feeling to get back with the team,” Kudus told Ajax TV after the game.

    “It feels really good [to wear the Ajax jersey]. I couldn’t wait to start playing with the team and it has happened. I [have] just joined my teammate and [will] used my individual skills to help them do well in the season.

    “[What the coach said to me before I went into the game] was more tactical stuff on offensive and defensive [task] on what he expects of me in my role, so that was basically it. And the rest is just use my abilities to help the team.

    “[My first days here with the team in Austria] has been good. Nice people, nice teammates, new stuff, still learning and adapting. It’s been great so far and I’m looking forward to the season to start. Everyone is helping [me settle] but naturally, I’m closer to the African guys, so [Andre] Onana and Lassina [Traore]. [They tell me to] just be myself and enjoy.

    “It’s a pre-season so I am hoping to get as much ready as possible for the season, push myself and get ready for the season. I can’t wait [for the next season] – more magic [to come].”

    Kudus joined Nordsjaelland from Ghana’s Right to Dream Academy in 2018. Last season, he made 25 league appearances for the Wild Tigers, starting 22 of the matches, scoring 11 times and assisting one goal.

    Source: goal.com

  • PNC opens nominations, schedules National Congress for September 19

    The National Executive Committee of the PNC at its meeting on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, held at the UDS Guest House in Accra has slated the National Congress of the Party to elect a Presidential Candidate and National Executive Officers of the Party for the 19th of September, 2020.

    In this regard, the Party has officially opened nominations for interested and qualified members commencing 19th August 2020 to 25th August, 2020 when nominations would be closed.

    The NEC has thus constituted a Congress Committee as provided for by the party constitution to fashion out all related modalities for the smooth preparation and conduct of the impending National Congress made up of Colonel Luri Bayorbor, Prof Raymond Atuguba, Dr George Aguilijam, Lawyer Issah Adam, Comrade Sulemana Seidu, Christiena Bentie, Dr Kumi Ansah Koi and Matthew Bakinam as members.

    The National Executive Committee further directed parent regions of newly-created regions to organize Regional Conferences for the election of executives for the new regions.

    In adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols, the Congress would be decentralized to have voting done from the various regions, a departure from the old format of congregating at a central location to hold the National Congress.

    Source: PNC, Contributor

  • Read a book each day First Lady to children

    The First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo has identified reading as the panacea to enhancing the quality of education and deepening the intellect of the youth.

    According to Mrs Akufo-Addo, people with high literacy skills are better positioned to expedite the development of a country and meet its challenges, stating, “a literate population and communities are in a far better position to develop and innovate than less literate societies”.

    Mrs Akufo-Addo who is also the Executive Director of the Rebecca Foundation, made these comments when she opened a 40-seater computerised library facility in Moree in the Central region.

    The library, stocked with modern computers and books on different subjects is expected to serve as an attractive and welcoming environment for the youth to develop the habit and delight in reading.

    Stressing on the importance of reading and its many benefits Mrs Akufo-Addo said, in a growing competitive world where life-long learning has become the only way to grow intellectually and build a wealth of knowledge, many children in sub-Saharan Africa struggle at the lower primary level to read in the official or any local language and in instances where they can read, they are unable to understand what they read.

    She said a vast amount of information in the world is spread through written works and considering the impact of newspapers, books, and the internet in our daily lives, anyone with limited literacy skills is virtually excluded from written information that can change their lives.

    Mrs Akufo-Addo stated that it is this plethora of benefits inherent in the ability and habit of reading that informed the Rebecca Foundation to come up with the “Learning to Read, Reading to Learn” initiative, a two-part concept made up of a television reading programme, now in its second season, and provision of much-needed libraries in some school clusters across the country.

    She said the Rebecca Foundation has so far built three of such computerised libraries in the Dafiama Bissue Issah in the Upper West Region, Sefwi Debiso in the Western North Region, Wenchi in the Bono Region and will soon construct three more libraries at Kumawu in the Ashanti Region, Krachi East in the Oti Region and Achimota school in the Greater Accra Region.

    The First Lady charged the youth to strive to read as many books as possible stating, “when I launched the Learning to Read, Reading to Learn initiative, I charged our children to read a book each day. I repeat this charge today. Read, learn new words, learn new things and consider writing your own little stories”.

    Mrs Akufo-Addo also urged the Ministry of Education to incorporate library services as a critical component of the educational reforms for basic schools as research has shown the significant role of school libraries in building a reading culture.

    On behalf of The Rebecca Foundation, the First Lady extended her profound gratitude to the Ghana Library Authority, Ghana Book Development Council, Metropolitan and District Assemblies, the Ghana Education Service and donors for assisting the Foundation in its literacy enhancing endeavours.

    Source: Class FM

  • Police arrests three robbers

    The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested three suspected robbers for their alleged involvement in series of robberies in the Accra Metropolis.

    Shamsu Alhassan @Shaalolo, 23, trader, Abdul Wahab Yakubu aka Emba, 22, motor rider and Mumuni Iddrisu aka Toli, 21, motor rider were said to be behind the robbery of a pharmacy shop at Dansoman as well as snatching of several motorbikes.

    Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Effia Tenge, Head of Public Affairs Unit (PAU) of the Command told the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Tuesday.

    She said the three conspired and robbed a Pharmacy shop at Dansoman Exhibition, where they parked their unregistered Royal motorbike in front of the pharmacy shop, entered and ordered the sales girl to hand over all monies to them at gunpoint.

    DSP Tenge said Alhassan entered the manager’s office and took an unspecified amount of money in addition, adding that in an attempt to escape, an alarm was raised leading to his arrest.

    She said his accomplice, Yakubu who tried to escape with the motorbike was also arrested by a Police patrol team.

    She said Iddrisu was later arrested at his hideout at Mataheko where they all confessed having committed separate robberies under the same modus including one at a boutique also in Dansoman.

    DSP Tenge said they also confessed being behind a number of attacks and robbery on motor riders in and around New Achimota, Dansoman KitKat, Kaneshie, and Awudome all suburbs in Accra. She said “a typical case in perspective was the attack, snatching of motorbike and murder of one Ahmed Mohammed on 20th January, 2020 at Abbosey Okai Fan Milk area”.

    She said Police investigations revealed that he was hired for his services as a motor rider, attacked on the way and his motorbike taken from him by suspects Shamsu Alhassan and Mumuni Iddrisu who have been mentioned in that robbery operation.”

    The police have since retrieved the unregistered Royal motorbike which they used in perpetrating these crimes and a black polythene bag containing a quantity of Indian hemp.

    In a related development, the Command has noticed that for the past four months, there had been a trend in street robberies which had to do with attacking and robbing motorbike riders especially those using motorbikes for commercial purposes.

    She said a member of the gang would hire the motor rider to an unknown location with an accomplice waiting at a vantage point, and the moment the rider gets to their desired location, they would attack him with an offensive weapon (knife, club, and others), and overpower him.

    According madam Tenge once they succeeded in getting the motorbike it would be taken away but any resistance from the victim may lead to his death.

    She said sometimes they monitored areas where activities of motorbikes were mostly concentrated and devise strategies to launch attacks, other times they pilfer unattended to or parked motorbikes.

    Madam Tenge said the stolen bikes would later be used in facilitating further criminal activities in the metropolis or send to the Northern part of the country to be sold.

    Source: GNA

  • Prosecuting electoral offences a challenge for Police IGP

    The Inspector-General of Police,James Oppong-Boanuh has stated that prosecution of electoral related offences has been one of the challenges of the Police Service, especially Police Prosecutors.

    He disclosed this at the launch of legal education on the prosecution of electoral related offences, for Police Management Board Members and selected Senior Police Officers from the Police Headquarters, Accra and Tema Police Commands.

    The launch, which took place at the Police Headquarters on 18th August 2020 is aimed at equipping Police Officers at various levels of command, Police Prosecutors and Investigators with the requisite know-how to successfully identify, arrest and prosecute persons who commit electoral offences, said the Director-General of Legal and Prosecutions, COP Mr Nathan Kofi Boakye.

    He also said that legal education will be organized across the country for all Police Commanders, Prosecutors, and Investigators as part of preparation towards the 2020 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.

    Source: Class FM

  • NDC is committed to peaceful elections – Mahama

    Former President John Dramani Mahama, the Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has reiterated the Party’s position to ensure a peaceful election in December.

    He pledged the NDC would not use any vigilante group to cause mayhem on December 7 and urged supporters in the various communities to protect the ballot boxes to guarantee the integrity of the ballot.

    “We commit the ballot boxes into your hands so that you ensure that nobody comes to destroy them at your polling stations because your vote must count,” he added.

    Mr Mahama urged Ghanaians to turn out in their numbers on the Election Day “to vote for respect for all ethnic groups, inclusion, unity, jobs and tolerance by voting for the NDC,” a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency said on Tuesday.

    Mr Mahama made the remark in an address to the chiefs and people of Mepe in the North Tongu Constituency as part his four-day tour of the Volta Region, the statement, signed by Mr James Agyenim-Boateng, Spokesperson of the NDC Campaign Team, said.

    He, however, expressed concern about the posturing of government in some instances, which raised questions about its commitment to a violent-free election in December.

    “In December we will go for an election and we want our election to be non-violent…,” he said.

    Source: GNA

  • Where did the $100 million go? – Bernard Mornah asks EC

    The National Chairman of the Peoples National Convention (PNC), Bernard Mornah, has said the Electoral Commission (EC) has wasted $130 million of the taxpayers’ money on an exercise that could have been conducted with just $30 million.

    After the voters’ registration exercise, the EC claims it has detected minors on foreigners on the new voters’ roll adding that it’ll delete the names to ensure a credible.

    Chairperson of the EC, Jean Mensa said steps have been taken to remove all illegal registrants before the December polls.

    But Bernard Mornah speaking on the just-ended register said “They [EC] say the new voter roll has foreigners on it (Ivorians), they say there are minors on the register, they say there are dead people on the register, so, you [EC] lied”, adding that it is “deception and stealing of public funds for personal use.”

    According to him, a survey conducted by the policy think tank, IMANI Africa “analyses show that we wasted $130 million on an exercise that we could conduct safely with $30 million.”

    “Where did the $100 million go?” he asked.

    Speaking on Accra FM, he said Jean Mensa must be prosecuted for causing financial loss to the state.

    “So, I say that Jean Mensa and all the actors in this grand scheme to steal Ghana’s money are candidates for prosecution,” he said on Accra FM.

    He alleged that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is conniving with the EC to delete names of Ghanaians from the new register in some specific areas.

    “They have come out with another lie. This lie we uncovered. If you listen to the General Secretary of the NPP, they have already targeted some constituencies in which they are going to delete names from the voter register,” he added.

    Source: Pulse Ghana

  • Dont frustrate contractors – Roads Director warns Ghanaians

    Urban Roads Director for the Kumasi Metropolis, Ing. Nana Poku Agyeman, has cautioned Ghanaians to desist from stealing building materials of road contractors as well as move away from acts that tend to frustrate them on site.

    The act of thievery he said, serves as a hindrance to work progress.

    According to him, road contractors need positive vibes from Ghanaians to motivate them to construct better roads in the country which would, in turn, benefit all.

    He emphasised that “The contractors should not suffer theft and other negative acts that have the tendency of frustrating and preventing them from working in comfort at the construction site.”

    “You are all major stakeholders, therefore the strong need for you to give the contractor the needed support to do a good job for all of us to enjoy and benefit. You should own the road projects by giving it the needed support so that the contractors would feel at home and execute value for money projects to mother Ghana,” Ing Nana Poku Agyeman added.

    He issued this warning during the sod cutting ceremony for the rehabilitation of the Kokoso, Adumanu, Babirem, Abrepo, Asubonteng and Bronikrom area roads project.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Special voting: Submit details before Oct 10 – GJA to journalists

    The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has requested all journalists whose duties may not allow them to vote on Election Day at the polling stations they registered but wish to take advantage of the special or early voting opportunity, to send their details to the Ghana International Press Centre by 10 October 2020.

    The GJA is requesting the following details:

    1. Name

    2. Voter ID Number

    3. Code on ID Card

    4. Polling Station

    Regulation 23, sub-regulation 2(a) of C. I. 94 states that the application for Special Voting shall be made no later than 42 days before polling day in the constituency of the applicant.

    The GJA, in a statement, said journalists who want to benefit from this provision should, therefore, send their particulars to the Association before the October 10 deadline to enable the EC to process their applications for special voting.

    Source: Class FM

  • Western Region to see new dawn of road infrastructure Minister

    Minister for Roads and Highways Kwasi Amoako Atta has announced that works on the much anticipated PTC Roundabout in Takoradi in the Western Region will begin in September this year.

    According to him, this will be after the Vice President, Alhaji Dr Muhammudu Bawumia, has performed a sod-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, September 1.

    Giving an update on current road works ongoing in the Western Region ahead of a two-day working tour by President Nana Addo Akufo-Addo, Mr Amoako Attah indicated that the ceremony will pave the way for a “new dawn of road infrastructure” in the Region.

    He mentioned that a total road network of 1,258 kilometres is currently under construction and are at different stages of completion in the Region.

    He mentioned that 80 new road projects are currently ongoing, 27 of which are being supervised by the Ghana Highways Authority, 34 under Feeder Roads, and the remaining being managed by the Urban Roads Department.

    “All of these projects are at advanced stages of completion,” he emphasized.

    He also revealed that apart from the 80 road projects currently ongoing “25 separate road projects are being considered for construction in September”.

    “These new 25 road projects, encompass 10 road projects which would be supervised by the Ghana Highways Authority, 5 under Feeder Roads, and 10 others under Urban Roads.

    The Western Region has a total road network of 5,289.7 kilometres.

    About 45 percent of it is in a very poor state, and thus deserves a facelift.

    Source: 3 News

  • NPP calls for arrest of Azorka over bloody comments

    The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Savannah Region has called for the arrest of the First Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Chief Sofo Azorka, for threatening to shed blood.

    According to the NPP, the comments made by Chief Azorka should not be taken for a joke since he has over the years proven only to be a violent person.

    In a video that went viral, the First Vice Chairman of the party was heard inviting members of the NDC to pick arms against their opponents in the NPP.

    This prompted the NPP in the Savannah Region to react.

    Speaking to the media in Damongo, the Savannah Regional Chairman of the ruling NPP, Alhaji Iddrisu Sulemana, called on the security to immediately arrest Azorka.

    Alhaji Sulemana noted the NPP as a party, believes in the importance of data for election purposes especially the 2020 elections.

    He mentioned the NPP was only compiling data to analyse ahead of their campaign.

    He revealed that though the threats of Azorka are borne out of ignorance, the First Vice Chairman of the NDC is a known violent person.

    “Azorka simply exhibited his ignorance about the relevance of research to elections. It is clear he knows nothing except noise and violence.”

    The Regional Chairman, however, stated the NPP in Savannah Region though peaceful, will not hesitate to instruct their members to deal ruthlessly with any individual who threatens the peace of the region.

    Background

    Chief Sofo Azorka on Saturday while addressing party supporters in Damongo warned the NDC will “finish” any NPP member who in the name of data attempts to take details of any NDC member.

    “We will finish them,” he is heard saying in the video.

    In a related development, the Deputy National Campaign Coordinator for the ruling New Patriotic Party and Minister for Inner City and Zongo Development, Dr. Mustapha Hamid, has called on the people of the Savannah Region to reject the NDC come December 7.

    According to him, the flagbearer of the NDC though hails from the Region, was unable to give them a region which they so much needed.

    The Deputy National Campaign Coordinator made these remarks when he inaugurated a 17-member regional campaign team in Damongo.

    Dr.Alhaji Mustapha Hamid also called on Ghanaians to break the eight-year mandate given to ruling governments in order to accelerate development.

    He noted it will be difficult to reverse the gains of regimes if successive governments are given more time in office by electorates.

    Source: 3 News

  • GFA to receive 100 footballs from CAF

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF), has decided to support member Associations with one hundred (100) footballs for use by Associations as match balls.

    As a result, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) will be a beneficiary of this gesture as the continental football governing body, work to support member Associations via the FIFA Forward programme. This was communicated to the GFA on Thursday, August 13, 2020 in a letter by CAF.

    “In light with CAF efforts to support its National Associations, CAF has the pleasure to inform you that it has been decided to provide 100 match balls to each Member Association”. the letter said.

    The 100 match balls are part of the FIFA Forward Program and the distribution is scheduled over two batches (end of August and end of September).

    The 100 footballs from CAF will be used by the national teams of the Association.

    It would be recalled that the GFA announced plans to support grassroots football with 6,000 balls through its FIFA Forward 1.0 programme.

    The GFA also announced a 5,000-football sponsorship deal for the male competitions, the Ghana Premier League, Division One League and the FA Cup for the next three seasons.

    Source: ghanafa.org

  • My long-term plan is to build Kotoko like WAFA – Nana Yaw Amponsah

    Kumasi Asante Kotoko Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nana Yaw Amponsah has revealed that his long-term plan for the Porcupine Warriors is to make the club like fellow Ghana Premier League side, West African Football Academy (WAFA).

    The former Phar Rangers president has been tipped by pundits to restore the club’s lost glories.

    According to him, despite his desire to take Africa by storm and also make the club attractive to sponsors, his long-term plan is to replicate the WAFA model in Kotoko.

    “In the long-term, I want to make Kotoko like WAFA in the next five years,” he stated.

    He stressed the need for the club to boast standard facilities and quality players who can be marketed for good money to help transform the club.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • Gunfire heard in Mali’s military base

    A military spokesman in Mali has confirmed that shots have been fired inside an army base near the capital, Bamako.

    The Norwegian embassy says it has received information that troops are on their way to the capital and the French embassy has advised people to stay at home.

    It comes as President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta is under increased pressure to step down in the face of large opposition protests.

    There is growing anger in the country due to the worsening security situation with jihadist and communal violence on the increase.

    People are also complaining about the level of corruption and the mismanagement of the economy.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Ethiopia’s PM drops defence minister in reshuffle

    Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has reshuffled his cabinet dropping a former close ally, Defence Minister Lemma Megersa.

    Mr Lemma was recently suspended from the ruling party’s executive committee for “failing to discharge his duties”.

    Takele Uma, the mayor of the capital, Addis Ababa, and Attorney General Adanech Abiebie have also been affected by the reshuffle.

    Mr Takele has been appointed as mines minister.

    There is, however, no indication if Mr Adanech will have a new position.

    Source: bbc.com

  • SA rugby players slammed for Black Lives Matter snub

    South Africa’s Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa has asked the country’s rugby association to explain the actions of eight national team players who refused to kneel in support of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement ahead of English Premiership match at the weekend.

    The Sale Sharks players were among eleven who elected to remain standing during the pre-match activities against Harlequins.

    Players from both sides wore “Rugby Against Racism” T-shirts.

    Those who did not kneel are Springbok World Cup winners Faf de Klerk and Lood de Jager‚ twins Jean-Luc and Daniel du Preez‚ their older brother Robert‚ Akker van der Merwe‚ Coenie Oosthuizen and club captain Jono Ross, Times Live reports.

    “You must remember we were together at the World Cup in Japan as a country with some of the players and one thing which cannot be tolerated is when somebody is displaying racist behaviour and showing racist attitude,” said Mr Mthethwa.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Long queues at liquor stores in South Africa as coronavirus restrictions are eased

    South Africa eased its Covid-19 restrictions to level two on Tuesday, allowing the resumption of sale of alcohol and cigarettes.

    Under the new regulations, sale of alcohol is permitted from Monday to Thursday between 09:00 to 17:00 local time.

    Queues have been witnessed outside liquor stores in major cities.

    People are also allowed to travel between provinces. Visits to family and friends are permitted but in small groups.

    Parks and beaches have reopened for outdoor activity and sporting events allowed to resume but without spectators.

    Wearing of face masks in public remains mandatory,

    The opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party has opposed easing of restrictions, warning it could lead to further loss of life, according to media reports.

    South Africa is the hardest hit country on continent by the coronavirus pandemic and has so far confirmed more than 580,000 cases.

    The Eye Witness News website has tweeted a video clip of residents in the commercial hub of Johannesburg queuing outside liquor stores:

    Source: bbc.com

  • Al-Shabaab attack army base in Somalia, hours after hotel siege

    At least 10 people were killed in an al-Shabaab attack on an army base in south-west Somalia, officials said on Monday.

    The attack on the base in Baidoa, claimed by the militant group on their Radio Andalus, comes a day after they stormed a beach hotel in capital Mogadishu.
    The base attack started with an attempted suicide car bombing at the entrance followed by a heavy exchange of fire between the militants and government troops, leaving at least 10 dead from both sides, Somali military commander Yonis Hassan told dpa.

    “Our soldiers are now in full control of the base after repelling the militants and killed seven fighters. Three Somali soldiers have also been killed in the attack,” added Hassan.

    Several others were wounded on both sides, he said.

    The incident comes hours after the attack on a luxury hotel in Mogadishu where at least 17 people, among them five militants, were killed.

    Source: GNA

  • Germany’s Maas arrives in war-torn Libya, meeting set with Serraj

    Germany’s top diplomat arrived in Libya on Monday for a previously unannounced visit intended to spur international efforts to resolve the country’s long-running conflict.

    It is Foreign Minister Heiko Maas’ first visit to Libya following a summit in Berlin in January, when world powers agreed to a peace process for the war-torn country that has largely fallen flat.

    “We see a deceptive calm in Libya at the moment. Both sides and their international allies are continuing to arm the country on a massive scale and are maintaining preconditions for a ceasefire,” Maas said in a statement on his arrival.

    Maas is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Fayez Serraj in the capital Tripoli in order to discuss the violent power struggle between Serraj’s internationally recognized government and military strongman General Khalifa Haftar.

    Libyan Foreign Minister Mohamed Taha Siala and Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha are also to participate in the talks “about ways out of this very dangerous situation,” Maas said.

    In June, forces allied with Serraj’s UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) regained control of several bordering areas of Tripoli from Haftar’s forces, and advanced towards Sirte, a key gateway to the country’s major oilfields in the east.

    However, the situation has been at a standstill since then.
    Maas said he intends to discuss a UN proposal for a possible de-militarized zone around Sirte.

    A meeting is also scheduled with Mustafa Sanallah, chairman of Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC).

    “An end to the oil blockade and a fairer distribution of oil revenues are also crucial for a solution to the conflict in Libya,” Maas said.

    Germany’s mediation efforts have focused on preventing foreign intervention in the civil war, which began in 2011.

    Serraj has the backing of Turkey and Qatar, while Haftar is supported by Egypt, Russia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    European countries are keen to see the conflict resolved, as chaos in Libya has provided ideal conditions for people-smugglers to operate in the Mediterranean Sea, bringing migrants from North Africa to Europe.

    The European Union has launched the Irini naval mission in a bid to enforce a long-flouted UN arms embargo for Libya.

    Meanwhile, Germany, France and Italy have launched an initiative to impose EU sanctions on individuals and companies that provide ships and aeroplanes for the transportation of arms.

    Following his Libya visit, Maas is scheduled to travel onwards to Abu Dhabi, following the UAE’s agreement with Israel to establish diplomatic relations.
    Maas said he plans to congratulate UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the historic move, while also discussing the situation in Libya, as well as Iran, Syria, Qatar and Lebanon.

    Source: GNA

  • US files charges against Ugandan child adoption ring

    The US government has filed fraud and money laundering charges against those behind an adoption scheme that placed Ugandan children who were not orphans with US families.

    Two Americans, Margaret Cole and Debra Parris, and a Ugandan lawyer, Dorah Mirembe, are accused of conspiring to corruptly procure the children and transfer them to American adoptive parents, making hundreds of thousands of dollars in the process.

    The Ugandan children were allegedly removed from their families with a promise that they would be enrolled in special education programs in the United States.

    Instead they were presented to courts as orphans for adoption by Americans.

    The US Treasury has imposed economic sanctions on the Ugandan lawyer, her husband and two Ugandan judges, who allegedly took bribes to sign off on the adoption cases.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Yahaya Mohammeds proposed move to Ashantigold hits a snag – Report

    Ashantigold SC Stop-gap coach Thomas Duah has reportedly called off the signing of Aduana Stars striker, Yahaya Mohammed.

    Earlier report in the local media suggested that management of the Obuasi based club reached an agreement to sign the budding forward on a season-long loan deal for their 2020/21 CAF Confederation League campaign

    But according to Kumasi based Kessben FM, the interim manager of the miners has asked the club’s management to end their negotiations with Aduana Stars for their star man.

    The coach believes the arrival of the former Asante Kotoko striker will be a problem for his side and has, therefore stated he is content with the striker at their folds now.

    Ashantigold currently have Hans Kwofie, Benjamin Eshun, Nathaniel Asamoah and Nana Poku as forwards for the club.

    AshantiGold SC are hoping to beef up their squad with two or three quality players for the 2020/21 CAF Confederation Cup.

    Mohammed had an incredible with Aduana Stars in the 2019/20 Ghana Premier League season which was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

    He scored eleven goals in 15 appearances for the Dormaa-based club which earned him a call-up to the Black Stars of Ghana ahead of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Ishmael Yartey bags a brace for Hetten FC in their 5-0 win over Al Ansar

    Ghanaian winger Ishmael Yartey bagged a brace for Hetten FC in their heavy win on Monday in the Saudi Arabia first division.

    Hetten saw off Al Ansar with 5-0 mauling at the King Faisal Sport City stadium.

    The former Ghana U17 star scored a penalty in the 38th minute to increase the tally for the hosts after Wesam Waheab and Nigerian forward Chrisantus Macaulay had give them a 2-0 lead.

    Macaulay scored again in the 51st to increase the advantage before Yartey sealed the emphatic victory in the 64th minute with his second goal in the game.

    Yartey has now netted five goals in five matches for Hetten this campaign.

    Hetten are currently lying 17th on the league standings with 29 points after 31 matches played thus far.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Ghanaian forward Gilbert Koomson becomes a father in Norway

    Ghanaian forward Gilbert Koomson has become a father as his girlfriend, Kamilla Isabell, delivered a beautiful baby girl.

    Koomson, who plies his trade in Norway with SK Brann, was said to be contemplating on participating in the side’s Eliteserien clash against Mjøndalen on Sunday after his girlfriend safely delivered a beautiful baby girl on Friday.

    The 25-year-old however played full throttle for the Red and Whites but could not crown his day with a goal as Mjøndalen pipped them 1-0 at the Brann Stadion.

    “It’s a great feeling. I have great respect for Kamilla and all the other mothers in the world. I saw with my own eyes how tough it is to carry and give birth to a child. The baby’s name is Emilia Koomson, writes a proud father in an SMS to BA.

    Koomson posted the good news on Instagram Sunday morning.

    “God bless you for all the pain you have been through. I have extra respect for all the moms in the world. For what I saw today … I can not even explain it. You’re the toughest and bravest girl I’ve ever met

    He has scored eight goals in 13 games for Brann this year, and is the top scorer for the club.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Ghanaian forward Fatawu Safiu named Man of the Match in Trelleborg’s victory over Norrby

    Forward Fatawu Safiu was adjudged Man of the Match after an explosive performance for Trelleborg in their victory over Norrby in the Swedish Suerettan league.

    The ex-Asante Kotoko attacker scored as Trelleborg recorded a 3-1 win on Sunday, his fifth goal of the campaign.

    Safiu fired from outside the box, after his first touch took out the defender before smashing in with his left foot.

    Norrby got their noses in front on the 6th minute through Dijan Vukojevic but three second half goals from the visitors got them all the needed points.

    Salif Camara-Jonsson pulled parity for Trelleborg with a fine finish.

    Safiu increased the advantage for the guests with a fine strike on the 78th minute before Fredrik Liverstam sealed the vital away victory with a late goal.

    Safiu has scored five goals in his 13 appearances for Trelleborg this season so far.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Its difficult to defeat a person who doesnt give up — Nasiru Mohammed

    Ghana winger Nasiru Mohammed is rejoicing after emerging from the fringes to finish the season strongly at Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia.

    Mohammed joined CSKA Sofia on a three-year deal from Swedish side BK Hacken last summer.

    The 26-year-old struggled to nail a regular spot in the team which prompted reports that he will be sold in the ongoing transfer window.

    The player however emerged from the fringes to end the season on a high, making a total of 10 appearances.

    He hopped on social media to subtly express his joy after overcoming his early challenges at the club.

    “It’s hard to beat a person who doesn’t give up. Happiness starts with you, not your relationship, job or money. I hope you will be filled with so much happiness that it will heal every part of your body. You are a fighter. “Look at everything you’ve overcome. Don’t sell yourself now!” He posted on social media.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Ghana FA to receive footballs from CAF

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF), has decided to support member Associations with one hundred (100) footballs for use by Associations as match balls.

    As a result, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) will be a beneficiary of this gesture as the continental football governing body, work to support member Associations via the FIFA Forward programme. This was communicated to the GFA on Thursday, August 13, 2020 in a letter by CAF.

    “In light with CAF efforts to support its National Associations, CAF has the pleasure to inform you that it has been decided to provide 100 match balls to each Member Association”. the letter said.

    The 100 match balls are part of the FIFA Forward Program and the distribution is scheduled over two batches (end of August and end of September).

    The 100 footballs from CAF will be used by the national teams of the Association.

    It would be recalled that the GFA announced plans to support grassroots football with 6,000 balls through its FIFA Forward 1.0 programme.

    The GFA also announced a 5,000-football sponsorship deal for the male competitions, the Ghana Premier League, Division One League and the FA Cup for the next three seasons.

    Source: ghanafa.org

  • Today in sports history: Kwesi Nyantakyi re-elected GFA president

    On this day August 18, 2015 (Exactly 5 years ago today) Kwesi Nyantakyi was
    re-elected as President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for the third time.

    Nyantakyi went unopposed after the other contestants, Ofeibia Ramatu and George Ankomah, failed to submit their nominations before the stipulated deadline.

    Background

    An injunction from an attorney by name John Quayson threatened to halt the election on the grounds that the hierarchy of the Ghana Football Association have shown disregard for its rules by failing to hold district and regional elections before its presidential elections.

    In defense the GFA sought to have the case thrown out on the grounds that the plaintiff John Quayson was not a member of the Association and thus had no locus to bring such a case against them.

    On August 14th 2015 An Accra High Court dismissed all 5 charges brought against the Ghana Football Association by John Quayson paving the way for congress to go ahead with the elections.

    In a last ditch attempt to halt the elections John Quayson filed another writ on 14th August 2015 this time through Enoch Tekpetey and Odorkor Kwashieman Football Club.

    The failure of John Quayson to serve the writ to any member of the GFA meant that it was not legally binding paving the way for the elections to take place. Confident Kwesi Arriving early at the venue , Kwesi Nyantakyi revealed that he was happy at the opportunity to steer the affairs of Ghana football for another five years.

    “I am happy about what is about to happen here today and I am looking forward to the event. We are looking forward to many reforms, many changes and various developments which will have a positive impact on the development of our game.”

    “We will all gain in the next four years so I hope that we all work towards this with a common goal, he added.

    Source: Happy 98.9FM

  • Create a Technical Directorate instead of appointing Technical Director Bashiru Hayford

    Veteran trainer Bashiru Hayford has advised the GFA to set up a Technical Directorate instead of appointing only one Technical Director for the association.

    The Ghana Football Association are currently on a hunt for a competent person to succeed Francis Oti Akenten, whose tenure as TD expired some month ago.

    The Ghana FA has shortlisted six applicants for the job with interview sessions ongoing.

    The six applicants; three coaches from the domestic scene and three expatriates vying for the top job.

    Bashiru Hayford who is part of the six coaches shortlisted for the job has advised the FA to create a Technical Directorate rather than appointing one person to do the job.

    “GFA needs a strong technical directorate and not one person as technical director.

    “That position is so sensitive and needs to be strong,” Bashir Hayford told Time FM.

    “I just need the best for Ghana Football”

    The GFA will in the coming days appoint a new technical director to fill the void left by Oti Akenten.

    Source: footballmadeinghana.com

  • Black Stars call-up not my priority now Isaac Twum

    Ghana and IK Start midfielder, Isaac Twum says his focus is not about earning a call-up under coach Charles Kwabla Akonnor as he set sights on helping his side to escape relegation in the ongoing Norwegian league season.

    The former Inter Allies player after excelling so well for the Black Stars B in the 2017 WAFU Cup tournament earned his debut call-up into the senior national team, Black Stars under coach Kwasi Appiah where Ghana beat Saudi Arabia.

    Asked if he is eyeing a call-up into the national team, the former Black Stars B skipper said, “Right now my attention is not on the Black Stars because my team is struggling and could suffer relegation. So I want to help my club escape relegation this season” he told S.K Ntim of Bryt FM

    “It takes good performance to get Black Stars call but as at now my team is suffering and it will be prudent for me to help them out rather than thinking about invitation into the Black Stars” he concluded.

    Isaac Twum led the Black Stars B in 2017 to win the WAFU tournament hosted by Ghana.

    Source: footballghana.com

  • SD Huesca eye summer move for Ghanaian striker Dauda Mohammed

    La Liga side SD Huesca have expressed interest in signing Ghanaian striker Dauda Mohammed in the on-going summer transfer window, according to SPORTSworldGhana.com.

    The 22-year-old is expected to leave Anderlecht this summer despite having one year left on his current contract.

    Mohammed joined the Belgian Jupiler Pro League club in 2017 following an outstanding season with Ghanaian side Asante Kotoko where he scored eight goals in 20 appearances.

    He has spent the last two seasons on loan at Dutch Eredivisie side Vitesse and Danish outfit Esbjerg fB, where he made 26 appearances in all competitions, scored five goals and registered two assists last term.

    The report further stated that the Spanish La Liga Santander newcomers SD Huesca are bent on swooping for him to strengthen their attack.

    Huesca boss Miguel Ángel Sánchez Muñoz is said to be a big fan of Dauda having watched him in the youth team of Anderlecht a few years ago.

    Dutch Eredivisie side ADO Den Haag are also believed to be interested in signing him.

    Source: footballghana.co

  • Seth Paintsil joins newly-promoted Austrian Bundesliga side SV Ried

    Ghanaian frontman Seth Paintsil has completed a transfer to newly-promoted Austrian Bundesliga side SV Ried, GHANASoccernet.com can exclusively confirm.

    Paintsil penned a two-year contract with the Green and Black lads on Monday.

    The talented hitman became a free-agent after his contract with Admira Wacker expired at the end of last term.

    The 24-year-old spent two seasons at the BSFZ Arena.

    He joined Admira Wacker from Finnish side FF Jaro during the 2018 summer transfer window.

    Paintsil scored three goals with two assists in his 35 appearances for FC Admira Wacker Mödling during his stay at the club

    He is the elder brother of Joseph Paintsil of KRC Genk.

    Source: Ghana Soccerne

  • Joseph Esso’s return to Hearts of Oak collapses again

    Hearts of Oak have finally released Joseph Esso even though they had agreed a new two-year contract because the highly-prized striker refused to issue a public apology before signing the new deal.

    The Accra-based team issued a release letter to the player on Monday evening when Esso refused the demands of the Managing Director to issue a public apology before he signed the deal.

    The latest twist to the long-drawn saga came to a head after top supporters of the club managed to convince the player not to leave the club over his contractual demands.

    But before the striker could sign the new deal, Frederick Moore demanded a public apology from the player claiming the initial refusal that resulted in the club releasing the player 10 days ago had humiliated the Ghanaian giants.

    Esso insisted that he had not wronged anyone to warrant an apology from him leading to the club releasing the player for the second time in 10 days.

    Hearts had reached an agreement to re-sign their released striker Joseph Esso on Friday, just one week after the Ghanaian giants released the contract rebel.

    The 23-year-old met with the leadership of the Phobians on Thursday night and have finally reached an agreement over the terms of his new contract.

    Chairman Togbe Afede and the club’s Managing Director were among several leaders of the club who met the player to help him reduce his mammoth wage increase demands that caused the club to release the player.

    An agreement had been reached over the terms for him to sign a two-year fresh contract and he was expected to sign on the dotted lines but the stand-off with Moore led to the fresh cancellantion of the deal.

    The news will anger fans of the Accra-based club who are angry over players leaving club at the end of their contract, accusing the club’s leadership of making the necessary efforts of re-engaging the top players.

    The forward and the Phobians went separate ways last week Friday, much to the surprise and dismay of fans of the Accra-based outfit, after failing to successfully negotiate a contract renewal.

    Esso was among five players who were released by Hearts last week Friday sparking anger in some quarters and sparking hopes for rivals Asante Kotoko that they could grab the talented player.

    It is not known if similar efforts would be made to re-engage Benjamin Agyare and Christopher Bonney as well as attackers Bernard Arthur and Abubakar Troare who were released together with Esso last week.

    Esso, who played 14 games and netted on three occasions in the Premier League last season, Hearts from Ebusua Dwarfs in 2018.

    He was among Ghana’s best players at the 2019 Wafu Cup of Nations in Senegal where he netted twice to help the side finish as runners-up.

    After his good showing at the cup tournament, the attacker was heavily linked to Sudanese side Al-Hilal last December.

    Source: Ghana Soccernet

  • Man City announce plans for David Silva’s statue at Etihad Stadium

    Manchester City have announced plans for a statue of Spanish playmaker David Silva at Etihad Stadium.

    Silva’s successful 10-year spell at City came to an end after Saturday’s Champions League defeat by Lyon.

    Signed from Valencia in 2010, the midfielder, 34, made 436 appearances and helped City win 14 trophies.

    “David is a transformational player, a quiet leader who has inspired everyone around him,” said City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

    “David’s statue will act as a lasting reminder of the wonderful moments that he gave us, not only as an incredible footballer, but as an inspiring ambassador who represented this football club with great dignity at all times.”

    The statue will be unveiled in 2021, along with another tribute dedicated to former City captain Vincent Kompany, who left the club last year and announced earlier on Monday he was retiring from playing.

    Silva’s contribution will also be commemorated by the naming of a training pitch and mosaic in his honour at City’s training ground.

    Later on Monday, Silva posted a farewell letter to City fans, saying the club had left an “indelible mark” on his life and career.

    “I look back and it is clear I could not have made a better decision than to accept City’s proposal to join their project back in 2010,” he said.

    Silva made 309 Premier League appearances, scoring 60 goals and playing an instrumental part in City’s four title wins in 2012, 2014, 2018 and 2019.

    In domestic cup competitions, he played 57 times and won two FA Cups, five League Cups and three Community Shields.

    Silva holds the record for the most European appearances for City, having played 70 Champions League matches over the past decade.

    The former Spain international, who was in the squads to win the 2010 World Cup and the European Championship in 2008 and 2012, has not yet announced where he will play next season.

    Italian side Lazio are reported to have offered him a three-year contract.

    Source: bbc.com

  • PSG’s Mbappe fit for RB Leipzig semi-final

    Kylian Mbappe is fit to start for Paris Saint-Germain against RB Leipzig in Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final in Lisbon, says coach Thomas Tuchel.

    The French striker has been struggling with an ankle injury in recent weeks.

    But he came off the bench to help PSG beat Atalanta in the last eight and has trained since that game last Wednesday.

    “He played for 30 minutes against Atalanta and had no reaction and had six days since to work on fitness, so of course he can start,” said Tuchel.

    “We will decide after training whether he can play 90 minutes.”

    Mbappe, 21, came on last against Atalanta with his team trailing 1-0 to the Italian side but inspired PSG to a late victory, setting up the winner for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in injury time after Marquinhos had levelled in the 90th minute.

    He has scored 30 in 35 appearances in all competitions this season, including five in eight in the Champions League.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Barcelona sack Quique Setien after Bayern thrashing

    Barcelona have sacked manager Quique Setien, three days after his side’s humiliating 8-2 defeat by Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

    Setien, who was appointed in January, has been in charge for just 25 matches.

    Barca finished second in La Liga this season, five points behind Real Madrid.

    Barca’s thrashing by German champions Bayern on Friday was the fourth time in the past five years they have been knocked out at the quarter-final stage of Europe’s elite competition.

    Setien, who replaced Ernesto Valverde at the Nou Camp, had said after the defeat that it was “time for us to review and take the decisions which are needed for the future”.

    On Monday, the Catalan club announced that 61-year-old Setien had left his role.

    A new coach will be announced “in the coming days”, said the club.

    “This is the first decision within the framework of a broad restructuring of the first team,” it added.

    Barcelona defender Gerard Pique said he would be the “first to leave” if the club wished to make changes.

    Source: bbc.com

  • Milner says Liverpool must prove themselves all over again

    Liverpool midfielder James Milner believes the club will have to prove themselves all over again when the new season begins next month.

    The 34-year-old picked up a third Premier League winners’ medal this year as Liverpool won the top-flight crown for the first time since 1990, adding it to the ones he won with Manchester City in 2012 and 2014.

    And Milner believes retaining the crown could be even harder than it was to win it.

    “This is the start again of an even tougher season,” Milner told Liverpool’s website.

    “I think how good we’ve been over the last two seasons has been incredible, but if we stay at that same level it won’t be good enough.

    “Everyone else is pushing, everyone is improving and we have a target on our backs and they’re going to want to knock us off the top. So it’s down to us to keep improving, keep pushing.”

    Liverpool finished 18 points clear of Manchester City as they wrapped up the title with seven games remaining, finishing on 99 points.
    But Milner said that will not count for much when the new season begins on September 12.

    “Talk is easy you can say what you want, it’s about proving it on the field,” he said. “We’ve managed to do that over the last few years and recover from setbacks and disappointments.

    “Now it’s time to go again and keep pushing and have that hunger even when we’ve been successful.”

    Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United are the only teams to retain the title this century and Milner said Liverpool know how hard they will need to work.

    “You earned that right to be called champions but then you have to go and prove it and do it again,” he said.

    “I think everybody is focused and ready to go again and hopefully have a real good run at retaining it again.”

    Source: GNA

  • Messi reportedly wants to leave Barcelona after Bayern disaster

    Speculation that Lionel Messi is poised to leave Barcelona continues to grow, with Brazilian broadcaster Esporte Interativo Sunday citing an internal source saying that the 33-year-old player had told the club he wished to transfer.

    The broadcaster’s Barca reporter said he found out after a humiliating Champions League 2-8 loss against FC Bayern. A person close to Messi was quoted as saying that he had never seen the Argentinian so determined to transfer.

    There had recently been repeated rumours of the captain leaving. According to Britain’s Daily Mirror, Manchester City – also eliminated in the quarter-finals in Lisbon – are believed to be in the strongest position to sign Messi.

    Messi has been playing for FC Barcelona for 20 years and had his most successful period under current City coach Pep Guardiola.

    The top earner of the financially troubled FC Barcelona still has a contract until the end of June 2021, so this would probably be the last chance for the club to earn big when the superstar is transferred.

    There has also been speculation about a move from Messi to Inter Milan in recent weeks.

    Source: GNA

  • Democratic National Convention: What to watch for at Biden’s nomination party

    Balloons. Confetti. Signs. Big hats. It’s the moment US election enthusiasts have been waiting four years for. It’s convention season.

    This week kicks off with the Democratic National Convention – four days of party events leading up to the main moment: crowning the presidential nominee.

    Of course this year, things are going to look a bit different.

    Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s convention, Covid-19 changes and all.

    What is the Democratic National Convention?

    It is where the Democratic Party comes together to formally name – and hype up – their candidates.

    You may be thinking, ‘isn’t Joe Biden already the nominee?’

    Yes – and no. He’s certainly the presumptive Democratic candidate, but things aren’t party-official until they announce it at the convention.

    Party members will also unveil the 2020 Democratic platform, the list of party values and policy priorities which they believe distinguish them from their rival Republicans.

    OK, so where and when is the 2020 convention?

    Officially, it’s being held in a convention centre in Milwaukee, in the Midwestern state of Wisconsin, from Monday 17 August to Thursday 20 August.

    But Covid-19 restrictions and concerns mean that the only people attending in-person will be those necessary to orchestrating the event.

    Instead of 50,000 people gathering for the traditional calendar with days full of speeches, receptions and rallies, sessions will be streamed from the Democratic Party’s social media channels and aired live on most US news channels from 21:00 to 23:00 EDT each night.

    Will Joe Biden be there?

    Mr Biden will not be in Wisconsin. The presumptive nominee will be dialling in from his home state of Delaware on Thursday night, and he will deliver his speech from the Chase Center, in Wilmington. Ms Harris will also speak at the same venue a day earlier.

    Who are the speakers this year?

    Former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle are closing out Wednesday and Monday night respectively. Senator Bernie Sanders is also scheduled to address the virtual crowds on Monday night.

    Former President Bill Clinton and Jill Biden will be the final two speeches on Tuesday, after remarks from several lawmakers, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

    Hillary Clinton, former secretary of state and the 2016 nominee, will take a prime time slot on Wednesday night, as will Senator Elizabeth Warren.

    Biden’s vice-presidential pick Kamala Harris will also get a chance to address the nation with an acceptance speech on Wednesday.

    Why is a Republican on the bill?

    It’s rare, though not unprecedented, to have members of the other party show up. This time, former Ohio Governor John Kasich, a Republican and Trump critic, is going to address the convention on Monday. He represents moderate conservatives unhappy with the direction the president has taken the Republican Party.

    Will it just be politicians speaking?

    Not to worry – you’ll hear from ordinary, relatable Americans too.

    Planners have promised “fewer people behind podiums – and more people in living rooms, on factory floors, at small businesses, and in schools and town squares”.

    This line-up includes educators, gun safety advocates, healthcare workers and even some former Republicans.

    We’ll hear from a Pennsylvania farmer, Rick Telesz, who voted for Trump in 2016, but changed his mind after his family farm suffered amid the president’s trade war.

    Another highlighted voice this year is gun safety advocate DeAndra Dycus, an Indiana mother whose 13-year-old son was shot and injured at a birthday party.

    And it likely won’t be just ordinary voters joining the e-party: expect appearances by celebrities. In 2016, we heard from actresses Meryl Streep and Lena Dunham, comedian Sarah Silverman and got a musical performance by Alicia Keys.

    How is the candidate chosen?

    If you’ve been following along with the primary election season so far, you know why the nomination vote is a formality for Biden.

    Delegates from across the nation will vote at the convention for the candidate that won their state’s Democratic primary election or caucus.

    They’re not obligated to do so, but at least this year, the options are limited with only Biden still in the running.

    As for those delegates who were promised to other candidates who’ve since withdrawn from the race, they’re free to vote as they will.

    Usually delegates are in the convention hall when they vote, but this year planners say a “re-imagined roll call process will take convention viewers to all 57 states and territories” on Tuesday.

    If you want to know more about the delegate system, you can read about it in our guide to primaries and caucuses.

    What happens next?

    Don’t worry, convention season isn’t over yet. We’ve got the Republican National Convention coming up from August 24-27 though the pandemic has upended plans for that, too.

    After that, presidential campaigning will be in full force until the general election on 3 November.

    Make a note in your calendars for the debates too. The first presidential debate is scheduled for 29 September with two more in October.

    Source: bbc.com

  • New dates for mop up of Ghana Card registration released

    The National Identification Authority (NIA) has released new dates for a mop-up exercise for the Ghana Card registration in the Greater Accra Region.

    The exercise will now start on August 24, 2020, and run until September 8, 2020.

    The mop-up registration exercise had initially been set for August 16 to August 29 in the Greater Accra Region.

    The NIA has also revised the dates for the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo regions. The mop-up will now take place from August 27, 2020, to September 11, 2020.

    The Bono, Bono East and Ahafo regions had also been scheduled from August 20 to September 4.

    The NIA commenced the mass Ghana Card registration exercise in 2019. It had registered over 7.2 million people as of January 16, 2020.

    The mop-up exercise is targeting persons aged 15 years and above who were unable to register for the Ghana Card.

    The Authority has already conducted a mop-up registration exercise in the Ashanti, Volta and the Oti Regions from August 2 to August 16, 2020.

    The authority was unable to achieve its target of registering 80% of the population as the exercise was widely hampered by logistical challenges.

    The NIA has targeted 16.7 million Ghanaians to register for the Ghana Card.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • 12 Nigerians arrested for trafficking and cyber crime

    Twelve Nigerians are currently in the custody of the Prampram Divisional Police Command, on charges of trafficking and cybercrime-related offences.

    The suspects who also entered the country illegally were picked up from their hideouts after months of surveillance on their activities by the police.

    The suspects, Samuel John 23, Akosi Buatsi 28, Happy Ebogum 20, Salami Shadrack 21, Julius Eluji 23, Michael Agli 30, Francis Edunuyi 21, Victor Osazi 22, Nosa Osunubum 27, Favour Edupolor 20, Albert Esawo 24, and Collins Osunubum 26, who are all Nigerian nationals, were picked up by the police on August 1st, from their hideout at the Emef Estate in Prampram.

    Briefing the press, Divisional Police Commander, Chief Supt Foli Washington, said the arrests were effected after weeks of surveillance, following a report by six of the suspects, who had confessed to the police of being trafficked into the country last year by ring leader, Collins Osunubum, to work as cyber fraudsters.

    According to the commander, the six suspects had to escape from their masters and report to the police following the harsh treatment meted out to them, anytime they failed to collect monies from their victims.

    He said items retrieved from the suspects, include laptops and other gadgets used for their activities.

    Chief Supt Washington, further advised Landlords and house owners to contact the police anytime they intend to rent out their houses and rooms to foreigners, so they undertake the needed background checks, to prevent the influx of criminal minded illegal immigrants.

    Meanwhile, the 12 suspects are expected to be handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for onward deportation.

    Source: Atinka Online

  • NSS debunks claims of increase in allowances

    The National Service Scheme (NSS) has debunked claims of an increase in the allowances of National Service Personnel.

    This follows social media claims that NSS personnel allowances has increased.

    Speaking exclusively to UniversNews, Public Relations Officer of the National Service Scheme (NSS), Armstrong Esaah highlighted that the NSS is not considering on increasing allowances any time soon thus such false news should be disregarded.

    “These reports on Social Media should be treated as rumors and nothing else, I have not heard of this and it is not something the NSS is considering at this time” he said.

    Mr. Esaah clearly stated that “the increase is not impossible but at this time of year it would not happen”.

    In May 2017 the allowances of National Service personnel were increased from 350 Ghana cedis to 599.04 Ghana cedis and has not been increased till date.

    The increase was announced in a letter in 2017 signed by Mr. Ussif Mustapha.

    Below are some social media reactions:

    Source: universnewsroom.com

  • Militants attack Mogadishu beachfront hotel

    Suspected Islamist militants have attacked a hotel on the beachfront in the Somali capital Mogadishu.

    A loud explosion at the Elite hotel on Lido beach was followed by gunfire, amid reports that government forces were fighting the attackers.

    The hotel is popular with local politicians and Somalis from the diaspora. Eyewitnesses have spoken of stray bullets hitting the beach.

    Attacks by the jihadist group, al Shabab, are extremely frequent.

    Last Monday 20 people died during an outbreak of violence at Mogadishu’s main prison which officials say was started by detained al Shabab fighters.

    Two days earlier a suicide bomber targeted an army base killing at least eight soldiers.

    Source: bbc.com

  • 9-week-old baby reportedly killed by coronavirus

    The latest update on Ghana’s Coronavirus figures indicates that a 9-week-old child has succumbed to the disease.

    According to the Ghana Health Service, the baby’s unfortunate demise occurred in the Central region. He is one of the 8 persons who are said to have been killed by the virus in the latest update.

    2 of the 7 adults also had no comorbidities while the remaining 5 had underlining health conditions such as retroviral infection with cerebral toxoplasmosis, hypertension, congestive cardiac failure, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes mellitus.

    The death toll now stands at 239.

    Meanwhile, 121 new cases have been confirmed, bringing the accumulated cases to 42,653.

    The country however continues to make a significant improvement in its fight as active cases have dropped again. The figure as announced on Friday, August 14 was 1906 but has now reduced to 1,847 despite the new cases that have been recorded.

    According to GHS, 6 are critical, 3 are on ventilator while 16 are severe cases.

    Below is the Cumulative Cases per Region

    Greater Accra Region – 21,212

    Ashanti Region – 10,569

    Western Region – 2,899

    Eastern Region – 2,097

    Central Region – 1,801

    Bono East Region – 720

    Volta Region – 642

    Western North Region – 580

    Northern Region – 489

    Ahafo Region – 485

    Bono Region – 480

    Upper East Region – 282

    Oti Region – 229

    Upper West Region – 88

    Savannah Region – 62

    North East Region – 18

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Manchester United ‘has to take it to the next step’ Harry Maguire

    Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has said they “have to take it to the next step” after losing the Europa League semi-final 2-1 to Sevilla.

    The Red Devils, who have not won a trophy in three seasons lost in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup, FA Cup and Europa League this season.

    “Losing is not acceptable. Getting to semi-finals isn’t acceptable,” Maguire told BT Sport.

    “[Winning a trophy] will happen soon. We want to win it as soon as possible.”

    United led through a Bruno Fernandes penalty, but goals from former Premier League players Suso and Luuk de Jong sent Sevilla into the final for a record sixth time.

    Sevilla keeper Yassine Bounou was the man of the match, with six saves in a frustrating night for United in Cologne.

    Sevilla will play Inter Milan or Shakhtar Donetsk in Friday’s final.

    Maguire said: “The best team lost. They punished us for missing chances. We conceded from two crosses which is not good enough.

    “We worked our socks off and deserved to win and get through. We fell short in a semi-final for the third time this year.

    “Perhaps that bit of inexperience cost us – we shouldn’t have conceded that second goal.”

    United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – whose last success was the 2013 Norwegian Cup with Molde – said: “It’s very disappointing, hard to take. We played fantastic stuff at times and created chances but couldn’t get the goal we deserved.”

    United did not make a substitution until the 87th minute.

    “At times, in games like this, when you create so many chances and openings, it is difficult to take players with goals in them out of the pitch,” said Solskjaer.

    “We need to strengthen our squad depth of course. I cannot say when or if transfers will be done but we are looking at it. We have to be 100% sure when we make those deals.”

    It is the longest trophyless run for United – who finished third in the Premier League table – in 30 years.

    Fernandes argued with defender Victor Lindelof after the second Sevilla goal, with United failing to deal with Jesus Navas’ cross.

    “It’s normal when you concede,” said goalscorer Fernandes. “It’s not about me or Victor. What happened between me and Victor is normal. It will happen many more times in football. We need to see the mistakes everybody did and improve.”

    ‘United can challenge for title with better defence’ – analysis

    BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Stephen Warnock said: “If United shore up the defence, with the quality they have up front now, I definitely think they can push for the league next season.”

    United – who have not won the title since manager Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 – finished this season on 66 points, 33 behind champions Liverpool.

    “I would look at bringing in one of the two centre-backs from Sevilla tonight,” Warnock said. “The power of Diego Carlos tonight – I’d probably be looking at him.

    “A lot of people got carried away saying this team can compete for the Premier League but they can’t. They have not got the depth to do that and we’ve seen that tonight.

    “If Manchester United feel sorry for themselves they won’t have a good season next season. They have to be hungry, they have to come back with a desire.”

    Former United midfielder Paul Ince said on BT Sport: “United deserved to win but it is about being ruthless. You have to take those chances. Will they give Solskjaer the time?

    “It took [Liverpool manager] Jurgen Klopp five years. United need a top marquee striker. Is Anthony Martial one? I don’t think so.”

    Owen Hargreaves, another ex-United midfielder, said: “Winning titles isn’t about being the best team, it’s about being there at the decisive moments. You need players who can make a difference.

    “If Jadon Sancho is in there, United will probably win the game.”

    ‘Simply not good enough’ – how you reacted

    Ben: Many times in recent years we’ve won in similar style to Sevilla tonight – riding luck defensively & capitalising on mistakes. Now on the receiving end; just the way the cookie crumbles. The reality is – strangely – feeling hard done by tonight is a sign of progress.

    James Dawes: Another poor display from Lindelof and Pogba. Poor decision making by Lindelof again costs us and I didn’t even know Pogba was playing.

    Mike Crew: Three semi final defeats is simply not good enough & frankly unacceptable. Three seasons without a trophy is not good enough. This squad needs half a dozen new faces who are up to it; because a number of those we have are not.

    Amrul Choudhury: I think Dortmund can expect a call anytime soon

    Kris Jefferson: I’m sorry, but you can’t expect to challenge at the top competitions like this without taking your chances and losing your concentration when defending. No one to blame for that loss other than Man Utd

    Source: BBC

  • Joe Hart: Former Burnley keeper to join Tottenham on free transfer

    Former Burnley and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart is set to join Tottenham on a free transfer.

    The 33-year-old left Burnley when his contract expired on 30 June.

    Hart, then England keeper, fell from favour after Pep Guardiola arrived at City in 2016, with loans to Torino and West Ham before a 2018 move to Burnley.

    But he lost his place to Tom Heaton midway through the first season of a two-year contract and then spent the 2019-20 on the bench behind Nick Pope.

    He is due to have a medical and will compete with Paulo Gazzaniga to be Hugo Lloris’ deputy at Spurs.

    Source: bbc.com