Monday, November 11, 2013

Coach Bob Bradley laments Egypt"s lack of strikers ahead of Ghana clash

Coach Bob Bradley laments Egypt Egypt coach Bob Bradley[/caption]


Egypt coach Bob Bradley is bemoaning the lacking fire power in his team ahead of their World Cup playoff second-leg match against Ghana.


The Pharaohs are in desperate need of goals to turn the seemingly already won ties around on November 19.


Egypt must score five unanswered goals against the Black Stars in order to qualify for their first ever World Cup finals since 1990.


The highly unexpected result is now being compounded with coach Bob Bradley’s admission of lacking strikers in his side.


“I included Shikabala in the Egypt lineup for the Ghana encounter to put stress on the opponent’s defence,” the American trainer said.


“Egypt’s squad suffers a lack of sharp strikers, as Gedo, Amr Zaki and Zidan are away from playing for a long time.”


The Pharaohs will however have to make do of what they have by the time the Black Stars zoom into Cairo for the second-leg clash.


They will begin preparations towards the game to be played at the Air Defence Stadium in Cairo on Tuesday.


Source Ghana Soccer News



Coach Bob Bradley laments Egypt"s lack of strikers ahead of Ghana clash

Kofi Adams: Mahama"s swift dismissal of Victoria Hammah laudable

Kofi Adams: Mahama Kofi Adams[/caption]


The deputy General Secretary of National Democratic Congress Kofi Adams has lauded President Mahama for acting swiftly on the Vikileaks saga.


Kofi Adams in an interview on Breakfast XYZ said the president acted responsibly to restore confidence in his government among Ghanaians.


Mr. Adams however dismissed calls by the NPP USA branch for Victoria Hammah to be arrested over the content of the tape.


“What the NDC party and government have done in this matter is to indicate that anybody who belongs to us or given opportunity to serve in our government must have such primary objective to better the lot of the people he/she is supposed to serve, anything beyond that would not be tolerated”.


“I think that the President has acted swiftly, has acted rightly to send a message to his appointees that whether you mean it or not you may not have to engage in such utterances” Mr. Adams said.


Meanwhile, the executive committee of the Ablekuma West constituency of the NDC has described the swift dismissal of Victoria Hammah as harsh and shocking.


In a statement by the deputy constituency organizer Dickson Lekey “recommended a more sober reflection on the issue so that there can be a fairer and thorough understanding of the matter”.



Kofi Adams: Mahama"s swift dismissal of Victoria Hammah laudable

NPP-USA: Arrest Victoria Hammah

NPP-USA: Arrest Victoria Hammah Victoria Hammah[/caption]


The US branch of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) says dismissed Deputy Communications Minister, Victoria Hammah, must be arrested over her comments that Gender, Children and Social Protection Minister, Nana Oye Lithur, secretly met the Justices that sat on the election petition case before the final verdict was delivered.


Hammah was fired Friday after a secret tape was outted on which a voice resembling hers, was heard hinting that Oye Lithur played a role in the Supreme Court ruling that went in favour of the Respondents in August.


Oye Lithur has denied the allegation in a statement but the NPP-USA believes an “arrest” and “interrogation” of Hammah are in order.


On the leaked tape, the purported voice of Victoria Hammah is also heard vouching to make at least US$1 Million while in politics.


The same voice, together with her interlocutor, also described one of Nana Oye Lithur’s Deputies, Rachel Appoh, as “ugly, unintelligent and egoistic”.


Source XYZ Ghana News



NPP-USA: Arrest Victoria Hammah

Angry Hammah family deny coercing driver to accuse Rachel Appoh

Angry Hammah family deny coercing driver to accuse Rachel Appoh Victoria Hammah[/caption]


The Family of the embattled former deputy Communications Minister, Victoria Hammah is angry at media reports that they coerced the cousin-driver of Miss Hammah to confess to Radio XYZ to having been contracted to record his boss.


Over the weekend, Lawrance Quayson told XYZ News Presidential correspondent, Kwame Danso Acheampong in an exclusive interview at his Dansoman residence that the deputy Gender, Children and Social Protection Minister, Rachel Appoh contracted him to record Victoria Hammah in exchange for a US Visa and 2,000 Ghana cedis.


He revealed in the interview that he had been recording Victoria Hammah for over three months now.


Hours later, a section of the media in Accra reported that Quayson claims he was forced by the family of Victoria Hammah to grant that interview to XYZ News.


But the family of Victoria Hammah is upset with the reports.


Brother of Victoria Hammah, Laud Hammah in an interview with XYZ News on Monday said he was surprised to hear Mr. Quayeson make those allegations on another platform after he wholeheartedly confessed his sins.


Mr. Hammah vehemently denied the allegations adding that no member of his family has attempted to coerce the Mr. Quayeson to accuse anyone or make the statements he made in the earlier interview with Radio XYZ.


Victoria Hammah was sacked on Friday by President Mahama after a leaked tape on which a voice purported to hers claimed that she was going to stay in politics until she made 1 million dollars.


Source XYZ Ghana News



Angry Hammah family deny coercing driver to accuse Rachel Appoh

Friday, November 8, 2013

Prof George Ayittey: Ghana’s Government is broke

Prof George Ayittey: Ghana’s Government is broke Professor George Ayittey[/caption]


Economist Prof George Ayittey says Ghana’s Government is broke.


“We have a Government which is broke. It doesn’t have any savings”, the retired Economist said Thursday.


According to him, “the Government has been borrowing a lot of money. Fitch recently downgraded Ghana bonds from a B+ to a B and we have a situation where the country is drifting and we don’t know where we are going”.


He said while tax revenue and grants amount to Ghc17 billion, recurrent expenditure is Ghc15.5 billion and capital expenditure is Ghc5 billion with arrears and interests of Ghc 4 billion, which mean the Government has no savings. “It’s spending more than its revenue”.


At a press briefing on ‘the state of the Ghanaian economy and proposals to reverse the downward trend’, the retired Professor of Economics at the American University and Visiting Senior Fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs, said the Government has inherited a “huge structural deficit problem” coupled with “a scourge of corruption” which are further plunging the country’s economy into the abyss.


He said the President must make difficult political choices in order steer the economy back on track.


Source XYZ Ghana News



Prof George Ayittey: Ghana’s Government is broke

Victoria Hammah"s Cousin leaked her secret tape

Victoria Hammah Victoria Hammah[/caption]


XYZ News can confirm on authority that the Driver, who secretly taped Victoria Hammah’s personal conversations, is a Cousin to the sacked former Deputy Communications Minister.


Victoria Hammah’s brother, Laud Hammah, confirmed the information to XYZ News and said the vickyleaks saga has worsened divisions within the family.


The Driver is currently in the custody of the Bureau of National Investigations.


Laud Hammah said the Driver has not only betrayed Victoria Hammah but the entire Hammah family.


He said the family has discovered that the same Driver has been secretly recording him (Laud) as well as his junior brother Paul Hammah.


He said Victoria Hammah’s story will be told later because it is a far bigger story than what it appears to be.


Victoria Hammah was sacked Friday by President John Mahama after she was heard on the leaked tape saying she will not quit politics until she has bagged US$1million.


She also denigrated Deputy Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Rachel Appoh as a “loud, ugly, senseless and egoistic” woman who has always been needlessly fighting her boss Nana Oye Lithur.


Source XYZ Ghana News



Victoria Hammah"s Cousin leaked her secret tape

Victoria Hammah biography

Victoria Hammah biography Victoria Hammah[/caption]


Victoria Hamah is a public spirited women’s rights campaigner with strong background in national politics and a sound record of professional media experience.


A member of the Government Communication Team, Victoria Hamah was a member of the formidable NDC Youth Campaign Team in the 2008 general elections.

A Branch Women’s organiser, she was very instrumental in the 2008 constituency campaign that ensured the capturing of the Parliamentary seat from the then incumbent NPP.


Victoria matches her political life with an outstanding media career that in part accounts for her high level of public recognition. Producer and hostess of Compare the Records a political talk show that interrogates comparatively policy initiatives and developments of the current and immediate past regime. Co-Hostess of the famous Real Talk show on TV3 she is now hostess of Chocolate Factory on Cine Afrik on Multi TV – a talk show that addresses the psychological, emotional and the general conditions that underscore intimate relationships.


Victoria Hamah is Executive Director of The Progressive Organization for Women Advancement (POWA), a Network of public spirited youth dedicated to protection of Women’s Rights as a link to broader social justice causes. POWA has participated in several gender conferences in South Africa, Nigeria and the United States relating to entrepreneurship, Conflict and Wars, refugee crisis, violence against women, HIV / AIDS, Reproductive Health and Poverty.


A former student leader Victoria Hamah was an executive officer of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) with the responsibility as National Women’s Organiser.


Victoria Hamah has several publications in local and international journal and periodicals to her credit, graduated from the University of Ghana in the year 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and currently pursuing Bachelor of Law (LLB) at the University of London. She has also enrolled for a Masters of Arts programme in Human Rights and Global Ethics at Leicester University.



Victoria Hammah biography

NPP MPs demand investigation into "Vickyleaks"

NPP MPs demand investigation into The Minority in Parliament has asked the leadership of the house to investigate the content of a tape believed to be that of the deputy Minister of Communications, Victoria Hammah.


The deputy minister was relieved of her post on Friday by President Mahama following some damning revelations she made in a conversation she had with a yet to be identified lady.


Even before dust settles on the matter, the minority is charging the leadership of the house to dig deep into the said tape.


NPP MP for Tarkwa, Gifty Kusi believes the summarily dismissal of the minister is an admission that all the revelations are true.


In an interview with XYZ News’ Parliamentary correspondent, Ibrahim Alhassan, the MP opined that the deputy minister should not have been sacked in the first place since there was nothing incriminating about what is purported to have been said on the tape.


According to the lawmaker, the minister was sacked by President Mahama because of the fear she might reveal more of such schemes deeply rooted in government.


“She said she wants to make one million dollars what’s wrong with that? Why has she been sacked? Is it because she revealed someone met the SC judges before the verdict?” she wondered.


“We are calling on parliament to investigate what the minister said on the leaked tape.”


She however dismissed the assertions that the president acted swiftly to indicate how ready and willing he is to fight corruption.


Source XYZ Ghana News



NPP MPs demand investigation into "Vickyleaks"

Steve Kyeremanten: Alan will stand in 2016

Steve Kyeremanten: Alan will stand in 2016 Alan Kyeremanten[/caption]


Alan Kyeremanten’s big brother, Steve Kyeremanten has confirmed his brother will contest the flagbearer slot of the main opposition New Patriotic Party for the third time.


Steve Kyeremanten who was on One Nation with host Charles Sam on the XYZ Breakfast Show Friday said his brother will “soon come down from Ethiopia to launch his bid”.


Alan, a two-time defeated flagbearer aspirant of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), was marked as an undisputed flag bearer for 2016 until news broke that the 2012 Flag bearer, Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo was amassing support to stand again after he lost the election petition case.


There has since been reports of intimidation from Nana Addo’s camp to Mr. Kyeremanten.


Steve however said his brother will not coil back in the midst of all the challenges he’s faced with.


Source XYZ Ghana News



Steve Kyeremanten: Alan will stand in 2016

"Ghanaian murderer" Lerone Michael Boye escapes from prison in London after life sentence

Lerone Michael Boye[/caption]


A convicted murderer of Ghanaian descent who was jailed for life for stabbing a teenager to death has escaped from a mental health centre.


Lerone Michael Boye ran away from the John Howard Centre in Kenworthy Road, Homerton, east London, at about 2pm today


Boye, 27, was sentenced to life last December for the murder of Kelvin Chibueze and told he must serve a minimum of 28 years.


His 17-year-old victim was fatally stabbed at the Arteflex Club in Ilford High Road, east London, on August 15 2011.


He was chased out of a birthday party and attacked with glass and broken bottles.


Boye’s three co-accused are also serving life sentences.


Boye is described as black, about 5ft 10in and of slim build with short black hair and a goatee beard.


He has a horseshoe-shaped scar on his right cheek.


He was last seen wearing grey jogging bottoms and a grey or blue sweatshirt with a grey vest over the top.


He is known to have links to the Ilford area.


Members of the public have been warned not to approach him but call 999.


Anyone with any information about Boye’s whereabouts can also call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


Meanwhile, a mental health worker has appeared in court after he was accused of helping Lerone Boye escape from custody.


Dean Ablakwa, 29, from north London, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with conspiracy to assist an offender to escape from lawful custody, Scotland Yard said.


Source mirror.co.uk



"Ghanaian murderer" Lerone Michael Boye escapes from prison in London after life sentence

Nadia Buari"s mother curses Jim Iyke: He will suffer untold hardship

Nadia Buari Hajia Buari and Nadia Buari[/caption]


For leading Ghanaian actress, Nadia Buari on and making her believe he would settle down with her, and finally breaking her heart, Nigerian actor, Jim Iyke will suffer untold hardship, according to the mother of the heart-broken Nadia, Hajia Buari.


The love birds were so close and appeared so much in love and everyone thought that it was just a matter of time before they tie the knot, until Jim posted on his Twitter handle that he was not going to marry the Ghanaian beauty, while Nadia herself responded by deleting Jim’s pictures from her Instagram account. After the celebrated break-up, Hajia Buari, according to a Ghanaian entertainment site, had this to say: “They were great together. They were like a couple and we thought they were heading for the altar.


She was very connected to him.” “She has talked to me about getting married and having children. She plans on settling down but not right now. She has to focus on her career. That Nigerian boy will suffer for daring to break my baby’s heart,” another source in Ghana quoted the angry Hajia Buari as saying.


Source Ghana Web News



Nadia Buari"s mother curses Jim Iyke: He will suffer untold hardship

Deputy Communications Minister Victoria Hammah sacked by President Mahama

Deputy Communications Minister, Victoria Hammah sacked by President Mahama Victoria Hammah[/caption]


Deputy Communications Minister, Victoria Hammah, has been sacked by President John Mahama. This was made known in a statement signed by the Minister for Information, Mr Mahama Ayariga.


“His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama has relieved Ms. Victoria Hammah, Deputy Minister of Communications of her post as Deputy Minister,” the statement read.


No reason was given for the dismissal.


The dismissal is, however, likely to be in connection with a leaked tape, in which a voice purported to be that of the deputy Minister is heard saying she would stay in politics until she has made $1m.


“If you have money then you can control people,” she said on the tape which has gone viral on the internet, and is the subject of media discussions across the country.


She is also heard making derogatory remarks about Deputy Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Rachel Appoh.


Ms Hammah also claimed to have heard that Nana Oye Lithur, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, played a fundamental role in securing a favourable verdict for President John Mahama in the recently-concluded election petition hearing.


Ms Hammah has yet to speak on the development.


Source Graphic Ghana News



Deputy Communications Minister Victoria Hammah sacked by President Mahama

Hearts of Oak sack Coach David Duncan

Hearts of Oak sack Coach David Duncan David Duncan fired as Hearts Coach[/caption]


Hearts of Oak have parted ways with coach David Duncan.


According to information, there has been “a long standing misunderstanding between the former Ashantigold coach and the board chairman of the Rainbow team Togbe Afede.”


Duncan was given the sack after training on Friday morning when he was summoned by the Managing Director Neil Armstrong Mortagbe.


The decision was reached on Thursday evening. Duncan, who has been described by insiders as a “talkertive”, has allegedly complained about getting the right replacement for his trusted goal poacher Mahatma Otoo, who now plies his trade in Norway.


“Accra Hearts of Oak Sporting Club Limited wish to announce that we have mutually agreed with Coach David Duncan to part ways with immediate effect,” an official statement read.


“We wish to assure the Club’s teeming followers that the Club remains focused on mounting a credible challenge for the Premier League and FA Cup. Meanwhile, Assistant Coach Ben Adjei has been asked to take temporary charge of the team.”


Hearts currently lie second on the log with 20 points – four short of leaders Asante Kotoko. Duncan’s Hearts have won six out of 10 games this term, drawn two and lost the remainder.


Since his appointment, Duncan has helped the Phobians, who were plunging last season, to wake up from their slumber with some impressive output in the second round of last term.


Goal understands Professor Mintah is a likely heir to Duncan.


Source Goal.com



Hearts of Oak sack Coach David Duncan

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Former Ghana FA boss Jawula: Ghana will be safe in Cairo

Former Ghana FA boss Jawula: Ghana will be safe in Cairo Lepowura MND Jawula[/caption]


Former Ghana Football Association chairman Lepowura M.N.D Jawula says there is no need to panic over FIFA approved Cairo to host this month’s World Cup playoff return leg.


The traditional ruler believes the football world governing is on top of the security situation in the North African capital hence declaring the capital town safe.


This week, Ghana’s Sports Minister Elvis Afriyie Ankrah requested for a meeting with FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke over safety concerns in Cairo.


But Jawula, who has been a Match Commissioner in Cairo for two CAF Champions League matches, says Ghana should trust FIFA.


“Fifa would have done a lot in the quite, it does not happen anywhere that a team goes and get into trouble,” said Alhaji Jawula in an interview with Joy sports


“I have been match commissioner on two occasions in Cairo, I was specifically to go and commission matches there at the heart of confusion, some of the matches were move to the military stadium which was even safer because it was a military area and before you go there they would have searched thoroughly before you get access.


“I know we have general fears, the FA president is expressing them same as the Sports Minister but what I can be sure about is we will not be allowed to go and play a match when FIFA is aware that something can go wrong.”


The return leg is scheduled for the Air Defense Stadium on 19 November.


Source Ghana Soccer News



Former Ghana FA boss Jawula: Ghana will be safe in Cairo

Ghana FA chief Nyantakyi rubbishes Topmoeller reports, fully backs Kwesi Appiah

Ghana FA chief Nyantakyi rubbishes Topmoeller reports, fully backs Kwesi Appiah Ghana Football Association President Kwesi Nyantakyi.[/caption]


Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah receives a ringing endorsement from the FA to remain at post as talk of an appointment of a technical director is dismissed.


Appiah, who is closing-in on qualifying the Black Stars to a third-straight World Cup appearance has been the subject of talk in the past few days as reports have claimed that, German coach Klaus Topmoller is been sounded out for a role with the national team.


Speaking at the signing of a $1.2 million sponsorship deal with uniBank as the Official Bank of the Black Stars, Ghana Football Association President Kwesi Nyantakyi said such talk is not even under consideration.


“It is important to stress that the Ghana Football Association has absolute confidence in the abilities of the technical team of the Black Stars led by coach Kwesi Appiah,” Nyantakyi said on Thursday in Accra.


“We are proud of successes and will continue to support him to lead the Black Stars to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.


“It is therefore surprising that out of the blue, the media has conjured the story that the GFA has decided to appoint a Klaus Topmoller as technical director of the GFA. The allegation is untrue and should be treated with the comtempt it deserves.”


Nyantakyi says the entire nation should focus their energies towards the up-coming World Cup play-off against Egypt.


“Let us re-direct our energies and resources towards ensuring that we seal our qualification to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The technical team lead by coach Kwesi Appiah, the players and management of the Black Stars need your support and prayers.”


Source Ghana Soccer News



Ghana FA chief Nyantakyi rubbishes Topmoeller reports, fully backs Kwesi Appiah

Kevin Boateng suffers another injury setback

Kevin Boateng suffers another injury setback Kevin-Prince Boateng[/caption]


Ghana midfielder Kevin Boateng suffered yet another injury setback during Schalke’s Uefa Champions League defeat at Chelsea on Wednesday.


The 26-year-old was replaced in the 77th minute after picking up a bruised on his left knee. Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt was left frustrated after the Ghanaian international seems to have aggravated his problematic knee.


“”It looks like the weekend, I do not know,” Heldt said. Boateng revealed this week he was getting better but now likely to miss their German Bundesliga clash against Werder Bremen on Saturday.


Samuel Eto scored twice as the English side coasted to a resounding 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge.


Source: Ghana Soccer News



Kevin Boateng suffers another injury setback

250 hotels, restaurants shut down

250 hotels, restaurants shut downAbout 250 restaurants, hotels and other hospitality facilities have been shut down nationwide.


The exercise was undertaken by the Ghana Tourism Authority for non-compliance with hospitality standards.


According to the GTA, the facilities will not be re-licensed until authorities meet the requirements.


Speaking to XYZ Business News, the Acting Chief Executive of the GTA, Mr. Donkor said this action was necessary because many in the hospitality industry “have put up some indifferent posture towards best practices”.


Although the exercise will be thorough, Mr. Donkor said there will be no revenue losses if affected companies act in accordance with the Authority’s recommendations.


“We have to do that to set the standard for others” he said.


Source XYZ Ghana News



250 hotels, restaurants shut down

KT Hammond: Kwakye-Ofosu is nothing but a school boy

Kwakye-Ofosu is nothing but a school boy - K.T Hammond K.T Hammond[/caption]


A former Minister for Energy, KT Hammond, has launched a blistering attack on Deputy Minister for Information, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, describing him as a schoolboy who doesn’t know anything.


KT Hammond Wednesday accused Kwakye Ofosu of indulging in propaganda and peddling falsehood, despite his position as a Minister of State.


Sounding very angry, the former Minister condemned Kwakye ofosu’s approach to analysing national issues, describing it as crude and unbecoming of a Minister.


“When you are appointed a minister, you refine your language and speak in a manner that befits the dignity of your office”, he told Accra-based Asempa FM.


KT Hammond was reacting to Kwakye Ofosu’s earlier assertion on the same network that the NPP administration under President Kufuor had sold GNPC’s drill ship like tomatoes on the market.


Kwakye Ofosu also alleged that the NPP administration also appropriated to themselves properties meant for public servants.


The remarks had not gone down well with KT Hammond, prompting him to criticise the Deputy Minister in a caustic manner.


GNPC’s drill ship Discoverer 511 was sold by the Kufuor administration in 2001 reportedly to clear the state-owned oil company’s indebtedness of $19.5 million to multinational French bank Societe Generale.


The sale is, however, the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Judgement Debt Commission headed by Justice Yaw Apau.


Source Daily Graphic Ghana News



KT Hammond: Kwakye-Ofosu is nothing but a school boy

Clement Apaak: Mahama is a “man of steel”; don"t mistake him for a weakling

Clement Apaak: Mahama is a “man of steel”; don Dr. Clement Apaak[/caption]


President John Mahama is a “man of steel” with a gentle demeanour and must not be seen as a weakling, Presidential Staffer Dr. Clement Apaak has said.


“This is not a President who is easily ruffled”, Apaak told XYZ News Wednesday.


According to him, Mahama “always maintains his cool, calm and collectedness which [are] the attributes that most Ghanaians certainly admire but underneath that public cool calmness is a man of steel [who is] very determined”.


“…As a member of the great commonwealth hall – an old vandal – he knows exactly what he wants to do and he’s going to do it. That also means if he feels the need to state a point and state it in a very poignant and forceful way, he’s going to do it”, Dr. Apaak stressed.


His comments come on the heels of a flood of criticism against the President over his handling of a tall list of corruption allegations against public officials and some private individuals in connection with some state institutions which has led to the loss of hundreds of millions of Ghana cedis and dollars.


Among the litany of corruption allegations are: the Ghc203 million Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEEDA) scandal, the Ghc45 million Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) rot, the US$372 million tax evasion scandal involving the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and some 280 private and public organisations and the Ghc 144 million Subah Info Solutions saga.


These allegations have sparked a wave of bad press and no-holds-barred polemic against the President from opposition members as well as former Majority Leader Alban Bagbin – a member of the President’s government.


Bagbin’s tirade sparked a spat between him and the President who recently told his critics that: “Recently a few of my comrades have questioned my commitment to fight corruption. I dare say they don’t know me. For those who disagree with me and are anxious to see my back, not to worry, 2016 is not too far away. I will urge them to be patient. In this difficult job, the least one expects is loyalty and comradeship”.


Dr. Apaak defends the President’s riposte and explains that: “…Essentially what he’s saying is that, ‘I have my plan; I know what I’m doing; I’m going to do it, I’ll achieve my results and if at the end of the day, the time comes and you feel that I have not, and you feel that you have the capacity to bring it on, bring it on. And that is the truth. I don’t think anybody should fault him for also saying his side of the case in a very emphatic way”.


He said: “I can tell you that he wasn’t joking when he said that there’s a lot of work going on in the background…make no mistake, he’s very determined and indeed Ghanaians will truly begin to understand when he says that those who think he doesn’t have what it takes to fight corruption, indeed they don’t know him yet”.


Source XYZ Ghana News



Clement Apaak: Mahama is a “man of steel”; don"t mistake him for a weakling

COUP IN BLACK STARS: Accept German coach or forget GNPC sponsorship

COUP IN BLACK STARS: Accept German coach or forget GNPC sponsorship Is Toppmoller coming for Akwasi Appiah”s job?[/caption]


The plot is taking shape. And to make those who are resisting the appointment of a Technical Director for Black Stars coach, Kwesi Appiah acquiesce to their overtures, the plotters of the idea are bent on using their political stranglehold on GNPC to cow the GFA resistors into obeisance.


If anyone knows and/or has sighted German coach, Klaus Toppmoller, in town since Tuesday, November 5, 2013, precisely at the plush Holiday Inn (Hotel) at Airport City, then let him or her know that the German is not in Ghana for sight and sound and relaxation; forget that he is cooling off at the Holiday Inn.


Topmoller is here on the ticket of football-management personalities closely associated to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, and he is here to ostensibly fill a void as technical director in the Black Stars.


Interestingly, the job of Black Stars Technical Director has perfectly been handled by a pair of well-known personalities in Ghana soccer, Francis Oti Akenten and Sam Arday, who have superintended over the (current) best period of Ghana’s World Cup qualifiers, including last month’s 6-1 drubbing of the dreaded Pharaohs of Egypt.


From all indications, however, the brain behind the Topmoller-for-technical-director agenda is well-known sports journalist, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, who happens to be the younger brother and the Special Aide to Minister Elvis Afriyie Ankrah.


Since the President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA,) Kwesi Nyantakyi, has vehemently opposed the original move and the concept is certain to be torpedoed, the zealots and their master, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, have resorted to plan B.


Meanwhile, Mr. Ampofo Ankrah, yesterday in an interview with Accra-based Happy FM refuted the allegations levelled against him and went on to state that his ministry has nothing to with the assertions.


The Sports minister stated that the GFA is an autonomous body and wondered why anybody will want to associate him and his outfit to the matter at hand.


These “coup makers” are threatening the GFA and Coach Kwasi Appiah.


They have plainly told Nyantakyi that they would use every political arsenal at their disposal to force a key sponsor of the national team, the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC,) to withdraw its sponsorship.


Their demand: Nyantakyi, Kwasi Appiah and their teams must accept the appointment of Toppmoller as the Technical Director of the Black Stars.


Interestingly, speaking on an Accra-based radio station, Asempa FM last Tuesday evening, the Communication Director of GFA, Saani Daraa, cast insinuations as to who is, probably, behind the Toppmoller agenda and gave the strongest indication yet that the GFA would neither budge nor give in.


“We don’t know Top or Down Moller. Go and ask those who brought him to Ghana. All we know is that Kwesi Appiah is the coach of the Black Stars… You know those… behind such moves…. Go and ask them,” Saani told Enock Kwasi Worlanyo (Wallace,) host of Asempa FM Evening Sports.


Earlier on the same evening on Evening Sports Agenda, sports presenters at Oman FM, Kofi Mensah (Laimomo,) and Oteng Apau (Papin,) broke the news of Topmoller breezing into town. They even disclosed that plans are afoot to make the German part of the advanced Black Stars team to Egypt for Ghana’s second leg qualifier in Cairo on November 19, 2013.


Under the legal regime that defines the GNPC-Black Stars sponsorship deal, Today gathers, it would be extremely difficult for any of the parties to resort to unilateral abrogation of the contract. But that would be in a state where the law is supreme.


However, in a country where politician, particularly those belonging to the party in national administration, arrogate to themselves the power to do all manner of things except changing a man into a woman and vice-versa, the threat of the coup plotters is more than a bluff.


In the World Cup qualifiers so far, the Black Stars have scored as many as 24 goals, the best ever in the three qualifiers that have seen Ghana reach the world greatest soccer fiesta.


About two weeks ago, speaking on the most popular sports station in Kumasi, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah put up a rather lame argument for the appointment of a Technical Director for Black Stars coach, James Kwesi Appiah.


Today established from sleuth hounding that made that argument for tactical reason: To fly a kite to test the reaction of fanatic (Kumasi) supporters of Kwesi Appiah and also to check out how the critical Kumasi sports presenters and writers would react to suggestion.


Today also has it on authority that Yaw Ampofo Ankrah and his gang of plotters are bent on pushing through the Topmoller agenda.


When Today contacted Mr. Ampofo Ankrah, his phone was responded to by one Nana Opoku who said ‘Yaw would respond to you when he is less busy….”


However, as of the time of going to press yesterday, Mr. Ampofo Ankrah was yet to return our numerous calls and text messages sent to his phone.


Klaus Toppmöller


Klaus Toppmöller (born 12 August 1951) is a former football player and the coach of Georgia national football team from 2006 to 1 April 2008. He earned 3 caps and scored 1 goal during his international career for Germany.


Coaching career


Toppmöller became coach of FSV Salmrohr from summer 1987 to 18 April 1988 when he became coach of SSV Ulm 1846 until February 1989. After his dismissal, Toppmöller coached DDR-Oberliga side FC Erzgebirge Aue from 28 November 1990 to 30 June 1991. He then transferred back to the Federal league with SV Waldhof Mannheim from 19 September 1991 to 30 June 1993.


In light of his success, Toppmöller became coach of Eintracht Frankfurt, with whom he had a very successful start. But after failures with the squad relationship and resultantly missing the championship he was dismissed on 10 April 1994. Toppmöller then joined VfL Bochum on 9 November 1994, with whom in the 1997/98 season reached the last sixteen of the UEFA cup. On 30 June 1999 Toppmöller left his position as coach of VfL Bochum, but was eventually dismissed on 29 November 2000.


From 1 July 2001 Toppmöller was coach with Bayer 04 Leverkusen, whom in his first season led to the final of the UEFA Champions League, as well as second place in federal league and the German cup final. Toppmöller was resultantly declared by German sports journalists as “football coach of the year” for 2002. However, in the following season Leverkusen performed poorly, and in light of a poor league position which could have led to relegation, Toppmöller was sacked on 16 February 2003.


Toppmöller became coach of Hamburger SV on 23 October 2003. However, after the team fell to last place in the league, and Toppmöller used strange tactics, formations and out of position players (such as midfielder SergejBarbarez in defence), he was sacked on 17 October 2004.


On 1 February 2006 Toppmöller became national coach of the Georgia national football team, with Ralf Minge as assistant coach. He was dismissed on 1 April 2008.


Source Today Ghana News



COUP IN BLACK STARS: Accept German coach or forget GNPC sponsorship

Nigerian arrested for having sex with sheep in Church

Nigerian arrested for having sex with sheep in ChurchA 21-year old Nigerian, Abdul Fatawu, is in the grips of the police for allegedly having sex with a sheep in an uncompleted mission house.


The suspect was arrested on November 2 by Pastor Joel Bedding of the Church of Pentecost at Mentukwa in Elubo in the Jomoro District of the Western Region.


The Jomoro District Police Commander, Superintendent of Police John Ferguson Dzineku, confirmed the arrest to the Ghana News Agency.


He said Fatawu would be arraigned and charged with having unnatural carnal knowledge.


Supt Dzineku said Pastor Bedding visited the uncompleted mission house and heard a strange noise emanating from one of the rooms and when he entered he saw Fatawu having sex with a sheep.


He said Fatawu was caught just when he had ejaculated with some of the semen sprinkled on his thighs and some of the furs of the animal were on his penis and pubic hair.


The pastor reported the incident to the Elubo police and he was arrested.


Source XYZ Ghana News



Nigerian arrested for having sex with sheep in Church

Eazzy is single after dumping Keitta

Eazzy dumps Keitta Eazzy and Keitta[/caption]


While most girls would be crying their hearts out after a break up, sultry singer, Eazzy, has revealed she doesn’t feel downhearted at all after splitting up with her model boyfriend of two years, Keitta Ossei.


In fact, the Wengeze hitmaker confirmed to Graphic Showbiz last Tuesday that the once blossoming romance which was in the public eye was over but contrary to what people thought, she was happy being single again.


“Yes, Keitta and I are no more an item,” she stated emphatically.


“However, I am not down because I enjoy being single and I am enjoying that right now. Before I met Keitta, I had been single for a long time and so being single is nothing new to me. I also have no intention to go into any relationship now. I am cool being single like that.


“Of course, it is every woman’s dream to settle down with the man she loves and that was what I sincerely wished for but since that didn’t happen, I just have to accept that in good faith.”


Eazzy took to Twitter to announce the split last week saying, “Hi guys thanks for your concern. yep. Keitta and I are not a couple anymore. Details are private. No more questions. Wink”.


Defending why she took to Twitter to announce her split from Keitta, Eazzy said, “I had no ill intentions when I used Twitter to announce our break-up. Our relationship was a public one and most people knew about it so it was only fair for such people to also know that we are no more together.


“Most of them kept asking me about our relationship status and I couldn’t lie to them. I know that if Keitta were in my shoes, he would also have done same.”


The diva declined to disclose to Showbiz exactly why the relationship fell on the rocks.


“We had our differences and decided to go our separate ways and move on with our lives. I appreciate all the concerns that my fans have shown me but I will appreciate it more if people do not read their own meanings into this break up,” she said.


“It is rather unfortunate that people would fabricate all sorts of stories about the cause of our break-up. I have never said anywhere that Keitta cheated on me or was cheating on me. I don’t know where people got their information. They are mere speculations.”


The One Gal singer also told Showbiz that even though she had not heard from Keitta after their break-up, she was sure he was doing fine and wished him well.


Eazzy and Keitta’s relationship went public when the two of them represented Ghana at Big Brother Africa (BBA) two years ago.


Keitta could not be reached for comment at the time Showbiz went to press.


Source Graphic Ghana News



Eazzy is single after dumping Keitta

Prof Ayittey: Mahama must cut down number of Ministers by half

Prof Ayittey: Mahama must cut down number of Ministers by half Professor George Ayittey[/caption]


Economist Prof. George Ayittey says President John Mahama must cut by half, the 97 Ministers and Deputies at the Flagstaff House.


He said President Mahama has “inherited a huge structural deficit problem” which can only be dealt with by taking “politically difficult choices”.


At a press briefing on ‘the state of the Ghanaian economy and proposals to reverse the downward trend’, the retired Professor of Economics at the American University and Visiting Senior Fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs, said though he believed President Mahama did not lack the competence to deal with the problem, “he wouldn’t be able to do this because it is a politically difficult choice for him to do”.


“…On his own, President Mahama will find it very difficult to do it because it will mean him sacking his own ministers. That is politically difficult”, Prof Ayittey acknowledged.


According to him, the only body that can compel the President to cut by half the number of his Minister is Parliament.


“It’s parliament that can say that ‘look if you don’t cut down the number of Ministers and deputy Ministers, we are not going to give you a penny’. That is where the pressure has to come from”, Prof. Ayittey suggested.


Additionally,  recommends that the President abolishes all the “perks and privileges” enjoyed by his appointees because they are “a relic of the colonial past”.


He also suggests that the Government retrieves all state property including “bungalows that have been handed over to former government officials”.


“Seek the return of all the Sakumono flats to the State”, Prof Ayittey said.


Source Radio XYZ Ghana



Prof Ayittey: Mahama must cut down number of Ministers by half

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Ghana captain Asamah Gyan insists Black Stars have no fears ahead of Cairo showdown

Ghana captain Gyan insists Black Stars have no fears ahead of Cairo showdown Asmoah Gyan has no fears ahead of Cairo showdown[/caption]


Asamoah Gyan insists the Black Stars are battle ready to face Egypt in their World Cup play-off return leg at volatile Cairo on November 19.


Ghanaian authorities are unhappy that FIFA have rejected two appeals for the game to be moved from Cairo due to safety fears.


The world governing body ruled that the North African country has given security guarantees for the game, which will be the first international match held in the capital for more than two years.


Ghana sports minister Elvis Afriyie Ankrah has written to Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke, requesting a meeting and assurances over the security plans.


But Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has allayed the fears of soccer fans, insisting they have come too far to miss out at the final stage.


“We appealed to FIFA earlier because of the political tension, but they sanctioning the venue is enough proof that the venue is safe for use,” Gyan is quoted by Daily Guide


“Wherever FIFA asks us to play the second leg, we will defeat them. We are approaching the game as if we are the underdogs.


“I am in touch with my colleagues on regular basis and you could feel how ready they are for the game. We are only praying for strength and a good day.


“We have come too far to miss the Brazil 2014 World Cup bus. We don’t want to miss it, we are determined to give our best shot, and that alone is enough motivation to conquer them at their own backyard. Ghanaians should relax and continue to pray for us for a good day. We won’t disappoint them,”


Political and social unrest has led to disturbances in Egypt since the overthrow of President Morsi, while football in the country has been deeply affected since the Port Said riot in 2012 that led to the deaths of more than 70 fans.


The aggregate winner will qualify for next year’s final in Brazil and Ghana are heavy favourites to book their place.


Source Ghana Soccer News



Ghana captain Asamah Gyan insists Black Stars have no fears ahead of Cairo showdown

Felix Kwakye: Kufuor’s “chop bar” government sold drillship like “tomatoes”

Felix Kwakye: Kufuor’s “chop bar” gov’t sold drillship like “tomatoes” Nana Addo and Kufuor[/caption]


Deputy Information and Media Relations Minister, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, says former President John Kufuor’s Government sold the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation’s drillship in 2001, as though it was “tomatoes being sold in the open market”.


Kwakye Ofosu said Wednesday that the manner in which the Discoverer 511 was sold to, apparently, defray a US$19.5million judgment debt allegedly awarded by a Court against the GNPC, was tantamount to “chop bar” governance.


About US$1million of the drillship’s proceeds was used to pay for legal services concerning its sale.


However, US$3.5 million is yet to be traced. The missing amount has created a row between the current government and former government officials who served in the Kufuor administration.


It was revealed on Wednesday, by the Acting Head of the Controller and Accountant General’s Department, Grace Adzroe, at the Judgment Debt Commission hearing that the Bank account for the transaction had been traced at the Ghana International Bank, London with the last 1,008 pounds in it transferred into a separate account in the same Bank in December.


Kwakye Ofosu told Accra-based Asempa FM Wednesday that the circumstances surrounding the sale of the drillship grossly left much to be desired.


Key amongst the former Officials who have been accused of wrong doing and discrepancies in the sale of the drillship are former Energy Minister Albert Kan-Dapaah and his Deputy, K.T. Hammond as well as former Attorney General Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.


Reacting to the allegation, Hammond clarified that the sale of the ship was done cleanly and transparently.


Source XYZ Ghana News



Felix Kwakye: Kufuor’s “chop bar” government sold drillship like “tomatoes”

President Mahama replies Bagbin: 2016 not far away to see me gone

President Mahama replies Bagbin: 2016 not far away to see me gone President John Mahama[/caption]


President John Mahama has told his critics, whom he says can’t wait to see him out of office, to be patient, since 2016 is just around the corner.


He said: “For those who disagree with me and are anxious to see my back, not to worry, 2016 is not too far away. I will urge them to be patient. In this difficult job, the least one expects is loyalty and comradeship”.


Mr. Mahama also said those questioning his commitment to fighting corruption do not really know him.


“Recently a few of my comrades have questioned my commitment to fight corruption. I dare say they don’t know me”.


The President made the comments when he addressed a refresher programme for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives at the Local Government Institute in Accra on Tuesday.


His comments come on the heels of concerns by former Majority Leader, Alban Bagbin, that corruption allegations in the government are not being tackled head on.


Bagbin also accused certain people around the President of frustrating his efforts to gain access to the President to offer him private advice about how to tackle corruption in his administration.


The former health Minister’s tirade sparked a furore, especially on social media, between him and some presidential staffers and Ministers of State.


The President’s veiled response to Bagbin also comes at a time that the governing party’s General Secretary has called for a truce between Bagbin and some appointees of the President.


Source XYZ Ghana News



President Mahama replies Bagbin: 2016 not far away to see me gone

Lord Kenya"s Evangelism ministry booms

Lord Kenya Lord Kenya[/caption]


Like the Biblical saying, “many are called but few were chosen”: that statement seems to be playing a greater role on the face of our musicians who crossed carpet to the other divide thus from gospel music to secular music.


So far, many names have come up in this regard and most of them are doing stuff behind the scenes without much information about their new found love.


Lord Kenya is one person who crossed carpet to the Holy Ghost divide and it made serious headlines in the entertainment industry.


A walk around town is a clear proof that the Lord in evangelism is currently the hottest evangelist in the country as his posters are seen in almost every corner in the capital announcing his programmes with one church or another.


Flex newspaper reporters have spotted a poster of Lord Kenya and gospel songstress Celestine Donkor ready to deliver through the power of God at a church in Kwashieman and we hope to be there to experience the power of God to do wonders among the people.


May be what is working for Lord Kenya is his ability to cease every opportunity he gets to preach the word of God to people who hear him from near and far.


We remember a Performance at the Empire back in the day concert where he preached on stage when he was supposed to perform.


He also hijacked a Dr Carr entertainment interview and preached for close to 10 minutes when the real interview had ended.


Lord Kenya is undoubtedly now the leading evangelist in Accra and we know he is doing much well even in Kumasi.


Source XYZ Ghana News



Lord Kenya"s Evangelism ministry booms

Obed Asamoah: Mahama, Bagbin fight “healthy” for NDC

Obed Asamoah: Mahama, Bagbin fight “healthy” for NDC Dr Obed Yao Asamoah[/caption]


Former Chairman of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Yao Obed Asamoah, has described as “healthy”, the recent spat between President John Mahama and former Majority Leader, Alban Bagbin.


Dr. Asamoah told XYZ Breakfast Show host Moro Awudu Wednesday that such disagreements are necessary in every political party.


“…These are things that should happen within any political party. It should be possible within any party for any member to raise issues of concern for discussion”, he argued.


According to him, “the tradition of conspiracy of silence once the party is in power is a tradition that is not helpful to the country, so I think that it is healthy that there should be discussion of issues that concern the nation within the party and outside the party and I’m all for that”.


The give-and-take between the President and Bagbin started after the Nadowli West Legislator raised concerns about, what in his view, was the lacklustre manner in which the President was tackling corruption in his administration.


Bagbin, who has since taken a lot of flak from people around the President such as Presidential Staffer Stan Dogbe, foreign Affairs Minister Hanna Tetteh, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Inusa Fuseini amongst a raft of others, dared the President “to big it on” in one of his media tirades and said he does not serve the President but rather Ghana.


Despite a truce called by the party’s General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia on Monday, President Mahama on Tuesday hurled a subtle response at his critics at a public event.


He said: “For those who disagree with me and are anxious to see my back, not to worry, 2016 is not too far away. I will urge them to be patient. In this difficult job, the least one expects is loyalty and comradeship”.


Mr. Mahama also said those questioning his commitment to fighting corruption do not really know him.


“Recently a few of my comrades have questioned my commitment to fight corruption. I dare say they don’t know me”.


Some political science lecturers and analysts have criticised the President’s response as inappropriate and knee-jerky.


Dr. Obed Asamoah however sees the disagreement as a necessary evil.


Source XYZ Ghana News



Obed Asamoah: Mahama, Bagbin fight “healthy” for NDC

Mahama must stop talking and fight corruption - GII

Mahama must stop talking and fight corruption - GII President Mahama[/caption]


Enough of the talk Mr. President, let’s see some action. That is the message coming from anti-corruption body, Ghana Integrity Initiative.


President Mahama has hinted of new measures to be announced soon to check corruption in the country.


But Programmes Coordinator at the GII, Mary Adda says the existing institutions and laws on corruption in the country are enough to fight the canker.


President Mahama has come under fire from members of his own government for his approach to tackling the series of corruption allegations plaguing his administration.


In an interview with XYZ NEWS, Mary Adda said it is about time the president ceased talking about his commitment to fighting corruption and actually fought it to demonstrate that commitment.


“If Government wants to fight corruption then it knows what to do. Government must not continue to tell Ghanaians that they are committed to fighting corruption.


“So the Ghana Integrity Initiative wants to put on record that we want to see action. There are laws, there are legal frameworks and there are institutions which are mandated to fight corruption. Government must allow those institutions to do their work”.


Source XYZ Ghana News



Mahama must stop talking and fight corruption - GII

President Mahama: I will not give up

President Mahama: I will not give up President Mahama[/caption]


President John Mahama says he will not give up despite the economic challenges presently confronting his administration.


“Country men and women, it is said in a popular English proverb that ‘nothing good comes easy’; the beginning of every good thing and the beginning every journey can be difficult but it doesn’t mean that when you start a journey and it is difficult, you should give up the journey”, Mahama told a crowd at Old Ningo in the Greater Accra region Wednesday.


He was there to cut sod for a 5,000 unit affordable housing project initiated by the Government.


According to him, “Ours is a journey in which we have believe and faith and I’m sure that we’ll complete that journey and we’ll be able to look back with a sense of pride and say that ‘we did this journey together and we have been successful’”.


President Mahama, who has recently come under intense criticism from within his government and party as well as from the opposition over his handling of several corruption allegations, conceded that the economy is not in the best of shapes but said it is being tweaked and nursed back to health.


“We are facing some challenges with the economy and that is normal”, the President admitted, adding: “…Almost all countries in the world are facing some challenges with the economy but we have the right people taking care of it and the economy is beginning to respond and it is my believe that from this point going onwards, next year 2014, 2015, 2016, we will see a strong resilient Ghanaian economy that will make us proud to be the star of Africa”.


Source XYZ Ghana News



President Mahama: I will not give up

Alan Kyeremanten is ready to lead NPP in 2016 - Aide

Alan Kyeremanten is ready to lead NPP in 2016 - Aide Alan Kyeremanteng[/caption]


A former Presidential aspirant, Alan Kyeremanten, is considering running for the flagbearer slot of the main opposition NPP for the 2016 elections.


The twice defeated aspirant has been quiet about his ambitions but his Aide, Philip Longdon in an interview with XYZ News said intense pressure is mounting on his boss to declare his intentions.


“There is heavy pressure from members of the party for Alan to step forward and put himself up for the flagbearership position and he is considering this very carefully.


“There are a lot of people [within the party] who want to see him as the next flagbearer of the party.


“There is a believe that despite the good works that have been done by our former leaders, we still haven’t been able to win power and this time round it is a very strong believe that Alan should step forward and lead the party into the next election”.


Mr. Longdon added that the former Minister of Trade and Industry under the erstwhile Kufuor administration would declare his intention once the NPP executives’ election is over.


Source XYZ Ghana News



Alan Kyeremanten is ready to lead NPP in 2016 - Aide

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Mohammed Polo: Black Stars have the quality to finish off the business in Cairo

Mohammed Polo: Black Stars have the quality to finish off the business in Cairo Mohammed Polo[/caption]


Mohammed Polo insists the Black Stars have the depth in quality to finish off the business in Cairo when Ghana battle Egypt in the return leg of the 2014 World Cup play-off.


The West Africans will travel to the North African country on November 19 for the crucial return leg that will decide which of the two teams qualify to the global piece in Brazil next year.


The Ghanaians are the overwhelming favourite to secure passage to the tournament following their resounding 6-1 win from the first leg in Kumasi last month.


The ex-Ghana international is confident the current crop of players have the mental toughness to scale the Cairo threat.


“These are professionals who have seen it all at the highest level. I have no doubt in my mind that they will return from Cairo with qualification,” Polo said


“I don’t see the threat. Of course the Egyptian must believe that they can stop us. It’s within their right.


“But the fact that you believe doesn’t mean you can make it. We’re capable of going there to finish off the business.”


The Black Stars will camp in Turkey ahead of their trip to Cairo for the BIG showdown.


Source Ghana Soccer News



Mohammed Polo: Black Stars have the quality to finish off the business in Cairo

Bin Salih to contest first vice chairman position of NPP in Upper West

Bin Salih to contest first vice chairman position of NPP in Upper West Mr Hafiz Bin Salih[/caption]


One of the New Patriotic Party stalwarts in the Upper West Region and the present Regional Second Vice Chairman of the party, Mr Hafiz Bin Salih, has decided to move a step further to contest the position of first vice chairman of the party, come January 2014.


Mr Bin Salih said his motivation to move from second to first vice chairman was to imbibe in the leadership of the party in the region some form of youthful dynamism to move deep into the hinterlands to woo the support of the people.


He said the time had come for the NPP to remain very united, devoid of any differences, if it wanted to win the 2016 elections convincingly.


Mr Bin Salih who was confident of winning the position, urged all party faithful who wanted to contest any position to comport themselves and play according to the party’s election guidelines so as to sustain the unity in the party.


“I want to harness the full human resource of members of the party in the region and create an atmosphere in which members of the party will be ready and willing to work for victory in 2016,” he emphasised.


Mr Bin Salih, who is a constant voice of the NPP in the Upper West Region, holds a Master of Philosophy degree in Development Studies from the University for Development Studies ( UDS) and is currently pursuing a PhD in Social Administration in the same university.


He was very instrumental in the establishment of TESCON branches in tertiary institutions and a very persistent pillar of the NPP in the region.


NPP members in the Upper West Region have taken the bull by the horn to also rejuvenate their front to recapture the three seatslost to the NDC and possibly increase its number of parliamentary seats in the region in 2016.


Source Graphic Ghana News



Bin Salih to contest first vice chairman position of NPP in Upper West

Bagbin: No malice in my criticism of President Mahama

Bagbin: No malice in my criticism of President Mahama Alban Bagbin[/caption]


A former Majority Leader in Parliament, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has stated that his recent pronouncements on the governance system of the country were not made out of malice.


“We all took the party’s manifesto to the people for them to give us their mandate,” he said, explaining that “if something is going wrong, we all have to see to it that the wrong is righted”.


Speaking exclusively to the Daily Graphic in Accra yesterday, Mr Bagbin, who is also the Member of Parliament for Nadowli-Kaleo, said the President himself was aware that not only ordinary Ghanaians were discontent with the slow implementation of government policies and programmes but some members of the NDC were worried as well.


“Governance is slow and grinding to a halt; we need to fulfill our electioneering promises and all well-meaning members of the NDC have to make inputs to make this government succeed,” he said.


Mr Bagbin, who also served as a Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, as well as Health, in the late Professor Evans Atta Mills’s government, said it was unfortunate that people around the President had started insulting him and calling him names.


Let’s debate the issues


“Let us debate the issues,” he said, and called for a halt to attacks on people such as he who had chosen to be objective.


Although Mr Bagbin is not a minister of state now, he is one of the five eminent NDC stalwarts who have been constituted by the President to co-ordinate the implementation of some projects promised during the 2012 electioneering.


He said it was unfortunate that some people within the NDC had misconstrued his pronouncements as a means to prepare himself for the party’s presidential primary towards the 2016 elections.


“I have no such ambition,” he said, adding that no matter where he served, the main objective was to serve the people.


Resignation


On whether he was considering resigning his position in the face of such cacophony, Mr Bagbin stated that it would be a defeatist stance, since it would be better to stay within and offer constructive criticism than opt out.


He said he would be surprised if the President sacked him because of his recent pronouncements, adding that his actions were rather meant to ensure that the Mahama government succeeded.


Sycophancy


Mr Bagbin asked people surrounding the President, particularly Stan Dogbe and John Jinapor, to stop exhibiting ignorance.


“I am in a better position to know the President. The President knows what we have done together and what I have done for him. They should, therefore, stop exhibiting sycophancy. I know the President more than they do,” he stated.


Mr Bagbin added that it was crucial for all members of the NDC to work towards saving the country from collapse, adding that the President had his strengths and weaknesses “and we should assist him by telling it as it is”.


Recent Comments


In his recent comments in the media, Mr Bagbin expressed concern over corruption in the country and said he was yet to see a semblance of political leadership and commitment to fight the canker.


He particularly expressed frustration at the government’s handling of the findings contained in an investigative report on the operations of the Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEEDA).


A committee set up by the government to conduct the investigations cited some officials for complicity in shady deals and plain stealing and recommended their prosecution.


The report also recommended the abrogation of some contracts with service providers under GYEEDA.


But months after the report was submitted to the President, action is yet to be taken and Mr Bagbin believed it had taken too long for the government to act on the recommendations.


Source Graphic Ghana News



Bagbin: No malice in my criticism of President Mahama

Disagreements in NDC; Asiedu Nketia calls for calm

Disagreements in NDC; Asiedu Nketia calls for calm Johnson Asiedu-Nketiah[/caption]


The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called for a truce in the media war over recent criticisms of the government by a former Majority Leader, Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin.


The General Secretary of the NDC, Mr Johnson Asiedu-Nketiah, speaking on an Accra-based radio station, stated that a committee had been set up to go into the matter.


He said he had spoken to Mr Bagbin and all those who had made comments on the issue and expressed the hope that an amicable solution would be found.


“We call on ministers, communicators, Members of Parliament and supporters to desist from further commenting on the issue. I can only call on all to cease fire,” he said, adding that the party would resort to its internal mechanism for resolving conflict.


Mr Asiedu-Nketiah added that looking at Mr Bagbin’s stature, the issue he had spoken about should not be taken lightly and pledged that “when we hold an internal meeting we will be able to take the chaff out of the truth”.


Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and Media Relations, Mr Mahama Ayariga, has reacted to the comments made by Mr Bagbin and stated that the President will continue to work with Mr Bagbin, in spite of his criticisms.


“The President listens to his critics; he is tolerant and open-minded. We will sit with him and take the good counsel that he has,” he said.


Criticisms


In his recent comments in the media, Mr Bagbin expressed concern over corruption in the country and said he was yet to see a semblance of political leadership and a commitment to fight the canker.


He particularly expressed frustration at the government’s handling of the findings contained in an investigative report on the operations of the Ghana Youth Employment and Entrepreneurial Development Agency (GYEEDA).


Mr Mahama Ayariga’s reaction


Reacting to Mr Bagbin’s comments on an Accra-based radio, Mr Ayariga said he had approached Mr Bagbin and “we are talking over to solve the issue”.


“We are discussing the issue,” he said, and called on those NDC supporters and officials who were insulting Mr Bagbin to stop.


He said the President and Mr Bagbin were two experienced personalities in the NDC whose political experience must be tapped.


On Mr Bagbin’s perception of corruption, Mr Ayariga said even though he had respect for Mr Bagbin, he disagreed with him.


He explained that for over eight months the whole country was focused on the 2012 presidential election dispute at the Supreme Court, noting that once the case was over, the President had settled down and started dealing with issues of alleged corruption.


He explained that the setting up of the Judgement Debt Commission was a clear indication of the government’s resolve to dealt with corrupt practices in the country.


Touching on the GYEEDA saga, the minister said the extent to which the system was abused was known to all and gave an assurance that all those whose names had been mentioned for indulging in one corrupt practice or another would be dealt with by the appropriate bodies.


Mr Ayariga added that the launch of the code of conduct for public office holders was an indication of the government’s commitment to fight corruption.

He announced that the government would soon present to Parliament the Public Office Accountability Bill.


Source Graphic Ghana News



Disagreements in NDC; Asiedu Nketia calls for calm

Monday, November 4, 2013

Promzy changes name to Promzy Afrika

Promzy changes name to Promzy Afrika Promzy aka Promzy Afrika[/caption]


Former member of the Vision In Progress (VIP) music group, Promzy has officially renamed himself Promzy Afrika as he begins his career as a solo musician.


The energetic rapper, as he is often referred to, has featured on Buk Bak’s new single titled ‘Ex Girlfriend’ which gave life to his new name.


Emmanuel Ababio, as he was christened, spent a greater part of his music career with Joseph Nana Ofori (Prodigal), and Abdul Hamid Ibrahim (Zeal) core members of VIP – one of the oldest music groups- is currently in the studio working on his songs with some though notch musicians in Ghana, reports said.


Even though Promzy Afrika has not officially given any reason to his fans for parting with the group, sources close to VIP said his exit was due to personal reasons.


The group’s manager, Bull Dog, who told NEWS-ONE he was not to blame for Promzy Afrika’s exit had, together with some entertainment pundits, wished him well as he embarks on his solo career.


Source News One Ghana



Promzy changes name to Promzy Afrika

Yvonne Nelson attacks President Mahama

Yvonne Nelson attacks President Mahama Actress Yvonne Nelson[/caption]


Actress Yvonne Nelson has taken to her twitter handle to call on President John Mahama to find a solution to the worsening plight of Ghanaians.


“Mr President. Ghanaians are suffering. The people of Ghana are SUFFERING. #fuel #electricity #water pls do something! Thanks,” the celebrated actress told the President via his twitter handle @JDMahama last Friday afternoon. She added: “God save us!!! Help our land.”


Yvonne’s complaints have been met with mixed reactions, though the President has personally not responded to her tweet.

Chief Executive of Movie Africa Productions, Socrates Sarfo, speaking on Peace FM’s Entertainment Review last Saturday, commended the actress for her comments.


“I want to congratulate Yvonne Nelson for the courage she gathered to put such a message of the current economic situation in Ghana and how Ghanaians are feeling across in a very harmless way,” he said and continued, “If everyone is complaining about the current hardship in this country, why are people trying to pick on Yvonne Nelson about her comments…Everyone is complaining in this country. Even the president realized that things are tough and said things are in the first gear.”


However, commenting on Yvonne’s tweet, actor Prince David Osei was reported to have also commended the actress, but explained the harsh economic times as a global rather than national crisis.

Prince explained: “It’s good she tweeted that, which other ways, it’s bringing some kind of awareness and letting the president know that people like us also care about how the country goes…. I think it’s a global thing because the American government is even going down, so generally it’s not about [President] Mahama but he just got into office and as he rightly said the other time on TV, when you start a car, you move to the first gear, you move to the second, it then accelerates further. So I think Mahama is in the right direction.


“Rome was not built in a day. I believe we all need to sacrifice and endure for some time and hopefully next year will be very great. It’s not wrong that she’s shown concern that Ghanaians are suffering. Literally we are suffering with the frustration of fuel prices, electricity tariffs being increased by almost 80 percent, it’s not been easy for the layman but all the same, it’s a global thing.”


Source News One Ghana



Yvonne Nelson attacks President Mahama

Van Vicker: They want me dead

Van Vicker: They want me dead Van Vicker says he is healthy[/caption]


Scary reports started spreading yesterday morning that reigning Actor of the Year Van Vicker was involved in a life threatening accident on his way to church on Sunday.


Gollywood/Nollywood actor Van Vicker had a very terrible accident this morning on his way to church. He’s suffering from internal bleeding gushing out through the mouth, the doctors said he may lose his life but we do not agree. Let us pray; O Lord we join hands today and decree that you save his life today, we believe that you can heal him in the mighty name of Jesus. Please type ‘Amen’ if you wish him quick recovery”, was the report put out on a facebook page belonging to the name ‘Nadia Buari’.


The page, that has over 6400 followers, has the photos of Ghanaian actress Nadia Buari and says it is the “The ONLY official Facebook page of award winning African movie star, Nadia Buari.”


Fans of Van Vicker who saw the post started praying for him and wishing him a speedy recovery throughout the day while the report continued to spread fast on social media.

Some of them even called NEWS-ONE to verify the report, prompting the paper to place a phone call to Van Vicker’s phone to find out his condition.


“These people have speculated my death more than 10 times. I do not know what they want but it could be they just want me dead. They can’t kill me. I am not even in the country so how can anyone say I had an accident on my way to church this morning. Chief, just relax and take it easy. I am fine and very healthy. There is nothing happening to me,” Van Vicker told NEWS-ONE.


The actor later took to his facebook page to further address the issue by writing: “There is a post on an imposter’s page that I had an accident this morning on my way to church and I might die from bleeding. It is a rumour and a stunt to drive traffic to that page. I am well and in great health. Jehovah dey by my side. Stay Eeasy.”


Though the said page is strongly suspected to be a fake ‘Nadia Buari’, it has the exact details of the famous actress.


This is how it describes the owner of the page: “My life tells a long story short of an apt and adventurous actress of Africa, born into the family of art…Born in Takoradi in the Western Region of Ghana, I am the daughter of Alhaji and Hajia Sidiku Buari. My father is a very huge figure in the Industry of Art in Ghana, holding several positions including that of being the president of the Musicians Union of Ghana. His leaderships extend beyond the boundaries of Ghana into the international world where he holds very key positions such as the Vice President of International Federation of Musicians. Also as a successful producer, director, musician and actor, his influence in my life is obvious and evident in my present career as an actress.


“My mother, who is a beautician on the other hand, has been the secret behind my looks since childhood. As the first child of the family, I have always pushed to desire the accomplishment of Herculean tasks, a tendency that makes me an inspiration to both my siblings and friends and more especially, to children who I love and who look up to me as someone to learn from while I also consider them as my best friends to learn from…”

The Ghanaian actress has, however, not made any public comment on the incident.


Source News One Ghana



Van Vicker: They want me dead

Ghana axe goalkeeper Kingston from squad to face Egypt, Kevin-Prince Boateng named despite doubts

Ghana axe goalkeeper Kingston from squad to face Egypt, Kevin-Prince Boateng named despite doubts Richard Kingston has been left out of Ghana’s squad to face Egypt in Cairo[/caption]


Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has axed goalkeeper Richard Kingston from his squad to face Egypt this month but has kept faith with Kevin-Prince Boateng despite doubts over the Germany-born midfielder’s loyalty to the Black Stars.


Coach Appiah recalled the trio of Harrison Afful, Dominic Adiyiah and goalkeeper Daniel Agyei in the 24-man squad for the second-leg of the 2014 World Cup playoff clash scheduled for Cairo.


But the squad is dominated by the key players who were instrumental in the 6-1 first-leg thrashing of the Pharaohs with captain Asamoah Gyan, Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari and Kwadwo Asamoah all in the team.


Coach Kwesi Appiah has opted for experience as he aims to make the most of his first leg advantage with other key players like Andre Ayew, Abdul Majeed Waris and Mubarak Wakaso also in the team to face Egypt.


The major exclusion from the squad is Kingston who was recalled to the fold last month after a two-year absence but coach Appiah has decided to replace him with South Africa-based Agyei who has been impressive for Free State Stars.


Kevin-Prince Boateng has been named in the squad even though some have questioned his commitment to the Ghana cause after missing the previous game against Egypt but surfaced days later to play in a match for his club Schalke.


Harrison Afful return to the Black Stars after missing the first-leg because of suspension to provide competition for Samuel Inkoom at the right-back position.


Dominic Adiyiah takes the place of Mahatma Otoo as coach Appiah tweaks his squad for the match in Cairo.


The second leg of the tie will be played on 19 November in Cairo.


The tie had been billed as the tightest of the five African play-off ties that will decide who will make it to next year’s tournament in Brazil.


But it is now almost guaranteed that the Black Stars will be on the plane to South America after the huge 6-1 win in Kumasi.


Ghana squad:


Goalkeepers: Fatau Dauda (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Adam Kwarasey (Stromgodset, Norway), Daniel Agyei (Free State Stars, South Africa)


Defenders: Harrison Afful (Esperance, Tunisia), Samuel Inkoom (Dnipro, Ukraine), Daniel Opare (Standard Liege, Belgium), David Addy (Vitoria Guimaraes, Portugal), Jerry Akaminko (Eskisehirspor, Turkey), Rashid Sumaila (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Mohammed Awal (Maritzburg United, South Africa), Edwin Gyimah (SuperSport United, South Africa)


Midfielders: Michael Essien (Chelsea, England), Sulley Muntari (AC Milan, Italy), Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus, Italy), Emmanuel Agyemang Badu (Udinese, Italy), Albert Adomah (Middlesbrough, England), Mubarak Wakaso (Rubin Kazan, Russia), Christian Atsu (Vitesse Arnhem, Holland), Andre Ayew (Marseille, France)


Strikers: Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain, UAE), Abdul Majeed Waris (Spartak Moscow, Russia), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Schalke, Germany) Jordan Ayew (Marseille, France), Dominic Adiyiah (Arsenal Kiev, Ukraine).


Are you satisfied with the players called-up to face Egypt? Do you think it was right to axe Richard Kingston? Which players should have been added? Make your views on the squad known in the box below:


Source Ghana Soccer News



Ghana axe goalkeeper Kingston from squad to face Egypt, Kevin-Prince Boateng named despite doubts