Conte urges Chelsea to retain aggression

Antonio Conte

 New Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has urged his players to retain the aggressiveness they have shown during the pre-season, saying that the combative nature of the game was essential to the style of play he is looking to impose at the club.

Six players were booked, while midfielder Cesc Fabregas was shown a red card, in Chelsea's feisty 1-0 victory over Liverpool on Thursday after Gary Cahill's early header condemned the Merseyside club to their first pre-season defeat.

Fabregas will now be suspended for Chelsea's friendly clash against Champions League winners Real Madrid on Saturday but Conte was not ready to criticise the Spaniard.

"I like my teams to be aggressive and I like if my team plays with great aggression and high intensity. We train to prepare for that because I want that my team has an identity," Conte told British media.

Supreme Court Orders Gov't To Release Gitmo 2 Agreement

Mahmud Umar Muhammad Bin Atef and Khalid Muhammad Salih Al-Dhuby

The Supreme Court has ordered the release of the agreement between the Ghanaian government and the United States government which allowed two ex-Guantanamo Bay detainees to be relocated into the country.

The Court, on Thursday, directed that the documents be made available to only the lawyers of the two Ghanaian citizens, Margaret Bamful and Henry Nana Boakye who sued the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, together with the Minister of Interior, accusing President John Mahama of illegally bringing in the two former detainees, without recourse to the laws of the land.

NDC supporters hold vigil for Montie trio

Vigil for Montie 3

Newly formed pressure group Free Montie 3 Movement, formed to start a public campaign to get the trio freed is organising a candlelight vigil tonight (Thursday, July 28) at premises of Radio Gold in Laterbiokoshie.

The notice announcing the viigil said “All friends of free speech, fairness and justice are invited to the premises of Radio Gold at 7 pm Thursday, 28th July 2016 to kick-start a mass campaign to free Mugabe Maase, Godwin Ako Gunn and Alistair Nelson.”

A convener of the group Owula Mangortey said they are hopeful President Mahama will evoke article 72 of the constitution when continuous pressure is mounted .

God ordained Mahama as President - Navrongo chiefs

The traditional chiefs of Navrongo at the durbar

The chiefs and elders of the Navrongo Traditional Area in the Upper East region have asserted that the rise of President John Dramani Mahama to the highest office of Ghana was “an act of God”.

The sudden death in office of Professor John Evans Atta Mills, the 4th year anniversary of whose departure was marked early this week with a renewal of wreaths at his tomb and a recall of his legacies at a public symposium, paved way on a grieving night of Tuesday July 24 in 2012 for Mahama to become the fourth President of the Fourth Republic.

For the Navrongo Traditional Area, there is no better word to describe Mahama’s “unexpected” upswing to the presidency than what they say is a “gift” from God. The chiefs emphasised this at a durbar graced by the First Lady, Lordina Mahama, when she toured the region Wednesday.

"Supreme Court judges used a hammer to kill three harmless ants" - Mzbel

Mzbel

Reality TV star and singer, Belinda Nana Ekua Amoah also known as Mzbel, has reacted to Supreme Court's ruling on Montie FM saga.

Alistair Nelson, Godwin Ako Gunn and Salifu Maase aka ‘Mugabe’ on Wednesday, were sentenced to four months imprisonment by the Supreme Court following a case of contempt against the court's judges.

In the court's ruling, the owners of the radio station were also found guilty of contempt and thus fined GHC 60,000. The ruling stipulated that the amount be paid to the court by close of Thursday, 28th July 2016.
Reacting to this, Mzbel, who has declared her support for President Mahama took to her Facebook page to say the verdict was too harsh. To her, the judges overreacted in jailing the three – she described the decision as ‘using a hammer to kill three harmless ants.'

Let The Rule Of Law Reign And Not The Rule Of Mortals! - Jinapor Tells Mahama

Montie 3 contemnors, presenter Salifu Maase, aka, ‘Mugabe’ and two radio panelists - Alistair Nelson and Godwin Ako Gunn, have all been jailed by the Supreme Court for four months for contempt.

Their sentence has compelled some bigwigs in the party to call on President John Mahama to exercise his prerogative of mercy on them.

A statement issued by Nana Ato Dadzie and George Loh, lawyers for the three, said the sentence was “harsh and excessive”, adding: “We also do not believe that citizens of Ghana ought to be committed to prison for infractions on free expression especially in light of the repeal of the criminal libel law. Our clients have directed us in the circumstances to petition His Excellency the President of the Republic to exercise his powers of prerogative of mercy under Article 72 of the Constitution of Ghana”.

Already, supporters of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) have amassed at the party’s headquarters in Accra in protest against the four months’ jail term.

Mahama can’t pardon Montie trio – Lawyer

The three contemnors were sentenced by the Supreme Court to serve four months each in prison.

Following the opening of a petition book to persuade President John Dramani Mahama to pardon the 3 imprisoned Montie FM panelists, a private legal petitioner, Denis Adjei Dwomoh, has suggested that the president might not have the power to free the convicts in this instance.

Alistair Nelson, Godwin Ako Gunn and Salifu Maase, alias Mugabe, were sentenced to serve four months in jail on Wednesday, after they were found guilty of contempt charges.

Reject Politicians Who Have Only Outboard Motor To Offer! Nduom To Fishermen

Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom

The flagbearer of the Progressive People’s Party (PPP) Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom has called on fishermen across the country to reject politicians who only bring them outboard motors and other fishing equipment in election years and abandon them after they win the elections.

According to Dr Nduom, some politicians see fishermen as ‘foolish’ and only think of them during election periods.

‘’Since you voted for John Mahama what has he done to improve your lives, has he bothered to come find out the challenges you go through? It is election year so you they are bringing you outboard motors, fishing nets, etc., and once you finish voting they will be done with you’.

Ministry - FA tensions heighten

Nii Lantey Vanderpuye

The undercurrents between Ghana's Sports Ministry and its Football Association are bubbling once more following the failure of the Black Satellites to qualify for the U20 AFCON.

Sector minister Nii Lantey Vanderpuye told the media on Monday that the Ghana FA wanted him to okay what appears to be payments to have assisted the national U20 team gain qualification to the tournament in Zambia.

As it happened, Ghana crashed out at the hands of Senegal at the Cape Coast Stadium. According to the Minister, he refused to engage in whatever requests were made from him. The Minister will not say exactly what the requests were but said he was not ready to be involved in any “scandalous”.

“I don’t want to reveal things on air. I don’t want to say certain things on the radio. I don’t know the kind of motivation the Black Satellites management committee member is talking about,” he told Adom TV.

Memoirs out on 70th birthday, title will be 'shocking'

Former President Jerry John Rawlings (xliveafrice.com)

The much anticipated memoir of Ghana’s former president Jerry John Rawlings will be out in June 2017.

According to the former head of state, the book will be released ahead of his 70th birthday which falls on Thursday June 22, 2017.

Read more:Abacha Gift Evil will triumph if people believe bribery charge against me - Rawlings

In an interview with Kobby Asmah of state owned Daily Graphic, Rawlings said the title of his memoirs would be ‘shocking’

“My memoir will be out by my 70th birthday and the title will however be shocking but true.”

Vote For Prez Mahama If . . . – Nana Akomea

Nana Akomea

NPP’s Communications Director has thrown a challenge to the electorates to maintain President John Dramani Mahama in the upcoming presidential election only if they are pleased with his governance.

He noted that the hardship this government has left Ghanaians over the years is enough to kick them out of power.

To him, the ruling National Democratic Congress [NDC] has no palpable message for the electorates - after claiming that they only awaits the NPP to launch its manifesto so they re-create to campaign on.

Manchester derby in China canned

Jose Mourinho

Manchester United's showpiece pre-season derby against Manchester City was cancelled just hours before kick-off Monday after recent "extreme" rain made the Beijing pitch unsafe.

"The rain has made it totally unsafe to play on this pitch," said Manchester City CEO Ferran Soriano in a statement.

Organisers of the International Challenge Cup tournament, which also features Borussia Dortmund, confirmed the match had been called off on grounds of player safety.

"The conditions experienced in Beijing on July 19 and July 20 were reported as being some of the most extreme weather conditions the capital of China has experienced in recent history," said a statement from the organisers.

"The committee and both teams make the decision together in the interest of player safety."

Both managers, Jose Mourinho of United and Pep Guardiola of City, had told reporters Sunday they were worried about the state of the pitch at the 2008 Olympic venue following flooding in and around the Chinese capital.

2016 Budget Revised...Parliament Asked To Approve Additional Ȼ1.8b

Seth Terkper

Government has revised the 2016 budget and asked Parliament to approve Ghc1.8 billion to help run programmes and policies for the rest of the year, 2016.

The Minister of Finance, Mr Seth Terkper made this known in Parliament on Monday when he presented a revised macro-economic targets for the year in the mid-year budget review.

He explained the move has been necessitated by the huge shortfalls in revenue generation and that government will need the extra cash to invest in key sectors of the economy.

The presentation also highlighted government’s fiscal plans for the remaining months of the year 

Mahama okays new $953M 400MW power deal

President Mahama

The Mahama administration is set to stampede yet another questionable power deal through Ghana’s Parliament at the expense of already overburdened power consumers.

The deal, currently before the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament, appears to be another desperate attempt by the government to contain Ghana’s ever biting power crisis which, according to analysts, continues to suffocate business and household activities around the country.

The two-decade long power deal with Early Power Limited, will see the construction, fueling and maintenance of a 400 megawatts power plant at a total cost said to be exponentially higher than the average international cost of constructing such a plant in the industry.

Industry watchers say a 400 megawatt plant should on average cost around 600 million dollars.

But, the agreement with Early Power Limited is earmarked to cost nearly 1 billion dollars in all expenses.

Bruce quits as Hull manager

Steve Bruce

 Hull City manager Steve Bruce has resigned three weeks before the new Premier League season and days after being interviewed for the England job.

"Following four incredible seasons with the Tigers including two promotions and our first-ever FA Cup final, we can confirm manager Steve Bruce has left the club by mutual consent," City said in a statement on Friday.

"The board of directors would like to thank Steve for all his efforts since his appointment in 2012 culminating in a glorious day at Wembley in May which saw the club bounce back into the Premier League."

Hull, relegated in May 2015, made an immediate return to the top flight via a 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship promotion playoff final on May 28.

Hundreds Of Old Pensioners Dragged From Their Homes To Be Verified (PHOTOS)

 Hundreds of old pensioners in Koforidua in the Eastern Region have been dragged from their homes and in some cases their sick beds in order to be verified at an ongoing headcount exercise by the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD).

Reports indicate that the Apenteng Hall of the Koforidua Methodist Church where the exercise is taking place is a sore sight stranded aged pensioners waiting in line to be counted. Some of the pensioners are said to be showing signs of fatigue as they arrive in taxis or on wheel chairs.

Parliament Failed Ghana In Election Date Rejection – Ato Dadzie

Nana Ato Dadzie

Former Chief of Staff in the Rawlings government, Nana Ato Dadzie, says Parliament failed Ghana by rejecting a new elections date. He said failing to forge consensus by both sides of the House on the matter proved troublesomely worrying.

Mr. Ato Dadzie was speaking on Joy FM Show on Parliament’s rejection of a proposed amendment of the Constitution to hold the elections a month early.

The Electoral Commission hoped to hold this year’s presidential and parliamentary election in November instead of the traditional December 7.

Don’t take partisan positions – IGP warns officers

John Kudalor Inspector General of Police (IGP)

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), John Kudalor, has warned personnel of the Service from taking partisan positions as the country prepares to go to the polls.

According to Mr. Kudalor, his administration will not hesitate to punish any officer whose action or inaction brings the name of the Service into disrepute.

Speaking in Ho as part of his nationwide tour, John Kudalor asked personnel across the country to exhibit professionalism during the election. “The Police administration affirms the dispensation of its duties before, during and after election.

Restoring nursing trainee allowance political gimmick – Boakye Agyarko

Boakye Agyarko

Following an announcement by government to restore the payment of allowances to nursing trainees, the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), has suggested that it is a move to pander to the public in order to secure votes for the elections.

According to Boakye Agyarko, the policy adviser of the NPP flagbearer, Nana Akufo Addo, the decision to restore the allowances was unsurprising with about four months to go to the polls. According to him, by this move is clearly growing increasingly desperate to win over voters.

“How come that Asiedu Nketiah has been rubbishing the payment of student allowance? Now a president who has signed an IMF agreement to tighten the belts on the national purse and keeps on reminding the nation that under no circumstance will he allow budget overruns and then suddenly for political gains, does a U-turn through a very obscure statement. It’s a pure political gimmick and I don’t believe that anything will come out of it,” Boakye Agyarko said on Eyewitness News.

Election Date: EC Delayed Unnecessarily . . . MPs Voted Along Party Lines - Pratt

Kwesi Pratt Jnr.

Senior Journalist, Kwesi Pratt has blamed the Electoral Commission (EC) for the rejection of a proposal to hold elections in November instead of the status quo (December).

Parliament on Thursday, July 21st failed to achieve at least 184 YES votes for the two-thirds majority in support of the Constitutional Amendment Bill 2016 to move the date from December 7 to November 7.

125 Members of the House voted in favour of November 7 while 95 voted against, hence making it difficult for the Commission to implement the new date.

Ghana fail to qualify for the 2017 African Youth Championship

Black Satellites fail to qualify for the 2017 African Youth Championship.

Black Satellite of Ghana could only score one goal when they needed two unanswered goals to qualify for the CAF U-20 tournament slated for Zambia in 2017. Ghana had lost 3-1 in the first leg in Dakar and a 2-0 win would give Satellite the aggregate advantage but the team struggled to win 1-0 at the Cape Coast stadium.

A huge disappointment on a Friday afternoon when the indigenes of Cape Coast had troup into the new edifice with the hope of seeing another hammering following the 4-1 drubbing Kotoko by local team, Dwarfs on Wednesday.

NPP Must Stop Their “Hypocritical” Attitude – Dumelo Fires Back

John Dumelo

Actor John Dumelo has hit hard on the opposition New Patriotic Party [NPP] - saying they are a bunch of “hypocrites”.

He seems to have taken an offence in the opposition’s accusation that he is secretly campaigning for the ruling National Democratic Congress [NDC] and their flagbearer, President John Dramani Mahama in a ‘Peace Tour’ he is embarking on in some selected Senior High Schools across the country.

NPP’s National Youth Organizer, Sammy Awuku who think otherwise of Dumelo’s campaign has called on the Ghana Education Service (GES) to immediately halt his activities.

According to him, the actor is rather campaigning for the NDC and president Mahama in the name of ‘peace tour’ – he also claimed the actor is using the recently launched 'Green Book' by the NDC as testament to campaign for the President.

I 'Chew' Marijuana - Kaakie Confesses

Kaakie

Female Dancehall act Kaakie today released her first song in a long while titled ‘Sankwas’.

‘Sankwas’ is a Ghanaian term meaning ‘something or someone who is sub-standard or doesn’t match up to a certain quality.

The lyrics of the song talks to people who see the High-Grade Family act as a threat.

“Opposition wan bury we but them know no say we dey chew weed,” sings Kaakie over the instrumentals by regular collaborator JMJ.

If her lyrics are anything to go by, the Zuuchiaa singer just confirmed that she chews marijuana also known as Wee.

Atletico boss rules out Costa return

Diego Costa

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has ruled out Chelsea forward Diego Costa's possible return to the Vicente Calderon stadium this summer despite reports suggesting otherwise.

The arrival of Michy Batshuayi at Chelsea from Marseille has led to reports in England and Spain that Costa, who has scored 36 goals in 77 games since joining Chelsea in 2014, could move back to Atletico, a team he helped capture the La Liga title, a King's Cup and two Super Cups in his four years with the outfit.

New Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has said the Spain international will stay put, describing him as a player of "fundamental importance" and now Cerezo has ruled out his return.

Costa is under contract at Chelsea until June 2019.

Ghana’s IMF programme under threat over reform conditions

Seth Terkper

Ghana could lose out on the third tranche of $114 million yet to be released to the country under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) three-year extended credit facility over failure to pass two crucial Bills.

Under the programme, the Government of Ghana pledged to pass the Bank of Ghana Amendment Bill and the Public Financial Management Bill.

The Bank of Ghana Amendment Bill seeks to prevent the government from borrowing from the central bank.

The SADA Nightmare – President Mahama’s Legacy Of Shame

We called you here today to discuss and evaluate the Northern Developmental Agenda and how far we have come eight years since our people were promised a Special Development vehicle which would ultimately lead to rapid economic development, poverty reduction and social progress!

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is also four (4) years since our people were told that we needed a Northern President, because with a “brother” as President, our troubles were over, the shameful poverty that confronts the vast majority of our people, would be over and that it is a Northern President who can bring to bear, the commitment needed to develop the North and create the opportunities needed for prosperity and wealth.

EC Denies Deleting NPP Members From Voters' Register

 The Electoral Commission as denied strongly allegations of erasing some New Patriotic Party [NPP] members from the voters' register as claimed by their party’s Ashanti Regional Secretary, Samuel Pyne.

According to Sam Pyne, the EC has deliberately deleted supporters of the NPP who did not register with National Health Insurance (NHIS) cards from the system including some constituency executives of the party.

He wondered why the EC is using the exhibition exercise as a strategy to clean the bloated voters’ register.

Pressure part of the job - Rooney

Wayne Rooney

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney admits his place in the side is under pressure following the arrival of new star names, but says it goes with the territory at Old Trafford.

"You always feel you have to prove yourself every season, because it's a dream to play for them," the England skipper said after his first training session under new manager Jose Mourinho.

The former Chelsea manager has already begun rebuilding at United, having signed defender Eric Bailly, midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan and striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

And 30-year-old Rooney acknowledges that puts extra pressure on him.

"I think you always feel pressure when you play for Manchester United," he said after arriving in Shanghai on Wednesday with United for their pre-season China tour.

IGP entertaining social media ban problematic – Manasseh

Manasseh Azure Awuni - Journalist

One of Ghana’s popular investigative journalists and reporter for Joy FM, Manasseh has slammed the Inspector General of Police, John Kudalor over his social media banning mantra insisting that the Police entertaining that thought alone is problematic.

He claimed Police banning social media is not an answer that will deal with the excesses of the platform, but rather suggested the Police to create a unit that will explore strategies for controlling the system.

“Mr. Kudalor should get a team of experts, young people; and they are doing recruitment, they should get very young IT technicians who are so good and give them a unit. And I think they can do wonders with it in their investigations and all that,” Manasseh told host Bola Ray on Starr Chat Wednesday.

This contempt 'animal' shouldn't turn us into cowards - Baako

Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide Newspaper, Kweku Baako Jnr

It's obvious that what has become a known term in Ghana's political circles as "Montie 3 saga" may pose daunting challenges to journalistic work in the nation.

Naked apprehension in the line of duty by media practitioners may become very evident now as the country awaits the sentencing of the Montie FM contemnors, amidst fears that any lenghty conviction could gag the media in the discharge of its work.

This is why veteran journalist, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako is calling on media practitioners not to live in fear of or shrink away from national issues simply because of the recent contempt suit; but strive to be consistent and ensure they provide a credible, fair and accurate reportage at all times.

Judges Should "Go Slow" On Mugabe & Co; "Their Speeches Are Indefensible" - Ofosu Ampofo

Samuel Ofosu Ampofo

NDC First Vice National Chairman, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo has appealed to the Supreme Court Judges to "go slow" on the Montie FM contemnors.

The trio at the centre of the contempt suit, Salifu Maase alias Mugabe, Alistair Tahiru Nelson and Godwin Ako-Gunn have erred but as they await their sentencing; Mr. Ofosu Ampofo believed the Judges would be merciful towards them.

Adding his voice to numerous calls on the Judges to temper justice with mercy, he referred to the dictum that says "what's good for the goose is good for the gander"; connoting that some people were not imprisoned while others were given lighter sentences though they equally made contemptuous remarks about Ghana's judicial system.

Gov't must come clean on how GHC300m SADA cash was used - NPP

Anthony Karbo

Pro opposition pressure group, the Truth Forum, has called on government to explain how some 300 million cedis invested in the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) was used.

Addressing a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, a member of the group, Anthony Karbo, said such an explanation will help bring clarity to allegations of financial malfeasance against the Authority.

He said SADA “lost a whopping amount of 320.00 Ghana cedis [out of the 300 million cedis] after supplying 714 bags of hybrid seeds to two service providers.”

Tributes pour in for Danny Nettey

Danny Netty

Like thunderbolt, the news of the demise of gospel music legend, Danny Netty on Friday, July 15 morning, ran very fast and many people took to various social media platforms to express their sentiments.

And since then, tributes for the man reputed to be the father of contempory Ghanaian gospel have not stopped flowing.

Showbiz contacted some of the pioneers of contemporary gospel music, many of whom were groomed by the deceased.

Award winning gospel artiste, Joe Mettle who had on many platforms expressed his appreciation to Danny said he was shocked by the latter’s death.

Juventus reject Manchester United’s opening offer for Pogba

Paul Pogba

 Juventus have rejected Manchester United’s first offer for Paul Pogba worth a total of £100m with £13m of that in performance-related add-ons. The Serie A club want United to pay £100m with a further £8m in add-ons, which would make the Frenchman the most expensive player ever.

    Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward met the Juventus directors Giuseppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici as well as the player’s agent, Mino Raiola, on Tuesday to discuss a possible transfer but was told that the opening bid fell short of what Juventus wanted for the player.

Court invites journalist as interpreter in Afoko murder trial

There were interesting scenes Tuesday at the Accra High Court when a journalist was called to be a second interpreter in the trial of Gregory Afoko, the man indicted for the murder of former Upper East Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Patriotic (NPP) Adams Mahama.

The court invited the journalist from Class FM, Nabil Ahmed after a heated argument between the prosecutor and defence counsel during the evidence in chief of Hajia Zainabu Adams, the wife of the deceased.

Montie 3: Every Human Errs . . . - Kwesi Pratt Pleads

Kwesi Pratt

Kwesi Pratt has over the weeks been praying the Supreme Court Judges temper justice with mercy on the contemnors in the Montie FM contempt case.

The veteran journalist, Kwesi Pratt has been pleading clemency for the three persons; Montie FM's political programme host Salifu Maase a.k.a Mugabe and his panelists, Alistair Nelson and Godwin Ako-Gunn.

Wondering why Mr. Pratt believes the contemnors deserves judicial pardon.

Mr. Pratt revealed his reasons during Tuesday edition of 'Kokrokoo' on Peace FM.

He noted that every human is prone to making mistakes in his life.

Three scramble for KMA job

Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA)

There are seemingly intensive lobbying and chess games among members of the National Democratic Congress in the Ashanti Region over who becomes the next Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA).

This is following the compulsory resignation of Kwadwo Bonsu.

Usually, the dramatis personae mainly consist of person(s) who are below ministers and particularly those yet to get opportunity to contribute their quota, but, this time around, the lobbyists include former ministers of the region.

Help resolve power issues if you can - Jinapor calls on experts

Deputy Minister for Energy and Petroleum, John Abu Jinapor

The Deputy Minister for Energy and Petroleum, John Abu Jinapor has cautioned Ghanaians to desist from giving names to power problems as and when they arise.

He further explained that “the recent power outages is due to deficit arising from fuel shortage and not ‘Dumsor’ or Load shedding as some populace claim, meaning some power plants that generate electricity for consumption do not get the required crude oil they need to generate the amount of power expected from them.”

Leicester’s Morgan signs new deal

Wes Morgan

Towering Leicester City captain Wes Morgan has signed a new contract with the club to June 2019, the Premier League champions said on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old played every minute of Leicester's title-winning campaign and was a key part of their shock success, forming a rock-solid central defensive partnership with Robert Huth.

"To commit my future to Leicester City is a wonderful feeling," Morgan, who joined the Foxes in January 2012 from rivals Nottingham Forest, told the club's website.

"Everyone knows how I feel about playing for this club and with my teammates so I'm proud to have the chance to carry on wearing the shirt long term.

European companies threaten to stop importation of Ghana cocoa

Ghana Cocoa

Some European companies have threatened to halt the purchase of cocoa beans from Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire if the quality of the commodity from the two countries is not improved.

The warning was sounded to the two countries after unfavourable weather patterns this year negatively affected light crop yield.

The Ghana Cocoa Board has revealed that the light crop yield for the season dropped from 15% of total crop yield to 8% of total crop yield.
Head of Public Relations at the Ghana Cocoa Board, Noah Amenya is optimistic that once the rains are set in, the COCOBOD will successfully meet the demand of its European buyers.

Bawumia will have no peace - Koku Anyidoho

Deputy General Secretary of the NDC, Koku Anyidoho

National Democratic Congress’ Deputy General Secretary, Koku Anyidoho has vow to torment NPP’s running mate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia if he fails to produce his 90% of Togolese on Ghana’s voters register.

He expressed worry as to why Ghanaians are not demanding the evidence from the former governor – “why are Ghanaians not asking him [Dr Bawumia] to prove his claims?”

“I do not doubt the fact that he has a PhD; I do not doubt the fact that he may have been a good banker; I do not doubt that he may have some good qualities: but, can he be trusted as he moves around canvassing for votes to become the Vice President of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s Ghana?” he questioned.

Managing Your Companies And Ghana Are Two Different Things - MP Tells Nduom

Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom

Member of Parliament (MP) for Lower Manya Constituency in the Eastern Region, Hon Emmanuel Tei Larbi has said that founder and Leader of the Progressive People's Party (PPP), Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom would never be President of Ghana despite his ownership of numerous companies across the world.

“The fact that Paa Kwesi Nduom has and is managing a lot of companies around the world does not mean he is fit enough to lead this nation, the two have nothing in common,” he stated.

According to him the approaches of dealing with each of the two are different and have nothing in common; therefore he shouldn’t think he can have it on a silver platter.

In an interview on Citi FM breakfast show, the twice defeated presidential candidate, once on the ticket of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) affirmed this year’s election would be his last attempt at Ghana’s Presidency.

Six arrested for forging documents

Ghana Police

Six people have been arrested by the Ashanti regional police for using forged documents to apply for recruitment into the Ghana Police Service.

Officials of the Ashanti Regional Enlistment Team in the Ashanti Region, said from initial examination, the suspects were found to have forged either academic or birth certificates.

The suspects will be arraigned in court pending further investigation.

Service recruitment exercises have over the years been burdened with many irregularities. Many civilians liaise with some police officers to swindle unsuspecting Ghanaians of thousands of cedis after promising to have them recruited into the Police Service.

GH gospel music too ‘mɔbɔ mɔbɔ’ — Uk based gospel artiste says

Louisa Annan

UK based Ghanaian gospel artiste, Louisa Annan has urged gospel artistes to make the genre attractive by using inspiring lyrics in their songs.

According to Louisa, a pharmacist who has just released her debut album, Thank You Lord, as “crusaders of the kingdom of God, it’s important that gospel artistes use their platform to encourage their listeners rather than make Christianity a “difficult mission to accomplish.

“I don’t know if it’s our cultural background as Africans that influences the kind of music we do here. Sometimes, I feel there’s too much sorrow and anguish in gospel songs which create the impression that Christians aren’t entitled to the ‘goodies’ of life.

Ba's horror leg-break 'could end career'

Demba Ba

Former Chelsea striker Demba Ba's career could be over after the 31-year-old suffered a horrific broken leg in the Shanghai derby at the weekend.

The Senegalese marksman tangled with SIPG defender and captain Sun Xiang in the 63rd minute of his side's 2-1 Chinese Super League victory.

As the pair fell, Ba’s left leg was caught between the turf and his opponent’s boot, bending at a sickening angle and then appearing to snap gruesomely below the knee.

Shenhua's medical team raced on to the pitch without waiting for the referee's signal and the match was stopped for eight minutes while the Chinese Super League’s top scorer, with 14 goals, was treated on the pitch before being taken to hospital.

Adam Kwarasey signs for Norwegian giants Rosenborg BK

Ghana goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey

Ghana goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey has joined Norwegian powerhouse Rosenborg BK, GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively reveal.

The 28-year-old has joined the Troillongan after spending two years at Major Soccer League side Portland Timbers.

Kwarasey is making a return to Norway where he won the league title with Stromsgodset two years ago.

The experienced shot-stopper has opted to join Rosenborg BK in a move which will surprise many fans.

The Ghana international impressed heavily during his debut season in the MLS and won the crown with Portland Timbers.

Begovic urges patience under Conte

Antonio Conte

Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has cautioned Chelsea fans not to expect quick fixes under new manager Antonio Conte who began his tenure on a losing note on Saturday.

In the first friendly match under Conte, Chelsea, despite the presence of the likes of captain John Terry, Willian, Diego Costa and Begovic, lost 2-0 to Rapid Vienna.

The former Premier League champions endured a disappointing campaign last season, finishing 10th, and will rely on Conte's fiery touchline presence and work ethic to propel the side back to their winning ways.

"We're buying into what the manager wants us to do, we're working hard to try and improve and work in a different way," Begovic told the club's website (www.chelseafc.com).

US election: Anti-Trump floor vote fails at convention

Donald Trump

Anti-Trump delegates have failed in their final push to block Donald Trump's nomination at the party's convention in Cleveland.

A vote that would allow delegates to back a candidate of their choice was quashed when three states reportedly backed out.

Some said the RNC sabotaged their efforts on purpose.
The push was the last gasp for those who hope to see a different Republican candidate get the nomination.

The nomination of Mr Trump has been a source of conflict in the party.

It may have been a last gasp. It may have been a death rattle. But the #NeverTrump forces demonstrated on Monday afternoon that there was still some life left in them.

Supreme Court Rules In Favour of Zanetor Rawlings

Dr Zanetor Rawlings

The Supreme Court has by a majority decision ruled in favour of Parliamentary aspirant Dr Zanetor Rawlings whose candidature has been challenged by incumbent Member of Parliament Nii Armah Ashitey.

By a 4-1 decision, the judges ruled Dr Rawlings did nothing wrong in contesting for the Korle Klottey Parliamentary seat even though she was not a registered voter.

They averred it is only when the Electoral Commission accepts the candidature of person before his or her status as a registered voter can be scrutinized.

Dr Rawlings won the Parliamentary primaries held last year but the incumbent MP contested the victory at the High Court, claiming the daughter of former president was not a registered voter before contesting the primaries.

He cited Article 94(1)(a)  which in part states: "Subject to the provisions of this article, a person shall not be qualified to be a Member of Parliament (MP) unless; (a) he is a citizen of Ghana, has attained the age of twenty-one years and is a registered voter."

Fire destroys NOBISCO dormitory

 Fire destroyed one of the boys’ dormitories of the Northern School of Business (NOBISCO) in Tamale in the Northern Region last  Thursday.


Forty second-year students of the school were affected by the inferno which started at about 9.10 a.m.

Items destroyed in the blaze included 20 double beds, 40 mattresses, textbooks and exercise books, ‘chop boxes’, trunks, two ceiling fans, food and an unspecified amount of money.

There were no casualties.