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Today’s CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 Qualifiers

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Black Stars in flight

Ghana seeks face saving win against Sudan

Sudan will host Ghana at Al-Merreikh Stadium on Tuesday afternoon in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match, hoping to extend their lead over their opponents.

Sudan are second in Group F with four points, two ahead of the Black Stars who are in third place with two points.

Sudan survived several goal attempts and goal-mouth scrambles to secure a hard-earned goalless draw away at Ghana last Thursday.

It was an important point for Sudan, who lost to Angola in their previous game, leaving them at risk of dropping to third place if they had lost to the Black Stars.

However, the risk remains, as Coach Kwesi Appiah‘s side must avoid defeat on Tuesday to remain in the top two and improve their chances of clinching one of the two AFCON tickets.

Head-to-Head

In five meetings between both teams when Sudan have been hosts, the home side have won two and lost three – though the most recent ended 1-0 in favour of the Falcons of Jediane, coincidentally an AFCON qualifying match in 2020. Sudan are unbeaten in the last three qualifying matches they have hosted.

Black Stars

The Black Stars have featured in the last 10 AFCON editions since missing out in 2004, but that run is at huge risk of ending if they fail to pick up a win away at Sudan on Tuesday.

The Ghanaian Football Association (GFA) reappointed Otto Addo as head coach of the Ghana national football team in March with the aim of leading the team to another AFCON, after sacking Chris Hughton following a poor showing at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.

The coach is unbeaten on the road in his second spell at the helm, picking up a 2-1 win away at Mali in a World Cup qualifier in June, and a 1-1 draw with Niger in their only 2025 AFCON qualifying away match so far.

With another Ghanaian, a former Black Stars coach and GFA executive council member until last week, in the opposite dugout, the visitors must pull off new tricks if they want to leave Sudan with the required result, as they have now failed to score in two of their three games in the AFCON qualifiers so far.

Mohammed Kudus

Athletic Bilbao’s forward Inaki Williams attempted more shots (three) than Jordan Ayew (one), despite only coming on for the latter in the 69th minute in the first leg, which could see him earn the starting place on Tuesday.

West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus missed two of the Black Stars’ four big chances, but he would hope to be more clinical when he starts behind the striker once again.

Sudan’s goalkeeper Mohamed Mustafa had an outstanding game in the first leg, making seven saves and one high claim, and he will be hoping to make a difference once more between the sticks.

Mohamed Abdelrahman, who is yet to open his goal account in the AFCON qualifiers, will be hoping to do so when he leads the line once again.

Prediction

A combination of a brilliant performance from the goalkeeper, opposition wastefulness, and luck prevented Sudan from losing to Ghana in the first leg – however, we believe that might not be the case again this time, as the visitors know it is crunch time and should be able to find the important goal.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

 

Niger and Angola go head to head in Group F

Niger and Angola return to action in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they go head to head at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in the second of their Group F double-header on Tuesday.

Zaki Badou‘s side set out in search of their first win of the campaign while the Black Sable Antelopes head into the game on a run of seven straight wins across all competitions and will be looking to keep the juggernaut rolling.

Angola squad

Niger were condemned to their second defeat in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as they were beaten 2-0 by Angola when the two sides squared off at the Estadio 11 de Novembro on Friday.

Badou’s men have now gone five straight matches without a win across all competitions, losing four and picking up one draw since with a 2-1 victory over Zambia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where they currently sit third in Group E with three points from four matches.

While Niger will look to find their feet on Tuesday, they will need to show their mettle against an opposing side who have won each of the last three meetings between the two nations, scoring seven goals and conceding twice since June 2008.

With Friday’s result, Angola have now maintained their 100% record in the race for a place in Morocco as they edge closer to securing back-to-back AFCON appearances, following their quarter-final finish in Ivory Coast.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

 

Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast face off in Group G

Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast will face off for just the second time in a matter of days when they go head-to-head in Tuesday’s clash at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia.

The hosts will be looking to produce a positive response after they fell to a heavy 4-1 defeat in Friday’s reverse fixture in San-Pedro.

After failing to reach the 2023 tournament, Sierra Leone will be desperate to secure a spot at the 2025 tournament in Morocco.

Frank Kessie, Ivory Coast

They fell to a defeat in Friday’s away meeting with Ivory Coast. Tuesday’s hosts will be desperate to avenge that result with a victory in Tuesday’s return fixture, but that may be easier said than done, having failed to win any of their last four home games in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Ivory Coast are looking to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations to defend the title that they won in their home tournament earlier this year.

Having taken maximum points from their three qualifiers, Ivory Coast are confident of securing qualification for a tournament that will take place from December 2025 to January 2026.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

FIXTURES

Group A

Comoros 20:00 Tunisia

Group B

Lesotho 14:00 Gabon  

Central African Republic 20:00 Morocco  

Group C

Botswana 17:00 Cape Verde

Mauritania 17:00 Egypt  

Group D

Rwanda 17:00 Benin

Libya 20:00 Nigeria

Group F

Sudan 14:00 Ghana  

Niger 17:00 Angola

Group G

Chad 14:00 Zambia  

Sierra Leone 17:00 Ivory Coast  

Group H

Tanzania 14:00 Congo DR  

Ethiopia 20:00 Guinea  

Group I

Guinea-Bissau 17:00 Mali  

Group K

South Sudan 14:00 Uganda

Congo 17:00 South Africa

Group L

Malawi 14:00 Senegal

Nigerian accused of defrauding Nigerian bizman off $130k 

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Accra Circuit Court

The Circuit Court in Accra, presided over by Samuel Bright Acquah, has remanded a 40-year-old businessman, Adesolape Funmise Ogunba into police custody on charges of defrauding by false pretence. Prosecuting Officer, ASP Raymond Akom, presented the case, which has been adjourned to October 16, 2024 for further hearings.

The accused, Ogunba, a Nigerian resident in Dubai, allegedly defrauded another Nigerian businessman, Mr. Nduomyi Bassey, residing in East Legon, Accra, off $130,000 between 2022 and 2023.

According to the facts before the court, Ogunba obtained the amount under false pretence of selling a Richard Mille 1102 wristwatch in Dubai and delivering it to the complainant in Ghana. The charge falls under Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).

Case Detail

The prosecution detailed that Ogunba, through Snapchat and WhatsApp, communicated with Mr. Bassey, convincing him to pay for the luxury watch.

On July 6, 2022 the complainant transferred 11,960,000 Naira (₦11,960,000.00) to Ogunba’s account in Nigeria and sent the remaining balance, via a Bitcoin wallet, provided by the accused.

Despite acknowledging receipt of the $130,000, Ogunba allegedly failed to deliver the watch and cut off all communication with Mr. Bassey, disappearing from contact.

After several failed attempts to reach Ogunba, Mr. Bassey lodged a complaint, which led to an investigation by INTERPOL.

A warrant was issued by the Magistrate District Court, previously presided over by Her Worship Ama Adomako-Kwarkye, leading to Ogunba’s eventual arrest.

During interrogation, Ogunba admitted to receiving the ₦11,960,000 but claimed that the funds sent through the Bitcoin wallet were with an accomplice, reportedly hiding in Nigeria and Dubai. The police are collaborating with INTERPOL to uncover the full details of the crime and apprehend the accomplice.

Further investigations are ongoing and Ogunba has been charged with defrauding by false pretence, awaiting his next court appearance on October 16, 2024.

Krobea Asante donates phones to Nkawkaw, Abirem NPP communicators

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The Deputy National Communications Director of the ruling New Patriot Party, George Krobea Asante, has donated twelve (12) brand new mobiles phones and undisclosed amount of cash to support communicators of Nkawkaw and Abirem constituencies.

The donation was done yesterday, October 13, 2024 at Nkawkaw party and Afosu durbar grounds, respectively. This support forms part of his personal initiative to provide support for the party’s communicators to motivate and enable them to continue to propagate and promote the good works of government and also promote the Presidential and Parliamentary Candidates for the upcoming elections in December.

Krobea also presented One (1) mobile phone to the leader of the Volunteers group in Abirem constituency as a recognition of her selfless and committed efforts toward the campaign.

About two months ago, Krobea met with the communicators of Abirem constituency including all the serial callers and gave them some lump sums to support and motivate them. He also pledged to support the communicators in Abirem with a monthly stipends for the next four months till elections.

“It is my hope and expectation that this kind gesture will motivate the beneficiaries to work more harder for the party towards breaking the 8 agenda” Krobea mentioned

Both the Communications Officers of Nkawkaw and Abirem Constituency on behalf of their members expressed their heartfelt appreciation for such a great recognition and support. They also promised to continue to visit every nooks and crannies to continue to propagate the enviable records of government and the Bold Solutions manifesto of Dr Bawumia for electoral victory in December.

WORLD LEADERS, CEOS MEET IN ABIDJAN, ADVOCATE $120 BILLION IN FUNDING TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT ACROSS AFRICA

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economic development assembly logo

Initiative championed by Global Citizen and Bridgewater Associates, in partnership with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire and Harith General Partners

Today at the Economic Development Assembly: Advancing Africa’s Future in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, it was announced that more than 100 eminent African and international CEOs, world leaders and artists have signed the Abidjan Accord, an urgent call to G20 governments to increase their contributions to IDA, the World Bank’s fund to help lift 77 of the world’s developing nations out of poverty, many of which are in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Abidjan Accord urges the world’s wealthiest nations to support Africa’s development by working towards a
$120 billion replenishment for the World Bank’s International Development Association’s 21st funding round (IDA21), on the best terms possible for the poorest countries, this December.

Signatories of the Abidjan Accord include representatives from leading companies Intel and Cisco, public sector leaders including Heinz Fischer, Former President of the Republic of Austria, Lawrence H. Summers, Former US Treasury Secretary, Leo Varadkar, former Prime Minister of Ireland, Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland, and Stefan Lofven, Former Prime Minister of Sweden; artists including Ariel Wayz, Berla Mundi, Davy-Carmel Ingabire, Falana, Femi Kuti, Gyakie, Jeune Lio, Made Kuti, Nomzamo Mbatha, Sophy Aiida and Stonebwoy, philanthropic leaders including Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Former Executive Director of UN Women and Deputy President of South Africa and The ONE Campaign; as well as presenting partners Global Citizen, Bridgewater Associates, Harith General Partners, and Laurel Strategies.

Read the Abidjan Accord at globalcitizen.org/abidjanaccord.

The powerful declaration was presented at the conclusion of the Economic Development Assembly, a two-day gathering to drive strategic investments in the African continent. Featured speakers included H.E. Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire; H.E. Robert Beugré Mambé, Prime Minister of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire; H.E. Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, President of Mauritania and current Chairperson of the African Union; H.E. Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone; H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of Togo;
H.E. Umaro Sissoco Embaló, President of Guinea Bissau; H.E. Édouard Ngirente, Prime Minister of Rwanda; Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank; Hugh Evans, Co-Founder & CEO, Global Citizen; Marie-Ange Saraka-Yao, Chief Resource Mobilisation & Growth Officer, Gavi; Neal Rijkenberg, Minister of Finance of Eswatini; Nialé Kaba, Minister of Planning and Development, President of the Board of Governors, African Development Bank; Nir Bar Dea, CEO, Bridgewater Associates; and Tshepo Mahloele, Founder & Chairman, Harith General Partners, and many more.

The event was hosted by Cameroonian actress, international host, television presenter, and philanthropist Sophy Aiida, and included performances by Falana, Jeune Lio and Yvonne Chaka Chaka. Other artists and performers attending the Assembly included Nomzamo Mbatha, actress, humanitarian, and Global Citizen Ambassador; and Gbenga Akinnagbe, actor and writer.

Presenting partners of the Economic Development Assembly are international advocacy organization Global Citizen and asset management firm Bridgewater Associates, in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and Harith General Partners, and supported by Global Citizen’s global partner Citi.

During the Assembly, several new initiatives were announced to advance development across the continent, including several announcements in support of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. African countries passed the $100 million mark in co-financing paid to Gavi for the second year in a row at this time last year. As part of this total, it was announced that EDA hosting country Côte d’Ivoire has fully paid $9.9 million in co-financing to Gavi for 2024. And to extend vaccine delivery to rural communities in Côte d’Ivoire, Zipline, a drone delivery service company, announced it is extending its partnership with Gavi, valued at $500,000.

Additionally, business leaders announced investments in the future of the continent, including Energea and Hecate Energy, who are teaming up to build utility-scale solar installations in Africa. Energea will provide investment funding, while Hecate will bring their expertise and expand on the success of current projects under development in South Africa, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and Algeria with the aim to power millions of African homes and businesses.

Global Citizen and the Center for Music Ecosystems will collaborate to produce and disseminate original research to make the business case for investment into Africa’s creative economies and live events industry. Through the publication of comprehensive research data at various stages, the initiative will engage local and international partners, governments, and stakeholders to drive investment in the creative economy. Key elements will include providing free access to landmark research, enabling governments to make informed investment decisions. The research is being funded by Universal Music Group.

“The Economic Development Assembly in Abidjan highlighted the importance of collaboration between the private, public, and civil society sectors to discuss some of the most difficult challenges and opportunities that Africa faces – and the impact they will have on the global economy,” Bridgewater CEO Nir Bar Dea said. “As our research and collaboration with the World Bank, global policymakers, and thought leaders has highlighted, an increase in IDA funding will play an outsized role in advancing global growth by supporting important development goals like furthering healthcare, core infrastructure, and energy access.” — Nir Bar Dea, CEO, Bridgewater Associates.

“Too many developing countries are saddled by high-interest loans, strangling their economies and diverting funding that should be supporting social services such as healthcare, education, nutrition and building infrastructure. Fully funded, IDA has the potential to improve living conditions for almost 2 billion people. It’s one of the most strategic investment G20 governments can make in the global economy of the future.” – Hugh Evans, Co-Founder & CEO, Global Citizen.

“Investing in Africa is not just about capital; it’s about recognizing the potential of a continent with boundless resources, talent, and opportunity. The future of Côte d’Ivoire, and Africa at large, is bright, and those who invest today are planting the seeds for tomorrow’s prosperity.” – Tshepo Mahloele, Founder & Chairman, Harith General Partners.

“Today I join with 70 other leaders, organizations and individuals by adding my name to the Abidjan Accord, which is an urgent call to leaders of the G20 nations to urgently step up and invest to advance Africa’s future.” – Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Former Executive Director of UN Women and Deputy President of South Africa.

New research from Bridgewater Associates, Changing Sub-Saharan Africa’s Growth Trajectory, highlights the potential of economic growth amidst the region’s rapidly expanding population. Over the coming decades, the region’s share of the global working-age population is projected to grow from 10 to 25 percent. This transformation will be a key driver of economic and geopolitical shifts worldwide, as Africa as a continent has the potential to become an engine of global economic growth. However, current trajectories suggest a risk of stagnation, which could leave a significant portion of the world behind, with far-reaching consequences.

The research underscores the need for urgent collaborative action among policymakers, private investors, and Multilateral Development Banks to harness the economic opportunities presented by Sub-Saharan Africa’s demographic growth. By doing so, the global community can help ensure a prosperous future for the region and contribute to the global fight against extreme poverty.

The Economic Development Assembly is a precursor to the G20 Summit, being held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in November and the IDA21 replenishment conference, being held in Seoul, Korea in December 2024.

More information about the Economic Development Assembly and its objectives can be found here.

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A Vote For Alan Is A Victory Vote –Boniface

By
JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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Alhaji Boniface Saddique with some of the zongo chiefs

Ahaji Boniface Saddique, a former minister of state and Member of Parliament for Madina, has called on the Zongo communities in the country to vote for Mr Alan Kyerematen, an independent presidential candidate, because every vote cast would be a victory vote that would lead to the transformation of Ghana.

Speaking to the various Zongo communities, as part of his tour of the Eastern Region to canvass for votes for the presidential candidate of the Movement for Change, he emphasised the transformational message of Mr Alan Kyerematen, which is anchored on establishing a government of national unity that includes giving influential positions to leaders of both Traditional and Religious authorities, including Zongo chiefs.

Alhaji Saddique, who is the National Campaign Manager of Alan Kyerematen, also promised the Zongo communities that when they vote for Alan Kyerematen in the upcoming general election, his government will install 100,000 Health Screening Booths at vantage points in all communities around the country, to provide screening for early detection of lifestyle diseases.

He promised that he would personally ensure that the communities in Akwatia are part of the first communities in Ghana to benefit from this project, so that the youth of Akwatia will have access to job opportunities, while the health of the Akwatia will be taken care of.

The Health Screening Booths will be owned and managed by SHS Graduates or Graduates from tertiary institutions that would be trained to provide screening services on a Work and Pay basis.

Mr Alan Kyerematen

Alhaji Boniface assured the community members that Alan’s government would not cancel the Free SHS policy, but will rather conduct a comprehensive review of the programme, with a view to improving its operationalisation, particularly in respect of its financial sustainability and infrastructural requirements to bring relief to students and parents.

He also told the gathering that, “the current state of our lives is evidence of the failure of the ruling Party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) also does not have any strong message of redemption.

“It’s time to make the right decision for yourselves, your families and the future of your community.

“Let us come together on December 7, to vote massively for Alan Kyerematen, who is last on the ballot (Ase3 Ho), a candidate who has a vision for the transformation of our dear country.”

On her part, Mrs. Mrs Patricia Kyerematen, wife of the presidential candidate, who was elated to meet such a high-level gathering, said these leaders symbolise the hearts and minds of the community and their warm reception underscore the acceptability of Alan Kyerematen’s candidature and importance of the visit.

The Saariki Zongo, on behalf of the Chiefs, expressed their appreciation for the visit and the attention given to their concerns.

They acknowledged the honour bestowed upon them by the delegation and spoke of their long-standing relationships, with both Alhaji Boniface, who they called their brother and Alan Kyerematen, who they affectionately refer to as Alan Cash.

They further assured the delegation of their prayers and support for them to be victorious in the election.

The M4C delegation included; Mr. Samuel Ofori- Ampofo, a leading member of the Alliance for Revolutionary Change, Mr. George Streetor, M4C/ARC Regional Campaign Manager, Alhaji Yussif, Senior Member of Movement for Change in the Eastern Region, Dr. Nana Yaw Adutwum, Special Assistant to Alan Kyerematen, Miss Princess Sarfoa, PA to Mrs. Kyerematen and the Regional Team Leaders of Alan’s Campaign.

Boniface Saddique, the National Campaign Coordinator for Movement for Change (M4C) had joined Mrs Patricia Kyerematen, wife of Alan Kyerematen, on the Campaign Caravan tour of Eastern region, on behalf of Alan Kyerematen.

The former Minister for Zongo Affairs and the campaign team interacted with voters in a number of communities in Akim Swedru, Achiase, Akwatia and Ofoase Ayirebi constituencies on Saturday, October 12, 2024.

The Movement for Change and Alliance for Revolutionary Change (ARC) Presidential Campaign Team is using this innovative Caravan Campaign tour approach to reach out directly to voters and the general public in advocating for a transformational change that will break the NDC-NPP duopoly under the fourth Republic.

The team visited over 20 communities including Swedru, Osorase, Aduasa, Achiase, Anamase, Etwereso, Akwatia, Akim Kusi, Akim Wenchi, Ofoase and Ayirebi, where they took the opportunity to appeal for votes from the Chiefs, Opinion Leaders and citizens.

At these communities the team spoke about Alan Kyerematen’s campaign message of Union Government and a brighter future for all Ghanaians, irrespective of their tribal, religious and political affiliations.

Ghana’s economy looks positive –Moody’s

By
MAXWELL OFORI
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Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia

Ghana’s long-term local and foreign currency issuer ratings have been upgraded by Moody’s Ratings to Caa2, from Caa3 and Ca.

Published on Moody’s website on Friday, October 11, 2024 the rating agency has also changed Ghana’s outlook to positive, from stable.

The recent debt treatment which has been described as extensive is the main driver of the upgrade to Caa2, Moody explained, adding that the debt treatment has provided meaningful relief to government’s finances.

“We have concurrently upgraded Ghana’s local and foreign currency senior unsecured MTN program ratings to (P)Caa2, from (P)Caa3 and (P)Carespectively, as well as assigning a Caa2 rating to the senior unsecured instruments issued as part of the debt exchanged on 9 October, 2024,” Moody’s announcement said.

DEBT RESTRUCTURE

The government restructured domestic and external debts in 2022, as part of seeking relief through the G20 common framework for debt treatment.

Following the exercise, along with the debt service moratorium imposed during the negotiation period, the government’s debt burden has been reduced from a peak of 93% of GDP in 2022 to an expected 81% in 2024.

According to Moody’s, the positive outlook reflects the potential for liquidity risk to ease amid ongoing fiscal consolidation efforts supported by an IMF programme. It adds that should the risk factors dissipate, Ghana’s rating could migrate to a higher level.

While acknowledging that Ghana’s institutional credibility has weakened due to financial difficulties, Moody’s expressed optimism about the country’s institutional strength to turn around its current financial challenges and improve its credit conditions relatively fast, despite recent setbacks.

The Agency is also hopeful that the programme with the IMF should help strengthen policy credibility and foster Ghana’s access to low-cost funding from official sector sources.

RATINGS RATIONALE

Explaining the basis for the ratings, Moody’s said the comprehensive debt restructuring provided “meaningful relief” to the government’s financial burden, which is the primary reason for upgrading the country’s ratings.

Ghana’s debt treatment, initiated in December 2022 under the Common Framework, has covered 55% of the total debt outstanding at that time. A 37% haircut on principal was applied to most Eurobonds, representing 20% of total debt.

The remainder, composed of local currency debt (excluding Treasury Bills) and debt owed to bilateral official-sector creditors, was restructured earlier through a combination of lengthening of maturities and lowering of coupon rates.

To support financial stability, the government used a Financial Stability Fund to support domestic financial institutions participating in the exchange.

“We expect government debt will continue to decline, albeit at a more gradual pace, as government resumes paying interest and principal on all its debts. Moreover, foreign exchange risk remains significant with close to half of the government debt denominated in foreign currency,” Moody’s said in the statement.

POSITIVE OUTLOOK

Giving the rationale for the positive outlook, Moody’s noted that it reflects the potential for liquidity risk to ease amid ongoing fiscal consolidation efforts supported by an IMF programme.

The Agency said that gradual disinflation and fiscal improvements raise the prospect of a normalisation in interest rates for local currency debt.

In addition, official-sector funding could strengthen amid Ghana’s IMF programme, which combined with robust gold exports recently, contributing to the prospect of a relatively stable currency.

According to Moody’s, notwithstanding the challenge brought by the economic crisis and debt restructuring, the quality of Ghana’s institutions still exceeds that of most of its rated peers.

The Agency based this assessment on what it described as the comparatively swift and transparent handling of the debt restructuring, saying that it “lends credibility to the authorities.”

FC CEILING

Meanwhile, Moody’s has also revised up by one notch Ghana’s local currency (LC) and foreign currency (FC) country ceilings to B2 and B3respectively, from B3 and Caa1, mirroring the upgrade of the sovereign local currency ratings by one notch.

However, Moody’s said that “no action was taken on outstanding debt instruments; we expect to withdraw those ratings when the obligations are no longer outstanding.”

Okyenhene Celebrates 25yrs Of Enstoolment In Grand Style

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Okyenhene welcoming president Akufo Addo to the durbar grounds

Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin’s fight against environmental degradation in the country for the past twenty five years has been appreciated by President Akufo-Addo.

Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin

Speaking at a colourful durbar to mark 25 years of Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin’s ascension to the Ofori Payin stool over the weekend, President Akufo-Addo said Osagyefo Ofori Panin had been a lead advocate for the preservation of the environment and had led various campaigns against deforestation, irresponsible mining, pollution of water bodies and activities that contribute to the depletion of the Ozone layer and global warming.

“Today, the advocacy you started 25 years ago has become an issue of serious concern to all. Many groups and institutions have seen the need to join the campaign against irresponsible mining and the need to protect the environment. You have done well. You have promoted peace and development in Okyeman. The world has seen your dedication and humility towards mankind”, he said.

President Akufu-Addo , who is also a native of Kyebi, encouraged Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin not to be disturbed by personal attacks against his person, but to focus on his dedication to the service of humanity.

“As for the insults, don’t worry, just be focused, if you complain of insults, then what about me?” Akufu Addo said with a smile.

On his part,Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin expressed gratitude to his numerous cheerleaders, the various institutions and individuals who have supported his course in the last 25 years.

Touching on Ghana’s governance system and development, he reiterated that the centrality of governance is outdated and doesn’t promote proper accountability and development.

He called for proper decentralisation that empower the local assembly to raise resources for its development and has control over all the local institutions.

“Kwame Nkrumah initiated the concept of centralising our resources and governance system, we send all our resources to the national coffers and governance is controlled at the top. This system hasn’t helped us and we need to change”, Okyenhene said.

President Akufo-Addo and Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin

The grand anniversary durbar was attended by prominent chiefs across the country including the Ga Mantse, Nungua Mantse, Osu Mantse, New Juabenmanhene, Ejisu and Manso Nkwanta Chiefs, Offinsohene, Yilo Krobo Chief, Kwahu Tafo chief and some Asona Chiefs, Okuapenhene and other prominent chiefs from the Central and Western regions.

There was a colourful display of culture from the various traditional authorities represented at the durbar.

The Okyenhene is also the head of the Asona family in Ghana, referred to as AsonaPiesie.

The grand durbar was the climax of all the durbars commemorating OsagyefuoAmoatia Ofori Panin’s 25th anniversary celebration.

The celebration afforded the King of Akyem Abuakwa the opportunity to tour the five divisions and interacted with his divisional chiefs and subjects.

It kicked off with the Adonten divisional durbar at Kukurantumi, followed by Benkum durbar at Begoro, Nifa in Asiakwa, Oseawuo in Wenchi and Gyaase in Kwaben.

STEMNNOVATION 2024 begins today

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admin
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Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum

The 2024 edition of STEMNNOVATION competition, which has the aim of offering students the opportunity to explore and innovate with projects that can find solutions to challenges of society and the country as a whole starts today, Monday October 14, 2024

The three-day event offer students from various second cycle institutions to try their hands on practical skills and innovations and also learn how to work with other people in a team among other skills.

A total of two hundred and eighty-five (285) second-cycle institutions in the country are participating in the 2024 edition of the novel STEMNNOVATION competition.

This number shows an increase of 57 additional schools registering to participate representing an increase of 24 per cent as against 228 for the previous year’s event.

Nana Afrah Sika Mensah, Deputy National Coordinator for the Free Senior High School Secretariat, who disclosed this to the media in Accra on Friday, stated that the competition which kick-starts on 14th October, 2024 will be climaxed with awards presentation to 16th October where awards will be presented to the winners.

She explained that the participating institutions which are Senior High School/Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS), Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutes have registered a total of 570 projects for the 2024 competition as against 251 the previous year, signifying a 127 per cent increase.

The Deputy National Coordinator indicated that this year’s competition has seen an additional 319 projects registered as against 251 registered last year.

This, she attributed to the rising interest in the project by the various stakeholders and the Ghanaian populace.

Project categories  

This year’s completion has projects in the areas of Food Sovereignty (89), Sustainable Energy (134), Environmental Sustainability (187) and Digital Technology (113)

Eastern region registered a total of 105 being the highest followed by Ashanti and Central regions with 81 and 70 schools while Bono East and Western North recorded the lowest with seven schools each.

Nana Afrah Sikah stated that this year’s projects focuses on the use of digitalization projects towards finding lasting solutions to challenges confronting various societies across the country.

One unique feature of this year’s event is the massive increase in the number of schools from 97 in 2022, 228 in 2023 and 285 in the 2024 competition.

Background

The STEMNNOVATION competition, an initiative of the Free Senior High School Secretariat which started in 2022 has led to students being offered the opportunity to explore and innovate with projects.

Winners of last year’s event Ahafoman Secondary/Technical School and the 1st runner-up school, Wesley Grammar as part of their prizes embarked on a one-week educational tour to Japan where they took part in this year’s international STEM conference.

By Felix Baidoo

Elton John film documents singer’s farewell tour

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Sir Elton John

A new documentary about Sir Elton John’s final tour, co-directed by his husband David Furnish, has premiered at the London Film Festival.

The Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour played to audiences around the world between 2018 and 2023, longer than expected due to delays enforced by the pandemic.

Elton John: Never Too Late focuses on the star’s return to Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, 47 years after he first played in front of 110,000 fans at the venue.

But the documentary, which has just played the London Film Festival, has had a mixed reception from critics.

Variety said “The original King of Pop gets the satisfying documentary he deserves”, but the Guardian described it as a “thin portrait of a musical genius”.

The tour footage is interspersed with archive material focusing on Sir Elton’s popularity earlier in his career, particularly in the 1970s.

Furnish and Sir Elton were among the guests attending the film’s London premiere at the Royal Festival Hall on Thursday.

The film’s release follows a biopic, Rocketman, which came out in 2019 and starred Taron Egerton as Sir Elton.

The new documentary is produced by Sir Elton’s husband and manager David Furnish, who also co-directs it with RJ Cutler.

It focuses on Sir Elton’s 2022 concert at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, a venue he first played in 1975.

Using the stadium as a common denominator allows the film’s timeline to jump back and forth and explore how Sir Elton, and society around him, has changed over the decades.

The most obvious difference is the attitude towards homosexuality. Sir Elton said he was bisexual in a 1976 interview with Rolling Stone. He reflects in the film that being open about his sexuality hurt his career.

Source: BBC

 

We have actors in Nigeria who can play Idris Elba’s role in “Things Fall Apart” better –Bob Udokwu

By
NANA KWESI COOMSON
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Bob Udokwu and Idris Elba

Seasoned actor Bob-Manuel Udokwu has weighed in on Idris Elba’s potential casting as Okonkwo in the upcoming TV adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s classic novel “Things Fall Apart”.

In an interview with Channels TV, Udokwu, while acknowledging Elba’s talent, emphasised the importance of casting Nigerian actors in leading roles, especially in stories deeply rooted in Nigerian culture.

“There’s this conversation about Idris Elba being cast to play Okonkwo in Hollywood’s make of  Things Fall Apart. “I don’t have anything against that as an actor but I think we have top-class actors in Nigeria who can play that role even better, knowing where the story is coming from,” he said.

He also welcomed the growing collaboration between Nollywood and international film industries, revealing his current project features actors from Bollywood and Hollywood.

Previous adaptations of “Things Fall Apart” include a film and miniseries, notably starring Pete Edochie as Okonkwo.

The A24 series, executive-produced by Idris Elba and Gina Carter, is currently in development.

Credit: citinewsroom.com

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