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Asante Akyem South NPP Delegates debunk MP’s defection claim as false

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Bice Osei Kuffour aka Obour

Scores of Delegates and Coordinators of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Asante Akyem South Constituency, in the Ashante Region, have denied claims by the incumbent Member of Parliament, Kwaku Asante Boateng, that some Coordinators of his closest contender have defected to his camp.

Mr Kwaku Asante Boateng, who is the Deputy Railways Minister, last week stated at a press conference that sympathisers of the Managing Director of the Ghana Post and a former President of the Musicians Union of Ghana, Bice Osei-Kuffour, aka Obour, who is contesting the Asante Akim South parliamentary seat in the impending primaries had defected to his camp.

But the Coordinators, in reaction, have refuted the MP’s claims and empathically stated that no current campaign coordinators in the Obour camp have defected to the MP’s camp.

According to Oheneba Kwabena Agyapong, the Convenor of campaign team of Obour, the report that some zonal campaign coordinators who were in the camp of Obour have defected to join the campaign team of the incumbent MP is not only false, but an attempt  by the incumbent MP to deceive delegates.

Oheneba Kwabena Agyapong noted that the MP usually invited all the delegates for a meeting and intentionally used that means to hype himself in the media that they had declared their 100 percent support to him against his contender.

He said Obour, who lost the NPP primary in 2020 by 58 votes to the incumbent MP, is the new face for the constituency and has been fully endorsed by the Chiefs, Clergy and constituents to dethrone the incumbent MP.

The Convener noted in a statement that Obour is committed to the NPP agenda of ‘Breaking the 8’, to assume office for the third consecutive term in power in 2024.

He explained that Mr. Bice Osei-Kuffour, aka Obour, has for the past years undertaken massive developmental projects, including facilitating 300 Youths to get enrolled in the Youth for Afforestation program and facilitating Telephone Network Mast for Muronaim and Amantia communities.

Others initiatives of the Ghana Post Managing Director include the recruitment of about 30  young persons in Immigration, Military, Prisons and Police Service, Ghana Post, provision of Tertiary Scholarships for 20 Students, Foreign scholarships for three  students from Asante Akyem South, provision of Sanitation materials and Boreholes/Poly Tanks for several communities in Asante Akyem South as well as the provision of Skills Development and Training for over 50 young persons in the Constituency.

He further explained that the parliamentary candidature of Obour could potentially increase the party’s votes by an additional 10,000 for the benefit of both the presidential and parliamentary candidates.

According to him, NPP votes have declined and that in 2020, while the NPP added a mere 690 votes over 4 years, the NDC significantly increased its votes by about 6,000 in the same timeframe.

“In 2020, NPP’s parliamentary vote increased from 32,526 to 33,200 adding only 690 votes over four years.

“Meanwhile, the NDC went from 15,000 to 21,639 votes for the parliamentary candidate during the same period,” Oheneba Kwabena Agyapong explained.

The convener expressed grave concern about the NPP losing grounds in what has traditionally been an NPP stronghold with the current MP and urged party leaders to take note of the declining numbers in Asante Akyem South while calling upon delegates to carefully consider their decision in voting.

He further emphasiSed the importance of electing a candidate capable of increasing the party’s votes and fostering development in the constituency by electing Obour who is a unifier and a new face to increase the votes for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

Signs You’re Eating Too Much Salt

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Salt

What Is Salt?

Salt is a seasoning that can flavor food and act as a preservative. It’s about 60% chloride and about 40% sodium. The salt that we do eat helps relax and contract muscles, lends a hand with nerve impulses, and balances the minerals and water we take in.

How Much Salt Do You Need?

Our body needs only a small amount of sodium. We should get about 1,500 milligrams of it every day. Too much salt can lead to a stroke, heart disease, and high blood pressure. But how do you know if you take in too much salt?

You’re Bloated

Bloating — when your stomach feels swollen or tight — is one of the most common short-term effects of having too much salt. It helps your body retain water, so extra fluid builds up. Foods don’t have to taste salty for them to be high in sodium. Sandwiches, pizza, bagels, and canned soup can be sneaky sources for salt.

Your Blood Pressure Is High

There are lots of reasons you might have high blood pressure, but one could be too much sodium. The change in blood pressure happens through your kidneys. Too much salt makes it harder for them to get rid of fluid that you don’t need. As a result, your blood pressure goes up.

You’re Puffy

Swelling can be a sign of too much sodium in your body. Body parts like your face, hands, feet, and ankles are most likely to swell. If you’re more puffy than usual, take a look at how much salt you’re eating.

You’re Really Thirsty

If you’ve been really thirsty lately, it could be a sign that you’re eating too much salt. When that happens, you become dehydrated. Your body pulls water from your cells, and you might start to feel very thirsty. Drinking water can help neutralize that salt and can freshen up your cells.

You’ve Gained Weight

When you retain water, you might gain weight. If you’ve put on pounds quickly over a week or even a few days, it could be because you’re having too much salt. If you gain more than 2 pounds in a day or 4 pounds in a week, think back to the foods you ate during the past few days and try to make changes to cut down on the salt.

You Aren’t Sleeping Well

If you eat too much salt before bed, it can lead to disturbances in your sleep. Signs can range from restless sleep, to waking up often at night, to not feeling rested in the morning.

You Feel Weak

When there’s too much salt in your blood, water gushes out of your cells to thin out the salt. The result? You might start to feel weaker than usual.

Your Stomach Bothers You

If too much salt in your diet makes you dehydrated, your stomach will feel it. You might feel nauseated, or you might have diarrhea. If your stomach is upset or you have cramps, take a look at what you’ve been eating during the past few days and figure out how to cut back on the salt. Drinking plenty of water can help rehydrate your cells and get you feeling better.

Long-Term Effects of Too Much Salt

Although there are lots of short-term effects to watch out for, there are also long-term effects of eating too much salt. It might raise your chances of things like enlarged heart muscle, headaches, heart failure, high blood pressure, kidney disease, kidney stones, osteoporosis, stomach cancer, and stroke.

How to Cut Down on Salt

  • Choose fresh meats instead of packaged ones.
  • When you buy frozen vegetables, choose ones that are “fresh frozen” and stay away from ones with seasoning or sauces already added.
  • Read labels and check the sodium content in the foods you buy.
  • When choosing spices and seasonings, go for ones that do not list sodium on their labels.
  • If you eat out, you can ask for your dish to be prepared without salt.

 

Credit: webmd.com

Mahama leads 24-hour economy Sensitization Walk in Kumasi

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Dr. Frank Amoakohene (2nd right) flanked by the Regional Chairman (left), Regional Organiser and First Vice Chairman, Augustus Andrews Nana Kwasi, Isham Yaw Alhassan Bonsu Salisu respectively

The Ashanti Regional Executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have announced that former President John Dramani Mahama is set to embark on a two-day campaign tour in the Ashanti region, commencing on January 24, 2024.

The Ashanti Regional Secretary of the party, Dr Frank Amoakohene, disclosed that the NDC flagbearer will lead a ‘24-hour economy walk’ in the region to herald the two-day tour and detailed campaign in the region.

The ‘24-hour economy walk’, which was originally slated for December, last year, was called off because of the district level elections.

He mentioned that the National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the National Executives and their dedicated regional executives, headed by Regional Chairman, Augustus Andrews Nana Akwasi, will join John Dramani Mahama, the former President, as he leads the Walk.

The Regional Secretary disclosed that, the Walk will start from Aboabo Post Office and pass through Aboabo Pelele to On-the-Ran, to Manhyia Hospital and proceed to Alabar Street, then to Kejetia roundabout, Hello FM, A-life, Asafo overpass, Labour roundabout and end at the Jubilee Park.

The party Scribe hinted that the flagbearer of the NDC will engage with traders, organised labour, artisans and students among others, to share his vision, listen to their concerns and gather feedback directly from the grassroots.

According to him, the Regional Executives anticipate a highly productive and interactive series of events, in a bid to fosterstronger connection between the NDC and the people of the Ashanti Region.

He disclosed that the ‘building the Ghana we want’ Tour is not just a campaign, but a testament to the party’s commitment to inclusivity and their belief in the power of dialogue.

He said the NDC, under the leadership of H.E. John Dramani Mahama is committed to the vision of a 24-hour economy and that the proposition is driven by the pressing need to address unemployment challenges across various sectors of the economy.

He noted that the NDC believes that transitioning to a 24-hour economy will unlock immense opportunities for businesses and individuals.

He described those who are against the policy as “enemy of our economic liberation” who do not have the youth at heart, since the policy has come to provide jobs, adding that, “elsewhere, workers earn additional salaries by taking up additional jobs through this 24-hour shift system”.

Dr. Amoakohene said “the 24-hour economy initiative aims to create a vibrant and dynamic economic landscape that operates round the clock, stressing that by doing so, the party anticipates a surge in job opportunities across sectors such as manufacturing, services, and technology.

He said the initiative will not only provide employment for the youth but also contribute significantly to the economic growth of the region and the country as a whole.

Valencia ends Athletic Bilbao’s unbeaten run

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Valencia vs Athletic Bilbao

Valencia ended Athletic Bilbao’s 14-game unbeaten streak across all competitions after edging the Basque club 1-0 in the Spanish league on Saturday.

Striker Hugo Duro tilted the closely contested match at Mestalla Stadium in the hosts’ favor in the 61st minute when he outjumped Yuri Berchiche and headed in José Gayà’s cross to the far post.

Athletic, which only fields players from the Basque Country region and neighboring areas, has surpassed expectations this season. Ernesto Valverde’s side entered the round in third place and is in the thick of a fight for a Champions League berth. Barcelona is level on points with Athletic and the defending champions visit Real Betis on Sunday. Athletic’s previous defeat was at Barcelona in October.

Athletic’s defense, anchored by Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón, had only conceded one goal to an opposing player in its previous nine games overall before Duro struck the winner with his powerful header. It was his ninth goal of the campaign.

Credit: apnews.com

AC Milan win at Udinese marred by alleged racist abuse

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AC Milan goalkeeper Maignan walked off the pitch

AC Milan’s win at Udinese was briefly suspended on Saturday after alleged racist abuse from home fans towards Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Maignan alerted the referee before leaving the pitch after the half-hour mark, followed by his team-mates.

The incident took place shortly after Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek had given the visitors the lead with a low first-time shot inside the post.

The Serie A match was restarted after about 10 minutes.

“I said we cannot play football like this. It is not the first time it has happened this way,” Maignan told Sky Sports Italy.

“They must hand out very strong sanctions, because talking no longer does anything.

“We have to say that what they are doing is wrong. It is not the whole crowd, most fans want to cheer on their team and jeer you. That’s normal, but not this.”

He added: “What happened in the first half is that at the first goal-kick I heard monkey noises, I said nothing.

“The second time I went to get the ball, I heard it again. I told the fourth official and my bench what happened. I was angry, because this isn’t the first time it has happened.”

France keeper Maignan, 28, was beaten three minutes later by a Lazar Samardzic shot before Florian Thauvin put Udinese in front in the 62nd minute.

But Milan snatched victory when substitute Luka Jovic netted a rebound with seven minutes left and Okafor made it 3-2 in stoppage time from close range.

Credit: bbc.com

Borussia Dortmund comfortably beat Cologne

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Dortmund beat Cologne

Borussia Dortmund comfortably beat Cologne after a stoppage in their Bundesliga match when fans threw chocolate coins on to the pitch in protest against an investment proposal by the German Football Association.

Supporters from both clubs threw the gold coins during the 12th minute to symbolise their role as the ’12th man’.

It led to an eight-minute break in play while players from both teams helped stewards remove the confectionary.

Dortmund went on to win 4-0 in Cologne.

In December, a majority vote by German clubs approved a proposal to sell some Bundesliga TV rights in exchange for investment capital.

Supporters threw tennis balls on to the pitch during Bochum’s 3-0 win over Union Berlin last month and there was a 12-minute stoppage during Heidenheim’s 1-1 draw with Wolfsburg on Saturday as part of league-wide protests.

Bochum’s 1-0 home win against VfB Stuttgart was also delayed by 40 minutes after fans of the visiting side unfurled flags which blocked fire exits.

Donyell Malen gave Dortmund the lead in the 12th minute on Saturday before the protests began and hostile chants about the German FA followed throughout the match.

Malen doubled his tally in the second half, adding to Niclas Fullkrug’s penalty and a stoppage-time goal from Youssoufa Moukoko.

Credit: bbc.com

Arsenal thrash Palace to reignited Premier League title challenge

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Arsenal thrash Crystal Palace

Arsenal reignited their Premier League title challenge by thrashing struggling Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners’ fight at the top had faltered towards the end of last year as they lost three of their past five Premier League games.

But, after heading off to Dubai for a week-long winter break, Mikel Arteta’s side returned reinvigorated as a Gabriel header, Dean Henderson own goal, Leandro Trossard finish and two late Gabriel Martinelli strikes sealed the three points.

The first two goals came from corners, with the opener coming in the 11th minute when Gabriel nodded in before the defender’s header from another set-piece struck Crystal Palace goalkeeper Henderson to deflect into the back of the net.

The visitors offered little in response. Instead Arsenal added to their lead in the second half when Trossard was sent one-on-one with the goalkeeper and kept his cool to finish confidently.

With Palace already well beaten, Martinelli added further sheen to the win with two goals in injury time, both swept into the far corner.

The win moves Arsenal up to third, two points behind leaders Liverpool but having played a game more than Jurgen Klopp’s side. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, remain 14th in the table.

Credit: bbc.com

Bayern lose to Werder Bremen to slip off Bundesliga summit

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Dejected Bayern players

Harry Kane moved to Bayern Munich to win trophies – but that dream is in jeopardy, at least in his first season, after the champions slipped seven points off the Bundesliga summit with a 1-0 defeat at home to Werder Bremen. Mitchell Weiser scored the only goal of the game.

Bayern Munich arrived back from the winter break with a case of the blues as they fell to a 1-0 defeat at home to Werder Bremen.

The visitors thought they had opened the scoring midway through the first period as Justin Njinmah raced through one on one after a quick turnover. However, after a VAR review goal was disallowed for a foul in the build-up and Bayern could count themselves lucky.

A frustrating first half ended level as Bayern struggled to find their rhythm and create any real opportunities.

After the break the game continued in a similar fashion as Bayern dominated the ball but looked toothless in front of goal.

The 32-time winners now find themselves seven points adrift of Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen. Credit: eurosport.com

Salahless Egypt face Cape Verde

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Egypt will be without injured Salah

Egypt will look to secure a place in the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations when they face off against Cape Verde. For Egypt, the major talking point is around the exclusion of Salah, who sustained an injury against Ghana in the last match and is expected to miss at least the next two matches for Egypt, provided they qualify from the group.

With both matches in Group B kicking off simultaneously, the Pharaohs will see this as a must-win fixture, having only managed to earn two points from their opening two matches in the competition.

Egypt have struggled to make an impact in the tournament thus far and it began when they played to a 2-2 draw against group outsiders Mozambique and recorded another 2-2 draw against Ghana.

The Pharaohs are now in a precarious position as they could find themselves knocked out of the competition if they lose here and one of Ghana or Mozambique win the other match in the group.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

Win over Guinea-Bissau could seal top spot for Nigeria

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Nigeria skipper William Troost-Ekong

Guinea-Bissau seek to avoid a fourth consecutive Africa Cup of Nations group stage exit when they take on Nigeria at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium on Monday.

Djurtus cannot end in the automatic qualification spots after losing to Ivory Coast and Equatorial Guinea but could progress as one of the best third-placed sides by defeating unbeaten Nigeria in the final round of matches in Group A. Guinea-Bissau’s AFCON 2023 prospects appear bleak after losing 4-2 to in-form Equatorial Guinea on Thursday, leaving them on the brink of elimination.

As for the Super Eagles, the three-time winners must not rest on their laurels heading into Monday’s decisive encounter to secure qualification.

Defeating Ivory Coast 1-0 in front of a partisan crowd has put Peseiro’s men in the driver’s seat, as four points should be enough to ensure passage to the first knockout round.

While victory could seal top spot for the Super Eagles, the African giants must find their scoring boots, having squandered a glut of high-value chances in the draw with Equatorial Guinea.

Nigeria should avoid complacency after beating the tournament hosts to secure a routine victory over Guinea-Bissau to end top of Group A.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

The Ghanaian Chronicle