Lee Carsley started his reign as England’s interim manager with a Uefa Nations League win against the Republic of Ireland, with Declan Rice and Jack Grealish both scoring against the country they used to represent.
Carsley, also a former player for the Irish Republic, is in charge of England for at least two games following Gareth Southgate’s departure after Euro 2024.
And he had a largely untroubled start as the Three Lions overcame a lively atmosphere at a sold-out stadium in Dublin.
Rice, who played three senior friendlies for the Republic of Ireland before switching allegiance in 2019, silenced the jeers from the home fans after firing home in the 11th minute when Harry Kane’s shot was blocked.
Rice chose not to celebrate, while Grealish, who represented Ireland at youth level, put his fingers in his ears after scoring on his return to the England side following his omission from Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.
His goal followed a slick move in the 26th minute, with Rice providing the assist.
This England team looked refreshed and re-energised from the side that trooped wearily off the pitch in Berlin after losing the Euro 2024 final to Spain 55 days ago.
It was a highly satisfactory first game in charge for Carsley, who will look to build on this positive showing when Finland visit Wembley on Tuesday, with captain Kane expected to win his 100th cap.
Niger, Ghanalook to secure their first win in the Afcon qualifiers
Niger and Ghana will be looking to secure their first win in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they go head to head at the Stade Municipal de Berkane on Monday.
The Black Stars kicked off their quest for a place in Morocco with a surprise home defeat against Angola last Thursday, one day after Zaki Badou‘s men were beaten by Sudan in the group opener.
Ghana’s 24-year unbeaten streak at Kumasi’s Baba Yara Sports Stadium came to an end on Thursday when they suffered a 1-0 defeat against their Central African rivals Angola.
Ghana were guilty of a lack of sting at the attacking end of the pitch as Red Star Belgrade forward Milson struck in the third minute of stoppage time to hand the Black Sable Antelopes a famous victory.
Prior to that, Ghana were unbeaten in four straight competitive matches, including consecutive victories over Mali and Central African Republic in the World Cup qualifiers, where they have picked up nine points from four games to sit second in Group I, level on points with first-placed Comoros.
Having featured in each of the last 10 AFCON editions since missing out in 2004, head coach Otto Addo will hope his side can bounce back from Thursday’s disappointments as they look to get their quest for a place in Morocco up and running.
Ghana head into Monday’s clash unbeaten in five of their last six competitive games away from home – picking up four wins and one draw — with a 1-0 defeat against Comoros in November 2023, being the exception.
Skipper Thomas Partey has started each of Arsenal’s opening three games this season and the 31-year-old should retain his role at the heart of the park for the Black Stars, alongside Elisha Owusu, who made his debut in March 2022
Niger on the other hand were denied a dream start to their 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign as they fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Sudan when the two nations squared off in the Group F curtain-raiser on Wednesday.
Looking to restore some pride following their opening-day defeat, we expect Niger and Ghana to go all out on Monday and this makes for an exciting contest at the Stade Municipal de Berkane.
On paper, the Black Stars boast a superior and more experienced squad and we are tipping them to secure all three points, albeit by a narrow margin.
Angola and Sudan return to action in Group F of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they go head to head at the Estadio 11 de Novembro on Monday.
Having picked up opening-day victories in midweek, both nations will head into the game looking to maintain their solid start to the campaign and open up a three-point lead at the top of the group.
Angola kicked off their quest for a spot in Morocco next year on a high as they snatched a 1-0 victory over four-time African champion Ghana in their Group F opener on Thursday.
Sudan coach, James Kwesi Appiah
Red Star Belgrade striker Milson grabbed the headlines at the Baba Yara Sport Stadium as he netted in the 93rd minute to hand Angola a last-gasp victory and end the Black Star’s 24-year unbeaten run in Kumasi.
Angola have now won their last five games across all competitions, scoring 14 goals and keeping two clean sheets, and are unbeaten in nine consecutive matches since a 1-0 friendly defeat against Morocco on March 22.
On the other hand, Sudan turned in an impressive team display in the Group F curtain-raiser last Wednesday as they picked up a 1-0 victory over Niger when the two nations squared off at the Juba Stadium.
Sudan have now won each of their last four competitive matches, including three consecutive victories over Congo DR, Mauritania and South Sudan in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
James Kwesi Appiah‘s men, who are 121st in the latest FIFA World Rankings, currently hold a one-point lead in Group B of the World Cup qualifiers, having picked up three wins and one draw from their opening four matches.
After missing out on the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, Sudan set out in search of a second consecutive victory in their opening two qualifying matches as they aim to return to the continental showpiece for the first time since their group-stage exit in 2021.
Having made a dream start to their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Burundi entertain the challenge of Senegalat the Bingu National Stadium on Monday afternoon.
On the other hand, Senegal make the journey to Lilongwe aiming to bounce back from a late heartbreak in their opening draw encounter against Burkina Faso last time out. The 2021 champions are expected to be one of the major contenders to take home next year’s continental prize and will be keen to sign off on September’s round of qualifying matches with all three points.
Sadio Mane, skipper of Senegal
Monday’s clash against Burundi will be the third AFCON qualifier featuring the teams, and Senegal will fancy their chances of continuing their perfect record in this fixture having won both of the previous two meetings by a combined score of 5-1.
Burundi have now won consecutive games for the first time since 2020 and are without defeat in four straight outings. They will be looking to use their momentum to take yet another step in the right direction towards booking their ticket to Morocco.
Senegal were far from their best against Burkina Faso and were made to pay for their complacency. However, we are backing Cisse’s men to resume normal service in this one and get the job done at the end of the 90 minutes.
Samuel Abu Jinapor, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel A. Jinapor, has assured the public of a swift and decisive government action to combat the menace of illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
According to him, the action is in response to growing fears over the devastating impact of galamsey, which among other things, is threatening the nation’s sources of water.
During an appearance on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Mr. Jinapor dismissed claims that the government had relaxed its efforts in the fight against galamsey.
He announced that an emergency meeting would be held to address the issue, emphasising that security forces would be promptly deployed to affected areas to tackle the situation head-on.
“We are going to conduct a review today and I’m 1,000% certain that we are going to deploy. We will ramp up our enforcement measures and conduct a complete swoop, particularly in the Central Region,” the Minister stated.
He assured the public that the government is committed to restoring the country’s water bodies and forest resources, which have been severely impacted by illegal mining activities.
OUTCRY
This assurance follows recent public outcry for stronger action against galamsey, particularly after the Ghana Water Company Limited announced that it had been forced to ration water supply to parts of Cape Coast, Winneba and Mankessim due to pollution of water sources by illegal mining.
The MP for Damongo, Samuel A. Jinapor, reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving the crisis, stating that “Within the next 24 hours, we’re going to find the resources and move them.”
The Minister reassured Ghanaians that the fight against galamsey remains a top priority for the government.
SPEAKER
This week, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, issued a stern warning to Members of Parliament involved in illegal mining activities, commonly known as ‘galamsey’.
He highlighted concerns that some MPs are collaborating with those engaged in the illicit practice for financial gain.
Speaking on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, during a two-day emergency sitting of Parliament, Speaker Bagbin urged lawmakers to steer clear of such activities.
The session featured intense debates, with MPs from both sides of the House criticising the state’s inability to effectively tackle the issue.
In his remarks, Speaker Bagbin emphasised the importance of Parliament setting a positive example in the fight against illegal mining and called on all MPs to demonstrate a commitment to ending the practice.
“Who are those participating in the galamsey? If we take a census, some of you will be there and the people you are talking to are aware – it is not that they are unaware. They are aware that some of you are participating in it,” he said.
Mr Bagbin continued; “So please, first desist from doing it yourself. Don’t go to them for money for your campaigns. Don’t solicit their votes. Let them see your work. Truly, it is a disgrace that we’ve gone this far. Look at the water – horrible.”
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has decided to replace Joseph Frempong, the Member of Parliament for Nkawkaw in the Eastern Region, due to health concerns. This decision follows deliberations by the party’s National Executive Council (NEC).
Joseph Frempong, who secured the Nkawkaw seat in 2020, has been struggling with health issues that have hindered his ability to campaign effectively.
Despite his efforts, his condition has worsened, prompting the party to seek a replacement, going into the December 7, 2024 parliamentary election.
David Boateng Asante, the Managing Director of Ghana Publishing Company Limited, has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Frempong.
Asante is an accomplished leader with a background in international trade, communications, and transformational leadership.
He is also known for his civic engagement, having led the “Let My Vote Count Alliance,” which played a pivotal role in advocating for democratic processes in Ghana.
As a long-time member of the NPP, Asante’s political journey began early, when he became the youngest head of the Industrial Art Faculty at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
He later served as the first SRC President from the College of Art and Social Sciences at KNUST and played key roles in Nana Akufo-Addo’s presidential campaigns.
Under Asante’s leadership, Ghana Publishing Company Limited underwent significant transformation, including the establishment of a new branch in Kumasi, the digitization of services, and staff professional development.
His diverse experience in management, human resources, and corporate governance makes him an attractive candidate for the Nkawkaw seat.
The NPP sees this move as strategic to retain the Nkawkaw constituency, a stronghold for the party. The final decision will be made following a meeting between the National Executives and the Nkawkaw Constituency Executives, with an official announcement expected soon.
If confirmed, NPP Presidential Candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will introduce David Asante to the constituents, reinforcing the party’s election strategy.
Joseph Frempong, who was previously a teacher and lecturer, won the Nkawkaw seat in 2020 with 44,067 votes, defeating the NDC candidate Oppong Francis. He currently serves on the Gender and Children Committee and the Communications Committee in Parliament.
PROFILE
David Boateng Asante is a transformational leader with a background in international trade, communications, and civic engagement. As the Managing Director of Ghana Publishing Company Limited (GPCL), he has driven significant improvements in the company, including the establishment of new branches, staff development, and modernization efforts.
Politically, Asante is known for his role as the convener of the “Let My Vote Count Alliance,” advocating for democratic processes in Ghana.
He has held leadership roles in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and has been a prominent figure in national campaigns.
His education includes a Master’s in International Trade from Anhalt University, Germany and a Bachelor’s in Industrial Art from KNUST.
He is also pursuing an LLB at GIMPA. His work experience spans multiple sectors, with leadership roles in human resources, marketing, and public affairs, both locally and internationally.
Asante is a dedicated community volunteer, having led initiatives in education and healthcare across Ghana.
He is recognized for his contributions to nation-building and has received various awards for his leadership and impact.
Married with three children, Asante is passionate about continuous learning, drawing inspiration from global leaders such as Kofi Annan and Nelson Mandela.
The Director-General, Kofi Bosompem Osafo Maafo speaking at the meeting
The Social Security and National Investment Trust (SSNIT) has marketed its Self-Employed Enrolment Drive (SEED), launched in 2023, to employers and other stakeholders.
The Trust educated employers and other stakeholders on the SEED initiative at a breakfast meeting held on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Accra.
The SEED is the First Tier Scheme that has been repackaged to urge the self-employed to contribute on their full earnings for a guaranteed pension, among other benefits.
The aim is to ensure self-employed workers also have a guaranteed source of income during old age or permanent disability.
A section of the guests at the breakfast meeting
It is also to reduce the over dependence of your staff on family and friends, who will enjoy SSNIT benefits and to reduce destitution in Ghanaian society.
The stakeholders at the breakfast meeting were informed that as of August 31, 2024 members registered were 114,983 and contributions collected were GH¢61,686,313.55.
The breakfast meeting, aimed at enhancing collaboration with stakeholders, discussing the progress made and introducing new digital services was attended by about 85 employers.
BETTER SERVICE
In his opening remarks, the Director General, Kofi Bosompem Osafo Maafo, highlighted that the goal of the Trust is to offer better services, streamline pension processes, and reduce administrative burdens for employers.
Addressing concerns about the trust’s investments, Mr. Osafo Maafo reassured attendees that SSNIT continues to manage its investments prudently.
He highlighted the impressive financial performance in recent years, noting that the Trust moved from a deficit in 2021 to a surplus of 230 million Ghana cedis in 2022.
The trust expects an even stronger surplus of 864 million Ghana cedis in 2023, with a positive outlook for 2024.
These improvements, he noted, are the result of hard work across the SSNIT team, particularly in contribution collection, net investment income, cost control, and overall operational management.
He said that SSNIT remains committed to enhancing its services for employers and pensioners alike, ensuring the sustainability of the scheme.
MANAGE INVESTMENT
“The key point I would like to make is that we continue as a team within the trust to manage our investments and our operations prudently and very effectively, and this is showing in our figures. If you look at our figures in 2022 and 2023, indeed, in 2022 we produced a surplus of about 230 million, and that came from a deficit position in 2021.
In 2023 we are looking at a surplus position of about 864 million and in 2024 we expect a similarly strong performance, based on the figures we have to date,” the DG said.
He continued that, “This is driven by the very hard work that the team around me have put in. It is driven by improvements in our contribution collection, improvements in net investment income, improvements in our cost control and in general improvements in the way we run the trust.
“And so I want to take this opportunity again to reassure you that each of us working for you as employers and also the pensioners are doing our best to improve the scheme and its sustainability, and indeed the figures show that.”
CONTRIBUTION
Welcoming guests to the meeting, the Deputy Director-General, Operations and Benefits, Juliana Kpedekpo, recognised the “critical role” employers play in the work of the Trust, as they pay the contributions of workers.
“Your payments of contributions provide a sense of security for your workers. You are the kind of employers the Trust doesn’t have to pursue with persuasions and court summons to ensure you pay contributions for your workers.
“We really appreciate your commitment to fulfilling this obligation. Indeed, our sincere desire is for all employers to act like you do,” she said.
The meeting concluded with an open forum where stakeholders asked pertinent questions, and same were answered by SSNIT.
Group Picture with the Director General of CBC (third from left) and his Team
The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), with support from the Ministry of Transport (MoT) has successfully secured the release of six Ghanaian cargo trucks that were detained at the Dakola border in Burkina Faso.
The trucks had been held since April 2024 by Burkinabe Customs, on suspicion of transporting prohibited goods from Ghana.
Despite efforts by the Joint Association of Port Transport Unions-Ghana (JAPTU-Ghana) to resolve the issue, it remained unresolved until the GSA intervened in June 2024.
Interactions with affected truck drivers at the Dakola border
To address the situation, the GSA and the MoT conducted several stakeholder meetings at both the Dakola border and Tema port and worked with Burkina Faso’s Conseil Burkinabe Des Chargeurs (CBC) to facilitate the release of the detained trucks.
On August 20, 2024 Frederick Atogiyire, Northern Zonal Manager of the GSA and his team met with Dr. Kassoum Traore, Director General of the CBC.
Dr. Traore explained that under Burkinabe law, unwholesome cargo could lead to the confiscation of both the cargo and the trucks.
He assured that progress was being made and that an out-of-court settlement had been reached with the shipper, allowing for the trucks’ release.
At a media briefing in Tamale, Atogiyire announced that the trucks had been processed by Burkinabe Customs and were set to continue their journey to Ouagadougou on August 25, 2024 before returning to Ghana on August 29, 2024.
He expressed gratitude for the Burkinabe authorities’ efforts in facilitating the trucks’ release.
The Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) marked a significant milestone with the opening of its new office in Accra.
The ceremony was a momentous occasion, not only to unveil the modern facility but also to pay tribute to the patrons and past presidents for their visionary leadership and commitment to sports journalism and the pioneering efforts paving the way for SWAG’s current achievements.
As guests gathered, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and nostalgia. The event highlight was the recognition of SWAG’s patrons, including H.E Amarkai Amarteifio, a former diplomat and chief patron of SWAG, Mr. Ebo Quansah, General Manager of The Chronicle and former SWAG President, Hon. Joe Aggrey, a renowned sports journalist, former SWAG President for 13yrs and former deputy Sports Minister, and Mr. Cudjoe Fianoo, Ghalca chairman.
In a heartfelt statement, SWAG General Secretary Charles Osei Asibey, expressed gratitude to the patrons for their unwavering support and guidance.
“Your contributions have been instrumental in our growth and success. We are forever grateful for your dedication to SWAG and Ghanaian sports,” he said.
The honorees were decorated with customized gold medals, symbolizing the organization’s appreciation for their tireless efforts.
In acceptance, Mr. Joe Aggrey emphasized the importance of collaboration and mentorship in the sports industry.
The event concluded with a tour of the new office, which features state-of-the-art facilities. The modern space is designed to foster innovation, creativity, and excellence in sports journalism.
SWAG members and guests departed with renewed enthusiasm, inspired by the legacy of the patrons and past presidents. The new office stands as a testament to their contributions, poised to propel SWAG to greater heights.
Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin seated in the Chamber
The salt mining company, ElectroChem Ghana Limited, continues its operations unabated, despite persistent calls for Parliament to halt its activities until the concerns of local residents are addressed. The company’s operations are protected by an agreement ratified by Parliament, which ensures uninterrupted work.
At an emergency sitting on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 the Speaker of Parliament,
Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, directed the Joint Committee on Mines and Energy and
Lands and Forestry to revisit its report on the impasse between ElectroChem and local resident miners. However, this directive has not brought the company’s operations to a halt.
The joint committee, established on October 9, 2023 had investigated the dispute and provided recommendations to strengthen the relationship between the two parties.
Key amongst them were for ElectroChem Ghana Limited to consider allocating space to
local miners within the concession area, assist them in deploying best practices, and engage in continuous stakeholder engagement.
This action was prompted by a statement from the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Member of Parliament (MP) for Sege, Christian Corletey Otuteye, alleging the death of a local resident miner due to a clash with the salt mining
firm.
The Speaker’s new directive follows a complaint by the NDC MP for Ada, Comfort Doyoe
Cudjoe-Ghansah, who alleged that ElectroChem was vandalising cemeteries and sacred
areas, without regard to local traditions. She filed this complaint while contributing
to the debate on the adoption of the joint committee’s report.
The Speaker expressed dissatisfaction with the committee’s report, noting that it failed to
address key concerns raised by stakeholders. He pointed out that the report did not capture the full spectrum of issues, including the validity of additional lease agreements, the application of PNC Law 287, and its implications for ElectroChem’s leases and future operations, among others.
The NDC MP for Tamale Central and Ranking Member of the committee, Alhassan Suhiyini, criticised the report, stating that it did not reflect the views of the entire committee
membership. In contrast, the NDC MP for Asawase, Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak, cautioned against halting ElectroChem’s operations, emphasising that such moves undermine investment and drive away investors from Ghana.
Alhaji Mubarak argued that ElectroChem has committed no crime and is simply implementing the agreement ratified by Parliament. He noted that comments suggesting local residents have a right to mine in the concession are unfounded, as the mineral deposit belongs to the State, not the residents.
“Mr. Speaker, I have a house in Kumasi and I have a house in Accra. If for any reason one
day gold is found in my house, that gold is never mine. That is what the constitution has
subscribed to. That, immediately the gold is found, even though that house is mine, I lose
the right to extract that gold. That gold is a mineral and it is invested in the President and it can only be exploited when that is brought to Parliament and Parliament look at the conditions and agree that it can be exploited under this condition”, he noted.
The Majority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh,
acknowledged the concerns of local residents but urged their representatives in Parliament to continue dialoguing with the company to find lasting solutions to the dispute.
The ceremony was a momentous occasion, not only to unveil the modern facility but also to pay tribute to the patrons and past presidents for their visionary leadership and commitment to sports journalism and the pioneering efforts paving the way for SWAG’s current achievements.
As guests gathered, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and nostalgia. The event highlight was the recognition of SWAG’s patrons, including H.E Amarkai Amarteifio, a former diplomat and chief patron of SWAG, Mr. Ebo Quansah, General Manager of The Chronicle and former SWAG President, Hon. Joe Aggrey, a renowned sports journalist, former SWAG President for 13yrs and former deputy Sports Minister, and Mr. Cudjoe Fianoo, Ghalca chairman.
The honorees were decorated with customized gold medals, symbolizing the organization’s appreciation for their tireless efforts.
SWAG members and guests departed with renewed enthusiasm, inspired by the legacy of the patrons and past presidents. The new office stands as a testament to their contributions, poised to propel SWAG to greater heights.
