Russia and China have slammed the United States for its recent air strikes on targets in Iraq and Syria.
The two countries accused Washington of raising the risk of regional escalation at a meeting of the United Nations Security Council late on Monday. Moscow also asserted that the US decision to launch the attacks was linked to the upcoming presidential election in November.
Russia, whose invasion of Ukraine has been the topic of bitter debate at the UNSC over the past two years, had requested the council meeting after the US launched dozens of strikes against Iran-aligned targets in Iraq and Syria. The attacks followed a drone strike on a US base in Jordan that killed three soldiers.
Moscow’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia alleged that the strikes were a US attempt to “flex its muscles”. It was also fuelled, he claimed at the UNSC, by a desire to influence its domestic political landscape and shore up the “disastrous” image of President Joe Biden’s administration.
The attacks, which killed several dozen people, including civilians, demonstrate Washington’s complete disregard for international law, Nebenzia added.
The threat by the three Sahelian countries – Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger – to pull out of Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS) has sent shivers down the spine of Ghanaian traders and the country as a whole.
For the records, Ghana imports some of its agricultural products, mostly tomatoes and onions from Burkina Faso and Niger. The Ghanaian traders, who are mostly women, rely heavily on ECOWAS protocols that allow free movement of goods across member countries.
Should these Sahelian countries carry out their threat and pull out of ECOWAS, these protocols will no more be there, and these are the fears of our traders. Already, unconfirmed report indicates that Burkina Faso has vowed to review the exportation of tomatoes to Ghana if they finally pull out of ECOWAS.
This is what has even exacerbated the situation because the traders fear their businesses will collapse if impediments are put in place to frustrate them from importing the agricultural products from our northern neighbours. To these traders, therefore, the government of Ghana must step in to ensure that Burkina Faso and Niger do not leave ECOWAS.
Much as The Chronicle sympathises with these traders, we think the situation can be a good omen in disguise for Ghana. In the first place, the decision to leave ECOWAS, in our opinion, is a bad one by Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, but they have the right as sovereign states to take their destinies into their own hands.
It is important to note that these three Sahelian countries are the poorest among the ECOWAS member countries. They have a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $53billion, which is even lower than that of Ghana’s $77.59 billion. Apart from this, these countries are also land locked and, therefore, import their goods through the seaports of other ECOWAS member countries.
One will, therefore, wonder what will happen should ECOWAS also decide to block them from using the seaports of their member countries. Unfortunately, we can’t continue with this discussion as it is not our main focus for today.
As we earlier indicated, the development in the Sahelian region can be a good omen for us here in Ghana – because it will afford us the opportunity to develop the agricultural sector. Ghana has lands that are rich in nutrients than that of Niger and Burkina Faso, yet they are producing tomatoes and onions in large quantities than us.
What the government of Ghana must do now is to strategise and come out with ideas on how we can also produce the same varieties of onions and tomatoes that these two countries are producing.
The Chronicle believes that if farmers at Akomadan and Derma – who produce the bulk of tomatoes we consume in Ghana are supported, they can grow the same varieties in commercial quantities.
Our women are going to Burkina Faso to import tomatoes and Niger for onions because of the kind of varieties they grow there. Now if the same varieties are being grown in Ghana, why should we be worried over the decision of these nations to leave ECOWAS?
Instead of entertaining fears over the possible implication of these countries leaving ECOWAS, we must rather put our shoulders to the wheel and turn the situation in our favour. The hard currencies we are putting in the pockets of Niger and Burkina Faso farmers should be channelled into that of the Ghanaian farmer to support our national economy.
The year was 1975, I was then a 2nd year law student at University of Ghana Legon, based in Common Wealth Hall. I was a very vocal, noisy student leader, with leftist idealistic tendencies.
One evening, I had a very unusual visitor, an old Achimotan from Jaman District near Berekum, a tall fair colored Army Officer, a Captain. He wanted me to be his friend, so that we study law together. He will rely on my notes at lectures.
He introduced me to his best friend, a colleague soldier, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, also an old Achimotan, a mulattoe, chain smoking wild fellow.
The three of us soon became so close that I abandoned my ambition to be a lawyer and enlisted to be a soldier. What a fatal mistake. The two of them staged June 4th Military coup, and as a consequence the Military Intelligence arrested me to prison. Rawlings came back, released me, and also arrested me, detained me, and booted me out of the military.
At age 28, I was a retired Captain walking on the streets of Accra all because Captain Boakye Gyan entered my life in Common Wealth Hall in 1975.
I heard in the news that on 30th August 2023 at age 80, Major retired Kojo Boakye Gyan had crossed the river of life into eternity – this is one funeral that God willing I must attend at all costs.
The family fixed the funeral for Friday 26th January 2024 at the forecourt of the State House and burial at Burma Camp. All that is very well- no need to travel all the way to Drobo in Jaman District, Bono Region.
Reader, as a life time policy, take it from me anytime you decide to attend a program, GO EARLY so that you can get a good strategic place to sit.
I got to the forecourt of the State House at about 0700 hours to see soldiers and other officials putting finishing touches to the place. I was innocently sitting in my car, waiting, when a certain lady came:
“Please, are you Captain Effah-Dartey? I nodded.
“Please follow me.”
I was led to the raised platform, the top dais, reserved for the No.1 Guest List!!!! Holala!!!
At exactly 8 o’clock, with only a handful of mourners present, the funeral service began: hymns, tribute, bible reading, sermon on the usual liturgy.
I took down very interesting notes.
During the reading of the life history of Major Boakye Gyan it came to light that his father had 56 children and with 8 wives! (He beat the old Egyptian Emperor/Pharoah (TUTANKHAME who had 52 children —according to recorded history….)
Still on his life history, even though he was a catholic and was educated at Opoku Ware Secondary School and later Achimota School, Boakye Gyan chose to call himself “Jesus CHRIST” or J.C. for short. Later, in life he described himself as “Ancestral worshiper…”
Rather inexplicably I noticed that the funeral was dominated heavily by the presence of Christ Apostolic Church International in their mass choir almost all their Pastors- over fifty in black suit and white clerical’’, the Sermon being preached by their General secretary….
Conspicuously absent were members old of the old Achimota Association (OAA) to sing their rallying cry “from Gambaga to Accra……” and also absent was the Retired Commission officers club of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Present among the mourners was the former president of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, NDC General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, former National Security Minister, Francis Poku, and also present was NDC guru Kofi Totobi Quarkyi, His Excellency Agyenim Boateng of the Council of State and several others.
By 10 o’clock everything was over. The military sounded the last post and after Benediction by my name’s sake Rev. Lt Col Effah, four ladies in smart military uniform came to collect the wreaths, and the burial party came to carry the casket into a waiting hearse of the Ghana Armed Forces.
This is one funeral that I decided to follow the burial party to the Burma Camp Military Cemetery to see the internment of Major Boakye Gyan.
I told my driver to drive past El Wak Stadium, hit the Major Mahama Road, rounded his circle, east, to the new Military Cemetery at Teshie. The last time I was there was about four years ago to bury Col Mensah Gbedemah. Reader, I saw so many graves since then, so many with JJ Rawlings tomb set aside at the far corner.
The cadaver was lowered into the grave, earth to earth, dust to dust – another sounding of the Last Post, benediction and guess what – reader, Vote of Thanks by Representative of his Family – Yours Truly, Captain!!!!
All was over, the man who made me to join the Army, the bosom friend of JJ Rawlings, Journalist, army Major, spokesman of the AFRC, one-time Acting Head of State of the Republic of Ghana – he is now history.
By Capt. Nkrabeah Effah-Dartey (RTD)
Editor’s note: Views expressed in this article do not represent that of The Chronicle
You might have sprained it while working in the yard or cleaning house. Or your back might hurt from an old sports injury or a chronic condition such as arthritis. You probably have lower back pain. It affects more than 80% of people at some point. And it’s the most common cause of job-related disability in the U.S. While medicine can help, you may also find relief with these simple steps.
Maintain good posture
This helps ease the pressure on your lower back. You can use tape, straps, or stretchy bands to help keep your spine in alignment. Aim to keep your head centered over your pelvis. Don’t slouch your shoulders or crane your chin forward.
If you work in front of a screen, rest your arms evenly on the table or desk, and keep your eyes level with the top of the screen. Get up from your chair and stretch and walk regularly.
Keep moving, keep stretching
Scared to get back to your exercise routine? It makes sense. After all, you want to be careful and avoid things that’ll make you feel worse. But did you know that your chronic back pain will improve if you get moving? Exercise keeps your muscles strong and prevents spasms.
Try to keep up with your usual level of daily activity and movement. It can be a brisk 30-minute walk or circling the block with your dog. Aim to get on your feet at least three times a week.
Apply ice and heat
There isn’t a lot of proof that ice will ease your symptoms, but some people say it helps. Want to see if it’ll work for you? Apply ice to your lower back at least three times a day — in the morning, after work or school, and then again before bedtime. Wrap the ice or cold pack in a towel to protect your skin. Don’t leave it on longer than 15-20 minutes at a time.
Heat does help to ease low back pain. Moist heat — baths, showers, and hot packs — tends to work better. But you can try an electric heating pad. Apply it to your sore back for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Set a timer so you don’t fall asleep with it on. Always set the pad on low or medium — never high. It can cause serious burns.
Rub on medicated creams
Skin creams, salves, ointments, or patches may help when your back feels stiff, sore, and tense. Many of these products contain ingredients such as menthol, camphor, or lidocaine that can cool, heat, or numb the affected area.
Put on creams right where you hurt. Ask someone to apply it if you have trouble reaching the spot.
Keep a healthy weight
Shedding extra pounds lightens the load on your lower back. If you need help, ask your doctor for advice on a diet and exercise plan that may work best for you.
Find a physical therapist
This can make a big difference, especially if you’ve had the pain for more than 4-6 weeks. With techniques like electrical stimulation, ultrasound, heat, and muscle relaxation, these specialists help you get more mobile and flexible.
They can also teach you exercises to do on your own to keep your symptoms from coming back. These can help your posture and keep your back and abdominal muscles (your core) healthy.
Try manipulation or massage
Manipulation is when physical therapists or other health professionals, like chiropractors, use different techniques to move your spine through its full range of movement. Studies show that if you’ve had back pain for more than a month, this can be a safe and effective treatment. But you may need several sessions.
Massage may provide relief, too. One study found that people who got either structural massage (soft-tissue techniques to address problems with your muscles or skeleton) or relaxation massage (stroking, kneading, or circular motions to help you relax) saw improved symptoms after 10 weeks.
They were able to get through their daily activities more easily and used less pain medication than those who just got regular care. If you’re interested in trying manipulation or massage, talk to your doctor about finding a qualified health professional or massage therapist.
Apart from institutionalised corruption, there is nationalised corruption, where all through every sector, private and public, in fact from the top of the social ladder down to the “insignificant” member of society, corruption is shamelessly engaged into, by some.
At the moment, the two major political parties, New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are all set and ready for Elections 2024, having internally elected their flagbearers and parliamentary candidates.
By this time, most people out there are harbouring great hope that this year will be another “cocoa season,” moreover it is a crucial year for these two big parties, one intending to Break the Eight and the other determined to come back to power.Surely, something must give in, to their favour.
The stakes are high and to get elected, the politician must “Give, Give and Give”and the people or electorate must “Receive, Receive and Receive.”
Our Christian God, who is omniscient and knows the future, is blasphemously brought into this.
While some so-called men and women of God will come and say that after spending weekend in Heaven, God told them the particular candidates who will win the presidential and parliamentary elections.
Then some will claim that after the Annual General Meeting they attended in Heaven, God chose those to win the presidential and parliamentary elections. The names of the anointed candidates do not match.
The message to the vulnerable candidate will always be, “Your Star has been raised higher than all others. God has named you as the winner.”
The mallams and traditional priests will not be left out. Each with a different list from God. The question is, do we have a confused God? No, we don’t! God’s Name should not be held in vain that is why priests of the main line churches, especially the Catholic Church, will never come out to say who will win elections.
So, why are these religious trading conflicting messages? It is all about money. The politician will be mandated to give huge sums of money to be able to tap favours from the Throne of God.The politician must find the money. Corruption in the “House of God!”
The next aresome traditional leaders who make demands from the politicians before they go to pray in thanksgiving to the gods who have chosen the candidates, already.The traditional leaders will need some form of assistance to perform rituals to the gods and curse anyone in the community who does not vote for them.
Everybody will come making demands and the politicians must satisfy them.
The politician will always have to load his campaign vehicles with drinks, flat screen televisions, gas cookers and cylinders, electric cookers, deep freezers and refrigerators, android phones among others, aside from cash. Every night the gifts will all be distributed and every morning the vehicles will be restocked. This is what goes on until Elections Day.
For the period of campaigning the politician would certainly spend millions of cedis. An American research center placed the cost of campaigning at an average GH¢ 8 million.
On average there are 60,000 electorates per constituency. If the candidate provides ten bottled-water each, for fifty thousand of the electorates over the campaign period, at the cost of GH¢2.00 per bottle, water alone will cost him GH¢ 1 million.
Some people including some members of his campaign team will also come with demands for money to pay rent advance, meet hospital bills, invest in trading, etc.A politician will go to a community to meet the inhabitants and the people will walk not more than thirty steps to the rally ground. At the end of the meeting, they will demand “TnT.”
At the end of the vote count, one candidate will win and the losers will be told they did not follow the directives given by God and the gods that was why they lost. The losers will go out wondering why this happened to them. Waste of time, waste of money and waste of resources. But did this same God not say that they have been chosen by Him to win? So, what happened? What just happened was a nationalised corruption.
By the way, in just a month after elections, the same people will approach the losing candidates and assure them, that the next elections, as ordained, will be theirs to be taken.
The electedcandidate will enter the seat of government or parliament with a huge bill to settle. He must find any way possible to settle this indebtedness. Let us not discuss the ones who lost the elections.
There are two ways to get that money back and build a war chest for the administration of his office and for the next election, because, as MP, his responsibilities will now grow, with more demands made on him.
One way is through fair and just means with no speck of corruption and the other is through all corrupt means, available.
The honest ways include being a broker and bringing investments into the country and getting a handsome broker’s fee. This is very legal and the more investments the political office holder brings into the country the more he will build up a sound financial foundation.
The problem is the corrupt means and how this affects the economy of this nation.
In matters affecting the House of Parliament, in 2003, a publication in the Ghanaian Times, under the headline, “Confirmed: MPs take bribe,” was taken from a statement by the then National Convention Party (NCP) MP. Hon Mary Ankomah who said MPs do take bribes and that bribery occurred at committee levels.
Ghanaian Times, was hauled before the Privileges Committee of Parliament, headed by the then First Deputy Speaker, Mr Freddie Blay.After threats, the paper was made to retract the story and apologise to the House.
In 2008, Hon. P.C. Appiah-Ofori, MP for AsikumaOdobenBrakwa, made headline news when, he condemned some of his colleagues for accepting $5,000.00 each in the transfer of Ghana Telecom to Vodafone.
In 2014, the current Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, then Hon Alban Bagbin, MP of Nadowli/Kaleo,stated that there was evidence that some MPs take bribes and come to the floor and try to articulate the views of their sponsors.
He added that governments on both sides of the political divide could grease the palms of MPs to ensure that controversial policies were accepted by the House.
The House was not pleased and promised to haul the MP to the Privileges Committee, but that never saw the light of day.
It is alleged that MPs make lots of money at sub-committee levels where business proposals which are brought for consideration, attract unofficial fees.
Before anybody will start condemning the MPs of corruption, they should first come out with solutionsto the problem of moneyocracy in our politics. The people out there, demand and collect huge sums of money from aspirants before electing them into office. How do they expect the politicians to get the money back and build their war chest for the next elections?
This form of corruption has been nationalised and the source is the electorates who are the people of Ghana, who are supposed to, with clear mind and honesty, elect the right people to take up political offices, but instead they always demand cash and kind before they vote for the highest-giver.
On the government level, while some civil and public servants do acts of corruption, some occupants of political offices dry cassava while the sun shines. Major projects are targeted and could be over priced so that something small can be shared which will make up for amounts spent during campaigning.
In 2009, STX-Korea got into a controversial contract with Government of Ghana, where a construction firm whose official line of duties did not include construction of houses was signed on to build residential estates.When Ghana abrogated the contract in 2012, the state lost millions of dollars.
It was alleged that STX-Korea was asked to refund some $3 million, but when it announced that, that amount was given to some members of the government team which included ministers, deputy ministers and MPs, it was allowed to walk away freely.
The cost of construction of Terminal 3 raises doubt on the sincerity of the then Government of Ghana. The building cost Ghana over $250 million, while an airport constructed from scratch in Ethiopia with terminals as big as our Terminal 3 cost about $27 million?
The cost of constructing the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, in 2016 was $260 million, while the total cost of constructing four other interchanges later, including the largest in West Africa, the Pokuase Interchange, cost $289 million.
There are many more examples but one thing is certain, these over-priced costs of construction were meant to be so, so that some people would get refund of money spent from primaries to General Elections.
From the Executive to the Legislative, the requirements to get refunds for money spent during campaigning, could affect our economy because government must pay more than should be the case.
This requires more taxes and who suffers most?It is that electorate who collected a chicken change from that presidential or parliamentary candidate. When times get rough, politicians are condemned as corrupt.
The real corrupt people are those who nationalised corruption by demanding gifts of cash and kind from politicians. How do they expect the politician to get the money spent, back?
I hope nobody will make demands on politicians this Campaign Season of Election 2024.
Teetering on the edge of yet another on-field crisis, Chelsea bid to right some Premier League wrongs in the FA Cup, where Aston Villa lie in wait for Wednesday’s fourth-round replay.
The teams reconvene at Villa Park after shaking hands on a goalless draw in West London, and a home meeting with either Leeds United or Plymouth Argyle is in store for the midweek victor.
Chelsea had rebuilt the walls of their besieged Stamford Bridge fortress before Aston Villa arrived for their knockout showdown on January 26, but while the Blues enjoyed plentiful possession at their West London home, neither side did enough to punch a direct ticket to round five. The drab draw in the capital marked the second of three winless matches for Unai Emery‘s Aston Villa crop, who had ever-so slightly slipped out of the Premier League title conversation before the weekend’s contest with Sheffield United, having only amassed one point from meetings with Everton and Newcastle United.
A torrid time on the road has also seen Chelsea suffer defeat in six of their last seven matches away from their Stamford Bridge base, but while the form book does not favour the Blues, the historical records do; Wednesday’s visitors have prevailed in eight of their last nine FA Cup replays.
Remarkably, all of Aston Villa’s last five home games in the FA Cup have ended in defeat, but faced with a permeable Chelsea side who are often easy pickings on the road, that curse should be lifted here.
Aiming to make lightning strike twice in FA Cup replays, Nottingham Forest host Bristol City in Wednesday’s fourth-round rematch at the City Ground.
Nottingham Forest players
Nuno Espirito Santo‘s men played out a goalless draw with their Championship counterparts at Ashton Gate on January 26, but both sides have previous when it comes to prevailing at the second bite of the cherry. On their latest quest to be crowned FA Cup winners for the very first time, Bristol City eliminated Forest’s Premier League counterparts West Ham United thanks to a 1-0 replay success at Ashton Gate, a result which saw Liam Manning have the last laugh against his former club.
However, that memorable beating of the Europa Conference League champions represents Bristol City’s only win from their last nine matches in all tournaments, as they subsequently shared the spoils with Forest, Watford and Coventry City before playing host to Leeds United in Friday’s Championship offering.
Forest may not be as prolific in the final third as they were during the earliest days of Santo’s reign, however, faced with a Bristol City side who flatter to deceive on the road and were fortunate to only lose by one against Leeds, Forest could conjure up an identical success over the Robins en route to a glamour fifth-round meeting with Manchester United.
On Wednesday, Atletico Madrid will welcome Athletic Bilbao to the Civitas Metropolitano for the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals. Atleti are unbeaten in six competitive games, while the visitors have avoided defeat in each of their previous three matches.
Atletico will head into Wednesday’s cup clash off the back of Sunday’s 1-1 draw against their local rivals Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. They will now turn their attention to Wednesday’s Copa del Rey fixture as they begin to dream about winning the competition for the 11th time in their history and the first time since lifting the trophy in the 2012-13 season.
Jubilant Athletic Bilbao players
Atleti will be confident about making home advantage count in Wednesday’s first leg, having avoided defeat in each of their last 28 competitive matches at the Metropolitano since losing 1-0 to Barcelona in a league fixture in January 2023.
In contrast to their hosts, Athletic have had to beat five teams to book their place in the semi-final, including Rubi, Cayon, Eibar and Alaves.
Ernesto Valverde‘s side went on to beat record winners Barcelona in last month’s quarter-finals, as they fought back from 2-1 down to claim a 4-2 victory after extra time.
Atletico have gone over a year without losing a competitive game at the Metropolitano, and having won 11 of their last 13 home matches against Athletic, we think that the hosts will do enough to claim a narrow victory in the first leg of the semi-final tie.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
PSG, Brestbattle for a spot in Coupede France last eight
The headline fixture in the round of 16 of the Coupe de France will come from Parc des Princes, where Paris Saint-Germain will take on Brest on Wednesday evening.
This match will see two of Ligue 1’s best teams this season duke it out for a spot in the last eight, with PSG currently leading the league standings while Brest are in third place.
Mpabbe, PSG
Paris Saint-Germain were knocked out of this competition in this same round last term and will be looking to win back the Coupe de France after holding on to the trophy in the previous two seasons. So far, they have been formidable in the competition, kicking off the campaign with a massive 9-0 win over Revel at the start of January and following that up with a 4-1 victory over Orleans a couple of weeks ago.
The Parisians have an incredible home record in this competition and have not lost at Parc des Princes since January 2014, posting a total of 15 wins and just a single draw in that time.
In addition, Luis Enrique‘s side have an even more impressive record against this opponent, unbeaten in their last 27 competitive matches (W19 D8 L0) spanning a period of almost four decades.
However, the 14-time champions of this tournament will know that they will need to be at their best to progress to the next round, especially after Brest came from two goals down to take a point off them in a nail-biting league encounter less than two weeks ago.
Nigeria‘s impressive Africa Cup of Nations campaign has put them a step away from the final, but they must outdo South Africa in Wednesday’s semi-final at Stade de la Paix.
The Super Eagles kept a fourth consecutive clean sheet last time out against Angola en route to the last four, while Bafana Bafana needed Ronwen Williams at his finest to defeat Cape Verde in the quarter-finals.
Ademola Lookman has been the Super Eagles’ shining light at AFCON 2023, adding to his brace against Cameroon to score his third at the finals, thus becoming the fourth Nigerian to score three or more goals in the knockout rounds of a single edition, joining Odion Ighalo in 2019 (four), Jay-Jay Okocha in 2004 (three) and Rashidi Yekiniin 1994 (three).
South Africa
Despite Osimhen’s profligate finishing at the finals, Monday night’s news of the Napoli striker’s abdominal discomfort has stunned supporters, as neither Terem Moffinor Kelechi Iheanacho have received game time all tournament.
Regardless of the African Footballer of the Year’s eventual availability, Peseiro is expected to stick to his 3-4-2-1, with Lookman and Moses Simon supporting Moffi, Iheanacho or Paul Onuachu if Osimhen does not feature.
South Africa are not expected to be compliant opponents, considering they have already eliminated competition favourites Morocco in the last 16 and defeated Cape Verde in Saturday’s quarter-final.
Williams was the undoubted hero in the shootout that followed 120 minutes without a goal, saving four penalties to divert attention from his teammates botching their kicks from 12 yards.
The upshot of their goalkeeper’s brilliance means a first semi-final appearance at the Cup of Nations since 2000, with Bafana Bafana making the semis for a third consecutive edition in that finals at the start of the millennium — winners in 1996, runners-up in 1998 and third in 2000.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
South Africa have never beaten Nigeria at the Cup of Nations, losing 2-0 in the semis in 2000, being defeated 4-0 in 2004 and suffering elimination after a 2-1 loss at the last eight in 2019, underscoring the one-sided nature of this fixture at the continental showpiece.
PREDICTION
Nigeria have not only had an extra day to recover before Wednesday’s fixture with South Africa in Bouake, they have also navigated the knockout rounds without needing extra time or penalties to advance, giving Peseiro’s side the physical edge needed in the semis to advance to the competition’s decider.Even though it is unknown if the Super Eagles have enough left in the tank for another performance mostly hinging on defensive solidity, the ambition of featuring in their first final since winning it in 2013 could see them carry on doggedly in the competition’s first semi-final.
It is the Elephants’ first game in Ebimpe since their 4-0 humiliation against Equatorial Guinea at the group stage, and they get the chance to appease the supporters in Abidjan against a DRC side keen to make the competition’s decider since 1974. No other team has epitomised the drama-laden Cup of Nations more than the host nation, who have soldiered on despite their challenges with injuries and a dispiriting group stage.
Ivory Coast
The Elephants were on the brink of elimination after losing heavily in their final group-stage fixture against the Equatoguineans, but faith has been renewed in this side under Emerse Fae‘s leadership since the ex-Ivory Coast international replaced Jean-Louis Gasset before their knockout fate was determined.
Since that decision, the home side have eliminated defending champions Senegal and fought back incredibly with 10 men to score in the final minute of regulation and extra time to seal a phenomenal victory over Mali that raised the roof in Bouake.
While it is uncertain if Ivory Coast have anything left in the tank, considering they have played an extra 30 minutes against the Lions of Teranga and in Saturday’s quarter-final success, the hosts hope to draw inspiration from a crowd to take them through to their first final.
DRC have barely played this fixture since claiming the 1974 title and have been defeated in both semis in 1998 and 2015, even if they secured third place in both editions to lessen the pain of not making the deciding fixture.
The Leopards hope to be third-time lucky against the competition hosts, with the benefit of already playing at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium against Guinea standing them in good stead for Wednesday’s semi-final.
However, they did not contend with a partisan and hostile crowd in that fixture, suggesting different questions will be asked of Desabre’s side against the Elephants.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
DR Congo
These teams have not met at AFCON since the 2017 edition, a group game that ended 2-2, extending DRC’s winless run against Ivory Coast at the Cup of Nations to two games, having defeated the West African nation in their initial meeting in 2002.
PREDICTION.
Ivory Coast are without the suspended Serge Aurier for an accumulation of cards, Odilon Kossounou, sent off for two yellow card offences against Mali, and Oumar Diakite, dismissed moments after scoring the quarter-final decider for receiving a second booking.
While Congo DR could fancy their prospects against the host nation, the Elephants have momentum and the backing of the home support.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has recommended to the Auditor-General, a special audit of the National Sports Authority (NSA). The recommendation followed a number of irregularities, including the closing down of the Accra Sports Stadium, impropriety and infractions.
Chairman of PAC James Klutse Avedze and ranking member Kofi Okyere Agyekum
The NSA, headed by the Director General, Prof. Peter Twumasi, appeared before PAC on Monday, February 5, 2024 in the company of his officials to respond to queries cited in the 2022 Auditor-General’s report.
The NSA was led by the Minister for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif.
The alleged infractions rankled the committee members, as the NSA, in its (Committee) estimation could not provide convincing explanations.
The Chairman of the PAC, James Klutse Avedzi, had no option than make a strong statement after gauging the sense around the table, during the public hearing.
He said, “We will recommend in our report. But I think you should communicate this to the Auditor-General himself immediately. There is a need for a special audit of the National Sports Authority.
“I want to make a recommendation, which we will put in our report, that the Auditor-General go and do a special audit of the National Sports Authority. It is our recommendation. You can decide to do it or not. But looking at what is happening here, I think the place is in a mess.”
ARREST
The Committee issued a stern directive for the apprehension of the Northern Regional Director and Accountant at the Tamale office of the NSA.
Public Accounts Committee in session
They are to be arrested for failing to deposit over GH₡169,791.25 internally generated funds into the designated transit account of the NSA. Their action violates the Public Financial Management Regulations of 2019.
As contained in paragraph 864 of the report, the Auditors recommended that the Chief Director should ensure that the unauthorised funds used by the management of the authority be refunded and paid into the Auditor General recovery account.
The Committee was told that the Regional Director and Accountant, who are signatories to the account, had not deposited the amount. By law, they were to retain 66% of all IGF and lodge 34% into the consolidated fund transit account.
The Director General of NSA, Prof. Twumasi, told the committee that the affected regions were written to on January 16, 2024 to attend the PAC meeting, but the Northern Regional Director did not show up.
The Chief Accountant of the NSA informed the Committee that he did not know why the Tamale office did not lodge the 44%,, but his monitoring has not gotten to Tamale yet, despite the recalcitrance of that office. He told the Committee that the Tamale office spent that money on goods and services.
“Look, that office is rotten. I mean, the [National Sports] Authority is rotten. Minister, we are directing that the Regional Director and Accountant in the region be picked up by the police. They should be picked up immediately by the police.
“You are invited to appear before a Committee of Parliament, but you refuse to attend, knowing very well that you have squandered over GH₡160,000 and that you think that we will leave you scot-free. Minister, kindly do that and let’s get the feedback,” the PAC chairman directed.
The Minister for Youth and Sports assured the committee that action would be taken and a report would be given to the committee.
DEBT WRITE OFF
Another issue was the unauthorised declaration of bad debt, captured at paragraph 867 of the report. The auditors reviewed that, without the approval of the Minister for Finance, the Tamale office wrote off GH₡21,150 owed by Vodafone Ghana and CCMI Pastor Aziz.
Members of the public who have come to witness the PAC sitting
The Auditors recommended that they reinstate the debt and ensure recovery. Though the Chief Accountant informed the Committee they had complied with the recommendation, the auditors said they had no evidence to that effect.
In fact, it was revealed that the debt, two years down the line, had not been recovered, except to say that the Chief Accountant said a demand notice had been sent to the organisations.
When asked for the basis for the write-off, the Chief Accountant said the Northern Regional Director would be the right person to answer, but she did not attend the sitting yesterday.
The Vice Chairman of the Committee, Samuel Atta-Mills, also said he was not impressed with the happenings at the authority, saying that there was a lot of rot at the NSA.
He mentioned that Vodafone Ghana owed the NSA GH₡18,900 and CCMI owed the NSA GH₡2,250 and did not understand why the amounts were written off by a regional head “without permission.”
The Chief Accountant, who fumbled in an attempt to offer an explanation, sounded unconvincing.
Looking disappointed, the Vice Chair, Samuel Atta-Mills, said “Ei, National Sports Authority! I won’t talk about Black Stars.”
The Committee gave the NSA one month to recover the GH₡21,150 owed by Vodafone Ghana and CCMI Pastor Aziz.
UNDERMINE
The Committee observed that the Director General of the NSA, Prof. Twumasi, undermines the Minister for Youth and Sports.
The PAC arrived at the conclusion after observing that Prof. Twumasi blocked a directive by the sector minister for the Central Regional Director, Alexander Tieku, to be transferred.
The Committee noted that the DG of NSA, Prof. Twumasi, signed the letter transferring Alexander Tieku on the request of the Minister, but had further discussion with Tieku on the blindside of the Minister, for the transfer not to be effected.
Though Tieku initially denied receiving such a letter, when pressed further, he later told the committee he received it via WhatsApp.
The sector minister told the Committee that he was aware of the transfer as he directed for it and was aware of the officer refusing to move.
The minister explained what initiated the transfer. He said ahead of the World Cup qualifying match, there was an independence celebration on the pitch.
He said, considering how the pitch would be affected, he had identified an expert in pitch maintenance to offer help in putting the pitch in shape for the match and recommended it to the DG of the NSA.
The person, according to the Minister, manages the pitch of Right to Dream Academy, but the Cape Coast Regional Director did not give the expert access.
This culminated in a failure on the part of the usual team to prepare the pitch for the match, leading to a rescheduling to Kumasi.
Prof. Twumasi admitted to discussing the transfer with Mr. Tieku and he asked the Regional Director to stay on.
Prof. Twumasi explained that there were some home matches to be played that “needed much experience,” thus asking him not to leave.
On not allowing the pitch management expert access, he said “it was purely a misunderstanding,” arguing that the stadium was a very sensitive place.
“You are not respecting the minister at all. You are actually undermining the minister. It is not good. Mr. Twumasi, it is not good,” the PAC chairman said, but Prof. Twumasi debunked that assertion.
The Committee directed that the acting Cape Coast Regional Director, Mr. Tieku to honour the transfer. The PAC directed the DG of NSA, Prof. Twumasi, to ensure the transfer was honoured and report back to it.
In a public interest question, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Nettey George, raised concerns about the use of the pitch for other events.
He asked whether pitch covers were used during the festive season, when events were held on the pitch. Notable was the musical concert held by dancehall artiste, Livingston Etse Satekla (Stonebwoy), for which the DG said pitch covers were not used.
He explained that the covers are used for a short period, but that event occupied the pitch for over four days, meaning if the pitch was covered, heat would have destroyed it faster than the event did.
However, he said that the amount charged to use the facility was able to recover the pitch and showed pictures of the all-green-looking pitch of the Accra Sports Stadium.
Meanwhile, the MP probed further to know why the amounts realised from the December events were not deposited in the Accra account of the NSA, given that they manage the facility.
According to the MP, part of the GH₡250,000 accrued from renting out the Accra sports stadium was paid in the Accra account and some in the Kumasi account of the NSA.
The Chief Accountant admitted that happened, but told the Committee that he acted on the instructions of the DG of NSA.
The DG did not see anything wrong with the development, as he argued that the NSA runs all the accounts, and in the event of financial difficulties, the authority relies on its regional account for succour.
He later claimed that the Bank of Ghana had garnished their account because of tax liability.
The Ningo-Prampram MP raised another issue with regards to a contract with Multichoice Ghana to brand the Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale sports stadia.
According to the MP, though Multichoice says it paid money for all three, the NSA has it in its record that the Kumasi branding was through a barter system with Multichoice.
The Chief Accountant and the DG said they were not aware of the barter, and the DG said that could easily be verified.
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia signing the book of remembrance
Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Most Rev. Dr Abraham Opare Kwakye, is urging the family of the late Dr. Joseph Kwame Kyeretwie Boakye Danquah (JB Danquah) to let go any pains suffered as a result of the circumstances leading to the death of Dr JB Danquah.
He said the family should rather live the JB Danquah ideals in promoting freedom and justice for all and respect for the traditional institutions.
Preaching at the remembrance service held at the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church of Ghana at Kyebi, Dr OpareKwakye indicated that it is time for total forgiveness.
He advised Ghanaians to emulate the JB Danquah spirit in speaking truth to power without fear.
In his tribute, the Okyehene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin narrated that the whole nation stood in grief and shock at the untimely demise of Dr JB Danquah in the Nsawam Medium Security Prison, where he had been detained on the orders of the Kwame Nkrumah led Convention Peoples Party (CPP), under horrendous circumstances.
He said JBDanquah’s contribution to the consolidation of Okyeman, Akan cultural heritage, the independence struggle of our country, the defence of democracy and the struggle against authoritarianism and arbitrariness has a unique place in the history of Ghana.
According to the Okyehene, JB Danquahwas with Nananom at the Conference of Paramount Chiefs of the Eastern Province of the Gold Coast at the early age of 21 years, serving as State Secretary of Akyem Abuakwa, where the foundation was laid for the establishment of the Joint Provincial Council, where he led in the formulation of the Native Administration Ordinance of 1927.
President Akufo-Addo at the graveyard of JB Danquah
He said the impact JB Danquah made to the understanding and preservation of Akan culture, heritage and tradition can be seen in his cogitative rendition of a theoretic and scientific treatise of the customary institutions of the Akan people in his celebrated work, “AKAN LAWS AND CUSTOMS – AND THE AKYEM ABUAKWA CONSTITUTION”, published in London in 1928.
Dr. JBDanquah was imprisoned under the Preventive Detention Act, an obnoxious law which anticipates and punish your future actions.
Under the imprimatur orders of the CPP leadership, Dr. Danquah was arrested on 8th January, 1964 admitted to the Nsawam prisons condemned cells, a cell which was not suitable for a man of his condition and age.
The man who had high blood pressure and suffered asthma was put in a cell where he could neither stand nor walk, fed on gari, salt and water and endured other forms of inhuman treatment till the day he collapsed and died on 4th February, 1965.
Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panie added that even in his death, JB Danquah was punished. The Nkrumah led CPP government decreed that the burial was to be held within 12 hours. His body was not to be publicly laid in state and there was to be no public mourning and crying.
The District Commissioner received orders from Accra and a team of Officers, and men from the Army and the Police were despatched to Kyebi to ensure compliance.
For 59 years, Dr. Joseph Kwame Kyeretwie Boakye Danquah was denied a funeral rite, the most sacred of all rites of passage.
The Okyehene was quick to add that“As time is the great healer of wounds, the functionaries of the Nkrumah-led CPP and their assigns can and should be forgiven”.
Okyehene mentioned the need to look to a brighter future guided by a vision of hope, tolerance and reverence for the opinions, lives and dignity of all persons irrespective of their political views.
Osagyefo described Dr JB Danquahas the epitome and embodiment of the respect of human dignity, the culture and traditions of all peoples and the love for freedom of all men.
“May the vision of Dr JB Danquah and the challenges of his times guide us all towards this goal of preserving and entrenching the culture of peacefulness, respect for personal freedom and political pluralism enjoyed by the people of Ghana”, the Okyehene prayed.
In a moment that reverberated throughout the nation, Alan Kyerematen, esteemed leader and catalyst for change, has delivered a resolute call to action at the National Economic Summit.
Against the backdrop of the theme: “Building Non-Partisan Consensus for a National Economic Development Plan,” Mr Kyerematen’s impassioned address captivated attendees at the prestigious Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, igniting a collective fervour for transformative dialogue and collaborative action.
At the heart of Kyerematen’s message lies the Great Transformational Plan (GTP), a ground-breaking roadmap designed to propel Ghana from poverty to prosperity.
With 15 pillars spanning five key clusters, the GTP offers pragmatic solutions to the nation’s most pressing challenges, from economic revitalisation to infrastructure development, social services, governance and behavioural change.
Departing from traditional rhetoric, Kyerematen emphasised the imperative of action over analysis, urging participants to shift focus from diagnosing problems to implementing actionable policies.
He underscored the interconnected nature of governance and economic prosperity, announcing plans for future summits to address broader governance challenges impacting Ghana’s economy.
Throughout his impassioned address, Mr Kyerematen posed three fundamental questions that resonate with every Ghanaian: First how will the nation reset its course towards prosperity? Secondly, what concrete steps will be taken to generate wealth and ensure inclusive distribution? And thirdly, when will accountability be upheld for past misappropriations?
As a politician guided by a noble cause, Mr Alan Kyerematen reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to economic prosperity, calling upon attendees to join him in this noble endeavor. With optimism and determination, he concluded his address, leaving participants inspired and empowered to seize the opportunity to shape Ghana’s economic destiny.
In the wake of Kyerematen’s stirring call to action, Ghana stands on the brink of a new era defined by resilience, inclusivity and accountability.
The National Economic Summit served as a beacon of hope, igniting a collective determination to reset Ghana’s economic course and forge a path towards a brighter future for all.
He said the family should rather live the JB Danquah ideals in promoting freedom and justice for all and respect for the traditional institutions.
