Manchester United winger Antony has flown back to England from Brazil and has agreed to meet Greater Manchester Police to answer questions about the serious allegations made against him.
It is understood the 23-year-old is willing to surrender his phone to GMP to aid their investigation.
His ex-partner Gabriela Cavallin made allegations of abuse via Brazilian news outlet UOL, which Antony denies.
United say they are taking the allegations “seriously” and have granted Antony leave with full pay to deal with the allegations.
Antony had been in Brazil since reporting for international duty but was withdrawn from the squad when news of the allegations emerged.
On 4 September Brazilian news outlet UOL published allegations made by his former girlfriend Cavallin, in which she accused Antony of attacking her “with a headbutt” in a Manchester hotel room on 15 January, leaving her with a cut head which needed treatment from a doctor.
Cavallin also alleges she was punched in the chest, causing damage to a silicone breast implant, which required corrective surgery.
Antony previously said on social media about Cavallin’s claims: “I can calmly state that the accusations are false and that the evidence already produced and the other evidence that will be produced demonstrate that I am innocent of the accusations made.”
He released a statement in June saying he had been falsely accused by his former girlfriend of domestic violence. He was interviewed by police in Brazil in June but was not charged.
Local police raised no objection to the player returning to the UK.
Two further allegations arose when De Freitas and Lana each claimed Antony assaulted them in 2022, which Antony denies.
Lana, a 33-year-old banker, claimed in an interview with Brazil’s Record TV that she hit her head when “pushed against a wall” by Antony at his house in Manchester in October 2022. Credit: bbc.com
There was genuine optimism at Chelsea heading into the season that they could put their dire 2022-23 campaign behind them and start to build something under Pochettino, but the early signs are not looking promising.
The Blues have taken just five points from their opening six games, recording their worst league start since 1978, and it isn’t hard to see their main issue – scoring goals.
They only netted 38 times last term, and their goals-per-game ratio is even worse in 2023-24 with the team scoring just five times in six matches. Three of those came in one game against newly-promoted Luton, who have only picked up one point themselves.
Chelsea’s disappointing results have left them 14th in the table, already nine points adrift of the top four. But have they been unlucky?
According to Opta statistics, Pochettino’s men actually rank highly compared their Premier League rivals in a number of attacking categories this month.
They sit third out of the 20 top-flight clubs when it comes to total shots (45) and touches inside the opposition box (110) in September.
Their expected goals (xG) is also up at 5.49 for the month, placing them fifth. It is clear that opportunities are being created, and these numbers indicate they should be competing for a European spot.
The problem is finding the finishing touch. Chelsea are the only Premier League team to not score in September, and they are tied for third when it comes to most big chances missed (seven).
They also only rank 12th when it comes to shots on target (12), suggesting a lack of composure in front of goal.
Victor Osimhen has removed nearly all photos of him in a Napoli shirt from his Instagram account following a racist TikTok video from the club which labelled the forward ‘a coconut’.
The striker who fired Napoli to a first league title in over 30 years last season, was the target of a video where he was mocked by his own club on social media on Tuesday.
One video centered on his penalty miss during Sunday’s goalless draw against Bologna.
It was a rare miss for the Nigerian who has scored 62 goals in 107 appearances for the Serie A side, yet the video appeared to mock him for his attempts to persuade for the penalty to be given.
The video showed the 24-year-old appealing for a penalty, but using a strange sped-up voice with the caption ‘Gimme penalty please’ before showing him blazing the spot-kick wide of the post.
A second video allegedly from the club’s account, which has been circulated online and since deleted, compared Osimhen to a ‘coconut’ – widely viewed as a racial slur.
Osimhen has removed the majority of photos of him wearing a Napoli shirt from Instagram, with a single post remaining.
There is a now serious risk that Osimhen decides do not participate in Napoli’s Serie A match against Udinese on Wednesday night.
The incident has case serious doubt over the relationship between last season’s top scorer in Serie A and the reigning Italian champions.
A lack of dialogue over contract negotiations between Osimhen and Aurelio De Laurentiis’ club has already led to concerns over the Nigerian forward’s future.
Osimhen’s contract expires in June 2025, which could led to Napoli being forced to consider a sale in either the January or summer transfer windows.
The TikTok videos posted from Napoli’s account and Osimhen’s agent Roberto Calenda threatening legal action against the club has created a media storm and concern among the club’s supporters.
All the anticipation will shift to the match against Udinese to see if Osimhen will start or begin the match on the bench.
The rift between the player and the club has created a difficult situation, which has increased the likelihood Osimhen could be sold.
Justin Kodua Frimpong, General Secretary of New Patriotic Party (NPP)
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) says it has accepted the resignation of Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen from the party, but insists that the decision would not thwart their efforts in breaking ‘the 8’.
Addressing a news conference in Accra yesterday, the General Secretary of the party, Justin Kodua Frimpong said the resignation of the former Trade and Industry Minister from the Elephant family was not novel.
According to him, some prominent members in both NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) resigned from their parties, but their departures did not affect the political parties.
“Under the Fourth Republic, both the NPP and the NDC have had some leading members of their party break ranks to either form their own party or join other political parties, yet the mother party remained resilient.
“Going into the 2024 general elections, the party has a message, and we use this opportunity to commend Mr. Kyerematen for admitting the good work the government has done, under his then ministry,” he said.
THE MESSAGE
According to NPP, it would go into next year’s presidential election with records, including those from the Trade and Industry sector, which Alan headed.
The party outlined the various achievements, which are the establishment of the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative, the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) and the development of new strategic anchor industries, including automobile assembly and component manufacturing.
Others are the establishment of business resource centres and technology solutions centres all over the country. There is also the Integrated Customs Service (UNIPASS), the establishment of industrial parks, including the greater Kumasi industrial city and the Special Economic Zone.
In addition is the development of a national export strategy with a target of achieving export revenue of 25 billion US dollars by 2030, the introduction of business regulatory reforms and public-private dialogue mechanisms to facilitate government interaction with the private sector
REAFFIRM
The NPP, the General Secretary claimed, has always been a dynamic and resilient political party, adding that the turn of events serves as an opportunity for them to demonstrate their unity, fortitude and unwavering commitment to the principles the party was founded upon.
The General Secretary urged party faithfuls to “reaffirm” their dedication towards the party, as it strives to win the 2024 general election and make a monumental record.
“We urge party faithfuls to reaffirm their dedication towards this common goal. Our party’s strength has always been derived from the unity and resilience of our members, and we call upon each and every one of you to rally together and uphold the principles that define us.
Indeed, we are the NPP and the elephant is our winning symbol.”
APPEAL
The party commended its rank and file for remaining steadfast and openly rallying behind it, reassuring them that the elephant is a winning symbol.
Kodua begged members who were hitherto supporting Mr. Kyerematen by virtue of his membership in the party to continue supporting the party to ‘break the eight’.
“Together, we shall overcome challenges and together, we shall achieve success. We urge all party faithfuls to remain committed, dedicated and resolute in the ongoing voter limited registration exercise,” he said.
Some known members of the NPP, who openly supported Alan’s candidacy for the flag-bearer contest, have disassociated themselves since his resignation.
The likes of Abena Osei Asare, Member of Parliament (MP) for Atiwa East; Davis Ansah Opoku, MP for Mpraeso and Cathering Ablema Afeku, aspiring MP for Evalue-Gwira, have all indicated they remain committed to the course of the NPP.
The Vice President and the presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mahamudu Bawumia has appealed to parents to avoid the temptation of allowing their children who are underage to register in the ongoing Limited Voter Registration.
According to him, both the parents and children could suffer legal and other consequences for entering the register before they are qualified to do so.
“We have received reports from across the country of attempts to register minors in the ongoing Limited Registration Exercise. This is very worrying.
“Apart from the illegality of such efforts, it also amounts to endangering the lives of these children, because if they enter the national records with the wrong age, it will have an effect on them throughout their lives.
“It means, for instance, that they will be going on retirement before their actual age. They may not benefit from policies or programmes specifically designed to meet the needs of the youth.
And it may have other unforeseen consequences”, he warned.
Dr Bawumia, who suspended his nationwide engagement with NPP Delegates on 23rd September, 2023 to enable the party concentrate fully on the Registration exercise, emphasised yesterday during his tour of registration centres in Accra that there was the need for a clean and credible register for the 2024 general elections and beyond.
“The Constitution guarantees every Ghanaian of the right age and sound mind the right to vote.
I would therefore like to urge all stakeholders- parents, guardians, new registrants, parties – to cooperate with officials of the Electoral Commission to have a smooth and incident-free exercise to produce a register we can all be proud of. I would also like to thank officials of the EC for the great work they have done so far, despite the initial challenges,” he said.
Traders in Kumasi, particularly members of the Kumasi Central Market Traders Union have threatened toprotest against the delay in the implementation of the €248 million Second Phase of the Kejetia Redevelopment Project, being financed by the Deutsche Bank of Germany, with export credit guarantee from the United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF).
The proposed demonstration is intended to draw the attention of concerned authorities to resume work on the project, since it is being unduly delayed.
Sam Pyne – KMA boss
The phase two of the Kejetia Central Market Redevelopment has seemingly been abandoned due to lack of funding.
The traders, who have plans to occupy these spaces upon project completion, have repeatedly stressed the need for urgent action to resume construction, as they are getting agitated about the delays.
In May 2019, 2023 the president cut the sod for the project to be commenced and was to be completed within 48-months.
The second phase of the project is expected to house 6,500 leasable commercial spaces; 5,400 closed stores; 800 kiosks; 50 restaurants and 210 fishmonger and butcher stores and 40 livestock stores among others, as well as provide 900 direct jobs and 2,500 indirect jobs to improve the lot of residents, but it has stalled.
Madam Emilia Kwofie, Secretary of the combined Kumasi Central Market Traders Union, says they are demanding authorities to prioritise this project, adding that they will embark on the demonstration once they finish going through the process with the police.
About 8,500 traders were relocated from the Central market in Kumasi to enable Contracta-UK Construction Limited the contractors to commence work on the second phase of the Kejetia Redevelopment project in 2021.
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) accordingly prepared the Race Course and the Afia Kobi (Abinkyi) Markets, under a roadmap for the resettlement of the traders.
About 3,500 shop owners and 4,000 second hand cloth dealers at the Central market were resettled at the Afia Kobi Market, whilst 1,000 fish sellers moved to the Race Course, which has enough space to absorb more traders.
Reacting to the concerns of the traders, Samuel Pyne said work on the projects will resume soon, without giving any time frame.
Kwasi Aboagye - Obuasi West NPP Polling Station executive
Mr. Kwasi Aboagye, a Polling Station executive of the Obuasi West Constituency since 1996 has said Mr. Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen’s resignation from the party, last Monday, is a good omen.
He thinks his announced resignation would enhance the forward match of the party in its bid to win the 2024 elections, stressing that the development would facilitate the ‘Break the 8’ mantra.
“NPP should be encouraged that the woes of the party have ended with the resignation of Mr. Alan Kyerematen”.
According to the leading party member, Mr. Kyerematen’sexit has helped to end the perceived factions which hinged on Nana Akufo-Addo and Alan Kyerematen as a successor of former President Kufuor and, therefore, has further strengthened the unity of the party.
Talking to the media in Kumasi yesterday, Mr. Aboagye described Monday’s development as “good riddance to bad rubbish”.
He noted that the resignation of the former Trade Minister from the party has and would not have any negative bearing on the NPP.
“It will not make any impact on the NPP. Rather a Bawumia-led government would bring about the change Ghanaians desire”.
Mr. Aboagye suspected that there could be another resignation by one of the NPP Presidential aspirants, and noted that in the event of another resignation, the party would be strengthened further.
He said there are no factions in the party as Alan’s exit will bring an end to the Kufuor faction in NPP, and with Nana Akufo-Addo about to leave the scene, the party will fully enjoy harmony and unity.
He said Mr. Alan Kyerematen had not consolidated the legacy and support base left to him by Ex-President Kufuor because he is not a politician.
Mr. Aboagye has, therefore, called on delegates to rally behind the candidacy of Dr. Bawumia to bring change to the fortunes of the country.
He explained that the support enjoyed by Dr. Bawumia, a Muslim from the Church of Pentecost, Catholic Church and the Methodist Church, points to the fact that the choice of Dr. Bawumia is divine.
The Obuasi West party executive also reminded delegates about the Bawumia and Otumfuo relationship, Bawumia and Chief Imam ties and the way Bawumia relates to Christendom, which are indications that the way is smooth for the party to sail through in the 2024 elections.
Mr. Aboagye further appealed to the party hierarchy to consider pairing Dr. Bawumia with Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Minister of Education, as his running mate, to strengthen the unity and oneness among members of the party.
The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rt Rev Prof Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante, according to a report carried by the Daily Graphic yesterday, has expressed worry over the increasing addiction of the youth to betting and called for efforts to check the trend.
He, the report continued, contended that the situation had left many of them in pain and poorer, as the betting companies continued to cash in on their vulnerabilities. Moderator Yeboah Mante also noted that the youth faced several challenges, such as drug addiction, sex and betting, which, he said, were detrimental to their wellbeing and communities.
He, therefore, called on the church and other relevant stakeholders to help instil discipline among the youth, and also guide them on to the path of growth. Rt Rev Prof Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante also urged the government to come up with the necessary strategies to check such activities. He further advised churches to set up effective counselling units to help rehabilitate persons with addictions.
The problems of betting and drug addiction, among other social vices, are serious issues that every individual, churches and organisations should not brush aside. Prosperity, in our opinion, lies in hard work, but regrettably, majority of the youth think otherwise. To them, if betting will bring quick money, why indulge in hard work, which, at the end of the day, does not satisfy their needs.
The Chronicle is, therefore, not surprised that on Saturdays and Sundays when the European Football League matches are being played, the youth troop to the betting centres, not to entertain themselves with the games, but to bet on the results. Certainly, the economy of Ghana cannot grow up to the level we are all looking for if this is the mind-set of our youth.
We concede that unemployment, especially among the youth, is a serious challenge that we, as a country, are grappling with, but this should not be used as an excuse to over indulge in betting, which does not even guarantee a regular income to the bettor. But the big question is: can Rev Prof Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante and the church in Ghana absolve themselves from the issue under discussion?
The answer, we dare say, is no – the Church and the Mosque have a big role to play in clamping down on what Rev Mante considers moral decadence. The Church, in particular, is making so much money, but the leaders are not investing it into productive sectors that will, at the end of the day, provide employment for the youth.
As a matter of fact, some of our pastors prefer riding in posh cars and building mansions to establishing factories to employ the youth. The Chronicle, however, admits that some of the churches, especially the orthodox ones, are doing well, as they have invested in the education and health sectors of the economy.
We believe if all the churches are to toe the same line, the challenge would have been addressed by now, albeit halfway. The Chronicle is, therefore, calling on our religious leaders to review their personal life styles and see how best to address the unemployment conundrum, which is driving most of the youth into betting, though, in our opinion, this should not be the justification for their conducts.
Again, majority of the youth troop to mosques and churches every Friday and Sunday, and if they are going wayward, it means the impact of the Church and the Mosque is not being felt. This calls for the review of our religious teachings to focus on the moral aspect, which has now been thrown to the dogs.
It is quite bamboozling, to say the least, that honourable persons would go to all lengths to discuss a showdown; a showoff of some sort whether nonsensical or bullshit talk, all in the name of remaining relevant in our political dispensation as the biggest most credible political party under the Ghanaian sky. And of course, it is the NPPthat is the biggest, make no mistake about that!
However, recently, after the uncouth manner of campaign brought on by the inefficient and incompetent team of Alan Kyerematen led by an awful spokesperson and, more so, a bunch of rascals that, totally, obliterated the relevance of Alan in our body politics, we still see traits of such vile rhetoric coming from other camps.
On this note, let me pause and salute Dr Akoto Afriyie for the clean campaign thus far done and encourage him to continue doing same until the deed is done. Although I disagree with him on a lot of issues, I still doff my hat for the decorum associated with his camp! His last statement, “if I do not win, I will support whoever does in the November 4, 2023, primaries,” needs to be adopted as a slogan by all, especially the vile ones.
Let me state that I love Kennedy Agyapong for his boldness and no-nonsense stance on issues albeit some are overly farfetched; “aswerigad”, in his own voice! But, recently, he has misfired, and woefully inaptly, too, like a diehard patron of a pito bar, which has blotched his pages with indelible crassness that will be difficult to wipe clean except with an admission of fault.
You see, he has inflicted on himself deep political wounds that have suppurated causing him pain, and I do not understand why he would want to cause himself more that will fester with such excess in insults, infantile insinuations, and loose talk especially the recent spate of attacks on Dr Mahmoud Bawumia to the effect that Soale’s killers are known to him. That was the straw that broke the camel’s back, hence this article.
Yes, of course, I am connected to the signal, if you know what I mean. If you don’t, let me make it clear and emphatic that I am for Dr. Bawumia. In fact I swore my allegiance to him in 2011 as the next after my unfettered allegiance and support to the best President ever, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
If you have access to Bawumia, you can ask him!However, that did not mean that I forfeited the right to express my opinion where and when necessary, but the unruly situation created by dirty slanging and the uncouth demeanour of aspirants for the flagbearership of our party has forced me out of my “one corner” to tell it as it is right in “your face”, if you like.
Kennedy has been fingered in the death of Soale, which I do not believe at all. In fact, I, totally, detest such accusations because Kennedy is not a murderer! But for the fact that ongoing investigations and accusations point his way, he should be the last person to shift the goalpost by offloading blame to one of the few cleanest gentlemen Ghana has ever know, Dr, Mahamudu Bawumia!
Just making such unprovoked announcements has strengthened my belief in the signs that are splashed across our sky foretelling the ascent of Dr. Bawumia to the presidency of Ghana in 2025, thus, creating history in many forms! Kennedy should have learnt a lesson or two after losing a lawsuit to Kweku Baaku, having erred in his bravado after which he went whimpering and begging!
Since Dr. Bawumia arrived on the political scene of our country, I am yet to hear him insult any opponent. He has not even been vile towards the NDC that has left no stone unturned in their quest to destroy his image, albeit fruitlessly, even though he has the right after their attempt to assassinate him in 2012 along the Wa-Bole road.
He has not been fazed at all with the rubbish that is being constantly hurled at him, and as such would not be intimidated by the evil impulses of dear Kennedy!So, what is it that the offenders are afraid of? What is it that is giving Kennedy the shivers, pushing him to compromise his credibility by making mockery, lies, and insults an integral part of his campaign?
Kennedy Agyepong must make haste slowly anytime his switch clicks because sooner than later, it would take one unholy utterance to destroy all that he has worked for since he became, errremm, an “abrante3”! Let me use this opportunity to dedicate a song for his listening pleasure, “Sikayɛabranteɛ” by Super Yaw Ofori. Ampa, sana sika y3 abranteɛ, ɛmomɛntumitɔnyansa, sɛbi!”
Monsieur le Parlementaire, Kennedy, çava?
By Fadi Dabbousi
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect The Chronicle’s stance.
Dirty buckets, gallon and ceiling brush in the washroom
The Kaneshie District Court is made up of two divisions located in the Hospitality and Tourism Training building in Accra.
It is behind the Ghana School of Languages and shares the same vicinity with other state institutions such as the Ministry of Information, Greater Accra National Service Secretariat, Regional Coordinating Council, Workers’ College, Accra City Campus of the University of Ghana, Teachers Hall and Catholic Institution of Business, and Technology.
The court is locked between Adabraka, Asylum Down, Tudu and Ridge.
Pictures of Kaneshie Court public restroom
Although many people have wondered why it is called Kaneshie District Court and not Adabraka District Court, this magistrate, like other lower courts, plays a very important role in the country’s legal and adjudication system.
The magistrate court has original jurisdiction to conduct committal trials – offenses punishable by death such as murder and treason.
The court entertains matters in the threshold of GH¢2 million and rulings from Rent Control are referred to it.
Being one of the few magistrate courts within Accra, the Kaneshie District Court is highly patronised for the above reasons.
Challenges
The Kaneshie District Court has two court rooms on the second and third floors at the left side of the building.
The Kaneshie Court is on the 2nd and 3rd floor of the building
Despite being disability unfriendly, it poses other grave challenges to officers of the court – staff, prosecutors, lawyers and court users, particularly in the event of nature’s call.
Nature’s call is an inevitable event of every living being’s daily affairs. However, in the case of humans where this private business is conducted really matters, as it can come about due to health and environmental issues.
In the case of the Kaneshie District Court, it has three restrooms serving its over 30 staff, in addition to magistrates, lawyers, prosecutors and the public.
In an interview with some of the court staff, who spoke to The Chronicle under the condition of anonymity, they said the magistrates had been allocated one of the toilets, the female staff one, while the males and the public also the other.
Probably, the male staff have to endure sharing their washroom with the public because of the assumptions that they stand and do not sit when conducting their business.
The magistrates’ washroom is on the first floor, therefore, it is likely they might clash during emergencies.
One of the staff told the paper that there was a time the court had both male and female magistrates using the same washroom.
Pictures of Kaneshie Court public restroom
A female magistrate who is pregnant and her court on the second floor, therefore, would have to descend and ascend anytime she has to use the washroom.
Court users are literally barred from using the washroom with the male staff, as most times the toilet door is under locked and key.
On days that the door would be left opened, the insanity conditions – the toilet bowl and floor are stained, as well as the pungent smell – are enough to deter one from using it.
A female staff also told the paper that she attempted using the washroom once, but had since had never tried it again.
According to her, she has mustered the art of taking in less liquids during the day or certain foods in order to avoid using the public restroom.
She fears to pick up diseases such as dysentery, typhoid, urinary tract infection, and vulva and vaginal infections.
This person may sound paranoia or germ-phobic, it has been proven that infectious diseases can be picked up by both sexes.
Although it is suggested that regular visitors of public restroom stand the risk of picking sexually transmitted diseases, that point has been violently demolished by some researchers that it could only happen if the recipients had sex in there.
The court staff said she was always experience urinary urgency whenever she reached home, because she had to avoid using the restroom for several hours while at work.
Experts say practices like holding urine for extremely long periods of time comes with a cost of developing urinary tract infections due to bacteria build-up, and increases the risk of kidney disease and bladder failure, a condition that can cause death.
Pictures of Kaneshie Court public restroom
Court users, on the other hand, are often directed to urinate beside a water tank at the rear of the building.
The space behind the water tank is free for all, and so male, female, old and young compete to use it.
A court user, who gave his name as Kwesi, said at times when behind the water tank get too busy, he often uses a path connection the Ghana School of Languages and the court area.
Indeed, using that path comes with lots of discomfort, due to the foul smell.
The Chronicle also witnessed an incident where a bench warrant was issued for the arrest of an accused. However, it later turned out that the accused was present, but had an emergency, for which he dashed out of the court premises in search of a place to respond to nature’s call.
