Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky says he is on his way to Washington, where he will meet US President Joe Biden on Wednesday. It is his first foreign trip since Russia invaded in February. Details of how and when he travelled are unlikely to be made public, given the security risks involved.
The White House confirmed it would supply Ukraine with a Patriot missile system, significantly increasing the country’s air defence capability.
“On my way to the US to strengthen resilience and defense capabilities of Ukraine,” Mr Zelensky wrote on Twitter.
He also said he would give a speech to Congress and hold a number of meetings.
The visit was, unsurprisingly, kept as a secret, with official confirmation coming only hours before it was due to start.
The US has been Ukraine’s most important ally in the war, committing $50bn of humanitarian, financial and security assistance.
Mr Zelensky has held regular phone calls with Western leaders since the start of the war. But by hosting him at the White House, President Biden will signal that Washington is committed to supporting the country for “as long as it takes”.
Russia said the visit would lead to an “aggravation of the conflict”.
The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has donated GH¢100,000 to the Oncology Centre of the Tamale Teaching Hospital towards the treatment of cancer patients.
The amount is to fund the cost of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments of some of the breast, cervical, prostate and liver cancer patients.
A Deputy Chief Executive of NPA, Mrs. Linda Asante, who made the donation on behalf of the NPA Chief Executive, Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, at the hospital on Wednesday, said the gesture was to ease the burden on cancer patients at the Oncology Centre.
She said the support for the Centre was part of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitments of the NPA.
She indicated that the idea to support cancer patients was mooted by the NPA Ladies’ Association two years ago as part of its breast cancer awareness campaign.
The idea was embraced by the NPA Chief Executive, which culminated in the first donation of GH¢100,000 to the National Radiotherapy, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital last year.
In his response, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Dr. Adam Atiku, thanked the NPA for the donation as it would go a long way in footing the bills for the treatment of many cancer patients at the Oncology Centre.
He said the hospital had been recording increased cases of breast and cervical cancer involving women, prostate cancer in men and liver cancer for men and women.
He said breast cancer topped the chart of cancer cases, and had become a burden on families and the hospital.
Dr. Atiku expressed worry that cancer was the second or third leading cause of deaths among children, and indicated that cancer was curable when detected early.
Dr. Atiku said the Oncology Centre receives more patients from neighbouring and Sahalian countries.
However, Dr. Atiku said the Oncology Centre does only surgery and chemotherapy and refers the radiotherapy cases to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital due to the absence of radiotherapy machines.
Besides, he said, the Centre does not have a mammogram for cancer diagnosis.
Dr Atiku, therefore, appealed to corporate bodies to support the Oncology Centre to acquire radiotherapy machines and a mammogram.
The NPA team included the Director of Finance and President of the NPA Ladies’ Association, Mrs. Ayi Zakariah, Communication Manager, Mr. Mohammed Abdul-Kudus, and the Manager, CSR, Ms. Natasha Boakye.
Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee, Executive Director, Salt and Light Ministries
The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” – which means “God with us”. – Matthew 1:23
INTRODUCTION
We would like to share with you from the scriptures, Luke’s account of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.
THE BIRTH OF JESUS FORETOLD
In the sixth month of, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God.
You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.
The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; His kingdom will never end.”
“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the MostHigh will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be calledthe Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.”
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. – Luke 1:26-38
THE BIRTH OF JESUS
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place whileQuirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.
I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, He was named Jesus, the name the angel had given Him before he was conceived.– Luke 2:1-20.
JESUS PRESENTED IN THE TEMPLE
When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God, saying:
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:a light for revelation to the Gentiles,and the glory of your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on Him. – Luke 2:21-40
May the JOY of Christmas fill your heart with happiness;
The HOPE of Christmas light your path and guide you on your way;
The PROMISE of Christmas help to show God’s boundless love for you; and
May the BLESSINGS of Christmas warm your heart now and always!
Merry Christmas and a Happy, Fulfilling, Prosperous
Year 2023!!
Stay Blessed!
Please continue to join us on Asempa 94.7 FM – Sunday 5.30 am., Sunny 88.7 FM – Tuesdays 5:30 am; and Uniiq 95.7 FM – Saturdays 7:30 pm, YFM 107.9 – Sundays 6.30am; for our Radio Bible Study as well as Sunny FM 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 pm. for Hymn and their Stories.
A recent study by Yusuf and Obaghwarhievwo (2021) confirmed that fura da nono drink has nutritional and medicinal value. This is not surprising that India has taken the campaign of millet consumption to a different level.
The resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly on 3 March 2021 decided to declare 2023 as the International Year of Millets. Hence, the India High Commission in Ghana is on an awareness campaign to promote millet-based diets in Ghana. For many years, India was the world’s major producer of millet. However, in recent years, millet production has increased dramatically in Africa.
In India, millet is widely known as Ragi or Machin, they are dark brown grains with fiber and iron-rich husk intact used for different dishes like idli, dosas, roti, ragimudde, and ragi malt in India.
In addition to home cooking, millet is used to make Chinese white spirit or syrup, congee very popular staple food in Chinese cuisine, which could be served as staples just like dumplings, steamed rice, Chinese bread, and steamed buns
In Nigeria, millet is commonly made up of “Fura da nono” which simply means “simple milk and millet gruel” the popular African cold gruel produced and consumed mostly in the northern part of Nigeria.
But the history of fura de nunu will be traced back to Ghana. One of the common street food in Ghana “Hausa Koko” is made from millet with a few local spices added to give it a particular taste and colour.
“Fura da Nono”as the Hausas call it or “Fura de nunu”, is mostly made by Fulanis.In this article and subsequent ones, I will highlight the numerous benefits of a locally millet-based diet for public awareness. In this current write-up, the focus is on the local fura. The benefits of furaare derived from its ingredient millet.
For instance, fura is antioxidant Loaded. This is supported by six studies (Devi et al. 2016; Kumari et al. 2017; Pizino et al. 2017; Xiang et al. 2019; Chandrasekara and Shahidi, 2010) that confirmed that millet is loaded with phenolic compounds, specifically ferulic acid and catechins. They work as antioxidants to guard the body against harmful oxidative stress.
Other studies in mice( Zduńska et al. 2017 Liu et al. 2017) correlate ferulic acid to fast wound healing, skin protection, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been established that these catechins bind to heavy metals, and avert poisoning our bloodstream ( Chandrasekaraand Shahidi, 2010; Bernatoniene and Kopustinskiene, 2018).
Kumari et al.(2017) explained that though all millet types are loaded with antioxidants, the specific ones with a darker color such as proso, and foxtail millet are superior juxtaposed to those with white or yellow counterparts.
Fura also controls blood sugar levels,two studies(Devi et al. 2016; Kam et al.2016) found that millet is loaded with fiber and non-starchy polysaccharides, two types of undigestible carbs that are likely to control blood sugar levels.
Another newsworthy is that two studies for instance (Dias-Martins et al. 2018; Narayanan et al. 2016) found that millet is capable of controlling blood sugar due to its low glycemic index (GI), which means that when you eat a millet diet, there is no worry of blood sugar rising. Hence, diabetics can eat a millet- diet once the other combined ingredients are diabetics friendly.
This was demonstrated in one human study by Narayanan et al. (2016) where 105 people with type 2 diabetes took part. The researchers found that using a millet-based diet to replace a rice-based breakfast reduced blood sugar levels after the meal.
Another human study of 64 people for a 12-week duration with prediabetes also reported the same findings. After eating 1/3 cup (50 grams) of foxtail millet per day, the participants’ blood sugar was reduced in both fasting and random blood sugar levels, and decrease in insulin resistance.
Brown et al.(2016) explained that insulin resistance is a marker for type 2 diabetes. This normally happens when you decide to yield to the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar. Finally, Shobana et al.(2010) 6-week study in rats with diabetes found that when the animals were given, a diet that contains 20% finger millet resulted in lowering fasting blood sugar and a drop in triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
Fura Lowers cholesterol,Devi et al.(2016) study found that millet is loaded with soluble fiber, and this in turn produces a sticky material in the gut. This helps bind fats and lowered cholesterol levels. This was confirmed in one rat study by Lee et al.(2010) which states that rats fed foxtail and proso millet triglyceride levels decreased drastically juxtaposed with the control group.
Also, millet protein could lower cholesterol. This was also demonstrated in one mice study by Nishizawa et al.(2009) with type 2 diabetes. The mice were fed a high-fat diet with millet protein concentrate. Their result found a decrease in triglyceride levels and a drastic improvement in adiponectin and HDL (good) cholesterol levels, juxtaposed with the control group.
Two studies(Lihn et al. 2005; Fang et al. 2018) found that the hormone adiponectin with an anti-inflammatory effect aids heart health and inspires fatty acid oxidation. The levels are normally decreased in those with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Fura is gluten-free diet,three studies(Dias-Martinset al. 2018; Devi et al. 2014; Niro et al. 2019)confirmed that millet is a gluten-free grain, hence, it is a good option for those with celiac disease or those following a gluten-free diet.
Gurja et al. (2012) found that gluten is a protein that is found naturally in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. However, those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity must stay away as it causes harmful digestive symptoms, such as diarrhea and nutrient malabsorption. Hence, it is advisable that in purchasing millet read the product label and search for those certified gluten-free.
Millet, warning
One study by Boncompagni et al.(2018)found that millet contains antinutrients — compounds that block or lower your body’s absorption of other nutrients and may lead to deficiencies. Phytic acid is one such compound that interferes with potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium uptake. This notwithstanding, once your diet is balanced, there is no problem. Goitrogenic polyphenols are another compound that is likely to damage thyroid function, causing goiter — an enlargement of the thyroid gland that results in neck swelling.
However, this effect is related only to excess polyphenol intake. Two studies(Boncompagni et al. 2018;Gonçalves et al. 2017) for instance, found that goiter was found when millet provided 74% of a person’s daily calories, compared with only 37% of their daily calories. This concern can be addressed by soaking it overnight at room temperature, then draining and rinsing it before cooking(Singh, 2016). Additionally, sprouting reduces antinutrient content.
Take Home
Science has demonstrated the numerous health benefits when we eat fura, a millet-based diet. For instance, Ugare et al. (2015) also found that millet is a low glycemic index diet. Their study found dehulled(50.0) and heat treated(41.7) barnyard millet beneficial for type-II diabetics. It’s also an alkaline food, which means that it can digest easily, a good option for those with sensitive stomachs.
Fura also has many nutrients as confirmed by the US Department of Agriculture, one cup (174 grams) of cooked millet packs has the following :
Calories: 207
Carbs: 41 grams
Fiber: 2.2 grams
Protein: 6 grams
Fat: 1.7 grams
Phosphorus: 25% of the Daily Value (DV)
Magnesium: 19% of the DV
Folate: 8% of the DV
Iron: 6% of the DV
Also, three studies (Singh, 2,016; Dias-Martins et al.2018; Wu, 2009) found that fura gives more essential amino acids as compared to other cereals and they are the building blocks of protein.
Another interesting thing is that fura can take the bragging right as cereal with abundant calcium content giving the body 13% of the daily value per 1 cooked cup (100 grams)( Singh, 2016; Devi et al. 2014; Shobana et al. 2013). As you are aware, the human body needs calcium for good bone health, blood vessel and muscular contractions, and proper nerve function.
NB:
Prof. Nyarkotey has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations to justify his write-ups. My articles are for educational purposes and do not serve as Medical advice for Treatment. I aim to educate the public about evidence-based scientific Naturopathic Therapies.
The writer is a Professor of Naturopathic Healthcare, President, of Nyarkotey College of Holistic Medicine & Technology (NUCHMT)/African Naturopathic Foundation. E-mail: collegeofholisticmedicine@gmail.com. For more information, contact: Stephanie(PRO)on 0244433553
Burukutu and Pito are more than drinks. Burukutu and Pito which are brewed from either Sorghum or millet, guinea corn, or maize are indeed a way of life. Sometimes some brewers combine thefermented millet or sorghum in one drink.
The grains are soaked, dried, and then milled and combined with water. The mix is then boiled and left to ferment. Before serving, pito needs to be strained. The resulting drink is subtly sweet and slightly sour, ranging from amber to dark brown. Pito and Burukutu are traditionally served in a calabash (gourd), but it is also often drunk from regular cups.
They are regarded as twin drinks. Both drinks are highly strong given the fermentation processes in their production. While Pito is usually filtered off from the top, Burukutu is usually the part that settles down and which contains remains that some writers believe can cause cancer.
Pito is believed to be purer and sweeter than Burukutu since it is not allowed to settle down. Some held the view that Pito tastes like Heineken beer, others say, Pito tastes feminine, while Burukutu is masculine.
The fermentation process increases the probiotic content in them which have scientific groundings. For instance, two studies(Wang et al. 2016; Messaoudi et al. 2011) found that Probiotic strains Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacteriumlongum help to reduce signs of anxiety and depression. Both probiotics are found in fermented foods.
Pito
Two studies (Sanchez et al. 2014; Kadooka et al. 2013) found, links between certain probiotic strains — including Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus gasseri — and weight loss and decreased belly fat.Four studies (Sonested et al. 2011; Agerholm-Larsen et al. 2000; Khalesi et al. 2014;
Dong et al. 2013) found that fermented foods have been linked with a lower risk of heart disease. Probiotics may also decrease blood pressure and help lower total and “bad” LDL cholesterol.
Hence, drinking brukutu or Pito,therefore helps you to meet your probiotic needs and is the term “for life.” Probiotics are microorganisms proven to exert health-promoting influences in humans and animals. The reason why fermented Asaana is beneficial is because of the natural probiotics they contain.
One study by Parvez et al.(2006) found that probiotics help in “(i) improving intestinal tract health; (ii) enhancing the immune system, synthesizing and enhancing the bioavailability of nutrients; (iii) reducing symptoms of lactose intolerance, decreasing the prevalence of allergy in susceptible individuals; and (iv) reducing the risk of certain cancers.”
Three other studies (Ritchie and Romanuk, 2012; King et al. 2014; Sonestedt et al. 2011) found that Probiotics have been shown to improve immune function as well as digestive and heart health. Also, a recent study by Obafemi et al.(2022) affirmed that in several African countries, traditional fermentation processes provide a means of food preservation, improving the shelf life and adding to the nutrients in the food products.
Probiotic bacteria not only balance the good bacteria in the gut, but they also help to “tune-up” the immune system. As high as 70 percent of the immune system lies in the intestine, so nurturing bowel immunity with probiotic bacteria keeps the intestinal tract healthy.
Another bonus is that drinking Brukutu and Pito enhances digestion. One study by Ritchie and Romanuk, (2012) found that during fermentation, the probiotics produced may aid in restoring the balance of friendly bacteria in the gut and deal with some digestive problems.
Three studies (Hoveyda et al. 2009; Didari et al. 2015; Hungin et al. 2018) found that probiotics can reduce uncomfortable symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common digestive disorder.
In the case of millet and sorghum, science has also demonstrated the numerous benefit we get from them. For instance, controls blood sugar levels Devi et al. 2016; Kam et al.2016), due to its low glycemic index (Dias-Martins et al. 2018; Narayanan et al. 2016).
Lowers cholesterol,Devi et al.(2016) study found that millet is loaded with soluble fiber, and this in turn produces a sticky material in the gut. This helps bind fats and lowered cholesterol levels. This was confirmed in one rat study by Lee et al.(2010) which states that rats fed foxtail and proso millet triglyceride levels decreased drastically juxtaposed with the control group.
In the case of sorghum, it has high fiber content. It is also an antioxidant as espoused by Dykes, L(2019), and fights oxidative stress and inflammation, Hussain et al.(2016).
One study by Baaij et al.(2015) found that sorghum is loaded with magnesium, a mineral that’s significant for bone formation, heart health, and over 600 biochemical reactions in the body, such as energy production and protein metabolism.
Awika and Rooney (2004) found that eating Sorghum may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer in humans, mostly colorectal cancer, compared to other cereals. This is due to the high concentration of anti-inflammatory phytochemical antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, found in this grain.
Nutritional Profile
One study, by Ajiboye et al. (2014) found that Pito made of Sorghum/millet-based beverages contained 96% and 97% moisture; 7.8% and 3.7% crude protein; 8.9% and 5.6% available carbohydrate; 0.39% and 0.31% crude fat; 0.3% and 0.2% crude fiber; 2.4% and 1.5% ash; and 459.3 and 164 kJ/g energy value, respectively.
Holzapfel. W(2002) also found that pito contains essential minerals such as zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and iron (Fe), which are responsible for body and tissue regulation. A previous study by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (1995) also found thatpito or Brukutu beer in Africa has also been found to contain remarkably high levels of riboflavin and nicotinic acid, which are vital for people consuming a high-maize diet.
Avicor et al.( 2015) also found that Pito has an alcoholic content of 2–3% and pH range of 3.5–5 (5). In the case of Brukutu for instance, one old study(Odetokun SM. 1997) found that during the fermentation of cereal products for preparing burukutu, the crude protein increased from 3.2 g/100 ml to 7.8 g/100 ml while there was a gradual decrease in the sugar and ascorbic acid content from 40.7 g/100 ml and 83 mg/100 ml to 3.9 g/100 ml and 2.4 mg/100 ml respectively.
The predominant sugars are fructose, glucose, maltose and sucrose. Burukutu contains almost all essential amino acids in the required proportions except cystine and tryptophan which have been destroyed by heat during boiling.
Warnings
Ajiboye et al. (2014) study found that drinking too much can significantly reduce ferric ions, which could lead to reduced blood levels.
Also, the study raised concerns about the contaminated products in the market(Zaukuu et al. 2016). However, aflatoxin content was absent in products in the market (Zaukuu et al. 2016).
While Pito is usually filtered off from the top, Burukutu is usually the part that settles down and which contains dregs that can cause cancer. Pito is believed to be purer and sweeter than Burukutu since it is not allowed to settle down. Burukutu also depletes antioxidant enzymes(Ajiboye et al. 2014).
Take Home
Indeed, studies affirmed that our local drinks such as Pito and Brukutu have numerous health benefits if drunk in moderation. We can therefore rebrand these drinks to generate foreign exchange
NB:
Prof. Nyarkotey has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations to justify his write-ups. My articles are for educational purposes and do not serve as Medical advice for Treatment. I aim to educate the public about evidence-based scientific Naturopathic Therapies.
The writer is a Professor of Naturopathic Healthcare, President, of Nyarkotey College of Holistic Medicine & Technology (NUCHMT)/African Naturopathic Foundation. E-mail: collegeofholisticmedicine@gmail.com.
Dreams FC beat King Faisal 2-1 at the Theater of Dreams Park in an exciting Ghana Premier League game.
The ‘Still Believe’ lads attacked right from the onset in search of the opener and eventually got it through skipper Abdul Jalilu, who scored from a belter.
King Faisal began settling down in the game, attacking with so much intent and purpose in search of the leveller.
Dreams FC were awarded a penalty on the 20th minute mark. Agyenim Boateng stepped up but his kick was saved by goalkeeper Benjamin Asiedu.
Back from recess, Agyenim Boateng finally redeemed himself after scoring in just a minute from the break, to double the lead.
The ‘Insha Allah’ outfit pushed more men forward in the last fifteen minutes but couldn’t make it count.
After series of exchanges from the sides, there was no goal recorded as it finished 2-0 for the host after full time.
Dreams FC after the win have moved to 12th on the log with 11 points, whiles King Faisal drops again to the danger zone with 9 points.
Kwadwo Amoako’s equaliser at the death of the first half saved Medeama from what would have been their fifth defeat this season, however, Medeama battled back before half time to cancel Karela’s goal at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park at Anyinase.
Karela started the game on good note and capitalised on the lackadaisical defending by the Medeama back-line, as Isaac Donkor scored the opener in the 24th minute with the ball gliding through the fingers of Ivorian-born Boris Mandjui.
Karela, who had the home crowd firmly behind them and were on the hunt for their fourth win after eight outings, dazzled in both halves, but were unable to capitalise on their chances as the Medeama defense held them solidly in check for 90 minutes.
Karela have moved to the thirteenth spot as they’ve raked in eleven points, while Medeama climbed up eleventh on eleven points, eight points behind leaders, Aduana Stars.
Newly-promoted Kotoku Royals FC had their present predicament compounded in the Ghana Premier League on Wednesday following a home defeat to Legon Cities FC.
The Akyem Royals recorded their sixth straight defeat in the Ghanaian top tier with a 3-0 loss to Cities at the Cape Coast stadium.
A goal in each half of the match ensured the Accra-based club returned to winning ways after two winless matches.
Cities skipper Jonah Attuquaye scored his first goal of the campaign to put the visitors ahead in the 28th minute.
Maxwell Konadu’s side came close again as Attuquaye’s effort, after he was set up by Kofi Kordzi, was saved by Royals goalkeeper Clinton Quaye.
Cities doubled their advantage through Kordzi. He scored from the spot for his first league goal of the season and for Legon Cities since he joined from Hearts.
Alex Aso rounded off the massive victory for Cities with a goal in stoppage time, his second of the season.
Royals remain bottom of the league standings with just four points from nine matches and will travel to Real Tamale United for their next game.
Cities move to sixth place with the victory over the newbies and will face Karela United FC at home in the next round.
Stephen Mukwala and Serge Zeze powered Kotoko to a crucial victory over Berekum Chelsea to send the champions back to second place in the Ghana Premier League.
The Porcupine Warriors, who headed into the game from a defeat to Real Tamale United before the World Cup break, came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Berekum Chelsea in a highly contested battle.
Kotoko were punished for their wastefulness in the first half as Berekum Chelsea struck first through Emmanuel Sarpong’s 28th minute goal. The forward capitalised on a poor clearance from Andrews Appau and planted the ball beyond Ibrahim Danlad to put the visitors in front.
The Porcupine Warriors, however, survived the threat, as Serge Zeze who came off the bench to restore parity in the 45th minute.
Ugandan Striker Stephen Mukwala was also on target as Kotoko finally found the needed goal to bounce back to winning ways. The Ugandan forward scored his second league goal in the 66th minute to get Kotoko the maximum points.
The win puts Kotoko back on the second position leapfrogging Hearts who won last Tuesday at Nsoatreman.
Mr Yusif Suleiman, MP for Bole addressing the media in Parliament yesterday
A member of the Joint Committee of Trades , Industry and Tourism and MP for Bole Bamboi, Mr Yusif Suleiman has told journalists that minority members on the committee have voted against the GH¢80m budgeted for the National Cathedral, as part of the Ministry of Tourism’s budget estimate for the year 2023.
“We have voted against it and we are saying that this is not the time for us to be spending such huge sums of monies in building a cathedral,” he said.
According to him, what led to the minority’s decision was the inability of the National Cathedral Secretariat who met the committee to account for the GH¢339m that it had expended on the Cathedral already.
He also alleged that the Secretariat could not explain why the Cathedral has been brought under the Ministry of Tourism. He said the minority perceived that the Secretariat only wanted to use the Ministry as a conduit in order to get money to continue with the construction of the Cathedral, hence the decision to vote against it.
He, however, assured members of the Parliamentary press corps that the minority side of the House was not against the Ministry of Tourism’s budget and that they would go ahead to approve it, excluding the GH¢80m money for the National Cathedral.
He also said he was certain that other committees responsible for issues of VAT, E-levy and haircuts on pensions will act in the best interest of Ghanaians.
Earlier, two pressure groups, Arise Ghana and Justice for Ghana called on Members of Parliament (MP) to shoot down Value Added Tax, E-levy, monies allocated for National Cathedral and the Debt Restructuring Program components contained in the 2023 budget.
“We expect our parliamentarians to shoot down the following: one, the VAT, two, the E-levy, three, the pensions being touched under the restructuring and finally the Cathedral,” the group said.
Representatives of the group, Prince Derrick Adjei for Arise Ghana and Selorm Dramani of Justice for Ghana, indicated this to the Parliamentary Press Corps in Parliament yesterday.
The demands come as Parliament is likely to consider the tax components in the budget before it rises today.
Explaining why they made such demands on the MPs, Mr Derrick Adjei said the Cathedral should be taken off Ghana’s books completely and the monies spent so far retrieved because the public purse has been badly hurt by the commencement of the construction of the Cathedral.
“The Cathedral project is one of the things that we have been championing to be halted… Fortunately the Cathedral has been suspended, but we want it taken completely off Ghana’s books; completely halted,” Mr Adjei said.
The second component Mr Adjei spoke about was the haircut on pensions in the Debt Restructuring Program. He said the two groups do not want pensions of Ghanaians to be touched and called on parliamentarians to ensure that aim is achieved by voting against it today.
“The other sensitive thing that we will be addressing is the Pensions. We believe very strongly that Pensions of Ghanaians must not be touched and, therefore, we want that also taken off the books as far as the restructuring of our debts are concerned,” he said.
On taxes, Mr Adjei said that the group does not expect more nuisance taxes such as the Electronic Transfer Levy and the VAT.
Specifically on E-levy, he said parliament should ensure that it does not approve the levy in its current form, where there is no threshold for the poor, while on VAT he said the group does not expect any increase.
The Spokesperson for Justice for Ghana, on his part, said that the President should not even attempt to continue the construction of the Cathedral because he does not have the moral right to do so, based on how he has mismanaged the country so far.
Mr Dramani indicated that the President has not been truthful to Ghanaians in the management of the economy and even with regards to the monies being expended on the national Cathedral. He said God abhors lies and does not need a person who thrives on lies in the management of an economy to build Him a Cathedral.
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