Home Blog Page 736

2024 WAFCON: Black Queens fall to South Africa in Group C opener

By
admin
-
0
Black Queens vs South Africa

Ghana’s Black Queens made a disappointing start to their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign, falling 2-0 to defending champions South Africa at the Honneur Stadium in Oujda on Monday.

Despite a spirited performance, the Queens were undone by two quick first-half goals from Banyana Banyana, whose experience and attacking quality proved decisive. The defeat puts early pressure on Ghana as they seek to progress from a challenging Group C.

Alice Kusi came close to putting Ghana ahead with a powerful strike that smashed against the crossbar, while Evelyn Badu also hit the woodwork with a header from close range. Ghana showed moments of promise but were ultimately left to rue missed chances.

South Africa capitalised on lapses in Ghana’s defence, punishing them with clinical finishing that effectively sealed the result before the hour mark.

The Black Queens must now regroup for their remaining group matches against Mali and Tanzania. With the possibility of qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams still on the table, Ghana’s path to the knockout stage remains open, but they will need to respond quickly and decisively in their next outings.

Credit: ghanasoccernet.com

‘All good things come to an end’ -Wilson to leave Newcastle

By
admin
-
0
Callum Wilson, Newcastle United

Newcastle striker Callum Wilson says “all good things come to an end” after confirming he will leave the club.

The former England international’s contract expired last week and he exits St James’ Park after failing to agree a new deal.

Wilson scored 49 goals in 130 appearances for Newcastle, who have thanked the 33-year-old for playing a “huge part in our success in recent years”.

“To all you Magpies, it’s time to say goodbye after an unbelievable few years at the Toon,” Wilson said in a statement.

“Thank you for everything. We stood strong together through the highs and some lows to help the club experience new heights.”

It is understood a number of Premier League clubs have shown an interest in Wilson, while he also has options in Major League Soccer.

Wilson joined Newcastle from Bournemouth for about £20m in 2020 and spent an injury-hit five years on Tyneside.

He struggled with both back and hamstring injuries last season, and only managed 18 appearances in the Premier League.

“I am so proud to have worn the iconic number 9 shirt and to have added a little more history to it,” Wilson added.

“Scoring at the Gallowgate end really is as special as they say.

“All good things come to an end, but there’s no doubt Newcastle United will always have a place in mine and my families hearts.”

Credit: bbc

Duran joins Fenerbahce on loan from Al-Nassr

By
admin
-
0
Jhon Duran

Colombia striker Jhon Duran has joined Fenerbahce on a year-long loan – six months after moving from Aston Villa to Al-Nassr in a £71m deal.

The 21-year-old scored 12 goals in 29 games for Villa last season, then after joining Al-Nassr in January he found the net 12 times in 18 matches for the Saudi Arabian side.

“Our club has reached an agreement with both the club and the player for Jhon Duran to join our squad on a one-year loan,” said Fenerbahce in a statement.

“We wish our player a season full of success under our striped jersey.”

Duran, who has three goals in 17 internationals for Colombia, joined Villa from Chicago Fire for £18m in January 2023.

He scored 20 goals in 78 games for the club, but 61 of those appearances came from the bench, with Duran unable to regularly displace England striker Ollie Watkins from the starting line-up.

He helped Al-Nassr finish third in the Saudi Pro League last season. While he is leaving, Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo is staying after signing a two-year contract with the club last month.

Fenerbahce, who are managed by Jose Mourinho, finished second in the Turkish league last season.

Credit: bbc.com

Man United put £30m price tag on Onana, but suitors refuse to meet asking price

By
admin
-
0
Andre Onana

Manchester United have put a £30million price tag on Andre Onana, but the Cameroon goalkeeper looks increasingly likely to stay at Old Trafford this summer.

Mail Sport can reveal that was the price quoted to Monaco when the French club inquired about signing Onana at the end of last month.

Sources in France say that Monaco will continue to monitor the situation, but are unlikely to pay that much for the 29-year-old keeper who cost £47.2m when he joined United from Inter Milan two years ago.

Saudi Premier League newcomers SC Neom had also been following Onana in the background for some time before signing Poland international Marcin Bulka from Nice in recent days.

Onana is keen to stay and club sources say the probability is that he will remain as United’s No 1 after returning to training at Carrington yesterday (mon).

United boss Ruben Amorim and goalkeeper coach Jorge Vital are said to be happy with the former Ajax player despite speculation over a move for Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez.

But with United having to wheel and deal in the transfer market to deliver the signings Amorim wants this summer, almost every player is for sale at the right price and offers of around £30m for Onana would have to be considered.

Goalkeeper isn’t one of the priority positions for United in this transfer window with Amorim more likely to target a striker, central midfielder and centre-back if Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo becomes the second No.10 to move to Old Trafford this summer after Matheus Cunha was signed from Wolves.

United are hopeful of generating significant funds by offloading Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia who have all been told to stay away from training until the squad leave on pre-season tour to the US later this month.

Credit: dailymail.co.uk

Chelsea and Fluminense faceoff today

By
admin
-
0
Cole Palmer, Chelsea

Two wins from global glory, Premier League powerhouses Chelsea meet last South American team standing Fluminense in Tuesday’s Club World Cup semi-final.

After the Blues edged past Palmeiras and Flu overcame Asian giants Al-Hilal, the pair will convene in New Jersey, with a place in the final at stake.

Continuing a purple patch that has featured lifting a European trophy and securing qualification for next year’s UEFA Champions League, Chelsea have progressed to the Club World Cup semi-finals with four wins from five so far.

Though Chelsea finished second in Group D – due to a 3-1 defeat against Flamengo – few would deny they ended up on the more favourable side of the draw, avoiding several European heavyweights.

Club World Cup winners back in 2021, when they also beat Palmeiras, the London club are now within touching distance of another final at FIFA’s top tournament; after winning the Conference League in their last game before heading to the USA, they intend to secure a cup double.

Much has changed since a mid-season slump threatened to derail Maresca’s first year in charge, so the Blues will expect to defeat their former defensive rock Thiago Silva in the final four, setting up a showdown with either Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid.

Of course, Fluminense have very different plans for Tuesday’s semi-final, having kept their dreams alive by conquering big-spenders Al-Hilal in the last eight.

Outsiders Fluminense have stayed in the tournament far longer than their fans may have imagined – by virtue of grit and vast experience – but a place in the final might be just beyond them.

Chelsea’s squad depth and proven knockout prowess makes them favourites, so the Blues should eventually prevail – even if it takes extra time.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

African Expansion: Zoomlion Touches Down In Kenya …Ready To Forge Strategic Partnership

By
JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
-
0
Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, CEO of Zoomlion Ghana Limited signing the contract

Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a flagship subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC) is intensifying its continental expansion efforts with a renewed focus on Kenya, as part of its broader Africa Expansion Project.

As a demonstration of this commitment, the Executive Chairman of Jospong Group, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, led a high-level delegation to Mombasa County, Kenya, where he held strategic discussions with the Governor, H.E. Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir, on July 2, 2025.

The meeting focused on establishing a robust partnership aimed at enhancing sustainable waste management and unlocking economic opportunities for local communities.

“Our mission is to turn Africa’s sanitation challenges into engines of opportunity and growth. Zoomlion’s expansion into Kenya is about more than growth it’s about collaboration, building local capacity and supporting African-led development.

“Africa is ready, and Mombasa is a key partner in this transformative agenda,” Dr. Agyepong stated.

Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, CEO of Zoomlion Ghana Limited with H.E. Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir

Governor Nassir welcomed the delegation warmly, expressing enthusiasm about the potential partnership.

He praised Zoomlion’s proven expertise across Africa and emphasised the urgent need for effective, scalable waste management solutions that can yield both immediate and long-term environmental benefits.

The envisioned collaboration is expected to address critical sanitation challenges in Mombasa while driving job creation, enhancing public health and supporting environmental sustainability.

As part of the same mission, Dr. Agyepong also met with Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Nairobi.

The meeting, which also involved key ministry officials centered on exploring how Zoomlion’s integrated waste management systems could support Kenya’s environmental goals.

Dr. Agyepong shared insights into Zoomlion’s extensive work across Ghana and other African countries, including its growing influence in Asia.

He highlighted the company’s success in deploying scalable waste management solutions that promote the circular economy and green jobs.

Dr. Barasa commended Zoomlion’s achievements and expressed strong interest in replicating its model in Kenya. She reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to forming private-sector partnerships that fuel green growth and support Kenya’s transition toward a circular economy.

She said, “Private sector innovation is essential in addressing our most pressing environmental challenges. We look forward to deeper engagement with the Jospong Group to help meet our national targets.”

The meeting concluded with plans to convene a technical working session involving the Ministry, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and Jospong representatives.

The objective will be to explore how the Jospong model can support Kenya’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework and other policy initiatives.

Among the key stakeholders present were;Mr. Njoroge Mbitu, Deputy Director for Waste Management and Pollution Control and Ms. Linah Meeme, Head of Legal Affairs.

Zoomlion Ghana Limited, under the Jospong Group umbrella, has already extended its operations into several African countries. Through these ventures, the company has successfully implemented scalable waste management systems, created employment opportunities, and advanced the circular economy agenda across the continent.

Heath Goldfields Ordered To Cease Operations At Bogoso-Prestea

By
admin
-
0
Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources

The Minerals Commission has ordered Heath Goldfields Limited to immediately suspend all operations at the Bogoso-Prestea Mine, citing multiple regulatory violations that could result in the revocation of its mining license.

The directive was issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines on June 24, 2025 under Regulation 22 of the Minerals and Mining (Health, Safety and Technical) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2182), following a comprehensive review of the company’s operations, safety protocols, regulatory compliance and administrative conduct.

A statement released by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, through its Director of Communications, Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, confirmed the suspension and noted that Heath Goldfields has been given 45 days to rectify the breaches and carry out essential services, as specified by the Minerals Commission.

The Ministry explained that the decision was necessitated by the company’s continued non-compliance with essential operational standards.

“This cautionary notice follows the company’s unsatisfactory operations, as determined by a robust and thorough review of its operational protocols, regulatory compliance, and general administrative procedures,” the statement read.

Heath Goldfields was granted approval by the Minerals Commission on November 13, 2024 to acquire the Bogoso-Prestea mining leases after passing a technical and financial due diligence process.

As part of its bid, the company submitted a revised Strategic Mine Development Plan that included a four-phase implementation timeline, stretching from site preparation in Q1 2025 to mine closure and reclamation in Q4 2039.

Despite these commitments, a Minerals Commission inspection on May 16, 2025, revealed that no mining activity had commenced. Instead, conditions at the site had deteriorated significantly.

The company was found to be in violation of several contractual obligations, particularly under Section 1.18 of its revised Strategic Mine Development Plan.

The Tailings Storage Facility was reportedly in poor condition, the Process Water Treatment Plant was non-functional, and there were no contractors on site. Alarmingly, illegal miners had also invaded portions of the concession.

Further compounding the issue, Heath Goldfields allegedly transported gold-bearing concentrates without prior written approval from both the Minerals Commission and the Ghana Geological Survey Authority a direct violation of Clause 7 of its mining leases.

Additionally, staff grievances about poor working conditions and unpaid salaries prompted a petition to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP). Following the petition, the Minister visited the site on May 23, 2025 to assess the situation personally.

Subsequent investigations confirmed the company is grappling with severe financial and operational challenges.

In light of these findings, Hon. Buah instructed the Minerals Commission to issue formal notices in accordance with statutory requirements.

In addition to the 45-day operational suspension, the company has been granted a 120-day window under Regulation 200(3) of L.I. 2176 and Clause 27(b) of the Mining Lease Agreement to address all violations. Failure to do so will result in the termination of its mining lease.

This action, according to the Ministry, is part of a broader effort to enforce mining regulations, ensure environmental and operational safety and protect Ghana’s mineral resources.

Gyampo Flies Off The Handle Over Misconduct Allegation

By
admin
-
0
Prof Ransford Gyampo, CEO of Ghana Shippers Authority

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), Professor Ransford Gyampo, has firmly rejected recent allegations of misconduct and abuse of office, labelling them a “calculated and sponsored media attack” aimed at damaging his reputation and discrediting his leadership.

In a detailed statement issued over the weekend, Prof. Ransford Gyampo called on the public to ignore what he described as “false and malicious claims” being circulated in parts of the media and across social media platforms.

He believes the smear campaign is being coordinated by individuals angered by his vocal criticism of the former government, particularly on national issues such as illegal mining (galamsey).

“There is a sponsored agenda against me in view of how I kept the previous government on its toes. These attacks are designed to erode public confidence in my leadership and to create an atmosphere of mistrust around my office,” he said.

Among the accusations levelled against him is a claim that he hired 28 women and only two men an allegation he unequivocally denied.

“The Ghana Shippers Authority does not conduct its own recruitment. All hiring is outsourced to an independent private firm, which follows its own transparent processes to select qualified candidates,” he clarified.

According to Prof. Gyampo, an internal review of the most recent recruitment exercise shows that 65 percent of hires were men, while 35 percent were women, contrary to the misinformation being peddled.

Defending the CEO’s record, Director of Finance at the GSA, Mr. Mensah-Abrampah Peter, noted that Prof. Gyampo has significantly reduced foreign travel compared to his predecessor.

“In his first six months, the previous CEO embarked on more than 20 international trips. Professor Gyampo, in contrast, has only made four official trips to Abu Dhabi, the United States, Kigali and Rwanda, each of which served the strategic interests of Ghanaian shippers.”

Mr. Mensah-Abrampah also highlighted that Prof. Gyampo is the only GSA CEO who travels on economy class tickets.

Boarding pass records from his most recent international travels confirm this, and each trip, he added, received proper clearance from the Office of the Chief of Staff.

Prof. Gyampo expressed deep concern about the hostile and defamatory nature of the online commentary directed at him, alleging that members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are at the forefront of the disinformation campaign.

He singled out Benjamin Gyawu Appiah, known as “Benghazi,” a communications team member of the NPP, as one of the key individuals spreading defamatory allegations.

Mr. Appiah has accused Prof. Gyampo of demanding sexual favours in return for employment at the GSA and claimed he funds women-focused programs at the University of Ghana, allegations Prof. Gyampo described as “baseless, reckless and defamatory.”

In concluding his statement, Prof. Gyampo reaffirmed his commitment to professionalism and ethical leadership at the Ghana Shippers Authority. He warned that legal action could be taken against those perpetuating falsehoods.

“This is not just about me, it’s about protecting the dignity of public service and restoring truth in the face of targeted falsehoods,” he said.

Agriculture engineer jailed for defrauding Navrongo Businessman 

By
BERNICE BESSEY
-
0
A court gavel

The Circuit Court in Accra has sentenced a 43-year-old Agricultural Engineer, Abraham Asudam, to 36 months imprisonment after he was found guilty of defrauding a relative under false pretences.

The conviction, delivered by His Honour Judge Isaac Addo on Tuesday, follows a full criminal trial, which commenced in 2024. Asudam was charged under Section 131(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), for defrauding by false pretence.

Prosecuting officer ASP Maxwell Frimpong, assisted by ASP Amoah, told the court that the incident took place in December 2020.

The complainant, George Asudam, a businessman based at Navrongo in the Upper East Region, was lured by the accused into transferring GH¢150,000.00 for the purported purchase of a tipper truck.

According to the prosecution, Abraham Asudam falsely represented himself as a vehicle dealer with international connections, claiming he could procure a tipper truck from Belgium through his business partners.

On the strength of this assurance, the complainant transferred the funds into the accused’s GCB Bank account.

The accused subsequently issued a receipt from a fictitious company, Power Vehicle Innovation Company (PVI) with a fabricated chassis number (WDSB620271K163163), assuring the complainant the vehicle would arrive in Ghana within a month.

However, months passed with no delivery and efforts to reach the accused proved futile as he went into hiding and cut off all communication.

Investigations revealed that Abraham Asudam had no affiliations with any vehicle dealership and that all documents he provided were fraudulent.

He was arrested following a formal complaint and charged accordingly. Investigators were able to retrieve GH¢20,000.00 from him, which was retained for evidential purposes.

Judge Addo, in passing sentence, noted that although the accused was a first-time offender and had spent time in lawful custody while awaiting sentencing, he had failed to refund the outstanding GH¢30,000 despite repeated adjournments granted by the court for that purpose.

“In the interest of justice and deterrence, the court finds it necessary to impose a custodial sentence,” Judge Addo stated.

He sentenced Asudam to serve 36 months in prison and ordered him to refund the outstanding amount of GH¢30,000.00 to the complainant.

NACOC Raids at Palladium: Three Stand Trial for Narcotic Offences

By
BERNICE BESSEY
-
0
Court

The Circuit Court in Accra, presided over by Her Honour Basilia Adjei-Tawiah, has begun hearing a narcotics case involving three accused persons arrested during a major bust by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) at Palladium, Accra, last month.

The accused -Osuman Ali alias Gaza (40), Mizpah Abena Boadi (27), and AyikuShamsudeen alias Showdem (24) – have been charged with eight counts, including conspiracy to commit narcotics-related crimes, unlawful possession of narcotic and restricted drugs, and engaging in the prohibited sale of drugs.

The prosecution, led by ASP Andrew Owusu Agyemang, outlined that on June 18, 2025, the suspects were apprehended during a targeted operation at MMG Plus Pub, a location identified through surveillance as a hotspot for illegal drug activity.

Following two months of intelligence gathering and undercover operations, NACOC officers conducted a raid at the bar and adjoining premises, where they discovered:

1,251 multi-colored pills suspected to be MDMA (Ecstasy), 10 round-like substances suspected to be Hashish, 34 wrapped dried leaves believed to be Cannabis, 19 bottles of Benylin with Codeine, 70 tablets of Tramaking Tramadol (225 mg), 35 tablets of Rophynol (Flunitrazepam 1mg) and Two weighing scales and other drug paraphernalia.

A Mitsubishi Pajero belonging to suspect Ali also contained additional drugs and high-value items suspected to be proceeds of crime.  Among them were gold and silver jewellery, electronic gadgets, cash amounting to GH¢9,353, multiple laptops and iPads, and portable electronic scales.

Field testing of the substances returned positive results for MDMA, cannabis, and hashish. The seized narcotics have been sent to the Ghana Standards Authority for further laboratory analysis, while the restricted medicines have been referred to the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) for verification.

Statements and Investigations

During preliminary investigations, Osuman Ali admitted to owning all the seized items except for the MDMA pills, which he claimed were given to him by a Nigerian national as collateral for a debt. Mizpah Abena Boadi, his girlfriend and co-resident at Palladium, claimed she had warned Ali against the illegal trade.

AyikuShamsudeen stated he was only employed to sell non-alcoholic drinks, a claim contradicted by a NACOC undercover operative who had allegedly purchased hashish from him.

The suspects were initially remanded on June 26 as investigations progressed.

Bail Conditions

On July 2, 2025, Her Honour Adjei-Tawiah granted all three suspects bail with strict conditions:

A1 (Osuman Ali): Bail set at GH¢100,000 with two sureties, one of whom must be a civil servant earning not less than GH¢2,000 and the other to justify with landed property. He must deposit his valid passport and report to police every Wednesday.

A2 (Mizpah Abena Boadi): Bail set at GH¢60,000 under similar conditions. A3 (AyikuShamsudeen): Bail set at GH¢20,000 with matching surety requirements.The court will next hear the case on July 17

1...735736737...3,067Page 736 of 3,067

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

©
The Ghanaian Chronicle