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Anti-Hamas protests on rise in Gaza as group’s iron grip slips

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Public criticism of Hamas is rare

“Out! Out! Out!” The voice in the Telegram video is insistent. Loud. Sometimes musical.

And the message unambiguous. “All of Hamas, out!”

On the streets of Gaza, more and more Palestinians are expressing open defiance against the armed group that’s ruled the strip for almost 20 years.

Many hold Hamas responsible for plunging the tiny, impoverished territory into the worst crisis faced by Palestinians in more than 70 years.

“Deliver the message,” another crowd chants, as it surges through Gaza’s devastated streets: “Hamas is garbage.”

“The world is deceived by the situation in the Gaza Strip,” says Moumen al-Natour, a Gaza lawyer and former political prisoner who’s long been a vocal critic of Hamas.

Al-Natour spoke to us from the shattered remains of his city, the flimsy canvas side of the tent which now forms part of his house billowing behind him.

“The world thinks that Gaza is Hamas and Hamas is Gaza,” he said. “We didn’t choose Hamas and now Hamas is determined to rule Gaza and tie our fate to its own. Hamas must retreat. ”

Speaking out is dangerous. Hamas has never tolerated dissent. Al-Natour seems undaunted, writing a furious column for the Washington Post at the end of March.

“To support Hamas is to be for Palestinian death,” he wrote, “not Palestinian freedom”.Since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007 by violently ousting political rivals, a year after winning national elections, there have been three major wars with Israel and two smaller conflicts.

Credit: bbc.com

 

Australian politician fined for supplying cocaine

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David Speirs' defence said he used drugs 'as a form of escapism

An Australian politician has been convicted of supplying drugs after he initially dismissed a video showing him snorting a white substance as a “deepfake”.

Former South Australian Liberal party leader David Speirs was fined A$9,000 (£4311; $5,720) and ordered to complete 37.5 hours of community service by an Adelaide court on Thursday.

Speirs was arrested in September after footage of him snorting off a plate was published by News Corp. He initially denied wrongdoing and reportedly told the news outlet it was a “deepfake” and that he had never used cocaine.

However, he later admitted that was a lie and the ensuing scandal and charges led to his resignation from parliament. Last month, Speirs pleaded guilty to supplying cocaine to two men in August.

Speirs’ defence said he used drugs “as a form of escapism” from the stress of his work, but the offences did not occur in a work capacity.

The case had sparked intense media scrutiny, with prosecutors arguing that it was in the public’s interest given Speirs’ senior position in politics.

His lawyer had previously asked the court not to record the conviction so his client could travel overseas, but the magistrate said the offences were “too serious”.

“The need for public denunciation for this type of offending and the need for general deterrence is too great to refrain from recording a conviction,” magistrate Brian Nitschke said on Thursday.

Nitschke acknowledged Speirs’ defence that the offences occurred during a time of stress but added it was “certainly no excuse”.

Speirs stepped into the role of South Australia’s Liberal leader in 2022 and had served 10 years as a member of parliament.

He did not speak to media after his sentencing.

Credit: bbc.com

The health benefits of coconut water

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Coconut

What is coconut water?

Coconut water is the clear liquid found inside green, immature coconuts. Young coconuts are favoured for their water as it is tastier, more plentiful in volume and easier to access. Varieties of coconut yield slightly different-tasting water, depending on where they are grown.

Coconut water also differs in taste and nutrition to coconut milk and oil, both of which are made from the flesh of the coconut.

Benefits of coconut water include:

  1. Natural source of minerals

Coconut water is a natural source of minerals, including potassium, magnesium, calcium and sodium. Many of us don’t get enough of these important electrolyte minerals, which play a key role throughout the body, including for heart health and skeletal and muscle function. In fact, some believe coconut water is on a par with the electrolyte balance found in many isotonic sport drinks.

It’s worth remembering, however, that although about 165-250mg of potassium is contained within a 100ml serving when compared to an average avocado, banana or potato, this is not a large amount. There are plenty of other potassium-rich foods that are likely to be cheaper and more readily available than coconut water.

  1. May have antioxidant properties

Research on animals suggests that coconut water contains compounds that have a protective, antioxidant effect. Two of the phytonutrients that have these effects are shikimic acid and caffeic acid, and the benefits in the studies ranged from decreased cholesterol markers to improvements in liver health.

However, to date there have been no human studies to replicate these findings, so it’s too early to say whether the same benefits may be relevant for us.

  1. May help manage blood sugar levels

Animal studies suggest that coconut water may help manage blood sugar levels and reduce the damaging effects of oxidative stress associated with conditions like diabetes. Being a source of magnesium may also contribute to coconut water’s benefits, because magnesium helps manage blood sugar levels, especially among those with diabetes. However, once again there are better food sources of magnesium – these include banana and avocado.

Although animal studies appear encouraging, more research is needed to evaluate these effects in humans.

  1. May help prevent kidney stones

Adequate fluid intake is important to avoid kidney stone formation; stones are created when compounds like calcium and oxalate combine to form crystals and stones. Studies suggest that drinking coconut water not only reduces the number of stones, but also appears to prevent them from sticking to the kidneys and urinary tract.

  1. May support exercise performance

It has been suggested that consuming coconut water may improve endurance and athletic performance. This is because it contains carbohydrate in the form of glucose (a simple sugar) combined with the electrolyte minerals sodium and potassium – two key components typically found in commercial sports drinks.

One study found that drinking coconut water prior to exercise improved the capacity to exercise in a high-temperature environment. Another found that coconut water drunk post-exercise helped rehydrate in a similar way to a carbohydrate-electrolyte sports drink, but it didn’t have any significant impact on exercise performance.

As a source of electrolytes, coconut water may be a useful post-exercise drink; however, given the research to date is inconsistent, most recreational exercisers are likely to achieve as much benefit from plain water.

More controlled studies involving humans are needed to confirm many of these properties, but if you wish to improve hydration while adding an additional source of potassium to your diet, coconut water may be a useful choice.

Is coconut water safe for everyone?

For the majority of people, coconut water is generally recognised as safe. However, if you have renal failure or a kidney condition that requires you to manage your potassium intake, it may not be an appropriate source of regular hydration.

Furthermore, coconut water is a source of simple carbs, so if you’ve been diagnosed as pre-diabetic or diabetic, check first with your GP or registered dietitian before adding significant quantities to your diet.

Allergic reactions to coconut are rare – contact dermatitis and sensitisation to the tree pollen is more common.

Source: bbcgoodfood.com

Feature: AFENYO-MARKIN CAJOLES GBA ON CJ’s REMOVAL

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Africanus Owusu Ansah (Hot Issues)

Fair is foul, and foul is fair: Hover through the fog and filthy air. WITCHES IN MACBETH

Hell is murky! Lady Macbeth would say; and we in Ghana would say the Judiciary is murky and there is a ping-pong tussle. A Ghanaian citizen (3 or 5?) sends a petition to the President for the removal of the Chief Justice. The President is enjoined:  (Article 146 (6)). “Where the petition is for the removal of the Chief Justice, the President shall, acting in consultation with the Council of State, appoint a committee consisting of two Justices of the Supreme Court, one of whom shall be appointed Chairman by the President, and three other persons who are not members of the Council of State, nor Members of Parliament, nor lawyers”. There is no mention of prima facie in this provision as there is in the case of Article 146 Clause 3 which affects “other” Justices of the Supreme Court.

When the news broke about the petition the Chief Justice wrote to the President to furnish her with a copy of the petition to enable her have full knowledge of what she is being accused of. The Chief Justice wrote to the President for a copy of the petition. She did, and she got it (unconstitutionally).

Of course, we appreciate jus naturale (the principle of natural justice) both sides to be heard: audi alteram partem (listen to the other party); nemo judex in causa sua (no one shall be a judge in his own case).

But what is Afenyo-Markin urging the Ghana Bar Association to do? Resorting to “argumentum ad hominem” or better “argumentum ad populum”? He stands on the platform of his party (NPP) and bellows: “What is happening is unacceptable, and it is clear that the NDC wants to infiltrate the judiciary and make it partisan… But my advice to the Judiciary is to stand together… The next day you will be the next. The judiciary must stand together as one body, and make a full statement and condemn this action. The Ghana Bar Association must stand for the judiciary. Civil Society Organisations must stand for the Judiciary”.

What should the Ghana Bar condemn? When the President has not flouted the Constitution? Care should be taken otherwise our actions themselves may fall into bandwagon fallacy. We should be careful about using Adjei Twum v. AG and another (2006) as a stare decisis (guided by a previous decision). Their Lordships had stated: “When the President receives a petition for the removal of a Chief Justice, he ought to first make a prima facie case determination.” One would ask: “At what stage should the President make the prima facie case? After submitting the petition to the Council of State?” We are a constitutional democracy, and we pick a cue from kindred states, including the U.S.A.

In March, 1804, the U.S. House of Representatives impeached Samuel Chase, an associate justice of the Supreme Court. But the man waded through when the Senate freed him.

Their Lordships in Kuenyehia v Archer (1993-1994) 2 GLR 525 stated: “…When construing provisions of a national Constitution such as ours, the Constitution must be given a benevolent, broad, liberal and purposive construction, so as to promote the apparent policy intention of its framers and in order to achieve its enlightened objectives. Thus, a lot of flexibility is called for.”

And despite the quietude marking the episodic action taken by the President, Prof. Kwaku Asare (Azar) insinuates what a “rogue Chief Justice” can do to imperil the judiciary independence by: (i) subverting the Judicial Appointments Process …negotiating with the President to elevate their candidates (ii) Manipulating Panel Composition… (iii) Issuing Unconstitutional Directives (iv) punitive transfers and case re-assignments – as a form of retribution for perceived disloyalty (v) suppressing dissent and debate-thereby cultivating a culture of fear, stifling criticism… (vi) Undermining Collegial Governance (centralizing authority). Azar ammo obiara din (Azar did not mention anyone’s name).

We do not pray to suffer the fate of Hopeson Adorye who has been sued by Ofori Atta for GH¢10 million for defamation over the “Agaypadie Book”, a book condemned by ex-President Akufo-Addo, even though the text appears (allegedly) to talk of the Judiciary this way: “Considering the competitive nature of our work as politicians, there’s always a need to be a step ahead against our opponents to secure our interest, dominance and maintain power in 2020… In 2020 and the next 20 years. Our focus as a party has always been to position our members and sympathisers at strategic positions both in government and in the Judiciary to cover and protect our interest… All the appointments made to the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and some of the High Courts in Ghana under our government was to promote the NPP agenda and to ensure our country never falls in (to) the hands of the Opposition, NDC…”

What happened when a framed-up charge of corruption was put on the head of gentle, unassuming Lordship Anin-Yeboah over an allegation of bribery of $5m from Ogyeedom Obranu Kwesi Atta VI v Ghana Telecom.

Started by our learned colleague Akwasi Afrifa, Esq in 2024? The Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA) submitted a petition to ex-President Akufo-Addo whose response on July 26, 2021 read: “The President of the Republic has in accordance with Article 146 (6) of the Constitution commenced the appropriate processes subsequent to being petitioned for the removal of the Chief Justice…” We can’t forget the Ghana Bar Association v Attorney General (1995-1996) GLR challenging the appointment of Chief Justice Abban for lacking “high moral character and proven integrity.”

We all sat quiet, waiting for the outcome of the investigations, because we respected rule of law. We have looked at Tuffour v AG (1980) GLR 637; NPP v AG (1993–94) 2 GLR 35; Goldwater v Carter 444 US 996 (1979) J.H. Mensah v AG (1996–97) SC GLR 320; Amidu v President Kufuor (2001–2002) SC GLR 86 @ 106 among others. What has happened now? and people, particularly NPP people are agitating a face-off with the Executive?

“Aluta”, Yes. But we have brains! Our cerebrum works. We do not move irrationally to do acts that we will later be remorseful about. Everyone should bear in mind that when we say we are “patriotic”, we mean “patriotic” to Ghana, and not to any individual whether in NPP or NDC or Akua Donkor’s party.

Someone writes, and we wholeheartedly endorse same: “Judicial independence is not just about resisting political interference. It is also about preventing the concentration of power within the judiciary itself. The petition process is not reckless or arbitrary; it is anchored in due process. True fidelity to the Constitution means allowing the process to run its course — openly, lawfully, and without interference.” What is in the process and the act to suggest a political coup? And where has the President flouted Article 296 — use of discretionary powers?

The President, in line with Article 146 Clause 10, has suspended Chief Justice Torkornoo. We know per Article 146 (8) that the proceedings “shall be held in camera”, and we do not want to believe in “foul whisperings” including the C.J. receiving payment of 20% of her salary for accommodation despite living in a government bungalow.

The Ghanaian Judiciary has a history-mostly chequered: Sir Arku Korsah’s dismissal by President Nkrumah in 1963 still lingers.

 

Feature: Sede Vacante and the Papacy

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The Holy Catholic Church, the only church founded by Jesus Christ, is today, in the state of sede vacante, meaning the Chair of the Holy See is vacant.

On Monday April 21, 2025 the Camerlengo,Cardinal Kevin Farrell, announced to the whole world, saying:“This morning at 07:35 local time (05:35 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father,”Cardinal Farrell, an Irish-born American prelate, was made Camerlengo in 2019, which makes him have the responsibility to act as the interim head of the Holy See (Vatican) after the death or resignation of the Pope. He also presides over the Conclave that elects a new Pope.

Pope Francis’ one-way trip to Heaven, can be said to be very blessed. The Supreme Pontiff was ill and hospitalised for 38 days before discharged on March 23, 2025 and returned to the Vatican. Catholics were full of hope that he would stay much longer with us. He undertook some of his usual assignments, making public appearance at the St. Peter’s Square on April 6; meeting all seventy inmates of the Regina Coeli prison, individually, on April 17;going to the St. Peter Basilica on April 19, to pray before the Easter vigil and on April 20, Easter Sunday, he appeared in the St. Peter’s Square and gave Easter blessings, then briefly met the US Vice President, J.D. Vance in his office.

And at 5:35 Hrs. GMT the next morning, Pope Francis left for the life hereafter in Heaven. From hospital, the twenty-nine days were just enough to wave us, his final good-bye. And how sweetit was, when he gave us blessings on Easter day and departed the morning after. May his soul be elevated among the Elect in Heaven.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on Wednesday, 17 December 1936 in Flores, Buenos Aires, Argentina. At age 21, after suffering from a life-threatening pneumonia, one of his lungs was removed.

Pope Francis was ordained a Jesuit priest, on December 13, 1969, consecrated a bishop on June 27, 1992 and created a cardinal by Pope John Paul II, on February 21, 2001. He was elected pope on March 13, 2013 and died on April 21, 2025 at age 88 years.

At the moment the Catholic Church is in the state of sedevacante, and during this period, two very important events will take place, the funeral of the late pope and the Conclave to elect a new pope.

His funeral arrangements are already underway.

The Conclave: The Conclave is a private assembly of cardinals who meet in a concealed environment to elect popes. Conclave is a combination of Latin words, cum (with) and clavis(key) to mean locked room.

Today the College of Cardinals is made up of 252 cardinals, of which 135 who are below 80 years, are electors, and so, are eligible to form the Conclave to elect a new pope. In Africa there are 29 cardinals out of which 18 are electors.

The apostolic succession which is the unbroken transmission of spiritual authority from the Apostles through successive popes and bishops to this day, is maintained in the Catholic Church. Even though St. Peter’s successor was not named in the Bible, early Church fathers, like St. Irenaeus and Bishop Eusebius of Caesarea bore testimony, that St. Linus succeeded him as head of the Church.

Initially, the choice of successor to popes was not done in secluded areas.

After the death of Pope Clement IV in 1268, the election of the next pope took almost three years, with gross interferences from ‘outsiders,’ including politicians. After all this Teobaldo Visconti, was elected the 184th pope, in 1271, and took the name, Pope Gregory X.

Pope Gregory X, was a layman before his election as pope. A few laymen have been elected popes in the history of the Church. By Canon 332, when that happens, they must be ordained priest, consecrated bishop before they become pope. In fact, any baptized Catholic male is canonically eligible to be elected pope.

Pope Gregory X, instituted the Conclave for the election of popes. A number of important points were legislated, which included using a completely secluded area, where no one comes in or out during the balloting for a pope.

So, very soon, Conclave will be assembled to elect Pope Francis’ successor. Already,public opinion is ranking papabile (Italian for pope-able) among cardinals, who people think should succeed Pope Francis. Here in Ghana, Ghanaians are proclaiming Cardinal Appiah Turkson as the one to become the next pope, because it is now time for an African pope. In fact, that will make him the first African pope after 1,529 years. There were three African popes in history, Pope Victor I (14th Pope. 189 – 199 AD and native of Libya); Pope Miltiades or Melchiades the African (32nd Pope. 311-314 AD and from Carthage) and Pope Gelasius I (49th Pope. 492-496 AD and from Morrocco). But most importantly, Cardinal Tuckson could be the first Black African Pope.

In as much as we are wishing our first Cardinal’s success during the next Conclave, we must rather humbly pray and beg God to make this happen. Projecting him high with loud sounds, should not be the way. In the matters of Conclave, things do not work out like that. Public opinions do not play any role in the choice of a new pope. An old Italian saying which stresses the uncertainty of the balloting of popes, goes like this: “He who enters a conclave as a pope, leaves it as a cardinal.”Because God’s thoughts and ways are not our thoughts and ways and so, it always happens that those ranked highin the polls before the Conclave, never make it.

Cardinal Siri, Archbishop of Genoa, and Cardinal Benelli, Archbishop of Florence, were papabili in the October 1978 Conclave but Cardinal Wojtyla, was elected to become Pope John Paul II. Earlier in August that year Cardinal Luciani was not ranked highly, but he got elected, to become Pope John Paul I.

In the 2013 Conclave, the list of papabili, did not rank Cardinal Bergoglio high. In fact, Cardinal Turkson was among the top rankings, but the Argentine was elected to become Pope Francis.

So, I only pray that we humbly and quietly pray and beg God to give us a Ghanaian pope, for God always listens to the cries of the lowly.

The Papacy: The attacks on Catholicism by Protestants, include the papacy and apostolic succession, which they claim has no origin in the teachings of Christ and His disciples and was never mentioned in the New Testament.

It is rather unfortunate that the same people who accuse Catholics of not reading the Bible, have access to the Bible but do not understand what they read.

Of course, the word, papacy, is not in the Bible, however it is the name given to the office instituted by Jesus Christ, for the mortal leader of His Church. Jesus Christ is the God of Orderliness and so must His Church be. In Matthew 16: 15-19, He singled out Apostle Peter for the singular role of leading His Church, here on earth. St. Peter was made the spokesman for the evangelists (Mt. 18:21; Mk. 8:29; Lk. 12:41 and Jn. 6:67-68); St. Peter is often the central figure in dramatic scenes in the Gospel, (Mt. 14:27-28; Mt. 17: 24-25; Mk. 8: 29 and Lk. 5: 3-8); St. Peter was always named first when the apostles are listed, (Mt.10:2; Mk. 3:16-17; Lk. 6:13-14 and Acts 1:13) and the Gospels make explicit statements about St. Peter’s unique role in the Church, (Mt. 16: 15-19; Lk. 22: 31-32 and Jn. 21: 15-17).

Jesus Christ, knows that for good administration of His Church, there must be one leader at all times. When He picked the Twelve, He was their leader, and knowing He was not going to be physically present all the time, He appointed a leader, in the person of Simon Peter, to head the Church.

After Peter, there was a successor and so on to this day,through to the end of time. That is why as the Church founded by Jesus Christ, the Roman Catholic Church has maintained this order of succession from Christ who handed the Church over to St. Peter,who was succeeded by St. Linusand all the way down to Pope Francis who will be succeeded by a new Pope, soon.

If according to the Protestants, apostolic succession is not Biblical, what does Acts 1: 15-26 tell them? The successor of Judas was elected and Matthias won to join the apostles (bishops). In the Book of Psalms, it is written in Ps. 109: 8, “May his days be few;may another take his office.” This is a prophecy.So, what proof again is needed to demonstrate that the papacy and apostolic succession is biblical? If Judas could be replaced, then how much more, Peter?

Do the Protestants not have spiritual leadership with one man as the head? Are they not replaced after their demise or retirement? So, what is their problem here?

Catholics may not read the bible the way the Protestants do, however, whenever the Catholics read the bible, they open up to the Holy Spirit to guide them through, that is why it is said “the Catholic Church is the Scriptures and the Scriptures is the Catholic Church.”

Pope from the Latin ‘Papa’, means father and his office is the papacy which was instituted by Jesus Christ.

By Hon. Daniel Dugan

Weekend European Leagues Fixtures & Previews

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Chelsea players

Chelsea welcome Everton to Stamford Bridge

Chelsea will look to strengthen their position in the race for the Premier League’s top five when they welcome Everton to Stamford Bridge in Saturday’s early kickoff.

Under-fire manager Enzo Maresca was bailed out by two late goals away to Fulham last week, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, but that has done little to ease the pressure on the Chelsea boss, who will be suspended from the touchline this weekend.

After taking some flack from the Chelsea fans during their West London derby with Fulham, Maresca had Tyrique George and Pedro Neto to thank for keeping their Champions League hopes alive last weekend, as both netted late on to beat the Cottagers 2-1.

That extended Chelsea’s unbeaten league run to four games, needing to come back from losing positions at half time in both of their last two games to salvage four points.

No matter what state Chelsea are in, one thing always seems certain, and it is that Everton will not win at the Bridge, and this could be the 30th successive game without defeat for the hosts against the Toffees if they claim a result.

Everton’s season is fizzling out slightly, while Chelsea still have it all to play for, so they will be the favourites, but they can expect a scrappy affair, as 12 of the visitors’ 16 away games in the Premier League this season have produced two goals or fewer.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

 

Brighton play host to West Ham United

Two Premier League teams bidding to bounce back form disappointing results last time out do battle at the Amex Stadium on Saturday afternoon as Brighton & Hove Albion play host to West Ham United.

Mohammed Kudus, West Ham United

The Hammers rescued a point in a 1-1 draw with the Seagulls in the reverse fixture at the London Stadium in December when Mohammed Kudus cancelled out an opener from Mats Wieffer.

Brighton’s European qualification hopes are sinking fast as Fabian Hurzeler‘s side are without a win in five Premier League matches, picking up just one point from a possible 12 available and most recently losing 4-2 at Brentford last weekend.

West Ham are destined for a bottom-half finish in the Premier League and have alternated between defeat and a draw in their last six outings, most recently being held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by basement club Southampton on home soil last weekend.

The Hammers head into Saturday’s game having collected five points from their last nine available against Brighton (W1 D2), just one fewer than they picked up in their first 12 such meetings (D6 L6).

West Ham, who beat Brighton 3-1 at the Amex last season, have won four Premier League games on the road this term and have kept a clean sheet on all four occasions – they have not won any of their last 15 PL away matches when conceding at least once (D5 L10).

Neither side are entering this weekend’s contest in high spirits and a similarly tight affair to the reverse fixture could be on the cards.

Credit: sportsmole.co.uk

 

Bournemouth faceoff with inconsistent Man United

As Manchester United‘s sole focus is now on the Europa League, the game on Sunday afternoon against Bournemouth might be see more academy players make their debuts and possibly gives other players the chance to say their goodbyes, as we approach the end of the season.

Bruno Fernandes

Both sides are in the hunt for European football next year, but the two sides have different routes to try and get there and this game could give viewers a flavour of what is to come in the future.

United are winless in their past four Premier League games, with the latest coming last Sunday against Wolves.

It is looking like this could be Manchester United’s worst season since the 1973/74 season, when they were relegated to the second divison under Tommy Docherty.

However, one player has shone in the storm at United. That player is Bruno Fernandes. In his second season as captain at United, he has been the one player who has been a level above the rest.

For Bournemouth, they currently sit six places above United in the league in 8th but have recently dipped in form.

Manchester United have been one of the worst teams that have been hit by injuries this season, with seven first team players out of the squad.

Credit: vavel.com

 

Inter lineup against a strong Roma side

Inter have been spiralling lately, but they have no time to dwell on it as their season is on the line against a very strong Roma side.

Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Inter Milan

Losing in the final seconds to Bologna put Inter in a really difficult position. They have the same number of points as Napoli but face a far tougher and more condensed schedule. Their struggles were evident in the Cup against their cross-town rivals Milan, who bested them easily in the rematch, eliminating them from the competition.

That means Serie A holds even more weight now, with this upcoming match against Roma being hugely important. Should Inter fail to win and Napoli succeed in their game, Inter would drop to second place.

They cannot allow that to happen, but beating Roma will be challenging given how they’ve been performing recently. Keep reading this Inter vs Roma preview to find out what our algorithm predicts in this clash.

Inter have struggled lately, playing two very poor matches in a row. Neither the match against Bologna nor the one against Milan was good in any way, and fatigue is mostly to blame.

Their players are tired because the team doesn’t have a strong bench, and most of the starters have played a lot of football so far this year. It’s not something that will improve anytime soon, with the upcoming Roma match only a few days away.

The bottom line is simple: they have to win at all costs, and they will attempt to do so. There are some minor reasons to feel optimistic, because Roma aren’t world-beaters and can be defeated, but Inter haven’t been very good for a while.

Credit: forebet.com

FIXTURES

Premier League

Saturday 26th April

Chelsea 12:30 Everton

Brighton 15:00 West Ham

Newcastle 15:00 Ipswich Town

Southampton 15:00 Fulham

Wolves 15:00 Leicester City

Sunday 27th April

Bournemouth 14:00 Manchester United

Liverpool 16:30 Tottenham

 

Spanish La Liga

Sunday 27th April

Villarreal 15:15 Espanyol

 

Italian Serie A

Sunday 27th April

Como 11:30 Genoa

Venezia 11:30 AC Milan

Fiorentina 14:00 Empoli

Inter Milan 14:00 Roma

Juventus 17:00 Monza

Atalanta 19:45 Lecce

Napoli 19:45 Torino

Osahen Speaks At Kwahu Biz Forum: Ghana’s Future Can’t Be Built On Partisan Loyalty

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JENNIFER AMBOLLEY
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Osahen Afenyo-Markin addressing the forum

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin, says Ghana’s future cannot be built on partisan loyalty and that it must rather be built on merit.

To him, those who deserve opportunity should be given opportunity – regardless of political affiliation.

Osahen with IGP Yohuno at the forum

Osahen, who was speaking at the 2nd edition of the Kwahu Business Forum, themed: “The Future of Business: The Role of the Financial Sector,” which was held at Abetifi recently, proposed the creation of a National Orientation Programme, focused on instilling values such as meritocracy, discipline, civic responsibility and entrepreneurship.

He described this as essential to reshaping the Ghanaian mindset towards long-term, sustainable growth.

The orientation programme, he suggested, should especially target the youth, who are often manipulated during election cycles, but abandoned when it comes to opportunities and development.

“They must not be supported only when they wear our party colours. They must be supported when they demonstrate potential, creativity, and drive,” he said.

Mr Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin who is also the Member of Parliament for Effutu in the Central region, also said politicians have a responsibility to eliminate political interference in entrepreneurship.

“We have a responsibility to depoliticise entrepreneurship – to create an ecosystem where business owners can thrive without fear of being tagged or targeted,” he stated.

Mr Afenyo-Markin emphasied that the country’s future economic growth is inextricably tied to the success of its private sector.

He cautioned that the persistent politicisation of businesses has created an unfair environment where merit and creativity are often side-lined in favour of political affiliations.

“When we politicise local enterprise, we create an uneven playing field that stifles innovation and discourages risk-taking.

“When this happens, it is foreign businesses that stand tall and dominate our markets while our indigenous enterprises unfairly branded or side-lined are made to struggle,” he stated.

He urged political leaders to stop frustrating the efforts of local entrepreneurs simply because they may not be aligned with a specific political ideology.

Turning to the financial sector, the Minority Leader lamented the challenges local businesses face in accessing credit and called on banks and other financial institutions to become more responsive to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those led by young people.

“The role of the financial sector in the growth of indigenous businesses cannot be overstated,” he noted adding “we must ensure that financial institutions play a more proactive role in supporting local enterprises not only in providing capital, but also in creating the opportunities that will allow these businesses to grow.”

He urged the development of innovative financial products tailored to the realities of Ghanaian entrepreneurs. This, he argued, would transform the private sector into the engine of job creation, reduce dependency on the overburdened public sector, and ultimately stimulate broad-based economic development.

Afenyo-Markin commended President John Dramani Mahama for initiating the Kwahu Business Forum, describing it as a crucial platform for not just dialogue, but also for catalysing action.

“This initiative is crucial for not only promoting dialogue, but also translating those conversations into tangible actions that can propel us toward a brighter economic future,” he said.

The Minority Leader concluded his remarks saying, “To the entrepreneurs and businesses present, I urge you to take full advantage of the opportunities before you.

“Invest boldly in your dreams, for they are the foundation of our collective future. Let us work together to build a business ecosystem where success is driven by merit, hard work, and opportunity not by politics.”

Let Me Rebuild PZ Market – Bryan Pleads With Otumfuo

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admin
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Hon Bryan Acheampong addressing the traders

Former Minister for Food and Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Abetifi in the Eastern Region, Bryan Acheampong, yesterday took his turn to donate GHC300, 000 to support victims of the recent devastating fire outbreak at the ‘Bule Light’ area of the Kumasi Central Business District.

He has also promised to rebuild the market if Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, and Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) would consent to his proposal.

“I will reconstruct the PZ Market if Otumfuo and the government will agree,” the former Agric Minister told the victims during the visit to sympathise with the traders to remain calm despite the setback.

The inferno, which affected several shops and homes, has left dozens displaced, with many struggling to rebuild their lives.

The Abetifi Legislator said his gesture was aimed at helping the “most affected” traders to revamp their various businesses.

According to  Acheampong, he would dialogue with the Asantehene, the Regional Minister and KMA for approval to rebuild the market and that if Otumfuo gives him the go ahead, he will rebuild the affected buildings within a year.

He further urged individuals, philanthropists, corporate societies to come to the aid of the affected traders.

MP Acheampong had, earlier in January this year also donated GHC500,000 to the Kantamanto Market fire victims in Accra. T

he traders appreciated the gesture from Bryan Achampong and called on others to help in rebuilding their burnt structures.

From Oswald Pius Freiku, Kumasi

Mahama Suspends CJ Torkornoo

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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Justice Torkornoo

President John Dramani Mahama has suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo from office, with immediate effect, following a determination by the Council of State that a prima facie case has been established against her in respect of three separate petitions.

The suspension, carried out in accordance with Article 146(10) of the 1992 Constitution, comes after the President, in consultation with the Council of State, formed a committee to investigate the allegations levelled against the Chief Justice – the third female to occupy the high office in the history of the Republic of Ghana.

In a statement dated Tuesday, April 22, 2025 and signed by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the presidency confirmed that the suspension was executed upon the advice of the Council of State, as constitutionally mandated.

“In accordance with Article 146(6) and in consultation with the Council of State, President Mahama has established a committee to inquire into the petitions submitted against Her Ladyship Justice Gertrude Torkornoo,” the statement read.

The five-member committee constituted to probe the matter includes:

  1. Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, Justice of the Supreme Court – Chairman
  2. Justice Samuel Kwame Adibu-Asiedu, Justice of the Supreme Court – Member
  3. Daniel Yaw Domelevo, Former Auditor-General – Member
  4. Major Flora Barwaanura Dalugo, Ghana Armed Forces – Member
  5. Professor James Sefah Drisah, Associate Professor, University of Ghana – Member

These members were appointed in accordance with constitutional provisions which require the inclusion of two Supreme Court Justices and three non-lawyer citizens.

Government’s Position

Speaking on a radio programme, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu defended the President’s decision, stressing that the President acted strictly within the bounds of the law.

He said all three petitions alleged acts of misconduct against the Chief Justice and sought her removal from office, adding that upon receipt of such petitions, the Constitution mandates the President to consult with the Council of State.

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu added that the Council, after due consideration, established that a prima facie case exists.

When questioned on the selection criteria for the committee members, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu referred to the 1992 Constitution, which he said explicitly outlines the composition requirements for such a committee.

Her Ladyship Justice Torkornoo becomes the first sitting Chief Justice in Ghana’s Fourth Republic to be suspended under Article 146 procedures.

Court Orders Exhibit Production in Cannabis Smuggling Case

By
BERNICE BESSEY
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1
Court

The Accra Circuit Court, presided over by Her Honour Susana Eduful, has ordered the police to produce the key exhibit in a narcotics case involving 25-year-old phone repairer, Daniel Adamtey, who is awaiting sentencing for attempting to smuggle cannabis into police cells.

Adamtey was first arraigned on October 8, 2024, on two counts, attempting to commit crime -namely, engaging in a prohibited narcotics-related business—and unlawful possession of narcotic drugs.

He initially pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of GH¢30,000, with two sureties each earning at least GH¢3,000 monthly.

He later changed his plea to guilty. However, sentencing was deferred during the court’s latest sitting due to the police investigator’s failure to present the exhibit.

The court has ordered that the exhibit be brought before it on the next adjourned date, April 29, 2025, before sentencing can proceed.

According to Chief Inspector Emmanuel Teye Okuffo, Adamtey was arrested on October 1, 2024 at the Accra Regional Police SWAT Unit, while attempting to deliver a deodorant container to a remand prisoner, Ernest Amanatey.

Upon inspection, police found ten wrappers of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, along with cigarette rolling papers.

Additional quantities were discovered in the front pocket of Adamtey’s trousers during a personal search.

The case experienced delays, including the issuance of a bench warrant after Adamtey failed to appear in court on November 6, 2024. It was later rescheduled to December 17, during which the court ordered forensic testing of the seized substances to facilitate an amendment to the charge sheet.

On February 20, 2025 the forensic report confirmed the presence of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, Cannabinol, and Cannabidiol – the active components of cannabis -prompting the amended charges.

Despite these developments, the court emphasised the importance of producing the physical exhibit before proceeding with sentencing.

The case continues.

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