I think what Ghana has lacked is the ability to maintain their shape and discipline when the stakes are really high.

In 1992 Ghana was favourite to clinch the trophy and the BlackStars who had not clicked for a decade were in great form. The BlackStars lived up to their tournament bidding as one of the favourites to win it. They had a certain Abedi Pele, the playmaker and the reigning African footballer of the year and Tony Yeboah , a renowned goal scorer determined to shine on the African Stage in their line up. Ghana was a match away from clinching the trophy in a tense match against the other tournament favourite Nigeria with a star-studded team of Rashidi Yekini, Sampson Siasia, Stephen Keshi, Augustine Eguavon, Finidi George, Victor Ikpeba etc.

Abedi was no doubt man of the match that day, having tormented the Nigerian defence the whole of the match and having equalised Nigeria’s lead in the stroke of halftime to dent the confidence of the Nigerians. Ghana then went on to score in the second half with a nicely worked goal finished by Prince Polley. The clock was ticking and the BlackStars were in control of the match only for Abedi Pele who had already received a yellow card for dangerous play to see red mist – a moment of madness which saw him snub the referee resulted in another yellow card! The BlackStars’ talisman and the player of the tournament, was not going to make the final!

The rest is history and we all know what happened in the finals. Everyone wonders whether the result would have been different had Ghana had their best player on the pitch just like the Ivorian’s had their best player Alain Gouamene in goal.

Fast forward to 2006 World Cup and our midfield general Micheal Essien was shown a double yellow card in a match with the USA in which Ghana won, but this meant Ghana had to face Brazil without our midfield engine. Brazil went on to tear Ghana’s midfield to pieces and blow Ghana away.

Then in 2008, Ghana hosted the African Cup under a “Host and Win” motto. A resurgent Ghanaian team who were coming to the tournament on the back of a very good showing at the World cup were hoping to win their first tournament in 26 years. They had had the misfortune of losing their talismanic captain in Stephen Appiah through long term injury but with Michael Essien at the helm of the BlackStars, Ghana was hoping to make a great impact on the tournament and win at home. Things had gone according to plan and Ghana had reached the quarter finals after beating the likes of Morocco and an in-form Guinea team. Once again, it was Nigeria in the quarter finals and as expected, it was a tense match especially when Nigeria had taken the lead through a penalty. Ghana equalised through Micheal Essien on the stroke of half time and things were looking good for Ghana. In the second half, Ghana dominated the game and it was clear there was only going to only one winner that day but a moment of madness from our stand-in captain John Mensah through an unnecessary tackle on a Nigerian player resulted in a straight red card. What was heart-breaking was that the ball was going out of play and the Ghanaian defence was not in any way threatened; Clearly this was unnecessary and an archetypical Ghanaian loss of concentration. This was a player in his prime, our defensive stalwart, the Black Star’s “rock of Gibraltar”! Ghana nevertheless were inspired after the incident and got a goal to seal the game though “Ga Mantse” Agogo. But exactly like 1992, Ghana was to get their comeuppance in the following match with Cameroon. This was a semi-final Ghana had to win to play Africa’s most in-form team and the defending champions Egypt. With our defensive rock sat out for the match, the BlackStars had little choice but to soak up the pressure and hope to catch the Cameroonians on the counter attack knowing their Achilles heel in the ageing Rigobert Song. The match had been fairly balanced until Cameroon exposed Ghana’s “Mensah-less” defence and scored a goal that was to take Ghana out of the competition. This behaviour didn’t end there, and at the 2010 World Cup itself Ghana had beaten the USA again in one of the most fiercely contested matches of the tournament in the last 16, only to have in my view the best player on the pitch that day (the one who actually fed Asamoah Gyan with the famous through ball to seal the win) Dede Ayew be taken out of the next game through the accumulation of yellow cards. Another meaningless Yellow Card in our long history of unnecessary Card accumulation.

Ghana met Uruguay in the quarter final without Dede Ayew. This is not to say that the result might have been different but consider this, this was a player so inspired he had been voted man of the match in two previous matches before the match with the USA. Who knows? This is for the reader to speculate what might have happened that day had Dede been on the pitch.

So as the BlackStars prepare to win this 2012 tournament, I personally wouldn’t be worrying about their motivation to win given the price at stake, neither would I be worried about complacency given the examples we’ve witnessed during the qualifiers itself, were Nigeria, Egypt and Cameron were all put to the sword, but I would be worried about the BlackStars’ composure and discipline when the stakes are really high – the crucial matches.

To bring home the trophy, the BlackStars must avoid accumulating unnecessary Cards that have always blighted their chances. Period!

Frederich Maafo, UK

Sports Features of Tuesday, 24 January 2012

Source: Maafo, Frederich

This first ever event will happen this weekend on December 17, 2011 at the Holiday Inn on 2 Montgomery Avenue in Gaithersburg Maryland 20879 and would start from 10am in the morning and run through 2pm in the noon. Being the premier event, the organizers decided to adopt an open door invite by granting free admission to every one who is interested in attending.

Patrick Sarfo Adu, one of the coordinators of the event who is highly excited about it says the occasion will provide an opportunity for businesses and individuals in the world of business to meet and share ideas as well as network among themselves and share their expertise and experiences with their colleagues both in and out of the business world. The objective will be to empower all who attend to strive to live debt free in 2012 and onwards.

The event will be a nursery grounds for professionals and non professionals alike to learn how to build true wealth from top successful Ghanaian business owners in the USA. Participants and attendants will have the benefit of learning how to be their own bosses, earning extraordinary incomes, starting their own businesses and gearing towards making multiple streams of income!

Among those expected to present and share at this first ever AGWSS will be accomplished and established entrepreneurs and business men and women of Ghanaian origin in the USA like, Desmond Boateng, Bernard Akowuah, Pascal Asiedu, and Doris Annokye among a whole host of others.

A one time real estate agent who has been assisting people to acquire houses in the American mortgage industry, Patrick Sarfo Adu; also a presenter and coordinator of the AGWSS believes this event will be a success. Patrick expects a very decent attendance owing to the benefits the seminar seeks to offer participants, some of which will be providing the knowledge and power to allow people decide where they want to work and when they desire to work.

The entire Ghanaian community in the USA’s Maryland, District of Columbia and Maryland is urged to participate in this seminar as well as other members of the African community and business world. We will bring you more information on how this occasion went and the rate of success it achieves.

NOLLYWOOD FILM WITH AMERICAN APPEAL MAKES HISTORICAL LIMITED THEATRICAL RELEASE ACROSS THE USA AND AFRICA

“Paparazzi Eye in the Dark” is a romantic mystery feature film that has cross over potential and is seeking limited theatrical screenings across the USA and Africa. The aforementioned movie features A-List Nollywood actors from Africa and B-List talent from America. The English language film, shot in Atlanta, Georgia has much higher standards of production than most of its genre and tells the story of an aspiring photographer (Van Vicker) who enters the lucrative world of paparazzi photography and unwittingly captures a major scoop that puts him in the center of the city’s biggest murder mystery. The film features Nollywood’s sexiest A-List actor Van Vicker, famed Nigerian director/actor TChidi Chikere, Nigerian actress JJ Bunny, Ghanaian recording artist Koby Maxwell, Nigerian/American actor Chet Anekwe, American actress Syr Law of Tyler Perry’s”Diary of a Mad Black Woman”, and Bayo Akinfemi of the Hollywood Blockbusters “The Tuxedo” and “Bullet Proof Monk”. It’s also directed by Nigeria’s Bayo Akinfemi, cinematography and editing by American filmmaker Black Magic Tim, and produced by Ghana’s Koby Maxwell and Liberia’s Dr. Clarice Ford-Kulah, and executive produced by Great Moments Productions.

Hoping to be the breakthrough film to introduce the fast growing Nollywood subculture to mainstream audiences, the film is unique because it is a part of an ongoing revolution in Nollywood filmmaking where quality is now put before quantity. It features a strikingly beautiful and universal cast, incredible crossover music, excellent sound/picture quality, and professional acting. It appeals to universal audience and is a collaborative effort of Nigerian, Ghanaian, American, Jamaican, and a host of other African countries’ talents and is the first to propose a theatrical release of this magnitude. The film has gotten much support from various businesses, agencies, and African press, but is currently extending its ad campaign to domestic markets reaching its core fans in the United States and Africa. To date, Paparazzi Eye in the Dark has won 5 NAFCA Awards and been nominated for 4 Ghana Movie Awards, which will be held in Ghana on December 25, 2011. Please join us on December 9, 2011 (6 PM) at the Silverbird, Ghana for the premiere of Paparazzi Eye in the Dark

Join us on Saturday Dec 17th to celebrate the launch of Ghanaian Canadian recording artists Quabena Maphia. Special performances from other local artists in Canada and a special international guest artists.

Toronto- Signs of Science (SOS), an educational not-for profit organization, formally introduced

itself to the community through an inspiring fusion of sciences event featuring the best selling
author and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the US,
Dr. Ben Carson. Taking place at Humber College, the event involved more than 300 students,
staff and community leaders

Attendees were treated to multiple innovative and interactive workshops such as the aviation
room, robotics programming room, solar technology and many more. John Davies, President
of Humber College commenced the festivities with an introductory speech and the event
concluded with inspirational words of motivation from Vincent Crisanti, Councillor Ward 1 North
Etobicoke. During the event, SOS “Brain of the Month” awards were presented to students
by Dr. Ben Carson and SOS unveiled their new Signs of Science community based website
(www.signsofscience.com).

“Growing up in Rexdale, I can definitely empathize with the need for enrichment. We are
blessed and honoured to have someone of Dr. Ben Carson’s stature here supporting our
endeavours”, said Lydia Amponah, Executive Director of Signs of Science.

Dr. Ben Carson, Director of Peadiatric Neurosurgery at the renowned John Hopkins Hospital was the event’s keynote speaker. Speaking about his unique upbringing and overcoming extenuating circumstances, his speech resonated with an audience who also have their share of obstacles they must overcome.

Funded by the Laidlaw Foundation, SOS operates a Science, Technology, Engineering and
Mathematics (STEM) mentorship program designed to support young people living in
marginalized communities in Toronto to pursue post secondary education in STEM related
programs.

RULES & REGULATIONS
- We expect nothing but professionalism and quality standards.
- All d.j’s must supply a mix no longer than 5 minutes.
- Top 5 Dj’s will be selected by online voting
- Deadline: Feb 1st 2012

CKi’s Rainwater Harvesting System in Accra, Ghana
Come celebrate the holiday festivities by joining us on Saturday November 26 at the Stephen Bulger Gallery in raising funds to bring a rainwater harvesting system to St Moses School in the community of Chokor. Challenged Kids International (CKi) is a nongovernmental organization which encourages children facing economical, social health, physical, and mental challenges to see beyond their disabilities and strive to achieve their personal goals in life. The organization works with challenged kids in the developing world.

Our objectives are to support education, nutritious eating, and micro-enterprise in the developing world.
On Saturday November 26, 2011 at the Stephen Burgler Gallery (downtown Toronto), CKi will be hosting
a fundraiser with the aim to raise sufficient monetary means to implement a rainwater harvesting system in the village of Chokor. Chokor is an impoverished community situated in Accra Ghana. The rainwater harvesting system will water the vegetation garden CKi has implemented. This vegetation provides nutritious food such as carrot and lettuce, to the children of the community.

The rainwater harvesting system is the collection of rainwater from the roof of a building. The collected water may have debris and dirt so it is filtered and then stored for use. The collected rainwater can be used to water gardens and for washing. In some places, the water is sterilized by boiling to be used for cooking and as drinking water. The fundraiser will highlight key note speaker, Claire Rodger – Director at Gardening Angel Horticulture Inc. As a recipient of the environmental award of excellence in 2008, Ms. Rodger is an environmental leader whose achievements have lead and continue to lead to a greener and healthier Toronto. The night will be lined up with performances by live Congolese music band, JCarre Music, and live jazz artist, Luwam Tomas.

$25 per ticket includes:
Live performances
Finger food – Cash bar – Game prizes
Time – Saturday Nov 26, 2011 from 7-10pm at Stephen Bulger Gallery – www.bulgergallery.com
1026 Queens St West – Toronto, M6J 1H6

Online ticket purchase – http://rainwaterfilterghana.eventbrite.com
Print ticket purchase – Email: info@challengedkids.org or Call: 647-883-0701
For more information please visit www.challengedkids.org

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During the event, awards were given to participants and volunteers of the CPC soccer and tutoring programs who demonstrated extraordinary commitment and efforts during the 2011 soccer season and the 2010 academic
year. Dignitaries and community leaders who participated with the presentation of the awards included the two keynote speakers Hon. Mawutor, Consular-General of Ghana and Mr. Errol Gibbs, an author and international motivational speaker.

The culmination of the empowerment conference began in 2008 when CPC facilitated the Ghanaian-Canadian soccer league as an avenue for the youth to be active during the summer.CPC’s efforts were bolstered by two community building funders, True Sports Foundation and The Forzani Group. Following the success of the soccer league, the young at heart couldn’t be left out. Hence, CPC moved on and established a youth summer camp in the summer of 2010. With the help of the two community building sponsors, The Forzani Group (owners of Sportcheck, Athletes World, and National Sports) and True Sports Foundation, CPC extended this camp to other geographical areas in 2011.

After learning about CPC’s initiatives and challenges in expanding their programs, True Sports Foundation, contributed $10,000 to CPC. At the same time, Forzani Group, a sport merchandize company, provided substantial soccer equipments with an estimated value of $5,000 to CPC soccer program. About 150 young community members benefited from the donation.

It was through these generous donations that CPC was able to operate a summer soccer camp for the youth residing in Brampton. The camp allowed the prolific soccer players within the community to pass on their knowledge of the game to the aspiring youth soccer players. Aside from serving as a play ground, the camp equally aided in the health promotion of the participants; as they receivedtheir required physical activity. Altogether, the weekly two hour camp served about 40 youth in the Etobicoke and Brampton area.

It would go amiss to say that since their origination, both the league and the camp have been running successfully every summer. Admittedly, the Sport Awards & Empowerment Conference symbolizes the high point of CPC’s three years involvement in community building. Indeed, it was a spectacular event: from the elegant and dazzling décor to the exquisite performance, the mind stimulating speeches and the mouth-watering food.

The awarding began by honouring the participants of the aforementioned youth with Joel Effah receiving the Youth Leadership Award for his demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities during the camp.
Connecting Paths Canada, not only provided athletic activities for the youth, but the association also implemented Ready-To-Learn (RTL), a free after school tutoring and homework club for the youth in Brampton. From January 2011 to the end of school year in June, three volunteer professionals, Francis Appiah, Jennifer Ashley, and Patrick  duBoateng along with the executives of CPC dedicated their time to impart their academic knowledge to the youth. These three individuals were presented with an Outstanding Service Award for their contribution to the empowerment of youth.

CPC President Franklin Taylor

Starting in June 2011, four teams; Apostolic FC, Mckewon FC, Continuation FC, and Rising Stars battled for the top spot in the league. At the conclusion of the total 18 league games played, Apostolic FC emerged as the winner with 17 points edging out the forever young Rising Stars. Apostolic FC was presented with the League Winners Trophy with James Osei of Apostolic Church winning the League MVP Award.

The playoffs were not keen to the Apostolic FC who bowed out in the semi-finals to Mckeown FC by a score of 3-2. The Playoff finals saw the perennial contenders Mckeown FC lose to Rising Stars on penalties. After receiving the Playoff Champions Trophy, Nana Poku-Adusei received the Playoff MVP for his performances in the defense and also in the goal during the penalty shoot-out.

In the process of receiving their trophies, the League Champions “Apostolic FC” and Playoff Champions “Rising Stars” in particular stirred up turbulent noise from their fans to the befitting tune of the Fifa 2010 World Cup Anthem, “Waving Flag” from Kanaan. Other individual winners during the night were Elder Felix Akosah Aseamah of Apostolic FC(Coach of the year), Bismark Oppong of Continuation FC(Goalie of the year), Cornelius Amekadu of Continuation FC (Defender of the year), George Dankoh of Mckweon FC (Midfielder of the year), and Kwame Boateng of Rising Stars ( Goal king).

The well attended conference was marked by exultation and great joy, with supporters shouting and cheering their award winners. Notable personalities like Ms. Afriyie from the Ghanaian Canadian Social Workers Association, Mr. de Devitiis who is the Executive Assistant to Toronto City Councillor Anthony Perruzza Ward 8 and Mr. Maxwell Asante, the Manager of Blackstars Football Club, also graced the event and
participated as award presenters.

CPC EXECUTIVES

In his final remarks, Franklin Taylor, the President of CPC stressed the need for community members to volunteer their services and time to CPC’s programs, notably, the Ready-To-Learn Tutoring program. This program resumed again on September 20, 2011 in Brampton and will run until the end of the 2011/2012 academic year in June. Interested volunteer tutors can contact Joseph Boachie, the Program Coordinator at (647) 409-9306 or gyasikofi@yahoo.ca for more information.

The well attended conference was marked by exultation and great joy, with supporters shouting and cheering their award winners. Notable personalities like Ms. Afriyie from the Ghanaian Canadian Social Workers Association, Mr. de Devitiis who is the Executive Assistant to Toronto City Councillor Anthony Perruzza Ward 8 and Mr. Maxwell Asante, the Manager of Blackstars Football Club, also graced the event and participated as award presenters. In his final remarks, Franklin Taylor, the President of CPC stressed the need for community members to volunteer their services and time to CPC’s programs, notably, the Ready-To-Learn Tutoring program. This program resumed again on September 20, 2011 in Brampton and will run until the end of the 2011/2012 academic year in June.

Interested volunteer tutors can contact Joseph Boachie, the Program Coordinator at (647)
409-9306 or gyasikofi@yahoo.ca for more information.

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Join Okey Bakassi, Basorge Tariah, Ras kimono, Jeddi, Seyi Brown, Mr Wise and other African Acts as we bring you the best of African Comedy mixed with (Rub-A-Dub) Music.

Venue: Don Bosco School Main Theater/Auditorium,
2 St Andrews Blvd Etobicoke.(Toronto) Canada. M9R 1V8

Date: Fri Nov 11th. Time: 7pm-11pm

Ticket: $30 Regular or $50 for couple AND $50 VIP

FOR TICKETS CALL 647-258-1788 OR 647 895 5073

Proudly sponsored by Ghanalinx