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

The Globe has established growing use of illegal cellular phones in Ghana’s jail houses, especially at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison. There is a long lasting ban on the use of mobile phones behind bars. Our investigations established that ever smaller handsets allow phones to be smuggled in by prisoners, visitors or corrupt staff.

As at January 9, 2012, the total number of inmates in the nation’s jail houses stood at 13,588. At the Nsawam Prison official figures put the population of inmates at January 3,512. But, it is unknown the unknown the number of inmates at Nsawam who have access to the smuggled mobile phones. “Indeed, the most precious commodity inside the Nsawam prison today is the mobile phone”, said a worried junior officer with the Ghana Prisons Service, who wished not to be named. There are fears illegal phones could fuel prison drug trading, bullying and gang problems.

Behind bars, phones can cost 300 Ghana cedis, the phones are usually paid for by relations and friends of phone-seeking inmates. Smuggled into the prisons by relations of inmates and in many cases prison officers, the phones are used to organise narcotic drug deals, intimidate victims, and plan armed robbery attacks from prison with criminal gangs outside the prison walls. “The use of mobile phones in our facilities has become a serious business raking in money for both inmates and prison officers,” the officer said.

“It is an issue that has been with us for some time now,” the young Prison Officer told the Globe newspaper, adding: “Top management of the Prison Service is aware, but has virtually refused to deal with the problem.” “Visitors to the facilities and some corrupt senior officers are the ones fuelling the illegal practice,” said the officer.

The revelations come at the time some European countries and some states in the United States have stepped up crack-down on illegal mobile phone use in their jail houses, after a series of bloody prison violence blamed on phones smuggled into prison cells.

The exercise which began on Saturday, December 10 has so far rendered about 2,000 residents including a five-day-old born twins homeless.

The Ga Municipal Assembly has planted a military/police platoon to deal with whoever will attempt to resist the exercise.

Speaking angrily to Citi News at his palace, Nii Ayitey Noyaatse I, the Joma chief accused the city authorities of undermining his authority. According to him, his palace was not informed ahead of the demolishing exercise.

Nii Noyaatse I decried the manner in which the structures including the community church and the Joma Presby Primary School block were demolished.

“Government is telling us not to go to church and that our children should not go to school because our church and the only school building we have here have been demolished,” he complained.

Madam Jacqueline, a teacher of the demolished Joma Presby Primary School told Citi News the children were preparing to write their examinations when the exercise was executed.

She stressed that the government had denied the children their right to education.

The secretary to the Joma community, Joseph Alobuia, took a swipe at government and demanded answers from the city authorities for carrying out the exercise without notifying them.

The victims vowed never to participate in the upcoming 2012 general elections because they felt treated like aliens on their homeland.

They wondered how government could subject its own citizens to such inhumane practice whereas refugee camps have been established to provide shelter for the Ivorian and Liberian refugee residents in Ghana

Source: myjoyonline

General News of Friday, 9 December 2011

Source: GNA

President Obama in a recent comment threatened to cut US foreign aid to countries including Ghana that will disrespect the rights of homosexuals.

President Obama’s comments come after UK Prime Minister David Cameron recently issued similar threats to cut aid to anti-gay nations.

But the vociferous opposition legislator in a heartless manner condemned his threats and said President Obama can go to hell and called on well meaning Ghanaians to ignore him.

“I was shocked when I heard it from such a man I hold in [high] esteem,” the firebrand said. “I have lost respect for him on this issue because what he is saying here is that if men and men and women and women are not allowed to sleep he will not give us foreign aid, then that is [funny]. ”

“Is that what God asked us to do by saying that we should go out and multiply; did he say men and men, women and women should sleep and multiply the generation, if he indeed said that he is a nonentity,” he fumed.

Hon. Appiah Ofori asked Ghanaians to ignore the US President and concentrate on issues of national concern that will promote their wellbeing.

General News of Wednesday, 7 December 2011

Source: citifmonline

One was said to have been electrocuted whilst attempting to rescue his fridge from the flood waters, NADMO boss Kofi Portuphy said.

Four others have also been confirmed dead.

President John Mills Wednesday morning began a tour of the capital to see at first hand the devastating effects the Tuesday night floods left in its choked drains.

His first port of call was the Kwame Nkrumah Circle where floods have taken over the roads making them unmotorable.

The president said government is concerned about the plight of the affected residents, Joy News Presidential Correspondent Seth Kwame Boateng reported.

President Mills also assured residents to be calm.

President Mills appealed to victims of the floods to remain calm as efforts are made to rescue and offer them assistance.

“You have seen all of us here because of the concern that we have for this rather disturbing situation. First of all, I’d like to convey our sympathies to those families who have lost individuals and I would want to repeat the appeal by the Minister of Interior, stay where you are so that you can derive the maximum benefit from the rescue efforts which are being made,” he said.

The president commended NADMO, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), the Fire Service, Engineers Regiment for their efforts at helping the flood victims.

He assured that “the government will do everything in its power to bring this situation under control.”

Severe floods following massive rains that poured down on the southern part of the country this morning has virtually brought Accra to a standstill.

Reports and distress calls from several suburbs of the capital indicate loss of lives and destruction to property, with many marooned on rooftops.

Some roads have been cut off forcing commuters making their way to the city center to find alternate routes.

Accra Mayor Alfred Vanderpuije asked residents of the capital to avoid travelling to the city unless it was very necessary.

Education Minister, Betty Mould-Iddrisu earlier this morning announced on Joy FM the closure of schools in the capital.

She said the ministry was concerned about the safety pupils and teachers alike.

Deputy Transport Minister Dzifa Attivor also announced a suspension of rail services.

A number of organizations in the capital have also had their premises flooded.

The management of Ghana Post says the main Post Office in Accra will remain closed following flooding there. The Vodafone office near the Kwame Nkrumah Circle is also inundated.

Eight girls competed for the title of Ghana’s Most Beautiful Canada, but Miss Vanessa Otuo- Acheampong of Brampton, Ontario, an 18 year old student pursing Police Enforcement at Humber College, Toronto. Crowned by 2010’s winner Miss Nicole Afia Bortsi, Vanessa took the title and walked away with a round trip ticket to Ghana, $ 1000 scholarship and a 10” Acer laptop.

The position of the first runner up went to Miss Becky Livingston who is a Criminology major at York University. The second position went to Miss Kelly Asante, a student also studying Psychology at York University in Toronto, Ontario; and the third position went to Miss Nikki Arthur, a nursing major @ York University.

The second annual event was successfully organized by Miss Constance Aniwaah Love, a 26-year-old young woman who is undoubtedly expanding the face of Ghana through these young, beautiful, intelligent women, pursuing influence in the community. The young entrepreneur is continuing her goal to push young, determined ladies into success academically and professionally at all costs with her community events and teaching them the value of being a woman and a role model, while mentoring to all those she encounters. We look forward to a 3^rd annual Ghana’s Most Beautiful next year in 2012.
The event was beautifully sponsored; by SweetnKomo, Amettv, Naori’s Bijoux, Kapengo Hair, Global Textiles, Afro Beauty Supplies, MRS Makeup, and Shesheme Foundation.

Official website:
http://www.ghmbcp.ca/

He said a national sentinel survey in 2010 indicated an unprecedented increase of the disease in Region, with a prevalence rate of 2.4 per cent as compared to the national average rate of 1.4 per cent.

Dr Awoonor-Williams made this known in an address at a regional HIV and AIDS conference in Bolgatanga on the theme: “Reducing HIV Prevalence rate and mitigating its effects; the role of stakeholders.”

He said the red flag areas are Bolgatanga and Bawku Municipalities and the Kassena Nankana East District.

Dr Awoonor- Williams called on stakeholders to attach seriousness to their approach in reversing the “embarrassing situation”.

He said people affected with the disease were those in their formative and productive ages of 15 to 40.

The conference aimed at highlighting the burden of HIV and AIDS in the Region and the threat it posed to socio- economic development and increase the knowledge of participants in the prevention, treatment and care of People Living with HIV and AIDS.

It also focussed on how to develop key interventions or actions for implementation to minimise the effect of the disease.

Dr Awoonor-Awoonor said the core component of interventions in the Region remained testing and counselling, prevention of mother to child transmission of the virus, Anti- Retroviral Therapy, Sexually Transmitted Infections Management, Behavioural Change communication and targeted risk reduction programmes.

He said only few of the people who tested positive to HIV and AIDS returned to health facilities for counselling and treatment.

Mrs Lucy Awuni, Deputy Regional Minister, commended the Regional Health Directorate for organising the conference, which she said aimed at harnessing the collective efforts of stakeholders in the fight against the pandemic and the reduction of the menace in the Region.

She said it was the expectation of Government that no child was either born with HIV and AIDS or orphaned by the disease.

General News of Thursday, 15 September 2011

Source: GNA

The City of London police said that Adoboli, British educated and of Ghanaian descent, remains in custody at Bishopsgate police station and will appear at City of London magistrates court later on Friday.

“At 12.56hrs the Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charging of Kweku Adoboli, from Bethnal Green. City of London police has since charged the 31-year-old with fraud by abuse of position and false accounting. He remains in police custody and is due to appear at City of London magistrates this afternoon,” the police said.

The forced added that the investigation is ongoing and officers continue to work in “close collaboration” with the Financial Services Authority, the Serious Fraud Office and the CPS.

He is understood to have hired Kingsley Napley, the firm of lawyers that represented Nick Leeson when his £800m rogue trading caused the collapse of Barings in 1995. There was no immediate response from the firm of lawyers.

Adoboli was charged after more than 24 hours in Bishopsgate Police Station following his arrest at 3.30am on Thursday morning. His employers tipped off the police at 1am on Thursday after learning about his trading activities on the so-called Delta One desk in the heart of the third floor dealing room in UBS’s headquarters in Liverpool Street.

The Swiss bank is expected to reveal more information about this alleged activities later on Friday.

His registration with the Financial Services Authority was switched to “inactive” on Friday at the request of UBS, indicating that he is no longer working in that role.

There are now expectations that the Swiss bank will scale back its investment banking operation in the City, potentially causing thousands of job cuts among the 6,000 City-based workforce.

The documents detailing correspondence between the US Embassy and Washington reveals private discussions with government aides who were of the opinion that the long drawn out tussle over government’s interests in the shares of Jubilee Field partner, Kosmos Energy was one such manifestation of this manipulation.

The cables however also indicate that the American Embassy believed in the country’s legal structures.

Joy Business’ Israel Laryea who has been poring over some of the cables reports that government for most of the time that it blocked US energy giant ExxonMobil from acquiring the shares of Kosmos Energy insisted that it was a matter of national pride that the country should have a say in who acquires the shares.

It had indicated that it had a right to first refusal if the shares were to be disposed off and that the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation was seriously interested. The leaked cables however suggest it was not so simple. According to the cables, investigations of possible criminality in the way Kosmos together with the EO Group acquired an oil exploratory license were simply hardball negotiation tactics.

It says, the US Embassy was of the opinion President Mills was not behind the sharp-elbowed negotiations and that he and others viewed Kosmos’s departure as a chance to improve government’s position, but that they will work within the rule of law (while playing hardball).

But they also added that both his widely-reported devolved management style, and the fierce factionalization within the ruling NDC party, have meant that a clique within the government (including unofficial energy advisors within the party) filled the void left by weak leadership and sought to drive government’s decision-making in the oil and gas sector. It added they may be seeking a deal that benefits them personally.

The cables also mention unsubstantiated rumors that Tsatsu Tsikata, considered the “father of the GNPC,” had sought to aggrandize himself and his allies by negotiating side deals with Chinese lenders.

It also mentions what it describes as “numerous interlocutors sharing their frustration with factionalism within the NDC and stovepiping between ministries” and the apparent lack of attempts at inter-agency coordination aside from Cabinet meetings, which has left the GNPC and its behind-the-scenes backers with little supervision.

The withdrawal of bills aiming to split the GNPC into regulatory and exploratory functions from Parliament without explanation was also mentioned. The Minister of Energy is also said to have told the IMF Resident Representative that government lacked plans for the oil and gas industry development and the use of oil revenues (here however the Petroleum Revenue Management Law has been passed and the National Gas Company headed by George Sipa Yankey formed).

The leaked diplomatic cables also talk about conversations between the American Ambassador and one Cofie where Cofie claims to have heard the GNPC plan is to buy Kosmos’s Jubilee stake for 3.5 billion dollars, then flip the stake to the Chinese for 4 billion.

The Embassy however in this instance described the information as quite strange. The US Embassy in its conclusion however indicated strong confidence that the rule of law prevails in Ghana and that if a clique within the GNPC sought to purchase Kosmos’s stake at an artificially low price, Kosmos could not be forced to do so without its consent to the sale (barring major revelations in the investigation and subsequent legal battle).

It adds that to do so in the absence of a deeply compelling legal case would ruin Ghana’s reputation internationally, and they believed President Mills and others will not allow the GNPC to do that.