Andre proud of World Cup form

One of the star performers of Ghana's World Cup campaign, Andre Ayew says he is proud with his displays in South Africa.

The 20-year old picked up the Man of the Match prize in the Black Stars' 2-1 win over the United States in the round of 16 clash after an impressive run of form.

Despite his failure to play in the quarter final match for been suspended against Uruguay due to his accumulation of two yellow cards, the youngster says he's left the tournament with "good and bad memories" but insists the players who represented their country have done themselves proud.

"I am leaving with good and bad memories because we did something great for Ghana but we could have done something even bigger for the continent," he told KickOffGhana.com.

"Overall though I am proud of what we have done. In the end luck was not on our side but we can all hold our head high."

Andre, son of Ghana legend Abedi Pele has witnessed a tremendous rise in stature since an unimpressive start for the Black Stars at the 2008 Nations Cup, then as 17 year-old.

But he's finally living up to his potential after leading Ghana to victory at the Under-20 World Cup and also playing a key role in the 2010 Nations Cup, where the Black Stars finished as runners-up.

"I needed to confirm that after a good tournament in Angola and a good Under-20 World Cup so I needed to confirm that I am good enough for the international stage.

"Personally it’s been a good tournament for me and I hope that I am progressing. I am just 20 and need to continue working hard".

Source: Ghanafa.org

Black Stars enjoy audience with Nelson Mandela

Sulley and Mandela

Former South Africa President Nelson Mandela has entertained the Ghana team in his Johannesburg home the day after their dramatic 2010 FIFA World Cup™ quarter-final defeat against Uruguay.

The meeting followed an earlier one with Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and other members of the family at her Soweto house. Sowetans greeted the players with applause and cheers as they got off their bus, which bore a sign reading, “The Hope of Africa.”

Mr Mandela had sent a letter on Friday wishing the squad well for their match against Uruguay last night. The Ghanaian squad had earlier expressed the wish to visit the family to pass on their respects after the tragic passing of Madiba’s great grand-daughter, Zenani, on 11 July.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation commended the Ghana team after the visit. “They represented the continent well,” it said. “They can return home with their heads held high.”

Though suffering the pain of a penalty shoot-out defeat, the Black Stars’ run to the last eight captured the hearts of the African people in the first tournament to be held on the continent.

Source: FIFA.COM

Germans thump Argentina in quarters

Germany are through to the World Cup semifinals after a comprehensive 4-0 win over Argentina at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

Thomas Mueller, Arne Friedrich and two from Miroslav Klose scored as Diego Maradona’s dream run at the finals came to an inglorious end.

Germany started like a team with something to prove and took the lead after just three minutes through Mueller. Lukas Podolski won a free-kick on the left which Bastian Sweinsteiger swung in, and the Bayern Munich striker got in front of his marker to head home.

Twenty minutes later and it should have been 2-0. A defensive slip by Martin Demichelis allowed Mueller a run in on goal. Instead of taking a shot, he squared to Klose, who uncharacteristically blasted over from 12 yards out.

Germany were controlling the play, and it took Argentina all of 33 minutes to get their first shot on target as Di Maria found space on the right and then cut inside a defender, but his shot was tame and straight at goalkeeper Manuel Nauer.

Gonzalo Higuain, who had hardly touched the ball up until that point, then found some space on the edge of the area, beat a defender and fired in a shot, but the goalie got down well to save. Argentina did have the ball in the back of the net through Di Maria on 38 minutes, but the effort was rightfully ruled offside.

Podolski and Muller had more chances for the Germans just before the break, while Lionel Messi summed up his afternoon by firing well over on the stroke of halftime.

Whatever Maradona’s teamtalk was, it seemed to do the trick as Argentina came out firing after the break.

Di Maria bent one just wide, before Carlos Tevez and Higuain both fired straight at Nauer. Argentina were dominating at this stage, but on 68 minutes, and against the run of play, Germany added a second.

The ball fell to Mueller just outside the area, and his run and cutback found Klose, who made no mistake this time around, tapping in from two yards out.

Six minutes later and the game was dome and dusted. The brilliant Sweinsteiger looked like he had nowhere to go when the ball was played to him on the edge of the area, but his mazy run beat three defenders before cutting back for Friedrich to tap in.

Argentina kept trying, but were unable to create and clearcut chances as the world’s best player, Messi, finished the tournament without a goal to his name.

Insult was then added to injury as Klose got his second on the stroke of fulltime, volleying home from Mesut Oezil’s pinpoint cross.

Source: Kickoff.com

Gyan rues unlucky night as Stars hand support

Asamoah Gyan is had a fantastic World Cup but his miss from the spot in the final second of extra time against Uruguay could be the talking point as Ghana exited from the competition via the penalty lottery.

The striker, so often the hero for the Black Stars could not hold back his tears with the South American side going on to win the dramatic game 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 deadlock scoreline over 120 minutes Friday night.

In the very last minute of extra time, Dominic Adiyiah headed what should have been the winner for Ghana but Suarez blocked with his hands as Portuguese referee Olegario Benquerenca awarded a penalty.

Asamoah Gyan stepped up to take the shot but saw his last kick of the game go off the crossbar as the tie went into the penalty shootout which the South American nation won.

“I’ve nothing to say, you know? It’s part of the game,” Gyan said.

And in his opinion, Adiyiah’s header should have been given.

“The ball went in, it did cross the line, and the referee disallowed it,” he said. “If it was our day, the referee would have seen it and whistled as a goal. Everything is hard luck.”

Gyan, who scored three goals in the competition and picked up two Man of the Match prizes has received the backing of John Paintsil and goalkeeper Richard Kingson as both mates cheer on the striker and insist no blame laid at the doorstep of their leading scorer. 

“We have been talking to him about it. Obviously he is feeling very bad and it is not easy to forget it,” Paintsil said.

“As a team mate, we have to keep him with us, talk to him about it so that he can forget it as soon as possible.

“It is penalty, anyone can miss it. It is part of football. It is not a mistake, it is not a mistake at all. He kicked it from his heart. We all wanted to win the game but, yeah, we will pick it from there.”

For Kingson, he doesn’t expect Gyan to take any flak for the miss.

“No, there will be nothing like that,” Kingson said. “I had a message from my wife. She said everybody is happy now. We did our best and everybody is cheering him.”

Source: Ghanafa.org

Gyan anticipates tough U.S clash

Ghana are not just satisfied with their berth in the last16 as the Black Stars aim to go a step better than they did in 2006 in their debut World Cup.

Striker Asamoah Gyan, who has so far been Ghana’s only goal scorer at the competition in South Africa with two goals, both coming from the spot, is targeting victory against the United States, in a game that he anticipates to be difficult.

A win over the Americans, who Ghana defeated 2-1 in the final group stage match of the World Cup four years ago would see the Black Stars become the first African country after Cameroon and Senegal to make it to the last eight of the competition.

Gyan is aware of the task ahead but is very confident of Ghana’s chances against the U.S at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.

"We are very happy (to have qualified), even if we wanted to have other African teams come through as well," said Gyan. 

"We are on the right path and we are representing our continent, which makes us very happy.

"The Americans, though, are a very good team, they expend a lot of energy and are strong physically. But we too have good players, it is for that that we have so much self-confidence." 

Source: Ghanafa.org

Ayew enjoying African support

Ghana still stands out as Africa’s best bet at the World Cup with the rest of the continent’s representatives struggling to keep hopes alive. The Black Stars’ 1-0 victory over Serbia on June 13 remains the only win secured by an African side at the competition so far and it’s given the continent hope of an African success as the likes of Nigeria, Cameroon, Algeria, Ivory Coast and hosts South Africa all chase their first win after a set of disappointing results. For Andre Ayew, the Black Stars are enjoying massive support which compares to playing back home in Ghana. He says the team will continue to give off their best in their remaining group matches to make the continent proud. “It [game against Serbia] felt like we were playing in Ghana,” said Ghanaian midfielder Andre Ayew.  “We had that feeling that the people were behind us, they wanted us to succeed and we are going to try to make them proud,” he said. For the many fans, especially South Africans, despite the setbacks, they would be cheering every African team in support of the continent. “We don’t care which one—we want any African team to win the World Cup,” said South African fan Ali Chauke who is backing Ghana. “They say football unites a nation—here it is uniting a continent,” said Nigerian fan Ugonoma Ezulike.  Most fans said either Ghana or Ivory Coast would be the most likely teams to realise the African dream. Source: Ghanafa.org

Faulty aircraft leaves Vice-President Mahama stranded.

The Vice-President, John Dramani Mahama, was Wednesday morning left stranded and disappointed when the aircraft that was to convey him to the Northern Region for an official function was discovered with a fault at the last minute.

After Mr Mahama and his entourage boarded the aging Falker 28, the pilot discovered a fault with the aircraft.

The pilot, who said it was not safe to fly the plane, broke the news to the country’s second gentleman who disappointingly disembarked, ending the trip.

The Vice-President was billed to deliver the government’s policy statement on cotton production in the three northern regions – Northern, Upper West and East – Joy FM’s Northern Regional Correspondent, Maham Shaibu said. 

He said a gathering of farmers from the three regions with the Northern and Upper East regional ministers in attendance, was waiting for the Vice-President for the commencement of the programme, only to receive the disappointing news.

According to Mahama Shaibu, the event has been postponed but the Vice-President’s Spokesperson, John Jinapo, who confirmed the incident to Myjoyonline.com, said the programme will go on as planned with the regional ministers representing Mr John Mahama.

John Jinapo said while the Vice-President was disappointed with the abrupt cancelation of his trip, he accepted the situation as “one of the things in life.”

Meanwhile the faulty plane has been moved to the air force base hangar to be fixed.


Story by Malik Abass Daabu/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana

Andre Ayew happy to fight for the team

Andre Ayew appears to be maturing game after game after another assured performance in Ghana’s opening World Cup game against Serbia.

Critics slammed the 20 year-old during his debut for the Black Stars at the 2008 Nations Cup for his inconsistent performances.

The youngster, son of Ghana legend, Abedi Pele has shown great signs of finally stepping out his father’s shadow to become a fine player in his own right.

Having played impressive roles, helping Ghana become the first African side to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup and runners up at 2010 African Nations Cup, the attacking midfielder insists that nothing has changed about his approach to the game.

“Nothing has changed about my approach to the game. I try to give my best everything. I was 17 at the time but now, I am 20. I have had time to progress,” Andre says as he talks about the gradual rise he has enjoyed his career.

“I always give 100% to the team. And I would be fighting for the team. The important thing it to stick to the coaches instructions and work for the team.”

Source: Ghanafa.org

World Cup fans executed in Somalia

Islamic miliants have executed two Somali football fans for watching Nigeria play Argentina on Saturday night.

The deaths happened in Central Somalia which is under strict Islamic law and forbids anyone in the region from watching World Cup matches.

Militants from Hizbul Islam arrested 10 fans who were also part of the group.

A further 30 people were arrested for watching the Australia vs Germany game the following night.

Sheikh Mohamed Abdi Aros, a spokesman for the militants, said that, "We are warning all the youth of Somalia not to dare watch these World Cup matches." He said that the people of Somalia should focus on pursuing jihad and not, "watching mad men jump up and down."

Hizbul Islam had previously invited Osama bin Laden to Somalia.


Source: Yahoo sports

Essien Weeps……As He Visits Colleagues In Camp

Grief-stricken Michael Essien has wished the Black Stars good luck in their preparations towards the World Cup finals in South Africa. The midfielder, who has been ruled out of next month’s competition after failing to recover from a knee injury, made an appearance at Ghana’s training camp in Paris.

Essien, who was in tears after a meeting between Ghana officials and some personnel from Chelsea over his injury situation, has since left the camp.

Ghana Football Association Spokesman, Randy Abbey, said it was an emotional scene at the team’s camp. “At the meeting, Michael Essien reiterated his commitment to the Black Stars and explained how he wished to have been part of the team preparing for the World Cup. “It was an emotional moment for him as he made his way upstairs to see his colleagues.

He visited every member of the squad in their rooms and wished them well. “Essien was close to tears,” Abbey said, adding that “after meeting with his teammates, he made his way out of the camp as he would be heading back to London to continue with his rehabilitation.”

Abbey said no decision had been taken yet, over whether Essien would be in South Africa in any capacity with Ghana. “We haven’t gotten to that state yet. No decision has been taken as to whether he will be there (World Cup) in any capacity. For now, the most important thing is to allow him to continue with his recovery programme which we are very concerned about.”

Meanwhile, Black Stars coach, Milovan Rajavac, has sent out a consoling and rallying cry to his players after the loss of influential midfielder, Michael Essien’s absence, and the Serbian Manager admits it is a blow to their aspirations. “I am really disappointed that Michael Essien will not be at the World Cup for Ghana as a player,” a broken Rajavac said. “He is an important player on and off field, but we can’t use him this time.

“Essien brings lots of advantages; he brings so many things to the team and always gives us options. “It’s most unfortunate. But I hope and believe that the other players would give of their best.”

Despite the absence of Essien, Rajevac says unity and hard work would make the Black Stars prevail in a difficult tournament. “We want to achieve with the team and must work hard. We will focus on the task ahead and hope we have a good World Cup,” the Serbian said.

“I hope the past experiences with injuries, though unfortunate, will help us stay united and fight for each other. Ghana will play Serbia, Australia and Germany in Group D of the tournament.

Michael Essien, after a review of his injury, is not expected to make full recovery until the end of July. He has been recovering from a knee injury picked up during training at the Africa Cup of Nations in January.


Source: The Ghanaian Times

Glo pull out threats, potential Ghana-Nigeria trade war?

The recent threats by mobile operator, Glo, to quit the country, appear to be sparking a potential trade war between Ghana and Nigeria.


This follows a publication in the Nigerian newspaper, Business Daily linking Glo’s frustrations to what Nigerian traders say is a grand scheme by the government to clamp down on their businesses in Ghana.


The President of the Nigerian Union of Traders in Ghana, Jasper Amenike alleged in the publication of a concerted effort between the Ministry of Trade and the Ghana Investment Promotion Council to ensure that Nigerian businesses do not succeed.

Mr. Amenike further cited the shutdown of 83 shops belonging to Nigerian traders in the past seven months with 550 others expected to follow soon.

Glo’s threat to pullout, Amenike noted, was a confirmation of government’s anti-Nigerian stance.

At the heart of the traders’ complaint however, is a clause in Ghana’s Investment code requiring all foreigners interested in engaging in the retail trade to have a minimum capital of at least $300,000.

They say this is in violation of the ECOWAS protocol on free trade and movement of people.

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According to the publication, a top level Nigerian delegation to Ghana on Monday led by its Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of State for Commerce and Industry was unable to workout an amicable solution.

Officials of the Trade Ministry approached by Joy Business were yet to comment on the matter.

Source: Joy Business/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana

France beat Turkey and Italy to stage Euro 2016

Uefa president Michel Platini announces France's victory

France have beaten Turkey and Italy for the right to stage the European Championship in 2016.

France previously staged the tournament in 1960 and were hosts again in 1984, winning it with a team captained by Michel Platini, the Uefa president.

The French, hosts and winners of the 1998 World Cup, beat Turkey by just a single vote after Italy were eliminated in the first round of voting.

Euro 2016 will feature 24 countries playing 51 matches over one month.

"This is a beautiful day for us," said Jean-Pierre Escalettes, president of the French Football Federation.

"It is a moment of intense emotion to know that in 2016 France will welcome European football and will fulfil its promises.

"What counts for us is to have the full confidence of Uefa and this trust will not be betrayed.

"We also understand the frustration of Italy and Turkey - particularly Turkey, who lost by a single vote after bidding for a third time."

Turkey rejected the suggestion that it represented a risky option after being pipped 7-6 in the final round of voting.

"We are devastated. This was our third bid so it is not much consolation to know that we lost by a small margin," said Turkey's Euro 2016 bid manager Orhan Gorbon.

"Losing is one thing but it is an underestimation of Turkey to say it was not capable of hosting a larger tournament.

"I don't understand why France should be seen as the safe option."

Platini admitted the contest had put him in a difficult situation - he is French, but of Italian descent and enjoyed his best playing years at Juventus.

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"It was not an easy situation for me - I am French, my name is Italian and I have many friends in Turkey. But Uefa has proved once again that we have democracy."

French President Nicolas Sarkozy and former national team star Zinedine Zidane supported their country's case in a presentation to Uefa's ruling executive in Geneva on Friday.

The French government has pledged to help guarantee the projected 1.7bn euro (£1.45bn) cost of building and renovating stadiums despite the worldwide economic problems.

"When I spoke to the French Football Federation, we asked ourselves whether we wanted to be candidates in the middle of a crisis," he told the ceremony during the French presentation.

"But sport is an answer to the crisis. It is because we are in a crisis that we need sport. Nothing is more powerful than sport and, within sport, nothing is more powerful that football."

France's winning bid for 2016 consisted of 12 venues - the Stade de France where France defeated Brazil in the 1998 World Cup final, Paris Saint Germain's Parc des Princes, Lens, Lille, Bordeaux, Nice, Toulouse, Marseille, Lyon, Strasbourg, Saint Etienne and Nancy.

Zidane spoke of being a young fan in the Marseille stadium watching Platini's extra-time goal carry France past Portugal in a classic semi-final in 1984.

"That is the type of experience I want to live again," said Zidane. "Winning is beautiful but it's great to see all the people in the streets partying. This is what I would like to give my children."

Platini added: "It was a very narrow decision - the work done by all three federations was outstanding, and I would like to congratulate the French.

"It has been a complicated situation from the outset and I believe there is a sigh of relief from French football, and they can now upgrade all their stadia to make them up to the same standard as other countries in Europe."

Turkey were bidding to host their first major football tournament while Italy's chances had been written off after a critical review of their bid following Uefa's inspection visits.

Problems and delays in Poland and Ukraine, who will jointly host Euro 2012, may have persuaded Uefa's executive committee to avoid choosing Turkey, an untried country.

"We all did our best," said Turkey President Abdullah Gul, who had called on Uefa to take a "historic decision" and help bring Turkey, which has a Muslim majority, closer to the heart of Europe. "We are saddened that it was lost by one point."

The 2016 event will feature 24 countries for the first time, up from 16 in 2012, as France becomes the first country to stage the European Championship three times.

Source: BBC

Essien ruled out of World Cup

Michael Essien will miss the World Cup in South Africa

Black stars midfielder, Michael Essien, has been ruled out of the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

An evaluation by a combined team of medical experts from the Ghana Football Association and Chelsea Football Club revealed that Essien will not make full recovery until the end of July.

The Ghana Football Association wishes him full recovery and a quick return to football action.

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The midfielder was in line of making his second consecutive appearance at the World Cup following his debut four years ago in Germany.

Ghana opens its World Cup campaign in group D against Serbia on June 13.


Source: ghanafa.org

Boateng: Bad boy label is a burden

Kevin-Prince Boateng has ridden a metaphorical roller-coaster this season. On the up-side, his club Portsmouth defied expectations to reach the FA Cup final, where they fell narrowly to Chelsea. On the down-side, the midfielder and his team-mates bade farewell to the English top flight after being docked nine points for entering administration.
The player, who insists he has moved on from the bad boy image beloved of the media, is now focusing all his attention on the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. The 23-year-old was born in Berlin but has opted to play for Ghana, and in an ironic twist of fate, he is now set to face his country of birth at the finals.
The eagerly-awaited group fixture has even more of an edge to it now, after Boateng’s challenge on Michael Ballack in the FA Cup final caused the injury that forced the Germany captain to pull out of the FIFA World Cup™. Interviewed by FIFA.com, former Germany junior international Boateng spoke about his reputation, assessed Ghana’s chances in South Africa, and named his favourites for the global showdown.
FIFA.com: Kevin, you’ve faced a storm of criticism for the foul which put Germany captain Michael Ballack out of the FIFA World Cup. You’re still a young player, so how have you coped?
Kevin-Prince Boateng: Let me say first of all how sorry I am that Michael can’t play at the World Cup. I never meant to hurt him, and I apologised to him on the spot. It was just a late challenge, nothing more. I have this image as a bad boy and it was quite a laugh at the start. These things amuse you as an 18-year-old. But I’m 23 now, I’m married and I have a son. The image is a burden now. The media have given me this tag and they just sit and wait for me to do something stupid. But the people who know me realise I’m not like that. The most important things to me are my family and football, and I hope I can rid myself of this bad boy reputation over time.
Turning to football, let’s have a look back over your career to date, which began in Berlin.
When I was a little kid, I played in the Berlin streets with my brothers and my dad. I started at Hertha when I was just seven. I played for all the youth teams and eventually signed as a pro. I had a few problems at the start, mainly due to the pace and the hard tackling, but I was lucky enough to be playing alongside some really helpful older players. Niko Kovac, Dick van Burik and Fredi Bobic gave me a lot of support. I’m still really grateful to those guys.
At just 20, you switched to Tottenham Hotspur in England. Why did you opt for the Premier League?I became personally unhappy in Berlin, so I wanted to change clubs. Sevilla and Tottenham Hotspur both came in for me, and at the end of the day I opted for Spurs, because I’d always wanted to play in the Premier League.

"It was just a late challenge, nothing more. I have this image as a bad boy and it was quite a laugh at the start... But I’m 23 now, I’m married and I have a son. The image is a burden now."

Kevin-Prince Boateng on the Michael Ballack controversy

It didn’t work out in north London though and you only made a handful of appearances, so you went out on loan to Borussia Dortmund.It was a difficult time for me. Spurs boss Martin Jol told me he thought I was a good player, but there was no place for me in his system, so I lost a year-and-a-half when I hardly played. By contrast, I had a very positive time in Dortmund. I had six terrific months there. I fitted in really well with the club, the coach and the team.
You maintained your good form for Portsmouth last season. Were you satisfied with yourself?You can always do better, but I had a decent season and learned a lot. We gave it everything we had as a team, and I’m really upset about what’s happened to the club. I’ve yet to think through my future at club level. I have two more years on my contract, but I’m concentrating totally on South Africa now. We’ll see what happens after that. But obviously, the eyes of the world are on the World Cup, so it can always be a showcase for a player.
You played for Germany as a youth, but you’re a member of the Ghana squad for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. What are the reasons behind your choice?I really enjoyed playing for Germany. It was recognition for all the work I put in, and the German FA really helped me develop as a player. But I made mistakes. I had a feeling the German FA wasn’t prepared to forgive me and I wouldn’t be given another chance for the national team. I delivered for my clubs, but I was never mentioned in connection with the Germany set-up. By comparison, I could have turned out for Ghana at the 2006 World Cup and at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations. I was still holding out hopes of being picked for Germany and playing alongside my brother Jerome, so I turned Ghana down. But now I’ve made a rational decision, with my head rather than my heart.
Ghana have landed in a tough group. How would you rate Germany, Serbia and Australia?I think Germany are favourites, although you have to fancy the Serbs too. But I know we have quality in the team, and I’m convinced we can spring a surprise.
On 23 June, you’re very likely to face your country of birth and probably your brother too, as he’s in the Germany squad.Obviously, the Germany game is a special one for me. But I can promise the Ghana fans this: I play to win, even against my brother – or my father or mother, for that matter.
This is the first FIFA World Cup in Africa. What does it mean for the African people?This World Cup is incredibly important for the continent as a whole. I’m expecting a tournament full of joy and excitement, like four years ago in Germany. Everyone in Africa’s looking forward to the finals.
Finally, who are favourites to win the FIFA World Cup?Côte d’Ivoire are there or thereabouts. They have a superstar in almost every position. They’ve again been drawn in a tough group, but the time has come for them to make their mark. All their players are at top European clubs. If they can play well as a team, they could go a long way. Spain are also very strong contenders, and I see them in the final. And you can never discount Brazil and Germany.

Source: FIFA.COM

Man arrested for calling Ghanaian president chimpanzee

President Atta Mills

An NPP activist has been arrested for questioning by the police in Kumasi for insulting President John Evans Atta Mills.

The man who goes by the name High Priest described the president’s face as that of a “chimpanzee” during a radio discussion on a Kumasi-based station, Foxx FM on Monday.

The man whose real name is not immediately known is said to be a French teacher at an Islamic School at Akwatia Line in Kumasi.

Panelists on the morning show programme are reported to have prevailed upon High Priest to withdraw the comment but he refused, following which some supporters of the ruling National Democratic Congress marched to the radio station ostensibly to attack him.

They were only stopped by security at the station before the arrival of the police to escort him to the Regional Police command.


More soon.


Story by Myjoyonline.com/Ghana

Glo Mobile to quit?

Major telecommunications operator, Glo Mobile, intends to pull out of Ghana, an authoritative source close to the company has disclosed.

The Daily Graphic gathered over the weekend that the telecommunications giant had decided to divest its investment in the country and exit Ghana as it faced several challenges from some interests bent on sabotaging the company's nation-wide take-off plan.

A source close to the company disclosed that some of the challenges the company had faced since it was awarded a GSM licence by the National Communications Authority (NCA) included an encroachment on the frequency allocated to it by the NCA, the repeated sabotage of its billboards and the delay in securing approval for the swift deployment of its infrastructure, such as base stations.

It said officials of the company were concerned that while the company had been working at a frenetic pace to formally roll out the network, some forces had been deliberately working around the clock to cripple its operation and prevent it from rolling out quickly, to the detriment of the Ghanaian society.

Another source close to the company said the operator’s management felt that its infrastructure in the country was not getting adequate protection from the law enforcement agencies.

Efforts to get the official reaction from the company to the development proved abortive, but it was gathered that the company would soon serve the government with its notice to quit.

The source, which was privy to the outcome of a recent meeting held by senior management staff of the company on the issues, said Glo was displeased with the various acts of vandalism and would be relieved if the law enforcement agencies apprehended the perpetrators and exposed them.

When contacted, a senior official of Glo Mobile Ghana, Mr Derek Obuobi, said he would not comment on the matter now.

Glo Mobile Ghana recently embarked on a massive deployment of outdoor advertising structures, comprising billboards, light boxes, lamp post signs and brand marks (branded lit globes), throughout Accra as part of the build-up towards the nation-wide launch of its operations in Ghana.

However, immediately after the deployment of the outdoor advertising materials, which generated a lot of positive remarks, a number of the structures were vandalised by unknown persons.

In February, about 15 light boxes mounted from the Airport Traffic Light median to the Opeibea House Traffic Light were destroyed with the flexi materials used on both sides of the units torn. One of the Glo brand marks mounted in Accra was also destroyed.

About two weeks ago, about 16 light boxes installed by Glo from the King Tackie Tawiah Overpass to Busy Internet were also vandalised.

"Every single unit, with materials made from top grade flexi was defaced with a sharp object, suspected to be a knife or a razor blade," the source said.

"It was curious that light boxes belonging to another telecom operator deployed within the same stretch continuing from Busy Internet to the Kwame Nkrumah Circle were left unscathed," it said.

In December last year, some people were apprehended and handed to the police while they were attempting to sabotage a Glo mast located at the Baatsona area of Accra.

“It is clear that these acts of lawlessness are being perpetrated to frustrate Glo's roll-out plans," the source said.

Another major area of concern for Glo is the ban on the erection of telecom masts by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The development is said to have affected Glo the most, it being the only network building a nationwide telecoms company from scratch.

"Glo is losing the opportunity to make revenue, for every day there is a delay in launching its network. I believe that is why it is worried," the source said.

Since Glo was granted a licence to operate in Ghana, it has invested huge resources to deploy a nationwide state-of-the-art infrastructure. It has also devoted millions of dollars to the sponsorship of the Ghana Premier League., the national football teams, and the Ghana National Supporters Union.

An investment expert who preferred anonymity said it would be a major setback to the efforts of the government to attract foreign direct investment, generate employment and stimulate economic growth should Glo pull out of Ghana. He urged the government to intervene on the issue.

At the recent presentation of cheques by Glo to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for the impressive performance of the Black Stars at the last edition of the African Cup of Nations, the Minister of Communications gave the assurance that the government would give Glo all the support it required to enable it to roll out its services.


Source: Daily Graphic/Ghana

Nigeria vice-president confirmed

Namadi Sambo worked as an architect until he became a governor in 2007

Both houses of Nigeria's parliament have voted to confirm the appointment of Kaduna state governor Namadi Sambo as the country's new vice-president.


Mr Sambo is relatively unknown and his appointment could clear the way for President Goodluck Jonathan to seek election in 2011, analysts say.

There were rowdy scenes during the confirmation, with lawmakers screaming and shouting to delay proceedings.

Mr Sambo is a northerner and he maintains the regional balance.

President Jonathan, a southerner, was sworn in earlier this month after the death of Umaru Yar'Adua.

Mr Jonathan has not said whether he wants to stand for the elections and the governing People's Democratic Party has said its candidate will be a northerner - continuing its practice of alternating power between the mostly Muslim north and the largely Christian south after two four-year terms.

Mr Yar'Adua, who was a northerner, died before his first term ended.

Kaduna anger

The BBC's Caroline Duffield in Lagos says that although Mr Sambo is not seen as a strong contender in the elections, his appointment is still controversial.

In his home state of Kaduna, Mr Sambo is seen as weak and inexperienced - his administration is criticized as corrupt.

His replacement in Kaduna will be his deputy Patrick Yakowa, who is a Christian.

Our correspondent says that has prompted anger because the state is mostly Muslim. Some local politicians see it as a plot to hand political control locally to Christians.

The confirmation hearing in the House of Representatives was held up for nearly half an hour as lawmakers argued on procedure, some even suggesting it be suspended to allow for consultation with constitutional experts.

At one point, those supporting the Kaduna governor began singing "Give us Sambo", while House speaker Dimeji Bankole repeatedly called for order.

"I am pleading with colleagues to please to take their seats and take this matter with all sense of patriotism," Mr Bankole said at one point.

Eventually, the House confirmed Mr Sambo as vice-president. Senators had earlier approved him unanimously in a vote that lasted three minutes.

Married with six children, Mr Sambo is an architect and an ally of former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida, who intends to seek the presidency.


Source: BBC

Nigeria Prez picks Namadi Sambo as Vice

Vice President Namadi Sambo

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has named Kaduna state governor Namadi Sambo as his new vice-president, an official has told the BBC.


Mr Sambo, 57, must now be approved by both houses of parliament.

The move follows the death of President Umaru Yar'Adua and the swearing-in of his successor Mr Jonathan last week.

Whoever is named as vice-president is seen as a strong contender for the 2011 presidential elections in Africa's most populous nation, analysts say.

It remains unclear whether Mr Jonathan will seek to contest the elections on behalf of the governing People's Democratic Party (PDP).

Mr Jonathan is a southerner and the PDP has said its candidate will be a northerner - continuing its practice of alternating power between north and south.

Mr Sambo is from the north but there have been strong suggestions that Mr Jonathan may try to overturn the PDP tradition.

Kaduna state spokesman Saidu Adamu told the BBC's Network Africa programme that reports in local newspapers that Mr Sambo had been chosen were correct.

However, the president's office has not yet officially confirmed these reports.

The BBC's Caroline Duffield in Lagos says Mr Sambo is not a prominent politician, does not have a big power base and his name did not figure in public speculation about likely vice-presidents.

But she says he is likely to be confirmed by the Senate, which is expected to meet later on Thursday.

Married with six children, he is a qualified architect who became governor in 2007.

He is an ally of former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida, who recently said he would seek to contest the elections, our correspondent says.

She says he has taken security very seriously since becoming Kaduna governor.

Some analysts say he may have been chosen because he would not pose a threat to President Jonathan.

Source: BBC

NDC youth demand dismissal of Khalid's deputy

Few hours after President Mills dismissed the Upper West Regional Minister Honourable Mahmoud Khalid, another Youth Group calling itself concerned members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Upper West Region have also called for the removal of the Minister’s Deputy, Caesar Kale.

The Youth group is accusing the Deputy Minister of inciting some NDC youth who vandalised some party property and bolted with tender documents.

Some NDC Youth were arrested in Wa on Tuesday May 11, in connection with the disruption of a bidding process for the award of a contract for the construction of school projects.

Early on, some irate NDC foot soldiers vandalised some property belonging to the party to register their displeasure over the award of contracts to members of the Opposition New Patriotic Party by the Regional Minister.

This was after Regional Executives of the party had petitioned the President complaining about the Minister’s uncompromising attitude for which reason they could not work with him.

The Secretary to the Concerned Members of the NDC in the Upper West Region Saandong Wieneiba Nyira told Citi News that the Regional Youth Organiser and the Regional Chairman with support from the Deputy Regional Minister Caesar Khalid, orchestrated the removal of his boss so that he can take over as the substantive Minister.

Mr. Saandong Wieneiba further alleged that the Deputy Minister has plans to push for the said Regional Youth Organiser to be made his Deputy.

The group has given the President a 24 hour ultimatum to remove the
Minister or else they will hit the streets to register their displeasure.

‘‘24 hours from now, if nothing is heard we will pour onto the streets to protest our displeasure’’ he stated.

For now, it remains unclear if the President will once again heed to the request of these young men.

Nigeria: Vice President may emerge Tuesday

There are strong indications that President Goodluck Jonathan may name his vice president next week Tuesday and subsequently seek approval of the National Assembly.

Also on Friday, the United States hailed the "timely inauguration" of President Jonathan, whom it described as the "lawful successor" of late President Umaru Yar'Adua.

"The president is holding consultations as part of efforts to arrive at who will be the nominee for vice president. He will likely send the name to the National Assembly for approval, according to constitutional requirements, by Monday or Tuesday,” a presidency source was quoted to have told Reuters.

Jonathan, who was sworn in on Thursday hours after the death of Yar'Adua, spent most of Friday meeting former Nigerian heads of state, governors, and top officials from the ruling People's Democratic Party on the choice of his vice president.

Three former heads of state - Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Alhaji Shehu Shagari and Chief Ernest Shonekan as well as members of the Nigerian Governors Forum led by its chairman, Governor Bukola Saraki of Kwara State, who were at Aso Rock Villa, Abuja on Friday to commiserate with Jonathan over the death of the late Yar'Adua were also said to have been consulted on his choice for the vice presidency.

The former heads of state also congratulated Jonathan on his ascension to the office of President.

Gowon who spoke on behalf of the ex-leaders said the former leaders also used the opportunity of the visit to advise Jonathan to concentrate on electoral reforms and credible elections next year.

The governors described Yar'Adua's death as a national tragedy, adding that it was a personal tragedy for Jonathan, who they said, “has lost not only a great boss, but also a true friend and a loving brother." In an address read on their behalf by Saraki, they said: "the loss that our dear country has suffered is great. Even as we mourn, we beseech the Almighty God to turn our collective grief into a positive energy that will serve this country.

“This is the honour the country owes the late Yar'Adua. He was a great son of Nigeria who believed in Nigeria and who served Nigeria with all the force of his vision of a better way and a greater place for our country."

While congratulating the new president on his inauguration, Saraki admonished him to continue steering the affairs of the nation with "the focus; the commitment and the resourcefulness with which your Excellency has steered the affairs of this country even as the acting president."

In his response, Jonathan said Yar’Adua did his best to promote the interest of the country, and called on Nigerians to ensure the noble ideals he stood for are accomplished. The new President thanked the former heads of state and governors for the tremendous goodwill and support for the late president.

He said Yar'Adua initiated a number of programmes which could have impacted positively on the lives of the people but was slowed down by his health challenges.

The US, in the statement issued by the Secretary of State, Senator Hillary Clinton, also called on the Jonathan administration to continue the march toward next year's general election.

The statement titled: 'The passing of President Umaru Yar'Adua', reads: "United States applauds the timely inauguration of President Jonathan, the lawful successor, and efforts to unify the country at this delicate time. We encourage the Nigerian government to continue its movement toward national democratic elections in 2011 and offer our support and assistance in these efforts."

US also urged all Nigerians "to place their faith and support firmly behind orderly, democratic and constitutional mechanisms."

Meanwhile, Nigerians in the US have continued to mourn the demise of the Nigerian leader. In Washington, flags were flown at half-mast at the ambassador's residence and the chancery, where a condolence register was also opened. Thursday was also observed as work-free day by embassy staff.

In New York, UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, on Thursday night, signed the condolence register at the Nigeria House.

Yar'Adua's death however affected a number of Nigerian-related events slated for Thursday. A meeting between Ambassador Adebowale Adefuye and US Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Williams Burns, was shifted to next week.

Also affected was the award ceremony of the Certificate of Excellence for the Peace Keeping Training Centre in Kaduna billed to hold at the UN headquarters in New York. Top military brass led by Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Dambazau, had already arrived for the event.

Also, the Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper late on Thursday described Yar’Adua as a man of peace, saying "Yar’Adua’s efforts in promoting regional peace and security and his contribution to Nigeria’s leadership role within the international community will be remembered."

The Canadian prime minister in his statement specifically commended Yar’Adua’s efforts at bringing stability and security to the people of the Niger Delta. "Canada is proud of its long partnership with Nigeria, a leader, both regionally and internationally. The past ten years of democratic governance have demonstrated the strength of Nigerians, and this strength will sustain them through the mourning period and beyond.

"I would like to extend, on behalf of the Canadian people, my condolences to the family of President Yar’Adua, the government and the people of Nigeria. Canada has stood with Nigeria through the difficult period of President Yar’Adua’s illness, and Canada mourns with Nigerians his passing," said Harper in a statement issued in Canada.

More condolences also poured in yesterday from world leaders who expressed grief at the death of Yar’Adua.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, and German President Horst Koehler said they were saddened to learn of the passing of Nigerian president and joined President Obama in expressing her condolences to the late president’s family and Nigerians.

Medvedev said he mourned the death of Yar’Adua with the deepest sorrow and noted that contribution made by the late president to strengthen democratic pillars in Nigeria was "priceless." The Russian leader said Yar’Adua gave basic direction to further Nigeria’s economic development "while his balanced and constructive internal policy promoted stability and peace for the country.

"I knew President Yar’Adua as a great friend of Russia, a staunch supporter of cooperation between our nations, who did his best for broadening and deepening the Nigerian-Russian ties," Medvedev said. "President Yar’Adua always sought ways to fulfill his responsibility for peace and security in his country and in the African continent," Koehler said.

"This commitment became apparent particularly during the fourth Africa Forum held in Abuja in November 2008, which we both co-chaired. In Yar’Adua’s death, Germany has lost a partner who showed distinct interest in relation with the European nation,” Koehler added.

In a related development, Gombe State Governor, Muhammad Danjuma Goje has described the late Yar’Adua as “a good, disciplined and experienced leader who was full of vision for a better and great Nigeria but could not achieve or implement his dreams due to ill health.”

The governor stated this while speaking to newsmen at the Gombe Airport shortly before departing for Katsina State for the burial of Yar’Adua.



Source: Thisdayonline.com