Togo and Niger finally clashed at the University of Ghana Stadium in Accra on Friday morning, a day after their WAFU B U17 tournament match was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions. Niger's U17 team, Mena, emerged victorious with a thrilling 3-2 win over Togo's Sparrowhawk cadets in Group B. The match began with Niger dominating and scoring within 15 minutes, taking advantage of Togo's defensive lapses. Niger extended their lead before halftime, capitalizing on a Togolese goalkeeper error. In the second half, Togo's coach, Maurice Noutsoudje, made strategic substitutions, including Bassirou Parkouda, who scored a goal, sparking a Togolese comeback. Despite conceding a third goal, Togo persisted, scoring a second goal and nearly equalizing. However, their inefficiency in front of goal cost them a crucial point, allowing Niger to secure their first tournament victory. Next, Togo faces Burkina Faso on Sunday, while Niger takes on Nigeria, who drew with Burkina Faso earlier. Credit: Ghanasoccernet

Former Ghana Midfielder, Derek Boateng praises Laryea Kingston for his impressive work with the U-17 team, expressing confidence in his ability to continue guiding the team to success. Kingston, appointed as the Black Starlets coach in April this year, has overseen a remarkable transformation within the team, with Ghana poised to qualify for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2017. The Black Starlets made a sensational start to the WAFU U-17 Championship at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon on Tuesday, securing a convincing 5-1 victory over Ivory Coast. Boateng, who watched the game, couldn't help but heap praise on Kingston, stating, "We have a very fantastic coach in the person of Laryea Kingston. He is a top coach for me. He is really doing a great job, and I’m so happy for him. If he wins, we have all won. I’m happy he is doing a great job with the Black Starlets." "Laryea came from that root, so I think he knows a lot about the games and tournaments like this. You can see the players are playing for him. Anytime he steps onto the touchline to relay information to the players, the game changes. Whenever players are ready to play for a coach, you have nothing to worry about. He doesn’t coach a lot because the guys know what to do already which is really good," Boateng added. The Black Starlets' next match is against Benin, with a win or draw enough to secure qualification to the semi-finals of the WAFU tournament. However, the team aims to reach the final, which will guarantee qualification to the U-17 AFCON. Credit: Ghanasoccernet

Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo has shared that he draws inspiration from two esteemed compatriots: Asamoah Gyan and Andre Ayew. This season, Semenyo has displayed remarkable consistency, netting eight goals and contributing another pair of assists in the Premier League, prompting optimism about his potential contribution to the national team. In anticipation of the forthcoming FIFA World Cup qualifying matches scheduled for June, the 24-year-old star spoke reverentially of the influence wielded by Gyan and Ayew, particularly noting how the latter offers valuable advice based on personal experience. Reflecting on conversations with Andre Ayew, who remains active on the pitch with the Black Stars as captain, Semenyo conveyed that the elder statesman encouraged him to maintain focus and persistence in pursuit of greater achievements. Similarly, Asamoah Gyan offered sage counsel, urging Semenyo to seize opportunities, savour success, and perpetually raise the bar for performance excellence. "Obviously Andre Ayew is playing with the team currently, and Gyan is there at games sometimes, so I always speak to him [Dede Ayew] and he tells me to keep going, and tells me the ability I have, he did not have it at his age. So, he tells me to keep going and pushing myself. Whenever I feel like I reach a level, I should go again," Semenyo told Premier League TV. "Asamoah Gyan said the same thing and told me to keep working. When you get your chance you score, enjoy the moment but also keep pushing yourself and make sure you continue getting over the bar. So, I feel like those two as a kid when growing up, as Ghanaians we watched them a lot. At World Cups, Premier League that’s all we watch. So yeah, they are great examples," he added. To date, Semenyo boasts a respectable international scoring record of two goals, including a memorable strike registered during an AFCON qualifying encounter versus Angola last year. Credit: Ghanasoccernet

Liverpool have confirmed that Thiago Alcantara and Joel Matip will be departing the club at the conclusion of the current season. The decision comes amidst significant changes anticipated with the departure of manager, Jurgen Klopp. Thiago Alcantara, who joined the Merseyside club from Bayern Munich in 2020, is set to depart after making a notable impact despite battling injuries throughout his tenure. The Spanish midfielder, on the brink of his 100th appearance for the club, contributed to Liverpool’s success in winning the FA Cup, FA Community Shield, and playing a pivotal role in their runner-up finish in the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League campaign. Joel Matip, the experienced Cameroon center-back, will also bid farewell after an eight-year stint at Anfield, during which he made 201 appearances and scored 11 goals. Matip, however, has been sidelined since December due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained against Fulham. His absence followed a previous six-month layoff earlier in the season due to a hip issue. Thiago Alcantara returned to action in February against Arsenal but suffered a subsequent muscle injury, further complicating his season. The departures of Thiago and Matip mark the end of an era for the Reds as they prepare for managerial changes alongside bids farewell to key players who have contributed significantly to the club’s recent successes. Credit: 3news

In a surprising turn of events, Ghanaian artists have been completely overlooked in the nominations for the 2024 BET Awards, while their Nigerian counterparts have garnered significant recognition. Nigeria's music scene continues to make waves internationally, with several artists securing prominent nominations. Leading the pack is Nigeria’s breakout star Ayra Starr, who has been nominated in three categories: Best New International Act, BET Her, and Best International Act. Ayra Starr’s rapid rise in the music industry has been nothing short of meteoric, making her a strong contender in this year’s awards. Burna Boy, another heavyweight from Nigeria, has received nominations in the Best Male Hip-Hop Artist and Best Male R&B/Pop Artist categories. Known for his powerful performances and chart-topping hits, Burna Boy will face stiff competition from global icons like Kendrick Lamar, Chris Brown, Drake, and Usher. Adding to Nigeria’s impressive lineup, Tems has been nominated for the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award and Video Director of the Year. Tems’ versatility and unique sound have earned her critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. Asake and Seyi Vibez also made the cut, with nominations for Best International Act and Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act, respectively. These rising stars have captured the hearts of many with their innovative music and dynamic performances. The BET Awards are set to air live on BET on Sunday, June 30, at 8 PM ET/PT, promising a night of spectacular performances and celebration of musical excellence. Here is a glimpse at some of the top categories and nominees for the 2024 BET Awards: BEST FEMALE R&B/POP ARTIST Beyoncé Coco Jones Doja Cat H.E.R. Muni Long SZA Tyla Victoria Monét BEST MALE R&B/POP ARTIST Brent Faiyaz Bryson Tiller Burna Boy Chris Brown Drake Fridayy October London Usher BEST GROUP ¥$, Ye, Ty Dolla $Ign 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne 41 Blxst & Bino Rideaux City Girls Flo Maverick City Music Wanmor BEST COLLABORATION All My Life, Lil Durk Feat. J. Cole America Has A Problem (Remix), Beyoncé Feat. Kendrick Lamar Barbie World, Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice (With Aqua) Bongos, Cardi B Feat. Megan Thee Stallion Carnival, ¥$, Ye, Ty Dolla $Ign Feat. Rich The Kid, Playboi Carti Don’t Play With It (Remix), Lola Brooke Feat. Latto & Yung Miami Everybody, Nicki Minaj Feat. Lil Uzi Vert Good Good, Usher, Summer Walker & 21 Savage Rich Baby Daddy, Drake Feat. Sexyy Red & SZA BEST FEMALE HIP-HOP ARTIST Cardi B Doja Cat GloRilla Ice Spice Latto Megan Thee Stallion Nicki Minaj Sexyy Red BEST MALE HIP-HOP ARTIST 21 Savage Burna Boy Drake Future Gunna J. Cole Kendrick Lamar Lil Wayne BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT Asake (Africa) Aya Nakamura (France) Ayra Starr (Africa) Bk’ (Brazil) Cleo Sol (UK) Focalistic (Africa) Karol Conká (Brazil) Raye (UK) Tiakola (France) Tyla (Africa) The Nigerian dominance at this year's BET Awards is a testament to the country's vibrant music industry and its growing influence on the global stage. Meanwhile, the absence of Ghanaian nominees has sparked discussions about the need for greater support and recognition for Ghana's talented artists. Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable night celebrating the best in music and entertainment. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In a dramatic twist that has set tongues wagging, Abdul Malik Kwaku Baako, the Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide, has lambasted former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu’s petition for the removal of his successor, Kissi Agyebeng. Baako, a prominent media figure and mentor to investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, did not mince words, branding the petition as “nonsensical.” The controversy erupted when Amidu, also a former Attorney-General, filed a petition citing alleged procurement breaches in the purchase of vehicles for the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and abuses involving judges and the administration of justice. His calls for Agyebeng’s impeachment included claims of violations of citizens’ rights through arrests and detentions, failures in the right to information, and improper appointments of personnel within the office. However, Baako, in a scathing response to a Facebook post by Professor Kwasi Prempeh, Executive Director of the Centre for Democratic Governance (CDD), dismissed Amidu’s allegations with disdain. “Oh! My friend Martin! I see. Still nonsensical! I am yet to see or read the petition though! Nonsense, respectfully!!” Baako wrote, igniting a fierce debate online. Amidu’s petition, confirmed by Agyebeng and dated April 30, 2024, has already reached President Akufo-Addo and Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. The Chief Justice is now tasked with determining if there is a prima facie case to form a committee for Agyebeng’s removal as mandated by Article 146 of the Constitution. Amidu’s petition also accuses Agyebeng of obstructing access to information. He claims Agyebeng refused to provide appointment letters and salary details of OSP staff, which Amidu had requested to be delivered on a pen drive. This refusal, Amidu argues, is a blatant violation of the right to information. Kwaku Baako’s blunt dismissal of Amidu’s petition has added a new layer of intrigue to an already contentious issue. Baako’s influence and his connection to Agyebeng, through the latter's role as a lawyer for Anas Aremeyaw Anas, a journalist Baako has mentored, raise questions about potential conflicts of interest and the impartiality of his critique. As the Chief Justice deliberates on whether to proceed with Amidu’s petition, the public is left in suspense. Is this a legitimate pursuit of accountability, or is it, as Baako suggests, a nonsensical vendetta? The coming days will undoubtedly bring more revelations, keeping the nation riveted to this unfolding political and legal drama. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In a sensational and unprecedented move, popular Disk Jockey, DJ Azonto is demanding a staggering $10 million in compensation from Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. The demand comes after Bawumia allegedly used DJ Azonto’s hit track ‘Fa No Fom’ during a campaign event in Nalerigu without authorization, sparking a heated debate over intellectual property rights. In a fiery statement released on social media, DJ Azonto’s management, known as the Rolls Royce Family, accused the Vice-President of a “clear infringement of intellectual property rights.” They argue that the unauthorized use of the song in such a high-profile political campaign not only devalues the artist’s work but also causes significant financial and reputational damage. “This amount reflects the value of the work and the damages incurred to the artist and management due to its misuse in such a high-profile campaign,” the statement read, highlighting the serious implications of the alleged infringement. The Rolls Royce Family further admonished all to respect copyright laws and intellectual property rights, emphasizing that a simple call to DJ Azonto’s management could have prevented this controversy. They expressed willingness to collaborate with anyone wishing to use their artist’s work, provided proper legal channels are followed. The statement from DJ Azonto’s camp called for immediate action from Bawumia’s campaign team to address the issue and prevent similar oversights in the future. They stressed the need for a fair and timely settlement to resolve the unauthorized use of the song, protecting the intellectual property rights of Ghanaian artists. “We urge Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team to immediately address this issue and take steps to prevent such oversights in the future,” the Rolls Royce Family stated. “We also request a fair and timely settlement from Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s team to resolve the unauthorized use of DJ Azonto’s song in a manner that protects and respects the intellectual property rights of the country.” This bold move by DJ Azonto and his team highlights the ongoing struggle for artists to protect their work from unauthorized use, even at the highest levels of political power. The demand for such a hefty compensation underscores the seriousness with which the Rolls Royce Family views this infringement, setting a controversial precedent for how intellectual property rights are enforced in Ghana. As the nation watches closely, the Vice-President’s response to these allegations could have far-reaching implications for the respect and protection of creative works in the political arena. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

In a dramatic turn of events, former Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu has ignited a political firestorm by filing a petition to President Akufo-Addo, seeking the impeachment of his successor, Kissi Agyebeng. The explosive document, dated April 30, 2024, was swiftly forwarded to Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, who is now tasked with determining whether a prima facie case exists to convene a committee for Agyebeng’s removal under Article 146 of the Constitution. Amidu's allegations are as severe as they are varied. He accuses Agyebeng of procurement breaches in the acquisition of vehicles for the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and asserts that Mr. Agyebeng has abused his power in dealings with judges and the broader administration of justice. The former Attorney-General's claims extend to violations of citizens’ rights through questionable arrests and detentions, as well as obstructing access to information by improperly handling requests for appointment letters and salary details of OSP staff. One particularly contentious point in Amidu's petition is his allegation that Agyebeng refused to provide him with OSP staff appointment letters and salary details on a pen drive. Amidu frames this as a violation of the right to information, suggesting a troubling lack of transparency under Agyebeng’s leadership. The petition, now public, has confirmed that Agyebeng acknowledges its receipt. This move by Amidu, known for his own contentious tenure as Special Prosecutor, has sent shockwaves through the political and legal communities. Critics and supporters alike are closely watching how President Akufo-Addo and Chief Justice Torkornoo will navigate this highly charged situation. Amidu’s tenure was itself fraught with controversy, marked by his abrupt resignation in November 2020, citing interference and a lack of support in his anti-corruption efforts. Now, in a bold and unprecedented move, he seeks to oust his successor, raising questions about the internal dynamics and effectiveness of the OSP. The gravity of Amidu’s accusations against Agyebeng cannot be overstated. They touch on fundamental issues of governance, justice, and public trust. If a committee is established and finds merit in Amidu’s claims, the repercussions could be significant, potentially leading to a major shake-up within the OSP and broader implications for Ghana’s anti-corruption framework. This unfolding saga underscores a deeper struggle within Ghana’s anti-corruption institutions. With high stakes and reputations on the line, the nation is left to ponder: is this a genuine crusade for accountability, or a personal vendetta from a former official? The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the truth and the future of Ghana’s fight against corruption. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Former Auditor-General, Daniel Yaw Domelevo is raising serious questions about the Economic and Organised Crime Office's (EOCO) handling of the investigation involving former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah. Domelevo, alongside other prominent figures, has filed a petition to Parliament, pressing EOCO for answers regarding their apparent reluctance to investigate the case thoroughly. Speaking on an Accra-based television station on Thursday, Mr. Domelevo expressed his frustration: "We want to know why EOCO is refusing to investigate the matter." His stance is clear—the allegations against Madam Dapaah, including the unexplained stash of money found in her residence, deserve a full and transparent investigation. Martin Kpebu, a private legal practitioner and co-petitioner, said "There are several issues to be investigated," he asserted, criticizing any attempts to dismiss the gravity of the situation. The petition, supported by over 100 Ghanaians from various sectors, including anti-graft advocate Martin Kpebu, security analyst Dr. Adam Bona, and academic Professor Ransford Gyampo, calls for a bipartisan probe into EOCO's conduct. They argue that EOCO has sufficient grounds to investigate Madam Dapaah for money laundering, given her inconsistent explanations regarding the source of the large sums of money seized by the Special Prosecutor. "The failure to explain the source of the money should have been the cornerstone of the investigation," the petition emphasizes, highlighting EOCO's troubling inaction and perceived inconsistencies. Adding fuel to the fire, the petition accuses EOCO of failing to protect the money seized from Madam Dapaah's residence, as noted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). The OSP has publicly criticized EOCO's lack of urgency and their reluctance to delve deeper into the case, despite having detailed information at their disposal. This escalating tension between state anti-corruption agencies underscores a broader issue of accountability and transparency within Ghana's fight against corruption. The Ghana Integrity Initiative has expressed concern over the public disagreements between EOCO and OSP, urging a more unified and effective approach to such high-stakes investigations. As this saga unfolds, the call for answers grows louder. Will EOCO step up and fulfill its mandate, or will the questions surrounding Cecilia Dapaah's case remain unanswered? The nation watches closely, demanding integrity and action. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

At a Health Sector Annual Summit 2024 held in Accra, some Health Experts have shared challenges and solutions for integrating public and private healthcare systems in Ghana. During a leadership and governance for quality healthcare delivery session, the experts underscored the importance of quality care and effective governance in navigating the complexities of the healthcare landscape. The Experts highlighted the ongoing disparities in healthcare access across the country, with many individuals resorting to private facilities due to limited options in certain regions. This disparity emphasizes the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address gaps in healthcare infrastructure and service provision. One key aspect of the discussion centered on the role of private healthcare entities. The Experts noted that private practices often serve as vital outlets for individuals seeking safe and reliable care. Despite being subject to stringent regulations, these practices are recognized for their ability to deliver personalized and high-quality services to patients. Addressing the issue of governance in a mixed public-private healthcare model, experts emphasized the importance of research-informed innovation. Recommendations included commissioning collaborative projects to co-create strategies for improving quality of care. By leveraging data-driven insights, stakeholders can develop effective governance frameworks that accommodate the diverse needs of multiple players within the healthcare ecosystem. This initiative, spearheaded by a team of mental health scientists, focuses on enhancing the quality of care in urban areas. Findings from the project shed light on the prevalence of individuals accessing public sector services as a form of private care outlet, highlighting the need for greater alignment between public and private healthcare providers. Furthermore, experts emphasized the importance of capturing and integrating community-based healthcare providers into the broader healthcare network. Community vantage farmers and other grassroots organizations play a significant role in addressing healthcare needs at the local level. By incorporating these stakeholders into governance structures, policymakers can ensure a more holistic and inclusive approach to healthcare delivery. As discussions continue, stakeholders are called upon to prioritize collaboration and innovation in addressing the challenges of integrating public and private healthcare systems. By working together towards a shared mission of improving healthcare access and quality, the healthcare community can strive towards a more equitable and responsive healthcare system for all. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (PPME) at the Ministry of Health, Emma Ofori Agyemang, has underscored the importance of integrating key processes and providing clear guidance as the ministry moves forward with its next strategic phase. According to her, the approach aims to ensure successful implementation and meaningful impact on healthcare delivery. "Developing a comprehensive strategy begins with understanding the foundational elements that need to be in place" This, she hinted involves offering clear guidance and fostering structured discussions to shape the direction of strategies. "Our goal is to provide a framework that guides the development of our strategy," Agyemang explained. "By facilitating discussions and offering guidance, we ensure that everyone understands their role and the overall objectives." "Mainstreaming initiatives involves integrating them seamlessly into the broader organizational framework, ensuring that they are not seen as isolated efforts but as integral parts of the strategic vision" "When we talk about mainstreaming, we mean embedding our initiatives into every aspect of our operations," Agyemang emphasized. "This ensures that our projects are aligned with our overall goals and that their impact is maximized." "To effectively guide processes, it is crucial to ask the right questions and use appropriate metrics" This, she added involves identifying the key people involved, the nature of the discussions, and the criteria for measuring success. "We need to be clear about who is involved in the process, what discussions are taking place, and what metrics we are using to measure success," Agyemang stated. "These elements are essential for guiding our strategy and ensuring its effectiveness." "A structured and methodical approach is necessary to align discussions and processes with the long-term vision" She explained that continuous monitoring and adaptation are also vital to stay on course. "Guiding these discussions and processes in a structured way is critical," Agyemang noted. "This will help us align our efforts and ensure we are on the right path for future success." "The contributions and questions from team members and stakeholders are invaluable in refining the strategy. They provide diverse perspectives and insights that help shape a more effective and inclusive approach" "Developing a comprehensive healthcare strategy involves mainstreaming initiatives, guiding processes with clear direction, and asking the right questions to measure success" By fostering inclusive discussions and maintaining a structured approach, the Ministry of Health aims to achieve its strategic goals and ensure that its projects deliver meaningful and lasting impact. This comprehensive strategy, she mentioned represented a significant step forward in enhancing healthcare delivery and improving outcomes for all stakeholders. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

During a panel discussion at the opening ceremony of Health Sector Annual Summit 2024 held in Accra on Wednesday, Experts convened to discuss the future trajectory of healthcare development and efficacy of current assessment methodologies. The consensus? A call for a simplified narrative in holistic assessments, focusing on areas of improvement, stagnation, and success rather than inundating stakeholders with myriad indicators. Key voices emphasized the necessity of this streamlined approach, noting its utility not only for internal evaluation but also for communicating progress to the broader public. "We need to simplify the narrative," remarked one of the speeakers, "so that both insiders and outsiders can easily grasp where we stand." Addressing development strategies, the panel highlighted the importance of ongoing evaluation and adaptation, particularly in areas like data collection and private sector engagement. The Minister for Finance underscored the imperative of incorporating private sector data, aligning with government initiatives aimed at increased private sector involvement in healthcare. Furthermore, discussions centered on setting realistic targets and indicators, with attendees urging for precision and scientific rigor in goal-setting processes. The example of setting a target of 90 for a specific metric, rather than a more arbitrary figure, prompted inquiries into the methodology behind such decisions. Education emerged as a focal point, with calls for a comprehensive approach that encompasses special education alongside primary and middle education. Other panelists emphasized the need for realistic indicators and targets, reflecting the diverse needs of the population and ensuring inclusivity in educational initiatives. Looking beyond assessments, the summit delved into broader issues such as partnership, leadership, and human resource management. There was consensus on the importance of sustained dialogue and action post-assessment, with an emphasis on identifying areas for improvement and strategic focus for future initiatives. In summary, the Health Sector Annual Summit 2024 highlighted the importance of a simplified, narrative-driven approach to holistic assessment, coupled with targeted development strategies informed by realistic indicators and inclusive education initiatives. The discussions underscored the ongoing commitment of healthcare stakeholders to continuous improvement and collaboration in addressing the evolving needs of the population. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith