The Ghana Football Association President, Kurt Okraku, has made an impassioned plea to Ghanaian football fans to refrain from abusing players when the team's performance is subpar. He believes that instead of criticizing and berating the players, fans should offer them support and encouragement, both in good times and bad. Okraku's statement comes on the heels of the Black Stars' underwhelming performance at the AFCON 2023, where they finished third in their group with only two points and failed to advance to the knockout stage. As a result, the team has dropped six places in the global FIFA rankings and is now ranked 14th in Africa, which means they will unlikely be seeded in the upcoming draw for AFCON 2025 qualifiers. The president emphasized that the players need the support of the fans, especially during difficult moments. "If we kill our players when things go bad, we are likely not (to succeed)," Okraku said at a recent GFA meet the press event. "That is why I've always said in good times and in bad times, let's stay with our players." Okraku also expressed his disapproval of the mistreatment of players by some journalists, who booed the team after their 2-2 draw against Mozambique in Abidjan. He stressed that such behaviour is unacceptable and can have negative consequences for the team's morale and performance. In light of these developments, Okraku reiterated the importance of allowing the technical team to make crucial decisions regarding the team's management and player selection. "Let's leave those decisive but important decisions to the technical team to handle," he said. Credit: Ghanasoccernet

News coming in indicates that popular Popular Ghanaian fashion designer, Pokua Poku-Mouhtuseb is dead. The 42-year-old woman, who owns 'Poqua Poku Mouhtiseb', was said to have died a few hours after giving birth at the Lister Hospital in Accra on February 14, 2024. Pokua left behind a husband and three children. She was a past student of Achimota Senior High School and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). She established the 'Poqua Poqu' luxury fashion brand sometime in 2011 and has styled several Ghanaian celebrities. Pokua's craft has been featured on several fashion runways in the country, including the Glitz African Fashion Week and Ghana's Most Beautiful, among others. Credit: Ghanaweb

Information from the Jubilee House on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's recent ministerial reshuffle indicates that two Members of Parliament (MPs) nominated to some critical ministries rejected the offer to be part of the government. Sources from the Jubilee House have confirmed that Dr Nana Ayew Afriye and Kwaku Agyeman Kwarteng, representing the Effiduase Asokore constituency and Obuasi West Constituency in the Ashanti Region, respectively, told the president "quite bluntly that they were not interested in serving in his government, citing personal reasons. "As it turns out, Dr. Ayew Afriye, the MP for Effiduase Asokore constituency in the Ashanti Region, was nominated to the Ministry of Health, but he declined because of his principled stance against the president's large government." People close to him, say the astute medical doctor and parliamentarian, has always been vocal about the size of the Akufo-Addo government and the need to downsize to cut down on the huge spending. According to the sources, the presidency was shocked that the Chairman of the Health Committee of Parliament could refuse the president's offer to become a minister. Kwaku Agyeman Kwarteng, the MP for Obuasi West Constituency, expressed dissatisfaction with how the president had treated him and opted not to accept another ministerial position. He "did not want another bite of the cake, having been sidelined for years," The Herald's insider told the newspaper. The Herald was informed that Mr. Kwarteng, who served as a Deputy Minister at the Finance Ministry in the first term of President Akufo-Addo, conveyed his contentment with his role as the Chairman of parliament's finance committee and declined any new appointment On Wednesday, February 14, 2024, President Akufo-Addo made his first major reshuffle in almost eight years. Among those affected were the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, and the Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Atta. Additionally, Minister for Health, Kwaku Agyeman Manu, and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, were among those who lost their positions. In total, 13 ministers and 10 deputies were relieved of their duties, with some being reassigned to different roles within the government. Credit: Ghanaweb

The mortal remains of late Ghanaian footballer Raphael Dwamena arrived at the Adjiringanor Astro-Turf in a black hearse. The body, whose arrival delayed owing to a misunderstanding between the wife and family of the late footballer, was in a brown coffin draped in the Ghana flag. The arrival of the body signaled the commencement of the burial and funeral activities, which had delayed due to misunderstandings between the wife, mother and father of Raphael Dwamena. Meanwhile, Onua FM is reporting that a sister of the former FC Zurich striker has said that the family will hold a funeral on a date different from what was advertised. The change in date, per the report, is due to disagreements over some pre-burial rituals, including the shroud for the body. It is reported that his wife insisted that her shroud be used for the body, but the family were adamant, on their resolve that it is their duty to buy the final clothes for their departed relative. Following the arrival, the body has since been laid in state for file past. The Ghanaian striker passed away tragically after suffering a heart seizure on the pitch during Egnatia Rrogozhine's game against Partizani Tirana on November 11, 2023. He was enjoying his best season in football since 2017/2018 when he scored 21 goals in 51 games for FC Zurich. Dwamena, before his devastating passing, scored 12 goals and provided one assist in 12 games in the 2023/2024 season. He joined Egnatia in January 2023 on an initial one-and-a-half-year deal. He scored 12 goals and provided 9 assists in 24 games in his first six months at the club. Credit: 3news

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has congratulated Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam following his new appointment as Minister of Finance. In a communique sighted by Thinknewsonline.com, it read "I would like to extend my warmest congratulations on your appointment as Ghana’s Minister of Finance" "Your leadership will be essential in sustaining Ghana’s reform effort and in further extending the current momentum of compelling program performance and gradual economic stabilization" The IMF also assured Dr. Amin Adam of its continued commitment to support him in these endeavors. "Please accept my very best wishes of success in your new role at a critical moment in Ghana’s history" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

A stalwart of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwadwo Okyere Mpiani, has joined the chorus of persons saying President Akufo-Addo’s ministerial reshuffle will not make any impact on his government. The former Minister for Presidential Affairs and Chief of Staff under the erstwhile John Kufuor administration says the timing of the exercise is problematic considering the number of months left for the general elections. Despite admitting that the prerogative to make any changes rests with the President per his analysis of the performance of his appointees, Mr. Mpaini says the timing raises a lot of questions about the effectiveness of the reshuffle. “I don’t have a reaction to the ministerial reshuffle because it is the President’s prerogative. He works with the Ministers and the deputy ministers and he should be able to determine who is working well or otherwise. “But I think that eight months to an election will not have any effect on the direction of government. So I think the timing is the problem, otherwise, it is his prerogative to do a reshuffle as he sees fit,” he said on Accra-based JoyNews. He questioned how the newly appointed ministers are going to adapt to the complexities of their newly assigned offices, to effect the needed changes for the government. “Some of these appointees are completely new. How are they going to learn and know what goes on in the ministries to enable them to direct the ministries as expected of them?” he questioned. “So what do you want to achieve? It is too close to the election, and I don’t believe they can effect any massive change,” he expressed. The former Chief of Staff is the latest to critique the timing of the reshuffle saying it is too close to the elections. On Wednesday, February 14, 2024, President Akufo-Addo made his first significant ministerial reshuffle after assuming power in 2017. The changes affected 12 ministers, comprising 10 cabinet ministers and two regional ministers, including Finance and Health Ministers, Ken Ofori-Atta and Kwaku Agyeman Manu. Credit: 3news

Actress Martha Ankomah has filed a writ against her colleague Actor LilWin over recent comment against her personality. Kojo Nkansah popularly known as LilWin had earlier criticized the actress for what he perceived as disrespectful comments about Kumawood movies. He specifically attacked Ankomah for passing a comment about the declining quality of recent Kumawood movies in an interview she granted in 2017 and 2023. “I love their storylines and they used to have really good movies like Kumasi Yonkuo, but of late, most of their movies portray witchcraft and that does not motivate me to shoot with them,” the actress said in an interview with Hitz FM. LilWin’s attack against Martha Ankomah emerged while he was responding to issues about one lady, Mimi who used to be with LilWin but had defected to Dr. Likee’s camp. The said actress, Mimi, has recently been granting interviews and throwing shades at LilWin. LilWin in return has also slammed Dr. Likee and his crew and anyone who has ever downplayed his efforts including Martha Ankomah. He said: “Martha, those who are richer than you are rather humble and respect themselves a lot. Do you honestly call yourself a star? Who knows you? What do you have? “I don’t even know why GTP bypassed the likes of McBrown, Mercy Asiedu and co, and made Martha Ankomah their brand ambassador. The likes of Van Vicker, Roselyn Ngissah and co, do not do these things. They even work with us. They shoot Kumawood movies. I’m still amazed that you made such statements, were you drunk?” He continued, “Patience Ozorkwor came to Kumasi to shoot a movie. Aki and Pawpaw, Mr. Ibu and the rest came down to shoot a movie here. But for people like you, who call yourselves refined actors; how many times do these Nigerians come to Ghana to shoot movies? They are the ones who rather send for you guys” This comment has caused Martha Ankomah to drag LilWin to court for defaming her personality. The suit was filed on Wednesday, February 14. LilWin is yet to respond to the recent development and the suit against him. Credit: 3news

An Accra High Court on Thursday, February 15 dismissed a copyright case brought before it by founder of the Chalewote Street Art Festival, Mantse Aryeequaye. Mantse Aryeequaye in January this year filed a writ against Hammer and Obrafour of The Last Two Music Group accusing both of claiming ownership of the famous ‘Killer Cut’ phrase in the popular ‘Oye Ohene’ song. However, the court after its sitting on Thursday, February 15 threw out the case and awarded GH₵10,000 to Obrafour and Hammer. According to the court, its decision to dismiss the case was based on “inconsistencies and breach of court rules” in Mantse’s writ. The Killer Cut controversy The ‘Killer Cut’ Phrase used in the popular ‘Oye Ohene’ song by Obrafour in 2003 raised controversies after American rapper Drake used the phrase in his ‘Honestly Nevermind’ song without permission. Darke sampled the phrase in his song ‘Calling My Name’ without consent from the original owners. Obrafour subsequently sued Drake in a New York court and demanded $10 million for sampling the phrase without his consent. He insisted that Drake and his team made a lot of money for sampling his ‘Killer Cut’ phrase without his consent. However, Mantse upon hearing about Obrafour’s demands from Drake tweeted at Drake and said he is the original owner of the phrase ‘Killer Cut’ and never gave up his rights to Obrafour or Hammer. This caused Mantse to sue Hammer and Obrafour who claimed he discovered that Obrafuor and Hammer had registered the song together with the phrase in their name. Credit: 3news

The leadership of the Royalhouse Chapel International has denied allegations of sexual misconduct and alleged involvement in rituals against its founder, Most Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah. This is in reaction to assertions made by a fetish priest by name Osofo Samuel Kojo Bentil Odoom in a video on social media, that the founder of the Church allegedly engaged in sexual misconduct with a five-year-old nearly three decades ago. A statement released by the Church claimed that the fetish priest also alleged that Sam Korankye Ankrah used the blood of the victim to build his church as well as engaging in acts of sexual misconduct with members of his church. “You use the blood of a five-year-old girl of royal descent to perform ritual to build your Royalhouse Chapel. The ritual is that she will continue to live and die slowly…so long as this girl grows, your money grows and when everything out of her, she will die,” Kojo Bentil Odoom alleged in the video on X, formerly Twitter. However, the Royalhouse Chapel International has vehemently refuted these claims by the priest in a statement released on Wednesday, February 14. It said these claims by the priest are false and deliberately calculated to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of the esteemed Apostle General Sam Korankye Ankrah. “The church views these allegations as deeply troubling, purposefully destructive and defamatory…Royalhouse Chapel categorically refutes the claims made in these publications and wishes to put on record that Apostle General Sam Korankye Ankrah has not been involved in any of Bentil’s allegations in any shape, form or fashion,” the statement noted. The statement further stressed that the church has come thus far due to the Grace of God and the sacrifices made by the Apostle General. The church urged the general public to disregard the assertions by the priest as they are “false” and “defamatory” and an affront to Christianity. Meanwhile, the church has said it will explore its options under the law despite its forgiveness towards the priest Samuel Kojo Odoom and his accomplices. Credit: 3news

Former Black Stars striker Raphael Dwamena who tragically passed away during a football match last year, is set to be laid to rest on Friday, February 16, in Accra. The funeral proceedings will include laying in state at the Adjiringano Astro Turf followed by a private burial. Dwamena’s untimely demise occurred in November 2023 during a match between KF Egnatia and KF Partizani in the Albanian top flight. The tragic incident took place during the 23rd minute of the match as he collapsed. Despite efforts to revive him, all attempts proved futile, and he passed away while being transported to the hospital. Dwamena’s unexpected demise sent shockwaves throughout the football community, with profound impact, especially in his homeland of Ghana. Despite facing challenges with a heart problem since 2017 and playing with a heart detector, the 28-year-old continued to showcase his talent, becoming the leading scorer in the Albanian league before his tragic passing. Having played for prominent clubs such as Levante, FC Zurich, and Real Zaragoza, Dwamena left an indelible mark on the football world. He made his debut for Ghana in 2017, scoring in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia. The funeral ceremony will be a somber occasion to remember and honour the contributions of the talented striker to Ghanaian and international football. Credit: 3news

Executive Council Member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Nana Oduro Sarfo has described the 'Save Ghana Football' demonstration held in Accra yesterday as unimpressive and not well organized. According to him, the organizers hired Slay Queens, Pregnant Women and Old women who know nothing about football" He said "the Save Ghana Football demonstration wasn't impressive and well organized. The organizers hired Slay Queens, Pregnant Women and Old women who know nothing about football" It will be recalled that some sports journalists on Wednesday left some scores of Ghanaians to demonstrate in some parts of Accra over the what they call mismanagement and corruption in Ghana Football. The demonstration was aimed at getting the GFA Boss and some Executives sacked. Others called on FIFA to ban Ghana from playing football for the next two years. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources in charge of Mines, George Mireku Duker says Dr. Bawumia's 18-point policy document will formalize, regularize and regulate environmentally sustainable small-scale mining to guarantee the growth and expansion of the sector. He made these remarks while addressing Journalists in Accra on Tuesday. He said “We will formalize, regularize and regulate environmentally sustainable small scale mining. About one million people are engaged in small scale mining. Our goal would be to help grow small scale mining companies into large scale companies with capacity building and assisting them to access financing to acquire equipment. We can create many millionaires in the small scale mining industry if we support them.” "His Excellency Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia is fully abreast with the socio-economic potential of environment-friendly and profit-making small-scale mining sector and is determined to ensure that the one million job opportunities currently provided by the sector is increased exponentially" He elaborated extensively on the policy strategy of the Vice President and Presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for the small-scale mining sector, describing it as a groundbreaking strategy capable of revolutionizing Ghana's mining industry entirely. "Ushering Ghana into a Golden age for the maximization of the benefits from our natural resources like gold,lithium, bauxite, and so on. The key to doing this is value addition and Ghanaian ownership; and establishing a new paradigm in natural resource contracts. “ Mr. Duker noted that a government led by the Vice President of the Republic, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia will create a viable link within the entire value chain of the small-scale mining sector which will enable them sell their gold to the Bank of Ghana and be part of the gold reserves of the central bank. “We will support the Minerals Commission and key stakeholders to formalize the Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector with the objective of ensuring that the activities of the entire value chain are sustainably and responsibly done so that most of the gold produced by this sector can be sold to the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and be eligible to be part of the gold reserves of the central bank.” He said that the Bawumia administration will continue the decentralization program embarked by the Akufo-Addo government relative to the Minerals Commission and Environmental Protection Agency to ensure that there two institutions will have presence in all mining districts to enable the smooth administration of mining activities in the country. He added that the Community Mining Scheme which is already yielding positive results will be scaled up to ensure its sustainability and also all small-scale miners will be registered with the National Small Scale Miners Association. “We will further deepen the decentralization of the minerals commission as well as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and ensure that they are present in all mining districts.”. He assured that H. E Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s administration will drastically reduce illegal mining activities with innovative ideas and policies and also crack the whip on recalcitrant miners without fear or favor. Hon. Mireku Duker urged Ghanaians, particularly those in the small-scale mining sector to have absolute confidence in Dr Bawumia to protect their jobs and also rid their industry of the excesses crippling it and the country at large. On her part, the Deputy Information Minister, Hon. Fatimatu Abubakari corroborated the Deputy Lands Minister’s statement, emphasizing that efforts by the Lands and Natural Resources Ministry will help create jobs for the youth in the mining sector and promote knowledge transformation. She also said the Community Mining scheme will also benefit many people within the various catchment communities. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith