Newspaper Headlines Tuesday 17th November 2020
Barcelona plan January transfer for Chelsea man ousted by Lampard
Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger could become a January option for Barcelona, according to a report in Spain.
Sport claims that Barca are looking to offload Samuel Umtiti and they are looking for defensive cover.
Eric Garcia from Manchester City is believed to be their top target, but they are unsure whether they can get the player in January. Instead they may well have to wait for the summer when the defender’s contract expires at The Etihad.
The Spanish daily therefore report that Rudiger could be another option for the Catalan giants. They suggest that the Chelsea man “would be delighted” to swap Chelsea for Barcelona in the January window, despite the fact he’d only be the fourth choice in Spain.
Barca are far from flushed with cash though and are understood to be looking at a cut-price deal or a loan.
A loan may well suit them, so they can go complete a deal for Garcia in the summer.
As far as Chelsea are concerned, Rudiger is down the pecking order under Frank Lampard.
The 27-year-old has played twice in the Champions League this season, but he has yet to appear in the Premier League.
He has made the bench four times, but Lampard has preferred Zurt Zouma and Thiago Silva at centre back.
Lampard may well welcome the opportunity to get the German some game time, which would increase his value ahead of his contract ending in 2022.
Source: TeamTalk
NBSSI and GIZ sign 1.5 million Euros grant agreement to promote SME Development
The National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) and the German Development Agency (GIZ) have signed a 1.5 million Euro grant agreement to support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana.
The grant agreement dubbed ‘COVID-19 SME Innovation and Digitalisation Support Scheme,’ is expected to provide Ghanaian SMEs with digital solutions as a strategy to adapt to emerging market demands brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A third partner, the Digital Transformation Centre, also implemented by GIZ Ghana, will be responsible for supporting this project with technical expertise to implement digital solutions.
The COVID-19 SME Innovation and Digitalisation Support Scheme seeks to support SMEs to make full use of digitalisation to manage their business operations more efficiently, to become more responsive to clients’ needs, to better organise their business information, to have more efficient record keeping and financial management processes in place, thereby facilitating their access to finance and much more.
Mr Gerald Guskowski, Head of the Network for Inclusive Economic Development (NIED) Cluster at GIZ-Ghana said COVID-19 had exposed the defects of digital transformation in Ghana and almost all countries around the world.
“This is why I am really excited to see that we are able to overcome these challenges and that we managed to also explore the opportunities and positive sides of the pandemic,” he said.
“This partnership will support the digitalisation of up to 500 growth-oriented SMEs, which will in turn help sustain at least 1,600 jobs. We want to keep these businesses alive and strengthen their resilience during COVID-19, thereby sustaining jobs,” added Mr Guskowski.
The COVID-19 Pandemic has had a significant adverse and debilitating impact on global economies.
World governments and donor agencies have had to restructure their budgets and funding options and realign their priorities to ensure that the economies of the world do not come crushing. In Ghana, some businesses were compelled to fold up.
On her part, Mrs Kosi Yankey-Ayeh, the Executive Director of NBSSI said the partnership with the Special Initiative on Training and Job Creation would provide an opportunity to increase process efficiency and competitiveness of SMEs by providing access to knowledge, technologies, and expertise in the field of digitalisation and process innovation.
“Most of us have to come to accept the fact that staying resilient during this period of COVID-19 is the new standard for progress. And, for businesses to stay resilient, formalization and digitization of their operations are a must. It helps businesses to reach out to a bigger market, erases physical barriers, makes payment for goods and services faster and easier. In addition to these benefits, it helps the government in the formulation and implementation of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) policies,” she said.
“We stand a chance to better understand and learn more the needs and challenges of SMEs, even beyond digitalisation, to support the policy agenda,” added Mrs Yankey-Ayeh.
“With COVID-19 still lurking, digitalisation of SMEs remains a front burner issue on the SME policy agenda in Ghana. Consequently, the signing of this agreement marks a critical turning point for SMEs in Ghana, and we are happy to be spearheading this,” she said.
Mrs Yankey-Ayeh said it was in line with the objective of the Government of Ghana and the NBSSI to ensure that most of the MSMEs in Ghana get formalized to help government and the Board to direct support to MSMEs, tailor trainings to meet the need gaps of the MSMEs, and connect businesses to bigger markets.
“As NBSSI transitions to the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) in a few weeks, this MoU could not have come at a better time. The new Agency will make the formalization and digitization drive a very important part of our agenda,” she added.
GNA
Man Utd make statement and ready to check on Alex Telles’ condition
Manchester United are checking on Alex Telles’ well-being and availability after reports emerged that the left-back had again tested positive for Covid-19.
The deadline-day acquisition from Porto was thrust into the starting line-up as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men won their Champions League opener at Paris St Germain.
That match on October 20 remains his only United appearance to date due to a positive coronavirus test, with Telles making his return to action as a stoppage-time substitute in Brazil’s 1-0 win against Venezuela on Saturday.
The Brazilian Football Confederation said the following day that the 27-year-old has again tested positive for the illness but was “no longer in a transmissive stage” – something the Old Trafford giants are looking into.
United said in a statement: “The club is checking on the situation regarding Alex Telles and will assess the defender upon his return to Manchester from international duty later this week.
“Reports in Brazil have suggested Telles has tested positive for Covid-19 for a second time and could therefore miss his nation’s match against Uruguay in Montevideo on Tuesday night.
“However, it is understood Alex’s positive test does not necessarily mean he has contracted the virus again.
Source: TeamTalk
Rawlings’ quest for human development unmatched – Akatsi South NDC Chairman
Mr Anthony Owusu, Akatsi South Constituency Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has said the demise of ex- President Rawlings has caused many, including him some form of emotional instability.
He said the tragedy that has engulfed the entire country and Africa was unfortunate and that “we are now devastated”.
“This is devastating, we were never in anticipation for this during these crucial moments of our political activities,” he said.
Mr Owusu, popularly known as ‘Westfalia’ told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) the legacies of the late leader would continue to live on.
“Ex-President Rawlings really expressed compassion and love for one another, he showed much concern for the underprivileged,” he said.
Mr Owusu further disclosed that his personal relationship with the late former President was never a failed one.
He said the late Jerry John Rawlings during his visits to his residency over the years, made him understand what he stood for.
“After all his busy schedules, he spent time with me and I have learnt the best from him.” Touching on his personal activities with Mr Rawlings, he said the late leader moved many street children to further their education both in Accra and in the Volta Region, respectively. “Those in South Tongu, where his residency is also located could attest to this fact,” he said.
The private building contractor further said the legacies and principles Mr Rawlings exhibited would not go down, and that “the NDC will continue to build on them for a better Ghana.
The GNA further observed that all political activities in the Constituency are being put on hold and flags flying at half-mast.
GNA
Values of talent must work to glorify God and mankind – Rev Djotepe
Reverend Kenneth Djotepe, Director, Programmes, Ecumenical and Social Relations of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana, has urged Christians make judiciously use of their talents to honour and enrich God and mankind.
He said each soul was created in ‘special ways for special tasks’ and that must be exploited to the benefit of God and mankind and to safeguard the environment as the day of accountability beckons.
Rev Djotepe was preaching the sermon at the Dela Cathedral in Ho under the theme, “Faithful Stewardship,” culled from Matthew 25:14-30.
He said talents were bestowed on each one, physically and spiritually, admonishing all to let that reflect in the image of God.
The Director said the ability to exhibit accountable stewardship was exuding obedience, humility, generosity and service to God and mankind.
He said many Christians have forgotten or pretend to forget the second coming of Jesus the Christ, as the reality and not a fairytale, where each would give accountability of him or herself.
He reminded Christians to remain in their domain, be in your line, and “learn virtues and not be envious of anyone. Each created in a special way, so serve in diligence.”
Rev Djotepe said the World Council of Churches (WCC) has declared in 2012 that all member Churches must make Matthew 25 cardinal, follow it religiously and discreetly in reaching out to Christians to impart people as individuals and corporate institutions about that gospel.
“This is to bring respect and honour to God, urging Christians to undertake self-introspection of themselves in the vineyard of God.
Avoid rationalisation of issues and distance yourselves from disputes and conflicts.
GNA
Former striker insists Liverpool need to sign a defender on January 1st
Liverpool need to sign a defender who is ready to slot into Jurgen Klopp’s first-team on January 1st, according to the club’s former striker John Aldridge.
With Virgil van Dijk likely to miss the rest of this season after undergoing knee surgery, the injury to Joe Gomez while he was training with England last week was a hammer blow to the reigning Premier League champions.
Now Aldridge – who was a title winner with Liverpool in the late 1980s – has urged the club’s transfer committee to back Jurgen Klopp with a big name signing when the next transfer window opens for business.
“Just when Jurgen Klopp dared to believe that he could navigate his way to success without Virgil van Dijk, he suddenly finds himself staring at mission impossible,” Aldridge wrote on www.sundayworld.com.
“The injury to Joe Gomez has plunged Liverpool into turmoil. While it looked like they were finding a way to win without Van Dijk, the defensive issues have now reached breaking point.
“Unfortunately, Gomez’s situation cannot be solved quickly and, when you throw in the reality that Joel Matip also has fitness worries, there is only one solution left.
“While Fabinho can slot in at centre-back and do a good job, Jordan Henderson could play in there at a push, and young lads like Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams are showing real potential, Liverpool need to make their move to bring in a central defender now.
“That player needs to be ready to come to the club when the transfer window opens on January 1st, he needs to have a good fitness record – and also have top level experience.”
Source: TeamTalk
Mourinho signing credited for salvaging star’s Tottenham career
Kevin Phillips has compared Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to former Chelsea star Claude Makelele and current player N’Golo Kante.
Hojbjerg arrived at Tottenham from fellow Premier League side Southampton in the summer transfer window. He is yet to score for his new side, but has still been influential.
The Denmark international has been ever-present for Spurs in the league in their first eight games. He has been a contributing factor in their surge to second place in the table.
But Football Insider pundit Phillips thinks Hojbjerg’s influence is not just apparent in what he does himself, but in the freedom he gives to other players.
For example, Tanguy Ndombele is enjoying a better spell of form than he did last season after a club record transfer to Tottenham. The former Lyon midfielder has now revived his career – and Phillips thinks that is largely thanks to his new teammate.
He said: “Hojbjerg gives the license to someone like a Ndombele to push on, be more offensive and get into those attacking areas.
“Every team needs a player like that. Kante did it at Leicester, Makelele at Chelsea – he was unbelievable in that role. He was that screen, that protection.
“Hojbjerg has so many qualities. He can win the ball and he can find a pass so you have to give huge credit to the player, Mourinho and his recruitment department.
“They have done their homework and identified him as a major cog in Tottenham’s team this year.”
Source: TeamTalk
Water suppliers in Techiman North give government 14-day ultimatum to pay all claims
The Techiman North branch of the Private Water Association Region has given the government a 14-day ultimatum to pay all their claims under the nationwide free water supply programme.
Other than that, the Association said, the more than 125 members would halt the free water supply to residents because they were accumulating huge losses.
Elder Philip Opoku Fofia, the branch Chairman who disclosed this during an executive meeting of the Association held in Techiman, said most of their water pumps had been destroyed, and they could not repair them.
“Government for the past six to seven months has failed to pay our claims and members of the Association have taken unanimous decision to halt their services to the populace,” he added.
“Our pumping machines are weak to pump the water, and some are even spoilt and there is no money to send them for repairs,” he said.
He said the Association had petitioned the Techiman North District Assembly but nothing had been done about the situation.
Madam Bertha Ameyaw of Randy Ventures water suppliers, said her company had virtually collapsed because the water pumps had become faulty, and she was unable to pay electricity bills and workers.
Nana Apem Mensah, the Patron of the Association, however appealed to the members and suppliers to exercise restraint, bear with the government and continue to supply water to the people, as the executive worked hard for the payment of their claims.
When contacted, Mr Peter Mensah, the Techiman North District Chief Executive (DCE) confirmed the story, but added he had forwarded their petition to the Bono East Regional Coordinating Council for redress.
He pleaded with them to continue to provide the water, saying very soon the government would pay their claims and outstanding arrears.
Mr Mensah appealed to the public to use water wisely, and to save the public purse, as the government continued to provide them with the free water supply.
By Jerry Azanduna, GNA
