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Otto Addo to continue as Black Stars head coach.

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The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has confirmed that Otto Addo will remain head coach of the Black Stars despite overseeing one of Ghana’s worst qualification campaigns in history.

Addo is expected to present a comprehensive technical report to the GFA Executive Council on November 27, outlining the challenges and future plans for the team.

This decision follows a crucial meeting of the GFA Executive Council, chaired by President Kurt Okraku, to address the fallout from Ghana’s disastrous 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The Black Stars finished last in Group F without a single victory in six matches, marking the first time in 20 years the team failed to qualify for the tournament.

Angola and Sudan secured the two qualification spots, with Sudan’s campaign led by former Black Stars coach James Kwasi Appiah.

Otto Addo, who previously worked as a scout for Borussia Dortmund, has faced intense criticism from fans and analysts alike, many questioning his tactical approach and team selection.

The discontent is fueled by the Black Stars’ inability to secure even a single win, a historic low point for the team.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars Management Committee has been dissolved following a meeting of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council on Wednesday, November 20, Channel One News has confirmed.

In a press statement issued after the meeting, the GFA Executive Council announced the dissolution of the Black Stars Management Committee and expressed gratitude to its members.

“Immediate dissolution of the Management Committee of the senior national football team, the Black Stars. In doing so, we sincerely thank the members of the Committee for their service to Ghana Football over the years” the statement read.

The committee has faced intense criticism over its perceived inefficiency and high remuneration. Reports revealed that each member received $100,000 following Ghana’s participation in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, further fueling public outrage.

Election 2024: You’re Safe With Us – Police Assures Media.

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The Ghana Police Service has assured the media of its commitment to their safety during the 2024 general election.

This assurance was highlighted during a stakeholder engagement in Accra yesterday, November 20, 2024, at the Police Headquarters, between the police leadership, led by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, senior journalists and news editors.

IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, emphasised that the media is a key stakeholder in this year’s elections and as such, requires the protection and support of the police to effectively fulfil its responsibilities as the fourth estate.

He further highlighted Ghana’s reputation as a leader in democratic practices, attributing this success to effective collaboration between institutions like the police and the media.

Media Liaison Officers

As part of the media security arrangements, the police announced the introduction of liaison officers for all media houses nationwide to serve as direct links between the police and the media establishments.

This arrangement is to address security concerns and enhance the safety of all journalists across the country in their coverage of the general election.

Dr. George Akuffo Dampare seized the opportunity to also call for collective efforts to make the upcoming elections a landmark in Ghana’s democratic history, one marked by peace, security, and order.

He further announced that a dedicated toll-free contact has been secured in collaboration with telecommunication companies, which will be made available to the public for sharing information with the police as needed.

Acknowledging the media’s influential role in shaping public discourse, the IGP encouraged journalists to maintain the highest standards of accuracy in their election coverage, while avoiding misinformation and disinformation that could undermine national stability.

The IGP expressed confidence that the measures put in place will enable media personnel to carry out their duties without fear, regardless of their location in covering this year’s election.

He encouraged all stakeholders to strengthen their commitment to showcasing Ghana as a model of democracy and stability during this year’s election.

UPSA names hostel after Dr. Prempeh for contributions.

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The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), has named a newly constructed hostel after Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) running mate for the 2024 elections.

This was in recognition of his significant contributions to education in Ghana.

The “Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh Hostel,” which is set to accommodate over 5,000 students, is expected to address accommodation challenges at the university and provide an improved environment for academic achievement.

At a ceremony held on the university’s campus, Dr. Prempeh was celebrated for his visionary leadership as the former Minister for Education, particularly for his pivotal role in securing funding and facilitating the construction of this state-of-the-art facility.

Dr. Kofi Ohene Konadu, Chairman of the UPSA University Council, highlighted Dr. Prempeh’s instrumental efforts in the realization of the hostel, emphasizing the positive impact his leadership has had on infrastructure development in Ghana’s tertiary education sector.

“Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh’s tenure as Minister for Education was marked by a relentless commitment to expanding access to education and creating an enabling environment for learning,” he said.

Dr. Konadu noted that the hostel reflected Dr. Prempeh’s commitment to advancing infrastructure in tertiary education

“Your support for this project was not just about funding but ensuring that tertiary institutions like UPSA could meet the growing demand for quality education,” he added.

Professor Abednego Feehi Okoe Amartey, Vice Chancellor of UPSA, stated that Dr. Prempeh’s influence on Ghana’s education system was lasting, noting that from the introduction of the Free Senior High School policy to the improvement of infrastructure like the new hostel, his leadership continued to make a profound impact on transforming lives.

“Naming this hostel after him is our way of immortalizing his contributions,” he said.

This honour follows UPSA’s award of an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree to Dr. Prempeh in July 2021, in recognition of his exemplary leadership and commitment to advancing education in Ghana.

Dr. Prempeh expressed gratitude to UPSA for the continued recognition of his contributions.

“This honour is not just mine but for all who believe in the power of education to transform lives, and I remain committed to supporting the growth of institutions such as UPSA, which are pivotal to our national development,” he stated.

The ceremony was attended by members of the academic community, faculty, students, and representatives from various educational organizations, among others.

Competence must be prioritized by all women leaders – Chief Justice.

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Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo has emphasized the importance of prioritizing competency over all other considerations, especially by women leaders, to ensure excellence, effectiveness and fairness in their roles.


Speaking at the “Women in Leadership in the Public Sector” Conference in Accra, she stated that her success in various positions, including her current role as Chief Justice, had been driven by competence.
Chief Justice Torkornoo responded to a call for women to demonstrate that trait in leadership positions, saying that her decisions had always been based on legal knowledge, regardless of public opinion.
“I realized that what has held me up is the assurance of competence.


“Simply, no decision that I have made in my role as Chief Justice or in my capacity as president of a panel of the Supreme Court has come from anything but the knowledge of law,” she said, stressing that the law must be upheld without bending to public pressure.


Chief Justice Torkornoo said regardless of public pressure, “the law is the law” and that the only proper response to demands for special treatment is to uphold the legal framework.


“No matter how many noises are made, the law is the law and the only answer one can give to all the hand waving is the legal answer,” she said.


Justice Torkornoo said Ghana did not seek judges who bent the law to favour individuals, affirming her commitment to ensuring that everyone received justice according to the law.


She urged women to let competence guide their actions in all leadership roles to make for effective and fair leadership.


Mrs Rose Karikari Annang, the Deputy Chair, National Labour Commission, said despite efforts to address gender disparities in leadership, a gap still remained.


She attributed this to persistent stereotypes about women attaining leadership roles through unethical means rather than competence.


Mrs Annang encouraged women to continue developing the necessary skills to qualify for key leadership positions.


The conference was on the theme: “Leadership Redefined: Women Navigating Challenges and Inspiring Change in the Public Sector.”


It underscored the importance of competence in overcoming the challenges women face in leadership.

Lebanon: Four Ghanaian soldiers injured in rocket attacks.

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Four Ghanaian soldiers on a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon were injured when a rocket, likely fired by non-state actors, struck their base, UNP 5-42, in the village of Ramyah on Tuesday.

The UN peacekeeping agency in southern Lebanon reported that the incident was one of three attacks on its troops and facilities that day.

The rocket hit the base near the Israeli border, injuring four Ghanaian soldiers, three of whom required hospital treatment. The severity of their injuries remains unknown. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) confirmed that the soldiers are currently receiving medical care.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), engaged in a ground invasion of southern Lebanon against Hezbollah, attributed the rocket fire to the Lebanese armed group, although Hezbollah has not commented on the incident.

The rocket, fired from an unknown location, was intended for an Israeli Defense Force position but fell short, landing within the Ghana Battalion’s area at UNP 5-42. The explosion caused damage to the washroom and troop accommodations, injuring the soldiers.

In a statement on X, UNIFIL detailed that three of the injured soldiers were transferred to a hospital in Tyre. Another incident involved five rockets striking the UNIFIL Sector West Headquarters in Shama, causing significant damage to the maintenance workshop but no injuries.

This marks the second time in less than a week that the Shama base has been impacted, following a 155mm artillery shell strike on November 15, 2024. Additionally, a UNIFIL patrol was fired upon by an armed individual near the village of Khirbat Silim, though no injuries were reported.

UNIFIL has launched investigations into these incidents, condemning the attacks as violations of international law and UN resolution 1701. Despite these challenges, peacekeepers continue to monitor and report on violations, maintaining their positions to ensure stability in the region.

Over 80 Educational projects to be inaugurated today.

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The government will on Thursday, November 21, 2024, inaugurate over 80 educational projects across all 16 regions of the country.

The initiative seeks to enhance access to quality education by providing modern facilities tailored to meet the diverse needs of Ghanaian students.

According to the Ministry of Education, President Akufo-Addo will lead the exercise which will be a nationwide event involving simultaneous ceremonies at district and regional levels.

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Education Minister Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum will join the President in officiating the events, which will be broadcast live on major television networks and social media platforms to ensure nationwide participation.

The projects span a range of educational needs, from basic schools to senior high schools and technical institutions. They include STEM-focused schools, E-blocks, and kindergarten facilities aimed at supporting early childhood education.

Notable among the projects are the Kpasenkpe Model STEM SHS in the West Mamprusi District, the Accra STEM Academy in La-Nkwantanang-Madina, and the Awaso Model STEM SHS in Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai. Basic education facilities, such as a 12-unit classroom block at Salem D/A Basic in Atwima Mponua and two-unit kindergarten blocks in communities like Fremasi DA Primary in Assin South, are also part of the initiative.

“These projects reflect the government’s commitment to improving the quality of education and ensuring that every Ghanaian child has access to a conducive learning environment,” the Ministry’s statement read.

The Ashanti Region stands out with several projects, including the Bosomtwe Model STEM JHS, which boasts a four-story, 11-unit classroom block, and the Wesley Girls Demonstration School in Kumasi Metro, which will gain a six-unit classroom block with ancillary facilities.

In the Northern Region, the Sagnarigu Tamale Business School will unveil an 18-unit classroom block to meet increasing demand. Other regions, such as Volta, will benefit from upgraded facilities like the six-unit classroom block at Kodzobi Ando Basic School in Adaklu, complete with modern sanitation facilities.

The initiative also includes Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) with projects like the Anyinam TVET-Applied Technical and Fashion School and the Akomadan TVET-Applied Technical School, aimed at equipping students with practical skills for the job market.

This, the Ministry of Education invites the general public to witness the milestone event, either in person at the commissioning sites or through live broadcasts.

“We encourage all Ghanaians to join this celebration of progress in education,” the statement added.

President Akufo-Addo inaugurates new Bank of Ghana headquarters.

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President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Bank of Ghana (BoG) Governor Dr Ernest Addison highlighted the strategic importance of the Central Bank’s new $250 million headquarters during its inauguration ceremony in Accra on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.  

In his address, President Akufo-Addo lauded the Bank of Ghana for its vision in creating a facility to enhance its operations. He described the headquarters as a pivotal step in modernizing the nation’s financial infrastructure.  

“This new headquarters will serve as the command centre for the Bank of Ghana’s operations. It is designed to foster innovation, collaboration and excellence in the bank’s service to the nation,” he remarked.  

All you need to know about the new Bank of Ghana Headquarters  

The President emphasized that the facility would enhance the bank’s ability to implement critical financial reforms, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and improve the investment climate for both local and international stakeholders.  

“It is a testament to Ghana’s commitment to economic stability and our aspirations to position ourselves as a financial hub in the region,” he added.  

The BoG governor provided insight into the strategic purpose of the new headquarters, emphasizing its role in consolidating the bank’s operations.  

“The Bank of Ghana has multiple offices in Accra. This new facility allows us to bring all these operational units under one roof, streamlining our processes, improving communication and creating cost efficiencies,” Dr Addison said.  

He highlighted the headquarters’ design as a forward-thinking project aimed at meeting the demands of a dynamic global financial environment.  

“This building is more than just a structure; it stands as a modern civic landmark and represents Ghana’s identity as a leader in Africa’s financial ecosystem. It enables us to harmonise operations and align with our modernisation strategy,” he noted.  

Dr Addison also emphasized the significance of the facility in fostering synergies that enhance the bank’s capacity to regulate, innovate, and serve the financial community effectively.  

Both leaders reiterated the broader impact of the new headquarters, framing it as a symbol of progress and a catalyst for growth in Ghana’s financial sector. The cutting-edge facility is expected to strengthen the country’s ability to adapt to global financial trends and provide a robust foundation for economic development.

GRA Foils Massive Arms Smuggling Attempt At Tema Port.

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In a daring operation, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has intercepted a massive shipment of firearms and ammunition at the Tema Port.

Background

Ghana has witnessed a surge in armed robberies and violent crimes in recent years, prompting concerns about the proliferation of illicit firearms.

The GRA’s latest seizure underscores the authority’s commitment to stemming the tide of arms smuggling.

The Seizure

On Monday, November 4, customs officers at the Golden Jubilee Terminal discovered: 53 pistols (side arms), 65 pieces of live ammunition, 74 magazines and A PC hoster concealed in three suitcases within a 40-foot container declared to contain vehicles and personal effects.

The goods imported from the United States, bore the number MEDU4496951.

Investigation And Arrests

The Customs examination team notified the GRA’s Intelligence and Investigations Unit and the Preventive Unit, leading to the arrest and interrogation of the agent and consignee’s representative.

The suspects were transferred to the Marine and Railway Police Station, Tema, for further investigations.

GRA Commissioner Speaks

Brigadier Zibrim Ayorrogo, Commissioner of Customs, praised his team’s vigilance and emphasized the GRA’s resolve to combat arms smuggling.

“This seizure demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting Ghana’s security and stability,” Ayorrogo stated.

Vote for Bawumia to push the progress of Ghana- First Lady.

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The First Lady, Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo has called on the electorates to vote massively for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer in  the December elections  to continue the progress of development of the country. 


She advised Ghanaians not to allow the country to retrogress economically by voting the wrong party into power. 


According to her, the country would suffer economically if another party apart from the NPP is voted into power. 


The First Lady said this when she took her campaign tour to Ablekuma North Constituency on Tuesday.  
The tour was also to bid farewell and thank the people for their support to the NPP over the past eight years. 


Mrs Akufo-Addo met with artisans including dressmakers, hairdressers, persons with disabilities, Okada riders, market women, insecticide powder producers among others, and appealed  to them to vote for Dr  Bawumia and the NPP so that they could continue the good work of the party. 


She called on th electorates to vote for Dr Bawumia since he is the only one who could continue with the good work of President Nana Addo Dankwa.

 
The First Lady emphasized that she could vouch for the competence of  Dr Bawumia as NPP presidential candidate, describing him as very competent and knowledgeable, and therefore should be given the chance to change the fortunes of the country. 


“Dr Bawumia has ideas and will therefore take the country far,” she added. 


She said, “let no one deceive you to change the party in power,” as they have nothing to offer. 


Mrs Akufo-Addo again called on all the electorates to vote number one in the presidential and the parliamentary elections as that was what would help change the fortunes of the country for the better. 
She said Dr Bawumia would support women entrepreneurs by opening banks for small and medium enterprises so that they could source for loans to improve their businesses.  


In canvassing support for the NPP Parliamentary candidate for Ablekuma North,  Madam Akua Afriyieh, the first lady described her as hard working and strong, who would be able to bring development to the area if paired with Dr Bawumia. 


Madam Afriyieh on her part, said when the NPP come retains power, they would improve on the good works that they have already begun and do more to improve the fortunes of people in the country. 

NPP fabricating opinion polls to undermine credible projections—Mahama.

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The presidential candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has accused the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) of deception, pointing to promises of giving each constituency $1 million each year as something that has not been fulfilled.

Addressing NDC supporters at a rally in Kyebi in the Abuakwa South Constituency in the Eastern region on Monday, Mr. Mahama asked the gathering if the constituency had received its share of the promised $1 million. 

“Kyebi, people think all is well with you here and that there is no hardship, if you look at the promises they made, they said $1 million would be given to every constituency annually. If they did not allocate it to any constituency at all, at least Abuakwa South Constituency should have received its share,” Mr Mahama said. 

Given that President Akufo-Addo hails from Kyebi in the Abuakwa South Constituency, Mr Mahama said, “You should have received $8 million by now, which could have been used for development. I have been shown a long list of issues here, including poor roads, lack of water, and many other neglected areas. The factories they promised to create jobs for the youth also did not materialise.”  

He called on voters in the area to vote out the NPP to serve as punishment for their unfulfilled promises. 

“The time is now. The Atewa Forest is nearby—that is where the elephant belongs,” he said. 

Mr Mahama’s #Mahama4Change2024 tour on Monday burst into life in the Eastern Region, the home region of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, electrifying crowds on Day One. 

The former president kicked off his campaign trail at the Nsawam Lorry Park in the Nsawam-Adoagyiri constituency, rallying enthusiastic supporters.

Mr Mahama also accused the NPP of fabricating opinion polls to undermine credible projections that predict a decisive victory for the NDC in the upcoming December 7 presidential and parliamentary elections.

Mr Mahama, addressing NDC supporters and chiefs at Teacher Mante in Ayensuano constituency in Eastern Region on Monday, stated that this year’s election marks a rare moment where all reliable polls indicate a clear one-touch win for the NDC.

“We vote every four years. Of all the elections held, the 7th December 2024 election has been an election predicting a decisive win for the NDC. When you monitor various researches, all point to NDC’s victory on 7th December. We have something we call Opinion polls. We have various organisations that have expertise in opinion polls the Economist Intelligence Unit, Fitch Solutions, and Global Info Analytics all predicting a one-touch victory for NDC. No second round,” Mr Mahama said.

He added, “So now, our elephant brothers have started their own opinion polls Their opinion polls are fake. Those behind are not known, no methodology, it is not clear ,just claiming their opinion polls predicts Dr. Bawumia will win. A.B. Fuseini will say you are tickling yourself and laughing. By the grace of God NDC will win,” Mr Mahama said.

He attributed this to widespread public discontent over the state of the economy, noting that hardship, unemployment, and national debt have reached unprecedented levels under the NPP government.

He contrasted the current economic situation with his tenure, pointing out that during the NDC’s time in office, rail services such as the Accra-Nsawam train route were operational, while under the NPP’s leadership, infrastructure had been neglected and rail track assets reportedly looted.

“Nothing is working under the NPP government,” he declared, adding that it was time for the administration to be kicked out of office.

Mr Mahama expressed concern over what he said was “the long-term impact of NPP’s economic mismanagement”, stating that Ghana could take 20 to 30 years to recover from the “financial mess” and long-term debt commitments as some loans and bonds will take 20 to 30 years to pay.

The former President then turned his focus to gender equality, championing his running mate, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, as Ghana’s potential first female vice president, a milestone he believes will empower more women to pursue leadership roles.

Mr Mahama reiterated the NDC’s commitment to gender parity through the implementation of the affirmative action law, which enjoins governments to ensure that by 2028, appointments would achieve a 50/50 balance of men and women, ensuring equal representation.

At Adeiso in the Upper West Akim constituency, Mr. Mahama himself drummed up support, urging the gathering and voters to consider the poor state of the economy and vote out the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to enable an economic recovery under an NDC led government. 

As the day unfolded, Mr. Mahama engaged with communities in the Lower West Akim’s Asamankese, listening to concerns and outlining plans to traders and shoppers alike at a community engagement in the central business area in Asamankese before going to Kyebi in the Abuakwa South constituency, where he was received with a warm welcome by an enthusiastic crowd. 

For the next five days, Mr. Mahama’s team is in the Eastern Region selling the “Reset Ghana Agenda.”

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