Home Blog Page 232

Rio Ferdinand demands apology from Arsenal fans over treatment of star; ridicules Bayern penalty call

By
Editor
-
0

Rio Ferdinand is unhappy with the way Arsenal fans have treated one of their own players and has demanded they offer an immediate apology, while also feeling Gabriel Magalhaes was extremely fortunate not to concede a penalty in their 2-2 Champions League quarter-final draw against Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

The Gunners are enjoying an excellent season and, as we enter the business stage of the campaign, have a chance of winning both the Champions League for the first time in their existence and the Premier League, for the first time since 2004. However, after a thrilling 2-2 draw against the reigning German champions at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal are probably now narrow second favourites to progress through to the semi-final stage.

Arsenal took a 12th-minute lead through Bukayo Saka, but found themselves 2-1 down after goals from Gunners old boy Serge Gnabry and the inevitable Harry Kane from the penalty spot, before a moment of controversey could have gifted Bayern a third.

That came when David Raya played a goal-kick to Gabriel Magalhaes, with the Brazilian crazily picking up the ball before re-spotting it inside the six-yard box to take a goal-kick of his own.

However, Bayern Munich fans were up in arms, protesting that Gabriel’s handling of the ball should have resulted in a spot-kick.

After the game, a furious Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel raged: “I think the referee did not have the courage today to give a deserved penalty in a bit of a crazy and awkward situation.

“But he admitted on the pitch that he saw the situation and that a quarter-final is not enough for him to give a penalty for his mistake.”

Rio Ferdinand critical of double Arsenal v Bayern penalty call

Tuchel continued: “He [the referee] admitted he knew about the mistake the player made and that is a bit frustrating. It was from the goalkeeper, he was whistling and the keeper passed to the central defender…I am not sure which one it was but he touched the ball with his hand because he thought it is not in the game, but it was in the game.

“The referee admitted it was in game and it was a handball. It was not worth looking at the mistake which is very frustrating for our players and leaves us angry.”

Scoffing at the decision, Ferdinand told TNT Sports: “It’s a pen. Oh my gosh how can that not be given? I was so adamant that Saka’s one was, I am even more for this. It’s unbelievable. How can he blow the whistle like that and not give that. Martin, try and defend that please.”

That crucial moment came with Bayern 2-1 up and a 3-1 advantage at that stage could have been critical.

As it was, Arsenal fought back to draw level through Leandro Trossard, though were denied a strong penalty claim themselves from Saka went down under Manuel Neuer’s challenge.

Ferdinand also felt that was a clear spot-kick too.

“I can’t believe that’s not been given! That is a penalty, I’m in disbelief,” he stated.

However, Arsenal legend Ian Wright was less convinced. The former striker took to X, formely Twitter, to say: “Not a pen for me.”

Trossard said of the incident: “On the pitch it looked like a penalty to me. I haven’t seen the replay but for me, it looked like there was clear contact but I will have to wait until after to see it again.”

Pundit demands Arsenal fans apologise over star

TNT Sports pundit Ferdinand, meanwhile, feels Arsenal fans owe Kai Havertz a major apology over their goading of the club’s decision to sign him over the summer.

Eyebrows were raised when Arsenal parted with a £65m fee to sign Germany international Havertz from Chelsea over the summer, especially in light of his struggles at Stamford Bridge, where he only managed to score 32 goals and add 12 assists in 139 matches for the Blues.

However, Havertz has knuckled down this season and proved himself worthy of the fee spent on him with some solid displays for the Gunners.

And with the 24-year-old now having reached the 10 goal and five assist milestone for the season, Ferdinand thinks the Gunners fans owe both Havertz and boss Mikel Arteta a firm apology for writing him off before he had even kicked a ball.

“There was huge pressure (when he first arrived),” Ferdinand said. “When we talk about the character of players and being the make-up of any top player, he has got that.

“He was questioned by a lot of Arsenal fans. When I walk around here and anywhere at Arsenal, I always say to the Arsenal fans, have you apologised to Havertz? They need to say sorry. They need to apologise.”

Ten Hag sack: Man Utd ‘approach’ Brazil-born coach as major five-year criticism of Dutchman emerges

By
Editor
-
0

Speculation that Erik ten Hag is facing the Manchester United sack continue to gather pace amid reports in Italy claimed a shock approach for a surprise successor had been made, while criticism of the Dutchman’s playing style from Ruud Gullit five years ago have raised serious alarm bells.

The Dutchman made a big impression during his first season at the helm, leading Manchester United to a third placed finish in the Premier League as well as securing two cup final appearances, with success coming in the Carabao Cup. But his second year at the helm has not gone according to plan, with United slipping down the table and seemingly in with little chance of returning to the Champions League again next season.As it stands, they are a distant 11 points adrift of the top four as it stands, having already lost an alarming 12 times in the Premier League this season. An embarrassing UCL campaign has not helped matters, with United finishing bottom of Group A after losing four of their six games.And while they could reach a second successive FA Cup final, Ten Hag’s prospects of keeping his job seemingly remain in some jeopardy amid claims that new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is considering his position carefully.

Indeed, our exclusive last month broke the news that a number of leading figures at Old Trafford expect Ten Hag to be relieved of his duties over the summer.

In the days that followed, both the Daily Mail and the Manchester Evening News produced copycat reports, albeit the latter having to tread extremely carefully around the subject given their close relationship with the club.

Ten Hag sack: Man Utd tactics slammed

And those claims appear to have reached fever pitch in the wake of Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Although United hit back from a goal behind to take the lead in the match – and may have even taken all three but for the concession of a late penalty – it was the manner of the tactics on display that caused serious alarm bells to ring.

Indeed, United allowed Liverpool 15 shots at their goal in an alarming first half, with the Reds ultimately conceding an incredible 90 shots in their three games against the Merseysiders this season.

That statistic also followed the concession of 28 shots on their goal against Chelsea in midweek, and with their midfield seen as being far too open, Gary Neville quickly took umbrage with Kobbie Mainoo for his high positioning when Liverpool were on the attack.

That left their central midfield badly open and exposed to Liverpool breaks time and again and, but for better finishing from Liverpool forwards, could have put the game beyond United’s reach.

Rio Ferdinand also weighed in for what he felt was ‘kamikaze football’, with speculation also suggesting the performance has now convinced Ratcliffe that a change of management may be needed for the good of the club.

Man Utd struggles were in evidence at Ajax years earlier

Now some historical comments made about Ten Hag’s lack of tactical awareness by Ruud Gullit have emerged – and it seems the same problem of gaping holes in his midfield has dogged the Dutchman form quite some time.

Speaking back in 2019 when Ten Hag was in charge of Ajax, Gullit told Ziggo Sports that the Dutch giants were way too open in midfield.

“The annoying part about Ajax,” the Dutch legend began, “especially in transition, I’ve seen it against Bayern Munich, I’ve already seen it many times before, at the moment they’re taking a lot of risks.

“Especially in midfield and all of a sudden you get ridiculous counters. If it gets intercepted, they can just run all the way through.

“You think, ‘you’re taking so much risk’, because you want to press. But then [the opposition] can also run straight through the midfield.

“There has to be one player in the middle who thinks ‘what if?’. Yeah, he always secures the midfield [Man City’s Fernandinho]. Frenkie de Jong is playing well but you still need someone next to him.”

To this, Ten Hag responded: “The way we play, those are the risks we have already calculated, and I agree with you, you have to be positioned correctly.”Ten Hag faced a similar criticism earlier this season with Casemiro caught high up the field.

No that can never happen”, Ten Hag explained about both holding midfielders being too high up the pitch.

But he also insists that ball retention is also a massive part of how he wants his side to play, and when they lose possession, that’s when things get unpicked.

“Well if you lose the ball there [first phase of play], every team gets killed.”

Next Man Utd manager: Approach for Thiago Motta made

With the pressure building on Ten Hag’s shoulders, a report on Monday suggested Ratcliffe had drawn up a two-man shortlist for the job, with both Gareth Southgate and Julian Nagelsmann on his wishlist.

However, neither coach can take charge until after their respective European

Championship campaigns are over this summer, leaving Ratcliffe with something of a delay to both planning for next season and with regards potential transfer targets.

As an alternative, reports in Italy now state the club has a growing admiration for Bologna coach Thiago Motta, who has worked wonders for the Serie A side as they hunt down a place in next season’s Champions League.

As a result, the Brazil-born coach’s stock has risen dramatically and he has been mentioned as a potential option for both the Liverpool and Barcelona vacancies this summer.

However, Italian publication La Repubblica claims officials from United have put in a request to Bologna asking for information about Motta and what it would take to prise him away from the Serie A side.

His current deal expires at the end of the current season, and with Juventus also reportedly sounding him out as a replacement for Massimiliano Allegri, United have now been tipped as potential rivals for his signature.

Tottenham to battle Newcastle for the perfect Van de Ven partner who’s ‘quicker than Timo Werner’

By
Editor
-
0

Ange Postecoglou is keen to add more defensive reinforcements to his squad after bringing in Micky van de Ven and Radu Dragusin this season.

Van de Ven, in particular, has proved to be an extremely valuable addition. He’s made 20 Premier League appearances so far, helping Spurs to keep five clean sheets.

The 22-year-old also scored a fantastic goal against Nottingham Forest on Sunday and seems to be improving with each game.Van de Ven is statistically the fastest player in Premier League history having reached a record-breaking speed of 37.38 km/h in a game in February.

It now seems that Postecoglou is looking to bring in another speedy defender from the Bundesliga to play alongside Van de Ven.

According to Sky Germany journalist Philipp Hinze, Tottenham and Newcastle are both very ‘interested’ in bringing Simakan to England.

Tottenham tipped to swoop for Mohamed Simakan

Writing on X, Hinze explains that Simakan is ‘open’ to leaving RB Leipzig, but his high release clause could prove to be a problem for his suitors.

“There is a release clause in Mohamed Simakan’s contract! Valid from this summer. Value: In the region of €70m (£59.9m)!” Hinze wrote.

“Simakan is open and ready for a transfer, the Premier League appeals to him. But: Would only leave if he can take the next step.

“Tottenham and Newcastle are interested. RB Leipzig are relaxed and in a very good position due to the high sum, however.”

Simakan, 23, signed for Leipzig from Strasbourg in 2021 and has now established himself as one of the German club’s most important players.

The French centre-back – who can also play as a right-back – has made 37 appearances in all competitions this season, helping Leipzig to keep nine clean sheets. He’s also scored two goals.

Speedsdb claims that Simakan is quicker than Spurs forward Timo Werner having recorded a top speed of 22.06mp/h compared to Werner’s 20.75mp/h.

With that in mind, Simakan could be the perfect defensive partner for Van de Ven and he could provide cover for Pedro Porro and Emerson Royal in the right-back position.

Newcastle also keen on RB Leipzig star

As for Newcastle, injuries to the likes of Sven Botman and more recently, Jamal Lascelles, has exposed their lack of cover in the centre-back position.

Eddie Howe has made signing a new centre-back one of his priorities for the summer window and the Magpies have a few exciting targets on their shortlist.Juventus youngster Dean Huijsen is one player admired greatly by Newcastle recruitment chiefs, for example, but they will face competition from Manchester United and Liverpool for his signature.

Simakan has now emerged as an exciting alternative to Huijsen and it will be interesting to see if they can beat Tottenham in the race.

As mentioned, Simakan has a €70m (£59.9m) release clause in his contract, so it will be interesting to see if the Premier League duo can convince Leipzig to sell him for any less.

Newcastle to stun Man Utd, Liverpool with statement signing of Juventus star as price tag revealed

By
Editor
-
0

Huijsen is an 18-year-old defender who was born in Amsterdam but represents Spain U21s at international level. He spent time in the Malaga academy before joining Juventus U17s in July 2021.

The centre-back gradually rose through the ranks at Juve and made his senior debut for the Italian giants in October last year.

However, Huijsen has not continued his development at Juve this season, instead joining Serie A rivals Roma on loan during the January transfer window.

So far, Huijsen has played 13 times for Roma, registering two goals and one assist. He has shown his versatility by operating at centre-half, central midfield and right midfield, too.

The teenager is due to return to Juve at the end of the season, though he might not stay in Italy for long as several English clubs are vying to complete a deal.Man Utd were the first Premier League side to be linked with Huijsen, as they were tipped to sign him in February.

Tottenham Hotspur are also keeping tabs on Huijsen, while Richard Hughes has been backed to make him the first signing of Liverpool’s new era.

Newcastle aim to snare Juventus starlet

According to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, it is not guaranteed that Huijsen will end up joining one of the Premier League’s so-called ‘Big Six’, as Newcastle are also in the frame.

Eddie Howe’s side are ‘pressing’ the most out of any club as they want to win the race for the youngster.

With global powerhouses such as Man Utd and Liverpool in the mix, it would be a real signal of intent from Newcastle if they took Huijsen to St James’ Park.Newcastle believe they have a good chance of landing Huijsen as Juve are willing to cash in on him and several other players to raise funds.

Arteta in raptures as agent talks up phenomenal Arsenal transfer after huge Liverpool twist

By
Editor
-
0

Arsenal have made signing a new centre-forward their priority this summer, as Arteta has become fully aware of Gabriel Jesus’ limitations. The Brazilian is a fantastic player in his own right, but he has had several injury problems this campaign and also struggles to net more than 20 goals per season.

Kai Havertz has done brilliantly when operating as a No 9 in recent months, completely transforming the way Arsenal fans view him. But Arteta is aware that this is not a long-term solution to his striker woes.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with Brentford’s Ivan Toney in the past, though they have since moved onto other targets.

The current favourite to lead Arsenal’s attack next season is Gyokeres, the Swedish goal machine who has been on fire for Sporting CP this term.

His record stands at a very impressive 36 goals and 15 assists in 42 games since leaving Coventry City last summer.Chelsea have looked into signing Gyokeres, but the fact Arsenal are way ahead in terms of their project means Arteta has a much better chance of landing him.

Surprisingly, Liverpool appear to have helped Arsenal in the chase for Gyokeres.

Liverpool help Arsenal sign new striker

Sources confirmed to TEAMtalk on Tuesday that Liverpool have reached a verbal agreement with Sporting boss Ruben Amorim for him to replace Jurgen Klopp this summer.

Gyokeres’ agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, has now revealed the impact this will have on the goalscorer’s future.

“It will be difficult for Viktor to stay at Sporting if Ruben Amorim decides to leave the club,” the representative admitted in an interview with Portuguese newspaper Record.

“We had 8 proposals for Gyokeres last summer and he decided to join Sporting for Amorim.”Gyokeres has loved his time in Portugal, as it has given the chance to play at a higher level and prove he is able to shine for a big club. But with Amorim leaving, Sporting could go on the decline next term – giving Gyokeres the perfect excuse to push for a huge summer move.

Boosting women’s interest in Agriculture: Bootcamp project invests in smallholder farmers

By
Editor
-
0

Women’s participation in agriculture-related activities in Ghana has been relatively low despite their efforts to make a mark in the sector to effectively contribute to economic growth.

A record by the World Bank estimated females’ involvement in primary agricultural production at 46.44 per cent of the total labour force.

The data indicates that access to resources such as land, and essential agricultural services is limited to many women.

Owing to the gender gap in agricultural activities, the Kosmos Innovation Centre (KIC), in partnership with Mastercard Foundation, a Canadian charity, seeks to ignite the interest of women groups to change the narrative through needs-assessment based programme interventions.

Women’s Bootcamp Project

The KIC Women’s Bootcamp project was initially designed to provide capacity-building and practical skills training for students and graduates, geared at changing their perception of agriculture and entrepreneurship.

The project seeks to invest immensely in young people, especially women, to motivate them to consider agricultural activities as worthy careers.

It has, however, expanded to adopt a community-based approach where it incorporates sustenance for women groups in entrepreneurship training at the community level.

Its beneficiaries are motivated to engage in Village Savings and Loans and other alternative livelihood programmes for female farmers outside of the planting season.

As part of the project, women are trained in soap making, baking and other skills based on individual preferences.

This is intended to complement their incomes before and after the farming season as a measure for climate adaptation.

The Bootcamp project further trains adolescents on alternative livelihood skills.

The KIC, in partnership with selected local women empowerment organisations, ensures increased women’s participation in the Agricultural Technology challenge.

This is done through an annual women’s boot camp to achieve its 50 per cent young women inclusion target.

Women-led agriculture start-ups are supported under the Bootcamp project, which aims at addressing related economic issues.

KIC’s Mandate and Bootcamp Project Objectives

The Kosmos Innovation Centre envisions a world of gender equality devoid of stereotypes and discrimination.

The organisation pursues a society where more women will participate in agriculture with a decreasing perception that agriculture is customarily a male- dominated field.

The KIC’s quest to correct cultural sensitivities associated with women in agriculture resonates with objectives of the Bootcamp project to reduce the rate at which such conceptions deter women from exploring opportunities in the field.

Forecasts of the Women Bootcamp Project

A total of 180 Agri-startups are targeted to be empowered as well as 900 Agri-Medium and Small Enterprises supported in the four years of the project, out of which 50 per cent will be women-led businesses.

This is aimed at restructuring operations of beneficiaries to prepare them for investment opportunities.

Technical Training for Women

Women in communities in four districts within the project area were provided with technical knowledge during the first phase.

The districts were the Jirapa, Lambussie, Wa East and Sissal East in the Upper West Region, which were selected based on recommendation from the district office of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

The women were trained by agricultural extension officers on Climate Change Adaptation, Record Keeping, and Group Development among other crucial areas in farming.

The technical trainings were based on the needs of the women as a farmer group, Mr Christopher Dumah, the Wa East District Agricultural Extension Officer, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview.

He said: “Before the training, there was a needs assessment to know what exactly these women need in enhancing their knowledge in farming.”

Subsequent dialogues with the women suggested that they lacked information on agronomic practices.

Mr Solomon Zekye, an Agricultural Extension Officer in the Wa East District, who was a facilitator, said technical knowledge on agricultural activities was essential in allaying the fears of women in incurring losses in agriculture and increasing interest in the sector.

Some questions posed by the women during the sessions revealed that they were ignorant of basic agricultural practices and safe use of agro chemicals, hence the training filled that gap by serving as an eye opener to those issues.

Feedback from Beneficiaries

The sessions of technical and capacity building training have boosted the women’s knowledge on practices that will increase production and give them the confidence to adopt farming as a career.

Nimatu Widuma said as a smallholder farmer, who used fertilizer and other chemicals on her farm, said the exposure had made her to learn intriguing techniques, which she could apply to commercialise her farming activities.

“The few times I used chemicals, I used the chemical containers to store water and food. Now, I know it is a harmful practice.”

Ayisha Dorgo said she had been equipped to make farming a business and emphasised that lessons on record keeping provided a reorientation of farming as a business activity.

She noted that as a member of a smallholder farmer group, she was made to appreciate the need to join the group to acquire practical education on different dynamics in relation to her work.

Some young single mothers, who benefited from the training, expressed the feeling of empowerment as they detailed how the initiatives under the Bootcamp project could help them cater for themselves and their children.

Submissions for ninth Black Star International Film Festival opened

By
Editor
-
0

The Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF) is calling for films from independent filmmakers, film schools, students, and production houses for the ninth edition of the festival.

The festival, which is set to take place in September 2024, would see films including shorts, middle-length, and feature-length documentaries debut at the week-long event.

The BSIFF 2024 call for submissions aims to promote and celebrate the works of filmmakers from Ghana, Africa, and the diaspora, providing a platform for African films to be showcased to audiences across the globe. 

Filmmakers who submit their films to the festival are assured of networking, industry recognition, distribution opportunities, and the chance to become award-winning filmmakers. 

Several filmmakers have had their works recognized and have won cash prizes for their films through BSIFF from 2016 till date. BSIFF also provides training opportunities for filmmakers to hone their skills. 

The BSIFF platform also serves as a catalyst for conversations on critical issues pertaining to the film industry on the continent.

Filmmakers can visit the BSIFF website to submit and also go through the guidelines before submitting their films, with the deadline for submission set for April 30th, 2024. 

Rethinking Ghana’s COVID-19 Levy: Need for its transformation into Public Health Emergency Fund  

By
Editor
-
0

“I would have lost my life to COVID-19 if my family were poor. Despite the government support and interventions, they were not enough to save my life from the dreaded virus. 

“The country’s health system is challenged, and any outbreak of infectious diseases could be devastating on the population, if care is not taken,” Mr David Dannor (borrowed name), a survivor of COVID-19 disclosed in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Cape Coast.  

“People spent hundreds of cedis to ensure they accessed the best health services and treatment for the disease.” 

“Also, contact tracing was a major challenge. Those with whom I got into contact with before testing positive were not traced and quarantined. This is one example of the many loopholes in the health system.” 

The country needs robust healthcare structures to ensure its preparedness to counter any form of emergency. This is where adequate funding must be prioritised. 

It is against this backdrop that the COVID-19 experience should be a case study to identify the shortfalls, strengths, and weaknesses in Ghana’s health system. 

Madam Gifty Armond (real name hidden) a businesswoman who lost her husband to COVID-19, attributed her loss to the unavailability of resources/medication for victims.  

Though her husband was quarantined at home for care and treatment, medication became a challenge as it took so long before deliveries were made to the house.  

“‘Sometimes it takes a week before we receive deliveries when his drugs had finished a long time,” she said. 

The country’s effective response to emergencies came into play during the pandemic, which emphasizes the need for the Government to consider proposals for the establishment of a health emergency fund to resolve such issues. This must, however, be pursued rigorously to counter future threats. 

The COVID-19 Levy 

The levy was introduced in the 2021 Budget and Economic Policy of the Government and was implemented as a temporary measure to recoup some of the expenses made in response to the pandemic and help put the economy back on track. 

As Ghana grapples with the economic fallout being experienced by some other countries in the world, of which the COVID-19 pandemic has been cited as a contributory factor, discussions have emerged regarding the appropriateness of using the levy to bolster response to a future pandemic, if the need arises. 

In recent months, there has been mixed reaction over the continued imposition of the COVID-19 levy. While some are advocating it should be scrapped since the pandemic was over and its original purpose has become obsolete, others say it should be channeled into a public health emergency fund (PHEF) to address broader societal needs.  

Key among these advocates are civil society groups, economists, and politicians.  

Repurposing the COVID-19 levy into an emergency fund would ensure greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency in addressing pressing needs, especially building resilience against future crises through strategic resource allocation.  

“I believe the Levy was set up purposely because of the COVID-19 pandemic and to help us regain our economy. It’s almost three years now since the disease left, What’s the essence of the levy again? It must be scrapped completely” a health worker said. 

Opportunity/ Challenges in transitioning COVID-19 levy to Emergency Fund 

Some stakeholders have cautioned against the potential misuse of such funds and emphasised the need for a robust oversight mechanism to safeguard it against corruption. 

In spite of the fears, they believe that a dedicated PHEF will enhance Ghana’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to a wide range of health emergencies, some of which the country relies on foreign aid to combat, which may not be forthcoming. 

While the Government has acknowledged the growing calls for re-evaluating the COVID-19 levy, it has re-affirmed its commitment to fiscal prudence and responsiveness.   

Its officials have indicated openness to exploring alternative approaches to resource mobilisation.  

As Ghana navigates the complexities of post-pandemic recovery, the debate surrounding the COVID-19 levy reinforces broader questions about fiscal policy, governance, and social resilience. 

While opinions may vary on the best course of action, one thing remains clear: the need for adaptive and forward-thinking strategies to address immediate challenges and future uncertainties.  

Whether the COVID-19 levy evolves into a Public Health Emergency Fund or undergoes alternative transformation, the ultimate goal must be to prioritise the well-being and resilience of the Ghanaian society to withstand any shocks; both internally and externally, albeit with good leadership, solid preparedness and high sustainability rate. 

Thus, the establishment of a fund to assist in fighting against public health crisis to strengthen Ghana’s self- reliance and avoid seeking external support during emergencies is an advocacy that cannot be overstated. 

Morocco: 2024 CAN Futsal promises to be a grand event

By
Admin
-
0


  
This new continental competition promises to be a new coronation for the Kingdom, which continues to confirm its leadership in the sports field and its commitment to the development of African football.

 
  
These are in line with the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the first promoter of a greater involvement of Morocco on the African continent and champion of South-South cooperation.

 
  
The Kingdom has already accumulated a rich experience and undeniable know-how in the organization of major sporting events, including the 2018 CHAN, the 2020 CAN Futsal in Laayoune, the last and next Women’s CAN.

 
  
The rest are the U23 CAN, the next 5 editions of the U17 Women’s CAN, the CAN25 and the 2030 World Cup, as well as several editions of the Club World Cup, including the latest one, are concrete examples of this Moroccan success in hosting major international sports tournaments.

 
  
Thanks to its high-level infrastructure, Morocco hosted more than 19 African teams that came to play international football matches during the last FIFA window in March.

 
  
This success story is the fruit of the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who attaches particular importance to the development of sport and the promotion of the values of fair play and solidarity. The Sovereign spares no effort to make Morocco a privileged host land for major sporting competitions and a key player in the African sporting landscape.

 
  
Morocco is not only a leader in terms of organization, but it is also a talented football nation. The national futsal team is the perfect illustration of this. Indeed, the Atlas Lions have won the last two CAN Futsal and reached the quarter-finals of the last World Cup. They are currently ranked 8th in the FIFA Futsal rankings, confirming their status as a continental power in this discipline.

 
  
The 2024 CAN Futsal will therefore be an opportunity for Morocco to once again demonstrate its talent and passion for football. The national team will be keen to thrill the Moroccan public and lift the trophy for the third time in a row.

 
  
The organization of the 2024 CAN Futsal is not just a sporting competition. It is also an event that carries noble values such as South-South cooperation, unity and African solidarity.

 
  
Morocco, faithful to its commitment to the continent, will do everything possible to make the 2024 CAN Futsal a resounding success and a symbol of the unity and dynamism of African football.

 
  
In conclusion, Morocco is positioning itself as the leader of African football as a host country and a talented nation. The 2024 CAN Futsal promises to be a grand event that will allow the Kingdom to share its passion for football with the rest of the continent and confirm its leadership on the African sporting scene.

 

Tablets for Free SHS students not “bribe” – Bawumia Campaign Team

By
Editor
-
0

The Campaign Team of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has justified Government’s decision to distribute some 3.1 million tablets to Free Senior High School (FSHS) students across the country.

According to the Team, the tablets were critical learning materials, which were meant to enhance the teaching and learning in the SHSs to improve students’ performances across the country.

It, therefore, rejected assertions that the distribution of the said tablets were “misplaced priority” and a “bribe” to lure the students into voting for the Government in the December polls.

“These tablets come in to provide textbooks, past questions, lesson videos and other educational resources to help teaching and learning and also greatly save cost for all,” Mr Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Director of Communications for the Bawumia Campaign Team, said at a news conference, in Accra, on Monday.

Former President and Flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, last week, labeled government’s ‘one student, one tablet’ initiative as a “bribe” meant to secure the votes of the students in the upcoming elections.

The former President also questioned why the government would decide to purchase tablets when basic teaching and learning materials such as textbooks had not been provided for schools years after the curriculum was changed, describing the policy as a “misplaced priority”.

Mr  Aboagye, described the claims of the former President as “unfortunate” and “baffling”, and questioned his morality to criticise the initiative considering he (John Mahama) had attempted to roll-out similar project in 2016, when in power, and had also promised in his 2020 Manifesto to distribute tablets to students.

“So, it is baffling how same former President labels distribution of tablets to free SHS beneficiaries as misplaced and a bribe for vote,” he said.

Mr Aboagye said since the current administration assumed office in 2017, the education sector had witnessed massive investment due to the priority government placed on education.

He said the government had systematically and deliberately worked to transform the sector at all levels.

For instance, he explained that at the kindergarten level, government had invested heavily in equipping teachers with modern technologies to enhance early childhood development while age-appropriate learning materials, play equipment and resources for interactive engaging learning experience had been provided.

Additionally, he indicated that through GETFUND, the government was executing 1,270 infrastructural interventions with cutting-edge technology such as smart boards to widen accessibility and enhance interactive teaching and learning.

At the primary level, Mr Aboagye said the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration had rolled out many interventions, including providing extensive training and capacity, all geared towards empowering teachers.

“We have ensured the consistent provision of learning materials and embarked on targeted infrastructure upgrades to create conducive learning environments,” he touted.

He also explained that the implementation of the National Standardised Tests for Primary Two to Four students had improved learning outcomes, stating that proficiency in reading among Primary Two pupils had witnessed significant improvement over the past nine years (from two per cent in 2015 to 38 per cent in 2022).

Again, at the Junior High School stage, Mr Aboagye stated that Government had strengthened lower secondary education, including constructing some eleven model schools, each designed with modern amenities, which were currently at various stages of completion.

He said, through the Ghana National Digital Learning Project, government was also equipping students at that level with digital skills to enable them to thrive in the global digital economy.

Also, Mr Aboagye indicated that the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) had witnessed comprehensive modernisation and expansion drive with new state-of-the-art facilities under construction, whilst existing ones were undergoing renovation and upgrading.

On Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education, he said, the Government had completed the construction of 10 regional STEM centres to train a complete STEM pipeline from primary through JHS to SHS.

The Communications Director assured that under a Bawumja-led government, the education sector would continue to witness improvement to develop human resources for development.

Policy such as the FSHS, he said, would be maintained as it was if Dr Bawumia was elected President come December 2024, to ensure no one was left behind.

1...231232233...1,458Page 232 of 1,458