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Ignore bribery claims by Barker-Vormawor; he’s a chronic liar – NPP Youth wing

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The Youth Wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a challenge to Oliver Barker-Vormawor, the convener of the #FixTheCountry movement to provide concrete evidence supporting his recent claims that the government attempted to entice him with financial offers and appointments in exchange for halting his activism.

Barker-Vormawor alleged that he and fellow activists had turned down government overtures during a meeting with the National Security Minister. However, the Ministry of National Security has vehemently refuted these accusations.

Salam Mustapha, the National Youth Organiser of the NPP, expressed his scepticism about Barker-Vormawor’s claims, referring to him as a “chronic liar.”

Mustapha challenged him to produce any evidence, including recordings, to substantiate his allegations. He emphasized that without such proof, Barker-Vormawor’s credibility should be seriously questioned.

“I think he is a chronic liar and he should produce evidence that he says he has a recording. I have also done a little bit of a crosscheck with the National Security people and they also demand and have challenged Vormawor to produce any evidence, even if it is a second of recording that he has, he should bring it and prove a point,” he stated.

Furthermore, Mustapha accused the #FixTheCountry movement convener of using activism as a façade to further his political aspirations. He warned against allowing individuals to manipulate public sentiment for personal gain, potentially undermining the integrity of the nation’s democracy.

“We should not allow people to perfect their political interest behind the smoke screen. We do that at the risk of a buoyant democracy being turned into a sham. Exactly what he is doing. From his antics of calling for a coup when he was living in the comfort of a civilised society in London coming down here and all his antics shows someone with a certain perversion clearly woven in such uncanny politics,” he stated.”

Today’s hearings before the Public Accounts Committee will resume in Takoradi.

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Today at Takoradi, the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament is anticipated to resume its hearing on zone 4, which will cover the Central and Western Regions.

After reviewing the Report of the Auditor-General on the administration and use of District Assemblies Common Fund and Other Statutory Funds for the year 2021 and the Accounts of District Assemblies for the year 2021, the Committee concluded its public hearing in Ho in the Volta Region.

Yussif Sulemana, a member of the Public Accounts Committee who also serves as the member of parliament for Bole Bamboi, gave Citi News an overview of the committee’s weekly agenda.

“We are supposed to start a section in Takoradi…and we are expecting all the MMDAs within Central and Western region who have been cited in the Auditor’s report for the year 2022 to appear before us.

“We are also expecting all Senior High Schools who have been cited in the report to also appear before us coming from all these regions I have mentioned. Again, other universities that have been mentioned that have not appeared at our sittings in Accra will also appear,” he stated.

He said the Public Accounts Committee has been vital in ensuring the recovery of funds misappropriated by state agencies.

“If you look at payment rate in terms of people who were supposed to pay monies that they haven’t paid mostly by the time we invite them they come to tell lies that they have paid and so government is getting so much money from those infractions that were identified.”

“There are instances where district assemblies will withhold taxes and will not remit the taxes. By the time they get to us, the story is that oh I have remitted the money and so the government is getting money. In some cases, they even fail to withhold the tax and I can tell you some of them are being surcharged to pay.” he stated.

Alan will today make a political announcement.

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On Monday, September 25, 2023, during a planned news conference, the former trade minister Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen, who just missed becoming the leader of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), would reveal his political plans.

After coming in third place in the first round of the NPP’s flagbearer contest, which reduced the field of candidates from ten to five, Mr Kyerematen opted to boycott the November 4 congress, claiming that the party’s leadership was biassed in favour of one particular candidate.

There is considerable suspicion that Mr. Kyerematen may decide to sever his relationship with the party and run for president as an independent.

However, the veil of uncertainty surrounding his next move will be lifted later today when he reveals his future intentions.

The possibility also exists that he may opt to continue his political journey within the party, potentially throwing his support behind one of the remaining four candidates vying for the coveted flagbearer position, or venture forth in pursuit of his political ambitions independently.

Man Utd want €50m LaLiga star in huge January raid as report claims Ten Hag doubts over major summer signing

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Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a January approach for one of LaLiga’s best goalkeepers amid claims Erik ten Hag already has doubts over big summer signing Andre Onana at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils forked out the third biggest transfer fee for a goalkeeper of all time this summer to bring Onana to the club from Inter Milan. Paying an initial £43.8m for his services, the final fee for Onana will reach £47.8m once add-ons are factored in, putting him third on that all-time list.

Astonishingly, the 27-year-old had joined the Nerazzurri as a free agent just a year earlier, meaning Inter’s sale earned them a very handsome profit on their original investment.

However, Onana has made a woeful start to life at Old Trafford, conceding an alarming 10 goals from their six games to date. And while a clean sheet at Burnley on Saturday will have gone down well, the Cameroonian is clearly still adapting to his surroundings having conceded plenty of all-too-soft goals, including a tame effort from Leroy Sane in their loss to Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.

With Onana far from his best, reports over the weekend claim Inter felt at the time that Inter’s sale of Onana for such a high fee was ‘a masterpiece’ with United mocked for paying such a hefty amount for a player who it is felt will ‘never be considered world class’.

With several pundits also claiming the decision to replace long-serving David De Gea with Onana was the wrong one, speculation is now starting to mount that United are already in the market for an upgrade when the January window opens for business.

Man Utd tipped to make €50m move for Jan Oblak

And according to reports in Spain, United are casting their eyes towards long-standing Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

Oblak, still only 30, is now into his 10th season as an Atletico player, having established himself as not just one of the best in Spain, but also one of the world’s elite goalkeepers.

Indeed, United have themselves found themselves linked with a move for Oblak on multiple occasions over the years, despite having never made a concrete approach for the 58-times capped Slovenia international.

Now, however, that could be about to change with reports in Spain claiming Atletico are ready to put Oblak on the market ahead of the winter window opening in just 98 days’ time.

And per the reports, Los Rojoblancos are seeking a fee of €50m (£43.6m) to sell Oblak – ironically, near enough the same fee United shelled out to sign Onana over the summer.

That’s because Atletico officials fear Onana may well be past his best with his form having dipped in recent times. And fearing his valuation could plummet if that continues, Diego Simeone’s men are now reportedly ready to cash in on the long-serving star.

Whether United can finance such a move, however, remains to be seen. And it would also be a major admission that the signing of Onana  – who was signed for his ability with the ball at his feet, as well as his shot-saving ability – was a costly mistake.

Would United do that so soon? That appears extremely unlikely, especially with the Red Devils themselves finding in the past just how hard it is keeping two No 1s (at the time Dean Henderson was competing with De Gea) happy.

As such, it seems unlikely United will be making a move for Oblak despite such claims. Ten Hag is far more likely to spend such sums on more defensive additions, while another striker to take the burden off Rasmus Hojlund would also not go amiss.

Arsenal target Man City midfielder in major January upgrade as star admits he’s ‘been unhappy’ at Guardiola treatment

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Arsenal are reportedly plotting a January raid on Manchester City for frustrated midfielder Kalvin Phillips – with the player admitting for the first time he has been unhappy at his lack of minutes under Pep Guardiola and that he now faces a make-or-break period at the Etihad.

The 27-year-old England star moved to the Etihad in a £42m switch from boyhood club Leeds in summer 2022. However, with Rodri enjoying the form of his career as City won an historic Treble, Phillips found himself facing a lack of minutes with his new employers.

Indeed, he clocked up just 291 minutes of action in the Premier League last season, with only another 39 in the Champions League. And with just four starts to his name since signing, he has seen the same number of starts for his country in the same period.

With a lack of minutes though ultimately likely to put his place in the England side in some jeopardy, Phillips had the opportunity to secure a summer move away from the club.

Indeed, Liverpool were strongly linked with his signature, while Newcastle and Bayern Munich were also reportedly sniffing around amid claims the player was to be given the chance to leave.

However, despite the summer signings of both Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes, Phillips opted to stay put with Guardiola making it clear he left the decision in the player’s hands.

“We talked with him and the club with the chance to maybe go on loan because he did not have a lot of minutes,” Guardiola said.

But he decided ‘no, I want to stay’. He is more than welcome.”

Arsenal join chase for Kalvin Phillips

Guardiola continued: “As a good guy who accepts everything and stays, they are welcome. When we finish the transfer window, every player here is part of the family and are going to help.”

Since then, though, Phillips has played just 52 minutes of football for City this season.

As a result, reports in Spain claim Arsenal are seriously considering a January approach for Phillips amid a belief the time may now be right for the player to move on.

To that end, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta would see Phillips as a perfect long-term replacement for Jorginho, who has struggled himself of late and came in for some strong criticism after being robbed too easily of possession for Tottenham’s second equaliser in Sunday’s North London derby that finished in a 2-2 draw.

Phillips, however, appears determined to give his City career one more push. And the player is now finally hoping for a regular run of games, with the City midfield now without the services of Rodri for three matches following his red card against Nottingham Forest and also without Kevin De Bruyne and Kovacic to injury.

As a result, Phillips knows it is now or never for him at the Etihad, having admitted for the first time that he’s been unhappy at his lack of minutes under Guardiola.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash with Newcastle, Phillips admitted: “Yeah, this is probably the biggest week or so in my Man City career so far. It’s something I’m looking forward to and I’m ready for it.”

Phillips determined to take his Man City chance

Opportunities for Phillips to leave did arrive with his agent over the summer.

However, in admitting for the first time he’s been “unhappy” at his lack of minutes, he has been determined to dig in and prove he’s more than capable of finding a regular place in Guardiola’s side.

“Yeah, that’s what I’m all about,” he told the Daily Mirror. “I’m not going to have just one season at City and just because I’m not playing say, ‘oh well, I’ve been here for a year and enjoyed it, but it’s not for me’.

“I want to try and break my way into the team even though it’s very difficult. I want to try and make a name for myself at Manchester City. That’s the reason I came. I didn’t come here to just to sit on the bench and be happy doing nothing. I want to continue in some way and hopefully I can do that.

“There have been times last season, this season, where I’ve been very unhappy, but it’s all been an experience for me, growing as a person and a player. When I came in for pre-season, I said I wanted to stay and give it another shot.

“In previous years a lot of players have done well second season and I had a talk with the club and they said that if I wanted to go out on loan, they would be happy for me to do that.

“I just said no, it’s not something I was thinking of. I just wanted to concentrate on playing for Manchester City so, yeah, that was the end of it.”

After Wednesday’s Carabao Cup clash with Newcastle, City then face Wolves at Molineux on Saturday, RB Leipzig in the Champions League and a trip to Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday October 8.

It really is now or never for Phillips at City.

Liverpool transfer mission complete as Romano confirms £100m midfielder is ‘super appreciated’ by Klopp

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Liverpool’s interest in Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has been confirmed by Fabrizio Romano – but the Brazilian’s new deal on Tyneside is not the only reason a transfer is unlikely.

Guimaraes was linked with Liverpool over the summer while they were reconstructing their midfield. In theory, he could have replaced his compatriot Fabinho at the base of the Reds’ engine room. However, he is now ready to commit his future to Newcastle instead.

Reports have indicated Guimaraes has earned a contract extension, though his new deal could contain a release clause in the region of £100m. Consequently, a move to Liverpool or any other suitor could take place further down the line for a fixed price.

Explaining the situation, Romano has now told Caught Offside just how much Liverpool like Guimaraes – but also that the 25-year-old is considered ‘untouchable’ by Newcastle.

The journalist said: “If you remember, the week after the end of the transfer window, I said that Bruno was one step away from signing a new deal with Newcastle. Now the deal is done.

“A verbal agreement has been reached between all parties, and now it’s set to be signed, probably in the next ten days. Bruno will extend his contract at Newcastle, it’s a ‘here we go’. The contract will be valid until 2028, so it’s a five-year deal with an improved salary, a lot higher than his current one.

“There is also a release clause. The final fee is yet to be confirmed, but what I’m hearing is that it is in the region of £100m. Let’s see if it ends up being a bit more than this, or a bit less, but there will 100% be a release clause, and it will be close to that £100m figure.

“From what I’m hearing, Bruno is very happy at Newcastle, very happy to extend his contract, very happy with the fans, the city, the manager. For Newcastle it’s crucial to extend Bruno’s contract and give him better salary. The clause is there because there was no other way: new deal with clause or nothing.

“There was no chance for any club in the summer as Newcastle called him untouchable since day one, but Bruno also wanted to stay as he really loves the club. The clause will fix the price for the future.”

Klopp a major admirer of Guimaraes

As for Liverpool’s interest, Romano has confirmed the club are content with what their new midfield now looks like, lessening their interest in Guimaraes despite Klopp’s admiration.

Romano added: “Some fans have also been asking me about Bruno and Liverpool transfer rumours, but they are very happy with the midfield they have.

“I can say, though, that those around Jurgen Klopp rate Bruno Guimaraes really highly and he’s always been super appreciated by people at Liverpool. There’s nothing else to mention at the moment.”

Liverpool added Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch to their midfield this summer, accounting for the departures of players like Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Bastardizing critical state institutions is a recipe for disaster—Peace Council 

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The National Peace Council (NPC) has appealed to Ghanaians, particularly politicians, to refrain from comments that “vilify and bastardize” critical state institutions.

The debasing of state institutions, particularly the NPC, Judiciary, Electoral Commission, and the security agencies among others, did not only undermine public confidence in them but derailed efforts toward attracting and retaining investments made in them.

“There can be no peace without development. We do not need to bastardize and vilify our democratic institutions and come back to think that they do not have the credibility that we need to grow our democracy.

“It is time we focus our energy and thoughts on strengthening state institutions to perform their constitutional roles.

“I think we need to take our politics out of certain institutions, and rather focus on helping them to become stronger,” Mr Charles Ohene Amoh, the Executive Secretary of NPC in the Central Region, has said.

He was speaking with the Ghana News Agency on the significance of September 21, being declared globally as the International Day of Peace.

This year’s celebration is themed: “Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the #GlobalGoals.”

The day symbolized a call to action that recognizes individual and collective responsibility to foster peace.

Fostering peace contributes to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and achieving the SDGs will create a culture of peace for all.

As human institutions, Mr Amoh concurred that such state institutions were not immune to mistakes, and, therefore, needed to be corrected when they erred.

They must be fairly criticized and pointed out when they go wrong and equally praised if they get it right.

He added: “The challenge is that when these institutions at a point become frustrated and begin to fail, the nation will derail in development and democratic gains.

Mr Amoh also cautioned the media to be circumspect in the manner that will guard the peace of the nation and democratic gains.

He said the kind of discussions that would be held in the media space ahead of the 2024 election, would determine whether the country will remain calm.

Local language stations are fond of embellishing issues they deliver as news.

“So, from now on, it is important for them to be very circumspect about what they say.

“The little things that you say can inflame passion and so we must be very, careful,” he cautioned.

On the limited voter registration exercise, he charged political party leaders to desist from offering hooligans party and political identity to commit violence.

The youth should also not allow themselves to be used by politicians as puppets to foment trouble before, during, and after the elections.

“Stay away from acts that can gain you negative reputation as troublemaker,” he cautioned Ghanaian youths.

TECNO Becomes Official Sponsor of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2023 with the Confederation of African Football (CAF)

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Global innovative technology brand TECNO (www.TECNO-mobile.com), today announces its official partnership with the Confederation of African Football (“CAF”) as the exclusive smartphone sponsor for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023.

The partnership between TECNO and CAF was officially sealed during a momentous ceremony held in Singapore, witnessed by esteemed attendees including TECNO General Manager, Jack Guo and CAF General Secretary, Véron Mosengo-Omba. This collaboration marks the beginning of a thrilling new chapter for both sides.

Mr Jack Guo, TECNO General Manager shared his excitement, stating, “This collaboration represents a momentous step for TECNO as we join hands with one of the most prestigious sporting events on the continent. TECNO has always been deeply committed to Africa. We look forward to a dynamic partnership that not only showcases our brand’s commitment but also underscores the value and appeal of African football to a wide range of global partners. Together with the African Football Family, we are confident that we will achieve great success and create lasting memories for football and TECNO fans around the world.”

Together with the African Football Family, we are confident that we will achieve great success and create lasting memories for football and TECNO fans around the world

“We are happy to welcome our new partners, TECNO to the African Football Family as the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 partner. The AFCON is a global event attracting hundreds of millions of audiences. The partnership with TECNO is a significant one, as we diversify our base of commercial partners and show African football’s viability as an appealing and valuable product for a wide suite of global partners. TECNO has a strong business focus and footprint on the African continent and we look forward to a powerful, impactful partnership with them.” Dr. Patrice Motsepe, President of CAF, expressed his excitement.

Guided by its brand essence of “Stop At Nothing”, TECNO is committed to unlocking the best and newest technologies for forward-looking individuals, inspiring them to never stop pursuing their best selves and their best futures.

The brand essence perfectly aligns with TECNO’s commitment to the AFCON. AFCON is more than a football tournament; it’s a celebration of unity, passion, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023, the most eagerly anticipated sporting spectacle in Africa, will commence on January 13, 2024, in Abidjan. TECNO will bring the spirit of sports and great products to TECNO and football fans through a diverse range of brand experience activities, allowing them to physically and virtually immerse themselves in the excitement of the football match.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of TECNO Mobile.

Sustainable Ocean Project to empower 140,000 fishers in 292 landing beaches in Ghana

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Four Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) with focus on fisheries, have initiated a three-year programme dubbed: “Sustainable Ocean Project” to spur growth in the sector.

The NGOs include the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF), Hen Mpoano, Friends of the Nation, and Central and Western Fishmongers Improvement Association (CEWEFIA).

Supported by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), the move strives to economically empower more than 140,000 fishers in 292 landing beaches in the Western, Central, Greater Accra, and Volta Regions.

Over the period, 5,000 artisanal fisherfolks will also be trained in fisheries management issues whilst 600 processors will be engaged in value addition, hygienic handling of fish, and access to credit.

The project is hinged on supporting a sustainable ocean economy in Ghana through inclusive, strong, and effective capacity, planning, and management of coastal ecosystems.

Aside from checking fishery declines, it would also enhance sustainability and secure fisherfolk access to sustainable fisheries resources through governance reforms to address over-capacity and illegal fishing and enhance participatory co-management.

It would improve the income resilience of fishing communities to climate and human-induced threats through enhanced opportunities for value addition along fisheries supply chains and enterprise development.

It will strengthen climate change adaptation and mitigation capacities in coastal areas through improved spatial and land use planning and community-led management of wetland and mangrove ecosystems.

Mr Osei-Akoto Nyantakyi, Programme Officer for EJF, giving an overview of the project at a fisheries stakeholder’s forum in Cape Coast, emphasized the contributions of small-scale fishers, processors, and traders in the fisheries value chain in Ghana.

Attended by various fisheries groups, Planners at the Assemblies, traditional leaders, and the media, the forum was to rake in stakeholders’ contributions.

As such, Mr Nyantakyi said the project would give stronger voice to women for influential decision-making, with more than 1,500 women directly benefiting from various training and capacity building.

Mr. Justice Camillus Mensah, the Project Manager with Hen Mpoano, also underscored the urgent need to safeguard the designated places for fishing activities along Ghana’s coastal stretch from encroachments and illegal acquisitions.

He decried the state of beachfront development affecting fishing activities and assured of plans to secure all landing beaches to serve their meaningful purpose, starting with ten beaches.

For that matter, he said the project would help to build the capacity of over 50 officials from the Navy, Marine Police, prosecutors, and judges with technical input from national legal experts to support effective enforcement of fisheries laws and good governance.

The project would build local and national constituencies to protect and rehabilitate mangroves which are resilience against climate change impacts.

“The project will target land use planners at the Metropolitan, Municipals, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to incorporate mangrove protection into land-use plans; to build mangrove conservation into action plans including building the capacities of 160 traditional authorities, and landowners,” he noted.

For him, it was within the goals of the project to influence national policy implementation and enforcement of fisheries laws and regulations, noting that the project would raise awareness on sustainable fisheries issues.

For the media, he pledged that more than 30 journalists would be trained to ensure accurate, timely, and focused reporting.

Some participants also called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders for mutual gain.

GNA

Liverpool is thrilled with the arrangement that will give Klopp his own Lionel Messi.

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A youngster who has been likened to Lionel Messi and is expected to make a significant breakthrough despite just being 17 years old has signed a new contract with Liverpool.

Throughout the past several years, there have been significant changes to Jurgen Klopp’s attacking line. Xherdan Shaqiri, Takumi Minamino, and Divock Origi all left the team, along with two members of the storied front three.

As Roberto Firmino was enticed to Saudi Arabia by Al-Ahli, Sadio Mane signed with Bayern Munich.

Liverpool refreshed their ranks with the additions of Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gskpo. However, perhaps the most exciting new face is that of ex-Celtic wonderkid Ben Doak who cost just £600,000 to sign.

The 17-year-old – who has been branded the ‘Scottish Messi’ – is known for his low centre of gravity, mazy runs and dazzling dribbling.

Doak has already made six senior appearances for Liverpool despite his tender age. However, the livewire winger now looks poised for a step up after putting pen to paper on a new contract at Anfield.

The deal was announced via Liverpool’s official website, with Doak signing a long-term contract on improved terms.

Doak featured heavily during Liverpool’s pre-season and was included in their Europa League squad.

Liverpool are expected to use Europe’s second-tier competition to blood some of their most promising youngsters and Doak is No 1 in that regard.

Centre-back Jarell Quansah is another who could see an uptick in game-time following his impressive debut against Wolves on Saturday.

Doak – who is already capped at Under-21 level for Scotland – could feature in some capacity during Liverpool’s opening game with Austrian side LASK on Thursday evening.

The Europa League along with the domestic cups could be where Doak gets his fair share of chances to prove the ‘Scottish Messi’ tag has some merit.

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