Day: October 1, 2021

France coach Didier Deschamps cast further doubt on the international future of striker Olivier Giroud by leaving him out of the squad of players for next week’s games in the Nations League.

Giroud, 35, did not feature in the group for last month’s three qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup.

And the front line lynchpin of the 2018 World Cup-winning team was among the notable absentees for the tie in Turin against Belgium.

If France win, Deschamps’ men will play either Italy or Spain in the final at the San Siro in Milan on 10 October.

Should France lose, they will contest the match for third place in Turin on the same day.

Giroud, who featured in the Chelsea squad in the Champions League final win over Manchester City, joined AC Milan at the start of the season in an effort to play more regularly and remain in contention for a place in the France squad.

The veteran was lambasted for not scoring during France’s surge to the world crown in Russia but he has closed to within five strikes of equalling Thierry Henry’s national record tally of 51 goals.

Italy coach Roberto Mancini kept faith with the 22 players that won the Europeoan championships in July.

Lorenzo Pellegrini, who missed the tournament through injury, is included while Leonardo Spinazzola continues his recovery from the achilles tendon injury he suffered during the 2-1 quarter-final victory over Belgium.

Source: Modern Ghana

Sunyani (B/R),- The Bono Regional Office of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has set-up a taskforce for strict enforcement of approved and standard lights on vehicles to curtail road crashes on accident-prone roads in the region.

The taskforce comprised the NRSA, Driver Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA), Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and Transport Unions including; Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMTL).

Other members include; Progressive Transport Owners Association (PROTOA), OA Transport and IO Ampofo Transport.

Regulation 65 of the Legislative Instrument (LI) 2081, 2012 requires all commercial vehicles in the country to use approved head and fog lights certified by the DVLA.

According to the Authority, the use of unapproved lights on vehicles was partly contributing to rising cases of road accidents on major highways in the country.

Mr. Kwasi Agyenim Boateng, the Bono Regional Head of the NRSA who disclosed this said the taskforce would from October 4, this year commence the enforcement exercise on major highways and accident prone roads in the region.

He was speaking at a stakeholders and sensitization meeting on the Regulation 65 organised by the Authority in Sunyani was attended by commercial drivers, the MTTD, DVLA and transport unions.

Mr. Boateng said the Authority had intensified public education in bus terminals and lorry stations in the region to create awareness before the enforcement exercise, saying offending drivers would be prosecuted.

“It is important to create awareness for drivers and the public to understand and comply with the regulations because any driver who flouts the regulation would not have any justification, but be made to face the full rigours of the law”, he stated.

Mr Boateng said many of the accidents and fatalities that occurred on the highways were avoidable because human errors remained the major contributory factor to crashes on the roads.

He said particularly commercial drivers and vehicle owners who would be found wanting would be liable to 25 penalty units, or imprisonment not less than 30 days or both.

Police Superintendent Stephen Tenkorang, the Bono Regional Commander of the MTTD warned the taskforce would not spare any offending driver, and advised them to study and get themselves abreast with the Regulation and accordingly comply with it.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Ohwimase (Ash),– Dr. Kingsley Nyarko, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kwadaso, has called for the active involvement of residents in the area, in discussions relating to the development of the constituency.

He said their constant engagement would bring forth important ideas, decisions, and pinpoint the actual needs of their communities to be addressed.

Speaking at a town hall meeting at Ohwimase electoral area, Dr Nyarko said it was important for people living in the area to actively participate in the local governance process to bring the needed development to the area.

The community outreach engagement with the constituents, which was the twelfth in the series organized by the MP was under the theme “Building Kwadaso Together”.

It was designed to afford the MP and Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr. Richmond Agyenim Boateng, the opportunity to interact with the people and keep themselves abreast with the developmental challenges facing the residents and discuss best ways they could work together to address them.

Among the issues discussed were security, job creation, economic and social infrastructural development.

He commended the people for the high patronage of the meeting, saying it was an indication of the rising awareness of the public responsibility towards ensuring the development of their community, which was very commendable.

Dr. Nyarko said the developments being expected in the constituency would only be achieved through unity of purpose, and advised the people to remain united.

He took the opportunity to thank the people for voting for him to represent them in parliament and appealed to them to unite and support him in the discharge of his duties.

He also asked them to rally behind the Municipal Assembly in the implementation of development programmes for the people.

As part of the programme, the MP presented quantities of hand sanitizer and LED bulbs to the Assembly Member for Ohwiamse, Mr. Douglas Agyenim Boateng, for distribution to the people.

Dr. Nyarko also presented 10 pieces of 150W street lights to be fixed in the area as part of efforts to improve security.

The MP said it was important for the community members to decide the projects, which were of priority to them for consideration and implementation by the Assembly.

Mr. Richmond Agyenim Boateng advised the landlords in the Municipality to take advantage of the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area Sanitation and Water Project (GKMA) to get toilet facilities in the homes.

He explained that after the project, any house without a toilet facility, the landlord would be compelled by the Assembly to construct on his or her own.

“After the GKMA project, any house without a toilet facility, the Assembly would compel the landlord to construct on his or her own,” he revealed.

Mr. Agyenim Boateng revealed that the Assembly was going to embark on a demolishing exercise of containers placed at the wrong places and cautioned the residents to remove them before the operation begins.

He also advised those working without permits to visit the Municipal Assembly to acquire it before any future uncertainties.

Mr Douglas Agyenim Boateng praised the MP for engaging the residents to know the challenges facing them and help to find the best way to address them.

Source: Ghana News Agency

The ruling New Patriotic Party(NPP) has scheduled December, 18 to December 20, 2021, to hold its National Annual Delegates Conference in Kumasi, in the Ashanti region.

The Conference, according to the party leadership will be held in strict compliance with standard guidelines and Covid-19 health protocols.

Meanwhile, the party has also scheduled the month of October beginning Friday to hold its Regional Annual Delegates Conferences in all 16 regions of the country.

This is in accordance with Article 9 of the Party’s Constitution.

According to a statement issued by the General Secretary, John Boadu, his office has started receiving notices and proposals for amendments to the Party Constitution, in accordance with Article 19 of the party’s constitution.

He said that “per the constitution, this should be done not later than two months before the National Annual Delegates Conference”

Also, the party will, from Friday, October 1, 2021, to Friday, October 22, 2021, hold Regional Annual Delegates Conferences across all the 16 Regions of the country in accordance with Article 9 of the Party Constitution.

The Regional conferences shall be held in conformity with the following Schedules (Dates, Venues and Zonal Arrangements), as approved by the National Executive Committee of the Party:

1) Savannah Region – Friday, October, 1, 2021, at Daboya

2) Upper West – Saturday, October 2, 2021, at Wa

3) Upper East – Sunday, October 3, 2021, at Bolgatanga

4) North East – Monday, October 4, 2021, at Nalerigu

5) Northern Region – Monday, October 4 and Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at Yendi & Tolon respectively

6) Bono East – Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at Atebubu

7) Ahafo Region – Thursday, October 7, 2021, at Goaso

8) Bono Region – Friday, October 8, 2021, at Sunyani

9) Ashanti Region – Saturday, October 9 and Sunday, October 10, 2021, at Obuasi West/ Bekwai, Abuakwa, Ejisu, Kodie

10) Western North – Monday, October 11, 2021, at Sefwi Wiawso

11) Western Region – Tuesday October 12, 2021, at Takoradi and Tarkwa

12) Greater Accra – Thursday October 14 and Friday, October 15, 2021, at Tema and Accra

13) Eastern Region – Saturday, October 16, 2021 and Sunday, October 17, 2021, at Nkawkaw, and Koforidua

14) Oti Region – Monday, October 18, 2021, at Dambai.

Source: Modern Ghana

Accra,- As part of the Government’s efforts and commitment to revamp the railway sector, the Ministry of Railway Development is acquiring land to develop new railway infrastructure and expand existing ones.

The Ministry, through its Consultant, is, therefore, working with the Lands Commission to facilitate the acquisition of the needed land.

In that regard, a workshop was held in Kumasi, which brought together staff from the Land Valuation Division of the Lands Commission from all the sixteen regions of the country.

Mr Benjamin Arthur, Director, Land Valuation Division and acting Deputy Executive Secretary (Operations), who opened the workshop, challenged the staff of the Lands Commission to work hard to meet the expected timelines of the Government.

He noted that “Railway development is of prime importance to the President and once we have been called to play a role in its development, we must deliver without fail.”

Dr Asenso-Gyambibi, a Consultant on the project, in a presentation, indicated that plans were far advanced to acquire land for the Ghana – Burkina Faso Railway Line.

Similar acquisitions will take place for the development of the Central Spine, which starts from Kumasi to Tamale through Sunyani and Techiman as well as the Trans ECOWAS Line (Elubo to Aflao).

He said due to the changes in design from narrow gauge to standard gauge, additional land was required for the existing line (Eastern Line, Western Line, and Central Line) where the government had already acquired the right-of-way in the past.

There was a practical demonstration in the use of modern surveying tools such as hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS), which should enable the team from the Lands Commission to undertake their task with greater efficiency and ease.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Hearts of Oak have received an official warning from Africa’s football governing body, the Confederation of African Football [CAF] over the poor state of the Accra Stadium pitch in their Champions League game against CI Kamsar in September.

The Phobians defeat the Guinean side 2-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium to progress to the next stage of the preliminary round of the competition.

But the Club Licensing Committee, which rejected Hearts’ request to use the Accra Sports Stadium as their home ground for the upcoming Ghana Premier League season, has taken action against the Phobians after several complaints were raised about the unimpressive playing surface.

The Ghana Premier League champions have been slapped with a warning ahead of their next qualifier against Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca later this month.

If they fail to fix the pitch to the required standards, they could be forced to play the match at their second choice venue, the Cape Coast Stadium as Modernghana.com has reported.

Hearts of Oak will host Moroccan side, Wydad in Accra on October 15, before flying out to Casablanca days later for the return leg on October 22.

Source: Modern Ghana

Sonotech Medical and Diagnostic Centre has launched its Breast Cancer Awareness Month with exciting packages to help in the global fight against breast cancer.

To celebrate awareness month, the private health facility is opening its branches for free breast screening.

“We also will provide 50% discount on breast ultrasound and 20% discount on mammograms throughout the month of October. Breast cancer awareness is important, but so is breast health awareness. By working together, we can inspire hope and become a force for good to “GIVE HOPE, and SAVE LIVES,” a statement issued on October 1, said.

Globally, the month of October is marked as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease.

Cancer is a disease that significantly affects a large number of the world population. Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. It is one of the leading causes of cancer mortalities in both sexes globally.

Cancer of the breast is the most common cancer in both developing and developed countries and is responsible for over one million in an estimated ten million neoplasms diagnosed in both sexes worldwide (Global cancer statistics, 2002,” CA-A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, vol. 55, no. 2, pp. 74–108, 2005).

In Ghana as of the last year 2020, 24009 new cases of breast cancer were recorded and out of that, 15802 deaths were recorded relating to breast cancer over the past five years. Of all the cancer cases in 2020, breast cancer alone accounted for 4482(18.7%) new cases of cancer recorded in both sexes. (International Agency for the Research on cancer-2020).

Research as it that nearly 70% of women diagnosed with breast cancer in Ghana are in advanced stages of the disease due especially to low awareness, resulting in limited treatment success and a high death rate.

For us at Sonotech specially and sadly, we dedicate this year’s celebration to a gallant fighter (a woman who dedicated her life, even in her suffering, to ensure that others were educated about the disease and eventually succumbed to the icy hands of death) following the disease.

She was with us during the launch of last year’s celebration which was held at our Tema branch and her presents greatly touched the lives of those who heard her story. Sadly, she is no more with us! Carried away by cancer that gradually stole her from us. That is the more reason why we must all join forces to reach more people with the message especially the women who are most vulnerable and marginalized as well.

We at Sonotech are undoubtedly emerging as the champions of this annual celebration and awareness creation. Commutatively, more than 10,000 women have been educated over the past 5 years and over 5,000 benefited from free screening to check their breasts.

In addition, a number of women had free or highly subsidized scans such as mammograms, CTs, X-rays, and Ultrasound scans done through our benevolence as part of our contribution to the course, and we promise to do more.

With our 3rd branch becoming fully operational at the West Hills Mall, we are poised to give the public quality, reliable and affordable healthcare of international standard right here in Ghana.

Source: Ghana Web

Accra,– Mr. Lim Kee Chong elite Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) and Confederation of African Football (CAF) Referees Instructor has arrived in Accra, to lead a number of Referees Courses and Training Workshops.

This follows Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) successful application for referee development courses from FIFA.

The 61- year old member of the FIFA Referees Committee who is highly respected across the globe would lead a number of Referees Instructors for the Technical Instructors Course, Referees Assessors course, CAF Referees Education and Learning (REL) Workshop, and the annual training for the Ghana Premier League Referees.

Lim Kee Chong would be in Ghana for three weeks.

His visit forms part of the efforts of the GFA to take referee performance to the highest level.

The Mauritian is not only a member of the FIFA Referees Committee but also the Vice Chairman of the CAF Referees Committee.

He is an astute FIFA Referees Instructor and a Leader of the CAF REL Team.

He would be joined by FIFA/CAF Physical Instructors Mademba Mbacke, Jean-Baptiste Bultynck, and Gladys Lengwe.

“We feel very proud that CAF and FIFA have bought into the idea of lifting high the image of Ghanaian Referees” General Secretary Prosper Harrison Addo (Esq.) said.

“Referees Manager Alex Kotey has been extremely busy putting in place a sound structure for Ghanaian Referees and we are beginning to enjoy the benefits of his effort. It hasn’t been easy convincing FIFA to give us one of its finest Instructors and we are absolutely proud of this achievement”.

“Lim Kee Chong is a respected figure in World football and so we feel that his presence in Ghana will do us a lot of good ahead of the new season,” he added.

The various courses are scheduled to start from Friday, October 1, 2021, at the GFA Technical Centre, the Ghanaman Centre of Soccer Excellence at Prampram.

Source: Ghana News Agency