Metalex Ghana Limited treats workers

Some dismissed workers of Metalex Ghana Limited have accused management of the local firm for unfair treatment in the handling of the termination of their appointments believing they have been screwed.

They are therefore appealing to the National Labour Commission (NLC) to look into the circumstances that has led to their dismissal and for the right compensation to be paid them.

According to some of the dismissed workers this reporter spoke to, they have been laid off without the payment of any compensation, adding that this is a normal practice undertaken  by the management of the firm.

“From time to time, workers are laid off indiscriminately for no just reason despite the fact that we take great risks in the work we do”, said one who wants to remain anonymous.

He added: “Some of us have worked for up to nine years and to tell us that our services are no longer needed without any justifiable reason, is not fair and we want something done about that”.

Asked to give reason as to why he thinks they have been laid off, he said they were at work back in November last year when a new General Manager (Isaac Dompra) was appointed who told them in a circular that they (management)was about to carry out reforms going into the new year.

This according to him was also confirmed by the Managing Director (K. Adjare Danquah) who said that by January this year, a list would come out detailing those whose services would be needed for the future growth of the company.

That list was issued on February 4, 2013, without the names of those agitating and they believe they have not been treated fairly as some have worked for three, four, five and up to nine years.

According to the spokesperson for the dismissed workers, Mr. Adjare Danquah said those dismissed would only be paid a months salary for their troubles with no other benefits been paid them.

They (dismissed workers) numbering 24 said they are demanding to be paid fully for the years of dedicated service they have rendered to the company and have asked the NLC look into the matter as this is clearly an infringement on their labour rights.

Via  George Osei

email: okotosports@yahoo.com

National Security should summon Owusu Bempah - Rev. Wengham

Renowned Radio Pastor and Head of Cedar Mountain Chapel of the Assemblies of God Church, East Legon, Rev. Dr. Stephen Wengham, wants the National Security outfit to summon a colleague Man of God before them regarding an earth-shattering prophesy the latter publicly gave about President John Dramani Mahama last week.

He believes such an action by the security agencies will deter some Prophets from prophesying falsehood about the lives of people in the country.

Rev Isaac Owusu Bempah, a well-known Prophet and Founder and Leader of the Glorious Word Ministry International on Friday stated in a radio interview that God revealed to him that President Mahama will die this year but the impending calamity could be averted if the entire nation, and most especially the President, sought God’s help through prayers.

According to him, the revelation came to him on the night of December 31, 2012 and he announced it at the Church’s end of year service. He however bemoaned his inability to meet the President and inform him about the dark cloud hanging over his head and the necessary steps to be taken to avert the looming disaster.

“I have not been able to meet the President and inform him. A similar thing happened when I prophesied about the late President Mills, but they turned me away,” he said.

But some other celebrated men of God are unhappy about the Prophet’s claims.

Days after his revelation, the General Overseer of the Action Faith Chapel International in Accra Archbishop Nicholas Duncan Williams, in a terse language, chided Pastors who make doomsday prophecies against sitting Presidents saying some of the prophecies churned out by some pastors are borne out of greed and selfish aims and also don’t come from God.

Without any direct reference to any Pastor, Arch Bishop Duncan Williams warned that: “The thing that you must always look out for when you see all these prophets prophesying all kinds of doom on the internet against the President…is to ask yourself does [the Prophet] have honour, credibility, character and integrity? “Where did he come from? Who trained him? How long has he been on the scene? Who laid hands on him? Whose product is he? At whose feet did he study? Who groomed him? Who covered him? Who was his teacher? Who taught him?”

Another powerful man of God, the General Overseer and Resident Pastor of the World Miracle International Church, Bishop Charles Agyin-Asare, speaking on the issue, described as “pastorally and scripturally unethical” the renowned Prophet’s option of using the media to air his alleged prophesy saying “This is a message designed to create panic and despair.”

To him, Prophet Owusu Bempah should have used an appropriate channel to reach out to the Presidency by either consulting with the Presidency or the Spiritual leader of the President before going public.

He therefore prayed for long life for President Mahama in order to nullify the prophecy.

“By the authority vested in me as a Prophet and an Apostle to the nations, and also as one of the Spiritual watchmen at the gates of this nation and with the authority of heaven behind me, I declare that the president John Dramani Mahama will not die a premature death before his time, but he will live to declare the works of God.

“As an Apostle and a Prophet of God, I neutralize anything prophesied against the President, spoken against him, invoked against him, any psychic commands and demands, any agreement of witches and wizards and I decree that the counsel of the Lord alone concerning him that shall stand according to my word.”

Obviously riled by the criticisms from his colleague men of God, Rev. Owusu-Bempah, in an interview on PeaceFM during the station’s Midday Bulletin, retorted that Bishop Agyin Asare is ‘ignorant of what the Bible says’.

He indicated that had the man of God critically studied the Bible and how God truly works, he would not have made such pronouncements.

“When the deaths of former President Mills and Aliu Mahama occurred, these same people accused me of delaying in coming out with that prophecy, so why should he condemn it when I have come out to say it...they are not Prophets and so they should keep quiet - God spoke to me by revelation and that is what I voiced out...” Rev. Owusu-Bempah said.

He continued; “What does he mean by ‘it is not scriptural’? He is not making sense at all; it is absurd…Should we not pray if God has revealed to redeem? What will be my benefit if the President dies?...I don’t understand why the issue is being politicised. I will not listen to what they are saying because they are not spiritual people. I will continue to pray for the country...” adding that members of his church are already fasting and praying; seeking the face of God to avert the prophecy from coming to pass.

However, in a rather sharp riposte on the same PeaceFM platform, Rev Dr Wengham, who also doubles as Campus Pastor of the Assemblies of God Campus Ministry, University of Ghana Legon, President’s Nominee to the Ghana Prisons Council and CitiFM’s Resident Pastor, entreated Ghanaians to condemn “this populist way of trying to gain popularity.”

“He is not the only man of God in this country. We all pray for the nation and we’ve not seen anything like that, we’ve not sensed anything like that. So, I want to tell Ghanaians on authority that it is a false prophecy. They should disregard it,” he said.

According to him, the prophecy could cause “fear and panic” in the country adding that some men of God use the cloak of “religion and the bible” to “misbehave.”

“What he said can cause fear and panic in the country. Some can hide behind religion and the bible and then misbehave. What he did is not sound; it’s against the laws of the land. So, National Security should invite [him]…it will serve us a deterrent to any other person…the law of the land should take its course,” he asserted.

Whiles describing Rev. Owusu Bempah as a “false Prophet” since his prophecy about the outcome of the 2012 elections misfired, he however implored Ghanaians to pray for the life of President Mahama.

Source: peacefmonline

Pitroipa: “I will continue to fight”

The Stallions of Burkina Faso were beaten 1-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations 2013 final by Nigeria, but prefer to recall their superb South African campaign as they bid farewell to the continental tournament.

Paul Put’s men remained unbeaten until the final, only falling to the Super Eagles by the smallest of margins and only conceding three goals throughout the whole competition.

The Belgian technician paid homage to his players for their incredible team effort.

“Burkina have grown up through this competition.  I am proud of my players.  We did the best we could and that we have to accept,” stated Put to RFI after the match.

As per their coach, the Stallions have graciously accepted their defeat, admitting the superiority of the Nigerians on Sunday at Soccer City.

“Perhaps we lacked a bit of conviction in our game.  In the first half we were tense.  We wanted to defend, we wanted to attack and we didn’t know how Nigeria were going to play (…)  We hadn’t dreamt of getting to this stage of the competition.  We have to congratulate Nigeria for their mentality and their game,” admitted Charles Kaboré, one of the best Burkina Faso players of this Afcon 2013.

And their second place, undreamt of at kick-off of the tournament, represents a huge source of motivation for them.

“I think that what is happening to us, despite the defeat, is a good thing for the team.  I’m going to continue to work to progress because I believe that I can do even better.  I’m not going to give up, I will continue to fight,” promised Jonathan Pitroipa, elected best player of the South African Africa Cup.

So now it is with a feeling of mission accomplished and full of confidence that the Stallions’ camp have turned their eyes towards Brazil.

“The road ahead is still long, but it is very satisfying for a coach to see that the work put in over all these months has finally paid off.

“Now we have four matches left to qualify for the upcoming World Cup and this second place gives us a bit of confidence,” assured Paul Put.

The players and coaching staff of Burkina Faso are expected in Ouagadougou this Monday, where an exceptional welcome awaits them.

source: mtnfootball.com

Coach Stephen Keshi resigns...

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has resigned from his job after leading the Super Eagles to their first Africa Nations Cup triumph in 19 years, but says he is waiting for the Federation's response.

Speaking to a popular South African radio show on Monday evening, Keshi explained that he handed in his resignation letter after the Cup Final on Sunday night.

"I gave them (NFF) my letter of resignation immediately after last night's game, but I haven't heard from them yet," Keshi told Metro FM on Monday night.

The statement sent shockwaves across social media platforms, with many fans on twitter saying how surprised they were to hear this.
MTNFootball is currently chasing the Nigeria Fotball Federation (NFF) to hear their side of the story and what their response will be.

Eagles spokesman Ben Alaiya told MTNFootball.com: "I don't have such an information."
While another top NFF official categorically denied that Keshi has quit, insisting that it is just a rumour.
source:mtnfootball.com

Is Hydrogen Peroxide Teeth Whitening Safe?

There are many things that you can do to contribute to your appearance, and one of them is ensuring that your smile is beautiful. Many people who smoke, neglect to brush their teeth, and eat lots of unhealthy foods often end up with rotten, dirty, or stained teeth.

There are many things that you can do to contribute to your appearance, and one of them is ensuring that your smile is beautiful. Many people who smoke, neglect to brush their teeth, and eat lots of unhealthy foods often end up with rotten, dirty, or stained teeth. Keeping your teeth in good shape is a vital part of keeping your level of appearance high, and you will find that caring for your teeth only involves making a few simple changes in your daily habits. Taking the time to look into ways to care for your teeth is a good way to show that you care about your appearance.

One of the methods that you can use to care for your teeth is by whitening them. Stained or discolored teeth can be fairly unpleasant, but keeping your teeth white can help to improve your overall appearance. If you want to ensure that your teeth are kept in good condition, teeth whitening is something that you should definitely look into. Not only can you keep your smile bright, but you can help to keep your teeth healthy through regular whitening.

One of the most common methods of teeth whitening is through the use of Hydrogen Peroxide. Many people wonder about whether or not hydrogen peroxide is considered safe to use, so they neglect to use it to whiten their teeth. If you want to find cheap and easy ways to keep your teeth white, you should definitely read on to find out about how you can use hydrogen peroxide to keep your teeth in good shape.

What is Hydrogen Peroxide Teeth Whitening?

Hydrogen Peroxide is actually an acid, though it is a weak one. Most dentists use hydrogen peroxide as a bleaching agent, and it can also be used to help kill germs that cause sore throats or to cleanse wounds. Hydrogen peroxide uses the acid to bleach the germs that discolor teeth, which is what causes the teeth to appear so white. You can easily find hydrogen peroxide for bleaching your teeth at nearly any pharmacy or drugstore, and it can be purchased as an over the counter treatment for keeping your teeth sparkling and white.

How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide Teeth Whitening:

Using hydrogen peroxide for bleaching is one of the best and safest ways to bleach your teeth, and you will find that most bleaching treatments actually utilize hydrogen peroxide as one of the main ingredients. Most dentists have been using hydrogen peroxide safely and habitually for decades, and it has been proven to be one of the most effective methods of keeping your teeth white. Usually dentists use a solution that contains between 2% and 10% to ensure that the hydrogen peroxide bleaches the teeth in a safe and effective way.

If you want to create a solution that you can use at home, you will need to buy some hydrogen peroxide bleaching agent. Rinsing your mouth with a solution of hydrogen peroxide helps to both kill the germs and bleach your teeth, which is why many dentists recommend it as a method of safely bleaching your teeth at home. If you use a solution that has three to five perfect hydrogen peroxide, you will find that you can get your teeth white with only a minimal amount of effort. By rinsing your mouth with this hydrogen peroxide and water solution every day, you can keep your teeth very white without the need to go visit your dentist to get your teeth whitened.

The American Dental Association has officially stated that using hydrogen peroxide to help whiten your teeth is a safe treatment. Using this hydrogen peroxide solution to rinse your mouth is a great way to keep your pearly white sparkling, and you can use the solution in conjunction with at home mouth whitening strips or a home teeth whitening kit to ensure maximum efficacy. You will find that using this hydrogen peroxide solution can be a cheap method of whitening your teeth, as a bottle of hydrogen peroxide is far cheaper than any home whitening kit, much less a trip to the dentist for whitening.

The downside to using hydrogen peroxide to whiten your teeth is mainly due to the fact that the hydrogen peroxide is an acid. Many people who have sensitive gums find that their gums get swollen or inflamed due to the acid in the hydrogen peroxide.

The downside to using hydrogen peroxide to whiten your teeth is mainly due to the fact that the hydrogen peroxide is an acid. Many people who have sensitive gums find that their gums get swollen or inflamed due to the acid in the hydrogen peroxide. If you feel that your gums are hurting as you rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide every day, you may be making the solution too concentrated and adding too much hydrogen peroxide. You should also consult a dentist to see if the acid in the hydrogen peroxide is irritating your gums too much, and your dentist can tell you if you should stop the home whitening treatment or not.

Despite this single downside, using hydrogen peroxide as a teeth whitening solution is 100% safe. The hydrogen peroxide solution that you mix with water has enough water to dilute the acid, making it safe to use in your mouth. You will find that this is one of the best and cheapest methods of whitening your teeth at home, and you can save yourself a good deal of money by using this simple trick for whitening your teeth.

If you want to get your teeth in good shape, then make sure to use teeth whitening to get your pearly whites sparkling. You will find that Hydrogen Peroxide Teeth Whitening is a safe and effective method of keeping your teeth white, and you will be able to have beautiful teeth to complement a beautiful appearance.

source: healthierpost.com

Father in custody for defiling daughter

The Agona Swedru Circuit Court presided over by N.K.E. Osam has remanded a 38-year-old machine operator into custody on charges of incest and defilement.

Nana Evans Acquah, who pleaded not guilty, was ordered to reappear before the court on February 28, 2013.

Police arrested the suspect for allegedly defiling his 14-year-old daughter.

The suspect, who resides at Woraba Estate, a suburb of Agona Swedru, is reported to have defiled his daughter (name withheld), a primary four pupil, on a number of occasions when she visited him to collect money for school.

The victim is said to be residing with her mother at Desuenim, also in Swedru.

Swedru Divisional Police Crime Officer Deputy Superintendent Kennedy Edusei said the victim claimed that her father had been defiling her since August 2012.

He reported that the victim said her father often defiled her in the room after giving her GHc2 as upkeep money for school.

Mr Edusei said on January 27, 2013, the victim, who was bleeding profusely, fell sick and was taken to the Swedru Government Hospital for medical attention by her mother, Madam Grace Appiah.

He said it was after examination by the medical officer that it was detected that the victim had been defiled several times with bruises around her private parts.

Mr Edusei explained that upon interrogation, the victim claimed that her father had defiled her on three occasions since August, 2012 anytime she visited him to collect money and that he had subsequently warned her not to mention it to anybody else lest he scold her.

He explained that due to her father’s threat, the victim had been afraid to inform anybody about her ordeal, even her mother.

The Crime Officer said the suspect denied the allegations in his caution statement to the police.

He further stated that the suspect would be charged with incest and defilement and put before court. 

source: Daily Graphic 

Becca & M.I at it again…another hit collaboration?

Becca is back in the studio with Nigerian rapper M.I. Both worked together on the song ‘No Away’, which did relatively well last year.

The two musicians have been spending some studio sessions at M.I’s Loopy Music Studious lately, ostensibly to churn out another potential hit.

M.I becomes the second Nigerian mainstream artiste Becca is working with in recent times after 2Face, who featured on her ‘Bad Man Bad Girl’ song.

Both acts are hopeful the upcoming song will be a good material enough to guarantee heavy rotation across the continent.

After a not-so-impressive year last year, Becca looks all set for a grand comeback.

Source: enewsgh

Pratt: Blame gov't departments and agencies for Load-Shedding

Managing Editor of The Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt, believes aside outmoded equipment, losses incurred in transporting and distributing electricity efficiently, the current power rationing by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) can also be attributed to government agencies and departments owing the utility provider whooping sums of monies.
According to Kwesi Pratt who was speaking on Peace FM, government agencies and departments owe the ECG nearly two hundred and thirty million cedis (230million).
“ECG must tell us the truth. Government departments and agencies owe ECG an amount of two hundred and thirty million (230million) new Ghana cedis. Why must Government agencies and departments owe ECG such an amount of money?” he queried.
“If you look closely at their budgets, they (Government and Agencies) allocate utilities bills in their budgets and government pays for it. So I don’t know why they refuse to pay the amount of money they owe ECG. Where does the money given to them go to? This is the case of misapplication of funds,” he bemoaned.
The seasoned journalist stressed that until both the ECG and VRA open up to Ghanaians about the real situation on the ground, the country will continue to experience load-shedding.
“ECG doesn’t have the financial resources to operate. They (ECG) even don’t have money to import crude oil for the Volta River Authority (VRA) to operate. We will continue to experience this power rationing if both ECG and VRA do not tell us the truth and continue to allocate blame on the West Africa Gas Pipe Line,” he said.
The country is experiencing a shortfall in power production and distribution as a result of a cut in supply of gas from WAPCo.
The pipeline, according to WAPCo, had experienced a loss of pressure around the Lome, Togo segment after it was damaged by the anchor of an unidentified vessel.
Mr Pratt however believes the supply of power to the Volta Aluminum Company Limited (VALCO), despite its mounting debts is a contributory factor.
"VALCO cannot even pay their debt yet government wants to supply them with electricity. They cannot afford their own production so why must the government supply them with electricity. What is wrong with us?" he asked.
According to Mr. Pratt, due to the colossal amount of money which is supposed to be paid to the ECG by these MDA’s and VALCO, it has led to the inability of the ECG to operate efficiently.
"They keep giving us false hopes of power supply....a report by the World Bank states that Ghana’s crude oil importation debt has risen to 555 million dollars and this is being pushed on Ghanaians through tariffs increment....the consumers are being asked to pay for the inefficiencies of government agencies," Mr Pratt said.

Source: peacefmonline

Mahama's death prophesy was to create fear and despair—Agyin Asare

The Presiding Bishop of the Word Miracle Church International has declared that “President Mahama will not die a premature death” as prophesied by the founder and leader of the Glorious Word Ministry International, Rev Isaac Owusu Bempah.
Bishop Charles Agyin-Asare has also described as “pastorally and scripturally unethical”, Rev Owusu Bempah’s recourse to the media with his alleged prophesy.
At a sermon on Sunday February 10 at the Perez Dome of the Word Miracle Church in Accra, Bishop Charles Agyin Asare told his congregation that the sole purpose of Rev. Owusu Bempah’s prophesies was “to create panic and despair”.
He said: “By the authority vested in me as a prophet and an apostle to the nations and also as one of the spiritual watchmen at the gates of this nation and with the authority of heaven behind me, I declare that President John Mahama will not die a premature death before his time but he will live to declare the works of God”.
Rev Owusu Bempah last week revealed on private radio station Adom FM that President Mahama will die this year unless the President and his advisers took steps to reverse it.
He said the President and the people around him should take to prayers to reverse the revelation which he claimed he received from God on the night of December 31, 2012 and subsequently announced at the Church’s end of year service.
Rev Owusu Bempah claimed several attempts to get to the President to warn him have been stifled. “I have not been able to meet the President and inform him”, he said adding: “A similar thing happened when I prophesied about the late President Mills, but they turned me away.”
However Bishop Charles Agyin-Asare said: “In the bible when God told Isaiah to go to King Ezekiah to tell him he will die, he went to him not, stand in the Temple,” suggesting: “If this said minister was not gaining access to the President because of protocol, he should have gone to see the President’s pastor who would have led him to the President,”
He added that “the only time prophets went to town with their prophesy was when the King refused to repent”.
Beside the doomsday prophesy concerning late President Mills’, Rev Owusu Bempah is also claimed to have prophesied the death of late former Vice President Aliu Mahama.
He also purportedly foresaw the crashing of a plane in Ghana last year just before the accident happened and killed ten people near the El-Wak stadium close to the Kotoka International Airport.
Bishop Agyin Asare however said: “God has not called us to prophesy the death of people but to give them life and to intercede for them”, adding “We should not pride ourselves that we are prophesying the death of people”, saying: “As an Apostle and a Prophet of God, I neutralize anything prophesied against the President, spoken against him, invoked against him, any psychic commands and demands and any agreements of witches and wizards and I decree that the counsel of the Lord alone concerning him that shall stand”.
Bishop Agyin Asare urged Rev Owusu Bempah “to be a man of God” and “preach the word”.
Beside the prophesied death of the President, Rev Owusu Bempah has also predicted that the main opposition NPP will win the election fraud petition filed by the party’s 2012 Flagbearer Nana Akufo Addo and two others who are currently challenging the 2012 election results at the Supreme Court.

source:radioxyzonline.com

Illegal Chinese miner shoots three local youths

The police in Bekwai have arrested a Chinese illegal miner who is alleged to have shot and wounded three Ghanaians with an AK 47 assault rifle.

The suspect, Xia Gui Xiang, who was arrested five days ago, has been remanded in police custody pending further investigations. His victims, who were rushed to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, are receiving emergency medical care.

The victims - identified as Kofi Bobie, Kwame Kyerematen and Kwaku Manu - were said to have been shot when they joined others from Manso Abodom in the Amansie West District in the Ashanti Region who had entered the camp of the Chinese, who was mining illegally on Finger Mining Limited's concession.

Another Chinese and two Ghanaians who were part of the group operating with Xiang have also been arrested for illegally mining on the same concession. The three, whose names were not immediately provided, have already been granted police enquiry bail, pending further investigations into their case.

The Chinese were alleged to have been mining illegally in the concessional area of Finger Mining limited, a small-scale mining company with legal rights for almost a year; a situation said to have created tension in the Abodom community and its environs.

Briefing journalists about the arrest, the Bekwai Divisional Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Kwasi Akomea-Apraku, said the youth from Abodom had, on Tuesday February 5, 2013, gathered at their chief's palace, complaining about the rate at which the Chinese had been mining illegally in the area.

He said the youth also alleged that the chief of the community had collected money from the Chinese and allowed them to operate illegally in their environment.

Mr Akomea-Apraku said from the chief's palace, they marched to the camp of the Chinese and allegedly started looting, taking away gold ore, black gold and some amount of money.

According to Chief Superintendent Akomea-Apraku, as the youth continued to ransack the camp, the Chinese alerted Xiang who was not at the camp at that time.

He said as soon as Xiang was notified about the presence of the youth in their camp, he quickly rushed there and fired at the youth, seriously injuring three of them.

Expressing concern about the situation, Chief Superintendent Akomea-Apraku urged the youth not to take the law into their hands, but always be mindful of collaborating with the law enforcement agencies any time they were aggrieved.

He said notwithstanding the circumstances leading to the shooting, the police would speed up their investigations and prosecute those found to have breached the law.

source: Daily Graphic

Armed robbers attack Kasoa new market

Traders at the Kasoa new market have appealed to Awutu-Senya East Member of Parliament (MP) and Awutu-Senya District Security Council to beef up security at the facility to stop rampant attacks by armed robbers.
The market women who made the appeal when Mrs Mavis Hawa Koomson, the MP interacted with them at the weekend said, almost every day the armed robbers attack and rob them of their monies and other valuables.
The situation compelled them to end their business activities at 1800 hours to prevent the robberies.
The District Assembly was also asked to remove traders operating at the old market to the new site to help boost business activities.
The market women also called on the Assembly to improve the lighting system in the market to increase security.
Mrs Koomson assured the traders that she was in contact with Kasoa Police Command to beef up security at the market.
The MP said she has also contacted Awutu-the District Assembly to eject traders doing business at unauthorised places to move to the market.
She advised the market women to form co-operatives to enable them secure financial assistance from the banks to improve their businesses.
Mrs Koomson said the Assembly is erecting big sheds at the market for traders who cannot afford to pay GH¢700.00 to acquire stalls.
She said she had presented a generator plant to Kasoa Prisons in fulfillment of her campaign promises and promised an ambulance to Kasoa Health Centre.

source: GNA

Yobo lifts AFCON crown for Nigeria

Nigeria skipper Joseph Yobo has said it was a dream come true to crown his last AFCON with his first international trophy.

Yobo made his AFCON debut in 2002, where the Eagles finished third in Mali. He also featured in the competition in 2004, 2006 (third place medal), 2008 (quarterfinal) and 2010 (third place).

The 32-year-old Yobo had a limited game time at the Nations Cup in South Africa after he lost his first-team place to youngster Kenneth Omeruo.

“This is a dream come true. I have been around for 11, 12 years. This was my sixth AFCON and I have said this would be my last. Not because I can no longer play anymore, but I have given my international career a lot of time,” Yobo, who holds the record international appearance for Nigeria with 94 caps.

“I’m short of words because this is a massive achievement in my national team career.

“I’m very delighted. I feel so blessed. I’m so grateful to God for answering my prayers.”

Yobo has attributed Nigeria’s long-awaited triumph to the stronger unity in the squad.

“Unity has not been that strong in the previous squads but it is a lot stronger in this squad,” he said.

Coach Stephen Keshi, who has been under pressure to win in South Africa, has dedicated the victory to local coaches in Africa.

Brazilian Otto Gloria and Dutchman Clemens Westerhof led Nigeria to win their first two Nations Cups in 1980 and 1994, respectively.

source: mtnfootball.com

AKWASI APPIAH SHOULD BE MAINTAINED!

As the popular dictum says; “Rome was not built in a day” so it is with football and Spain has  been an explicit example of grooming talents from the academical through the clubs  then to the senior national team the La Rojas of Spain.

It took some years to rebuild to have almost all the players from both Barcelona and Real Madrid to showcase such spectrum of world class sexy and romantic football that would glue every spectator to his seat barring no additional time aside the stipulated minutes required in a normal game. This step has yielded the country and the clubs some European trophies for some years now.

Every country which participated in 2013 AFCON hosted in South Africa did not purpose to be by-standers rather to strive hard to make history as far as Africa football is concerned. If Ghana once again in the repeat of 2012 Equatorial Guinea and Gabon AFCON has lost 3-1 to the Eagles of Mali in the third and fourth place, must it call for Coach James Akwasi Appiah’s sack?

For one reason football fellows  would turn a blind eye to  Mali’s defeat  as they still have not work up from the Burkina Fasos’ shocking sleeping  trauma.

Even though his predecessors more or less achieved the same, he should be maintained to continue the rebuilding of the team to attain its past glories and rightful place in the football arena.

Akwasi Appiah’s disappointments in his first Nations Cup tourney as a head coach must not serve as chewing stick in the mouth of some Ghanaians advocating and crucifying for his sack as the technical handler of the team.

Yes, the graduate Black Stars player now a coach, James Akwasi Appiah assured Ghanaians that his team comprised of some few old folks with ten new players unacquainted to Nations’ Cup fiesta would break the 31 drought by winning the crown for the fifth time for mother Ghana but this must not be used as a yard stick to crucify him.

The former ex Black Stars and Kumasi Asante Kotoko captain Coach James Appiah was optimistic but lest we forget that they ways of men are not equally of God and football has a reach a spectrum where regardless of form guide surprises could spring up.

For instance, Cote d’lvoire had their fate and hope painted gloom after been booted out in the quarter final when the lost 2-1 to the Super Eagles of Nigeria who unfortunately lost to the stallion of Burkina Faso in the grand finale played at the Soccer City in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Again Ethiopia played a very attractive football before existing from the group stages, however earned the accolade the ‘Barcelona of Africa’.

For the sake of the 2014 Brazil World Cup qualification that will continue next month, Coach James Akwasi Appiah should at the least be given the benefit of the doubt to build upon the new generation of stars since an immediate quest for a new coach could even make matters worse.

Ghana enjoyed a smooth ride from the group stages through to the quarter-final until they met a well united force no nonsense stallions of Burkina Faso in the semi finals and Mali in the third and fourth place whereby the stars lost 3-1 convincingly to the Malians. It appeared that Burkina Faso and Mali were too good for the Black stars in the just ended competition.

The fact Ghana lost the match to Burkina Faso due to technical bankruptcy because Kwesi Appiah lacks substitution technique as a coach, have really exposed the cracks or fragments within in the cement which needs to be either cemented or patched.

When the nation was employing him were we aware of  his caliber? Kwesi Appiah in nothing at all has added national pride as a local coach to the team. It is about we stop blaming the coaches likewise the players when management have not done their work.

In any way the FA must account for the budget they sent to the tournament and the hearts of Ghanaians at risk.

As an African, kudos to the Green Eagles of Nigeria for lifting the 29th edition of AFCON 2013 as their trophy hosted in South Africa after securing 1-0 victory over the stallions of Burkina Faso at the 90,000 capacity soccer city in Johannesburg.

In reality Coach Stephen Keshi has done well for been the second man as a player and a coach to win the AFCON title and for that matter upcoming coaches and present ones must emulate him.

 Ebenezer Zor

zorebenezer.blogspot.com

South Africa all not lost!

It was worrying and tearful to see the host nation South Africa been booted out of the ongoing Afcon 2013 championship.

The Bafana Bafana of South Africa having not won the title since 1996 lost 1-3 on penalties after a pulsating extra time 1-1 drawn game against the eagles of Mali played in the quarter-final played in Durban some days ago.

South Africa touted as one of the favorites’ to upset the apple cart right did not had it right in their first group opener game but later silenced critics in their subsequent games.

I believe there is so much the team put together but Coach Gordon Igesund could offer to the African and world football in the years to come if maintained.

All the same let’s pray that although out, South Africa and its environs would troop into the stadium to catch a glimpse of other matches so that the tickets do not go down the drain.

By Ebenezer Zor

Burkina relishing role of final underdogs, says coach

Burkina Faso coach Paul Put

Burkina Faso coach Paul Put, whose team face Nigeria in their first appearance in an African Nations Cup final, says he is relishing their role as underdogs against one of the continent's footballing powerhouses.

While Nigeria are taking part in their seventh final and bidding to become African champions for the third time, the Burkinabe - who began the tournanment as outsiders and without a win in the competition since 1998 - have defied the odds to reach Sunday's showdown in front of an expected crowd of 90,000 at Soccer City.

"We are looking forward to facing one of the biggest footballing nations in Africa with so many top players in their team," the 56-year-old Belgian told reporters at his pre-match briefing on Saturday.

"We are the underdogs, so for us it is already a victory to be in the final, and anything can happen in football, as we know."

Burkina Faso began their surprising run with a 1-1 draw against Nigeria in their opening group match in Nelspruit nearly three weeks ago, before another draw with outgoing champions Zambia and that long-awaited African Nations Cup win, over Ethiopia, put them in the last eight. Victories over Togo and Ghana followed to take them to the final.

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi said at his pre-match briefing that having played each other already was beneficial to his preparations for the final, but Put said the two games could not be compared.

"I think we have to be honest," he said. "We have seen a big progression in the Nigeria team since that first game, but also our team as well has improved. I think we have matured since that first game - but the final will still be very tough. The two games won't have much in common."

One bonus for Put and his squad was the decision taken on Friday by officials from CAF, the Confederation of African Football, to overturn the red card shown to Jonathan Pitroipa in the semi-final against Ghana, clearing the way for the winger to take his place in the final.

Earlier, Keshi said he welcomed CAF's decision to rescind the red card - after referee Slim Jdidi admitted he mistakenly gave Pitroipa a second yellow against Ghana - and Put said he was delighted as well.

"Naturally we were very happy that CAF made that decision," he said. "It's great for the squad and it's good for the spectators to see the best players in the final - and it's right that he should play, as he did nothhing wrong."

Last year Zambia defied the odds to beat Ivory Coast in the final and win their first African title, and Put was not discounting his own team's chances of emulating Zambia's surprise triumph.

"We have worked very hard, I trust this group," he said. "They are very comfortable with the system we play and we have got some very good players who have demonstrated the will and the spirit to win. Nigeria are the favourites, but they have not won the title yet."

source: goalzz.com

AFCON prepares for Pitroipa's second coming

Jonathan Pitroipa heads into Sundays 2013 AFCON final seeking a fairytale end

Jonathan Pitroipa heads into Sundays 2013 Africa Cup of Nations final seeking a fairytale ending after an emotional last four days for him at the tournament.

The 26-year-old Burkina Faso midfielder, who was suspended for Sunday’s final against The Super Eagles, has had his ban expunged by CAF.

Pitroipa was sent off in 117th minute for a second bookable offence in Burkina Faso's dramatic 3-2 post-match penalty semifinal win over Ghana, that saw The Stallions reach their debut Africa Nations Cup final in nine attempts.

It is not very often at the Africa Cup that a sending off evokes such a massive backlash as did Pitroipia's dismissal, after referee Slim Jdidi of Tunisia sent him off despite a clear penalty in his favour.

The decision sent Burkina Faso and their coach Paul Put reeling. At that point they were without two of their star players after striker Alain Traore had pulled out of the tournament due to injury.

"He is a very important player for Burkina Faso and I think and hope CAF will look at the video and revised this decision," Put said at the end of that game.

Back in Burkina Faso, the result resonated with a mixture of joy and pain.

In the Central Eastern city of Tenodogo a 47-year-old man Drissa Diao reportedly collapsed and died in front the TV after Pitroipa was sent off.

Just 48 hours later, CAF rescinded the decision and indefinitely suspended Jdidi who admitted that he made a poor judgment call.

"The entire team and country is very, very happy with CAF's decision," Burkina Faso's media officer Gabriel Nacoulma Barrois said after the verdict.

Pitroipa's return also puts him as an emotional front runner for the 2013 Africa Player of the Year.

The striker from French club Stade Rennes had lurked in the shadows of Traore during the group stages in what eventually turned out to be his most successful tournament since making his debut in Angola in 2010.

However, Pitroipa showed signs of things to come in Burkina Faso's penultimate Group C game against Ethiopia that The Stallions won 4-0.

Pitroipa set up Traore for his second goal on the day and was instrumental in the third scored by captain Charles Kabore, before finding the target himself in stoppage time.

He capped his man-of-the-match performance with a spectacular finish with the fourth goal deep into injury time to see Burkina Faso win 4-0.

Pitroipa looked subdued against Zambia in the scoreless draw probably trying to adjust after Traore was taken off just seven minutes into the game with an injury that would eventually rule him out of the entire tournament.

However, Pitroipa turned on the style in the quarterfinals against an Emmanuel Adebayor-inspired Togo to score an extra-time goal that would eventually seal Burkina Faso’s semifinal spot.

And so on Sunday, Africa braces for another intriguing final as Pitroipa tries to steal the show for all the right reasons as Burkina Faso aim to continue where Zambia left off in pursuit of another underdog triump

source: mtnfootball.com

Mali take home the bronze

Mali claimed third place in the 2013 African Cup of Nations when they defeated Ghana 3-1 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, while Mubarak Wakaso missed a penalty.

Mamadou Samassa handed the Mali the lead going into the break, before Seydou Keita and Sigamarry Diarra took advantage of a lackluster Ghanaian performance, which saw Kwadwo Asamoah pull one back late on.

The fixture not only represented a battle for the bronze medal but it was also a battle of pride between Ghana and Mali, having faced each other at this stage of the 2012 African Cup of Nations.

Mali came out 2-1 victors in that encounter, therefore, urging Ghana to come out with their guns blazing and reclaim the pride taken from them in their semi-final elimination at the hands of Burkina Faso.

Both coaches opted to make several changes to their line-up, with the game getting underway to a slower start than anticipated.

Even though Ghana were still the favourites to finish third, they continued to fail in meeting the expectations of the fans when the Eagles took the lead in the 21st minute.

Adama Tamboura did well to tuck in field and supply a cross from the left wing which accurately met the head of Mamadou Samassa who directed it into the back of the net.

Ghana did try their luck from range, ten minutes later, when Mubarak Wakaso struck an effort from 25-yards out but it was well dealt with by Soumbeila Diakite in goal.

Two minutes before the break, Chievo striker nearly added a second goal to his name when he got in front of Isaac Vorsah and Diakite to unleash the ball at goal, but his effort struck the upright and rebounded out of play.

Ghana looked as if they were ready to return home and they further confirmed it when they found themselves 2-0 down when the Black Stars’ defence was left exposed again.

This time it was by Seydou Keita who burst into the box and struck home a cross supplied to him from Ousame Coulibaly, just four minutes into the second half.

Moments of attack were few and far between for The Black Stars and they were handed an opportunity to pull a goal back on a silver platter when the referee blew for a penalty after the ball connected with Coulibaly’s hand.

Wakaso stood up to take his third penalty in as many games for Ghana but he skied his 58th minute spot-kick by flinging it over the crossbar.

Eight minutes later, Diakite was tested again when Asamoah Gyan curled in a great free-kick, but the shot-stopper did well to get a hand to the effort and curl it around the post.

Despite a worrying moment in defence for Mali they were back on the other end of the field attacking.

During the halfway point of the second 45, Keita had the ball in the back of the net once again, only for it to flagged for offside and keeping the scoreline at 2-0.

Suddenly, there was something to play for in when Kwadwo Asamoah stunned the crowd with his effort from outside the box, lining up an interesting final eight minutes to the encounter.

However, it deservedly went in favour of the Malians, who added a third goal in stoppage time when Sigamarry Diarra volleyed home a looping ball over the Ghanaian defence. 

source: mtnfootball.com

GFA has failed Ghana.

President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Mr. Kwesi Nyantekyi, and his GFA allies, have succeeded breaking the nation’s heart again, as Ghanaians scattered all over the world, went to bed grieving, gnashing teeth and without appetite for food.
The seemingly starless Stars, led by big brother, James Kwesi Appiah, a graduate Black Star as a coach, were nearly trampled upon by a team-run-berserk from neighbouring Burkina Faso, who call themselves the Stallion, and indeed, ran and performed football deeds like the real male horses:
An act that reduced the Asamoah Gyan-captained Ghanaian side to giant-chasing pigmies trapped in an evil forest; with the Stars’ captain himself worse than scare-crow, even at the opponent goal-mouth with only the goal-tender to beat. It was the marauding raid of Bance, an on-the-heat male horse, buoyed on by antics of another, Jonathan Pitroipa, that kept coach Kwesi Appiah on his seat’s edge, hitherto vociferous Ghanaians in the dilemma of tears or joy: But Coach Paul Put on the Burkina side on tenterhook, down by a controversial penalty goal through ‘benevolence’ of a Tunisian refree – which indeed was deservedly balanced by the Burkinabes.
Thank to the Ghana’s version of the two goalkeeping Daudas, who borrowed and effectively put to use the agility of the tabby cat; the Black Stars would have been buried under a avalanche of goals, unprecedented in the nation’s proud football history in recent time, save Bochum debacle’s 7-1 played on a mini-lake of a stadium in Germany to please the Bundeslegger whims. However, having succeeded destroying the local league, Nyantekyi and his allies have worked very hard to destroy the hope of Ghana lifting the Nations Cup after a 30+ year’s drought.
Apart from enriching themselves, Nyantekyi and his cronies have done nothing to place Ghana football on a solid footing.
According to information gathered, the bonuses that Nyantekyi and his cronies get, are heftier than what the players get.
Two days ago in South Africa, the Black Stars failed to impress in the match against Burkina Faso. An over-rated Black Stars team must have underestimated the pedigree of the Stallions, and paid dearly for it at the end of the day. Indeed, the performance put up by the Stars, was as bad as the pitch the match was played on.
In every sense of the word, the Black Stars played the worse match of the tournament and deserved to be kicked out by the Burkina Faso team which played a much more superior game.
On the day, Kwesi Appiah did not exhibit the best form of technical judgment and must also take full responsibility for the loss and possibly shown the exit.
What was the sense in playing Kwadwo Asamoah at the left back position when natural left-footed wingbacks were on the bench?
What was the sense in taking out Wakasu when it was obvious that the clock was ticking towards a penalty shootout?
In all honesty, the referee for the day did everything he could to ensure that the Black Stars won the match, but God was not prepared to allow the better team to lose.
Nigeria and Burkina Faso deserve to be in the finals, and it is anticipated that come Sunday, the Green Eagles and the Stallions will showcase the best of African football.
As for Nyantekyi and his extremely drub Black Stars, they will have to settle for the 3rd or 4th place and will most certainly arrive back in Ghana without any fanfare.

source: The Informer

MISSION TAEKWONDO INTERNATERNATIONAL ORGANIZES TAEKWONDO TEAM CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS

 By Ebenezer Zor

Mission Taekwondo International hosts the first ever Taekwondo Team Cup Championships in West Africa and the second in Africa on the 23^rd of March 2013 at the Sports Hall of the Accra Sports Stadium from 8.00am. This is an all play all [ 5 on 5 ] module newly introduced.

In a statement issued by the Ag Secretary-General Patrick Johnson, “Plans are far advanced and a total of 16 teams including teams from Togo, Benin, Nigeria and Cote d’voire are preparing determinedly for this all important debut. Seasoned International referees from Togo and Nigeria have been invited to assist.

This event promises to be very competitive and deserving teams would be awarded trophies, medals and certificates and that same vein the Ghana Taekwondo Association would also take the opportunity to outdoor the newly acquired state of the art electronic scoring system.

 The event follows the experience from the 1st ‘World Taekwondo Federation’ sponsored Team Cup championships held in Madagascar, November 2012, where the president of Mission Taekwondo International, Frederick Otu lartey officiated in the first match of the event, the motivation to organize the same in Ghana was conceived

Again it would be a platform for practitioners and officials in Ghana and around West Africa to have a first time feel of the new form as a two day seminar for officiating officials on the rules of the game would be organized by Frederick .O. lartey, founder and President of the Foundation.”

Ghana recharged to win AFCON bronze-Appiah

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah believes his team has recovered from their semi-final heartache to be ready to face Mali on Saturday.

The Black Stars flopped incredibly as they lost out to Burkina Faso 3-2 on penalties to end their dream of a final berth at the 2013 Nations Cup on Wednesday.

The defeat saw most of the players especially the ones in the twilight of their careers totally broken as they shed uncontrollable tears after the game on Wednesday.

The disappointment of the extension of the 31-year wait to win the Nations Cup title has flattened the mood in the Ghana camp and deflated the morale within its highly expectant supporters.

But coach Appiah says his boys have managed to pick themselves up from the massive disappointment and are looking to perform their best against Mali in the contest for third place.

"The first day after the semifinal, the players were really down," he said.

"I had a meeting with them and they themselves have had two or three meetings between them.

“This afternoon I had a last meeting with them and today they went to training singing, really motivated.

"I believe they will go out there tomorrow highly motivated and they will go out there tomorrow to perform their best.

Appiah also hailed the psychological resilience of the Black Stars team – saying the current crop are unique in their own way.

"This group of players is totally different,” he added.

“They love each other and when things aren't going well, they try to motivate each other."If you have a team that supports each other, it is always the best." 

source:mtnfootball.com