I am not ashamed of my daughter, I support her fully- Ebony's father to critics

Priscilla Opoku-Kwarteng, better known as Dancehall sensation Ebony, has certainly had her share of harsh criticisms for her outfits when she gets on stage.

The ‘Kupe’ hitmaker is well on her way to setting herself apart in the music industry, and carving a brand for herself obviously does not come without some negative opinions from the public.

However, all these critics of the musician's style have become irrelevant as Ebony’s biggest fan says he has no problem with her stage outfits. Nana Poku-Kwarteng, father of Ebony has said he sees nothing wrong with his daughter’s performance outfits.

“I am supportive of anything my daughter does and anything she wears. I am not ashamed as a father, the truth is that, I choose what she wears and I bless her before she goes out to perform. Some Ghanaians are hypocrites and I am sorry but I am not one of them,” Mr. Kwarteng said in an interview with Graphic Showbiz.

He stated that his daughter does not exude the supposed ‘bad girl’ image that is perceived when she is on stage. He explained he has no qualms with his daughter's fashion choices, as she is a Dancehall artiste hence her need to sell her music and her brand as is identified with the genre of music.

Mr. Kwarteng further noted that he gave his blessing to Ebony’s choice to go into music when he couldn’t convince her to remain in school. He said it was best that he gave the go-ahead else she would have found her own means to start her musical journey.

“We are so close that I gave her the go ahead when she told me she wanted to do music. Initially I questioned her decision because, she is a very intelligent girl and was doing extremely well in school and every parent will want his or her child to get to the top of the highest academic ladder. But she insisted music was what she wanted to do. Music is where her heart is and I gave her my blessings. I couldn’t have stopped her because these children are smart,” Mr. Kwarteng added.

Otabil must apologise to Ghanaian prophets - Owusu Bempah

It appears the controversy over Dr. Mensah Otabil’s ‘special offering’ notice has taken a different twist as founder and leader of Glorious Word Power Ministry International, Reverend Owusu Bempah, has rebuked the General Overseer of International Central Gospel Church for what he describes as double standards and has subsequently asked him to render an unqualified apology to Christians or face his wrath.

Dr. Otabil was slapped with a barrage of criticisms by a section of the public after a specific monetary offering notice which promises different rewards found its way on social media.

The notice promised “Millionaire Status” for anyone who gave an offering of $5,000 or GHC21,500. For “100% Life Improvement” believers would have to make an offering of $100 or GHC425.

Rev. Owusu Bempah in an interview on Okay FM could not fathom why Dr. Otabil, having described Christians who give huge sums of money as offering to prophets for breakthroughs as "fools", would now have such figures emanate from his camp.

"I am a pastor but I am not against offering. Not all prophets are tricksters and not all prophets are fake. There are true prophets out there. Just as there are prophets who deceive people; there are pastors who also deceive".

"I am surprised Mensah Otabil is engaging in this act. He is a pastor I respect so much but I am highly disappointed. He is the same person who said born again Christians are foolish people; they do not think. He said they continuously follow prophets who spend their money, yet do not perform the miracles they keep paying for" he noted.

According to Rev. Owusu Bempah, Dr. Otabil ought to apologise for the insults hurled at Christians.

“Unless Mensa Otabil tells me that he takes money collected in his church to heaven, we all use the monies collected in the church for God’s work, I am asking him to apologize to Ghanaian Christians and prophets by Monday, if not he will have me to contend with,” he stated.

Man City display against Tottenham 'better than any last season' - Pep Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says the display in Saturday's 3-0 friendly win over Tottenham was better than any his side produced last season.

John Stones, Raheem Sterling and Brahim Diaz scored as City dominated last season's Premier League runners-up.

"OK, it is pre-season, but we didn't have a performance last season of that quality and intensity," Guardiola said. City beat Real Madrid and lost to Manchester United in their other two International Champions Cup games.

Spurs' only win in the competition came against Paris St-Germain, with Saturday's defeat adding to a loss against Roma.

"They have invested more money than us and you can see we have a lot of young players on the bench," said Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, who is yet to add to his squad this summer.

"We are a little bit behind but we are working hard to try to sign players that will help us, bring us some new energy and make our team more competitive."

Spurs fell behind when Stones nodded in Kevin de Bruyne's deflected free-kick after 10 minutes in Nashville, USA.

Gabriel Jesus missed an open goal and Sergio Aguero twice hit the post, before City increased their lead with 17 minutes remaining when Sterling scampered clear to slide a low shot past Michel Vorm.

Spanish 17-year-old Diaz added a third in stoppage time after two shots had been blocked.

Ederson creates 'more space in the middle'

One feature of City's performance was the display of goalkeeper Ederson, who arrived from Benfica for £35m in June.

The Brazilian looked uncomfortable on his debut against Manchester United, but excelled against Real and made a series of fine saves against Spurs.

Furthermore, his ability to send goal-kicks into the opposition penalty area also caught the eye of former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss Guardiola.

"When I was at Bayern, I played a Champions League game against Benfica and we saw it four or five times," said the Spaniard. You cannot be offside so it creates a chance and we can have more space in the middle."

'Unbelievable Nasri has a decision to take'

Guardiola has signed six players already this summer and further changes to his squad are expected before the 31 August transfer deadline.

He remains interested in Monaco's 18-year-old France striker Kylian Mbappe and Arsenal and Chile forward Alexis Sanchez, and he also wants another central defender.

Players will leave, too. Strikers Wilfried Bony and Kelechi Ieahnacho have both been left at home in anticipation of moves, with Guardiola confirming he expects the latter to join Leicester.

Midfielder Samir Nasri impressed against Tottenham, with his manager praising the 30-year-old's "unbelievable ability" and "special quality" - but the former France international's future still remains unclear.

"He knows the situation, we have a lot of midfielders. That's a decision he has to take with his agent," said Guardiola when asked about the former Arsenal playmaker's chances of staying.

Sperm count drop 'could make humans extinct'

Humans could become extinct if sperm counts in men continue to fall at current rates, a doctor has warned.

Researchers assessing the results of nearly 200 studies say sperm counts among men from North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, seem to have halved in less than 40 years.

Some experts are sceptical of the Human Reproduction Update findings. Lead researcher Dr Hagai Levine said he was "very worried" about what might happen in the future.

The assessment, one of the largest ever undertaken, brings together the results of 185 studies between 1973 and 2011. Dr Levine, an epidemiologist, told the BBC that if the trend continued humans would become extinct.

Decline rate 'increasing'

"If we will not change the ways that we are living and the environment and the chemicals that we are exposed to, I am very worried about what will happen in the future," he said.

"Eventually we may have a problem, and with reproduction in general, and it may be the extinction of the human species." Scientists not involved in the study have praised the quality of the research but say that it may be premature to come to such a conclusion.

Dr Levine, from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, found a 52.4% decline in sperm concentration, and a 59.3% decline in total sperm count in men from North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

The study also indicates the rate of decline among men living in these countries is continuing and possibly even increasing.



Previous research 'flawed'

In contrast, no significant decline was seen in South America, Asia and Africa, but the researchers point out that far fewer studies have been conducted on these continents. However, Dr Levine is concerned that eventually sperm counts could fall in these places too.

Many previous studies have indicated similar sharp declines in sperm count in developed economies, but sceptics say that a large proportion of them have been flawed.

Some have investigated a relatively small number of men, or included only men who attend fertility clinics and are, in any case, more likely to have low sperm counts.

There is also concern that studies that claim to show a decline in sperm counts are more likely to get published in scientific journals than those that do not.

Another difficulty is that early methods of counting sperm may have overestimated the true count. Taken together these factors may have created a false view of falling sperm counts.

But the researchers claim to have accounted for some of these deficiencies, leaving some doubters, such as Prof Allan Pacey of Sheffield University, less sceptical. He said: "I've never been particularly convinced by the many studies published so far claiming that human sperm counts have declined in the recent past."

"However, the study today by Dr Levine and his colleagues deals head-on with many of the deficiencies of previous studies."

Smoking and obesity

But Prof Pacey believes that although the new study has reduced the possibility of errors it does not entirely remove them. So, he says, the results should be treated with caution.

"The debate has not yet been resolved and there is clearly much work still to be done.However, the paper does represent a step forward in the clarity of the data which might ultimately allow us to define better studies to examine this issue."

There is no clear evidence for the reason for this apparent decrease. But it has been linked with exposure to chemicals used in pesticides and plastics, obesity, smoking, stress, diet, and even watching too much TV.

Dr Levine says that there is an urgent need to find out why sperm counts are decreasing and to find ways of reversing the trend.

"We must take action - for example, better regulation of man-made chemicals - and we must continue our efforts on tackling smoking and obesity."

Sick Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez will return on Tuesday - Arsene Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger expects Alexis Sanchez to return to training on Tuesday after repeating his belief that the forward will stay at the club.

Sanchez was set to report back for pre-season on Sunday after his summer break, but has stayed away because of illness.

"He has flu, yes. I had him on text yesterday," said Wenger after Saturday's 5-2 win over Benfica.

"There's no development - he is staying, of course."

The striker posted a picture on Instagram on Friday with the one word caption 'sick.' He had been given permission to return to pre-season training late after helping Chile to the Confederations Cup final in Russia.

Sanchez, 28, is entering the final year of his Arsenal contract, as are Mesut Ozil, Kieran Gibbs, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere.

But Wenger, who signed a new two-year deal of his own in May, does not believe that uncertainty over their futures will have a negative impact on the squad.

"The players who have one year of their contract have to respect their contract and play out their contract," Wenger said.

"For a manager, it's a bit different because it concerns more what is the future of the club.

"The players were thinking, 'What's going on and what's happening?', so it creates uncertainty [with my contract] because it's a global policy.

"I am responsible for the global policy of the club but for the players it is different."

Arsenal impressed as they beat Benfica, with Theo Walcott scoring twice and Olivier Giroud and Alex Iwobi also on target while Lisandro Lopez scored an own goal.

Barcelona edge out Real Madrid in thrilling Clasico

Barcelona drew first blood against Real Madrid ahead of the new season with a 3-2 victory in a pulsating Clasico friendly on Saturday in Miami.

The historic rivals will meet again twice in August in the Spanish Super Cup and this International Champions Cup match set the entertainment bar high, with Gerard Pique's strike settling a fiercely contested clash.

Madrid were missing Cristiano Ronaldo, still on holiday, but both teams were close to full strength. Ernesto Valverde, getting a taste of Clasico drama early in his career as Barcelona manager, selected Neymar despite speculation swirling over the Brazilian's future at the club.

However, it was stalwart Lionel Messi who opened the scoring after just three minutes, beating Luka Modric and firing home, with his strike deflecting off Raphael Varane and beating Keylor Navas.

Barcelona were dominant and Ivan Rakitic doubled their lead with a powerful drive when Suarez helped force Neymar’s low cross to the Croatian midfielder on the edge of the box.

The sell-out crowd at the Hard Rock Stadium were in for a thrilling night and Madrid fought their way back into the game with Mateo Kovacic drilling expertly past Jasper Cillessen from the edge of the area.

Marco Asensio, starting on the left of Real Madrid’s attack in place of Ronaldo, then started and finished a lightning break to tie the game in the 36th minute.
After a prolonged halftime break with music, lights and fireworks shows more akin to the Super Bowl, the game restarted at the same hectic pace.

Pique sent Barcelona ahead again in the 50th minute by flicking home Neymar's curling free-kick, before the Brazilian missed from close range. Luis Suarez was denied by Navas and Samuel Umtiti had a strike cleared off the line.

Barcelona were dominant and determined not to let their lead slip, with Rakitic even squaring up to referee Jair Marrufo as he protested a decision, showing the stakes were much higher than for a regular friendly.

It was the first time the teams met in a friendly since 1991 and only the second time outside of Spain. Given its success, the spectacle is likely to be repeated.

Denmark stun holders Germany in delayed quarter-final

Germany's bid for a seventh consecutive European Championship title is over after Denmark fought back to win an entertaining Euro 2017 quarter-final.

The pre-tournament favourites - last knocked out of this competition in 1993 - had led when Isabel Kerschowski fired in early on.

But Nadia Nadim nodded Denmark level after half-time and Theresa Nielsen's late header completed the comeback.

It is only Germany's third loss in the 26-year history of the competition.

The Olympic champions - ranked second in the world - created plenty of chances but were also frequently opened up at the back by a Denmark side who, after a nervy start, became increasingly dangerous.

The opener came courtesy of a goalkeeping error, as Stina Lykke Petersen misjudged Kerschowski's fierce shot from the edge of the area and could only parry the German's shot in to the net.

After the break, Germany hesitated when they thought they had conceded a free-kick only for the referee to play an advantage that Denmark took, with Portland Thorns forward Nadim jumping well at the far post to nod in the equaliser.

Plenty of openings for both sides followed as the game became stretched with the prospect of extra time looming. Another right-wing cross found Nielsen unmarked in the Germany penalty area on 83 minutes and she headed in to spark wild Danish celebrations.



The result guaranteed that the tournament will have a different winner for the first time since Norway's triumph in 1993, with Germany having won the following six European Championships.

The match had to be rescheduled for 11:00 BST on Sunday after torrential rain fell on Saturday night in Rotterdam.

That meant the quarter-final was one of three to take place on Sunday.

England face France at 19:45 BST after Austria's meeting with Group D runners-up Spain, and the winner of that tie will play Denmark in the semi-finals on Thursday.

On Saturday, hosts Netherlands booked their place in the last four with a win over Sweden.

I have never used juju before - Heart of Oak’s Thomas Abbey

Accra Hearts of Oak influential skipper, Thomas Anold Abbey says he is aware that some local players consult oracles and spiritualists to help improve their performances but he has chosen to stay away from such practice.

The 23-year-old Accra has been in the form of his life this season scoring 12 goals already, with four assists and a couple of man of the match performances.

In an interview with Atinka TV’s Sports Court show, Abbey attributed his excellent form to a rigourous preseason workout and hardwork, insisting he does not believe in spiritualists and witchcraft

“Even though I know and have heard some players do consult oracles and occult homes to improve their performances, I have never done such thing before”, He said.

“I cannot go to a spiritualist to help me have a one season hit and that is all. I only did a great preseason training and keep working hard”

“As for prayer, I do and I pray to only one God but to visit a juju man, no, I haven’t done such practice before”, he added.

It is widely believed that some football clubs and players consult oracles before games or seasons starts to ask for spiritual support.

The powers of such oracles range from washing the football Jerseys in spiritual waters and offering prayers to the gods. They produce special concoctions for the players to sprinkle on themselves and to be used on the field of play.

Some ex-footballers have confirmed ever using such tricks which have helped them achieve great successes in some matches or through entire seasons.

Police investigate Christabel Ekeh over nude pictures

Information available to mynewsgh.com suggests that actress Christabel Ekeh is under investigations for releasing her nude photos on social media.

The actress became the center for discussion few weeks ago after she released her naked photos on her Instagram page which later was blocked.

Although people thought her account was hacked the actress indicated that she released the photos in order to introduce her new self and the “new Christabel Ekeh”.

She, however, came later to indicate that she released the photos because she was been blackmailed and in order to fend off those blackmailers, she had to release them.

Her family after the release backed her up and insisted their daughter was in the right frame of mind and was not suffering from depression like people had suggested.

The spate of nude photos and video on social media currently has been an issue of worry in the country.

Sarkodie shares throwback photo of his mother

Self-acclaimed Ghana's number one rapper, Sarkodie, has released a throwback photo of himself with his mother.

The photo captioned "#TBT King with his mum Maame Aggrey", has received lots of likes and comments from his fans.

Sarkodie has been in the news recently for his controversial lyrics in the "Jennifer Lomotey" song which Kurl Songz featured him.

Despite the buzz against the songs, the duo have just released the video for the song.

Ghana Actors Guild donates to Super OD

The leadership of Ghana Actors Guild has paid a visit to ailing actor and comedian Asonaba Kwaku Darko aka Super OD at his residence at Agona Swedru in the Central Region of Ghana.

The delegation comprising Actors Guild President Samuel Fiscian, Welfare Officer Kalsoume Sinare, Secretary Ziggy Netteyson, Mikki Osei Berko among others, presented a mobile phone and an undisclosed amount of money to Super OD.

Speaking to Citi Showbiz, Mr. Sam Fiscian said even though Super OD is not a member of the guild, they did this because he has paid his dues to the movie industry.

“I don’t know if he ever was a member but all I know is that currently he is not a member of the guild. However, we acknowledge his contributions to acting in Ghana so we presented him cash and also a mobile phone so we can stay connected with him,” he said.

He also added that Super OD was not the first aged actors they had visited.

According to Sam Fiscian, they have visited Ashanti Region, Volta Region, Western Region and the Central Region to donate same items to aged actors and register them as members of the Ghana Actors Guild.

“Despite the fact that we are financially constrained, we are going on a regional tour to meet our members, encourage new actors to join and donate to the aged and sickly members,” he added.

Super OD, rose to the prime of his acting career in ‘70’s and was also gained prominence in the ‘90’s for his comic roles in Ghanaian series, Akan Drama on Ghana Television.

The 82 year old actor was part of the Oppong Drama Group which later became known as Osofo Dadzie Group.

Super OD is also known as one of the best stand-up comedians Ghana has ever had.

Jordan Ayew excels as Swansea City secure 2-0 win

Ghana striker Jordan Ayew excelled in helping Swansea secure a second pre-season victory following a 2-0 win against Championship side Birmingham City.

The 25-year old was replaced after 85 minutes of tormenting the defenders of Birmingham. They were caught out on number of occasions by the Black Star.

Tammy Abraham netted his second in three games to open the scoring before the hour mark after volleying home Leroy Fer's cross.

With 15 minutes left Paul Clement's side doubled their lead as provider turned scorer with Fer's deflected strike beating keeper David Stockdale.

The Swans will take on Sampdoria in their final pre-season game before playing as guests of Southampton in first Premier League game of 2017/18 campaign.

David Abagna revels in opening Black Stars B game

Wa All Stars youngster David Abagna Sandan has revelled in his debut game for the Black stars B in their 2-0 win over Accra Great Olympics. The midfield enforcer set the tone for Maxwell Konado and his home based version of the Black Stars as they continue their preparation for the upcoming CHAN qualifier away to Burkina Faso.

The teen prodigy dazzled fans and pundits alike across the Ghanaian terrain to bulldoze his way into the national team but has already confirmed his readiness to stay in the team. The former Tamale Zaytuna Babies workaholic enforcer shared his emotional story moments after his national debut.

“To imagine a young innocent boy from the upper East region hustling in Tamale just some months ago now with the national team, I can only say it is remarkable. My story is my motivation and I am sure it will inspire others. Abagna David playing for the highest national team based in the country?

“I will only use this platform to showcase my God given talent and perhaps wait for my next destination. My God will carry me to the next if I can avoid getting swollen headed.

“I thank my colleague players at Wa All Stars for their immense contribution towards my game as a player. They told me to believe in myself and now we are moving forward . I will double my efforts to stay in the national team”, Abagna told www.ghanacrusader.com

The Wa All Stars teen poster boy stole the limelight with his quick feet and intelligent play all season, netting an impressive 12 goals in all competitions including 9 in the premier league. He has been hailed as one of the reasons behind the resurgence of the reigning title holders

Ayew eyes improved Premier League season with West Ham

The Ghana star couldn't live up to expectations last season following a troublesome injury but says he’s feeling better in pre-season

Ghana midfielder Andre Ayew says he is enjoying the pre-season with West Ham United ahead of the Premier League upcoming campaign.

The 27-year-old joined the Hammers from Swansea City last season in a record-breaking deal, but could only give out an average performance following an injury he sustained on his debut against Chelsea.

He played 25 games, starting 19 times and scoring six goals, half of his tally in the previous season.

"I'm feeling good and working hard. We had long days in Austria and now we're just at the beginning in Germany and we have a few games to come," Ayew told West Ham TV.

"We're working hard here, trying to get fit, working together and getting to know each other, so it's sweet. Pre-season is something which is very, very important and, for me. I've not been able to have a real pre-season for a long time because of international games.

"I have always been coming back later, so to start the pre-season with the squad is quite good," he added.

Ayew admitted he only attained full fitness towards the end of last season. "It was not my optimum, but I was getting there bit by bit by playing games," he said.

"For me, it was a shame the season came to an end because I was starting to feel better after my injury. I need to continue working hard and doing what we were doing at the end of last season and I'm sure I will get back to my best physically and everything will be okay."

West Ham will play Werder Bremen on Saturday as part of their pre-season before they lock horns with Altona 93 and complete their tour of Europe with a game against Manchester City.

Asamoah Gyan will keep his scoring form in Turkey - Manager

Local manager and CEO of the Asamoah Gyan foundation Samuel Anim Addo is confident the Black Stars skipper will keep scoring in Turkey following his move to Kayserispor.

The free-scoring Ghana striker opened his scoring account for the Anatolian Star by scoring twice in their 4-0 pre-season win over German Bundesliga side Hannover 96.

And Anim Addo is convinced Gyan will be on fire if the season finally starts.

“Gyan is still young and will surely prove to his new club that he is worth the transfer. He has given enough hope following his showing on Thursday in their 4-2 win over Hannover 96. This is just the beginning”, Anim told Starr Sports.

Gyan who signed a two year contract just three weeks ago is currently training with his new club at their preseason site in Austria and opened his account from the penalty spot in the 86th minute before doubling his tally in the 89th minute of the friendly game.

The Turkey Super Lig is set to kick start on August 11 and Gyan is likely to play his first game on August 14 against Galatasaray.

Thomas Abbey snubs move to Kotoko

The attacking midfielder is joint top scorer with Bechem United’s Amed Toure on 12 goals each

Hearts of Oak captain Thomas Abbey has ruled out a move to rivals Kotoko, insisting any such attempt will be ‘unfair’.

Abbey, 22, has hogged the headlines this season with superlative performances for the Phobians.

The attacking midfielder is joint top scorer with Bechem United’s Amed Toure on 12 goals each.

The hugely talented midfielder has done his growing reputation a lot of good after churning out impressive performances week-in and week-out.

However, he has ruled out a move to the club’s sworn rivals Kotoko after being linked with a sensational switch to the club.

For now, I’m not sure I can play for Kotoko. I am a professional player but I can’t join them,” Abbey told Atinka TV

“I know that the two clubs are not enemies but at the moment, I’m not ready to play for Kotoko.

“That will be unfair to Hearts of Oak if I decide to join Kotoko.”

NPP youth group campaigns to get Bugri Naabu retained

A group affiliated to the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) calling itself the Coalition of NPP Youth in the Northern Region, is on a regional campaign dubbed, “Retain Chairman Bugri.”

The group’s mission is to convince the NPP regional Electoral College to renew Daniel Bugri Naabu’s mandate.

The group is persuaded by the outspoken NPP Northern Regional Chairman, Daniel Bugri Naabu’s unprecedented record of leading the party to win 13 out of the 31 parliamentary seats at the 2016 polls.

The group’s leader, Adam Mohammed Amin, in a Citi News interview posited that, any attempt to replace Daniel Bugri Naabu at the ensuing regional delegates congress would be politically suicidal.

“As a Coalition of NPP Youth in Northern Region, we have declared our unflinching support for our time tested and astute regional Chairman, Daniel Bugri Naabu to continue his good works.”

“Daniel Bugri Naabu has not only increased the Presidential votes in the Northern Region but has also won more Parliamentary seats for the NPP at the 2016 elections which none of his predecessors has done since 1992.”

“If Chairman Bugri Naabu can achieve this record within just four years, then it means he can do much better when retained as the Northern Regional Chairman,” Adam Mohammed Amin emphasized.

He claimed that Daniel Bugri Naabu is better placed within the Dombo-Busia-Danquah political tradition in the Northern Region than any of his competitors.

“The track record of Chairman Bugri Naabu as a founding member of the NPP, Chairman of Northern Region Contractors Association and owner of the previous Inter Royals Hotel in Tamale among other credentials is unmatched.”

“Chairman Bugri Naabu is a benevolent person who serves as a father for all by using his own resources to help the needy regardless of their political, religious or ethnic affiliation, and that is why we have vowed to work very hard to ensure his reelection.”

Activist suggests ways to tackle Tuberculosis stigma

Tuberculosis activists (TB) have come up with cost effective ways of reducing stigma on TB-HIV at the just ended 20th Conference of the Union Africa Region.

In a panel discussion, the discussants suggested that for Africa to achieve its target of ending TB by 2035, there was the need to adopt different communication strategies aimed at changing the mindset of people to think positive about the disease.

The group also suggested that more investment should go into the training of TB survivors to act as advocates for the disease at the community and national level, integrate TB issues into national policies and conduct TB stigma index.

The discussants included Dr Nii Nortey Hanson- Nortey, Deputy Programmes Manager, National TB Control Programme, Ghana Health Service, Mr Austin Arinze Obiefuna, General Overseer and President of Afro Global Alliance and Miss Olive C. Mumba, Executive Director, Eastern Africa Network of Aids Service Organisation.

According to Mr Obiefuna, “stigma is a major barrier to assessing TB treatment and has contributed to the low rate of detection of the disease in the country.”

He stated that this stigma is fuelled by traditional leaders sighting the obnoxious name giving to the disease in the local languages as a clear example of the stigma attached to the disease and how it hinders people from getting treatment when infected.

“Due to this, there was the need to adopt different communications strategies and engage traditional leaders to communicate the message to shape the mindset of people through culture since they are the custodians of the land,” Mr Obiefuna said.

He said this would propel people to go for treatment without the fear of being stigmatized and even act as advocates for the disease.

Mr Obiefuna added that TB survivors should be engaged at the community and national level to share their experiences in order to influence and change people’s attitude towards TB.

Madam Mumba also suggested that there was the need to engage more civil society groups and the media to educate people on the disease.

She expressed the belief that the lack of information on the disease was also a contributing factor to the stigma being attached to the disease.

She said a lot of people were privy to the fact that the disease was airborne and could be easily contracted when one came into close contact with an infected person.

But Madam Olive explained that that was not always the case since there were measures that one could take to prevent himself from getting the infection. She, therefore, urged that more education should be done to inform people about the disease.

She also said policies and laws concerning TB should be developed both at the community and national level to protect and support TB patients.

Mr Hanson-Nortey also said another way to reduce stigma was to prioritize stigma reduction activities concerning TB on the national level.

He said this would propel the government to allocate budget and resources to support the course.

He also said there should be a sustained effort of NGO’s and civic groups to work with.

He said his outfit has developed a concept where chiefs, musicians and other prominent and popular individuals in the country would act as ambassadors and advocate for the disease and encouraged other Africa countries battling with the disease to emulate the Ghanaian practices to fight the disease in their various countries.

Aayalolo buses to run Adentan and Kasoa routes soon

Commuters who ply the Adentan and Kasoa routes will soon enjoy the Aayalolo bus service. This is due to the preparation of the Ministries of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) and Transport to roll out the services by the end of the year.

A statement signed by the Chief Director of the MLGRD, Mr C.K. Dondieu, said a total of 85 buses had been allocated to the Adentan-Accra Central Business District (CBD), while “a set of buses are also expected to begin operations on the Kasoa to Tudu corridor.

“This will initially be of the express nature pending the full implementation of the proposed BRT infrastructure on that corridor, at which stage more than 300 buses are required for the corridor and its services,” it said.

It indicated that the two ministries collaborated to secure legal rights and gazetted portions of the Amasaman-Accra CBD corridor for the exclusive use by the Aayalolo service, and same arrangement was being pursued for the other corridors before the deployment of the buses.

Response

The statement was in response to a story carried by the Daily Graphic on its front page on June 30, 2017 about the fact that some 197 out of the 245 Aayalolo buses imported into the country for the Quality Bus System (QBS) were not operational.

The corridors, which are supposed to be developed for the QBS, are yet to be implemented.

However, reacting to the story, the statement emphasised that it was not the case since a clear plan was in place for the deployment of the buses within the stipulated period.

“It is, therefore, entirely not accurate to report that 197 buses are left idle to rot away. All the buses have gone through a customised ticketing system installation and testing."

“This function is necessary to enhance revenue mobilisation. No bus can ever be deployed on the road without this configuration,” it stated.

City transportation system

At the inauguration of the Aayalolo bus system in December last year, then President John Dramani Mahama said the transport system in Accra was characterised by heavy congestion, particularly during the peak periods, heavy dependence on informal bus services and inadequate facilities for pedestrians.

He said the government had planned to improve and modernise the road transport delivery system, especially urban transport through appropriate policies and regulatory measures which would encourage investments in mass transit system to become attractive to all classes of people.

Background

The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is under the Urban Transport Project (UTP) of the Ministry of Roads and Highways. It is jointly funded by the World Bank, Agence Francaise de Development (AFD), the government of Ghana and the Global Environment Facility Trust Fund at a cost of $95 million.

It is being implemented by the ministries of Local Government and Rural Development and Roads and Highways, and the Department of Urban Roads (DUR). Processes towards the implementation of the BRT were started in 2007.

However, between 2008 and 2009, it faced many difficulties, including stiff resistance from private transport operators. Earlier, the DUR had planned implementing an advanced type of BRT on the Accra-Mallam-Kasoa corridor.

Mahama brews social media storm over gift to Major Mahama's widow

First it was #Safolie, a harsh tag to troll Dome-Kwabenya MP, Sarah Adwoa Safo for claiming credit for the construction of a community day school in her constituency, then came the ‘spy bug’ revelation in which former lands and Natural Resources Minister, Inusah Fuseini owned up to placing a spying gadget in the office of the current minister like what is usually done by secret agents and undercover journalists.

Before social media could have enough of that, the appointment of five-time presidential candidate of PNC, Edward Mahama generated some controversy with his rather unusual position of Ambassador-at-Large and now taking over and now breaking social media is a post from none other than Ghana’s only one-time President, John Mahama

Social media are having a filled day after what seemed to be self-gratifying post backfired bigtime against the Former President who had posted pictures of a visit he paid to the family of late Captain Mahama

The initial caption that accompanied the pictures openly stated that the president upon his visit donated some amount of money to the wife and children of late Captain Mahama for their upkeep but this caption was later edited and the portion stating that he gave money to his grand ‘nephews’ deleted from the post.

This has sparked widespread condemnation with many people questioning the motive behind the public announcement and others reminding the president of what the scriptures says in the Holy book of Matthew 6:3 & 4
"But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."




President Mahama is a relation to late Captain Mahama who was gruesomely murdered in Denkyira Obuasi after residents mistook him for an armed robber.

He was given a state Burial and posthumously promoted to the rank of a Captain from a Major.

It is unclear however if these are part of efforts by the former president to rework his way into active politics and contest the 2020 elections after he was humiliatingly defeated in the 2016 election by Akufo-Addo.

Attached are some of the comments people have shared so far trolling Mahama.

Men who wear earrings are possessed by evil spirits - Prophet Kobi

Founder and General Overseer of Glorious Wave International Church, Prophet Emmanuel Badu Kobi has lashed out at men who wear earrings and tattoo their skins.

In a sermon attended by Ghanacreativearts.com and Ghanapoliticsonline.com, on Friday 14th July 2017, the renowned Man of God mentioned that people who practice such behavior are possessed by wrong spirits and are under a curse.

He said that many people exhibit some characteristics that are inherited from parents, tribal or ethnic lines and wrong environmental inheritance.

Prophet Kobi advised the congregation to speak right words with their tongues to themselves in order to reverse family curses that become hereditary for generations such as diseases and sicknesses, wrong intellectual transfer that causes people to fail in academics and several life challenges that recur due to family covenants.

Veterinary Service kills dog after biting class one pupil to death

he Western Regional office of the Veterinary Service of Ghana has killed an Alsatian dog after establishing it poses a serious threat to human life.

The dog in question attacked and bit Bismark Adzie, a 6-year-old class one pupil to death on June 20, 2017, at New Amanful in the Ahanta West District of the Western region.

The dog was quarantined by the Veterinary Service for two weeks for monitoring to establish whether it was suffering from rabies. It was however released to its owner after the expiration of the period, and upon establishing it was free from the said disease.

However, upon further investigation, it was found that the dog poses a very serious threat to human life. The Service, therefore, ordered the owner through the police to return it to the Veterinary Service to be put to rest.

The process, known a Euthanasia which took place at the Headquarters of the Regional Veterinary Service on Friday morning, July 14, 2017, lasted for about five seconds through an injection of a chemical called T61 administered by the veterinary service personnel.

After the exercise, Dr Simon Gbene, the Acting Director of the Service in the Western region noted that this is the first time Ghana has destroyed an animal through Euthanasia though it is very common in the Western countries.

He gave a word of caution to dog owners, school authorities and the general public to be very wary of dogs wherever and whenever they come close to them since some could be very unpredictable.

He says the Veterinary Service will soon come out with new guidelines on dog possession and ownership in the country.

Present at the exercise were officers of the Veterinary Service including the Regional Director, a Police CID and the media.

Solomon Nyantakyi refuses to tell police why he killed mother and sister

The Ghanaian footballer who murdered his mother and sister is refusing to tell Italian police over why he brutally killed his family members.

The former Parma player Solomon Nyantakyi has confessed to the harrowing murder of his mother and 11-year-old sister.

But the talented footballer is refusing to tell the police in the Italian city of Parma why he carried out the cold blooded murder.

Several interrogations have been carried on the player by the police but he is still not keen on telling why he killed the two on Tuesday night.

The 21-year-old Ghanaian was arrested by police in Milan after the stabbing which shocked the city of Parma, and former coaches have claimed he suffers from depression.

Raymond Nyantakyi, Solomon’s older brother, returned home from work to discover the horrific scene.

He found his mother, Nfum Patience, 43, and Magdalene Nyantakyi, 11, stabbed to death.

Solomon’s father, Fred, has been working in London.

Nyantakyi was once a hot prospect at Parma, before the club fell into bankruptcy in 2015.

He then moved through the lower leagues of Italian football.

The player’s contract at Serie D side Imolese was not renewed in the summer after he was reported to have fallen in “with a bad crowd”.

Richmond Boakye's form in the Europa League is incredible

Early days yet, but UEFA's official statistics for the Europa League show Richmond Boakye-Yiadom is the competition's best player so far this season.

In the opening 3-match two qualifying rounds, he has scored 5, which is better than everyone else.

He has an assist, with the highest ranked player on 4.

And, only 2 other players, one on 9 and the other on 11, have better than his 8 shots on targets.

The striker has been in blistering form throughout 2017 and the qualities that made Juventus buy him in the early days of his career are finally emerging.

St Johnstone's Zander Clark taken to hospital during win over Sunderland

St Johnstone goalkeeper Zander Clark has been taken to hospital after an injury picked in a 3-0 friendly win over Sunderland.

The 25-year-old was carried off on a stretcher with a head knock just before the break at McDiarmid Park.

Clark collided with Jack Rodwell as the midfielder had a goal disallowed.

Steven MacLean fired Saints into the lead after 18 minutes and two more from David Wotherspoon within another six minutes put the Perth side in command.

Highlights of Danny Nettey's memorial 'Worship summit'

Renowned Ghanaian gospel artiste Danny Nettey was remembered and honoured at a memorial worship to mark the first anniversary of his death.

The Gospel legend was found unconscious in the early hours of 15 July 2016, which was confirmed to Joy News Nhyira Addo by family members.

On that faithful day of his memorial, a song was ministered to honour him by a group of people who used to minister with him.

Minister Danny Nettey has mentored most gospel artistes in Ghana and graced several events including ‘Joe Beecham Ministries’ by Pastor Joe Beecham and Nii Okai’s ‘Saving Hearts’ album launch, just to mention a few of them.

Ghanaians inability to speak and write good English a national catastrophe - Dr Linda Forde

A Senior Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, Dr Linda Forde has described the inability of many Ghanaians, including teachers, to speak and write good English as a national catastrophe which needs the consented efforts of all to resolve.

Dr Forde who was the guest speaker for the Ridge Church School’s 60th anniversary ‘Speech and Prize-Giving’ ceremony in Accra on Saturday stated that even though English is the most important language in the world, most Ghanaians “who claim to be literate cannot speak or write good English”.

She said, “it drives a knife into my heart when I hear adverts on the radio, I hear media people, I hear teachers who cannot provide the ‘TH’ sound”.

She called on government to invest more “teaching into the total infrastructure and system for teacher training and supervision” adding that “more budgetary provision should be made to make the teaching profession become as attractive as it ought to be”.

Aduana will wrest title from WAFA - Albert Commey

Chief Executive Officer of Aduana Stars, Albert Commey, believes his side can still wrest the Premier League title from leaders WAFA at the end of the season.

Commey explained that Aduana Stars only need to focus on winning the rest of their six matches in order to challenge WAFA for the trophy.

Aduana Stars had their title hopes dented last Wednesday when they lost 1-3 to Wa All Stars away and currently trail WAFA by three points at the summit.

WAFA currently have an advantage over their opponents in terms of points and goal difference, as well as a game in hand against in-form Ashantigold.In a telephone interview with the Graphic Sports yesterday,

In a telephone interview with the Graphic Sports yesterday, Commey, who was hopeful of his team's chances of winning the title, however, urged his players to take their chances in games."We are not out of the title challenge just because we lost to Wa All Stars. WAFA

"We are not out of the title challenge just because we lost to Wa All Stars. WAFA has an advantage now with their lead but we will match them to the end of the campaign," Commey said.

"The team need to win the rest of their six matches and then stand a chance of winning the title, which I believe, is more than over."It is always difficult when you have to travel week in and out to play midweek and weekend games and I know that is really affecting the club," he noted.

"It is always difficult when you have to travel week in and out to play midweek and weekend games and I know that is really affecting the club," he noted.Commey, however, blamed his side's inconsistent performances on injuries, which he said, had really affected their quest to end a seven-year wait for the title".

Commey, however, blamed his side's inconsistent performances on injuries, which he said, had really affected their quest to end a seven-year wait for the title.

New twist to the 'naked' tale; Chistabel Ekeh is psychotic - Reports

What pertains to the showbiz industry in the more developed countries appears to now be part of the norms in the local entertainment industry.

In other words, many now see a connect between happenings in Hollywood and that of Ghallywood or even perhaps Kumawood. The glitz associated with the runway, the various social media stunts by celebrities etc. appears to have really settled into the Ghanaian space so it no longer appears surprising to see a celebrity show off more than they are supposed to or even in some cases, nude images of themselves; case in point is the situation of Christabel Ekeh.

Screen goddess Christabel Ekeh last week caused a stir with the release of some naked pictures of her on social media site, instagram. The pictures, a week since their release, remain the most talked about subject matter for entertainment fanatics and even those who may ordinarily not have been so keen on the 'lighter side of things'.

Of course, photos like these were obviously going to get the world talking, especially in our part of the world where society demands of women to be 'descent'. The attacks have been relentless wit fellow television personalities such as Mercy Asiedu describing the former beauty queen as a disgrace to womanhood.

Others in the entertainment industry like Prince David Osei, Lydia Forson and Gloria Sarfo have rather surprisingly, come to Ms Ekeh's defence demanding that the public 'gives the screen goddess a break'.

When it seemed the dust was settling, the model’s response in an interview with Joy FM’s MzGee added more fuel to the already burning flame. She explained that the release of the naked picture was to welcome all to the ‘new’ Christabel Ekeh.

“I noticed the page was taken down but it’s my way of welcoming everyone to the new Christabel”.

However, in a latest update written by blogger Chris Vincent on his portal, as monitored by www.ghanaweb.com, it has been revealed that all is not well with the “Peep” famed actress.

The blog, Ghanacelebrities.com, has revealed that “Efia” of College Girls is suffering psychologically, the symptoms she has been showing to people close to her and Ghanaians at large.

“Of course, she says she is fit—the dirty deranged man at circle will even tell you he’s fit if asked the same ridiculous question; Are you okay?

Christabel is that beautiful actress who made several interesting headlines but behind them all, she was an ordinary young lady with her own battles which she was fighting within.”, Ghanacelebrities.com wrote.

The report further revealed that her family are aware of the ‘new’ Christabel Ekeh and are trying to handle it under the radar.

Her Christian mother has resorted the African way of dealing with mental issues – a prayer camp instead of the scientific way thus the hospital.

“From my last late night conversation with Christabel, what I had heard and my chat with this guy, it became obvious that something was deeply wrong—and her mother was perhaps trying to handle it under the radar.

In fact, I was later told that instead of a hospital, Christabel had been taken to a certain church for prayers—the usual African nonsense.”

Christabel has starred in movies like ‘Potomanto’, ‘Love or something like that”, "College Girls", "Peep", "Ladies with wings", "Wrong Target" and many others.

Inter Allies delegation meets Kotoko to offer support

Inter Allies delegation met Asante Kotoko Management at the Komfo Anokye Hospital in Kumasi on Friday to offer support after the fatal accident in Nkawkaw.

The Club’s Vice President Delali Eric Senaye on behalf of Inter Allies visited the Head Coach of Asante Kotoko Steve Polack, Ashittey Ollenu and the Kotoko bus driver at the special ward of KATH.

Inter Allies made cash donation to the Porcupine Warriors which was received by their Management member Lawyer Thomas Boakye Agyeman and two players, Awal Mohammed and Saddick Adams.

Mr Delali Eric Senaye upon leaving the hospital told the Management of Kotoko that, after investigations the league giants should share their findings with the other Clubs to enable avoid another unforeseen tragic event.

Allies are still in shock and deeply saddened by the tragic incident and express their deepest commiseration to the Porcupine Warriors.

Akuffo Addo must act differently to attract diasporans – Sammy Ankrah

Sammy Ankrah, a UK-based multi-skilled Ghanaian professional, the creator of the award-winning film, Divine Intelligence, has said that there is a huge deposit of untapped intellectual, technological and financial resources among Ghanaians in the Diaspora that needs to be harnessed for an advancement of our country.

However, for the full benefit of this to be realised, Sammy Ankrah says the Akuffo-Addo-led government must act differently from previous governments.

Sammy Ankrah's assertion was picked up by this reporter at the just ended Ghana Diaspora Homecoming Summit which took place at the Accra International Conference Centre from 5th to 8th July.

During an interval discussion at the summit, Sammy Ankrah told a section of the delegates that it was not enough for the government to just ask diasporans to come home and invest in developing the economy.

Commenting on Deputy Trade and Industry Minister, Robert Ahomka-Lindsay’s ‘Whining Comment’ at the summit the previous day, Sammy Ankrah said if truly some diasporans were whiners as claimed by the Deputy Minister, then they definitely had genuine reasons for doing so.

He said diasporans need to see evidence and have an assurance that government is doing enough to create the enabling environment which will attract the diverse resource of the diasporan community to be directed back home for development and progress of the nation.

Recounting one of numerous frustrating experiences faced by Diasporans when they make effort to do something to contribute to the development of the country, Sammy Ankrah said that in the early part of 2008, he came to conduct a self-sponsored environmental research at Obuasi and its environs about arsenic pollution of food crops and water sources resulting from mining activities, for an academic exercise.

He said the research (for which he did the Control Experiment of some of the samples at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in Accra but the main research in the UK) produced some interesting results and there was the need for a follow-up research to cement the gray areas of the findings.

His supervisor and research partner, Professor Huw Jones was so excited about the outcome of the research that he advised Sammy Ankrah to get in touch with his home country government and notify them of his effort, for them to advance the course of the research findings for the benefit of his country.



This, the Professor said, was what other researchers from India, Malaysia, etc., from the same university had done previously. Sammy Ankrah said the research work was to be published in the International Journal of Science and Research, after the gray areas had been rectified with the follow-up research.

However, according to Sammy Ankrah, when he tried to communicate such important research findings to the Ministry of Environment (which was combined with Local Government and Rural Development at the time) and the Ministry of Lands, Forestry and Mines, there was no interest or cooperation whatsoever from any of them. He was eventually told that it was the beginning of an election year so their priority was on the impending elections.

After all, effort to attract the attention of the responsible ministries and their substantive ministers to the research findings proved futile, Sammy Ankrah said he could no longer put up with what he termed ‘useless frustration’ and channelled his time, energy and resources into other important things.

He said Professor Huw Jones could just not believe that such an important research work could be ‘overlooked’ by the authorities of his home country while elsewhere, the authorities themselves would be chasing up the research work and work with the findings to enhance their policy and technological advancement in the sector, for the good of their country.

Sammy Ankrah bemoaned the current effect of galamsey on the country, which he said has resulted in serious levels of land degradation, pollution of water bodies and adversely impacted on flora and fauna.

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He said the expectation of government for Ghanaians in the diaspora to come home to invest should not be limited to financial investment only as is mostly the case, but also intellect, technical acumen, industry knowledge and experience among others, which, when properly harnessed, contribute to the development of a nation in ways which fiscal cash cannot equate.



He argued that the financial cost in correcting the current mess created by galamsey activities in the country far outweighs the cost of intervention or preventative measures that would have been adopted by government about nine years ago, had authorities in the relevant ministries paid attention to what he had to offer the country with respect to the research work he had done at the time.

Sammy Ankrah stressed that many resourceful diasporans have had similar and more bitter experiences when they tried to do their bit to contribute to the development of the country, with some of them losing huge amounts of financial investments. He therefore called on Akuffo Addo to truly walk the talk and reverse the trend so that the diasporan community will have the assurance that their ‘return’ to contribute to the development of Ghana will not be in vain. He said the have hope that things will be done differently under the current administration.

On his part, US-based legal expert, Professor Kwaku Asare, argued that the wrong interpretation of the ‘Dual Citizenship’ concept of the law which has led to the creation of twenty seven offices that a supposed Dual Citizen holder cannot hold in the country is enough to discourage any potential diasporan who falls in that category to decide to return to invest in the country.

He assured delegates that they will raise the issue with parliament and other appropriate legal bodies in the country to address the discrepancies so that the nation will not lose out on rich minds and resources deposited in the diaspora.

Black Starlets to play trial games in Denmark before U17 World Cup

The Ghana Black Starlets football team will move to Scandinavia to prepare for the impending FIFA Under 17 World Cup.

Yakubu Salam who is the Vice President of the Starlet management committee believes adequate preparations can help the team to be in good shape for the World Cup.

“The team will be travelling to Denmark to compete in a mini tournament before the competition starts in India,” Yakubu told footballmadeinghana.com

“We are looking forward for support from the Ministry Of Youth and Sports to help us prepare well. We shall surely qualify from our group,”

Ghana is in group A with host India, USA and Colombia for the tournament which kicks off on October 6.

Kotoko players need psychologist to recover from accident - Laryea Kingston

Former Hearts of Oak winger Laryea Kingston believes that players of Asante Kotoko will need a psychologist to help them recover from last Wednesday's fatal motor accident.

The Porcupine faithful were massively hit with the news that the club's bus travelling from Accra to Kumasi had been involved in a fatal motor accident in Nkawkaw in the wake of their 1-0 defeat to Inter Allies in week 22 of the Ghana Premier League.

The players were left terrified by the incident after most of them suffered injury while assistant equipment officer, Kofi Asante was pronounced dead.

And according to Laryea Kingston, management of the club should provide the players with a psychologist who will help them recover from such trauma.

“The players should be given some psychological support by the club after that accident. A psychologist should be brought on board to help the players recover from the incident,” he said on the Legends Show on GHOne TV.

“I am extremely inspired by the massive support from Ghanaian clubs towards Kumasi Asante Kotoko SC,” he added.

Several Clubs and individual have sent in their support to the team encouraging them to look at a brighter future.

Kotoko have been excused from the weekends premier league game against their arch rivals Accra Hearts of Oak.

Alive & Kicking presents 50 balls to Greater Accra FA ahead Juvenile League start

The Greater Accra Regional Football Association (GARFA) has received 50 balls worth GH¢7,500 from an African social enterprise, Alive & Kicking, ahead of the commencement of the Regional Juvenile League this weekend.

According to the General Manager of Alive & Kicking, Wilson Kwabena Duffour, the presentation forms part of a sponsorship package his outfit seeks to offer the GARFA.

Presenting the balls to the GARFA at the Ghana Football Association secretariat in Accra yesterday, Mr Duffour noted that his outfit was committed to the development of juvenile football in the country.

He expressed the hope that the balls would be put to good use in order to help participating clubs to nurture more talents for the nation.

"This sponsorship will go a long way to help the participating clubs in their bid to develop talents for the country.

"We believe this can help develop juvenile football in the country. The likes of Stephen Appiah and Michael Essien began their careers as juvenile footballers and we hope to achieve greater heights in the sport," he said.

The chairman of the GARFA, Nii Komiete Doku, who received the footballs on behalf of the clubs, noted that the sponsorship would serve as a boost to juvenile football, especially where the products are produced locally.

The Technical Director of the GFA, Francis Oti Akenten, thanked Alive & Kicking for the gesture and promised his outfit would ensure they were put to good use.

Another Ivorian footballer Eugene Koffi Kouame dies on the pitch

Another tragic news coming from Abidjan confirmed the demise of footballer Eugene Kouame Koffi whiles playing football with his colleagues. The 29 year old reportedly collapsed on the pitch in a football match staged at the Kuomassi Stadium in South Abidjan.

The Turkey based footballer, whose demise follows recent tragic death of compatriot Sheik Ishmeal Tiote, was playing a ceremonial match with his friends in Abidjan when he met his untimely death. The player collapsed on the pitch and was rushed to the nearby hospital only to be confirmed dead on arrival.

According to a report on Sokkaeast, the Egirdirspor midfielder has suffered heart attack whiles on the pitch, which led to his sad demise just yesterday. Joining the likes of MV Foe, Patrick Nkeng, Sheik Ishmael Tiote and several other such sad death, what could really be the problem leading to the sudden death of African stars on the pitch?

West Ham fans divided over Andre Ayew-Nacer Chadli swap

West Ham United fans are divided over whether the club should trade Ghana midfielder Andre Ayew for West Brom’s Nacer Chadli or not.

Ayew only joined the West Ham last summer, but failed to fully establish a place for himself in Slaven Bilic’s starting line-up.

He scored six goals and created three assists for the Hammers last term, after making 25 Premier League appearances.

And TalkSPORT reports that West Ham United are interested in West Bromwich Albion’s Nacer Chadli and are ready to swap the services of the Belgian winger for Ayew.

However, West Ham fans are divided over the plan – with many on social media website Twitter suggesting that they would rather keep Ayew.