Isaac Vorsah and Captain John Mansah return from suspension and available for Guinea match

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Mensah and Vorsah return for Guinea match

By Veronica Commey, (GNA Special Correspondent in Gabon, Courtesy Ministry of Youth and Sports)

John Mensah
John Mensah

Franceville, Jan. 29, GNA – Coach Goran Stevanovic would be spoilt for choice in terms of personnel for the central defence position of the Black Stars when his charges line-up against Guinea in a final group game on Wednesday at the on-going Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Defensive duo of Isaac Vorsah and Captain John Mansah return from suspension and will be available for selection for the game against Guinea billed for the Franceville Stadium.
The Serb will have an option to choose from the pair, or either John Boye and Jonathan Mensah, who have held the fort in the absence of the two regulars, Mensah and Vorsah.
If selected for the Guinea duel, it will be Vorsah’s first game at the tourney having missed the first two games because of a carry forward suspension from the Confederation of African Football ( CAF) following a red card he picked during the qualifiers.
The captain, however, will be returning following his two-match ban due to his sending off in Ghana’s first Group D match with Botswana.
Mensah who scored the Black Stars only goal in that game was asked to take an early shower when as the last man, he committed a grievious foul to deny the Southern Africans what could have been an equaliser.
His exit forced Ghana to play most part of the game with 10 men. Mensah and Vorsah have been coach Stevanovic’s preferred pair in defence since he took over the reigns of the team almost two years ago.

Cocoa production increased from 37,000 metric tones in 2007 to 80,000, metric tones in 2011.

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Cocoa production increases in central region-Manager

Photo credit: Rainforest Alliance
Photo credit: Rainforest Alliance

Agona Swedru, Jan 29, GNA – Cocoa production in the Central Region has increased tremendously from 37,000 metric tones in 2007 to 80,000, metric tones in 2011.

Mr Emmanuel Opuku Agyeman, Outgoing Central Regional Manager of Quality Control Company (QCC) of the Ghana Cocoa Board, made this known to newsmen during a send- off party in his honour at Agona Swedru, on Friday.

Mr Agyeman is on transfer to the Brong Ahafo Region as Regional Manager.

He said the increase was made possible following effective measures put in place by the QCC.

The measures include, using approved chemicals, supplying of hybrid Cocoa seedlings, constant education of farmers and replacement of aged cocoa trees.

Mr Agyeman said all these measures were adopted by the QCC to support efforts being made by the government to hit the targeted one million metric tones.

The Regional Manager said this year’s cocoa production would be higher because some areas in the Central and Eastern Regions had started experiencing early rains.

He expressed the hope that with the excellent measures taken by the government cocoa production would increase as expected.

Mr Agyeman said this would enable the country to reclaim its position as the world’s leading producer of cocoa from La Cote d’voire.

He hoped that the staff of QCC and the farmers would cooperate with the incoming Manager to help increase productivity in the Central Region.

Mr S. Kakari Addo, Incoming Central Regional Manager of the QCC, urged staff of the company not to see transfers as punishment but as a service needed in that area.

Mr L.A. Appiah Fordjour, Human Resource Officer of the Central Region said the send-off party was to enable the workers to show their love, gratitude and appreciation to senior officers on transfer from the Central Region.

Black Stars nervy win over the Malian Eagles has soothed the team’s confidence

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Nervy win soothes Stars’ confidence

By Veronica Commey, (GNA Special Correspondent in Gabon, Courtesy Ministry of Youth and Sports)

  Franceville, Jan. 29, GNA- Coach Goran Stevanovic says the Black Stars nervy win over the Malian Eagles has soothed the team’s confidence in their journey for the ultimate gold (Cup).
The Stars required a 2-0 win to effectively quality to the last eight stage of the biannual fiesta that binds Africa’s best 16 with two individual efforts from Asamoah Gyan and Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew.
The Serb told GNA Sports after the game in Franceville, that ‘I salute my players for this win. It was a very nervous game because both team’s knew the importance of the game.
“No one wanted to lose because a win was what was going to take us further. This win is very important because it has added some confidence to the team”.
Stevanovic has promised Ghana a fifth Nations Cup trophy after a 30- year wait and has even hinted to walk if that dream did not materialise.
Though the team appeared ordinary in the first half, the coach insisted he was satisfied with the performance of his charges who required two goals in the second half to march on to the next stage of the tournament.
‘The first half was very difficult and I”m very satisfied with how the team played. I identified a few technical issues during the half and so I made some tactical decisions during the half time break and the difference was clear after that.’
Ghana sit top of Group D on six points and next play Guinea who are on three points just like Mali in the final group duels on Wednesday.

”The team showed a lot of character and that made the difference” -Gyan

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“Our character makes the difference” – Gyan

By Veronica Commey, (GNA Special Correspondent in Gabon, Courtesy Ministry of Youth and Sports)

  Franceville, Jan. 29, GNA- Ghana ‘s goal poacher, Asamoah Gyan has put the Black Stars 2-0 victory over the Malian Eagles to the united character of the team at the Africa Cup of Nations.
After an ordinary first half that produced no thrills and no goals, the Stars came to light slightly after the break with Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew signalling the team’s intent with a long range that was split by Mali’s goalkeeper Sissoko Oumar.
The Stars, chasing a fifth continental trophy in three decades, needed a win to oil their path to the next stage of the competition and  two individual efforts from Gyan and Ayew assured a step forward
Gyan told GNA Sports in Franceville that “the team showed a lot of character and that made the difference. The first half was difficult because we did not let the Malians work.
“We came back from the second half with new tactics to get them working everywhere on the pitch, using the flanks and our character showed through”.
“We took responsibility and increased the steam for this win, which is very important for us.’
Gyan enjoyed no breather throughout the first half. When Ayew was whacked eight minutes after the hour mark, the striker who has a rich spell of an average of a goal in every two games, stepped forward to effect the kick.
Gyan and Emmanuel Agyeman Badu conferred briefly and soon, the former stepped forward to curl one over the wall that zoomed past keeper Oumah in post to gift Ghana the lead.
Despite of the Stars progress, the striker insists it is earl days yet to start talking about winning the trophy.
“It is too early to start saying we will win the trophy. It is important for us to take it a game at a time. The wins will determine where we are going”. He added.
Ghana now leads the group on six points and will play Guinea in the final Group D game at the Franceville Stadium on Wednesday.

2.8 million Fund Launched to support MSMEs – Trade Minister

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Trade Minister Launches 2.8 million Fund to support MSMEs

Accra, Jan 29, GNA-The Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Hanna Tetteh has launched a 2.8 million dollar Business Development Services (BDS) Fund with a call on the private sector to access the facility to improve their business performance.

The fund, in its second phase, is a matching grant scheme that aims to provide the Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) with technical assistance to improve their business operations and competitiveness.

Out of the total grant amount available, 1.3 million has been earmarked for projects in the area of renewable energy under the Ghana Energy Development and Access Project.

This support for renewable energy is to stimulate and develop markets, suppliers and projects for renewable energies, targeting electricity provision for mini-grid, grid-connected and off-grid applications

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) account for over 80 percent of businesses in the country but are constrained by access to capital, markets and many other services.

Ms Tetteh urged potential applicants to submit their applications for assistance on time as the second phase would end in October this year

Francis Kusi, Coordinator of the Micro Small Medium Enterprises, said the fund would subsidies a maximum of 50 percent of the total costs of approved projects.

He said under the access to Finance component, support is given to increase the creditworthiness of prospective clients of the partner banks, thus increasing the number of new SME loans and also assist those SMEs, which received loans from partner banks to remain bankable.

It would also provide support to financial institutions that wish to develop and expand term lending to SMEs or to develop additional financial instruments suitable for SMEs.

On access to markets, he said the fund, support eligible  MSMEs to get non-financial services that could improve their productivity and competitiveness, enable BDS providers to develop and market specialized BDS that are appropriate and affordable to MSMEs;

In addition, improve market information and public-private dialogue through support to business associations and policy advocacy groups. The Fund will also facilitate linkages between MSMEs and larger firms and markets through support to clusters of firms or lead firms working with such clusters of MSME suppliers.

The BDS fund, which is currently being implemented by Triodos Facet of the Netherlands and SNV Netherlands Development Organisation is focused on MSMEs throughout the country, with emphasis on value chain, such as cosmetics, fish, fruit, plastics, salt, palm oil and other value added activities.

My critic will eat humble pie as am voted Most Valuable Player (MVP) -Ayew

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MVP Ayew hopes critic will eat humble pie

By Veronica Commey, (GNA Special Correspondent in Gabon, Courtesy Ministry of Youth and Sports)

Franceville, Jan. 29, GNA – Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew may have been voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the Black Stars Group D game of the Africa Cup of Nations against Mali on Sunday but the gifted player is only hoping that critics will eat humble pie following the victory that effectively qualifies the team to the quarter final stage.
Ayew created Ghana’s first goal after he was brought flying just before the Mali box and went ahead to score the second goal with such class that earned him the best player accolade.
He player was thankful after the game but told GNA Sports in Franceville that “I hope our victory today will put to rest all the question marks that was raised against us after our first game with Botswana.’
” Today, we came out here to prove we are a united front and out here to fight to the end. The first half was very difficult but we stayed together all through.
“We worked hard so that we do not concede a goal, make a comeback from the break to execute our Coach’s tactical instructions and in the end, proved that we can fight all the way”.
The skillful midfielder had a quiet spell in the first half but came to live in the second and begin his runs on the flanks that created a lot of problems for the Malian defence.
Occasionally, he cut deep in and was the first to signal Ghana’s intent right from recess when his screamer was split by Malian goalkeeper Sissoko Oumar.
Ayew’s initiative created the first goal in 68 minutes when he was brought down playing to win the Black Stars a free kick which Adamoah Gyan beautifully converted to throw the team into the lead.
Barely 11 minutes one, Ayew dazzled deep into the final third, played a one- two with Gyan before boldly taking on his markers to unleash a clever one beneath Oumah’s out-stretched hands.

Stars pin Eagles arms to shine

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Stars clip Eagles wings to shine

By Veronica Commey, (GNA Special Corespondent in Gabon, Courtesy Ministry of Youth and Sports)

Franceville, Jan. 29, GNA-The Black Stars of Ghana dug deep to produce a 2-0 win to clip the wings of the Eagles of Mali in a cagey second Group D clash to light the path for a  passage to the quarter finals of the African Cup of Nations being hosted jointly by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
The Stars chasing a fifth continental trophy in three decades, needed a convincing win to oil their path to the next stage of the competition with two individual efforts from Asamaoah Gyan and Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew.
After an ordinary first half that produced no thrills and no goals, it was the Stars that came to light slightly after the break with Ayew signalling the team’s intent with a long range that was split by Mali’s goalkeeper Sissoko Oumar.
Sulley Muntari and Gyan arrived a shade late to connect the rebound which will inspire the Stars to pour out, though cautiously.With Malian Seydou Keita leading the Eagle’s discipline at the middle and back, Ghana had to think of positive ways to change the patten.
Soon, the team seemed to have found the antidote but after Muntari, who came off worse in an earlier clash with keeper Oumar was sacrificed for debutant Charles Sakyi, had wasted a free kick just before exiting, From then Gyan made himself the Stars new taker of the spot kicks, alternating with hard working Emmanuel Agyeman Badu.
Ayew who appeared lost throughout the first half would suddenly break from the flanks, ran at the Mali rear and cut deep in a manner that triggered a response that brought him flying meters away from the box.
Gyan and Badu conferred briefly and soon, Gyan stepped forward to curl one over the wall that zoomed past Oumah in post eight minutes after the hour mark to give Ghana the lead and send the fans into wild jubilation.
The Stars and their supporters danced and jubilated in a way that summed up their relief. From then on, it was mission to look for a consolidation goal, which will come only eleven minutes on.
A pass from the wings picked out Gyan who played a one- two with Ayew. The former squared one back to the latter who made a brave dart deep into the Malian defence, wove, twisted and turned before squeezing one from a tight angle past keeper Oumar to solidify Ghana ‘s lead.
The second goal demoralised the Mali team who needed all points as well to make progress to the quarter finals a little easier even before the last round of Group matches on Wednesday.
The Stars from then begun to entertain with skills and easiness that proved satisfactory for a team tagged as the tournament’s favourite .

Line-up:
Adam Kwarasey, John Painstil, Alhassan Massawudu, Jonathan Mensah, John Boye, Anthony Annan/ Derek Boateng Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew, Agyeman Badu, Kwadwo Asamoah/Samuel Inkoom,Asamoah Gyan, Sulley Muntari/ Charles Takyi.

Six Victims receive aid form Agona West MCE

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Agona West MCE donates to six victims

Agona Swedru, Jan 29, GNA- Mr Emmanuel Kweku Tetteh, Agona West Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) has presented GHC1,000 to the Swedru Government Hospital for the upkeep of six persons who suffered cutlass wounds at the main Swedru lorry station.

The victims, Isaac Kwesi Takyi 29, Efua Boateng 20, Timothy Hamah, 65, farmer, Hannah Egyiri 37, Kwesi Kaitu, 48, driver and Hope Semavia, Electrician, received multiple cutlass wounds from an unidentified traveler on January 24 at the station.

Mr Tetteh said the incident was unfortunate and urged the hospital authorities to use the money to defray some of the expenses of the victims.

The MCE, who is also the Chairman of the Municipal Security Council said, an emergency security meeting would be held to ensure that security at the lorry parks in the Municipality are beefed up to prevent such occurrences.

Mr Tetteh said the Municipal Security Council would take steps to clear all mentally retarded persons roaming the streets in the Municipality.

Dr K Dzodzegbe, Medical Superintendent of the Swedru Government Hospital received the money on behalf of the hospital and thanked the MCE for the gesture.

It would be recalled that on January 24 this year, an unidentified man, traveling to Koforidua, joined a vehicle at the Swedru station but failed to pay his fare.

When Officials of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) at the Swedru/Koforidua lorry station confronted him, he suddenly became angry and wild.

He got down from the vehicle and suddenly drew a cutlass from his bag and started slashing people around indiscriminately.

The people around later managed to disarm the furious traveler and lynched him on the spot.

His body has since been deposited at the Swedru government mortuary.

Weekend Pics: Will Smith Enjoys Family Time In Philly+Estelle In NYC For Album Review!

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Due for release on the 28th of February this year, songstress Estelle was kind enough ( not to us though) to hold a blogger preview for her upcoming album ‘All Of Me’. If her recent track ‘Thank You’ is anything to go by, the album will be nothing but a string of hot tracks and hot features.

Also in tow with Estelle fro the NYC bash was her musical friend and associate Mr J Legend. Estelle was said to have performed tracks from the album such as ‘ I’m doing me’ written by Ne-Yo a club banger “International” ft Chris Brown and Trey Songz and the mellow John Legend written song, “Love The Way We Used To”. How amazing does Estelle look in her all jumpsuit…gorgeous!

Meanwhile Will and Jada Smith played happy families this weekend as there were spotted with Son Jaden at a NBA game in his hometown Philadelphia. The three looked close and happy amidst rumours the two are on the brink of divorce. It would seem it may all be taken it’s toll on Mr. Smith as he is slowly turning a mature shade of grey.

 

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Manchester United on “Champ19ns” trophy tour to Ghana, other countries

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Nineteen times English Premier League champions Manchester United together with its partner DHL will be embarking on a worldwide trophy tour known as “DHL Champ19ns” to 27 destinations including Ghana.

The four-month tour is starting February 4, 2012, the club said on its official website January 26, 2012.

United won a record 19th English league title last May 2011 and has already visited several countries around the world with the Premier League trophy.

And in February, Manchester United said, “the trophy will embark on a new world tour, visiting the following destinations: India, Thailand, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, China, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Singapore, Germany, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands.”

The club says the DHL Champ19ns tour will travel almost 48,000 miles and give fans across the globe the opportunity to celebrate the club’s prestigious 19 league titles. The tour will be accompanied by United legends Denis Irwin and Quinton Fortune, as well as the club’s famous Fred The Red mascot.

Other legends who will join the tour as it travels around the world include Andrew Cole, Lee Sharpe, Bryan Robson, Paul Parker, Ronny Johnsen, Jesper Blomqvist, Gary Bailey and Gary Pallister – with even more names due to be confirmed, it noted.

Fans will have the opportunity to have their pictures taken with the coveted trophy and club legends during various events including fan parties, in-store events and soccer schools, which will take place in each country.

“The 19th league title was a special moment for everyone in the Manchester United family and the DHL Champ19ns Trophy Tour is our way of being able to share that historic achievement with our 333 million fans,” said United’s Commercial Director Richard Arnold.

By Ekow Quandzie//Ghanabusinessnews.com

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