Dr. Owusu Ansah, a member of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), for the 2023 African Games has revealed to Happy Sports that talent identification will be the criteria used in the selection of athletes for Team Ghana ahead of the Games.

The LOC paid a working visit to Happy 98.9FM on Monday 1 March 2021 to outline their plans and activities ahead of staging the Games next two years.

Team Ghana is set to be assembled this year to prepare for the Games and according to Dr Owusu Ansah, athletes will be selected based on their talent.

“We are going to use Talent identification to build team Ghana and that is highly possible we can place within our target for the Games. In Congo Brazzaville, we went with over 250 athletes and placed 20th.

“In Morocco, we went with about 75 athletes and placed 15th. The difference is that with Brazzaville, they used the selection to build Team Ghana to go and compete but with Morocco, they used talent identification and that is why 75 athletes won more medals than the 250 people.

“It also happened in Abuja when they used talent identification to select athletes and Ghana placed 10th and also won more medals.

“So with what is going to happen, we can use talent identification to build Team Ghana and win more medals. So we want the people to give us the trust that Ghana will deliver”.

Ghana will be hosting the 13th edition of the African Games in 2023 with preparations already underway.

Source – Happy Sports

The Norwegian browser developer Opera and leading telecommunication operator MTN, announced the extension of their partnership in Ghana and celebrated it with the re-launch of a new Free Browsing program. The new free browsing program provides of MTN customers in Ghana up to 1.5 GB of monthly free data when they browse with the popular Opera Mini browser.

“We are glad to extend our partnership with MTN in Ghana and we look forward to bringing more people online in 2021, said Jørgen Arnesen, EVP of Mobile Browsers at Opera. “At Opera we believe that access to the web should be a universal right, therefore we decided to work with MTN in Ghana under the shared vision of bringing more people online by offering affordable access to the web through the Opera Mini browser. 

Customers of MTN who have Opera Mini installed on their mobile devices will be able to start browsing for free. With free browsing, MTN customers can make more online purchases, check on the latest news, or simply find entertainment content they want or are interested in.

“As MTN Ghana works to become a Digital Operator, we are conscious of the customer experience we deliver in our digital services. Together with Opera, we enable our customers with access to more online content so they keep engaged with their devices without worrying too much about their data expenses”, Sam Addo, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of MTN Ghana said. “We are excited about this partnership with Opera and we look forward to more offers to delight our customers”, he added.

Opera Mini is a small, fast and powerful browser.  It comes with unique features such as Data Compression, Offline File Sharing and built-in Ad-blocker. Opera Mini also enables access to free eBooks through the Worldreader speed dial and the music catalogue of the Kenyan music-streaming service-Mdundo allowing users to stream or download music through the Opera Mini browser. Today, Opera Mini is the browser of choice for over a 100million people around the world who choose it over pre-installed browsers on Android mobile devices.

To enjoy the benefits of the free browsing package, MTN customers will have to install Opera Mini on their mobile Android devices. MTN customers who are not yet Opera Mini users, can download the app for free on Google Play Store.  The free browsing package is capped to 50MB per day and it covers browsing only while video streaming and file download will attract normal data charges.

MTN’s partnership with Opera supports the digital drive of the business to achieve its vision ‘to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to its customers’. Other digital interventions introduced for individuals and business is the Unlimited Business Broadband targeted at Small and Medium Enterprises, (SMEs), Small/Home Offices (SOHOs) as well as other organizations. MTN Business continues to offer solutions that enable individuals and businesses to access telecommunication services.

Visit https://broadband.mtn.com.gh/business  or by call 100 for more information.

Former Medeama coach Samuel Boadu says he is very happy to join Accra Hearts of Oak on a three-year deal.

Boadu who revealed that it was a dream come true has been tasked to compete for laurels and help the club break their Ghana Premier League title drought.

He will receive GHC70,000 as an enticement and put on a $2,500 monthly salary, according to reports.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Board Chairman and Patron of Accra Hearts of Oak, Togbe Afede XIV, said the club is confident Boadu is the right man for the job.

“Our commitment is to work with him for several many years, so we can achieve success together.” He said.

“His ambition is consistent with ours, we think we need someone like him and he has also confirmed his belief in the fact that he needs a club like Accra Hearts of Oak to give him the appropriate platform for realization of his objectives.

“So this I believe is a match made in heaven, a meeting of desires and we expect a mutually beneficiary relationship that will last several years.”

Samuel Boadu on his part said it has been a dream of his to coach the Ghana Premier League giants.

“I had been looking for this opportunity for quite long” He said.

“This is the time for me to be part of the Phobia family. I am proud to call myself the Head Coach of Accra Hearts of Oak.

“I will do my very best and work very hard for Accra Hearts of Oak”

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Nominees For The Various Positions In The Upcoming Elections

*PRESIDENT*

Ben Nunoo Mensah - Weightlifting

Richard Akpokavie Esq - Hockey

*1ST VICE PRESIDENT *

Mawuko Afadzinu - Table Tennis

Paul Atchoe - Volleyball

*2ND VICE PRESIDENT *

Evans Yeboah - Badminton

Frederick Otu Lartey - Taekwondo

*3RD VICE PRESIDENT *

Charles Osei Asibey - Armwrestling

Mohammed Mahadi - Fencing

*SECRETARY GENERAL*

Mohammed Sahnoon Esq - Cycling

 Richmond Quarcoo - Squash

*DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL*

Bawa Fuseini - Triathlon

Hon. Ahmed Shaib Jerry Esq - Weightlifting

*TREASURER*

Frederick Acheampong - Football

Christopher Essilfie - Olympian

*DEPUTY TREASURER*

Isaac Aboagye Duah - Tennis

Christopher Darko - Amankrah - Athletics

*Five Representatives elected from National Federation’s affiliates to the International Federations recognized by the IOC and whose sports are included in the Olympic programme* :

Melvin Brown - Karate do

Iddrisu Gamel Ayambire - Basketball

Kamal Sulley - Rowing and Canoeing

Dr. Ben K.D. Asante - Hockey

Francis Arthur  - Triathlon

Albert Frimpong - Baseball

Delphina Quaye - Swimming

George Okoe Lamptey - Amateur Boxing

Mike Aggrey - Gulf

Emmanuel Tetteh - Judo

*One elected member from a non Olympic sports federation*

Abdul - Hayye - Bodybuilding

Rev. Emmanuel Emmanuel Dzani Nii Quaye - Netball

*One elected member from a National Federation affiliated to the GOC*

Samuel Ayer

Dr.Bella Bello Bitugo

*Three other members elected by Congress *

Nana Adu Mankattah - Sports for All

Philip Elikem Ameku - Chess

Mrs. Jamirah Hamid Mahama - Women in Sports

Michael Nkow Ayeh - GES

Emmanuel O. Asare – Cricket

Percious Boah scored a super delicious freekick in the 33rd minute to hand Ghana a 1-0 win over the Gambia at the Olympic Stadium in Nouakchott. The win sends the Black Satellites to the final of the Total U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Mauritania 2021.

Ghana thus records a sweet revenge on the Gambians after losing 2-1 to the Young Scorpions in the group stage with the precious victory handing Ghana a chance to contest for a record fourth title at the Under-20 AFCON.

Boah curled the ball beyond the wall and into the top left corner of Saidy Lamin’s goal to register his third goal in the tournament.

It was the second time in the game that Boah was coming close with a freekick and this time, he ensured he kicked the ball past the goalkeeper.

The Gambians however should have gone to the break on level terms after Danlad’s passing error. But they fluffed the chance.

The Young Scorpions were off to a better start in the second half as they threatened early with Wally Fofana forcing a good save from Danlad Ibrahim.

Coach Karim Zito later brought on Frank Boateng, Joselpho Barnes and Mathew Cudjoe in place of Emmanuel Essiam, Percious Boah and Mohamed Sulemana.

Gambia had most of the ball, bit sadly couldn’t find means to break down the Ghanaian defense.

Lone goal hero Percious Boah was adjudged the Total player of the match.

GFA COMMUNICATIONS

Ghanaian powerhouse Hearts of Oak have secured a mammoth sponsorship deal with  Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited.

The  power distribution company has stepped in following the expiration of contract of former headline sponsor Strategic Africa Securities (SAS).

Sunon Asogli Power thus become the official shirt sponsor of the former African champions.

Hearts Board Chairman Togbe Afede XIV announced the ground-breaking deal at the unveiling of new coach Samuel Boadu on Monday.

It adds up up to the growing sponsorship secured by the club after GOIL, StarLife Assurance and Umbro as their official kit suppliers.

They also have partnership deals with GTV Sports Plus, Financial Technology firm Cloud Africa, SAS Finance Group, Koflex Gym and Software and Firmware developers Bitsweaver Limited.

Sunon Asogli Power Ltd is a modern, high efficient, environmentally friendly, natural gas fuel combine cycle power plant situated at Tema, Accra owned by Shenzhen Energy Group Company Ltd and the China African Development Fund.

Sunon Asogli Power (Ghana) Limited is jointly owned by Shenzhen Energy Group Company Ltd (shares 60%) and the China African Development Fund (shares 40%).

Aduana Star announce former Unity Fc and Accra Hearts of oak coach, Mr Asare Bediako as new head coach after Coach Paa Kwasi left the team.

Hearts of Oak outdoor new head coach Samuel Boadu

Accra Hearts of Oak have officially unveiled newly appointed head Coach Samuel Boadu .

Boadu, former Ghana u15 coach joins the Rainbow lads after leaving Medeama SC.

He  was uncovered by the Club on Monday and will lead the side in their League game this weekend.

He swaps Kosta Papic who left the Club to join South African side Black Leopards.

Media sources reveal the Coach will be given an enticement fee of Ghc70,000 and a monthly salary of $2,500.

Samuel Boadu was outdoored together with  Ibrahim Salifu new rising super star in Ghana Football.

Hearts drew 0-0 with rivals Asante Kotolo over the weekend, proving that the team is solid and only need direction.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Reports reaching Yours Truly state that Coach Samuel Boadu will receive GH¢70,000 as an enticement and put on a $2,500 monthly salary at Accra Hearts of Oak,

The 35-year-old trainer is expected to be announced as the new head coach of the Phobians by Monday after leaving Medeama last week.

Hearts of Oak aka ‘The Continental Club Masters’ are hoping the new coach can provide a financial return on the club's investment after bringing him to the capital.

Boadu will receive GH¢70,000 enticement fee, put on a $2,500 monthly salary plus other performance-related bonuses.

The former Medeama coach will receive a massive financial windfall as he makes the switch to Hearts of Oak.

Boadu has been tasked to transform the side and end their 11-year wait for a Ghana Premier League crown.

However, the job comes with huge pressure on the young gaffer - who impressed heavily during his three-year stint in Tarkwa.

Despite not completing a single season due to external circumstances, he is highly regarded in the West African nation.

He is currently the coach of the country's Under-15 team.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

      1.KWASI ABEASI AND MR. MODUPE KADRI

Scancom Plc. (MTN Ghana) wishes to announce that Mr. Kwasi Abeasi and Mr. Modupe Kadri will step down from the Board of the Company effective March 1, 2021.

Mr. Kwasi Abeasi joined the Board of MTN Ghana in 2011, as an Independent Non-Executive Director, bringing a wealth of experience to the Board over his 10-year period of service. 

Mr. Modupe Kadri joined MTN Ghana as Chief Financial Officer in 2014 and was appointed Executive Director in 2016, a position he held until February 2020 when he became a Non-Executive Director of the Company. 

The Board of Directors of MTN Ghana and its subsidiaries would like to take this opportunity to express their gratitude to Mr. Abeasi and Mr. Kadri for their sterling service and dedication to the Company, and for their impressive performance on the Board.  We wish them every success in all their future endeavors.

2. APPOINTMENT OF FOUR (4) INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS TO SCANCOM PLC. (MTN GHANA) BOARD

Scancom Plc. (MTN Ghana), in line with its aim of increasing skills and diversity, is pleased to announce the appointment of the following Independent Non-Executive Directors (INEDs), effective 1 March 2021:

• Mr. Felix Addo
• Ms. NanaAma Botchway
• Mr. Kofi Dadzie
• Ms. Rosie Ebe-Arthur

2.1 Mr. Felix Addo

Mr. Felix Addo is a Member of the Ghana Institute of Chartered Accountants with over 30 years’ experience.  He served as a Partner at PwC over an 18-year period across a wide range of engagements in both developed and emerging markets, including transactions, insolvencies and turnarounds, financial and forensic audits and various projects in both the private and public sectors. He has since developed a portfolio of board roles in the consumer, financial services and the oil and gas sectors. He currently serves on the boards of various organizations including Guinness Ghana Breweries (Chairman), Ghana Association of Restructuring and Insolvency Advisors (President), as well as various for profit and non-profit organisations.

2.2 Nana Ama Botchway

Ms. Nana Ama Botchway is the founder and managing partner of N. Dowuona & Company, a leading corporate and commercial law firm in Ghana.  Her main areas of practice are mergers and acquisitions, energy and infrastructure.  Ms. Botchway regularly advises local and global companies on cross border mergers, acquisitions, energy and infrastructure projects.  She began her career in New York where she worked as a lawyer at two leading global law firms, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett and Cooley, and as an audit accountant at Deloitte Touche Tomahtsu.  Ms. Botchway is a graduate of Princeton University, New York University’s Stern School of Business and Columbia University School of Law.  She brings a wealth of experience to MTN Ghana having served as a Non-Executive Director on a number of boards, including Ghana Airports Company Ltd, the Ghana Petroleum Sovereign Wealth Funds, GHL Bank Ltd, where she chaired the Remuneration Committee, and Brainworks Capital.

2.3 Mr. Kofi Dadzie

Mr. Dadzie is an experienced digital entrepreneur who has built innovative products and services and taken these to market successfully, servicing customers across multiple geographies and covering over 80 languages.  Mr. Dadzie, who is one of the pioneers of Rancard Solutions Ltd, started as the Chief Software Architect and rose to the position of Chief Executive Officer. He currently serves as a non-executive director of Rancard Solutions Holdings and subsidiaries. Inspired through leadership seminars in the Aspen Institute, he recently consulted for and joined the Mastercard Foundation with the aim of empowering young African women and men to harness the digital economy. Mr. Dadzie also serves as a director of IC Asset Managers and is a member of the governing board of Genius Hive Music Academy.

2.4 Rosie Ebe-Arthur

Ms. Rosie Ebe-Arthur is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and brings along with her a plethora of experience from the United Kingdom and Africa.  Ms. Ebe-Arthur was previously employed by Ernst & Young as Associate Director of People Services, Africa Projects, South Africa with responsibility for Sub Saharan Africa.  Ms. Ebe-Arthur then served at Ecobank Transnational Incorporated as Group Human Resources Business Partner for Domestic Bank working across 33 countries.  She then moved to Standard Chartered Bank rising to Head of Human Resources, West Africa with responsibility for Nigeria, Ghana, Cote D’Ivoire, Cameroun, Gambia and Sierra Leone.  Ms. Ebe-Arthur is currently the Group Head, Human Capital Management and Development for First Bank Nigeria and Subsidiaries and is accountable for setting the People Strategy across the Banks footprint in Africa, United Kingdom and the representative offices in France and China.

Commenting on the appointments, the CEO of MTN Ghana, Selorm Adadevoh said, “We are very excited to welcome very accomplished, diverse, professionals to the MTN Ghana Board.  As a Company that is transitioning into a full digital operator, we are happy to have them join us accelerate the process of giving our valued Customers a distinct digital experience, whilst driving towards our 2023 ambition of becoming a digital operator”. 

Commenting on the Board changes, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of MTN Ghana, Dr. Ishmael Yamson, expressed his profound gratitude to Mr. Abeasi and Mr. Kadri for their dedication, sacrifices and excellent performance, and for contributing immensely to the governance and oversight of the Company.

In welcoming the new members to the Board, Dr. Ishmael Yamson indicated that onboarding these outstanding individuals with diverse skills and professions, should enhance and strengthen the performance of the oversight role of the Board.

The Board of Directors of MTN Ghana and its subsidiaries would like to take this opportunity to welcome on board the new Independent Non-Executive Directors, to the Scancom Plc. Board, and to wish them every success in the discharge of their duties.

The Independent Non-Executive Directors shall hold office until the next Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, where they shall be eligible for re-election by the Shareholders of Scancom Plc.

SIGNED

Pala Asiedu Ofori (Mrs.)

Company Secretary