Ghana Football has been hit with yet another devastating news following the death of Justice Boison, a member of the Ghana FA’s Division One League Board.

The fine football administrator’s death comes as a shock to the football fraternity after he was actively involved in last week’s GHALCA Elections. Boison contested for the Treasurer position but lost to Linda Ansong of Liberty Professionals fame.

He also contested unsuccessfully for the Executive Council seat of the GFA in 2019.

Justice Boison has had working ties with Cape Coast based Division One outfit Venomous Vipers on whose ticket he won the Division One League Board slot. He has since moved to another second tier outfit, Pacific Heroes.

FMIG extends our condolences to the bereaved family.

Footballmadeinghana

In response to the growing climate crisis, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is aligning with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change by setting a target to reduce its direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions by 45 per cent, by 2030. The decision was taken at the IOC Executive Board (EB) meeting held remotely today.

In addition to reducing its emissions, the IOC will offset more than 100 per cent of its remaining carbon emissions. This will be mainly done through the Olympic Forest project, which is part of the Great Green Wall – an existing UN-backed initiative to combat desertification in Africa’s Sahel region. These offsets will make the IOC climate positive by 2024, meaning that it will be removing more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits.

The IOC will also continue to use its influence to encourage others within the sports world to take action against climate change.

Sport depends on a healthy planet,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. “As the leader of the Olympic Movement, we have a responsibility and an opportunity to protect our climate. This ambitious target puts the IOC in line with the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, and helps to advance action on climate change.”

The IOC’s ambitious commitment to reduce its carbon emissions in line with the Paris Agreement is a clear testament to how seriously the IOC addresses the climate crisis, and offers a powerful example of how sport can contribute to the global efforts,” said HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, Chair of the IOC Sustainability and Legacy Commission.

The IOC is already a carbon-neutral organisation, having offset its 2017-2020 emissions through its carbon partnership with its Worldwide Olympic Partner Dow.

In the four-year period from 2016 to 2019, the IOC’s average carbon footprint was about 53,000 tonnes of CO2e per year. In order to achieve the 45 per cent cut in emissions, the IOC has set an intermediate reduction target of 30 per cent, to be achieved by 2024. The IOC Sustainability and Legacy Commission has been tasked with developing action plans to achieve both targets, with the support of the IOC administration.

Climate-positive Olympic Games

The announcement follows an earlier commitment from the IOC to make the Olympic Games climate positive. From 2030 onwards, each Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (OCOG) will be contractually obliged to:

- minimise and compensate its direct and indirect carbon emissions; and

- implement lasting zero-carbon solutions for the Olympic Games and beyond.

All upcoming Olympic Games, including Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022, have committed to carbon neutrality.

- Tokyo 2020 will offset all its direct and indirect emissions. It will use the visibility of the Games to showcase sustainable solutions such as hydrogen-fuelled vehicles, Olympic medals made of recycled mobile phones and podiums made of plastic waste donated by the public.

- All competition venues at the Beijing 2022 Games aim to use 100 per cent renewable energy. Natural and low carbon emission CO2 refrigeration systems will be used at most of the Beijing 2022 ice venues – the first time this low climate impact technology will be used in China and at the Olympic Winter Games.

- With 95 per cent of venues pre-existing or temporary, among other measures to avoid and reduce carbon emissions, the Paris 2024 carbon footprint is expected to be around 1.5 million tonnes of CO2e – half the carbon footprint of previous Olympic Summer Games. New permanent constructions will be low carbon.

- LA28 has adopted a radical reuse approach, which means it will leverage the best of Los Angeles’ iconic sports facilities and not require a single new permanent venue to be built. LA28 has committed to incorporating meaningful sustainability measures throughout its plans as it aims to set a new standard for large-scale live events.

Olympic Movement sustainability efforts

Sustainability is one of three key pillars of Olympic Agenda 2020, the IOC’s strategic roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement.

The IOC uses its visibility to highlight sustainability issues and solutions. Olympic House in Lausanne is one of the most sustainable buildings in the world. The IOC uses hydrogen-powered vehicles as part of its fleet, provided by its Worldwide Olympic Partner Toyota, and has installed the region’s first hydrogen production and refuelling station.

The IOC also helps other sports organisations to help tackle climate change, assisting International Sports Federations (IFs) and National Olympic Committees (NOCs) in integrating sustainability within their operations and events.

Its leadership role in the development and implementation of the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework has helped bring three OCOGs, 26 Olympic and recognised IFs, and seven NOCs on board. Overall, the Framework has attracted 184 signatories from the global sports community.

Going forward, the IOC will continue to use its influence to inspire its stakeholders and the wider public to help address climate change.  It will also promote the development of innovative low-carbon solutions, for example in the fields of renewable energy, hydrogen and circular economy.

The International Olympic Committee is a not-for-profit, civil, non-governmental, international organisation made up of volunteers which is committed to building a better world through sport. It redistributes more than 90 per cent of its income to the wider sporting movement, which means that every day the equivalent of USD 3.4 million goes to help athletes and sports organisations at all levels around the world.

IOC

In a unique public/private partnership, MTN, Africa’s leading mobile network, has announced a donation of US$25 million to support the African Union’s COVID-19 vaccination programme.

The donation will help secure up to seven million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for health workers across the continent, which will contribute to the vaccination initiative of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

“The devastating impact of COVID-19 has been unprecedented and profound.  Public and private partnerships are needed if we are to succeed in the fight against the pandemic and restore social and economic norms for our continent and our communities,” says Ralph Mupita, President and Chief Executive Officer of MTN Group.

On 14 January 2021, President Cyril Ramaphosa, Chairperson of the African Union, announced that the African Union had secured a provisional 270 million COVID-19 vaccine doses on behalf of its Member States, through advance procurement commitment guarantees of up to US$2 billion to the manufacturers by the African Export-Import Bank.

This was an important milestone in efforts to ensure equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine for Africa’s people. However, with a population of about 1.3 billion, Africa requires many more doses to achieve at least 60 percent herd immunity. Contributions by private organisations, like MTN, are therefore essential to help the continent reach its target.

“Our goal is to ensure that all those who need the COVID-19 vaccine have access to it very quickly, but the biggest hurdle in Africa has been financing of the vaccines, and the logistics of vaccinating at scale. We therefore welcome the right partnerships, like the one with MTN, to achieve our minimum 60 percent vaccination target,” says Dr John Nkengasong, Director of Africa CDC.

Commenting on this, the CEO of MTN Ghana, Selorm Adadevoh said “our immense appreciation goes to our dedicated frontline health workers, the Government, and other key stakeholders who have worked tirelessly and braved the odds to help our country in the face of this relentless pandemic. MTN appreciates your devotion to duty and hopeful that these vaccines will help us all fight the COVID 19 pandemic.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic, MTN has made significant contributions to help limit the spread of the disease and save lives and livelihoods within its African market.

This donation is another example of MTN’s efforts to help find lasting solutions to solve the challenges facing the continent and to guarantee a healthy Africa, for all Africans.

“We believe ongoing collaborations with key stakeholders across sectors are essential as vaccines are deployed in all our markets, with communication tools, technology and digital services being vital support infrastructure for a successful mass vaccination programme,” concludes Mupita. “In the coming months, MTN Group will look at similar support commitments for the markets in which we operate in the Middle East.”

About the African Union

The African Union is a continental body that leads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with the 55 Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. The vision of African Union is to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous and inclusive Africa, at peace with itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable, efficient and responsive Commission. Learn more at: http://www.au.int/en

About Africa CDC

Africa CDC is a specialized technical institution of the African Union that strengthens the capacity and capability of Africa’s public health institutions as well as partnerships to detect and respond quickly and effectively to disease threats and outbreaks, based on data-driven interventions and programmes. Learn more at: www.africacdc.org 

About the MTN Group

Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is Africa’s leading mobile network operator with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to our customers. We are inspired by our belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code ‘MTN’. We are pursuing our strategy with a major focus on growth in data, fintech and digital businesses in Africa. www.mtn.com

Former President Jerry John Rawlings was a loyal friend of Ghana boxing. He did not only sit back to take the plaudits when the hard work was done, he got involved!

During his military service he was in charge of the Armed Forces Boxing team and led them to many laurels. He also served on the Inter-Military Boxing Committee.

Most importantly, he grew a personal relationship with Azumah Nelson from his formative years in the national team the Black Bombers. He spent personal resources and also created the needed administrative structure to ensure the Azumah conquered the world and brought Joy to a Ghanaian people who at the time needed inspiration to help them live through trying economic times and also strive hard to achieve success in their respective fields of endeavour.

As a ring announcer, I basked in great pride anytime I saw him at ring side. I fondly remember Bukom Banku v Ayittey Powers and the shot above during the Independence Rumble in March 2017, when Richard Commey won a WBC international title.

He also met and inspired young rising boxers like former WBO Super Bantamweight champion, Isaac Dogboe and motivated a lot of others including coaches, referees, journalists and fans.

I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU BUT I AWAIT THE OUTDOORING OF RAWLINGS'S COMPREHENSIVE BIOGRAPHY. THAT BOOK WILL NOT ONLY MAKE A GOOD READ BUT WILL PROVOKE OUR THOUGHTS.

By Nathaniel Attoh Citizen Attoh (Sports Journalist / member of GBA Media Committee / Member of Boxing Writers Association, Ghana BWAG)

About 20-25 years ago, I was fortunate to be able to wear this uniform that I dreamed of for many years, Jay Okocha written on the streets of Gelsenkirchen with a Fenerbahce jersey on his back with love.

I signed a 3,5-year contract with Fenerbahçe, which I have been a dark fan since my childhood, by mutually agreeing and terminating my contract with Arsenal team.

It's time for me to start a new start with new goals with Fenerbahçe, the team of my childhood Fenerbahçe, where Napoleon Bonaparte said if the world was a country. I would like to express my gratitude to our president Mr. Ali Koç and the Board of Directors, our Sports Director Emre Belözoğlu, our Teacher Erol Bulut for trusting me with this new beginning in my career.

Also, to my brother Acun Ilien who has never supported me since the day we met, my brother Mutlu Ozil and my manager Dr. Dr. Ridvan Dilmen, who has never supported me for many years, who has always been there for me in my good times and has always worked hard for this transfer ....... Erkut Söğüt to the whole Family & Football team and most importantly to my one and only mother Gulizar Özil who worked for us day and night in our childhood, my precious wife Amine and my dear daughter Eda who always was there for me I would like to thank you.

I would like to thank the great Fenerbahçe fan who has made me feel great and amazing support every second since I boarded the plane from London. And I promise; I will fight till the last drop of my term to be able to pay back this support and faith and not be embarrassed by you. Hopefully, we will all be happy Mesut days together.

Mesut Ozil

Lt. Col. Sharpe John Egerton Sharpe, former Chairman of Ghana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) will be buried this Friday, January 29, 2021 at the Military cemetery in Accra.

Final funeral rites would be held at the VAG House. He left behind seven children, 14 grandchildren and one great grand child.

He was a keen sports enthusiast and became president of the Ghana Kick Boxing Association as well.

The late Col. Sharpe was an executive board member of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), and a member of AIBA, the International Amateur Boxing Association.

He died on December 3, 2020 at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra at 86 years.

Rest in peace Col. Sharpe

The leadership of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has expressed its deepest condolences to its partners Melcom Ghana Limited on the passing of owner Bhagwan Ramchand Khubchandani.

The late Bhagwan Ramchand Khubchandani passed away on Monday, January 25, 2021, at the Nyaho Medical Centre in Accra after a short illness.

Melcom is a leading retail department outlet with about 48 retail centers across Ghana.

The company has over the years progressed into six separate companies under a parent company Melcom Group of Companies.

It will be recalled that in November 2020, the GFA announced Melcom as an official partner for a period of one football season.

The late Bhagwan Ramchand Khubchandani spent a larger part of his life in Accra, Ghana, spanning three decades.

He was 84.

From Sammy Heywood Okine

Accra Hearts of Oak have joined the race to sign Eleven Wonders FC talisman Salifu Ibrahim in the second transfer window.

The second transfer window of the 2020/2021 season will open from 16 February 2021.

The Phobians have been in contact with Ibrahim and his representatives over a possible transfer.

The highly-rated midfielder has few months left on his contract and Wonders are ready to cash in on the player before his contract expires.

Ibrahim has been in scintillating form in the Ghana Premier League this campaign having won the Man Of The Match (MOTM)  Award five times.

Hearts of Oak head coach Kosta Papic is a great admirer of the Ibrahim and is keen on adding him to his squad for the second half of the season.

The UniStar Academy graduate has made 9 appearances for Wonders this term scoring once and providing 4 assists.

Medeama SC, AshantiGold SC, Karela United and Asante Kotoko have all been linked with a move for the Wonders star.

GHANAsoccernet.com

Ghanaian forward Francis Afriyie has signed a contract with Egyptian Premier League club Ghazl El-Mahalla.

Afriyie, 26, joins the Peasants Leader as a free agent after failing to extend his contract at Botswana side Township Rollers last year.

The pacey forward penned a six-month loan deal with Ghazl El-Mahalla on Monday.

He is however in his native country, Ghana, waiting for his visa to join his new teammates in Egypt next week.

Afriyie begun his career at Ghana Premier League side Bechem United.

He left the Hunters to join Serbian side Vojvodina in 2017.

Afriyie featured for Murciélagos Fútbol Club for a season before swapping the Mexican club for Kenyan giants Gor Mahia in 2019.

The Ghana Football Association wishes to announce that the second window registration for the 2020/21 season will be opened from 00:01am on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 and close at exactly 11:59pm on Thursday, March 18, 2021.

However, the International Transfer Window and the Domestic Transfer Window will be opened from 00:01 on Friday, February 12 and close at exactly11:59 pm on Sunday, March 14, 2021.

Clubs are to note that applications which do not meet the correct STANDARDS SHALL BE REJECTED rather than be queried as queries are for only minor corrections.

All clubs are to take note and transfer and register their players within these stated dates. Kindly note that there SHALL BE NO extension of the deadlines.

GFA COMMUNICATIONS