Selective justice! …Why only Hearts?
Ghana’s COVID-19 situation is alarmingly scary! Really scary! To have more than 700 people contracting the fatal virus daily should be a huge concern for all.
As of Thursday, the nation has recorded 5,786 active cases, 68, 559 confirmed cases and 433 deaths. In all, the recoveries/discharges have been a little over 62,000. Whichever way you look at it, the situation is very dire and frightening.
To stem the disturbing tide, a number of Ghanaians have even suggested a second partial lock-down to be imposed by the government. Others disagreed with that suggestion.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has, perhaps, taken the first carping step.
On Saturday January 30, 2021, the GFA ordered Hearts of Oak to play the rest of their Ghana Premier League matches behind closed-doors after they were said to have breached COVID-19 protocols in their game against rival side, Accra Great Olympics on Saturday night.
In a letter signed by the GFA’s General Secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo, the exact nature of the violations were not stated, but the club has been ordered to play all home games without fans at the stadium until the matter is determined by the Disciplinary Committee.
Hearts slumped 0-2 to their sworn rivals Accra Great Olympics in a tie that saw many supporters throng the stadium, discarding a standing guideline to clubs to only permit a maximum supporter number of 25 per cent of the stadium capacity due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Of course, during a virtual meeting with Safety and Security Officers and Representatives of the 18 Premier League Clubs on Wednesday January 20, the FA warned the clubs that it would close down any match venue where the COVID-19 Safety Protocols were violated.
Perhaps, one must commend the GFA for having the character to crack the whip on the Phobians, at least for now.
However, the FA cannot be said to be fair-and-square to fans and maybe Hearts when many other clubs have over time, glaringly flouted such directives and are walking scot-free.
For instance, the game between Asante Kotoko and AshantiGold SC held at the Len Clay Sports Stadium on Sunday January 31, attracted hundreds of supporters, far in excess of the legal 25 per cent stadium capacity. This cannot be lost on the FA.
Again, on the same day, there were several reports pointing to the fact that the King Faisal v Berekum Chelsea tie at the Gyamfi Park in Bekwai registered quite a sizable number in attendance, more than 30 per cent full.
If this be the case, why should the FA turn its sledge hammer on Hearts alone? Why the selective justice? Making them a scapegoat? If we really are poised to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, then we must be seen to be fair-minded and resolute in the implementation of the law.
That said, the National Sports Authority (NSA) too cannot be absolved from blame. The NSA is the owner of the stadium and It is also its responsibility to ensure that the right thing was done at the gates.
The NSC must have a system where it can easily monitor the number of fans that enter the stadium and ensure that they do not surpass what has already been agreed on – especially when it also have its men at the gate.
Of course, there must be a concerted effort between the NSA, security officers at match venues and clubs to ensure fans observe the protocols.
Indeed, it is all-too simplistic to blame the clubs – whilst the NSA that had allowed its facility to be violated, go blameless or overlooked.
The NSA must, therefore, be proactive to enforce the directive and not take things for granted. At all times, they must work closely with the clubs to ensure full compliance.
Some years ago, NSA security men at the main gate were said to have prevented then Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Professor Addy, from entering the Accra stadium because he did not have a complimentary ticket in clear violation of the rules they made. That is the way to go!
But in all these, do we not as fans also value our lives? Why must it take the government to compel us to protect our own lives and those of others? Incredible!
Whilst we support the FA in their avowed bid to enforce the rules, it would not be out of place to advise it to be holistic in their approach. That way, all clubs would be on the qui vive and do the right thing.
PlainTalk with JOHN VIGAH
In a world where fathers are increasingly consumed by work and the pursuit of financial security, Bishop Michael Quartey, the Regional Overseer of the Perez Chapel International, has urged fathers to prioritise spending quality time with their children.
This, he said makes them develop trust, love and sense of security in building confident responsible adults.
Bishop Michael Quartey made this known in an interview with The Spectator ahead of the Father’s Day celebration tomorrow.
He noted that while many fathers are providing the financial needs of their families, children also require emotional support, guidance and quality time from their fathers.
“A lot of children are engaged in a lot of negative things just because of the absence of their fathers and it is about time we sit up.”
Bishop Quartey explained that fatherhood goes beyond meeting financial obligations and involves being physically and emotionally present in the lives of their children.
“Fathers serve as role models whose actions and decisions often influence the values and attitudes of their children” he disclosed.
He also elaborated that regular communication, participation in school activities and involvement in children’s daily life could significantly strengthen family bonds and contribute to the overall well –being of the children.
He added that though the modern day fathers are doing so well, we need to continue to change the narrative by putting in extra effort in the upbringing of our children.
“Being a father is a great joy and it is very necessary for fathers to be celebrated because they go through a lot,” he indicated.
Mr Quartey used the opportunity to encourage all fathers to continue doing their best and pray for their children as well.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
The Black Stars got Ghanaians rocking all night on Wednesday after overcoming a doggedly determined Panama side in their Group L clash of the ongoing FIFA 2026 World Cup.
Ghana versus Panama followed the group opener that saw England maul Croatia 4-2 in another entertaining game.
The group opener was more enjoyable as goals flowed like the rains; but Ghana against Panama was something else.
The first half came in two halves as Panama created a lot of tensed moments for the Black Stars who appeared quite sluggish and slow in their build-ups.
Perhaps, they were overawed by the pace and physicality of the Central American side who showed courage, athleticism and some finesse in their control of the game.
Within that period, goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi was Ghana’s brightest performer, pulling some breathtaking saves to deny Panama an early lead.
At this time, the atmosphere became quite placid and anxious with some faithful on their knees, praying for a divine attention.
But when the Black Stars warmed themselves into the game, they showed glimpses of the attributes that made them one of the formidable sides in global football.
They didn’t just control the game; they passed well, they showed they also had pacey men upfront, and most importantly, defended well.
Despite the struggle to create clearer opportunities, they went close with the few that came their way until the referee’s whistle went for half time.
In the second half, the reason why the appointment of Carlos Queiroz as Black Stars coach was celebrated by followers of the game was manifested with his effective substitutions that changed the course of the game.
Benjamin Asare replaced Ati-Zigi and all of a sudden, the Ghana defence suddenly had moments to breathe.
Then came Fatawu Ishahaku who replaced another speedster Kamaldeen Sulemana. He swapped position with Antoine Semenyo who moved to his favourite left side that allows him to perform his cut-ins to deliver his incisive thunderbolts.
At this moment, the right and left full backs of Panama knew no peace. They asked for trouble and Queiroz gave them.
For Brandon Asante, Queiroz would need no prophet to forewarn that he must be a starter against England, a side that requires Ghana to make great use of even the half chances and set pieces because they are blessed with superior talents across the various positions and can harm easily.
As it became a ding dong battle with Panama showing signs of fatigue, one commentator remarked; “At this stage of the game Ghana looks more likely to score.”
That sounded like a folktale to the faint-hearted whose joy had been just the wearing the national jersey and identifying as a patriotic Ghanaian.
In the dying embers of the game, the goal came. Caleb Yirenkyi brutally finished off a brilliant team goal that involved Brandon Asante and Antoine Semenyo in the build-up.
That erupted the vuvuzela sounds, supported by firecrackers; truncating the sleep of both young and old, and those that have jokingly expressed fears about watching the Black Stars since Asamoah Gyan’s ill-fated penalty miss against Uruguay in the 2010 edition in South Africa.
The victory is no indicator that the team is suddenly up there or has ‘arrived’ as is touted in the local parlance.
Admittedly, there is a lot of work to be done and the focus now would certainly be on some of the flaws identified in the first game.
But more importantly, the celebration witnessed across several viewing centres and homes; the joy seen among friends, family and ordinary fans sends one message that Ghanaians still love their national team.
Passing through town some hours after the game, a lot of people were seen shopping for all manner of paraphernalia, obviously to be counted among the real faithful.
And while the fans celebrate, one question resonates across-who is Caleb Yirenkyi?
Such questions may be genuine because he is among a host of the players that are not so familiar to Ghanaian fans because they did not feature for our local clubs in the Ghana League.
For this purpose, this column offers a piece of information about him.
Caleb Marfo Yirenkyi is a midfielder that plays for Danish Superliga club, Nordsjælland.
He was born in Bechem, Ahafo Region, and a product of the Right to Dream Academy, which he joined in 2017 at the age of 11.
Yirenkyi received his first call-up to the Ghana senior national team for the 2025 Unity Cup.
Gradually, he has become an unsung hero in the team having scored just two vital goals for the Black Stars – one against Wales in the last international friendly and the second against Panama.
That said, the Black Stars’ victory seem to have rekindled the faith and belief in the team and Ghana football entirely. This feeling must be sustained when they face England in what could become a defining moment in the campaign.
By Andrew Nortey
