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Addressing Koopman’s conundrum
Coach Martin Koopman
When Accra Hearts of Oak newly signed on coach, Martin Koopman, announced last week that the club’s problems in the four-week old Ghana Premier League (GPL) season was due to the absence of a quality striker, he was doubted to be the right man for the job.
Koopman’s assessment of the team has generated argument not just among Phobian faithful over his competence and ability to steer the Rainbow boys to the ‘Promised Land.’
Rival fans have mocked the coach. Sympathisers also appear divided with Koopman’s assertion.
And just when concerns over finding a quality striker appear to be dyeing down, Koopman released another bombshell, telling his followers after drawing goalless with Dreams FC that four weeks into the new
season, he still does not have a regular first eleven.
Under normal circumstances, such concerns should not irritate the team’s followers because these are elements or factors a team needs to deliver.
“I am still looking for my best 11 to start and win games for Hearts; for now, I will keep trying the players until I get the right blend for the right results,” he told the media on Sunday.
The above presupposes that Koopman’s conundrum was far from over at least until he finds two things – a competent striker and a first eleven or starting team.
But one may quickly ask what has suddenly changed about a team that went on a goal-scoring spree during the pre-season; registering over 35 goals in the process.
Fascinatingly, the team keep scoring a lot of goals in the newly introduced recovery games after their league matches.
That, perhaps, should give credence to Koopman’s earlier claim that the problem should be laid at the doorstep of the team’s management for not helping him address the striking challenges.
Hearts’ only win in the competition has come against Nsoatreman at the Accra Sports Stadium with Congolese striker, Kashala Wanet, scoring the only goal of the match.
The Phobians have gone blank in the other games and that must certainly be a worry for a concerned coach who is obviously becoming frustrated with little or no effort from his bosses to address those concerns.
Interestingly, Wanet, the striker that saved his (Koopman) skin against Nsoatreman is the same player the coach is blaming for the team’s woes and asking to step up or face the drop.
In their last game, Wanet lasted for only 45 minutes, indicating Koopman’s dissatisfaction with the striker.
In the weeks before, Koopman had expressed hopes to sign another striker to strengthen the attacking department of the team, and to complement the efforts of Wanet.
In a no holds barred interview, the Dutch trainer made it clear the club was suffering from the exit of former striker,Issah Kukah, to KF Shkupi of North Macedonia on loan.
“I missed Kukah in this game (against Nsoatreman). I saw a lot of moments that he could have scored for us. We worked on him to bring him to that level but he’s gone. That is painful.”
Sadly for Koopman, that vacuum left by Kukah’s exit was expected to be filled by a Kassim Cissé from Cote d’Ivoire “but there is a problem that is above me. He trains with us. The board has brought him for me, but I want them to work on him, so he can start to play.”
Kassim is believed to be the architect, masterminding the pre-season and recovery games display for the Phobians but the failure to iron out registration issues has delayed his participation in the league.
That clearly underlines Koopman’s obstruction as he aims to remain with the elites to make a big title charge but having spelt it out clearly, it appears he has no other plan apart from the Kassim Cisse inclusion. It is a requirement the club’s management must meet, according to Koopman, to make the Phobians what they want to be.
By Andrew Nortey
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Is the “Rev” title biblical?
In many Ghanaian churches, pastors are often introduced as “Reverend” or simply “Rev.”
The title is seen as a mark of respect, yet its biblical basis continues to stir debate.
While some Christians argue that it is a harmless way to honour church leaders, others insist it is unbiblical and should not be used at all.
Those who question the title usually point to the Bible itself. Nowhere in Scripture did Jesus or the apostles use “Reverend” for themselves or for one another.
Instead, they addressed each other as “brother” or “servant.” In Matthew 23, Jesus even warned his followers not to seek titles such as “rabbi” or “father,” teaching that all believers are equal under one God.
Critics also note that Psalm 111:9 describes God’s name alone as “holy and reverend” in the King James Bible.
To them, this means the word should be reserved for God, not for human beings. Others go further, citing Job 32, which cautions against giving flattering titles to men.
For such voices, the modern use of “Reverend” risks elevating pastors beyond what the Bible prescribes.
On the other hand, defenders of the title argue that it is not meant to replace God’s reverence but simply to acknowledge a minister’s role.
In many churches, “Reverend” is given to ordained ministers who have undergone training, much like the way a doctor is addressed as “Dr.”
The Bible itself, they point out, encourages believers to honour their leaders, with 1 Timothy 5:17 stating that elders who direct the affairs of the church well are “worthy of double honour.”
In this sense, the title is seen as a formal courtesy rather than a theological statement.
Supporters remind critics that Christianity does not operate in a vacuum but within cultural settings.
In Ghanaian society, respect for elders and authority is central to social order. Just as chiefs are addressed with titles such as “Nana” or “Togbe,” many Christians believe it is fitting to extend a similar courtesy to church leaders.
In their view, calling a pastor “Reverend” reflects Ghanaian values of honour and respect, and does not amount to worshipping a human being.
Yet the debate is far from settled. Some argue that the title has been abused, with individuals presenting themselves as “Reverend” without any proper training or accountability.
Calls have even been made for the regulation of church titles to prevent confusion and protect the credibility of ministry. Others, however, see no harm in its continued use, so long as it is not taken beyond what Scripture allows.
At the heart of the matter lies a bigger question: should Christians stick strictly to biblical language when addressing their leaders, or is it acceptable to adapt titles as society evolves?
The conversation is not just theological but cultural, touching on how Ghana balances respect for tradition with the authority of Scripture.
The debate over the “Rev” title is therefore not one with easy answers. What is clear, however, is that it forces us to reflect on how we show honour, how we interpret the Bible, and how faith interacts with our cultural practices.
As the discussion continues in church pews and on social platforms, we ask you: should pastors and ministers be called “Reverend,” or should Christians abandon the title altogether?
By: Jacob Aggrey
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Police confirm arrest of two suspects in Asankrangwa murder case
The Western Central Regional Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two men in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 20-year-old man at the Asankrangwa Education Area on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
In a statement signed by the Head of the Public Affairs Unit, ASP Beatrice Turkson, the police said preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was chased and stabbed multiple times by a group of people.
The incident is believed to have stemmed from a misunderstanding between the deceased and one of the suspects, identified as 36-year-old Kwasi Opong.
According to the police, swift action led to the arrest of Opong and another suspect, 23-year-old William Francis Osei. Both are currently in custody assisting with investigations, while efforts are underway to apprehend another suspect who is still on the run.
The police noted that the body of the deceased has been deposited at the Asankrangwa Catholic Hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.
“The Command assures the public that all persons connected to this heinous crime will be brought to justice,” the statement said.
The police appealed to the public to provide any information that could assist in the ongoing investigations.
By: Jacob Aggrey
