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Draw inspiration from Medeama-Kurt Okraku tells Samartex 1996
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The President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, has urged FC Samartex 1996 to draw inspiration from the progress made by unfancied Medeama SC and Dreams FC’s in the 2023-24 CAF Inter-club competitions, ahead of their debut Total Energies CAF Champions League campaign.
President Edwin Simeon-Okraku gave this charge to the 2023-24 Ghana Premier League Champions when he visited their training session on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at the Adjiringanor Astro turf in Accra; as they wrap up preparations ahead of their trip to Cameroon to battle Victoria United FC, in the first leg of the preliminary match of the Total Energies CAF Champions League.
He implored the defending Ghana Premier League champions to learn from the performances of last season’s Ghanaian representatives in CAF inter-club competitions, as they embark on a journey to write their own history on the continent.
Medeama SC, winners of the 2022-23 Ghana Premier League Champions, reached the group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League in their maiden appearance, while Dreams FC, MTN FA Cup winners for that season, exited the Total Energies CAF Confederation Cup at the semi-finals stage, in an impressive outing by Ghana’s representatives.
President Simeon-Okraku, who is confident about the prospect of FC Samartex 1996, tasked the team to draw inspiration from their fellow Premier League campaigners.
“You are ambassadors of our dear country. You go there as a proud champion. The last time before the most recent that Ghanaian clubs did really well was way back in 2004-2005. That was the Hearts-Kotoko Confederation Cup campaign. And then, last year, Medeama SC and Dreams FC also showed that, if we stay together, we can achieve. That should be the source of your inspiration,” he charged the players amidst applause.
He further “Your colleagues have done it just a few months ago. It’s your turn to go the extra mile to put Ghana back on the map as far as Confederation of African Football Inter-club competitions go. I have no doubt that there’s quality in this team. You are true champions and worthy representatives of our country in Africa. You won the Ghana Premier League on merit. I have absolute trust in the technical team to guide all of you in this adventure.”
He congratulated the team for winning the 2023-34 Ghana Premier League title – a monumental feat for a young Premier League side.
According “I’m happy to have a physical opportunity to say Ayekoo [congratulations] for being champions of Ghana. I think since you won the trophy, I have not been able to be physically present. I really wanted to be at the coronation but circumstances beyond my control didn’t allow it to happen.”
“You should be very proud of your team members. For you as individuals, for the group and for the community. For a team coming to the top flight to become champions not long afterwards is no mean achievement. It’s something that each one of you must be proud of. You achieved that because you stayed together as a team. You worked together as a team and pushed for the top as a team. That’s the essence of teamwork. Football is a team sport. It’s not about one individual.” he reiterated.
President Simeon-Okraku also tasked the players to stay united and fight for each other on the pitch, drawing synergy with the famous Miracle of El-Wak, as they make the trip to Victoria United FC on Wednesday August 14, 2024.
“As you make this journey, know that you’re playing away from home. And this is where you need to stay together. When you go on the turf and it’s tough, you have to stay together. When it’s good, you have to stay together. When the challenging moments come, you have to stay together,” he advised.
Kurt Okraku further noted “That’s where you need to encourage each other. Talk about the miracle of El-Wak where a team had to come back to make it happen. We’ve seen many great feats on the domestic front. You’ve played tough games and won. Put in extra effort to achieve your desired results.”
“So, everything is possible. Just have the belief and trust that the entire country is behind you, the Football Association is behind you. We want to achieve together. We want to win trophies for Ghana. And you are our ambassadors. Go out there and put in your utmost best. Lastly, don’t forget that the Almighty God exists. As you train, as you prepare, pray for God’s guidance and support,” he said.
The Timber giants will travel to Limbe, Cameroon, for the first leg tie, scheduled for Sunday August 18, 2024, before hosting their opponents in the reverse fixture at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The winner will face either ASGNN of Niger or Moroccan giants Raja Club Athletic in the second round in September.
The Ministry of Education has condemned the alleged sexual abuse of a 14-year-old student with autism at Bolgatanga Girls’ Senior High School (BOGISS) in the Upper East Region.
The ministry, in a statement issued on August 20, 2026, indicated that two watchmen employed by the school are alleged to have sexually abused the student.
It described the incident as unacceptable and stressed that schools must protect and care for students, particularly children who are vulnerable.
The ministry made it clear that the student cannot be blamed for the alleged abuse.
“The Ministry wishes to state unequivocally that a minor cannot be held responsible for sexual abuse perpetrated against her by an adult,” it stated.
The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to investigate the matter and submit a report immediately.
He has directed the GES to ensure that the student receives the necessary medical care and counselling to support her recovery.
The ministry further directed that the student’s boarding status at BOGISS be restored immediately.
It assured the student’s family and the public that it would work to ensure that justice is served.
The ministry described the incident as an act of indiscipline and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the safety, dignity and rights of students in schools across the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Former Deputy Minister for Local Government and NDC aspiring national chairman, Nii Lante Vanderpuye has apologised to GoldBod Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over comments he made during a discussion on Channel one TV.
In a statement dated August 20, 2026, Mr Vanderpuye acknowledged that his comments during the programme did not properly communicate his intended position.
He explained that he had no intention of undermining Mr Gyamfi or supporting criticisms being directed at him and GoldBod by the opposition.
According to him, his intention was to defend the work of GoldBod and the efforts of its CEO, but he expressed himself in a way that created a different impression.
“For that error of judgement and communication, I am sincerely sorry,” Mr Vanderpuye stated.
He particularly apologised to Mr Gyamfi, describing him as a dedicated member of the NDC who has served the party with courage and commitment.
Mr Vanderpuye also apologised to the leadership, members and grassroots of the NDC who may have been disappointed or hurt by his comments.
He acknowledged that party members expect leaders and those seeking greater responsibility within the NDC to show solidarity, good judgement and loyalty, especially when members and institutions led by them face political attacks.
Mr Vanderpuye further stressed that he has spent a significant part of his political life supporting and fighting for the NDC, including during difficult personal and political periods.
He reaffirmed that the NDC remains his political home and that his loyalty and commitment to the party remain unwavering.
The issue started after the Minority in Parliament, led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo Markin, accused GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi of being responsible for an alleged GH¢22 billion loss at the institution.
Mr Gyamfi later responded to the allegations during the government’s accountability series, defending GoldBod and its work.
However, during a discussion on channel one TV, Nii Lante Vanderpuye made some comments that were understood by some people as being critical of Mr Gyamfi and GoldBod.
His comments sparked concerns among some NDC supporters, leading him to apologise to Mr Gyamfi, the party leadership and its members.
By: Jacob Aggrey
