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FA Cup Round 32: Hearts battle Dreams …as Kotoko face Benab FC
• Steve Mukwala – Asante Kotoko
The MTN/FA Cup Round of 32 games return today through to Sunday with defending champions Hearts of Oak battling Dreams FC at the Accra Sports Stadium tomorrow.
Hearts were 3-1 victors against Division One side Uncle ‘T’ United, while the latter also saw off Asekem FC 2-1.
The Phobians will be hoping to register a double over the side they produced a 3-2 comeback against in the 2021-2022 semis, before cruising over Bechem United in the final to clinch their record 12th FA Cup title.
Yet to pick a win in their last two league meetings, Hearts could use this test to regain their form against a side with an impressive run, having won three and drawn three with no defeat in six league games.
Division Two club Benab FC, will also test their might against reigning league champions Kotoko at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium today in a late kick-off.
The Porcupine Warriors saw off the tier-two side in a friendly encounter and will hope to continue their dominance.
The Accra derby will see Accra Great Olympics square off with Legon Cities at the Accra Sports Stadium.
At the Sunyani Coronation Park today, former Premier League candidates, Tano Bofoakwa will face current league leaders Aduana Stars in a tough contest.
Premier League debutants, Kotoku Royals will welcome Nzema Kotoko to the Cape Coast Sports Stadium same day.
Two Division One clubs, Volta Rangers and Krystal Palace will lock horns at the Ho Sports Stadium today, while WA Power SC and Debibi United – both Division One teams, will battle it out to progress to the next round.
The action continues on Sunday when Venomous Vipers and Ebusua Dwarfs clash at the Robert Mensah Stadium in a ferocious Cape Coast derby.
Karela United will make a trip to the St Martins Park to face Division One side Skyy FC, while Heart of Lions welcome MSK Zilina to the Kpando Sports Stadium.
Real Tamale United will be hoping to unleash their prowess on WA Suntaa at the Aliu Mahama Stadium in a cagey affair.
The Carl Reindorf Park at Dansoman will see Liberty Professionals play as host to AS Rences, while Mighty Royals will face Nsoatreman at the Adehyiman Park.
Goldstars take on King Faisal at the Dun’s Park with Samartex battling Nations FC at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena.
BY LINUS SIAW NARTEY
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku, has expressed deep sorrow following the sudden passing of Isaac Batsa, the constituency secretary for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker issued a statement on Tuesday reacting to the news, which has shocked the local political community.
Mr.Awuku praised the late NDC secretary for his bipartisan approach to local governance.
He noted that despite their different political affiliations, Batsa consistently rose above party lines to serve the constituency with diligence.
The MP revealed that the news was particularly shocking given that he had last interacted with Batsa just three days prior on Saturday.
Concluding his statement, Sammy Awuku extended his heartfelt condolences to Batsa’s family, the constituency and regional executives, and the entire NDC fraternity, wishing the deceased peaceful eternal rest.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
