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Heed to Ogum’s call for unity
Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum
In a little over a month, the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League (GPL) will kick off at various centres.
Preparations towards the big kick off has seen a number of clubs getting busy with pre-season activities, ranging from player recruitment, signing new coaches, engaging in friendly matches among others, all in a bid to strengthen the teams for another long season.
The objectives, however, varies from one club to the other; reflecting in the pre-season activities the clubs are engaged in.
New entrants like Tano Bofoakwa, Nations FC and Kpando Heart of Lions would just not be aiming to strengthen the squads to cope with the challenges at the elite level.
They would also be preoccupied with ensuring that they have very good and competent technical teams to guide them through the Premier League storm.
As a result, Real Bofo, as Bofoakwa is affectionately known, has signed on a former Ghana international and Asante Kotoko legend, Frimpong Manso; Nations FC, seen as King Faisal’s replacement after their relegation in the last season, also brought on board Kasim Ocansey Mingle to reinforce the technical bench.
But the issue regarding coaching has not just been a concern for the promoted clubs. Traditional clubs including Hearts of Oak, Asante Kotoko and Great Olympics are all walking on similar paths.
While Hearts are expected to announce a substantive Gaffer for the season, Kotoko and Olympics have taken the bull by the horn, announcing returns of their former coaches – Dr Prosper Narteh Ogum and Daniel Annor Walker, respectively.
Significantly, Dr Ogum and Annor Walker appear to be making similar calls to the clubs’ fans to be united to improve the fortunes of their respective clubs.
Unity among Kotoko fans was a major subject for Dr Ogum at his unveiling this week at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
He beseeched the fans to ‘let bygones be bygones’ as the club aimed at reclaiming its top hierarchy in the elite game in Ghana.
Annor Walker has officially not been unveiled but has been consistent in his interactions with friends in the media about the importance of having a united fan base.
Clearly, it shows the importance of leading a club supported by a united fan base.
That gives the players the peace of mind, confidence and desire to play.
Without it, the club struggles as evident among the above mentioned traditional clubs.
Interestingly, fans of Hearts, Kotoko and Olympics appeared the most disunited last season; either having issues with their respective management teams, technical teams and the playing bodies in some instances.
Obviously, it contributed to their poor placement on the league table with Hearts and Olympics even threatened by relegation.
Without doubt, a repeat of such behaviour could further damage the league’s reputation by virtue of having the largest followers who at some stage of the season stayed away from their games as matches were played in empty stadia.
By Andrew Nortey
Education Minister Haruna Iddrissu has announced that government is working to make education free for all learners with special needs, with funding expected to come from GETFund.
He shared the plan during a press briefing with the media.
According to him, an initial estimate shows that the policy will require between 65 million and 100 million cedis every year.
He noted that GETFund currently has a budget of 9 million cedis, and with proper adjustments, it should be possible for the fund to release about 100 million cedis every other year to support the policy.
Mr Iddrissu added that government is also committed to providing free tertiary education for all persons with disabilities.
He explained that the support will go beyond classroom learning and will include feeding and the provision of assistive learning devices for learners with special needs.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghana’s singing Prophet, Joseph Atarah, has released a video for his new song dubbed ‘Increase’. The video was directed and shot by renowned director, Sky Web.
The motivational video exhibits captivating dance moves, set against the vibrant and beautiful city of Accra. Prophet Atarah co-wrote the song with Nana Boateng.
Touching on the message during an interview on Hitz FM’s Daybreak Hitz, he said, ‘Increase’ is a motivational song telling people not to give up in their present situation. According to him, with determination and a relentless desire to succeed, God will make everything beautiful.
“As you trust in God’s plan, remember that ‘INCREASE’ is on the way. Just as seeds grow into harvest, your faith is growing into abundance. God’s got you, and His increase is surrounding you,” he added.
Prophet Atarah resigned from the military band in 2006 after an encounter with God to start his prophetic ministry and commenced his music journey about four years ago.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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