Hot!
Is affection for the flag gone?
Few years ago, the nation was awashed with colours of the senior national football team, anytime the Black Stars, were in action.
The paraphernalia, replica jerseys and all the things representing the Stars, flew colourfully everywhere.
Anywhere a group of people gathered, you were sure to hear a discussion on Team Ghana and its charming football and the missed opportunities.
No more!
Today, the love for the Stars has sunk considerably to the extent that many do not really care when the players are action; owing to the team’s own less-inspiring streak of performances over the last few years.
It is against this saturnine backdrop that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo sent what appears to be a rousing message of hope to the team, urging them to defend the jersey with pride and honour.
The goodwill message, one of the finest in recent times, was delivered on the eve of the Black Stars’ participation in the 33rd edition of the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) with the President goading the Stars to go a step further to win their fifth African trophy, believing they have the quality to make it happen.
“We have to go a step further in the second places we recorded in 1992, 2010 and 2015 and bring the 40-year drought to an end.
“The task may be daunting, but it is certainly not insurmountable. I believe in the current crop of players; we have the talent to match any of the best teams on the continent,” he asserted.
The President urged the players to wear the jersey with pride and determination; be of one mind and spirit and be united on and off the pitch – whether chosen in the first eleven or not.
It is pertinent we stressed on the fact that the task may be back-breaking, as the President alluded to, but it is certainly not unconquerable – and the current crop of players can only give it their all – just as those who made history before them in 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982.
Importantly, too, he made a passionate appeal to Ghanaians to rally behind the team, no matter what, as Ghana seeks to become a force to reckon with on the continent once again.
Sadly, the Stars lost their opening game against Morocco 1-0 – the ‘damaging goal’ coming as late as the 83rd minute.
Truth is that majority of the Ghanaian players did not come to the party on the afternoon.
From Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew, to the recuperating captain Andre Dede Ayew, the team failed to click as expected.
Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac may have made things worse when he tarried with his substitutions until Ghana fell behind, seven minutes from the final signal – allowing the Atlas Lions to take advantage of the Stars’ disorganised backline.
At the time of putting this piece together yesterday, Ghana were playing Gabon in their second game of the tournament.
Whatever the result, the Stars would also have the Comoros Islands to deal with next week. Naturally, Ghanaians would expect victory and dream of qualification to the Round of 16 stage.
What is needed in the final assignment next week is a full-blooded fight characterised with water-tight backline and precision in attack.
As consistently hammered, it would only take the Black Stars themselves to bring back the love.
When the Stars perform creditably, the nation’s joy is immeasurable, leaving everyone feeling proud and good to be Ghanaian – and ultimately uniting us as a people and temporary putting aside our sharp political polarisation.
Our boys must know they have a mission to fulfill in Cameroon. Not winning the Holy Grail for 40 years is simply unacceptable and the heart-rending drought must be broken.
Like the President said, the task may be daunting, but it is certainly not insurmountable. With a solitary sense of purpose, determination, valour and hardwork, the Stars can stun the world.
If for nothing at all, they have a great brand to uphold – and ought to dash for the honour.
By John Vigah
Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has made a generous donation to the country’s national female Under-17 and Under-20 teams – Black Maidens and Black Princesses- as they continue preparations for major international assignments.
The donation, made on Friday, May 22, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.
The gesture forms part of efforts to motivate and support Ghana’s young female footballers as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.
The donation included essential food items and toiletries aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of the players and technical teams.
The donation included cartons of Milo, T-rolls, soft drinks, toiletries, and a range of essential supplies aimed at supporting the welfare of the players, enhancing camp conditions, and easing preparations ahead of their respective assignments.
The Black Maidens are currently engaged in preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and are set to take on Liberia women’s national under-17 football team in the second-leg encounter in Liberia this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Black Princesses have already secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Uganda in the qualifiers, extending Ghana’s remarkable record to eight consecutive appearances at the tournament.
The donation by the First Lady was expected to boost morale within both camps while reinforcing national support for the young female footballers who continue to make the country proud.
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
