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Stars poised to finish off Madagascar tomorrow
• Joseph Paintsil — Stars
The senior national team, the Black Stars, will face off with Madagascar in the penultimate 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at the Stade Kianja Barea in Antananarivo tomorrow.
Victory for the Stars would see them book a place in the 2023 AFCON, scheduled to be hosted in Cote d’Ivoire, next year.
Led by Andre Dede Ayew and his assistant Arsenal’s midfielder Thomas Partey, the team had prepared feverishly for the encounter and focused on clinching all three points with a game to spare in the qualifiers.
Coach Chris Hughton with his charges, after intensifying preparations for the must-win game, departed for Madagascar yesterday to settle in for the crucial encounter.
After four games, Ghana occupy the top spot with eight points with Central African Republic (CAR) and Angola occupying the second and third positions with seven and five points respectively.
Ghana’s opponents for tomorrow, Madagascar, are bottom on the table with just a point and would need a win to stand a chance of making it to the continental showpiece next year.
Though it would be a herculean task beating the Black Stars, the host would rely on their home support to attempt to stage an upset for a very competitive final round.
Coach Hughton, who is only finding his rhythm with the team as head coach, would set up to give the host a run for their money.
The likes of Mohammed Kudus, Salis Abdul Samed, Jordan Ayew and debutant Ernest Nuamah will be expected to make a mark for Ghana in their bid to secure all three points.
The Stars will go all out for the win to make the final round of qualifiers to be held between September 4-12, a mere formality.
BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE
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Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
