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CAF medical seminar for WAFU Zone B has ended
Ghana’s male U-17 team doctor, Ernest Anim Opare, has successfully participated in a four-day medical seminar organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The seminar, held under the auspices of the West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B took place in the Burkina Faso capital, Ouagadougou, from April 23-26, 2024.
Dr Anim Opare was among a cohort of high-profile medical doctors that took part in the workshop in the build-up to the 2024 CAF/WAFU-B U17 tournament to be held in Ghana from May15-28 in Accra.
The seminar focused on the use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and fitness protocols captured in the Pre-Competition Medical Assessment (PCMA) in determining the eligibility of the U-17 players.
The CAF Executive decision (2023) regarding player eligibility for U17 tournaments remains in effect, emphasizing the use of MRI screenings to verify player age.
It was reiterated at the seminar that, for the qualifying phase, an eligibility test will be compulsorily performed for all the participating teams before the start of matches.
All tests will be performed according to the CAF protocol in health facilities and duly accredited centres with MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) equipment.
CAF reserves the right to conduct the eligibility test (MRI) for the tournament as well as the final phase for the twelve teams qualified to the CAF U17 AFCON tournament, where all costs of the MRI tests will be covered by CAF.
Again, after performing MRI tests for participating teams, no country will be allowed to replace an ineligible player.
The seminar touched on the importance of team doctors in educating players about the dangers and consequences of doping violations. Doctors are also to provide assent for minors selected for doping tests and to stay informed about the sample collection process and anti-doping procedures to support their players effectively.
With the conclusion of this medical seminar, it is anticipated that all participating teams are up to speed with all medical requirements and protocols for the upcoming WAFU B U-17 tournament.
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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.
