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Chris Hughton, the chosen man! AT long last, Ghana has a new ‘sweat merchant.’ It was long predicted.

• Hughton - Can he fly the Stars back to glory?

• Hughton – Can he fly the Stars back to glory?

On Sunday night, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) announced the ap­pointment of Chris Hugh­ton as chief coach of the Black Stars with majority of Ghanaians applauding the decision.

The FA insisted that Hugh­ton’s engagement was in line with its vision to continue with the project of build­ing a formidable squad that started with Otto Addo (his predecessor) in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament.

It was only wise dashing for someone who has been with the team and under­stands the system better.

That many Ghanaians – both home and abroad, actively took to social media to welcome the 64-year-old coach to the hot seat, copiously proved the backing for him.

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On the reverse, others think Hughton – who until his appointment, was the Technical Advisor of the Black Stars, could be used by the leadership of the FA for their own ‘selfish’ interests. This assertion has also been contested vigorously by a section of the public, insist­ing that the former Birming­ham City, Norwich City and Brighton and Hove Albion handler can be his own man.

It must be hammered home that Hughton has been with the Stars for the past 12 months and was with the team when it crashed out in the group stage of the Qatar tournament. Remarkably, though, the newly-appointed handler would be assisted by former Aston Villa, Middles­brough and Holland midfield­er George Boateng as well as Mas-Ud Didi Dramani – both of whom the FA has decid­ed to maintain. The three coaches were part of the technical team for the World Cup in Qatar.

Hughton’s immediate task is to lead the Stars to face Angola in a March dou­ble-header in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifications in Cape Coast and Luanda respectively. The Stars share top spot of Group E with Angola on four points from two games, three above the Central African Republic and Madagascar.

Having had the oppor­tunity of being with the Black Stars briefly, Houghton should have an unmistak­ably fair impression about the intricacies in building a formidably winsome national team.

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He had maintained in various interviews that the Ghana team was loaded with a stream talents which could be harnessed to bring a lot of glory to the country.

We have heard in many areas some of his brilliant pieces of advice were not taken by his predecessor. Well, today, he is now in charge and Ghanaians would be thrilled to see the ‘spe­cial’ thing he is bringing on board.

As many have stated, he has to be his own man and be prepared to take the bold decision of resigning at a point, if he thinks he is being used and tossed like a puppeteer on a string.

Truth is that Hughton, son of an Irish mum and Ghana­ian dad, has such impressive credentials and experience at the highest level of club football, and people would be eager to see how best he translates that rich reser­voir of experience into the national team.

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One thing is sure: many people would not have the patience to wait. For them, he must hit the ground run­ning and deliver immediately when the Stars take on Ango­la in their first game at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium in March.

The immediate task, doubtless, is qualifying Gha­na for the AFCON next year in Cote d’Ivoire and clinch­ing it in grand style, after 41 years in the doldrums.

What we ought to do now is offer Hughton all the needed backing. He needs it now. If we have to criticise him, why not; but it must be done constructively.

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By John Vigah

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.

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