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Every word from Mohammed Kudus ahead of Central African Republic game today
Midfielder Mohammed Kudus faced the media on Sunday ahead of our 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. The West Ham United man who is one of the key players in Ghana’s squad is positive about our chances against the Central Africans.
Kudus touched on being under pressure to qualify for yet another FIFA World Cup, playing in his favorite number 10 position, the strength of the squad and many more.
On playing under pressure
Obviously from our point of view we have personal goals and things we want to do so intrinsically, we have pressure every time from the expectations from ourselves. Also we are representing the whole team and the whole of Ghana and so there is pressure from every angle but our motivation and our aim to qualify for the World Cup, so that is the motivation that gets us going in every pressure we find ourselves.
On perception that top players in Europe struggle to play in Africa
Personally, in every game whether in Ghana or Europe, my motivation and my approach is the same and that is to help the team win. Yes I am one of the names they look out for in most of the games but everyone is quite important in the squad. Whether on the bench or whatsoever, like we saw against Mali, it’s the guys on the bench that came to win the game so everyone deserves the same respect and motivation just like us. We are a team, it’s the points that matters, whether I score or anyone else does, or however I perform, the most important thing is that the team wins and we keep improving as players. So personally, I try to do my best in every place I find myself. We started playing from here in Ghana and so there is no excuse as in weather, the pitch and all of that. There are things that come into play but the opponents face the same problems as well so there is no excuse for that but in every game I just try to do my best for the country and the team to get the three points.
On team having belief after comeback win against Mali
That belief has always been there even though it has not been showing in the past few games. Like I said we always want to go to the World Cup and that is the ultimate goal so whatever we do to arrive there that is what we are trying to do. Our Coach has his philosophy and ways of playing but certain games we have to win the hard way but the most important thing is the three points because every game matters here and so that is our ultimate goal.
On playing in different position and performance
I am a player with the versatility to play in different positions so definitely I see that as a positive thing for the Coach. Whichever position I find myself I will do my best for the team. But my best position is the attacking midfield, which is the position the Coach is using me here so there is no excuse not to perform. I will do my best in every game.
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Zipline, GHS reduce maternal mortality in Ashanti Region by 56.4% – Study
A recent impact assessment study on aerial logistics to improve maternal health and emergencies has revealed a remarkable reduction in maternal mortality by 56.4% in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Zipline and the Ghana Health Service (GHS).
This was revealed at the National Ghana Health Service Research Conference organized by the Ghana Health Service in partnership with Zipline. The study, which focused on the impact of aerial logistics in healthcare, also noted a 19.9% increase in antenatal visits and a 25% rise in in-facility births, signaling a significant boost in maternal health outcomes.
The success according to the study is attributed to the on-demand availability of blood and essential medical supplies provided by Zipline’s innovative drone delivery system. This consistent access to critical resources has increased patient confidence in the healthcare system, encouraging more mothers to seek necessary care throughout their pregnancies.
Speaking on the highlight of the study, the Research Officer at Ashanti Regional Health Directorate stated, “the significant decrease in maternal mortality we’ve seen is a clear indication of the vital role that reliable access to medical supplies plays in healthcare. The ability to deliver blood and essential medicines exactly when they’re needed has transformed how mothers in the Ashanti Region perceive and engage with the healthcare system.”
“It’s an achievement that speaks to the importance of introducing technology in healthcare delivery. Mothers now feel more confident in seeking care, knowing that they will receive the support they need throughout their pregnancies,”he stated.
The study examined data from 191 health facilities, including hospitals, health centers, and Community-based Health and Planning Services (CHPS) Compounds. Among these, 99 facilities were served by Zipline’s aerial logistics, while 91 were not. The research employed adjusted rates for various key indicators, such as antenatal consultations, emergency visits, referrals, live births, hysterectomies, maternal deaths, and neonatal deaths, as the main dependent variables.
The qualitative aspect of the study aimed to describe and analyze the changes in satisfaction levels among healthcare providers and patients, perceived quality of care in maternal health and emergencies, and experiences related to the use of aerial logistics. In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 patients and 23 healthcare providers at the participating facilities.
Globally, maternal mortality remains a critical public health challenge, with stark disparities between high-income and low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the majority of maternal deaths occur in LMICs, often due to preventable causes. In Ghana, particularly in the Ashanti Region, the problem is critical, reflecting the broader challenges faced across the African continent. Beyond this, socio-economic, geographic, and infrastructural factors intensify the risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth, highlighting the urgent need for innovative solutions to improve maternal health outcomes.
As maternal mortality continues to pose a challenge in low-to-middle-income countries, the success seen in Ghana’s Ashanti Region offers a promising model for other regions and nations striving to improve maternal health outcomes through innovative solutions.
Zipline is poised to continue leading the way in revolutionizing healthcare delivery, ensuring that every mother has access to the life-saving resources, no matter where she lives.
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Traders, ‘Okada’ riders take over Circle pavement
• Korle-Bu CEO with staff of Nivaansh MediQas
Activities of traders and drug addicts are contributing to make the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange (Circle) area very uncomfortable and unsafe for commuters.
Day in and out, pedestrians are ‘ejected’ from the pavement created for their safety as traders preferred to sell their wares on that space.
That hinders the free movement of the pedestrians.
The small space left for the pedestrians are also shared with ‘Okada’ riders.
As if these woes are not enough for a commuter on a single day, they also have to navigate carefully to avoid clashes with drug addicts and the mentally challenged.
These people have turned the pavements into their places of abode, covering every inch of space with their wares.
Our photographer, Lizzy Okai, captures some of the unfriendly scenes the authorities must try and deal with to restore sanity to the area.
By Lizzy Okai
