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GPL Match Day 30: Match by match preview
We have a lowdown of Sunday’s Match Day-30 of the Premier League games as the league reaches home stretch with all to play for with five matches left to end the season.
Accra Hearts of Oak vs Aduana Stars FC: 15:00 GMT, Kumasi, StarTimes Adepa channel 247
With their hopes of clinching the league crown almost dashed, Aduana Stars FC travel to the capital to battle Hearts of Oak in matchday-30 on Sunday.
The Fire Club make their second successive trip to Accra after drawing goalless with Accra Lions FC in their last Premier League encounter.
The two giants will go at each other in what promises to be an absorbing contest at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday May 18, 2024.
Hearts of Oak should be in confident mood ahead of the visit of Aduana Stars following their 3-0 demolishing of Berekum Chelsea at the Golden City park in their last time out.
Hearts of Oak sit 11th on the table with 38 accumulated points after 29 matches, having won 2 and suffered 3 defeats in their last 5 games.
The Phobians have managed to secure 23 points at home this season, scored 17 and conceded 10 goals.
They are ranked as the 3rd weakest home side this season. Hearts of Oak goes into this fixture with a defeat in their last home game against Accra Lions.
Aduana Stars have recorded 1 win, 1 draw and suffered 3 defeats in their last 5 games. They are 4th on the table with 43 points from 29 matches.
The Fire Club have secured just 7 points away from home in this campaign, scored 10 and conceded 20 goals. They are ranked as the 3rd weakest away side following 2 wins, 1 draw and 11 defeats.
It’s a battle between the third weakest home side and the third weakest away side in the league.
Hearts of Oak have played Aduana Stars three times in the league since 2020/21 season with Hearts of Oak winning one, drawing one and losing one.
In the 2020/21 season, Hearts of Oak beat Aduana Stars 2-0, drew 1-1 in the 2021/22 season before losing 0-2 in the 2022/23 season.
Youngster Hamza Issah has netted 12 goals for Hearts of Oak and will be available for the game on Sunday. Other players to watch for the Phobians include Kofi Agbesimah, Denis Korsah, Cisse Kassim, Glid Otanga, Linda Mtange, Yaw Amankwah Baafi, David Oppong Afrane, Micheal Ampadu, Salim Adams, Ibrahim Salifu, Issa Kuka, Enoch Asubonteng, Thomas Winimi and Seidu Suraj.
Aduana Stars can count on Emmanuel Gyamfi, Yussif Chibsah Alhassan, Asamoah Fiifi Anderson, Kelvin Obeng, Emmanuel Obuobi, Frank Owusu, Rich Sackey, Richard Tetteh, Douglas Owusu Ansah, Alex Boakye, Richard Afriyie, Richard Mahama, Gabriel Akwesi Mensah and Sampson Cobbinah.
Nsoatreman FC vs Bibiani GoldStars FC: 15:00 GMT, Nsoatre
After securing a historic qualification to the finals of the MTNA FA Cup, Nsoatreman FC welcome Bibiani GoldStars FC to the Professor Nana Konamansah park in the Premier League on Sunday.
Maxwell Konadu’s side will be boosted by their FA Cup feat as they host GoldStars with five matches to end the season.
Just two points separate the two combatants with Nsoatreman FC lying 6th on the table with 42 points, two more than the Miners on 9th with 40 points.
Nsoatreman’s only source of silverware this season will be the MTN FA Cup after falling down in the race for the Premier League title.
They will be keen to return to winning ways after losing 1-0 at Heart of Lions while the visitors drew 1-1 at home to Bechem United.
Nsoatreman FC are 6th on the table with 42 points after 29 matches, having won 2, drawn 2 and lost 1 in their last 5 league games.
They are ranked as the 7th lowest home performers this season, scoring 12 and conceding 6 goals with 25 accumulated points.
Nsoatreman FC have drawn their last three consecutive home games.
Gold Stars FC sit 9th on the table with 40 points from 29 matches, having won 2, drawn 2 and suffered 1 defeat in their last 5 games.
The Miners are the third best scoring side in the league so far (36). Coach Frimpong Manso’s side have managed to accumulate 9 points away from home, scored 6 and conceded 18. They are the 5th weakest away side in this campaign. Gold Stars FC have drawn their last away game against Nations FC.
Nsoatreman FC have played Gold Stars FC once at home in the league since joining the Premiership in the 2022/23 season with Nsoatreman FC winning 1-0.
Nsoatreman FC star man Manaf Umar will be available for the clash on Sunday and hope to extend his 7-goal tally.
Apetorgbor Foster, Mohammed Abdul Rahaman, Morrison Anokye, Stephan Diyou, Mohammed Issaka, Collins Kudjoe, Mohammed Sadat, Philip Ofori, Eric Osei Bonsu, Richard Acquah and Osarfo Antwi are all ready and well prepared for the game.
Gold Stars FC talisman Prince Kwabena Owusu is expected to form a formidable attacking partnership with Alex Aso and Appiah McCarthy.
Other stars like Frank Amankwah, Gideon Anaba, Vincent Atingah, Eric Bosomtwi, William Dankyi, Ronald Frimpong, Charles Gyamfi, Adraman Yahaya, Emmanuel Appau and Emmanuel Odai are in the reckoning to make the match day squad.
Bechem United vs Karela United: 15:00 GMT, Bechem
Karela United will continue their push for a survival in the Ghana Premier League when they travel to the Nana Gyeabour park to battle Bechem United on Sunday.
The visitors punched above their weight to beat second-placed Nations FC in their last encounter to go four points clear from danger zone.
Karela United have been revived since Abubakar Damba took charge of the team after winning back-to-back to enhance their push to avoid the drop from the country’s top-flight league.
The Pride and Passion will test their mettle against the home side at the Nana Gyeabour park eager to produce another big performance to pick at least a point on the road.
But that ambition won’t come easy as Bechem United have been a formidable force at home this season.
They will be eager to return to winning ways after drawing 1-1 at Bibiani GoldStars which followed their 2-1 defeat to Dreams FC in an outstanding fixture on Wednesday.
Bechem United are 7th on the table with 41 points after 28 matches and are unbeaten in their last 5 league games.
The Hunters have managed to secure 28 points at home this season, scoring 20 and conceded 8 goals in the process. They are ranked as the 8th best home side with an unbeaten record in their last 5 home games.
Karela United sit 13th on the table with 37 points from 29 matches, having recorded 2 wins, 1 draw and suffered 2 defeats in their last 5 matches.
The Tamale based have accumulated 9 points, scored 12 and conceded 24. They are ranked as the 6th lowest away performers in this campaign.
Karela United goes into the game with a victory in their last away game against Aduana Stars. They are the third club with most goals conceded away from home (24).
Bechem United have played Karela United three times at home in the league since 2020/21 season with Bechem United winning two and losing one.
In the 2020/21 season, Bechem United beat Karela United 2-1, drew 1-1 in the 2021/22 season before recording a 3-1 victory in the 2022/23 season.
Bechem United heads into the encounter with quality players like Cephas Mantey, Emmanuel Annor, Gabriel Tenlep, Clinton Duodu, Francis Acquah, Emmanuel Ababio, Emmanuel Abban, Samuel Kuffour, Isaiah Nyarko, Francis Twene, Emmanuel Owusu and Abdul Salifu all fit for selection on Sunday.
Karela United top scorer Giyasu Ibrahim will be available for the game as well as Solomon Aboagye, Maxwell Agyemang, Rashid Alhassan, Emmanuel Anaful, Bright Andoh, Samuel Asiedu, Mohammed Asigre, Samuel Atta Kumi, Fatawu Mohammed, Maxwell Arthur, Mohammed Awal, Welbeck Takyi and Umar Faruk.
Medeama SC vs Real Tamale United: 15:00 GMT, Tarkwa
Two teams with contrasting fortunes clash on Sunday when champions Medeama SC hosts basement club Real Tamale United (RTU) at the Akoon Community park.
The tie is delicately poised after both teams recorded wins from their respective matches last time out.
While Medeama compounded the woes of Great Olympics with a 1-0 win in the capital, Real Tamale United recorded a narrow 1-0 win over league leaders FC Samartex 1996.
The defending champions are the overwhelming favourites to secure victory but will be wary of the threat posed by the visitors.
RTU will not go down without a fight as they make the long journey to the mining town of Tarkwa to battle Medeama – who are also chasing a top-four finish with their title defence out of their hands.
Medeama SC have won 3, drawn 1 and lost 1 in their last 5 games. They are currently 5th on the table with 43 accumulated points after 29 matches.
Medeama SC have secured 31 points at home, scored 14 and conceded just 4, they are ranked as the 5th best home side in the league.
The Mauve and Yellow are unbeaten in their last 6 consecutive home games and have conceded the least number of goals at home in the league.
Real Tamale United are the side with the least number of points accumulated away from home (3) following 1 win and 12 defeats, scored 11 and conceded a whopping 32 goals.
They are currently at the bottom of the table with 28 points from 28 matches, having won 2 and suffered 3 defeats in their last 5 games. They have one outstanding game to play against Dreams FC. Real Tamale United have conceded the most goals in the league so far (47).
Medeama SC have played Real Tamale United twice at home in the league since the Tamale side returning into the top tier in the 2021/22 season with Medeama SC winning in both encounters.
In the 2021/22 season, Medeama SC beat Real Tamale United 2-1 and won 3-2 in the 2022/23 season.
Medeama SC can count on in-form right-back Kamaridini Mamudu, who is the side’s leading scorer with 5 goals. The champions can also count on Nurudeen Abdulai, Kobina Amoah, Godknows Dzakpasu, Micheal Enu, Derrick Fordjour, Manuel Mantey, Fatawu Sulemana, Diawisie Taylor, Bernadinho Tetteh and Dennis Adoma.
Mohammed Mankuyeli has banged in 10 league goals for Real Tamale United and will be available for the game on Sunday.
Asuno Adjetey, Issah Ahmed, Abdul Aziz, Faisal Gariba, Idrissu Gadafi, Adams Hafiz, Mohammed Idriss, Baba Kushibo, Awudu Mohammed and Lord Adabo all available for the clash.
FC Samartex 1996 vs Bofoakwa Tano: 15:00GMT, Samreboi
League leaders FC Samartex 1996 and relegation-threatened Bofoakwa Tano square off at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena in Sunday’s fascinating contest.
The Timber giants are on the cusps of securing a historic Premier League crown, as they lead second-placed Nations by seven points with five matches to end the season.
Coach Nurudeen Amadu’s will do their title ambition a lot of good if they remain grounded against a stubborn Bofoakwa Tano side.
The visitors won’t be a walk in the park after they secured qualification to the MTN FA Cup finals – beating defending champions Dreams FC 2-1 in Sunday’s epic semi-final at the WAFA park in Sogakope.
FC Samartex 1996 have won 2, drawn 1 and suffered 2 defeats in their last 5 games.
They are currently occupying the top spot with 52 points from 29 matches.
The Timber giants have accumulated the most points at home in this campaign (39), scored 27 and conceded 6. They’ve won their last 5 consecutive home games.
Bofoakwa Tano are 15th on the table with 33 points after 29 matches. They have won once and recorded 4 consecutive draws in their last 5 games.
They are ranked among the top 10 best away performers in the league this season after securing 10 points, scoring 9 and conceding 15 goals.
Coach John Eduafo’s side are winless in their last 5 away league games.
FC Samartex 1996 are yet to host Bofoakwa Tano at home in the league after gaining promotion into the top tier in the 2022/23 season.
Evans Osei Wusu and Baba Musa are expected to lead the attack for Coach Nurudeen Amadu’s side. Other players like Emmanuel Keyekeh, Emmanuel Mamah, Ebenezer Ocran, Emmanuel Adu Siaw, Ebenezer Acquah, Isaac Afful, Gabriel Appiah, Michael Epshon, Desmond Gyabeng, James Sewornu, Dauda Yussif Seidu and Emmanuel Boakye Owusu are all ready for action on Sunday.
Bofoakwa Tano star man Saaka Dauda is available for the clash as well as Dacosta Aboagye, Bashiru Abu, Alhassan Ali, Emmanuel Ankrah, Andrew Appau, Emmanuel Agyenim Boateng, Najib Ibrahim, Elvis Opoku, Ado Zack and Elijah Addai.
Dreams FC vs Heart of Lions : 15:00GMT, Dawu
Dreams FC will look to back up Wednesday’s win over Bechem United when they host Heart of Lions on Sunday.
The Believers head into the contest in 14th position, while the visitors are languishing in the relegation trap-net.
Dreams beat Bechem United 2-1 in the first of our outstanding Premier League matches and will be eager to bag another win at home to cushion their survival pursuit.
Heart of Lions’ top-flight status is hanging on a thread with five games to end the season. Bashir Hayford’s men will need to punch above their weight to secure another top-flight football next season with the remaining fives matches crucial to their survival.
Dreams FC are 14th on the table with 35 points after 26 matches, having won 2, drawn 2 and suffered 1 defeat in their last 5 outings.
They have three outstanding games to clear against Real Tamale United, Great Olympics and Legon Cites.
Dreams FC have recorded 25 points at home in the league this season, scored 21 and conceded 11 in the process. They are ranked as the 7th least home performers in this campaign.
Dreams FC are unbeaten in their last 5 consecutive home league games going into this match.
Heart of Lions have won 3, drawn 1 and suffered 1 defeat in their last 5 matches. They are 17th on the table with 32 points from 29 matches.
Hearts of Lions are yet to record their first ever away win in this campaign following 5 draws and 9 defeats. They’ve managed to secure 5 points, scored 7 and conceded 18 goals.
Coach Bashir Hayford’s side are ranked as the second weakest away performers in the league. They’ve failed to score in eight of their last 10 away matches.
Dreams FC are yet to host returnees Heart of Lions at home in the league after joining the Premiership in the 2023/24 season.
Dreams FC star man Abdul Aziz Issah will be available for the game on Sunday. Other key players like Dede Ishmael, Godfred Atuahene, Ebenezer Adade, Derrick Agyei, Emmanuel Agyei, Eric Boateng, Joseph Esso, McCarthy Ofori, Sulemana Suhiyini, Abdul Jalilu, Enoch Abu, Seth Agyemang and Sylvester Simba are available for selection.
Heart of Lions skipper Ebenezer Abban has banged in 6 goals and is expected to start the game on Sunday. Ishmael Addo, Christian Boateng, Yaw Danso, Ruben Hennessey, Mohaison Mahmoud, Abdui Musah, Emmanuel Ofori, Kwesi Pong, Mustapha Yakubu, Yusif Afful and Akwasi Duah are all available for selection.
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GEXIM to host “SME GO” programme stakeholder sensitisation and fair on September 18
The Ghana Export – Import Bank (GEXIM) in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ghana Enterprises Agency and Development Bank of Ghana will be hosting the final phase of the stakeholder sensitisation exercise on the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Growth and Opportunity (SME GO) Programme at the Bank’s headquarters located at the Africa Trade House, in Accra.
The stakeholder sensitisation event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday SSeptember18, 2024 at 10 am and will give attendees a deeper insight into the SME GO Programme with a focus on the dynamics of the programme, eligibility criteria application process and how the initiative seeks to assist Ghanaian SMEs to scale up and compete favorably in the international marketplace.
The confirmed speakers and dignitaries for the event will highlight how Ghanaian SMEs can leverage on the SME GO Programme to build the capacities and make them sustainable.
They include Hon. Abena Osei-Asare, Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, Hon. K. T. Hammond, Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Nii Kwartei Titus Glover, Greater Accra Regional Minister as well as the Chief Executive Officers of the Ghana Enterprises Agency and Development Bank of Ghana.
Alongside the stakeholder sensitisation event, GEXIM will be hosting a special edition of its popular SME Fair dubbed “SME GO Mart” at the forecourt of the Africa Trade House, from 8am to 8pm.
The theme for the “SME GO Mart” is “Celebrating Ghanaian SMEs” and it will provide a platform for Ghanaian entrepreneurs to showcase various top-quality Made-In-Ghana products.
Over hundred Ghanaian entrepreneurs with unique products have been confirmed to participate in the fair.
They will be exhibiting several unique and authentic products at unbeatable prices including food and ingredients, beverages, skin and beauty care products, textiles, apparel, garments, leather footwear, slippers, and many others.
In July 2024, the Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Finance launched the SME GO Programme, a ground breaking initiative which sought to provide Ghanaian SMEs with the needed funds, requisite technology and knowledge as well as other relevant resources and tools to aid their growth to become international giants.
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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.
