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Stars, no distractions!
Many Ghanaians have been sitting on tenterhooks, following a vicious protest filed to FIFA by the South Africa Football Association (SAFA) against Ghana as regards its Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying loss to the Black Stars.
The South Africans, evidently sour losers to the Stars, had claimed match-manipulation amongst others, hugely culminated in the 1-0 defeat; also fingering Senegalese Referee MaquetteNdiaye as part of the plot.
Well, as of putting this piece together, FIFA – the world football controlling body, was yet to make a pronouncement on the matter. That is a bit strange. Wonder why this case should take more than two weeks to adjudicate. Maybe, the delay was necessary because of SA’s allegations of match-manipulation which has to be proven beyond every reasonable doubt FIFA.
Whichever way, it would be one of the greatest wonders in world football should FIFA order a replay of the game – the relief SAFA is desperately seeking – unless it can clinically provide evidence of matching manipulation.
Having been bowled out from both next year’s African Nations Cup and the Qatar World Cup, it is obvious South Africa are in extreme pain that can only be assuaged by a FIFA replay dispensation of the Cape Coast game.
It would not happen!
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) must not be sweating over the SAFA protest but rather start planning about the next AFCON which four-time champions Ghana has not won for four decades – 40 good years!
It is a huge ignominy and sheer embarrassment – even to African football that the Stars are yet to annex the continental Holy Grail, all this while.
That must be the prime focus of the GFA now, to break that Stygian disquieting ‘silence’ that has left many experts of continental football utterly confounded.
What this means is that Ghana would have to send a formidably winsome team to the biennial football festival in Cameroon and give the campaign a big crack in its bid to put that missing smile on the faces of Ghanaians.
Once we are able to present a solid contingent in Cameroon, we are also sure of putting forth an equally tremendous outfit capable of taking care of our World Cup play-off in March 2022.
Our Black Stars may not be playing spectacularly well at the moment but have strongly proven that they can rise to the occasion when the stakes are high.
What the players need now is to show a lot more sense of commitment and purpose without which they do not stand a chance of achieving their targets.
Of course, they also need an unflinchingly consummate backing from Ghanaians, especially when the going becomes uncompromisingly tough.
No distractions! Focus!
PlainTalk with 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.
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.
