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Tricky ties for Kotoko, Hearts
Premier league leaders, Asante Kotoko and traditional rivals, Hearts of Oak will seek to make amends when they face Accra Lions and Real Tamale United (RTU) respectively in their match-week 17 Ghana Premier League fixtures.
Kotoko on 33 points, were humbled 2-1 by bottom club Elmina Sharks and need a win to keep second-placed Bechem United on 29 points at bay, whilst also returning smiles to the faces of their teeming fans at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Incidentally, the ‘Porcupine Warriors’ have been ferocious at home, losing just once at home out of eight outings, proving their dominance on home turf.
On the contrast, Lions’ record on the road has been abysmal winning just once at away venues and despite the home side missing enterprising left-back, Imoro Ibrahim, the firepower in the fold of Coach Prosper Nartey Ogum spearheaded by Cameroonian strike force, George Mfegue and Franck Etouga seem certain to tame the Lions in today’s clash.
League champions Hearts, tottering in their league defence, will be eager to inject some enthusiasm into their campaign when they trek to Tamale to face the David Abagna-led, RTU tomorrow.
Occupying a disappointing sixth on the log and a gaping 10 points separating them and arch-rivals Kotoko, Hearts are aware winning at a dreaded venue like Tamale can resurrect their title defence.
Undoubtedly, that would be the focus of head coach Samuel Boadi, hunting for a win to wane off the pressure mounting around the security of his job.
With the availability of a talented pool comprising creative force, Gladson Awako, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, Fatawu Mohammed, Enoch Asubonteng, Salim Adams and veteran, Sulley Ali Muntari, the visitors would be eager to provide ‘Phobian’ followers with some respite after losing 1-0 to city rivals Great Olympics on match-week 16.
They must, however, devise a strategy to contain RTU’s inspirational figure and league top marksman Abagna who has shown a tendency to wreak havoc when called upon.
In other games on Sunday, Bechem United will hope to continue their fairytale story when they engage in a mouth-watering derby affair against Berekum Chelsea at the Golden City Park; Great Olympics battle energized Elmina Sharks at the Accra Sports Stadium with AshantiGold pitching their strength against Bibiani Gold Stars at the Obuasi Len Clay.
In Tarkwa, Medeama will welcome high-scoring Dreams to the Akoon Park; struggling WAFA will account for Karela United, whilst Aduana Stars contend Eleven Wonders in Dormaa.
On Monday, third-placed King Faisal, will be seeking to continue their turn around after winning their first game in five games last week, playing as guest of 15th-placed Legon Cities at the Accra Sports Stadium.
BY NANA BENTSI ODURO:
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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.
