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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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ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.
This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.
“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.
It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.
“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
