Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams has called for punishment against Espanyol fans who racially abused his teammates in their matchday 24 fixture on Sunday.

Moroccan international Maroan Sannadi was subjected to racist insults at the RCDE Stadium.

The incident occurred in the first half, prompting Williams to inform the referee, which led to the activation of football’s anti-racism protocol.

As part of the protocol, an initial warning was issued over the stadium’s loudspeaker.

If the abuse continued, the match would be temporarily halted, with players leaving the pitch only on a third occurrence.

Williams, who was near the incident, confirmed he heard insults directed at Sannadi.

Speaking to Cadena SER after the game, the Ghanaian international emphasized that football as a whole must unite against racism and stressed that the issue was not exclusive to Espanyol.

“Football is meant to be enjoyed, and things like this should never happen,” Williams said.

“Maroan made a simple play, and they insulted him, calling him a f**** Moor. This isn’t the first time it has happened here it happened to me before but that shouldn’t tarnish Espanyol’s fan base.”

He continued, “Football needs to be protected. Espanyol needs it true fans, not the handful of people ruining the game. It’s a shame. The referee handled it well, but I don’t understand why Espanyol fans whistled at me afterwards. I hope action is taken, awareness is raised, and those responsible are punished.

Racism has become a growing issue in Spanish football, with repeated incidents, including abuse aimed at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior in recent years.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw which leaves Espanyol a point above the relegation zone.

While stricter punishments, including prison sentences, are now being enforced, there remains debate over whether these measures are enough to deter racist behaviour in the sport.

DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.

PBy Rod JIMENEZ

Ghana stands at the face of a great transformation. A nation of promise, with a rich history and boundless potential, now finds itself at a crossroads.

The choices made today by the new government will determine whether Ghana emerges as a shining beacon of investment and prosperity for years to come or falters under the weight of inaction.

The time for bold leadership is now. For Ghana to fully harness its economic potential, it must prioritize regulatory stability, transparent governance, and investment-friendly policies. Without these pillars, efforts to attract and retain foreign investment will be severely hampered.

The challenge before us

For decades, Ghana has been heralded as the ‘Black Star of Africa’, a symbol of stability and economic opportunity in a volatile world. And yet, recent years have tested that reputation. Capital is not patriotic; it flows where it finds security and returns. The decline in Ghana’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from US$1.35 billion in 2022 to US$649.58 million in 2023 (https://gipc.gov.gh/)- signals a growing apprehension among investors.

The World Bank’s Business Ready 2024 report highlights inefficiencies in business registration, permit issuance, and market competition as significant deterrents to investment. These challenges create an unpredictable business environment that erodes investor confidence. The international community watches with concern as regulatory inconsistencies, prolonged arbitration disputes, and the paralysis of essential infrastructure projects cast a shadow over Ghana’s future.

The world does not stand still, and neither can Ghana. The greatest nations of our time did not rise on potential alone—they thrived because they seized their moment with clarity, vision, and determination. Ghana must do the same and the new Government has the power and I believe, determination, to do just that.

A new era of digital progress

One such moment is upon us. Ghana stands at the threshold of a new digital era with the launch of 5G services—an essential step toward accelerating data growth and driving nationwide digitalization. This milestone will unlock new opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development, positioning Ghana as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation.

The rollout of 5G aligns with the country’s Digital Agenda 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, marking significant progress toward a more connected and prosperous future. Next Gen Infraco (NGIC), as the country’s only licensed 5G wholesale enabler, will play a key role in supporting this transformation.

But progress is not guaranteed. A promising future can be derailed by hesitation. If the regulatory environment remains unpredictable, if contract sanctity continues to be questioned, and if bureaucratic inefficiencies are left unresolved, then this moment of transformation will slip through our fingers. Investors do not seek guarantees of success, but they do demand fairness, transparency, and consistency. The government must ensure that these principles are upheld, for they are the foundation upon which great economies are built.

The gravity of commitment

One of the most pressing concerns in Ghana today is the issue of contract enforcement. The US$251 million owed to American companies, that US Senator James, E. Risch stated recently is not just a financial liability—it is a test of credibility. The global business community watches closely. Will Ghana reaffirm its reputation as a reliable partner, or will it send a message that agreements are fleeting and obligations optional? The answer to this question will shape our investment decisions.

Nations that uphold the rule of law flourish. Those that waver in their commitments find themselves isolated, struggling to regain trust. Every investor, whether Ghanaian or foreign, asks one fundamental question: “Will my investment be protected?” The answer must be a resounding yes, anything less will lead businesses to reconsider not only future investments in the country but, more critically, their existing commitments.

The call for leadership

Ghana is no stranger to adversity. Its people are resilient, its potential boundless. But the prosperity of tomorrow requires the courage to act today. The new administration has an opportunity—a duty—to take decisive steps that will shape the next decade.

First, regulatory frameworks must be strengthened and applied consistently. Policies need to be predictable, fair, and transparent.

Second, stalled infrastructure projects—especially those vital to digital and economic transformation—must be unlocked. The cost of inaction is far greater than the effort required to resolve disputes and move forward.

Third, Ghana must champion its role as a leader in Africa’s digital future. The NGIC 5G rollout is a testament to what is possible when vision meets determination. The government must work hand in hand with the private sector to build on this momentum, ensuring that connectivity infrastructure reaches every corner of the country.

A defining moment

History does not wait for those who hesitate. Ghana’s moment is here and now. The actions taken in the coming months will determine whether this nation rises as an economic powerhouse in Africa or lingers in uncertainty. To the policymakers, I say: choose progress over paralysis. To the regulators, I urge: uphold the rule of law and earn the confidence of investors. And to my fellow investors, I say: we stand ready to be part of Ghana’s future, but we do so with the expectation that our commitments will be met with the same certainty we offer in return.

Ghana’s potential is not in question. Its destiny, however, is in its own hands.

>>>Rod Jiménez Castellanos is the International Senior Vice President Public Affairs at American Tower Corporation, overseeing strategies across 21 markets. With over 20 years of experience across industries like mining, financial services, and consumer products, he is a recognized expert in corporate affairs, sustainability, and reputation management. Rodrigo is a frequent speaker at global forums and holds degrees in Business Administration and International Business, along with an Advanced Management and Leadership Programme at the Säid Business School, University of Oxford.

Dr. George Atta-Boateng is the Acting Director-General of the National Signals Bureau

President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Dr. George Atta-Boateng as the Acting Director-General of the National Signals Bureau (NSB).

In a statement issued on Monday, February 17, 2025, Dr. Atta-Boateng received the President’s approval to lead the NSB, an agency under the National Communications Authority.

Dr. Atta-Boateng, who served as the Deputy Director of Elections and Information Technology for the NDC during the 2024 elections, is a highly accomplished Information and Communication Technology (ICT) expert with over 18 years of experience in the field.

From 2015 to 2017, he served as the Director-General of the National Information Technology Agency, where he was credited with numerous innovations.

Over the years, he has established himself as a leading figure in managing and delivering large-scale projects, including the Schools Computerization Project and the extension of the 123km National Eastern Corridor Fibre Network from Ho to Accra.

His extensive knowledge and experience cover various aspects of the ICT sector, including market structure, universal service and access, cybersecurity, telecommunications infrastructure, and the application of ICT in health, business, government, and education.

Dr. Atta-Boateng holds a PhD in Computer Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), a Master of Science (MSc) in Computer Science from Fordham University, New York, USA, and an Advanced Certificate in Financial Economics & Data Analysis from Fordham University, New York, USA.

EK

Watch the latest edition of BizTech below:

Click here to follow the GhanaWeb Business WhatsApp channel