Celtic’s Champions League adventure came to a halt in gut-wrenching fashion as Bayern Munich struck in the 94th minute to deny them a stunning victory in Germany and snatch a 3-2 aggregate victory.

Trailing 2-1 after the first leg of the play-off round at Parkhead, Celtic led when Nicolas Kuhn capitalised on Kim Min-jae’s error to give Brendan Rodgers’ side a shock lead just after the hour.

That was after a first half in which Celtic passed up four fine opportunities to score – Kuhn, Callum McGregor, and Daizen Maeda, twice, all going close – while England captain Harry Kane hit the bar before he was substituted at half-time.

Celtic would not be denied after the break, though, when Maeda burst forward and funnelled the ball to Kuhn, who took advantage of Kim’s hesitancy to slip past Manuel Neuer.

Bayern, stunned into action, pushed for a leveller. Leon Goretzka nodded wide; Joshua Kimmich forced Kasper Schmeichel into a fine save; and Leroy Sane drilled a shot just past the post.

Celtic were on the back foot, unable to get out of their own half and counter Vincent Kompany’s side, and eventually – with extra time within sight – they cracked to concede with the last kick of the game.

Michael Olise’s cross was met by Goretzka, whose header was brilliantly saved by Schmeichel. The ball dropped in front of the empty goal, and Cameron Carter-Vickers’ attempts to clear were thwarted by Alphonso Davies, who bundled over the line.

Celtic fight to the brink of history

Football is so often a cruel game, and it was hard not to feel for the Celtic players who lay dejectedly on the turf as their Bayern counterparts ran to the corner celebrating, and no doubt breathing a huge sigh of relief.

All the fight and resolve that they had shown for almost 180 minutes had been sapped from them by the scrappiest, ugliest of goals.

The Scottish champions hustled and harried, and stood up when tested. Schmeichel added more saves to his highlights reel, while his defence headed, blocked and cleared almost everything that came at them.

There were chances. McGregor blazed over in the first half when he should have hit the target. Kuhn had one cleared off the line before his cross to the back post missed Maeda by a matter of inches.

They forced another opportunity when Dayot Upamecano sliced a pass. Kuhn played in Maeda with Neuer off his line, but the Japanese forward chipped wide.

There is a German saying – coming close is also missing it. It feels harsh to be critical given the monumental effort Celtic produced, but they needed to be more clinical.

They were less than a minute from extra time, and who knows what would have happened then? Perhaps more cruelty and dejection. Perhaps immortality among the Celtic annals for years to come.

Although they return to Glasgow beaten, they return with pride.

This looks like a different team from the one battered in Dortmund just a few months ago. They’ve matured considerably and look like growing even further.

Bayern pass tougher inspection than expected

Although Celtic have been flying domestically and did well in the Champions League group stage, Bayern would have been happy with the draw.

After two gruelling encounters, they will just be happy to have made it through unscathed after an almighty scare.

They did pin Celtic back at times, and you don’t take 23 shots – with 10 on target – without putting your opponents on the ropes.

But the longer it went, the more doubts started to grow as to whether the Bundesliga leaders had an answer. Ultimately, they did.

The Celtic goal rocked them. They were forced into near-fatal errors, and more mistakes than they have made in any Champions League game this season.

Their weaknesses were exposed, but having pulled through Kompany can now gird his loins. He knows where he needs to improve and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see this team go all the way to the final.

Match stats

• Bayern have reached the Champions League last 16 in each of the last 17 seasons and in each of their last 21 appearances in the competition.
• They remain unbeaten against Scottish opposition at home in major European competition (P11 W7 D4). Celtic have failed to win any of their 16 away games against German opposition (D4 L12 – including East Germany).
• Kuhn became the first German to score against Bayern Munich in the Champions League since Mergim Berisha for Red Bull Salzburg in November 2020. He is the first to do so in the knockout stages since Lukas Podolski for Arsenal in March 2014 (last 16).
• Bayern have made more errors leading to opposition shots than any other team in the Champions League this season (13 – 5 in the build-up to goals conceded).
• Celtic (28y 40d) named their oldest starting XI for a Champions League game since a 1-0 win against Manchester United at Celtic Park in November 2006 (28y 272d).

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By Iddi Yire

Accra, Feb 18, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has in accordance with Articles 89 to 92 of the 1992 Constitution inaugurated a 31-Member Council of State. 

The new Council of State is under the Chairmanship of Mr Edward Korbly Doe Adjaho, a former Speaker of Parliament. 

The Council of State in Ghana is a small body of prominent citizens, analogous to the Council of Elders in the traditional political system, which advises the President on national issues. 

The Council of State was established by Articles 89 to 92 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which states that “There shall be a Council of State to counsel the President in the performance of his functions.” 

The 31-Member Council of State is made of five institutional representatives nominated by the President, 10 other nominees of the President; and 16 elected Regional Representatives from each of the 16 Regions of Ghana. 

The institutional nominees of the President are Mr Edward Korbly Doe Adjaho, a former Speaker of Parliament and Chairman of the Council of State. 

The rest are Justice Sophia Akuffo, a former Chief Justice, Mr Mohammed Ahmed Al Hassan, a former Inspector General of Police, Air Marshal Michael Samson (rtd), a former Chief of Defence Staff and Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi, President of the National House of Chiefs. 

Others are Daasebre Boamah Darko, Chief of Akyem Kukuratumi, Osabarima Kwesi Attah II, Paramount Chief Oguaa Traditional Area, Justice Vida Amankwanua Akoto-Bamfo, a retired Supreme Court Judge, Mankpanwura Jakpa Achor-Ade Borenyi I, Paramount Chief of Mankpan Traditional Area in the Savannah Region, Mr Cletus Apul Avoka, a former Member of Parliament (MP) Zebilla. 

The rest are Dr Eunice Brookman-Amissah, a former Minister of Health, Mrs Betty Mould Iddrisu, a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Madam Cynthia Komley Adjetey from Greater Accra, Mrs Molly Anim Addo, a former Ambassador, and Nana Saa Gyamfuaa II, Queen Mother of Ayima Traditional Area. 

The 16 elected Regional representatives are Mr Maxwell Boakye, Western, Mr Hakeem Addae, Central, Nene Drolor Boso Adamtey I, Greater Accra, Mr Gabriel Adovoe Kwabla Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, Volta, Madam Evelyn Korang, Eastern, and Mr Michael Addo, Western North. 

Others are Mr Yaw Okyere, Ahafo, Dr Kusi Boachie Yiadom, Bono, Mr Pimampim Yaw Kagbrese V, Bono East, Mr Richard Kings Atikpo, Oti, Alhaji Muhammed Mumuni, Northern, Mr Abudu Seidu Sampson, Savannah, Mr Michael Kwame Mumuni, Upper West, Mr Thomas More Ditundini Adaili, Upper East, Naa Saaka Abuba, North East and Mr Yaw Owusu, Obimpeh, Ashanti Regions. 

President Mahama in his address said the day marked another significant step in Ghanaians’ collective commitment to the democratic ideals of governance and development.  

He said the framers of the 1992 Constitution in their wisdom envisioned a governance structure that balanced authority with sound counsel, power with prudence and leadership with wisdom. 

He noted that it was in this spirit that the Council of State was established to serve as a reservoir of experience, a fountain of guidance and a bastion of non-partisan insight for the executive arm of government. 

“The Council of State as a distinguished advisory body is composed of men and women of integrity, experience and sound judgment. Your role is not merely ceremonial, it is one of profound responsibility,” the President said. 

“You are expected to offer wise counsel on matters of governance, policy and national development, drawing from your diverse backgrounds and experience. 

“The times we find ourselves in demand nothing less than selfless service, constructive dialogue and unwavering patriotism.”. 

He said the nation faces complex challenges, including economic distress, social cohesion issued and the need to strengthen Ghanaians’ democratic institutions. 

President Mahama said in addressing these issues, the Council’s voices must be heard not in mere rhetoric, but in insightful, actionable and transformative guidance that would propel the nation forward.   

“As you take your oath of office today, I urge you to be guided by the principles of integrity, objectivity and, above all, the national interest,” the President said. 

“Let your deliberations be marked by sincerity, your advice be rooted in wisdom and your service be inspired by the supreme welfare of the people of Ghana.” 

The President drew attention to the heightened expectations of all who served in public office; adding that Ghanaians had indicated their revulsion for poor governance and have come to expect nothing short of quality administration of their affairs.  

“In recent times, the Council of State has come under criticism from an expectant public who perceive their work as unsatisfactory and merely one designed to rubber-stamp executive decisions,” he said. 

“Some have even questioned the very relevance of the Council of State and called for it to be scrapped.” 

The President said he holds out hope that their tenure as Council of State members would convince those who might doubt their functional necessity about their importance and put to rest any such perceptions.  

The President on behalf of Ghanaians, congratulated Members of the Council on their new appointment. 

“I am confident that with your collective wisdom, we will continue to build a nation that upholds justice, progress, freedom and unity,” he stated.  

Mr Edward Korbly Doe Adjaho, the Chairman of the Council of State, on behalf of the Council assured the President that they would work as a team; declaring that “We will support you in the governance structure, in the discharge of our constitutional and statutory responsibilities”. 

GNA  

The Amasaman Circuit Court has sentenced a mason to three years imprisonment in hard labour for causing irreparable damage to a Donfeng Ex-Box car, valued at $35,900, belonging to Hisense Company Limited.

Senyo Awuku, 32, admitted causing unlawful damage to the vehicle and was sentenced accordingly.

However, he denied entering unlawfully into the house of Gad Ebenezer Afranie Kisi, the complainant, to steal the vehicle, as well as an HP laptop computer, valued at GH¢4,300 and a cash amount of GH¢4,000.

He was ordered by the court, presided over by Enid Marful-Sau, to be brought back on March 13, 2025, to face the other two charges: unlawful entry and stealing.

Police Chief Inspector Salifu Nashiru, briefing the court, said the complainant, who works at the Customer Service of Hisense Company Ltd, lived at Danchira Ocloo Farms, whereas Awuku was a mason living at Hobor, a suburb of Accra.

He said on January 30, 2025, the complainant returned home from work and parked his official car, a Donfeng Ex-Box car with registration number GT 4955-24 in his house.

Chief Inspector Salifu said the complainant also put his laptop, the GH¢4,000 and the car key on top of his table in his room and slept.

The next day, at about 0500 hours, the complainant woke up to realise that the items mentioned had been stolen and reported the case to the Danchira Police.

He later put the said car’s pictures on social media informing the public that his car had been stolen.

In the afternoon of February 1, 2025, the complainant received a phone call from a friend that he had seen the car around Amasaman- Three Junction.

Upon receipt of the information, the complainant proceeded to the place and Awuku, then in charge of the vehicle, sped off upon seeing the complainant.

The prosecution said Awuku was given a hot chase, and he drove the car into a container at Ademan, damaging it.

He came out of the vehicle and took to his heels and with the help of onlookers around, he was arrested and handed over to the Danchira police.

After the investigation, the convict was charged and put before court.

Awuku in pleading for mitigation asked for forgiveness and said he regretted his action.

The prosecution prayed the court to consider the fact that the vehicle had been damaged beyond repairs.

In passing judgement, the court considered both the mitigation factor and the extent of damage caused to the car.

It ordered the release of the stolen items: vehicle and laptop computer.

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In an effort to share the progress of the adolescent health check-up programme, Dr. Franklin Glozah, the Deputy country lead of Y-Check Ghana and also a Senior Lecturer at the School of Public Health, University of Ghana, expressed his appreciation for the support received during the implementation phase of the project.

Speaking at the Implementation Progress Meeting with the Y-Check Community Advisory Board (CAB) and Local Stakeholders, on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the Capital Hill Hotel in Cape Coast, he expressed his elation at being able to screen 2001 adolescents in some selected communities, Senior High Schools and Basic Schools within the Cape Coast metropolis on important health conditions.

Further, he underscored that the project is in its 4-month follow-up phase seeking to ascertain how the 2001 adolescents screened during the implementation phase are faring after 4-months of participating in the screening progrmame. “To reassess their health conditions 4 months after screening, treatment, and referrals”.

So far, it’s been positive”, he stated, “appealing to parents, teachers, and community members to encourage adolescents who participated in the Y-Check implementation to turn up for the follow-up screening”, stressed Dr. Glozah.

He expressed optimism about achieving desired results as the follow-up stage progresses.

Regarding challenges, the Senior Lecturer outlined that the main challenges with the follow-up screening has had to do with reaching all 300 adolescents from the communities (Efutu, Ekon, Amamoma, Abura and Apewosika) to follow up. It has been quite challenging, screening about 10 adolescents in a day, instead of 30 to 35 in a day.

According to Dr. Glozah, this has slowed the pace and prolonged the process. “We encourage parents, guardians, and the adolescents themselves who participated in the implementation to come for the follow-up,” he concluded.

Other Y-Check Investigators and staff who were present at the implementation progress meeting were Prof. Evans Agbeno, Dr. Eric Koka, Dr. Kenneth Adde, Miss Abigail Abban, Mr Meshack Kweku Davies and Miss Christabel Ampofo.

Electroland Ghana has rewarded winners of“Aky3de3 Kese3 Promotion”on Valentines Day.

“Aky3de3 Kese3 Promotion” which rolled out in October 2024 is a customer loyalty reward programme aimed at rewarding customers.

So far, about 2000 customers have been rewarded since the roleout in Ocotber.

The ceremony held at the headquarters of Electroland Ghana on the ring road saw about 55 lucky customers win various prizes.

Speaking at the ceremony, held last Friday, Adiza Ibrahim, Head of Marketing and Media Relations said, they have received a lot of support since the inception of business in Ghana and against this backdrop, this is one of the many ways to express their appreciation.

She was optimistic this would add value  to their customers and make their bond grow even stronger.

According to her no matter what one buys, they stand the chance of entering into the promotion, adding that it is transparent.

The flagship Customer reward scheme dubbed“Aky3de3 Kese3 Promotion” which rolled out in October 2024 is a customer loyalty reward programme aimed at rewarding customers who anything regardless the amount.

This scheme which is approved and regulated by the National Lottery Authority NLA and Caritas offers every customer from across Ghana the opportunity to enter into a weekly pr a monthly draw simply by buying anything starting from small kitchen appliances such as iron, kettle, blender and they will be lucky winners of big appliances such Television, Air conditioner, washing machines, gas cookers, freezers, computers, mobiles phones and more.

Since the introduction of this promotion, customers all over Ghana get to win a thing a two from the four weekly draws and one monthly draw at the end of every month.

 By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme 

Henry Nana Boakye, National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has strongly criticised the Fourth Estate’s investigative report on the National Service Authority (NSA) scandal, describing it as “shoddy work” and “lazy journalism.”

In an interview on Eyewitness News on Citi FM on Tuesday February 18, Boakye highlighted the lack of proper verification in the report.

“It’s a shoddy work, it’s a lazy journalism. They didn’t do any proper verification,” he said.

He explained that the NSA conducts four different types of postings each year, including the general posting for all public, private, and technical universities, which is usually announced in August or September.

Additionally, there are postings for teachers in December, and two cohorts of nurses, one starting in April and the other in September.

Boakye argued that the Fourth Estate’s report failed to consider these various postings.

“What they did was that they picked the publication we usually undertake when we are doing the general National Service posting. So for instance in 2018 we announced that we had posted 85,000 people, so they picked that figure,” he stated.

He further explained that the NSA submits a summation of all four types of postings to Parliament.

“We do that for the general posting, the teachers, the nurses one, and the nurses two, and then we submit all of these figures to Parliament,” Boakye noted.

According to him, the Fourth Estate compared the 85,000 figure for general postings to the total sum submitted to Parliament, leading to erroneous conclusions about “ghost names.”

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