COCOBOD CEO, Dr Randy Abbey

The Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr. Ransford Abbey, has criticised the Board’s historical prioritisation of road construction over its core mandate of supporting cocoa production and improving farmer livelihoods.

Speaking during a working tour of the Central Cocoa Region, Dr. Abbey told cocoa farmers at an interactive meeting in Assin Dawomako Kobeda in the Assin South District that road construction is not part of COCOBOD’s official responsibilities.

According to him, that duty falls under the Ministry of Roads and Highways.

He revealed that COCOBOD’s deep involvement in road projects—especially under the second phase of the Cocoa Roads Improvement Programme (CRIP II)—has contributed significantly to the Board’s current financial woes.

Contracts under CRIP II were denominated in U.S. dollars, resulting in a debt burden of GH¢21 billion, he said.

“This massive debt has left us financially constrained as we embark on restructuring efforts,” Dr. Abbey noted. “Our focus must return to our core functions—funding cocoa purchases, supplying inputs, ensuring quality, boosting production, and sustaining the cocoa sector.”

He explained that COCOBOD does not receive funding from the Government of Ghana through the national budget for road construction.

Rather, past road projects were undertaken as a goodwill gesture to improve access in cocoa-growing areas and to ease the transportation of cocoa beans from farms to buying centres.

Dr. Abbey made it clear that such gestures cannot continue under the current financial strain, and any future initiatives in that direction would depend on the Board’s fiscal recovery.

He reaffirmed COCOBOD’s commitment to supporting farmers and enhancing cocoa production across all seven cocoa-growing regions, while calling on cocoa farmers to support the government’s efforts to restore the Board’s financial health, particularly in the upcoming 2025/2026 crop season.

The meeting attracted farmers from Assin South, Assin North, Assin Fosu Municipal, Breman Asikuma, Ajumako, and other districts.

During the session, several farmers also voiced concerns about the challenges they face in cocoa production, seeking support to address them.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that artificial intelligence will elevate global economic output by 0.5% annually through 2030, even as energy demands and emissions linked to AI infrastructure intensify.

The findings, detailed in a report released during the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings, underscore the tension between AI’s economic promise and its environmental toll.

Driven by productivity gains across industries, AI is expected to counterbalance near-term costs tied to surging electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The IMF emphasized that while emissions from AI operations could grow significantly, the technology’s net economic benefits remain “strongly positive.” Global electricity demand from AI systems alone may triple to 1,500 terawatt-hours by 2030—matching India’s current annual usage—as generative AI, large language models, and data centers scale rapidly.

Under existing energy policies, this expansion could increase global emissions by 1.2% over the 2025–2030 period, with associated environmental costs estimated between $50.7 billion and $66.3 billion. Yet these figures pale against the projected GDP growth, which the IMF attributes to widespread AI adoption. “The social cost of these extra emissions is minor compared with the expected economic gains,” the report stated, while cautioning that unchecked emissions exacerbate long-term climate risks.

The analysis arrives amid calls for tighter alignment between AI development and climate objectives. Governments and tech firms face mounting pressure to address regulatory gaps as deployment outpaces policy frameworks. Roberta Pierfederici, a policy fellow at the Grantham Research Institute, urged collaborative action: “Energy companies, tech firms, and policymakers must ensure AI is deployed sustainably and equitably.”

The IMF’s pragmatic assessment reflects a broader debate over balancing immediate economic advantages with ecological stewardship. While the report avoids labeling AI’s emissions trade-off as neutral, it acknowledges the technology’s role in reshaping macroeconomic and environmental strategies. As nations grapple with competing priorities, the interplay between innovation, growth, and sustainability is poised to dominate policy discussions in the decade ahead.

Ghana U20 head coach, Desmond Ofei

Ghana U20 head coach Desmond Ofei applauded his players for fighting hard to earn their win against the Central African Republic U20 in their game at the 2025 CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Thursday.

In what was their final Group C game of the tournament, the Black Satellites dominated the contest but struggled to breach the opponent’s defense.

Eventually, in the 84th minute, a stunning finish from substitute Joseph Opoku propelled Ghana to a narrow 1-0 victory.

Speaking in his post-match interview, Coach Desmond Ofei acknowledged that the game was tough.

He noted that he was happy for his players for securing the win after giving everything in the game.

“We didn’t rush the game. That was very important. The boys controlled the game, worked the ball well, and stayed patient even when the goal didn’t come early. I’m happy for them — they earned this win,” the coach said, as quoted on the Ghana FA website.

Following the win against the Central African Republic, Ghana has progressed to the quarter-finals of the 2025 CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Acting Executive Director of the Forest Services Division of the Forestry Commission, Lydia Opoku, has called for protection for Forest Guards fighting illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.

She emphasized that chiefs and community members, especially in areas affected by illegal mining, must support the Commission’s efforts to tackle the menace, as those involved in galamsey are often protected by armed thugs wielding sophisticated weapons.

Speaking to journalists in Kumasi, on Thursday, May 8, after touring some galamsey sites, Lydia Opoku said that an intervention from local authorities will help.

“The miners are being protected by armed tasks and the sophisticated machines they are holding, we cannot match them. So, we are pleading with the communities, chiefs, to assist to protect the Forestry Commission to protect the forest,” he stated

Meanwhile, as part of the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining, 453 personnel under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources Blue Water Initiative, have been trained for four weeks of intensive training at the Ghana Navy Forward Base in Ezilibo, located in the Jomoro District of the Western Region.

They are scheduled to be deployed within one week to support the Ghana Navy in safeguarding the country’s major rivers from the activities of illegal miners, commonly referred to as galamseyers.

453 ‘Blue Water Guards’ pass-out after 4-weeks training

Morocco plans to spend 7 billion dirhams ($760 million) on storage platforms across the country to stockpile necessities in immediate response to potential disasters, state media said.

The stockpiles were ordered by King Mohammed VI in the wake of the devastating earthquake that hit the High Atlas Mountains in September 2023, killing more than 2,900 people and destroying homes and vital infrastructure.

Morocco has faced recurrent flash floods, wildfires, cold snaps and droughts in recent years.

Under the stockpiling project, Morocco will spend 2 billion dirhams on building 36 storage facilities across the country, over a total surface area of 240 hectares, while 5 billion dirhams will be spent on emergency supplies, the media said.

The supplies include tents, beds, blankets, field hospitals, mobile kitchens and bakeries, water purification systems and emergency power generators, as well as equipment in response to flood, landslide and chemical threats.

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.

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Former Ablekuma Central MP, Ebenezer Nartey

Former Member of Parliament for Ablekuma Central, Ebenezer Nartey, has given President John Dramani Mahama a 1.2% rating for his first 120 days in office.

President Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to laying a strong and decisive foundation for what he described as “resetting Ghana and building the Ghana we want together.”

Delivering a national address on Wednesday, May 7, to give an account of his first 120 days in office, President Mahama highlighted the progress made so far, describing it as evidence of a new governance approach rooted in transparency, accountability, efficiency, and urgency.

The President noted that his administration had fulfilled all initial commitments made within the 120-day period and urged citizens to rally around a common purpose to confront national challenges and build a more prosperous and united future.

“We laid out a social contract with you, the people of Ghana, with specific promises for this critical initial period. Tonight, I’m pleased to report that we have fulfilled these promises — from forming a lean government and establishing a robust code of conduct to taking decisive action to scrap burdensome taxes, initiating inquiries into past wrongdoings, launching major job creation programs, tackling illegal mining, reviving our environment, promoting our tourism and export sectors, streamlining scholarships, supporting vulnerable populations, and holding our security agencies accountable,” he stated.

However, the former MP, Ebenezer Nartey, in an interview with UTV, said he has not seen any substantial policy implemented by the government that is making a positive impact.

“If I were to rate John Mahama, to be fair and sincere, I would give him 1.2%, because I don’t see what his government has achieved. All the things he outlined have loopholes. As I speak, there are some appointments that are questionable.

Why do we have presidential staffers for all 16 regions? What do they do? My own brother and friend, Anthony Nukpenu, who has been appointed as the presidential staffer for Greater Accra — what exactly is his role? The NDC regional organizers who have been made regional staffers — what are their responsibilities? It’s essentially the same as appointing deputy regional ministers, because staffers and deputy ministers operate at the same level and earn the same salary.”

Ebenezer Nartey gives President John Mahama a 1.2% rating for his first 120 days in office#UTVGhana pic.twitter.com/7cWrTatHnI

— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) May 8, 2025

KA

Meanwhile, watch why #SaveTheJudiciaryDemo is trending on GhanaWeb TV below

Former Ablekuma Central MP, Ebenezer Nartey

Former Member of Parliament for Ablekuma Central, Ebenezer Nartey, has given President John Dramani Mahama a 1.2% rating for his first 120 days in office.

President Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to laying a strong and decisive foundation for what he described as “resetting Ghana and building the Ghana we want together.”

Delivering a national address on Wednesday, May 7, to give an account of his first 120 days in office, President Mahama highlighted the progress made so far, describing it as evidence of a new governance approach rooted in transparency, accountability, efficiency, and urgency.

The President noted that his administration had fulfilled all initial commitments made within the 120-day period and urged citizens to rally around a common purpose to confront national challenges and build a more prosperous and united future.

“We laid out a social contract with you, the people of Ghana, with specific promises for this critical initial period. Tonight, I’m pleased to report that we have fulfilled these promises — from forming a lean government and establishing a robust code of conduct to taking decisive action to scrap burdensome taxes, initiating inquiries into past wrongdoings, launching major job creation programs, tackling illegal mining, reviving our environment, promoting our tourism and export sectors, streamlining scholarships, supporting vulnerable populations, and holding our security agencies accountable,” he stated.

However, the former MP, Ebenezer Nartey, in an interview with UTV, said he has not seen any substantial policy implemented by the government that is making a positive impact.

“If I were to rate John Mahama, to be fair and sincere, I would give him 1.2%, because I don’t see what his government has achieved. All the things he outlined have loopholes. As I speak, there are some appointments that are questionable.

Why do we have presidential staffers for all 16 regions? What do they do? My own brother and friend, Anthony Nukpenu, who has been appointed as the presidential staffer for Greater Accra — what exactly is his role? The NDC regional organizers who have been made regional staffers — what are their responsibilities? It’s essentially the same as appointing deputy regional ministers, because staffers and deputy ministers operate at the same level and earn the same salary.”

Ebenezer Nartey gives President John Mahama a 1.2% rating for his first 120 days in office#UTVGhana pic.twitter.com/7cWrTatHnI

— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) May 8, 2025

KA

Meanwhile, watch why #SaveTheJudiciaryDemo is trending on GhanaWeb TV below

“If you don’t have anything to do with that forex, liquidate it,” Charles Kusi Appiah, Head of the Business and Economic Bureau of the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA), has warned individuals and businesses holding foreign exchange unnecessarily.

He gave the advice on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition on Thursday, May 8, where he pointed to recent market dynamics showing the cedi gaining strength against major currencies.

According to him, clinging to dollars or other forex holdings when not required for immediate trade or transactions is not just unwise—it is economically damaging.

“Someone called me today asking, ‘What am I supposed to do? I’m holding forex. Are we going to see a downtrend of forex?’ Of course, yes,” he said.

“The trajectory shows that the cedi is day in and day out, gaining strength. So it doesn’t make economic sense for you to hold on to something you are losing every day.”

He explained that for years, the dollar was seen as a safe haven for local investors and traders who had lost confidence in the cedi.

“People put their trust in forex when the cedi, the local currency, is not doing well and the forex becomes the store of value,” he said.

“Everybody wants to reference their investments. And when you are in an environment where predictability becomes a challenge, you always want to see what you can do to protect your gains.”

But that, he noted, has changed.

“Now, forex demand has reduced when it comes to international trade, and the cedi is appreciating. Why do you then hold on to forex when you are losing value?” he asked.

“With the introduction of the GoldBod, where most international transactions use gold, the demand for forex has reduced. Therefore, there’s no need for one to hold forex for any transaction,” he explained.

He confirmed that many GUTA members have already begun reducing their excessive demand for dollars.

“Yes, the opposite has occurred. Now, the confidence is that the local currency is strong enough to be the store of value, so I don’t need to hold forex. That is what accounts for the things that we see now,” he said.

Kusi Appiah believes this shift is one reason the cedi is stabilising.

“When the dynamics have changed and you can see that there’s no need to hold on to it, the forex demand reduces. And that is accounting for the downward trend of forex in our market.”

He urged traders to explore alternatives.

“There are other investment options—probably the gold coin—that you can invest in so that you don’t lose totally.”

In a final warning to speculators, he said: “When forex outperforms cedis, our working capital gets depleted. But if the cedi is now stable and strong, then it’s time to rethink. Liquidate what you don’t need.”

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.

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Located in the Northern Region of Ghana, DeliMush is cultivating more than just gourmet mushrooms, it is cultivating opportunity, sustainability, and empowerment.

As a KIC-funded business, DeliMush is transforming the mushroom value chain into a source of income and independence for women and youth in the Northern Region of Ghana.

DeliMush processes fresh, locally grown mushrooms into a variety of nutritious, plant-based products that appeal to health-conscious consumers. Mushrooms in tomato, pepper and onion sauce. But behind the products is a deeper mission.

“At DeliMush, we’re not just processing mushrooms, we’re preserving livelihoods, promoting wellness, and proving that sustainable, plant-based innovation can start right at the farm gate. Our goal is to nourish people and empower smallholder mushroom farmers,” said Aisha Abdallah, Co-founder, DeliMush.

With support from the Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) and Mastercard Foundation, DeliMush has expanded its operations to include training programs for women, equipping them with skills in mushroom cultivation, packaging, and entrepreneurship.

These programs are designed to give rural women a sustainable income stream while contributing to local food security and environmental health.

Many of the women trained through DeliMush have gone on to establish their own mini mushroom farms, joining a growing network of smallholder producers who now have access to reliable markets through DeliMush’s supply chain. The ripple effect is a stronger, more inclusive local economy.

Benjamin Gyan-Kesse, Executive Director of KIC, highlighted the importance of businesses like DeliMush in the impact of driving grassroots: “When we invest in businesses that are rooted in community needs, the results are transformational. DeliMush is proof that sustainability and innovation can uplift entire communities.”

Through its eco-friendly approach and strong social mission, DeliMush is contributing to a future where agribusiness is not only profitable but also people-focused. As it continues to grow, so does its impact—creating jobs, inspiring entrepreneurs, and ensuring that no opportunity is wasted in the mushroom value chain.

Through its partnership with the Mastercard Foundation under the Initiative for Youth in Agricultural Transformation (IYAT) Program, KIC continues to empower young entrepreneurs, providing them with employment opportunities.

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.

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.

Apple is asking an appeals court to pause a US district judge’s recent ruling in a case which could determine the future of its highly lucrative App Store.

Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers found last week the tech giant willfully violated an order she had previously made in a case filed by Fortnite-maker Epic Games.

That order – handed down in 2021 – demanded Apple refrain from anti-competitive conduct and pricing and allow outside payment options in the App Store.

Last week she determined Apple was flouting that demand – a finding Apple has now called “extraordinary.”

The iPhone maker has alleged in a court filing that her order unlawfully prevents the company from controlling “core aspects of its business operations.”

“A federal court cannot force Apple to permanently give away free access to its products and services, including intellectual property,” the company’s lawyers wrote.

Case origins

Both of Judge Gonzalez Rogers’ judgements stem from an antitrust case filed by Epic Games.

In 2020, Epic accused the iPhone-maker of possessing an illegal monopoly with its App Store, which collected commissions of between 15% and 30% on in-app purchases.

The judge rejected Epic’s monopoly claims, but found Apple was stopping developers from giving users alternative payment options in violation of California competition rules.

She ordered Apple to make changes that would help developers steer customers to cheaper payment options outside of the Apple ecosystem.

Last year, Epic accused Apple of failing to comply by creating a new set of fees for developers instead.

In a contempt order last week, Judge Gonzalez Rogers found that Apple continued to interfere with competition, saying that internal company documents showed Apple deliberately violated her 2021 injunction.

‘Substantial sums’

On Wednesday, Apple requested an appeals court take action, including by lifting a ban that stops it from charging developers fees on purchases made outside the App Store.

The company wrote that such restrictions “will cost Apple substantial sums annually” and are based on conduct that has not been found unlawful.

“Rather, they were imposed to punish Apple for purported non-compliance with an earlier state-law Injunction that is itself invalid,” Apple wrote.

In response, Epic Games said Judge Gonzalez Rogers’ contempt order last week was already benefiting consumers.

“Apple has faced a surge of genuine competition as developers have updated their apps with better payment methods, better deals, and better consumer choice,” Epic wrote in a post on the social media platform X.

The company criticized Apple’s motion as “a last ditch effort to block competition and extract massive junk fees at the expense of consumers and developers.”

Epic says it is on track with plans to bring Fortnite back to iPhones and iPads.

Apple removed Fortnite from its App Store in 2020 after Epic unveiled an in-app payment system into the game.

The move led to the current court battle between the two companies.

Apple did not directly addresses Judge Gonzalez Rogers’ stunning rebuke of company executives in its court filing.

In her most recent order, she said CEO Tim Cook ignored executive Phillip Schiller’s urging to have Apple comply with her injunction, and allowed then-Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri to convince him not to.

“Cook chose poorly,” she wrote.

The company documents she reviewed reveal “that Apple knew exactly what it was doing and at every turn chose the most anticompetitive option”, she wrote.

Judge Gonzalez Rogers said she would refer the matter to the US Attorney for Northern District of California to investigate if a criminal contempt proceeding against Apple is appropriate.

Apple said last week it would comply with the court’s order while it appeals.

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.

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.

Mustapha Gbande, NDC Deputy General Secretary

Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mustapha Gbande, has launched a sharp critique of the Akufo-Addo administration, accusing it of being at the heart of Ghana’s ongoing environmental crisis.

Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Thursday, May 8, Gbande claimed the government has actively enabled the destruction of forest reserves and water bodies by failing to properly regulate mining activities.

“We all know that the cumulative degradation of our forest reserves and water bodies was supervised, incentivized, granted, and approved by President Akufo-Addo and his Minister for Lands, with the involvement of his appointees,” Gbande alleged, drawing a direct line between government leadership and the illegal mining activities—commonly referred to as ‘galamsey’—ravaging Ghana’s ecosystems.

He criticised regulatory institutions for failing to fulfill their responsibilities, stating, “You have a responsibility through these institutions to supervise the mining activity—they couldn’t do that.”

Gbande also contrasted the current government’s handling of environmental protection with that of the NDC’s recent approach, pointing to a surge in enforcement under the new leadership.

“If we have come, and within four months you have seen the aggression with which the military, the police, and in fact, national security are combating mining-related crime, then it tells you who’s serious about saving Ghana’s environment,” he said.

The Odumase-Krobo Circuit Court has sentenced a 20-year-old mechanic, John Teye, to four years’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to unlawful entry and attempted theft.

Presiding over the case was Kwasi Apiatse Abaidoo, convicted Teye on the two charges.

The first charge was unlawful entry in violation of Section 152 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), while the second charge was attempted theft, under Section 18(1) of the same Act.

The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector John Brahene, recounted that the crime occurred on April 29, 2025, at about 14:30 hours.

The complainant, John Lawer, a labourer residing in Yokwenor, a suburb of Odumase-Krobo in the Eastern Region, had locked his room and stepped out to purchase.

The prosecution said shortly after, a neighbour, a witness, noticed that someone had broken into Lawer’s room.

Mr Brahene said the neighbour alerted other residents, who rushed to the scene and apprehended the suspect inside the complainant’s room.

He said the residents handed Teye over to the police, and a formal complaint was lodged.

He said during interrogation that he admitted breaking into the room with the intent to steal a fan.

Following police investigations, Teye was charged with the corresponding offences.

Upon reviewing the case and the accused’s admission, the court sentenced Teye to four years’ imprisonment as a deterrent to others.

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.

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The Krontihene of Akyem Asuom, Nana Boadi Amponim Obodade III

The Krontihene of Akyem Asuom, Nana Boadi Amponim Obodade III, has likened President John Dramani Mahama to Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, following what he describes as an “exceptionally good” start to Mahama’s return to power.

Speaking to journalists in Kade, the traditional leader praised the president’s political comeback and the impact of his leadership, describing his re-election as divine justice after years of hardship and political criticism.

“We thank the good Lord for bringing him back. I remember when he lost in 2016—many things were said about him. He went through a lot of stress, but the good Lord, who blesses abundantly, has blessed him in such a way that his enemies have now been put to shame,” he stated.

Nana Boadi went further, saying Mahama’s legacy may one day mirror that of Ghana’s most revered statesman.

“He is now comparable to the great Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. As I said, I hope that by the time President Mahama’s term is over, we will truly be able to compare him to Osagyefo—at least, he will be our modern-day Dr. Kwame Nkrumah,” he noted.

The Krontihene also suggested that public support for Mahama could intensify to the point where Ghanaians may even call for an extension beyond his constitutionally mandated second term.

“When President Mahama is done serving his second term, many Ghanaians will contemplate urging him to continue in power. I am quite sure that is what many are already thinking,” he said.

Expanding his remarks to include the future of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the chief predicted a prolonged era of governance by the party, arguing that the current agenda is only the beginning of a much larger national transformation.

“The NDC agenda to reset Ghana isn’t just based on four years. It is an agenda that goes beyond 2028. I foresee that after 2028, Ghanaians will grant the NDC another 20 years to build upon the good works. Resetting is just the foundation. We will rise vertically afterwards, and when that happens, perhaps after 2048, our brothers on the other side will present someone even better,” he concluded.

Private legal practitioner and member of the Catholic Church, Clement Akapame, has expressed hope that the newly elected Pope will serve as a unifying moral voice on global issues.

He made the remarks following the selection of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost [Pope Leo XVI] as the new pontiff, a decision signalled by the traditional white smoke rising from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.

The election was made by 133 cardinals from around the world, who convened in a secret conclave, fully isolated from external communication, to choose the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, which has over 1.4 billion adherents globally.

Speaking on News Feed on Channel One TV with Charles Owusu-Kumi, the private legal practitioner emphasized the importance of the Pope’s moral and diplomatic influence in a time of increasing global division and conflict.

“What we would expect is that he would play that role of the key conscience when it comes to the geopolitical issues, being a unifying force. That is what I will expect from the new Pope when he’s playing his role as the head of the state of the Vatican,” he said.

 

White smoke emerges as a new Pope is elected

…..

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Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim says the belief that would come with winning the Europa League is worth more to his side than any financial gain.

United survived a first-half wobble on Thursday to eventually beat Spanish side Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate and set up an all-English final against Tottenham.

Beating Spurs would also result in Champions League qualification for 2025-26, which would drive an additional £100m into United’s coffers at a conservative estimate.

“The money is not the most important thing,” Amorim said. “To win a title as a coach brings a feeling, a feeling we can do good things, that we can give something to our fans.

“I agree it is not just playing Champions League next season. It is that feeling we can change things.”

After winning 3-0 in Bilbao, Amorim said he could not be sure which version of his United side would turn up for the second leg and so it proved as they struggled for 70 minutes against the Basque outfit.

United were 1-0 down and looking nervous before rallying late on thanks to two goals from Mason Mount either side of efforts from Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund.

For a coach brought in because he has a certain style of play, the admission he does not know what will happen at any given moment must make Amorim shudder.

“I should be a better manager at this moment,” the Portuguese said. “The team should be better at this moment.

“But we are trying. We did quite well in Europe but we struggled a lot in the Premier League.”

Amorim’s side has certainly struggled against Tottenham this season.

They have already lost three times to Ange Postecoglou’s men and have won only twice in the Premier League – against Ipswich and Leicester – since the third of those reverses, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, in February.

However, Tottenham have been no better overall this season than United and remain behind Amorim’s side in the table.

Postecoglou is widely expected to leave his job at the end of the season, win or lose.

“Both teams are going to play all or nothing,” said Amorim, who was appointed as United head coach in November 2024..

“The position of the coach is similar, I know Ange has one more year [in his job] but both of us are struggling. That is the good thing.”

Tottenham will face Manchester United in the Europa League final as they cruised past Bodo/Glimt to stay in the hunt for a first European title in 41 years.

Ange Postecoglou’s men navigated a tricky semi-final second leg in Norway to reach their sixth European final – and first since the 2019 Champions League final.

Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro struck in the second half to seal a 5-1 aggregate success and confirm an all-English showdown with United in Bilbao on 21 May.

Spurs’ trophy drought stretches to a League Cup triumph in 2008, but further back to 1984 in Europe when they won the Uefa Cup.

Postecoglou’s bold statement in September that he always wins silverware in his second season at a club had been met with mockery at times this term, with Tottenham 16th in the Premier League.

Yet they are now one game away from ending their barren spell to prove the Australian right, despite their abject domestic season.

They succeeded without the injured James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall and Heung-min Son in what was a historic game for the hosts, who had never reached a European semi-final before.

The 3-1 home first-leg win last week gave Spurs a cushion and they managed the return expertly, limiting energetic Bodo to few opportunities on the artificial pitch.

The hosts, who knocked out Lazio in the quarter-final and beat Porto at home, needed an early goal but it never came, with Guglielmo Vicario turning away Patrick Berg’s free kick.

A textbook tight opening half gave way to a controlled second as fears Tottenham would freeze in the Arctic Circle proved unfounded.

Full-back Destiny Udogie thwarted Kasper Hogh, but Solanke put the tie further out of reach after 63 minutes when he poked in from close range from a Cristian Romero knockdown.

Six minutes later Porro’s looping cross dropped in off the post to end any Bodo hopes, with the Norwegian side having an injury-time penalty overturned by the video assistant referee (VAR).

The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced plans to mount campaign platforms for candidates contesting in the upcoming District Level elections and by-elections in Nkoranza North and Nkoranza South.

In a statement, the Commission said the elections are scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, 2025, and the platform mounting exercise will take place from Friday, May 9 to Sunday, May 11, 2025.

According to the EC, at least one platform will be set up in every electoral area and unit where elections are being held.

The Commission said the initiative is intended to provide a fair and open space for candidates to present their manifestos, engage the electorate, and respond to questions from community members.

“The Platform Mounting will enable the electorate to assess the suitability of each candidate,” the EC stated.

The Commission has also cautioned candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully.

It warned against the use of threats, force, or intimidation to influence voters, stressing that such actions are election offences and will not be tolerated.

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.

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.

By HARRY BAMFORTH and CHRIS WHEELER AT OLD TRAFFORD and NATHAN SALT AT OLD TRAFFORD and AADAM PATEL AT OLD TRAFFORD

Published: 12:30 EDT, 8 May 2025 | Updated: 17:49 EDT, 8 May 2025

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Ghana marched into the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt with a hard-earned 1-0 win over the Central African Republic (CAR), topping Group C in style after a tense showdown at the Suez Canal Stadium on Thursday, May 8.

The decisive moment came in the 84th minute when substitute Joseph Opoku latched onto a precision pass from Joseph Aidoo, kept his cool inside the box and calmly slotted the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper to seal Ghana’s passage into the last eight. 

It was a goal that had been coming, crafted with patience, persistence and superior tactical discipline.

Dominant performance

With the pressure of qualification weighing heavily on them, the Black Satellites knew a point would suffice, but Coach Desmond Ofei’s side showed no interest in playing it safe. 

From the first whistle, the Black Satellites asserted their authority with crisp passing, positional discipline and relentless pressing—yet the all-important goal remained elusive.

The Ghanaians dominated proceedings from the outset, dictating the tempo and piling on pressure, but their finishing repeatedly let them down. Aziz Issah and Andrews Adjabeng were constant threats in midfield, weaving through defenders and creating openings, but the final touch was missing until Opoku’s timely intervention.

With seven points from three matches—following a 2-1 win over Senegal and a goalless draw with DR Congo— the Satellites claimed the group’s top spot ahead of Senegal, who also qualified after seeing off DR Congo 2-0 in the other Group C fixture.

“This win reflects the maturity and resilience of this team,” said a proud Coach Ofei, whose side took a step closer to booking a slot at the FIFA U-20 World Cup later in the year. “We trusted our game plan and the boys executed it brilliantly. We’ll carry this confidence into the quarter-finals.”

CAR, on the other hand, had everything to play for but couldn’t find a way through Ghana’s resolute defence. 

Needing a victory to stay alive in the tournament, they found themselves pinned back for most of the match and managed only sporadic attacking moves. Their campaign ended with just one point and no wins—a shadow of their 2021 quarter-final form.

Crucially, Ghana’s group stage performance marks their first unbeaten run at this stage since 2013 and reinforces their ambitions of lifting a record-extending fifth U-20 AFCON title. 

The Black Satellites will now face one of the best third-placed teams from either Group A or B in Monday’s quarter-final clash.

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin says President John Dramani Mahama’s first 120 days in office was uninspiring.

He has therefore accused President Mahama of offering self-congratulatory praise without delivering real progress in his account of his first 120 days in office.

At a press conference in Accra on Thursday [May 8], the Minority Leader said President Mahama exaggerated his achievements in governance reform, tax relief, job creation, and the fight against illegal mining, while ignoring Ghana’s most pressing challenges when he gave a national address on his first 120 days in office on Wednesday night.

President Mahama had said his administration had ushered in a new era of governance marked by transparency, efficiency, and urgency.

“We laid out a social contract with you, the people of Ghana, with specific promises for this critical initial period. Tonight, I’m pleased to report that we have fulfilled these promises,” the President stated.

He cited key accomplishments, including the formation of a lean government, the removal of burdensome taxes, the introduction of a new code of conduct, job creation initiatives, efforts to tackle illegal mining, and reforms in tourism, environmental policy, and the scholarship system.

“These actions are not merely checkboxes,” President Mahama said. “They signify a fundamental shift in how government operates,” while noting that more work remains.

But Mr Afenyo-Markin in reacting to the president;s account described the address as “a recycled failure wrapped in rhetoric.”

He accused the President of making lofty claims without tangible results.

“The President set the questions, wrote the exam, marked the script, and gave himself a distinction,” he said. “But the Ghanaian people are not fooled.”

He argued that most of the initiatives President Mahama touted were not new but repackaged campaign promises or rebranded versions of previous programmes that have yet to yield meaningful outcomes.

“This isn’t a presidency charting new territory,” Mr Afenyo-Markin said. “It’s a return flight to the familiar — where promises are repackaged and accountability is replaced by applause.”

He also attacked the government’s claim of fighting illegal mining, alleging that forest reserves continue to be destroyed while foreign nationals involved in illegal operations are quietly deported instead of prosecuted.

“Illegal mining has flourished under his [Mahama] silence,” he said. “Soldiers who once led enforcement efforts have been made redundant.”

On security, the Minority Leader expressed concern over what he called the politicisation of the military, alleging that promotions are increasingly driven by party loyalty rather than professional merit.

“Army generals are being promoted not by rank but by political loyalty,” he said. “This erodes the integrity of our national security structure.”

He further criticised the President’s handling of violent conflict in Bawku, saying it lacked urgency and compassion.

“There’s been neither decisive intervention nor compelling empathy…The people expected a reset. What they’re seeing is recycled failure.”, he said

Chelsea will face Real Betis in the Conference League final later this month after sealing a comfortable semi-final triumph against Djurgarden at Stamford Bridge.

Despite 10 changes from Sunday’s win over Premier League champions Liverpool and handing a first senior start for 16-year-old Reggie Walsh, the Blues hardly broke a sweat to complete a 5-1 aggregate victory against the visitors.

In the title clash to be played in the Polish city of Wroclaw on 28 May, they will meet Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis, who beat Fiorentina 4-3 on aggregate after extra-time in the other last-four contest.

Having won the first leg in Sweden 4-1 last week, Enzo Maresca’s side increased their advantage when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall picked out the bottom corner from just inside the box after played through by Tyrique George.

The travelling Djurgarden fans were at the top of their lungs all night but the hosts closed out the narrow second-leg victory and reached the final of Europe’s third-tier club competition after bringing on Shim Mheuka and Genesis Antwi, both 17, in the second half.

It will be the eighth European final in Chelsea’s history and a first since beating Manchester City 1-0 to win the Champions League in 2021 under Thomas Tuchel.

And for their current boss Maresca, it will be a chance to secure a first trophy – not only of his Blues reign but also the club’s during the post-Roman Abramovich era.

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.

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.

The donation was officially presented at Manhyia Palace on Tuesday, May 7, 2025

The Ghanaian Council of Chiefs in the Netherlands, in collaboration with UnityLink and the entire Ghanaian community, has donated $11,000 to support the “Heal Komfo Anokye” project, a major health initiative championed by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The donation was officially presented at Manhyia Palace during the Awukudae festival celebration on Tuesday, May 7, 2025.

The Chief Executive Officer of UnityLink Group, Harry Ouedraogo, presented the cheque to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, expressing the company’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to the renovation and modernization of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).

“We are proud to support this noble cause in collaboration with the chiefs and people of Asanteman,” Mr. Ouedraogo said. “UnityLink is pledging not only short-term support but also looking into long-term collaboration with the palace to see how we can enhance our contribution to the Heal Komfo Anokye initiative.”

He added that the company is encouraging members of the diaspora to rally behind the project, which aims to transform the region’s premier medical facility into a world-class health center.

Mr. Ouedraogo also extended belated birthday wishes to the Asantehene and expressed appreciation for being granted an audience during the ceremony.

He noted that UnityLink looks forward to a private discussion with the King to further explore ways of deepening their support.

The “Heal Komfo Anokye” project, launched by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, seeks to renovate and upgrade the nearly 70-year-old teaching hospital to provide improved healthcare services to millions across Ghana and West Africa.

The entire project is estimated to cost $10 million.

Mason Mount ended 20 months of torment with a brilliant second half double as Manchester United booked an all-English Europa League final with Tottenham in Bilbao on 21 May.

On an anxious, nervy, mistake-ridden night at Old Trafford, fingernails were starting to get chewed at the sight of the home side making it so hard for themselves despite starting the second-leg of their semi-final with Athletic Bilbao holding a three-goal advantage.

But Mount chose exactly the right time to step up.

Beset by a succession of injuries that have limited the England man to just 10 Premier League starts since his £55m move from Chelsea in 2023, Mount had only been on the pitch 10 minutes when he turned onto Leny Yoro’s short pass inside the Bilbao penalty area.

Mount’s strike was true and arrowed into the far corner.

It was his third United goal but it was by far the most important and ended lingering fears the visitors might become the first side in 134 attempts in Uefa competitions to overturn a three-goal first leg deficit away from home.

But there was more to come.

After Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund had steered United into a winning lead, Mount pounced on a loose ball 45 yards out and floated a superb shot into an empty net.

The goal capped a memorable Old Trafford night and maintained United’s unbeaten record in the competition.

The final outcome was harsh on the Spanish visitors, who were the better side for long periods and led at half-time thanks to Mikel Jauregizar’s magnificent 30-yard effort.

That did not matter to the home fans at the final whistle as they will now get a shot at salvaging their season against the Premier League’s other great underachievers.

Agricultural Research Scientist, Professor Roger Kanton, has outlined six essential systems Ghana must urgently develop to transform its struggling agricultural sector and boost food security.

Speaking during Channel One TV’s review of President John Dramani Mahama’s 120 days in office on Wednesday May 7, he emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach beyond the surface-level interventions often proposed by policymakers.

“The first is the seed system,” he stated, pointing to the importance of reliable and quality seeds for increasing yields and strengthening farmer resilience. “Then comes mechanisation—but I’m not talking about just ‘tractorisation’. That’s where the politicians get it wrong. Mechanisation is a whole system: planters, harvesters, and more—not just tractors.”

The third pillar, he explained, is fertilisation. “Our soils are very acidic. You can’t keep pumping in fertilizer without liming the soil to raise the pH. It’s madness. Without this, the fertilizer won’t work.”

He also called for serious attention to post-harvest management, revealing that Ghana loses up to 50% of its farm produce after harvest due to inadequate storage and handling.

“Next is processing. We’re not talking about massive factories,” he said. “Just modest, efficient facilities like our neighbours in Burkina Faso and Togo have. We need to revive companies like the Tumu Cotton Company and add value to crops like soybean and rice.”

Lastly, Prof Kanton stressed the critical role of irrigation, lamenting that less than 10% of Ghana’s arable land is currently irrigated. “Irrigation alone won’t feed us, but without it, we’ll never reach our potential,” he warned.

He concluded by urging political leaders and agricultural policymakers to shift from rhetoric to real, science-based solutions.

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