2024 McDan Ga-Adangbe Peace and Unity Cup launched, winner to pocket GH?10,000


The fourth edition of the McDan Ga-Adangbe Peace and Unity Cup football tournament has been launched in Accra with 24 communities ready to battle for top prizes on July 13,2024.

The tournament, spearheaded by Mr. Daniel McKorley, Chairman of the McDan Group of Companies, seeks to promote peace ahead of this year’s general elections.

Organizers have announced that the winner of the tournament will be awarded with a GH?10,000 cash prize, a trophy and medals, whiles the first and second runner-ups would also receive GH?5,000 and GH?3,000 respectively with trophies and medals.

Madam Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, Member of Parliament for the La Dade Kotopon constituency and Parliamentary candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) speaking at the short ceremony commended Mr.McKorley for his role in helping to advocate for peace through sports.

She said peace was a stepping stone towards national development, hence the need to rally behind the project which would serve as an avenue to unearth talents for Ghana
.

‘We all know this is an election year and elections are for peace. It is not a period for war. This initiative is urging us that we all have to advocate for peace, and I want to remind us that we have only one Ghana so let’s come together and make this possible,’ she said.

The Member of Parliament for the La Dade Kotopon constituency encouraged participants of the football tournament to be disciplined during the event.

She said she was confident that this year’s tournament would play a major role in a promoting togetherness ahead the election.

Mr. Bernard Korley, a representative of the McDan Group said Mr.McKorley had over the years shown his ability to bring people together to promote peace and also impact societies positively.

‘We are in a political season and we need unity and togetherness. Things that will create division and chaos, we have to do well and avoid. Let’s use the golden sport, football to bring people together, promote the Ga-Adangbe agenda and also promote youth development,’ he said
.

He said aside the competition seeking to promote peace, it also served as a platform to harness talents which should not be taken for granted.

He announced that there were plans to give winners of this year’s tournament a taste of football on a higher level.

Mr. Jonathan Akrong, Chairman of the Organizing Committee revealed that participating teams will receive GH?1,200 each as appearance fees for the tournament.

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He said the tournament would be played at three venues, McDan La Town Park , McDan Sege Sports Complex, and McDan Teshie Sports Complex.

He noted that the McDan Ga-Adangbe Peace and Unity Cup football tournament will run from July to November this year.

The draw for the tournament saw eight seeded teams, including defending champions Osu, Dansoman, Ada, Sege, Tema, Teshie, Nungua, and La who were excluded from the opening round.

It produced some exciting pairings as Chorkor would lock horns with Dome in the opening game at the La Town Park on July 13,2024.

The participating teams are
La, Nkwantanang, Osu, Gamashi, Chorkor, Dansoman, B.Ngleshie, Weija Gbawe, Achimota, Dome Kwabenya, Dodowa, Adenta, Madina, East Legon, Teshie, Nungua and Tema.

The rest are Ashaiman, Kpone, Ningo Prampram, Sege, Ada, Nima/Mamobi and Alajo Newtown.

Full fixtures for first round

McDan La Town Park

Chorkor vs Dome

Weija vs Nima

Amanfro vs Achimota

Gamashie vs Alajo

McDan Sege Sports Complex

Prampram vs Ashaiman

Kpone vs Nkwantanang

McDan Teshie Sports Complex

Dodowa vs Madina

East Legon vs Adenta

Source: Ghana News Agency

Gadayi And Mary Boakye crowned 2024 GNPC Ghana Fastest Human Champions


The 2024 edition of the GNPC Ghana Fastest Human was decided last Saturday June 29th, at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium warm up athletics track and predictions came true as Edwin Kobla Gadayi from the Ashanti Region and Mary Boakye of the Ghana Armed Forces emerged winners of the seniors male and female categories.

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The exciting Open which was organized on a cool drizzling night attracted students from ATTC who thrilled patrons with their jama and young athletes from other parts of Ghana notably, the Ashanti, Bono, Upper West, Central and Greater Accra.

Mr. Mustapha Ussif, the Minister of Youth and Sports and President of the Ghana Athletics, Mr. Fuseini Bawa witnessed the races and commended them while presenting awards to those who excelled.

They received a trophy presented by the President HE Nana Akuffo Addo, medals, certificates and gifts from GNPC and Adidas.

The hot senior female race saw in-form Mary Boakye running 11.43secs beating Janet Mensah (11.66secs) also representing the Asha
nti Region and rising star from the Central region SHS, Nassera Quansah (11.76secs).

Edwin Gadayi also ran 10.24secs to beat 2020 Olympian Sarfo Ansah who did 10.45secs and Michael Cudjoe (10.54secs) to become the 2024 winner of the GNPC Ghana’s Fastest Human.

He promised to prepare well and represent Ghana at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as a member of the 4x100m relay team.

Mr. Reks Brobby, initiator of the Ghana Fastest Human concept said the event was great and thanked the sponsors and all who graced the venue.

There were also finals for Under 15 boys and girls and Under 18 boys and girls.

Herewith the full results;

U15 – Boys

1st. Francis Cudjoe, Diabene Cath School, Western, (11.57secs)

2nd. Abdulai R. Mahamudu, Gbewah Athletics Club, Northern Region (11.80secs)

3rd. Harrison Adjei, Madina Demo. School, Greater Accra (11.86secs)

U15 Girls

1st. Florence Dartey, Ridge Experimental Sch, Bono Region (12.74secs)

2nd. Adelaide Fosuaa, Sunyani Presby School, Bono (12.77secs)

3rd. Comfort Mensah, T
anoso Ang School, Ashanti (12.81secs)

U18 Boys

1st. Abubakar Hamzah, OKESS, Ashanti Region (10.82secs)

2nd. Isaac Beniako, OKESS, Ashanti Region (11.13secs)

3rd. Kwesi Hayford, Shama SHS, Western Region (11.20secs)

U18 Girls

1st. Abigail Aboagye, Edinaman SHS, Central Region (12.45secs)

2nd. Suleman Fulera L, Nana Effah Scool, Bono Region, (12.53secs)

3rd. Abigail Appiah, Edinaman SHS, Central Region (12.54secs)

Senior- Males

1st. Edwin Gadayi, Sagnation Club, Ashanti Region (10.24secs)

2nd. Sarfo Ansah, Sagnation Club, Ashanti Region (10.45secs)

3rd. Micheal Cudjoe, GAF, Western (10.54secs)

Senior – Females

1st. Mary Boakye, GAF, Western Region (11.43secs)

2nd. Janet Mensah, Sagnation Club, Ashanti Region (11.66secs)

3rd. Naseera Quansah, Sammo SHS, Central Region (11.76secs)

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Source: Ghana News Agency

Let’s use Democracy Cup to promote peace in 2024 elections – Sports Minister


Mr. Mustapha Ussif, the Minister for Youth and Sports, has rallied support for the upcoming Democracy Cup match between Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday, July 5.

According to the cup match affords Ghanaians the opportunity to unite ahead of the 2024 general elections slated for December 7.

The Democracy Cup match, under the theme ’30 Years of Parliamentary Democracy Under the 4th Republic: The Journey Thus Far,’ seeks to use football as a vehicle for engaging citizens and encouraging wider participation in the legislative process.

Speaking in an interview, Mr. Ussif appreciated the leadership of Parliament for such a laudable initiative and urged Ghanaians to support the initiative in the promotion of peace.

‘First of all, I want to thank the Speaker of Parliament for this Democracy Cup initiative, which is a laudable project.

‘As we all know, football brings our nation together and leads to national cohesion. So for the initiative of the Democracy Cup, I want
to urge all members of Parliament to participate, as well as the general public.

‘As we head towards the election, this would bring us together, irrespective of our political affiliations, and help promote peace before, during, and after the elections,’ he said.

The highly anticipated match slated for Friday, July 5, 2024, would witness a curtain-raiser between Parliament and former Black Stars players before the main ‘Super Clash’ between Hearts and Kotoko.

A trophy tour has already begun to whip up awareness for the match, which will be the third meeting between the two clubs in a one-year span.

Asante Kotoko won the two recent encounters, and the Phobians, who narrowly escaped relegation this season, would be seeking revenge on July 5, 2024.

Source: Ghana News Agency

‘Ghana Gaming and Lottery Awards’ launched to promote responsible gaming practices


Syndicated Entertainment Solutions Limited has launched the ‘Ghana Gaming and Lottery Awards’ to recognize and promote responsible compliant gaming practices.

The Award, which was launched in Accra, sought to encourage stakeholders in the gaming industry, would be held in September 2024.

The Award was launched in partnership with the Gaming Commission of Ghana and National Lottery Authority (NLA).

Mrs. Manuella Frempomaa Ansong, Director of Syndicated Entertainment Solution, said the award ceremony would help develop a framework to identify and monitor ways by which stakeholders could ensure responsible participation in line with applicable laws to meet best international practices.

She believed that recognizing excellence in the gaming and lottery industry was essential for fostering innovation, promoting responsible gaming practices and acknowledging outstanding contributions to the industry.

She said this initiative would ensure the credibility and integrity of gamers to enhance their significance and
impact.

‘Gaming and lottery, much like any other form of entertainment can bring excitement and joy, however, it is essential that it remains a fun and controlled activity, free from negative impacts that can arise through non-compliance and indifference to its effect on society,’ she added.

Speaking of the evaluation Committee of the Award, she said it would involve a Seven-Member Committee composed of representative from NLA and Gaming Commission, an auditor, lawyer and a member from the European Lotteries.

Mr. Samuel Awuku, Director General, NLA, commended Syndicated Entertainment Solution for introducing this exciting initiative and believed that the project would contribute to demystify the myths about gaming and lotteries, and highlighted the nuances that make up the game’s mechanics and dynamics.

He said the award signified to reward stakeholders, customers, retailers and operators, who work hard and tirelessly behind closed doors in the gaming sector.

‘While the Gaming and Lottery Awards seek to
honour persons practising responsible gaming and compliance, it is expected to expose the activities of perpetrators of illegal lottery operations, which are our biggest detractors,’ he added.

Mr. Peter Mireku, Chief Executive Officer of Gaming Commission of Ghana said, the Award was not merely about celebrating achievements but fostering a culture of responsibility and mindfulness within the gaming industry.

He said the Gaming Commission was poised to encourage stakeholders and to ensure responsible participation in gaming and lottery in order to maintaining the integrity and positive impact of our industry for sustainability.

He said the establishment of an annual Gaming and Lottery Awards was a significant step towards achieving the shared objectives of responsible and compliant gaming and lottery practices.

‘Let us remember that responsible gaming is a collective responsibility’, Mr Mreku said.

The Launch saw members from lottery institutions, stakeholders, experts in gaming companies, and private ga
ming firms.

Source: Ghana News Agency

2024 Paralympic Games: Team Ghana in training camp ahead of Paris 2024


Ghana Para-Powerlifting team is currently in Paris, France, to prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, after their sterling performance in the 2024 World Para Powerlifting (WPPO) world championship in Tbilisi Georgia.

The team is made up of three athletes: Tahiru Haruna, Isaac Obeng and Patricia Nyamekye, with Prince Nyarko and George Ohene Adu as coaches, and Majeed Eldeen as team leader.

This training camping would afford the athletes opportunities for better training regimes and prepare them adequately for the upcoming competition.

The team was supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, France Embassy in Ghana and the Mayor of Gennevilliers.

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games is slated for August 28, to September 8, 2024.

Source: Ghana News Agency

Standard Chartered Bank Ghana commits to long-term sustainable growth, economic inclusion


Standard Chartered Bank Ghana PLC produced a strong set of results in 2023, which saw a return to profitability compared to the prior year.

The Bank delivered strong results and improved returns alongside balance sheet growth and positive momentum across key metrics.

Return on Equity (ROE) increased to 45 per cent and Capital adequacy ratio (CAR) stands at 27.7 per cent well above regulatory threshold of 10 per cent.

‘Given the Bank’s capital position the Bank has received regulatory approval to pay dividend and will advise shareholders in due course,’ Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ebenezer Twum Asante, told shareholders at the 54th annual General meeting of the Bank.

‘The various strategic actions we initiated to improve the resilience of our business to external shocks, such as

tightening our risk and control measures, have positively impacted our results. We will continue to harness our key capabilities and the opportunities they present to deliver value in a strong safe, sustainable manner,’ he
added.

Alongside the importance of delivering improved financial performance, the Banks Purpose and brand promise to be here for good remain cornerstones of the business.

‘To further drive growth, we are taking action to transform the way we operate, addressing any structural inefficiencies and complexity of protected income,’ Mr Asante said.

The bank continues to support its clients and communities as they anticipate and respond to economic and social challenges. This is possible through the banks Stands – Accelerating Zero, Resetting Globalisation and Lifting Participation – through which positive impact is delivered across the country.

‘The board will ensure that management remains focused on the execution of the strategic priorities, maximizing opportunities while maintaining appropriate risk controls. We are confident that our applying commitment to excellence and ingenuity of our team, we will navigate the challenges and improve returns in a strong, safe and sustainable manner,’ Mr Asante added.

Co
mmenting on the impact the bank is making in the country, Chief Executive, Mansa Nettey emphasised the importance of collaborating to deliver impactful scalable interventions to support the vulnerable in society during challenging economic periods. She said ‘the world continues to experience some evolving trends including technological advancements, geopolitics and climate change. While these changes continuously trigger country and international policy shifts, the private sector remains in a good position to shape national and global discourse that will help sustain our economies and communities.’

‘As a Bank, we will continue to augment the efforts of government and support our communities through thought leadership and community impact programmes, as well as the provision of funding /capital to where it is needed most’. She added.

The bank delivered income growth of 42% over the previous year to $1.72 billion while Operating cost was at $582 million, that is a 33% hike over the previous year.

While the b
ank took a huge impairment charge of $1.16 billion in 2022 as a result of the debt exchange programme, it had a release of $220 million in 2023. This culminated in a profit before tax of $1.36 billion compared to the loss of $381 million in 2022.

‘We believe these results signal the beginning of a sustainable recovery as we close the year with good momentum across our business segments,’ Mrs Nettey said.

‘We continue to maintain a fairly strong balance sheet and are liquid and well capitalized. The significant progress we made against the backdrop of tough external environments is as a result of the deliberate actions we took to protect our franchise amid these challenges. And I would like to thank the Board for their guidance over the period,’ she added.

She said the headwinds the bank faced over the last couple of years had enabled it to become more resilient and remain focused on delivering its revised strategic actions and protecting the franchise, making good progress on four strategic priorities of N
etwork, Affluence, Mass Retail and Sustainability.

Mrs Nettey said the Bank aimed to deepen its support to clients through collaboration with the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat and also focusing on offering comprehensive solutions, personalized advice and exceptional client experience to Affluent clients.

‘We aim to focus on areas of opportunistic growth which are critical to the Ghanaian economy, to support clients and stakeholders like yourselves and drive our performance,’ she said.

Mrs Nettey said SCB would continue to augment the efforts of government and support communities through its flagship thought leadership programmes, community impact programmes as well as the provision of funding and capital where it is needed most.

Source: Ghana News Agency