Arsenal vs Chelsea: 5 Talking Points

Arsenal put in a virtuoso display to destroy Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium yesterday. With the help of Albert Dzodzegbe, l take a look at the five talking points of the encounter.

First half blitz: Sanchez, Walcott and Ozil all scored for Arsenal before the interval in what was an amazing performance by the home side. After the break, it was all about damage limitation on the side of Chelsea: this was highly unexpected in such a high profile game.

Superb Arsenal defending: one of the hallmark’s we have come to know of Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal is their ball possession ability, but this game showed us a new facet of Arsenal’s play. They recovered the ball really well to nullify any threat posed by Chelsea, and therefore limited the Blue’s attacking prowess.

Anaemic Chelsea: right from the word go, Chelsea lacked any intensity and inspiration. Their play was insipid. Whilst they could not keep Arsenal’s forward of speedsters at bay. The lack of aggression on the part of Chelsea made the ever superb N’golo Kante looked very poor throughout the game, especially the first period.

Sweet retribution for Wenger: it has been 5 years since Arsenal has beat Chelsea, so Wenger came into this game with a lot of pressure on his shoulders. 3 goals at the break is more than what any gunner would have dreamt of, but it is a really sweet way for premier league millennial to get his revenge on his London rivals.

Conte under the spotlight: after success with Juventus, and the Italian national team at the Euros 2016, Conte’s qualities are not in doubt. But his inability to counter the play of Arsenal from a tactically viewpoint left many wondering. Much can be said of how unsuitable this Chelsea team is to Conte’s style, but the Italian knew this before accepting the job. The former Juventus boss has to tactically respond to the damage caused. 

National Volunteer Day-Tweetchat Storify

GhanaThink as part of its volunteeringh initiative held a tweetchat session on twitter on Monday. Here are my best picks from the awesome lot of responses to questions asked by volunteeringh.

The opening whistle

Join us tonight #Sep19 @ 6pm for #NVDay16 Tweetchat on promoting volunteerism in #Ghana #volunteeringh

— #NVDay #September21 (@volunteeringh) September 19, 2016

Q1: In what ways can we encourage #volunteerism in #Ghana? 

@richnane on #NVDay16: @volunteeringh recognizing the effort of volunteers is a great way to encourage more people join the train

— Ato #NVDay16 (@Abocco) September 19, 2016 

@SMSquad_GH Q1. To encourage volunteerism, some people must take the lead to provide volunteering opportunities #NVDay16

— Tom Tagoe (@Tom_DAT) September 19, 2016

Re Q1 through initiatives like #NVDay16 which sensitises the populace. Also, we need to build a culture of selflessness, esp among the youth

— Kizito Aidam (@Kizitodada) September 19, 2016

By making it more attractive and less stressful for volunteers to support good causes . #NVDay16 https://t.co/HlWNEzUTHS

— #PiloloGH (@pilolo_gh) September 19, 2016

Q2. Ever volunteered? What has volunteering taught you? 

Started volunteering last year and honestly I have not regretted taking that decision I have learnt a lot #NVDay16 #volunteeringh https://t.co/FfzufsAY32

— Justice Okai-Allotey (@Owula_Kpakpo) September 19, 2016

Q2 yes! Lessons include teamwork, organisational principles, and discipline at carrying out instructions #NVDay16 #volunteeringh

— Kizito Aidam (@Kizitodada) September 19, 2016

I got all my skills from volunteering. #nvday16

— Enoch Appiah (@iamrobotboy) September 19, 2016

Volunteering is great. You learn the masterful blend of being a leader & a servant at the same time. It's helped to shape my life. #NVDay16

— Gameli Adzaho (@gamelmag) September 19, 2016

Volunteering helped me gain confidence by giving me the chance to try something new and build a real sense of achievement. #NVDay16

— Duncan E.K. Gablah (@duncanqwame33) September 19, 2016

Q3: When, where and what have you volunteered for recently? 

@volunteeringh#JulyForTheHomeless - we shared food, water and drinks for the...(1) #NVDay16 #STLGH2016 #STLGH pic.twitter.com/c2vuR8Vm7D

— Spread The Love GH (@spreadthelovegh) September 19, 2016

Volunteered for @psychaidnlove 3 outreaches we did for the 3 psychiatric hospitals in Ghana and the next one we have on Wednesday #NVDay16 https://t.co/olMe8NPlsF

— Justice Okai-Allotey (@Owula_Kpakpo) September 19, 2016

Q3 a fortnight ago. In 8 rural communities, Ho Central. Medical outreach #NVDay16 #volunteeringh

— Kizito Aidam (@Kizitodada) September 19, 2016

Q4: What are you doing during #NVDay16? #volunteeringh

We @psychaidnlove are donating to the Accra Psychiatric Hospital after news broke about their plea #NVDay16 https://t.co/6nYncaRSP1

— Justice Okai-Allotey (@Owula_Kpakpo) September 19, 2016

@Abocco putting a priceless smile on a hopeless face... Leaving a random stranger better than you met them

— Anna Achea-Obuobi (@AnnaAkos) September 19, 2016

@volunteeringh Volunteering with a reading clinic! I'm excited already! #NVDay16

— Naanah Ama Thelma (@nanaama_thelma) September 19, 2016

For our incoming outreach we are going to the Accra Psychiatric Hospital for the second time #NVDay16 https://t.co/v4IFiJYbcT

— psychaidnlove_gh (@psychaidnlove) September 19, 2016

#PiloloGH wɔ vim paa! Takoradi, you simply can't miss @pilolo_gh Peace walk & clean Up Campaign. #NVDay16. pic.twitter.com/jh14kQ7mEb

— Ato #NVDay16 (@Abocco) September 19, 2016

Q5. What does #volunteerism mean to you? 

Putting a smile on that sad face. #NVDay16 #VolunteerrinGH

— Enock Seth Nyamador (@Enock4seth) September 19, 2016

Volunteering allows us to bring back the communal spirit in the world where focus on the things that matter has gone extinct. #NVDay16

— Mr.Adotey's son (@blaqstoryteller) September 19, 2016

Volunteering means a lot to me with @psychaidnlove its about bridging the social gap between society and psychiatric patients #NVDay16 https://t.co/DNezLjONST

— Justice Okai-Allotey (@Owula_Kpakpo) September 19, 2016

How do I volunteer? Log onto www.volunteeringh.org and find an activity for thyself 

Have you volunteered today? Let's #volunteeringh 4 #NVDay16. #September 17, 18, 21, 24, 25.https://t.co/M7uMsYKDwh pic.twitter.com/Jjr3ujMmRH

— #NVDay #September21 (@volunteeringh) September 17, 2016

EqayInspire: Doubted and Mocked

Probably people have mocked you and called you names. Maybe they said nothing good could come from your family, or your future can never be bright.

If you have plans of paying them in their own coin when you make it, please drop that idea.

They are not supernatural people to know who you will become tomorrow, so they treat you based on what they know about you now. We all do that.

Let me give you an example. Assuming the president of Ghana visits your house, how you will treat him will not be comparable to how you will treat a friend paying you a visit. It's simply because of their achievements in life.

Maybe your friend will become a president too, but you will treat him now, based on what he has done in life so far.

This is why you must not pay attention to all the mockery and the mean words, because they speak without regards to your future success.

Do you remember how Jesus reacted when Philip went to tell Nathanael about him and Nathanael asked whether anything good could come from Nazareth?

Jesus did not get angry at him for downplaying on His hometown. He said "you are an Israelite indeed, in whom the is no guile". Why? His statement was a sincere judgement was based on what He knew about Nazareth.

Sometimes the comments can get very discouraging, but that is the time when you need to believe in yourself and despise what people's opinions are, and work hard to let your success prove them wrong.

As you begin to flourish, they might come back to apologize for their mistakes and ask for your help. Do not turn your back on them. Like Joseph did to his siblings, let them eat of the fruits of your labor.

If you carry intentions of paying them back when you make it, you might even be robbing yourself of God's blessings for you.

This must teach us, also, not to take people for granted. What we know about them is not what they are meant to be.

Everybody has great potentials and once they tap into it, their success will break bounds and relegate all "doubters" into the zone of regret.

Culled from EqayInspire

Five Talking Points Of Chelsea v Liverpool

Liverpool put up a scintillating first half performance to inflict Chelsea with their first defeat of the season. Here are my five talking points.

Magical Henderson: the Liverpool captain curled a beautiful goal in from 30 yards out to make the scores 2-0 which effectively put his side into firm control. The goal is reminisce of ex-captain, Steven Gerrard. Liverpool may have just found Captain Fantastic 2.0. His performance is a way of silencing his doubters.

Klopp’s Stamford Bridge joy: for the second away game in row at Chelsea, Klopp has come out victorious. The German will go into his next trip to Stamford Bridge with even more confidence as he seeks to continue his dominance over Chelsea’s home turf.

Chelsea defence needs leadership: the Blues fielded a very experience defence on Friday night. However, the know-how of the defenders has not translated into any leadership qualities in the absence of John Terry. David Luiz has never been a leader, and it does not look like he will be anytime soon. With a good leader to organise Chelsea’s defence, Lovren would not have been left alone for Liverpool’s opener.

Hazard subdued: much of the pre-game talks has been of the Belgian’s renaissance under Conte. But in this game, where he was supposed to provide further evidence that he is really back to his best, Hazard was found wanting. His performance was not one to write home about.

Klopp effect: counter attacking and pressing are two flagships of a Jurgen Klopp team. In this game against Chelsea, the Liverpool players’ played like typical Klopp apprentices. Starting from the attackers, Liverpool always went looking for the ball whenever they lost it. Klopp will certainly be happy with what he saw.

EqayInspire: Humans and Animals

Human beings are the most brilliant of all creatures. We know this, not just from theory.

It's obvious from the kind of houses we live in and the technologies we have come up with. Clearly, no living being on earth can compare.

But have you realized all living things (including us) started off the same way? We all began life on earth, with no phones, no houses-nothing at all. All that was around us were trees, bushes, and other animals.

What's the difference then? Gradually, from generation to generation, humans started thinking, started being innovative, improving bit by bit on their daily livelihoods.

Now, with the equipment we have developed, we can fly higher than the eagle, move faster than the cheeter, delve deeper than the snailfish and dig deeper than the "devil worm".

It is simply because the animals have not in any means been able to innovate and improve upon anything they've had.

This ability is what sets *humans and animals* apart.

That is why it must reflect in all facets of our individual lives as well. We aren't being human, if our lives lack significant improvements over time.

What difference is there between you and the lower animals if your skills, gifts and talents have not been used for anything significant or seen any improvements in the years gone?

What makes you human if your character, ideologies and christian life haven't been substantively modified over the last few years?

Each day, bit by bit, we need to improve upon our lives and get better and better. Because, it is not the occasional big things we do that will cause the change, but the consistent small ones.

The animals can continue to live the same way they were born to be; but the human being must innovate, learn, pray and do everything humanly possible grow to maturity, in every area of life and impact other lives in consequence.

#ChangeIsPossible

Culled from Eqay Inspire

10 Things Jose Mourinho Must Do At Manchester United

Jose Mourinho is a serial winner, one of the main reasons Manchester United employed him: to bring trophies to Old Trafford. In order to achieve the club’s and his personal goals, I have pen down ten things Mourinho should pay attention to.

1. Mould a playing style: throughout his career, Mourinho has be known for building his teams in a defensively solid and attackingly devastating manner. He is neither a Guardiola nor a Van Gaal with a possession philosophy, but he has a 3-points-winning-style of play, and he must quickly drum his way into the heads of his players.
2. Play to Pogba’s strength: one good thing Mourinho has done so far is to grant Pogba freedom on the pitch. But to maximise the potentials of the world’s most expensive player, he would have to tinker his tactics: drive Pogba like the ferrari he is, not like a fiat.
3. Revive Anthony Martial: Martial was a bright spot in United’s sorry campaign during last season. However, he has not find his feet in the new season. Mourinho needs to spark Martial back to life: the talent and threat of Martial will bolster United’s attacking authority.
4. Make a decision on Rooney: Rooney is no longer the Wazza of old. He has lost his pace and ability to torment defences, which effectively rules out the option of him playing as a winger. Also, Mourinho has stated he will not play his captain deep in midfield. And now with better options available to play in that no 10 role, it may be time for Rooney to get a seat on the bench.
5. Establish a long term centre-back pairing: Eric Bailly is proving to be a shrewd acquisition for United. Blind’s physical deficiencies make him a suspect, and as club legend Paul Scholes put it, we are all waiting for Blind to be found out. Mourinho must avoid instances like the one during the Manchester derby whereby Blind was left in De Bruyne’s shadow in the build-up to City’s first goal. The Bailly-Smalling partnership United fans dream of is on the horizon.
6. Provide reliable cover fullback positions: United needs cover for full backs at her disposal. Darmian and Rojo look like natural choices, but reports of a break in relationship between Mourinho and Darmian brings a lot of uncertainty about who can fill in the boots of Valencia. This may yet be the opportunity for the teenage Timothy Fosu-Mensah
7. Keep Rashford satisfied: Marcus Rashford is not only a future star but also, he is a player for the moment, as evident in last season and against Hull City. But Rashy will not get as much game time as he would have wished due to the imposing presence of Ibrahimovic. Mourinho must now adopt measures to sustain the happiness of the teenage sensation, even with a bit-part role
8. Slot in Mkhitaryan: Mkhi was purchased with loads of expectations. However, he has found life in Manchester difficult. There is no doubt about the range of qualities he brings to the table, and the Special One must suitably fit Herinkh into his squad, even if it is at the expense of his captain.
9. Play a traditional defensive midfielder: Mourihno and a defensive midfielder are like Romeo and Juliet. Jose does not do without one. All through his tenure thus far, he has had to make do with Fellaini, who has been very good. But the derby against City has reminded us of Fellaini’s vulnerability in that position, and it is time Mourihno opts for a typical anchor-man. Schneiderlin, Blind and Timothy Fosu-Mensah are good options for the Portuguese to consider.
10. Follow United’s youth policy: Mourinho has jettisoned-and rightly so-a vast number of youth products since his arrival. But to cement his status as a post-Fergie legend, Mourihno has to follow tradition. United’s academy has some really good players, and Mourinho must graciously blend them into the first team, starting with Tuanzebe and Fosu-Mensah. In addition, Man United provides Mourinho with a good opportunity to banish his poor youth development demons.

Celebrating Gameli Adzaho: A STEAM Icon

Gameli Adzaho hails from Tegbi in the Volta Region of Ghana. He had his elementary education in Amazing Love Preparatory School, Denu. He continued to Keta Senior High Technical School (Ketasco), where he studied General Science. Driven by his desire of becoming a top scientist, he wanted to read medicine. 

He was successfully enrolled to the University of Ghana, to pursue biological science programme. After studying bio-science for two years, he majored in biochemistry and completed the programme in flying colours. 

After college, he went into practice-with Ghana Education Service, where he tutored in his alma mater, Ketasco. It was in Ketasco that l got the privilege of being under his tutelage. He was a very unique chemistry teacher, who was keen on helping students nurture their God-given potentials. In 2013, he benefitted from the Tullow Group Scholarship to study in University of Exeter, United Kingdom where he obtained MSc Environment and Human Health. Gameli is not a young man with only enviable academic attainments. 

His interest in STEAM-Science, Technology, Education, Africa and Media has elevated him to great heights. In the field of science and technology, Mr. Adzaho has been a leading example. He is the Ghanaian Ambassador of Next Einstein Forum, a cohort of young Africans who “work to make Africa a global hub for science and technology”. Also, he is the founder of Global Lab Ghana, a science community. 

Furthermore, he has worked with Lab 13 to promote the cause of science across the nation. When it comes to his exploits in the media, Gameli authors one of Ghana’s foremost blogs, the Gamelian World. Indeed, his love for the media has been a childhood one: this is manifested in the position he occupied in high school as he doubled as the president of “writers and debaters club” and “science and maths club”. 

He has contributed immensely to the Africa rising cause. Projects that he has worked on and continues to work on with Ghanathink, Global Shapers, Next Einstein Forum and many others have been aimed at benefitting Africa, particularly the youths. Additionally, Gameli is focused on advancing human health through his expertise in environmental and biochemical health. 

Even though he does not consider himself as an icon: a quintessentially unassuming nature of his, his records speak otherwise. Gameli is an inspiration for many, including myself, and he is set to contribute heavily to the fresh era of achievements in Africa. 

As l celebrate him with this surprise post, l would like to conclude in his own words “one day, one day, the son of the charcoal seller shall wear white rope”

5 Key Things To Watch During The Manchester Derby

The Manchester derby is finally on the horizon. The rivalry between Guardiola and Mourinho is set to take centre stage. Also, Claudio Bravo could make his Man City debut in the highly-anticipated clash.

I take a look at the 5 key areas that will define the clash at Old Trafford.

1. Touchline battle: Jose v Pep is not only about the feud, it is also about the tactical battle between two of the finest managers in modern day football. Guardiola will try to dominate the ball in all areas of the pitch whilst Mourinho will set up his team in a compact manner and to hurt City on the break.
2. City’s defence: the last time both sides met, albeit with different managers in charge, all it had to take was a dummy by teenage sensation, Rashford on Demichelis and boom!!! United carried the day. This time round, City’s defence would have to keep Mata, Rooney, Martial, Ibrahimovic and runs from Pogba, Valencia and Shaw at bay.
3. Midfield battle: it is expected that United’s midfield combination will be made up of Pogba and Fellaini against City’s Fenandinho and Silva-in his new deep-lying playmaker role. It promises to be exciting, looking at what each set of players brings on board. The blend of power and grace of City’s midfield will provide a mouth-watering match up for the sheer strength of United’s anchor-men, more so, as the former pair seek to boss possession.
4. Aguero’s replacement: Nolito? Sterling? Iheanacho? We are all guessing what the ever dynamic Guardiola will do to replace his star striker. Whatever the Catalan does, it must be of similar significance to Aguero’s presence. The Old Trafford side will certainly be set up by Mourinho to be solid at the back, and City needs a marksman with credible threat.
5. Old Trafford crowd: the game will kick off live at the Theatre of Dreams. United’s head coach has stated time and again the importance of the spectators’ support-that 12^th man- to his team’s fortunes. However, the fans will be even more crucial. The fans would have to continue transmitting their emotions to the players even as Pep’s City dominate possession. It is that time again for the Old Trafford faithfuls to help shut down their “noisy neighbours”

Galamsey Menace: Why We Are Still Battling It

Galamsey, as we have come to know it is a real menace in Ghana. Galamsey is a coined word used to describe illegal artisanal mineral extracting process, which relies heavily on manpower under very harmful working conditions. Galamsey workers do so at the detriment of the environment and the public health of society. 

I do not seek to elaborate on the effects of galamsey: these troubles are well documented. The menace of galamsey has been with us for half a century now, but without hope of a solution. 

I have been searching for answers to why this illegal small scale mining is on the increase. Very graciously, the constitution of our land has a solid prognosis. According to Article 257 (6) of the constitution of our republic and Section 1 of the Minerals and Mining Act 2006, every mineral in its natural state in water and upon any land in Ghana, streams, rivers, water courses throughout Ghana, exclusive economic zone and any area covered by the sea or continental shelf is the property of the Republic of Ghana and shall be vested in the President on behalf and in trust for the People of Ghana. 

The aforementioned provision in our law is unequivocal on whose jurisdiction mineral resources lay. It is not only the mandate of the president to protect our mineral resources but also, he/she is to ensure each and every Ghanaian lives in a safe environment. Unfortunately, we have not seen enough commitment made in this regard. 

It is estimated that a total of about 50,000-300,000 persons engage in illegal mining. All these persons do so with only their personal interests at heart: the income they earn. But it is more disappointing to note that the office tasked to defend the interest of all Ghanaians has failed to do so. 

No president has been willing to incur the wrath of huge number of persons who form the galamsey chain, knowing very well any brave action to do so would have dire consequences for the politician at the polls. Talks of the supervisory role of parliament are also undermined by the political system we practice. Majority in parliament will not risk losing their status due to galamsey activities. 

The lack of political will to end galamsey has brought us where we are.  

My Foray Into Volunteerism Together With UHAS Colleagues in Ho Villages

My good self during a media session

On 3^rd September, my colleagues and l took to the Tanyigbe and Tokokoe communities of the Ho Central constituency for a medical outreach programme. 

The initiative was manned by our students volunteer group-United Nations Association of Ghana, University of Health and Allied Sciences Chapter- in collaboration with Salvation Grace Outreach, Ho and Calvary Intercessors Network Outreach.

As early as 6:30am, a colleague of mine and l had arrived at the Tanyigbe Senior High School (SHS) campus, ahead of the rest of the team. We needed to give a health talk to the people of Atidze via the community information centre and we had to do it early because the indigenes, who are mostly farmers, set off for farm early in the morning. We educated the community on malaria, anaemia, alcoholism, sexually transmitted diseases and family planning methods.

Before we had returned to the SHS campus, the rest of the team from UHAS had arrived-28 of them in total. The main business was set to begin. We arranged a quasi-hospital each on the Tanyigbe SHS compound and Atidze-in the house of a philanthropist. The set up comprised of nurses table, consulting area, family planning unit, dietetics unit and pharmacy.

The selfless team

In addition, there was extensive given to the beneficiaries who were waiting in our makeshift Out Patient’s Department (OPD). Furthermore, a good number of volunteers entered the villages on a mission of “medical evangelism”.

Prior to our going to the communities, a gross survey indicated the major health challenges in the villages as anaemia, malaria, simple cough and poor family planning methods. But we were taken aback by the several cases of hypertension and body pains-which can be attributed to lifestyle and old age. I can bet that there was a good number of diabetes cases too, but we could not ascertain that because we did not have the appropriate testing equipment.

Out partners, Salvation Grace Outreach, Ho and Calvary Intercessors Network Outreach put the icing on the cake by donating food items and wearables to the community members.

A colleague doing routine checks

At the end of the day, over 400 persons benefitted from the clinical procedure, whilst the health education reached a countless number.

The feeling was great. It still feels great. It was so refreshing to see how the community 

My Top 10 Summer Transfer Deals

World's Most Expensive Player, Pogba

The summer transfer activities has ended. Clubs and fans alike are now focused on the main task-build a competitive team. Here is my top ten picks of the transfer activities.

1.      Paul Pogba, Manchester United (£93.25m, from Juventus): we have had our eyes on the movement of Pogba for the past two seasons. His talent and personality is never in doubt. More fitting is that the Pogba was just the exact player the Man United midfield needed. And a world record fee for a player yet to reach his prime with a genuine hunger to be the best amongst his peers is certainly my deal of the summer.

2.      Claudio Bravo, Manchester City (£17m, from Barcelona): when one talks about a tailor made suit, there is no better description than Pep Guardiola and a goalie of Bravo’s credentials. He fits perfectly into Pep’s possession based football philosophy. At a ripe age of 33, it does not look like Bravo is slowing down anytime soon. The two-time Copa America winning captain brings on board an avalanche of experience and leadership qualities. The acquisition of Bravo effectively solves the goalkeeping headache at the Etihad.

3.      Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Manchester United (Free, from Paris Saint Germain): many clubs would dream of having Ibra within their ranks, and to have him for free is absolutely unbelievable. It is in this amazing world that Manchester United fans all over the world find themselves. The Special One and Ibracadabra are a match made in heaven. The little said about the morale boost and aura that Ibrahimovic brings to the dressing room and fans, the better. In addition, with Zlatan, goals are a guarantee. As he puts it himself, Ibra gets better with age, just like wine.  

4.      N’golo Kante, Chelsea (£30m, from Leicester City): hardworking, disciplined, strong, talented, simple. Kante’s role in Leicester’s fairy tale triumph last season cannot be overstated. Kante provides the engine for his team to enable the team operate to the optimal level. His credentials has been furthered by his performances during France’s journey to the Euro ’16 finale. Kante is no doubt one of the best midfielders in the game, and to sign him for a “meagre” £30m-with reference to today’s transfer pricing-is a very good deal. Kante will take Chelsea places.

5.      Saido Mane, Liverpool (£30m, from Southampton): Mane has been performing for Southampton at the top level for some time now. He is just what Klopp and Liverpool need. Pace, power, skill, and technique, Mane has got them all. Let us not forget that he is still relatively young, and doesn’t need time to settle in at Liverpool-as evident in his performances thus far- because he is already accustomed to the English Premier League. His devastating performance against Arsenal is a sign of things to come.

6.      Gonzalo Higuain, Juventus (£75m, from Napoli): being the world’s most expensive no 9, one would have thought Higuain should be listed higher in this ranking. His signing is a good one for Juventus. But he doesn’t really make the difference a Luiz Suarez, Robert Lewandoski or Sergio Aguero would make, knowing very well that Juve is pretty much guaranteed the scudetto with or without Higuain.

7.      Kevin Gameiro, Atletico Madrid (£25m + £6m add-ons, from Sevilla): the French international might not have been Diego Simeone’s first choice, Diego Costa was, but he will prove to be a shrewd signing. He is a proven goal scorer who knows the terrain of the la liga very well. And with the quality of Atletico’s team, he will be even more prolific.

8.      Eric Bailly, Manchester United (£30m, Villarreal): he has been a consistent performer for Villarreal for the past seasons. The Ivorian is cast in the mould of a typical Premier League defender. His pace, physique and no-nonsense defending has been evident in his excellent appearances for Man United so far-in which no single Man United player has been voted man of the match more than Bailly. He is set to climb to higher heights under Mourinho.

9.      Samuel Umtiti, Barcelona (£20.9m, from Lyon): in Umtiti, Barca has signed a young defender with great potentials. He is not only for the future, but he looks set to man up whenever he is called upon. I have always thought Barca are not exactly good at signing defenders, but the deal with Umtiti has gotten me thinking twice. I do believe he is the final piece of Barca’s jigsaw. He completes the Barca squad, together with new additions such as Jasper Cillessen, Andre Gomes, Lucas Digne and Pablo Alcacer. He might as well have to battle with the stupendous Javier Mascherano for a starting berth, but he is a top, top acquisition for a team in dire need of one in the particular department

10.  Renato Sanches, Bayern Munich (£29m + £39m add-ons, from Benfica): after his Euro winning performance in France, Sanches is set for the very top. His transfer fee doesn’t really matter because he is just a sportsman who is a victim of a football administration based on business module. His talent is not in doubt. And at a young age of 18, we are yet to see the best of him. Bayern has gotten themselves a midfield dynamo and a boy with superstar potential. 

OPEN LETTER TO MINISTER OF YOUTH AND SPORTS, GHANA

Dear Honourable,

Minister of Youth and Sports, Nii Lante Vanderpuye

I write this letter to you not because l have been overwhelmed by your work as a Minister of Youth and Sports, but because in my opinion, you have distinguished yourself from your predecessors. 

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has always been seen as a lions’ den. It was in dire need of a persona like you. I am an ardent sports fan, and l follow the Black Stars and football in general with a lot of passion. But I am your number one supporter when it comes to how you have handled matters with the Ghana Football Association in relation to our national soccer team. 

The Black Stars has sort of become an Aladdin’s cave for a few. It looks as though football and to a big extent sports in Ghana is synonymous to the Black Stars: however, this cannot be the situation. In any case, you are the Minister of Youth and Sports, not the Minister of Black Stars. 

There are a million Ghanaian youths searching for opportunities to advance their potential. The huge amounts of monies that has been skewed towards the Black Stars has not helped serve the broader number of young Ghanaians. In today’s Ghana, there are more pressing issues concerning the youth than the welfare of a selected twenty-three. I am so happy that you are prone to the insults. Let them keep pointing accusing fingers at you. The only thing l would like you to remember is that you are not alone in this fight-people of my kind share in the same thinking as you. It is time to enhance the potentials of the youths of Ghana for a prosperous nation. 

I wonder why the hypocrites who always attack you do not also castigate you in the eyes of the many challenges facing us in the areas of youth activism, youth capacity building and others. Clearly, your fighters are those who are only keen on protecting their purses at the expense of the ordinary Ghanaian. 

For all your efforts to diversify resources and reshape the focus of your ministry, l say ayeekoo. Honourable, you do all  

In This Political Season

Ghana will go to the pools come December 7^th to elect her president and parliamentarians. It is the time in every four years that all politicians look to.

             Vote Buying?                           credit:thestatesman

In this season, the goal is simple-win power. The pursuance of victory is characterised by certain attributes. We will see more instances when Ghana is relegated to the bench in favour of partisan jingoism. 

This is the season in which politicians submit themselves to the ordinary Ghanaian. There will no longer be any dead goat syndrome. 

In this season, the utterances of the politician will not only be seasoned with salts but also full of romance. No single party and individual will leave any stone unturned in their quest to win the heart of their dream girl, the electorates. Messages are not going to be pinged on rationale, feasibility and relevance. At the end of the day, history has taught us that the standards that politicians adopt to win power are not matter to these politicians. 

If dogs had the right to suffrage, you will see the various aspirants and their surrogates barking in order to impress these animals. This season, there shall be no shortage of charity. The debate over whether such gestures could be labelled as bribes, vote-buying and what-have-you will continue, but one thing for sure is that offerings from both candidates and politicians alike will be exceedingly abundant. 

The season goes beyond the massive rallies, party branded souvenirs/vehicles. The main agenda is to win power; this season is to the politicians as the fishing season is to my people in Keta.