CAN NIGER SHOOT DOWN THE STARS?

After an impressive performance against Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday,Niger seem to have arrived at the party and may be ready cause a lot of havoc should the Black Stars of Ghana be complacent in their next game today.
Niger currently on 1 point out a possible six, has a chance of qualifying to the Quarter Finals in the on-going African Cup of Nations should they beat Ghana with at least 2 goals and DR Congo draw or even lose against the Eagles of Mali.

This makes matches from Group “B” very interesting to follow having these questions in mind.

1. Can Niger cause a stir?

2.Will the Black Stars allow history to elude them?

3.What about the fate of the Leopards of DR Congo led by coach Claud le Roy?

4.Will the Eagles of Mali fly once more?

Time alone has answers to these questions.

GHANA ON TENTERHOOKS AFTER VICTORY

It appears there is a sudden relief for some Ghanaians after the Black Stars’ narrow win over the Eagles of Mali but the reality is that, Ghana’s Group makes it possible for any of the teams to qualify depending how you want to look at it.
For me, this victory should rather push the players for the final “kill” against Niger in the last game on 28th January.

A victory against Niger will see Ghana through to the next stage of the competition which makes the dream of the Stars quite a reality.
Remaining on top of Group"B" will do a lot for the Stars who can deal with any stern opposition by any team from Group "A" in the next round.

As a result, the Black Stars will need the support of every Ghanaian both home and abroad to make history at this year’s competition being held in South Africa.


After second round of matches, this is how the teams are doing:
GHANA-4 points

MALI-3 points

DR CONGO-2 points

NIGER-1 point

GO AFRICA! GO GHANA!! GO BLACK STARS!!!

THE LAST BREATH FOR GHANA’S BLACK STARS

Anything short of victory for the Black Stars of Ghana today in the on-going African Cup of Nation will be disastrous.
The team known for its strength on the African continent will want to keep the hope of Ghana alive in the quest for another continental glory by winning the match against Mali. This comes in the wake of a rather disappointing performance against Democratic Republic of Congo in Ghana’s opening match in Group “B” which ended 2-2 on Sunday.

For some soccer fans ,a straight victory by the Stars looked quite difficult as the Congolese have always been tough customers for the Black Stars.

For the ordinary Ghanaian, the first match should have been won without much difficulty as the Black Stars had taken a 2-0 lead by the 46th minute but the sweet victory on the minds of Ghanaians did not come into fruition at the end of the game sending waves of mixed feeling among the fans of the Stars, both home and abroad.

Unfortunately, this unpredictable performance by the Stars have already sent some soccer pundits, analyst and soccer-loving fans revising their notes about the country’s chances after having been as tipped one of the favourite teams to clinch this year’s trophy

In the interest of the team and the country at large, going ahead to win this trophy will keep the country’s name in the history books as one of the power houses when it comes to soccer.

The team has struggled for more three decades looking for another cup to decorate the trophy table of Ghana after the country’s last cup in 1982. This long absence of a trophy has rather shifted the glory to the Pharaohs of Egypt (National team) who currently have six(6) of the cups to their credit since the inception of the competition in 1957 .

The team will be locking horns with the Eagles of Mali and the outcome of this match could determine the fate of the country, whether it can redeem its image after over 30 years of the search for another trophy.

The Malians on the other hand will be looking forward to stretch their lead in Group “B” after beating Niger in their first match. The Malians sit on top of the Group with 3 points followed by Democratic Republic of Congo and Ghana respectively with a point each and Niger with no point after losing the first match.

The statistics of this Group makes todays matches quite dicey especially for the Black Stars who would want to win the trust of all Ghanaians after letting the country down on Sunday with a draw in their first match.

The Black Stars of Ghana has only one thing in mind; victory and nothing else.

GO AFRICA! GO GHANA!! GO BLACK STARS!!!

BRACING UP FOR JANUARY IN GHANA: THE MONTH WITH “FIRE” AND “WATER”

If there is any word that should be used in describing the month of January 2013 in Ghana, I would say it’s “strategic”. This is because after having a very peaceful elections in December 2012 and its aftermath issues, January 2013 comes with two sides to help address concerns and grievances of the New Patriotic Party(NPP) about last year’s elections with the other side trying to unite Ghana through football.

It is in this month that the Republic of Ghana’s Supreme Court with the co-operation of stakeholders such as the National Democratic Congress(NDC) which won the elections, NPP which lost and Ghana’s independent Electoral Commission would address issues raised by the NPP in the petition filed at the Court in December last year.

In trying to do so, any decision by the Supreme Court could have a repercussion on the country be it positive or negative. One can only wish that the law takes its course. Posterity won’t forgive Ghanaians for any mishaps after the Supreme Court’s decision.

This among other political activities could contribute to rise in political temperature in the country which is not the wish of any peace-loving Ghanaian.

As far as this court issue could go, rivalry among friends, families, neighbours, just to mention a few due to party affiliation may be intensified and developing a country which has been polarized due to politics may be in vain.
The above may be very worrying but this same month; January has “water” to quench the “wild fire” which is capable of destroying the country. It comes in the form of football.

Ghanaians aside being peace¬-loving are a football-loving people. Words might not be enough to describe how Ghanaians love football. It is one thing which unites the country regardless of one’s political background, faith, ethnic and other identities that divide us.

This sense of unity comes around again as Ghana’s senior national team, the Black Stars participate in this year’s 29th Orange African Cup of Nations in South Africa...

“PRESIDENT MAHAMA MUST TAME THE WILD”(2)

…A President whose coming into power has been unprecedented in Ghana’s history can take another bold step which is also unprecedented by “importing” extra brains from the NPP and any other party he deems right to help in developing the country.

If the above should happen, President John Mahama could have Ex-President John Agyekum Kufour and Ex-President Jerry John Rawlings as his advisors in every difficult situation.

This move could also have Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo becoming Ghana’s Minister for Justice due to his vast experience in law and politics.

Moreover, the “Free quality Senior High School” policy of the NPP which a lot of Ghanaians have bought into could be borrowed by President Mahama for its implementation since it will benefit every Ghanaian.

Should any of the above decisions be taken, your guess of Ghana’s future is as good as mine.

“PRESIDENT MAHAMA MUST TAME THE WILD”(1)

The month of January and President John Dramani Mahama’s inauguration might have come sooner than expected for some members of the largest opposition party in Ghana; the New Patriotic Party(NPP) who thought their petition in court could have been addressed before the swearing in of John Dramani Mahama as the President.

This view is quite contrary to the one held by the members of the National Democratic Congress(NDC) who wished the President should have been sworn in just hours after his victory in the polls.

Unfortunately for the two divergent views held by these sympathizers, the country is governed by law and laid down principles rather than wishes and feelings of individuals.

One may however understand those who belong to the NPP due to the several allegations they have raised concerning last year’s elections.

They believe their candidate; Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo won convincingly but due to some irregularities, the elections ended in favour of the current President. What even hurts some of them the most is the “winner takes all” syndrome which has overshadowed Ghana’s young democracy(since 1992), making it quite impossible to govern with other parties which lost in an election.

It has therefore entrusted its fate in the hands of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Ghana through a petition signifying its understanding of democracy.

For President Mahama’s administration, the first move being how to unite Ghana may encounter a few stumbling blocks. This is due to how some members of NPP are reluctant to co-operate by showing the President their “ Iron teeth” which can easily tear things apart.

With President Mahama being aware of this must do everything possible to get them to his side.

For instance, he must ensure that certain political appointments and contracts go to the side of the opposition parties which can help assemble the “best” materials for his administration…

“WOOING NPP FOR A SMOOTH TENURE IS JOHN MAHAMA’S HEADACHE”(2)

…As the President ponders over this, his next move as the head of state trying to unite the country might be how to get the NPP to back him in carrying out his mandate which could lead to the realization of the “Better Ghana Agenda(2)” dream as promised.

In the eyes of many, this look quite herculean with the President being shown the “exit” and a “red card” by the NPP in the form of boycotting his inauguration among other things registering their displeasure about the December polls which “denied” Nana Addo ( the King) as affectionately called from ascending to the highest office of the land.

Although the boycott holds, Ghana’s former President and a member of the New Patriotic Party, Mr. John Agyekum Kufour has to be at the function as a statesman. This move has not gone down too well with some members of the party, describing it as a form of “betrayal” or a “stab in the back” but the former President says he is in full support of their petition to the Supreme Court.

With this , it is rather unfortunate how some Ghanaians are viewing the actions and inactions of the NPP. For some, the behaviour of the party’s followers is infantile and unaccepted. Others think it is a mere state of being aggressive and hungry for political power.

The only response from the NPP to such individuals is that if the NDC is matured and really understand democracy, they must allow the law to take its course.

So, with President John Mahama already enjoying some baptism of fire from the biggest opposition party in Ghana, will he be able to contain them for the next four years subject to the Supreme Court’s decision?

Having the sense of unity, peace and love, the President must do everything within his means to get the NPP on his side in order to have a smooth tenure of office.

The only conclusion to be drawn from the above is that “coming events cast their shadows”.

“WOOING NPP FOR A SMOOTH TENURE IS PREZ.JOHN MAHAMA’S HEADACHE”

Monday 7th January, 2013 is historical for Ghanaians after having gone through the December polls peacefully. It marks exactly one month after 2012 elections which span from 7th to 8th December .

Declaration by the Electoral Commission of Ghana after the elections saw the candidate for National Democratic Congress(NDC); John Dramani Mahama beating the one for New Patriotic Party(NPP); Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo in the Presidential race. Per the provisions of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the winner of the election is to be sworn in as the President of the Republic of Ghana regardless of any questions that might have arisen from the polls.

However, the Constitution creates room for anyone seems not satisfied with the results to challenge the President. According to Article 64(1): “ The validity of the election of the President may be challenged only by a citizen of Ghana who may present a petition for the purpose to the Supreme Court within twenty-one days after the declaration of the result of the election in respect of which the petition is presented”.

The “law-abiding” members NPP have done just as the law requires of them awaiting the decision of the Supreme Court of Ghana but many sympathizers of the party would wish the inauguration of the President should not happen in the first place.

His inauguration is quite unprecedented in the history of Ghana as the only President to take the Presidential Oath twice within six months. This is simply due to the demise of Ghana’s former President; Prof. John Evans Atta Mills in July 2012 which led President Mahama who was then the Vice President taking over the mantle of leadership.

He is also the fourth President and the fourth John under the Fourth Republic after Flt.Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, Mr. John Agyekum Kufour and the late Prof. John Evans Atta Mills.

With just a few hours to the inauguration ceremony, one question would continue to linger on the mind of the President, thus, what will be the outcome of the case in court challenging the December polls?...

GHANA’S 2013 FROM AFAR: A YEAR OF MILK, HONEY AND VINEGAR(4)

…Nevertheless, January 2013 brings into power another John as it happened in January 1993 with both coming from the NDC.
Interestingly, Ghanaians will witness the first among the Johns to have been sworn in as Vice President and twice as the President of Ghana with another opportunity to contest as Presidential candidate in 2016.

If 2016 goes for him, he will be the only President in Ghana’s history to have been sworn in thrice (3 times) aside being the Vice President.

Again, this year , Ghanaians would expect that the 1992 constitution which was reviewed and had not seen the light of day as at 2012 under the late President John Evans Atta Mills may receive life if the President appends his signature to it.

With more to unfold, 2013 marks exactly 13 years (2000) when Mr. John Agyekum Kufour won the third (3rd) elections to be organized by the Electoral Commission of Ghana ( since 1992).

It also marks 10 years of the National Health Insurance Scheme which was passed into law by President Kufour in 2003.

Moreover, 2013 would activate the sad mood of Ghanaians by bringing into memory one year after the death of President John Evans Atta Mills who contested 3 times(from 2000) before winning Ghana’s 2008 elections. Unfortunately he passed away after exactly 3 and half years in office.

Furthermore, a 6-storey Achimota Melcom Shopping Centre building which on Wednesday November 7, 2012 collapsed with lives and property destroyed would not be forgotten as it was just 30 days to the 2012 elections.

Last but not least would be the remembrance of the death of Ghana’s former Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama on Friday, 16th November,2012 which happened 3 weeks to the election.

From the above I now can understand why some people try to play around numbers but life still goes in Ghana.

GHANA’S 2013 FROM AFAR: A YEAR OF MILK, HONEY AND VINEGAR(3)

…With this, they believed Rawlings had been in power for far too long and having “failed” to rescue Ghana’s economy from further downturn therefore the election was to see his exit but the Ghanaian electorates at the time did otherwise.
His inauguration in 1993 paved way for Presidential candidates bearing the name “John” to ascend to Ghana’s highest office after him (1993-2013). President J.J Rawlings’ era however succeeded in ending the dreams of anyone who had coup d’état in mind and made any attempt.

Moreover, the 1992 elections ended the Presidential ambitions of the then candidate for the New Patriotic Party.

Also 1993 saw the coming into effect of Ghana’s longest surviving constitution thus the 1992 constitution of Ghana(21 years).

History has repeated itself in so many ways entering the year 2013. First of all, a victory for John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress in the 2012 election is seriously being contested in court by the “opposition” New Patriotic Party led by its candidate Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

This party believes the outcome of the elections were not the true picture on the ground.

On this, Ghana’s Supreme Court’s decision could turn things the other way. Most NPP sympathizers and Ghanaians may expect three outcomes from the court. It could either be to maintain John Mahama as the President, a need for a re-run of the elections or Nana Addo becoming the President.

The NPP thinks the “poor” performance of the NDC government was enough ground to be kicked out of power but it was the other way round when the Electoral Commission of Ghana declared the final results of the 2012 elections...

GHANA’S 2013 FROM AFAR: A YEAR OF MILK, HONEY AND VINEGAR(2)

…The 90s passed away giving chance to the new millennium with Mr. John Agyekum Kufour of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) winning the 2000 elections.
In 2003, he signed into law Ghana’s much talked about Health Insurance Scheme replacing the “cash and carry” system of health delivery known to Ghanaians.

The law required all residents of Ghana to join one of the three schemes, namely, District Mutual Insurance Scheme, Private Mutual Insurance Scheme, and Private Commercial Health Insurance Scheme. That was exactly 10 years ago.

This ushers us into 2013 which promises to be very interesting in many spheres including the political front in Ghana. It shares a lot with 1993 in Ghana’s history.

To begin, this year is exactly 20 years when Flt Lt. Jerry John Rawlings(First John) from the National Democratic Congress(NDC) became President after the country returned to constitutional rule in1992.

The Fourth Republic was inaugurated on January 7, 1993. The outcome of the 1992 elections was seriously contested by the opposition New Patriotic Party(NPP) which had Adu Boahen as its Presidential candidate.

The NPP being dissatisfied with the result, wrote a book titled “The Stolen Verdict” which expressed their views on the 1992 elections.

One of the reasons the NPP thought they should have the elections was the fact that the country was returning from a military rule led by Flt. Lt J.J Rawlings after his 1981 coup which overthrew Dr. Hilla Limann’s government…

GHANA’S 2013 FROM AFAR: A YEAR OF MILK, HONEY AND VINEGAR(1)

It is quite intriguing to know how some individuals and even a whole nation could believe in the significance of numbers. For some, 2013 with the number 13 at the end is a no-go area for them. As to whichever way they want to approach 2013, life goes on in Ghana(GH).

For me,2013 in Ghana would be very interesting as the year shares a lot with 1993 and history repeating itself in so many ways.

Before looking at what 2013 has in common with 1993 in Ghana, let’s cast our minds to back to a few decades, certain years which had “3” at the end such as 1983 among others have imprints on the minds of those dead, alive and yet to be born.

Quickly starting from 1963, Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah introduced the Seven-year Development Plan(SDP).
This plan was to develop Ghana to the status of well advanced Western countries but the infamous 1966 coup d’état stalled this agenda making Kwame Nkrumah’s dream short lived . Regimes and governments which came after him did not show any interest in it either leading to Ghana’s current state.

It was in the same year that Dr. Nkrumah, Emperor Haile Selassie among other leaders of Africa called for the unity of the continent by forming the Organization of African Unity(OAU) ,now the Africa Union(AU).

Ten years down the line(1973), Ghana had a military leader by name General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong who won the hearts of many due to his policies. He introduced the most famous “Operation Keep Right” which determined the kind of vehicles imported into and driven in Ghana.

With this policy, it was no longer accepted to drive cars which had steering wheels to the left. Today, the latter is rather practiced in Ghana with right driven cars no longer welcome in the country.

Another policy which was and is still popular in Ghana is the “Operation Feed Yourself” which aimed at developing self-reliance in agriculture among Ghanaians.

Fast-forwarding the clock to 1983 under Flt Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, both young and old Ghanaians would not want to experience what the country went through in that year .

With its worst drought in 1983, many felt “true hunger” where coming across food to survive was everybody’s wish. Some water bodies had their fair share (drying up) as many plants withered and some going into extinction. Cash and non-cash crops were affected seriously.

1993 was just a decade later but since it has a couple of things in common with 2013, it will be important to shift it to the end…