by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, football clubs, ghana, soccer, sports
By Simon Asare
Accra, March 24, GNA – Ghana’s national team, the Black Stars, won against Madagascar with a score of 3-0 in their 2026 World Cup qualifying match held at the Al Hoceima Grand Stadium in Morocco.
Thomas Partey netted two goals and Mohammed Kudus contributed one as the Black Stars secured a dominant win over Madagascar.
In Group I, Ghana tops the standings with 15 points, followed closely by Madagascar with 10 points. Mali and Comoros share the third position with nine points apiece.
The Central African Republic ranks fifth with five points, whereas Chad sits at the bottom of the group without any points.
The Ghana coach, Otto Addo, introduced some alterations by beginning with Jerome Opoku and Abu Francis in the lineup while leaving out Ernest Nuamah and Inaki Williams as substitutes.
The Black Stars began the match strongly, putting pressure on Madagascar’s defense, with Salisu Mohammed nearly scoring in the fifth minute.
In the 11th minute, Partey gave the BlackStars the lead with a strong header off Jordan Ayew’s exquisite cross at the edge of the penalty area.
The Ghanaian team’s defensive setup was remarkably solid during the initial thirty minutes, effectively curbing their adversaries’ offensive efforts.
Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, appearing for the second time with the Black Stars, enjoyed a relatively calm first half as Madagascar struggled to get their shots on target within the penalty area.
Ghana maintained their single-goal advantage of 1-0 as the match reached halftime.
Ghana’s Black Stars began the second half strongly and added a buffer with a goal from Thomas Partey, who directed his header into the net following a fine delivery from Jordan Ayew.
In the 59th minute, Kudus Mohamed extended the Black Stars’ lead with his third goal, assisted by Jordan Ayew.
Ghana’s captain Ayew pulled off an assist hat-trick in a magnificent performance, leading his team to an easy win.
Madagascar tried hard to cut down the deficit, yet Ghana remained firm in their defense and managed to keep a shutout throughout the full 90 minutes.
Ghana will proceed with their bid for qualification during the upcoming rounds in September, featuring matches against Chad and Mali.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, health, healthcare and medicine, politics, public health
Tanzania has put forward Professor Mohamed Janabi as the candidate for the position of Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) for Africa, aiming to improve healthcare across the region.
The hunt for a new regional leader comes after an unexpected
passing
Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, a Tanzanian poised to take up his position, created history by becoming the inaugural individual from both his nation and the Eastern African zone to secure victory in the elections for the World Health Organization’s African regional office. Tragically, Dr. Ndugulile passed away on November 27, 2024, during medical care in India. This untimely demise happened just days prior to him taking the oath of office, leading to an unexpected gap in the leadership at WHO AFRO.
Dr. Ndugulile
was set to replace Dr. Matshidiso Moeti from Botswana, who held the position for ten years. After his passing,
WHO
appointed Nigeria’s
Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu
as interim regional director and reopened the selection process.
The Tanzanian government is currently uniting behind
Dr. Janabi
an eminent cardiologist and public health specialist as the perfect choice to continue this vital undertaking.
Janabi serves as the Executive Director of
Muhimbili National Hospital
In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s primary referral hospital holds his position, and concurrently, he acts as a healthcare consultant to President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Prior to this role, he served as the personal doctor to ex-President Jakaya Kikwete. This appointment occurs during an important period for the nation.
Africa
, as new infectious
diseases
new issues have arisen, and non-communicable diseases have become more common.
Dr. Janabi stated that his distinctive blend of experience, forward-thinking strategy, and dedication to health equity qualifies him as the perfect applicant. He brings a verified history of healthcare system leadership, creative problem resolution skills, along with an extensive knowledge of the varied health issues faced by Africa and the global community.
Vision
In his attempt to secure the position of WHO AFRO Director, Dr. Janabi envisions
healthier, more resilient
, and prosperous Africa where every individual has access to quality healthcare, and health systems are strong enough to meet future challenges.
This objective will be accomplished by establishing robust, equitable, and sustainable healthcare systems throughout the region. Within the coming 5 to 10 years, my goal is to improve health outcomes and overall wellness by reinforcing basic medical care, enhancing nutritional support services, increasing accessibility to vital medications, fostering local production capabilities, and utilizing scientific and technological advancements to address deficiencies in healthcare provision,” he stated.
His main focus is on attaining Universal Health Coverage by eliminating financial obstacles to crucial health services, bolstering primary care, and addressing both infectious and non-infectious ailments. Alongside enhancing early identification, treatment, and vaccination initiatives, his goals include fighting against both types of diseases.
He mentioned that the African region is facing a two-fold health challenge, dealing simultaneously with prevalent infectious diseases including malaria and HIV, and an increasing number of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Emphasizing the importance of tackling NCDs via public education initiatives, prompt diagnosis, and accessible treatments, he also highlighted how vital it is to combine various healthcare programs for these conditions.
In order to maintain and speed up advancements against illnesses such as malaria, meet the targets of 95% for HIV—known as the ‘three 95s’, and keep pushing toward eradicating polio, I will push for strong monitoring systems and immunization drives that focus on grassroots healthcare approaches. Through supporting local health workers—who form the core of basic medical services—I aim to guarantee that everyone receives necessary care right where they live,” he stated. “Furthermore, I will work towards sustaining ongoing financial support for scientific studies and improving distribution networks for pharmaceutical products and equipment.
“In addition to current strategies, I propose establishing real-time disease monitoring and smart systems, extending immunization initiatives to cover even the farthest-flung areas, and forming public-private collaborations for swift epidemic responses. Focusing on critical issues like new zoonotic illnesses would be key to promoting a One Health strategy,” stated Dr. Janabi.
Dr. Janabi emphasized that his tenure at Muhimbili National Hospital highlighted the significance of decentralizing healthcare services and maximizing available resources to bolster primary care, which he considers essential for achieving universal health coverage. Should he be chosen as the WHO AfroRegional Director, he intends to leverage his experience to fortify primary healthcare networks, refine referral processes, and focus on developing the workforce along with fostering collaborative efforts among stakeholders to upgrade health systems throughout Africa.
Nevertheless, the path forward remains competitive.
The competition for the WHO AFRO Director role includes four additional candidates.
strong candidates
All hailing from Francophone West African countries, each contributes their distinct skills and perspectives.
Togo’s Professor Moustafa Mijiyawa
,a previous Health Minister, is celebrated for promoting comprehensive healthcare access and spearheading pan-African initiatives aimed at preventing diseases as the Chair of the Africa CDC Governing Board.
Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo from Niger
A veteran healthcare administrator, possessing extensive international experience, concentrates on addressing health issues exacerbated by the climate emergency, promoting creative and cooperative answers.
Dr. Mohamed Lamine Drame from Guinea
He advocates for enhancing Africa’s capabilities in monitoring diseases and responding to outbreaks. He emphasizes the need for increased funding in healthcare facilities and training of personnel to strengthen overall preparedness, thereby building resilience.
Dr. N’da Konan Michel Yao from Côte d’Ivoire
,a pioneer in managing infectious diseases, underscores the significance of global cooperation to tackle Africa’s healthcare issues and fortify medical infrastructure.
Every contender presents a distinct strategy for addressing the critical healthcare demands of the continent, yet they all exhibit a strong inclination toward promoting Africa’s health priorities.
The latest update shows that Dr. Boureima Hama Sambo, nominated by Niger, has withdrawn from the race.
The election set for May 18, 2025, in Geneva occurs during a crucial period concerning the future direction of public health in Africa. The terms for WHO Regional Directors last initially five years, with the potential for being extended for another single term.
Dr. Janabi’s influence goes well past just policies, aiming to build a healthier and fairer tomorrow for Africa, ensuring that nobody gets left out.
He stated, ‘I aim to promote policies within African nations that merge climate adaptation with health planning efforts, including the creation of National Health Climate Change Adaptation Strategies. This involves constructing energy-efficient medical centers, enhancing water supply and sanitation systems, and educating healthcare professionals about managing climate-induced health threats. Furthermore, I will urge for the development of robust, flexible health frameworks designed to lessen the effects of climate change.’
Upon taking office, his primary focus will be to establish comprehensive health coverage by tackling disparities in medical accessibility, securing stable funding for healthcare systems that safeguard people from financial ruin, and encouraging community involvement in managing personal well-being.
“This will be supplemented by focusing on the well-being of my colleagues and enhancing the visibility of the nation’s office within all member states,” stated Dr. Janabi.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, international relations, military, politics, south africa
__________________
JOHANNESBURG –
The defense minister from the Democratic Republic of Congo initiated a trip to South Africa on Monday with the purpose of enhancing “strategic defense capacities” between the nations, according to statements made by South Africa’s government.
The visit, scheduled to end on Thursday, occurs amid intensifying hostilities in the resource-abundant eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Here, soldiers from South Africa, who were dispatched under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mandate, have faced significant setbacks.
“The purpose of this visit is to further bolster and improve the long-standing bilateral defense ties between South Africa and the DRC,” stated the South African Ministry of Defense.
Discussions between Congo’s Defence Minister, Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita, and his South African peer, Angie Motshekga, will center around enhancing “critical aspects of defense collaboration” as well as strengthening their strategic defensive capacities, the statement noted.
The partnership is essential for promoting peace, security, and stability throughout the area, according to the ministry.
In January, fourteen South African troops lost their lives in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This occurred as the M23 rebel group, supported by Rwanda, initiated a rapid assault, capturing extensive territories and major urban centers.
Many of the troops were part of the SADC deployment made in December 2023 to assist the DRC government – which is also a SADC member – in reinstating stability and safety.
At minimum, two of the deceased soldiers were serving with a distinct United Nations peacekeeping unit.
After the fatalities, a dispute arose between South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and Rwanda’s leader Paul Kagame. In response, Kagame tweeted that the Southern African soldiers were not serving as a peacekeeping unit but were instead “conducting offensive combat missions to support the DRC government.”
“If South Africa opts for confrontation, Rwanda will address the issue within that framework anytime,” Kagame stated on X.
In mid-March, the SADC declared that it would conclude its military operation, with the majority of forces being contributed by South Africa.
On March 18, Qatar surprisingly revealed that it had facilitated meetings with the Presidents of Rwanda and Congo, during which they “confirmed the pledge of all sides to an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities.”
However, even after the announcement, the M23 seized control of Walikale, which is a key mining center, marking their deepest advance into the heartland of the DRC since 2012.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, business, energy sector, government, politics
By Francis Ntow
Accra, March 24, GNA – The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has urged the government to promptly reassess all agreements related to Ghana’s natural resources with the aim of maximizing the nation’s benefits from their extraction.
She stated that the evaluation must ensure the nation achieves a minimum return of 60 percent from its natural assets, valued at more than 10 trillion, to aid in the country’s economic shift and reduce its debt load.
Former Chief Justice and IEA Fellow, Justice Sophia Akuffo, addressed this topic during a press conference in Accra on Monday, focusing on “Optimizing the Benefits from Ghana’s Natural Resources.”
She expressed worries about the exploitation of Ghana’s natural resources over several years, due to concession leases that granted sole control to international companies. These entities retained an unfairly large share of the goods and paid minimal sums as royalties and taxes.
The natural resources encompass gold, diamonds, bauxite, iron ore, petroleum, natural gas, cocoa, and timber.
She requested the government to take cues from the United Kingdom (UK), Australia, Qatar, Tanzania, Botswana, Angola, and Eritrea, who examined their mining legislation and agreements to secure up to 50 percent for their national interests.
For instance, in Angola, the Petroleum Income Tax operates under a Production Sharing Agreement with a tax rate of 50% for taxable income. However, operations conducted through different contractual arrangements like consortium agreements face a higher tax rate of 65.75%, according to Justice Akuffo.
The ex-Chief Justice mentioned the UK as an example, where they had a separate corporate tax rate of 30 percent, an additional charge of 10 percent, and a levy of 38 percent on the extraction and production of oil and natural gas.
Likewise, according to Article 41 of Eritrea’s Mining Law Proclamation, the government was permitted to hold an equity stake of up to 40 percent in total, which includes a mandatory participatory interest of 10 percent in any mining venture.
“The moment has arrived for Ghana to terminate its Guggisberg-style agreements that favor international corporations and instead embrace contemporary optimal methods, ensuring that a greater portion of the resource revenue benefits the nation rather than solely foreign mining enterprises,” she stated.
She requested the establishment of a five-person panel consisting of seasoned Ghanaian individuals to examine and suggest revisions to every law and contract related to natural resources. This was aimed at maximizing the advantages these resources could bring to the nation.
The former Chief Justice suggested that Ghana should fully embrace domestically-owned production lines or, at minimum, establish joint ventures between Ghanaians and foreigners in the natural resources sector, which would involve cost-sharing and profit distribution.
Dr. John Kwakye, the Director of Research at IEA, remarked, “Although our nation boasts abundant wealth beneath the soil, it appears impoverished above ground.” He further stated that leaders have not sufficiently leveraged the country’s natural resources to foster national progress.
“More than 10 trillion dollars worth of natural resources could potentially be harnessed if appropriate systems are in place… If you’re unprepared, keep them underground until the necessary expertise and funding become available,” he stated.
Should it require street protests to prompt the government into favoring Ghanaian interests in natural resource agreements, the IAE will be at the forefront.
Dr. Kwabena Nyarko Otoo, the Deputy Secretary General of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), has called upon the government to boldly reassess all laws and agreements to ensure they benefit the nation.
He committed TUC to ongoing collaboration with the IEA and other partners in developing policies aimed at ensuring appropriate changes in foreign ownership and control of Ghana’s natural resources.
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ABD
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, coaching, football clubs, soccer, sports
The assistant coach of Amavubi, Eric Nshimiyimana, stated that his team learned valuable lessons from their recent 2-0 loss to Nigeria and aims to utilize these insights effectively before facing the Lesotho Crocodiles on Tuesday at Amahoro Stadium. This match remains crucial for keeping their aspirations for qualifying for the World Cup 2026 intact.
Rwanda slipped down to third position within Group C following this setback against Nigeria; however, Nshimiyimana believes they gained constructive elements during the encounter which could aid them towards securing victory over Lesotho. Following the defeat to Nigeria, acceptance was necessary. Football involves continuous learning and improvement—we must address certain errors swiftly since our next contest looms closer than expected. Some positive aspects emerged from the previous match, offering us opportunities to enhance performance moving forward. The upcoming fixture versus Lesotho requires an altered strategy compared to prior engagements, according to remarks made by Nshimiyimana during a preparatory media briefing held Monday.
It is imperative now more than ever that every player gives everything they’ve got when confronting Lesotho, aiming solely for maximum point accumulation. Fortunately, all squad members remain physically ready leading up to Wednesday’s showdown. Despite being sidelined owing to amassed cautionary warnings, team leader Djihad Bizimana shall not participate in subsequent play; nonetheless, Coach Nshimiyimana expressed confidence in available alternatives capable of filling the leadership void left behind. Instead, Thierry Manzi steps into command duties as designated captain going forth. Achieving triumph through such efforts places Amavubi firmly in second slot standings with ten total credits accrued thus far.
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