Ghana Applies To Join Gulf of Guinea Commission As Full Time Member




President John Mahama has put in an official request to the Gulf of Guinea Commission to be a full time member.

Since the establishment of the Commission, Ghana has over the years been invited as an observer. However, President Mahama at the meeting of the commission to discuss Maritime Security announced in a closed door meeting with other colleague heads of state that Ghana wishes to be a permanent member.

The request comes in the wake of imminent security challenges that the Gulf region faces such as piracy, drug trafficking and gun running amongst others.

The President in requesting Ghana’s membership called for consensus building among member countries to enable a coordinated fight against maritime insecurity.

The Gulf Region is known to be endowed with oil resources amongst others, a situation which also poses security challenges.

Countries bordering the Gulf of guinea thus decided to come together at a summit in Equatorial Guinea to discuss ways of collaborating on maritime security.

Although Ghana’s President John Mahama was invited as a guest, he took the opportunity in a closed session, to request Ghana’s membership of the group.

The meeting involved high powered delegations from countries invited, headed by their various presidents.

Interior Minister, Kwesi Ahwoi who joined the President at the Meeting, confirmed Ghana’s intention as expressed by the President.

Mr. Ahwoi further explains why Ghana is seeking to join the group at this time and explains that the meeting in Malabo tabled proposals for member countries to harmonize their maritime law for easy facilitation of efforts.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence Mark Woyongo who also participated in the summit says the Ghana Armed Forces are prepared for the challenge ahead of joining the Commission.

He was optimistic that shared experiences would enhance the efforts of the member countries in ensuring security along the Gulf of Guinea.



Source: GBC

Actress Lydia Forson Embarrassed In Public


It must have been a little embarrassing moment for Ghanaian actress, Lydia Forson when eccentric Nigerian TV personality, Denrele made the whole of Ghana and possibly the whole of Africa know that he wasn't aware of who the actress is.

During the taping of O News Live in Ghana on Sunday evening, Denrele picked Lydia Forson from the audience and forced her to model on stage as ‘Miss O News’.

As if harassing the bubbly actress on stage wasn't enough, he went ahead to ask “what is your name”. Lydia Forson smiles with the hint of that expression “like seriously?” and then wittingly answered “my name is Nana Akua”.



Source: Ameyawdebrah.com

Yvonne Okoro and Yvonne Nelson Fight Over Personality Clash.

There seems to be an atmosphere of rivalry between Yvonne Nelson and Yvonne Okoro. These two actresses started as two beautiful friends until their relationship recently hit the rocks.

What brewed as a rumour had it that Okoro could no longer take the incessant attention seeking attitude of Nelson and this is one of the main reasons they are no longer pals. Though the two have constantly debunked the rumour, but their attitudes towards each other speaks volume even in broad day light.

They are no longer seen together at functions, and even if they have been invited by the same organizer, they make sure that they are far distant to each other.

The two have grown up to become producers and have vowed never to appear in the other’s movie. Evidently, none of them attended the other’s premier when they both released their latest movies.

Furthermore, they seem to be a kind of battle in the atmosphere in regards to what they wear and how they dress.

Recently, Yvonne Nelson released a photograph of herself rocking a wavy red wig in a sexy bikini for a photo shoot. Weeks later, Yvonne Okoro has taken over the baton to come out in a promo shoot, also in a red hair do.



Source: Ghanaweb

In Zambia, The Talk Is About Ghana In September

A Visitor’s Observation

The banner was located near the score board under one of the floodlights and it read “Ghana Is No More”. About ten minutes into the game Zambia scored a goal and the banner changed to “In Kumasi 1-0 As Usual”. Zambia won that game 3-1, cruising to a comfortable win, on the way playing some delightful football with the whole nation behind the national team.

The day was Sunday July 14, 2013, the venue was the Nkana Sports Stadium in Kitwe, in the Copper-belt region of Zambia and the occasion was a quarter finals football match between Zambia and Mozambique. Zambia was, for the first time, hosting the COSAFA (Confederation of South Africa Football Associations) Cup from July 6th – July 20th 2013. The games were being played in Lusaka, Ndola and Kitwe. It was like the WAFU competition of yesteryears for the West African region. 13 nations from the Southern African region were competing in the COSAFA Cup, and Zambia was using the competition also as a preparation for the match that really mattered to them – the September 6th 2013, clash with the Black stars of Ghana.

I was visiting Zambia for my mother-in-law’s memorial and unveiling of her tombstone, a very solemn and important ritual for the people of the Southern African region. The purpose of my visit therefore had nothing to do with football. I was not fooled for long, though. When I arrived in Lusaka, my sister-in-law took me and my immediate family – my wife, daughter and two young boys – to a tourists’ market to look for some local souvenirs. The Zambia national team’s jerseys were on full display in all the bright colors and selling like hot cakes– national pride was at stake and Zambians need little prodding to talk about their national team – Chipoloplo, the (Copper) Bullets. Knowing that I was Ghanaian made their day. They could not wait to remind me of the last two meetings between the national football teams of Ghana and Zambia. Of course Zambia won both matches and one could sense their confidence as a result.

I found the Zambians to be a very confident bunch when it came to their football. That aside, the general mood in the country was that of resurgence.

With the Copper mines once thought to be “dead” and the general gloomy economic situation that resulted from that, in the 1990s, giving way to a re-bound in mining activities; a political class ready to move the country forward mainly with infrastructural developments and anti-corruption initiatives, the country is seriously finding its way back. This general optimistic mood, coupled with their recent successes against the Ghana Black Stars on the football field, had given the Zambian a high level/sense of confidence, making them fancy their chances in Kumasi on the 6th of September.

The bravado on display however betrayed a fear of what awaits them in Kumasi. Zambians in general have a lot of respect for Ghanaians. This respect, on and off the football field, is rooted in the history of positive interaction between the two countries. Talk to any Zambian and he/she is likely to mention Ghanaian teachers/lecturers, doctors, businessmen and women, etc. they have come in contact with. There is still a very large and prosperous Ghanaian community in Zambia. In fact, I contacted some on my trip and heard about others. One of the country’s main teacher training colleges is named for Ghana’s first President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Dr. Kenneth Kaunda has been, and is still, a good friend of our country.

So when Zambians were “taunting” us during the Zambia-Mozambique match – letting us know what the score would be in Kumasi, they did it with respect because they knew Ghana had a better football record on the continent than Zambia. They also know that, even now, we have better-known players. Zambians however play the underdog role very well. They could be very dangerous when they felt slighted or underestimated. I was told on several occasions that Zambians did not take it kindly last year when before the semi-finals game against the Black Stars, in the African Nations Cup, they thought the Ghanaians were looking past them (the Zambians) and talking about the final game between Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire. We all know what happened in that game.

They also know that they have been complacent after winning the African Nations Cup last year. One Zambian friend mentioned this to me adding that the honeymoon was over. In fact, Zambia never thought she would find herself in this situation. All Zambia had to do was to win their last but one game in this series against Lesotho and the game against Ghana in September would have had a different complexion. They managed a poor 1-1 draw in Maseru. No wonder when Lesotho was playing Botswana in the group stages of the COSAFA Cup, they supported Botswana and booed Lesotho most of the game, except when Lesotho came from behind in the late seconds to secure a 3-3 draw in a thrilling finish. I enjoyed every bit of that game sitting with my Zambian nephews and my two sons who were with me at the Arthur Davies stadium, also in Kitwe, as the Zambians expressed their frustration with the Lesotho national team’s ability to stifle attacks by their opponents. Lesotho had done just that against them a few weeks earlier. That memory was still raw.

It was difficult to assess the Zambian national football team from the games they played in the COSAFA Cup, the reason being that the said tournament featured only locally based players. None of their well-known players took part. (Zambia eventually won the COSAFA Cup, beating Zimbabwe 2-0 in the finals at the 44,000 capacity Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola). Throughout the COSAFA tournament, their style of play was the same however; very solid in defense, stylish mid-field and explosive on the break. Zambians are noted for their profligate behavior in front of goal – they waste scoring chances more than any team I have seen. That was their undoing against Lesotho. They are not a massive goal scoring team but very difficult to break down defensively. The Chipolopolo execute set-pieces better and have two very reliable goal-keepers. I am sure the Black Stars coaches know this team better than I will ever know since I was using only my “tourist/visitor’s eyes”.

I cannot end this piece without mentioning also that the Zambians are as suspicious as they are superstitious. My brother-in-law, an avid football follower, could not fail to note that the Kumasi game would be played on a Friday. According to my brother-in-law, Zambia at both national and club levels, had never won any international game played on a Friday. He was wondering whether Ghana knew this and had deliberately scheduled the game to be played on a Friday. Even after informing him of the official reason – to make room for a subsequent friendly match against Japan, he was unconvinced. He sounded defeated but still exhibited outwardly the same confidence of winning in Kumasi.

Score one for Ghana, for getting under the skins of my in-laws. I could not hide my delight seeing Zambians anxious about their chances in Kumasi. They should be. Their away record is not great. They drew 1-1 again against Botswana last weekend away. I am confident Ghana is going to Brazil come 2014. A word of caution here will be in order: In sports, on any given day, anything at all can happen. On paper Ghana is and should be favorites. Complacency kills, literally. The Zambians are coming and they are very, very confident, my warning is that they should in no way be underestimated. We did that once last year and it did not end well for us.

National pride is at stage, their country is on the upswing and they think the only way for them is up. We should be careful not to fall victim to the Chipolopolo.

Go Black Stars!!!!

Tetteh-Nartey, Enoch

Monroe, New York (tetteywa@aol.com)

See The Girl That Was Caught On Camera Giving Boyfriend Blow Job In Public [Photos Inside]

Ladies you have really gat to be Careful with those crazy things you do with your man in Private!!!

 

 Randomly I came across this pic on Facebook and it was posted by the guy Pictured above.

He tagged it : “Me and My Baby Having Fun! Baby, I Really do Love you…xoxo” Could this Be true Love?

Could this be her way of Expressing love to her Boyfriend?…

What do you think? Like it and share it with your friends on facebook, to say your mind!

Boakye-Yiadom, Chibsah, Duncan & Ghana starlets who could break into the Goal 50 list

We take a look at the bright young starlets emerging from Ghana who could well be in the running for a Goal 50 nod in the coming years

No Ghanaian has made it into the Goal 50 – a class of best players selected across the world by Goal editors and released annually.

Ahead of this year’s announcement on July 29, Goal takes a look at the 10 brightest youngsters from Ghana who can make it to the Goal 50 in some years to come.

SILAS TWUMASI - South Bronx United

The 16-year-old striker is one of the emerging talents in American soccer where he has won the juvenile goal king tile thrice in a row with South Bronx United. Twumasi whose strength lies in his pace, power, skills and an eye for goal has already trained with the senior side of MLS giants New York Red Bulls and has plans of moving to Europe to continue his career after his High School Education next year.

OBENG REGAN - FK Napredak

Regan was one of the main reasons why Napredak qualified for the Serbian elite division. The 18-year-old diminutive playmaker is likened to football lord Diego Maradona and has been widely tipped to become one of the greatest players of his generation if he keeps his form. The former Gomoah Fetteh Feyernoord and Kumasi Asante Kotoko youth team star possesses a sublime left-foot and can take players on with his skills.

RAZAK IDDRISU - Wolfsburg

The German national Under-17 star striker has already made name in the European country with his exploits for the youth team of Wolfsburg. Versatile Iddrisu can operate on both flanks and as a typical centre forward his major assets are his strength, skills and an eye for goals. The son of former Ghana striker Abu Iddrisu Razak is considered as one of the best teenage footballers in Germany.

ABRAHAM AKWASI FRIMPONG - FK Napredak

Frimpong won the overall best player of the prestigious Romeo and Juliet youth tournament in Italy in 2008 which featured the likes of Stephane El Sharaawy, Black Stars players Afriyie Acquah and Richmond Boakye-Yiadom among others. The 20-year-old solid centre-back can also operate in central and defensive midfield and was key to Napredak’s promotion to the Serbian top flight. Clubs such as Parma have shown interest in him. He has previously played for Vicenza and Vojvodina.

GODSWAY DONYOH - Manchester City

The 18-year-old forward is on loan at Swedish side Djurgardens and helped the club to the final of the Swedish Cup this season. Donyoh, who was purchased by former City boss Roberto Mancini, is a versatile striker and well endowed with skills, flair, aerial ability and has a keen eye for goals. The striker is expected to lead the Manchester City attack in the English premiership few years to come as his progress has been very excellent.

AMIDU SALIFU - Fiorentina

Salifu is one of the best young central midfielders. He caught the eyes of several clubs during the 2008 Romeo and Juliet tournament in Italy and eventually signed for Vicenza. The 21-year-old excelled greatly and was bought by Fiorentina and became one of the few young players to have Serie A experience. Since 2011 he has played 24 games in all for the La Viola and Catania where he was on loan last season.

JOSEPH ALFRED DUNCAN - Inter Milan

Duncan made name with the Inter Milan Primavera in 2011 by helping them to win the trophy and made two appearances in the first half of last season when he was promoted to the first team before moving on loan to Livorno. The 20-year-old ambidextrous midfielder played a major part in helping Livorno to gain promotion to the Italian Serie A and his fine exploits has caught the eyes of clubs such as Sunderland, Genoa, Bologna and Sampdoria. He is considered as one of the best young footballers in Italy.

YUSSIF CHIBSAH RAMAN - Parma

The Parma player who was originally owned by the Gialloblu and the Old Lady was voted as the Juventus best on-loan player for 2013 in a poll conducted by the club’s management and fans. Chibsah spent last season on-loan at Sassuolo and was the engine of the Modena-based club as they qualified for the Serie A for the first time in their 90-year history. Parma have now bought the other half of his rights from Juventus to fully own him.

GODFRED ADOFO - Parma

The midfield enforcer who is also owned by Parma captained their youth team in 2011 before moving on loan to Romanian sides CFR Cluj and Uta Arad last season where he helped the latter to place third in the league. Currently, newly-promoted Spanish side Elche are on his heels. The 20-year-old anchor man is noted for his good tactical play, tackles, good passes as well as scoring goals from midfield.

RICHMOND BOAKYE-YIADOM - Juventus

The Juventus striker scored 10 times for Sassuolo to gain promotion to the Serie A though missing a couple of weeks through his participation in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and injuries. Boakye-Yiadom, who was onetime described by the Italian media as the best striker in the Serie B, have earned applause across the peninsula for his fantastic display for all the teams he has played for. The 20-year-old, who was also bought by Genoa after the 2008 Romeo and Juliet tournament, is one of the few players in world football to score in all his debuts.

I want to be a legend— Efya

Efya wants to be a legendPowerful singer, Efya, appears to have what she expects to do with her music career all laid out by her. “I want to be a legend”, she revealed to Showbiz last week.
“I would want to be remembered not just as a female musician who rocked the Ghana music scene for a while but as one who came, made a difference and left a legacy”
The Best In Me hit maker, who has been the toast of many audiences for her great voice, artistic performances and bold stage presence, said that whatever modest success she has achieved has been the result of hard work and regular practice.

“When I get on stage, the only thing that I have on my mind is to see my fans happy after my performance. It is not about me anymore but my fans who want to get the best out of me.
“As a musician, they are the reason I hit that stage so I don’t have to disappoint them but ensure they are full to the brim. That has been my secret and it has come along with rehearsals over the years.

“Any musician who performs to the satisfaction of the fans knows because you could tell from their faces. For me, I feel ‘gingam’ when my audiences applaud my performance because that tells me that I have nailed it. If not why am I a performer?” she asked.
Like many great singers, Efya had a feel of a future star when she was a member of her church choir but she had her first public exposure when she participated in the maiden edition of Stars of the Future talent show.
But now, she has hit big stages both home and abroad notable among them is her sterling performance at the African Magic Viewers Choice held in Nigeria earlier this year which earned her remarkable comments.  
Efya may be enjoying all the praises for being a good singer and performer but she is definitely not pleased with allegations about her involvement with drug use.
“I don’t know where all these allegations come from. Anytime, one works hard to get recognition and success, it is alluded to negativity and I sometimes wonder if people cannot use positive means to get success,” she said.
She told Showbiz that she cared less about such allegations because they made her stronger and only gave her an indication that she is doing something right.
“Maybe, people are overwhelmed by my impact in the industry within this relatively short period. It didn’t come on a silver platter. I worked hard and I see no reason why I should allow people’s perception and what they think to define me. Nobody knows me better than myself so I don’t have to drum it into people’s ears that I don’t do drugs”.
Currently, she is working on the release of her solo debut album, Love Genesis after the release of Unveiled which she did together with Irene Logan back in 2009.
By Gifty Owusu Amoah/Graphic Showbiz/Ghana