Tag: Ghana

  • Nigerian and Ghanaian Filmmakers Collaborate on Lagos-Based Christmas Film

    Nigerian and Ghanaian Filmmakers Collaborate on Lagos-Based Christmas Film

    By   Milcah   Tanimu

    A new film project, *One Night Guests*, is set to bring together Nigerian and Ghanaian filmmakers for a festive cinematic experience. Announced at a press conference on August 20, 2024, the film is directed by Ghanaian filmmaker Peter Sedufia and produced by Chris Odeh, with production starting in Lagos.

    Chris Odeh, a Nollywood producer, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “The aim is to create an African Christmas film that will resonate with audiences across the continent. When the director presented the concept, I was eager to turn it into reality. We’re excited for everyone to see it.”

    *One Night Guests* revolves around a series of interconnected events that unfold on a single Christmas day, leading to unexpected revelations and life-changing encounters. The film promises a blend of drama and humor, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of Africa.

    The film is produced by OldFilm Productions (Ghana), Sozo Films (Nigeria), and Gravel Road Studios (South Africa). Sedufia emphasized the film’s significance, saying, “This project celebrates African storytelling and cultural heritage. We hope it becomes a beloved part of African cinema and cherished by families for years to come.”

    Isabella Okechukwu, General Manager of Silverbird Film Distribution, highlighted the collaborative effort, noting that it demonstrates Silverbird’s commitment to promoting African talent. “Our goal is to ensure that *One Night Guests* reaches a broad audience, especially in anglophone West African countries. This film blends drama, humor, and cultural richness, promising to captivate audiences,” she said.

    The film features a star-studded cast from both countries, including Chidi Mokeme, Ini Edo, Yvonne Okoro, Majid Michel, Warri Pikin, Roselyn Ngissah, James Gardiner, Lasisi Elenu, and Akah Nnani.

    *One Night Guests* is slated for release on December 25, 2024, and will premiere in cinemas across Africa.

  • Ghana leads UN security council for November

    Ghana leads UN security council for November

    Ghana on Tuesday assumed the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council for November as debates on violent extremism and terrorism in Africa topped its agenda.

    The Permanent Representative of Ghana to the United Nations in New York, Amb. Harold Agyeman, said this while briefing correspondents at the UN headquarters on the programme of work and Ghana’s priorities during the month.

    The Security Council, which is composed of 15 Member States, is the organ of the UN authorised by the Charter with primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.

    Ghana shall preside over the meetings of the Council (adoptions, debates, and consultations) and, under its authority, shall represent the Security Council in its capacity as an organ of the United Nations within this month.

    Agyeman said the two major challenges in Africa were violent extremism and terrorism, noting that most of the programmes would focus on the debates on addressing the challenges.

    He said the debates would focus on addressing those challenges in line with its priority for leadership of the Security Council, which is enhancing global peace and security for sustainable and inclusive development.

    “We will organise two debates on peace and security in Africa. First, we will have a debate on Thursday on“ Peace building and Sustaining Peace: Integrating effective resilience for sustainable peace.’’

    “On November 10, we will have another debate on ‘Threats to International Peace and Security: Counter-terrorism in Africa: An imperative for Peace and Development’,’’ he said.

    The envoy said the event would be convened under the agenda on Sustainable Peace and it would be chaired by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana, Madam Shirley Botchwey.

    “The second event will also take place under the agenda on International Peace and Security, and it will be chaired by the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Akufo-Addo.

    “This debate would seek to focus attention on how counterterrorism measures in Africa can best be supported by the work of the Security Council and how the council itself can support such a force,’’ he said.

    He said the permanent representatives of the council would also be having a breakfast meeting with some elders to discuss how best the council would be supported to address his mandate.

    On the programme of event for the month, the Security Council is expected to receive briefing and consultations on Peace and Security in Africa (Piracy Gulf of Guinea), and Peace and Security in Africa (G5 Sahel), among others.

    The General Assembly of the UN, in June 2021, elected Ghana to serve a two-year term on the Security Council from January 2022 to December 2023.

    The agenda of Ghana is to enhance global peace and security for sustainable and inclusive development, particularly in Africa.

    It was the fourth time Ghana was elected to serve on the Security Council and seventh time it would serve as President of the Security Council.

  • Angry Fans Vandalise National Stadium as Nigeria Lose World Cup slot to Ghana

    Angry Fans Vandalise National Stadium as Nigeria Lose World Cup slot to Ghana

    There was pandemonium on Tuesday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    Nigeria was beaten to a place in Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup by Ghana after playing a 1-1. The Black Star of Ghana qualified on an away goal advantage.

    After the game, Nigeria fans, who were angry the Super Eagles did not qualify, invaded the pitch, trying to attack Ghana players and destroying any objects in sight.

    A video of the riot showed smoke of tear-gas billowing in an attempt to disperse the crowd.

    Ghana had held Nigeria to a goalless draw on Friday in the first leg of the playoff at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

    Nigeria hosted arch-rivals Ghana in the return leg on Tuesday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja amid high hopes that the Super Eagles would scale through.

    Nigeria coach Augustine Eguavoen made five changes to the team that played in Kumasi last Friday while his Ghana counterpart Otto Addo stuck to an unchanged XI.

    Ghana opened the score line in the 10th minute of the game after Francis Uzoho made a huge error, allowing Thomas Partey to fire a powerful shot from outside the penalty box into the back of the net.

    The Super Eagles’ Captain, William Troost-Ekong, responded nine minutes later by scoring from a penalty kick after Ademola Lookman was brought down by Dennis Odoi.

    Four minutes after the half-hour mark, Osimhen had the ball in the back of the net after connecting to a through-ball from Leon Balogun but it was ruled out for offside by the VAR.

  • Qatar 2022: Eguavoen lists Musa, Ekong, 30 others in provisional squad to battle Ghana

    Qatar 2022: Eguavoen lists Musa, Ekong, 30 others in provisional squad to battle Ghana

    By Mike Oboh

    Technical Adviser Augustine Eguavoen has called up Captain Ahmed Musa, deputy captain William Ekong, midfielder Wifred Ndidi and forwards Moses Simon and Kelechi Iheanacho in a Super Eagles’ provisional list of 32 for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 play-off round against the Black Stars of Ghana.

    Also called up are goalkeepers Maduka Okoye and Daniel Akpeyi, defenders Kenneth Omeruo, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and Abdullahi Shehu, midfielders Oghenekaro Etebo and Joseph Ayodele-Aribo, and forwards Victor Osimhen, Odion Ighalo and Samuel Chukwueze.

    Leicester City FC of England forward Ademola Lookman, recently cleared by FIFA to switch international allegiance and former U17 World Cup star Akinkunmi Amoo are officially called for the first time, while defender Calvin Bassey and forward Emmanuel Dennis return to the fold of the three –time African champions.

    2021 AFCON forwards Taiwo Awoniyi and Peter Olayinka, defender Chidozie Awaziem and long-time absentee Ogenyi Onazi are in a seven-man standby list.

    The camp opens in Abuja on 21st March, with a 24 –man final list for the two big games to be released at a later date.

    Nigeria take on Ghana in the 20,000 –capacity Cape Coast Sports Stadium as from 7.30pm on Friday 25th March, with the reverse leg set for the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Tuesday, 29th March as from 6pm. The winner over two legs will earn one of Africa’s five tickets to the 22nd FIFA World Cup finals, scheduled for 14th November – 18th December this year in Qatar.

    FULL SQUAD:

    Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

    Defenders: Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Calvin Bassey (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Abdullahi Shehu (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)

    Midfielders: Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (Watford FC, England); Akinkunmi Amoo (FC Copenhagen, Denmark)

    Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (UD Almeria, Spain); Odion Jude Ighalo (Al-Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Emmanuel Dennis (Watford FC, England); Ademola Lookman (Leicester City, England)

    Standby: Chidozie Awaziem (Alanyaspor FC, Turkey); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Taiwo Awoniyi (Union Berlin, Germany); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium); Peter Olayinka (SK Slavia Praha, Czech Republic); Ogenyi Onazi (Al-Adalah FC, Saudi Arabia)

  • Rohr in talks with Ghana for coaching job

    Rohr in talks with Ghana for coaching job

    Gernot Rohr, former Super Eagles head coach, is in talks with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to become Black Stars manager.

    Rohr was dismissed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) last December after a series of unsatisfactory performances in the Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

    The Franco-German has been without a job ever since last month while the Black Stars of Ghana are also without a manager following the dismissal of Milovan Rajevac after the team’s premature exit from the group stage of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    On Friday, a source close to Rohr confirmed to us that the 68-year-old has open negotiation with GFA to become the Stars’ new head coach.

    It is also understood that nothing has been confirmed yet between both parties.

    If it goes through, Rohr will be coaching Ghana against the Eagles at the upcoming World Cup qualification play-off billed for March 2022.

    The winner of the fixture will earn one of five tickets to represent Africa at the World Cup later this year in Qatar.

  • Nigeria to Play Ghana in 2022 World Cup Play-off

    Nigeria to Play Ghana in 2022 World Cup Play-off

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face Ghana, their West African arch-rivals, in the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff.

    The draw which was held in Douala, Cameroon will see Egypt square up against Senegal for a place in Qatar.

    Cameroon, the host country of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), will face Algeria to qualify for the tournament.

    DR Congo will have Morocco to contend with, while Mali, the only team in the running yet to have appeared at the World Cup, will play Tunisia.

    The matches will be played between March 24 and 29, 2022 with exact dates and kick-off times to be confirmed after CAF liaises with the involved football associations.

    The five winners will represent Africa at the World Cup in Qatar.

    The full pairing:

    Egypt Vs Senegal

    Cameroon Vs Algeria

    Ghana Vs Nigeria

    Dr Congo Vs Morocco

    Mail Vs Tunisia

  • AFCON : Ghana Eliminated After 3-2 Defeat to Comoros

    AFCON : Ghana Eliminated After 3-2 Defeat to Comoros

    Four-time champions Ghana were eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations after crashing 3-2 to minnows Comoros in Group C on Tuesday in Garoua.

    The Black Stars had captain Andre Ayew sent off after 25 minutes and, after wiping out a two-goal deficit, lost when Comoros’ Ahmed Mogni scored his second goal five minutes from time.

    Morocco and Gabon drew 2-2 in Yaounde in the same group to retain first and second places respectively and qualify for the round of 16, which kicks off on Sunday.

    Comoros, representing a tiny island nation off the south east coast of Africa, finished third and must wait until Thursday to know if they are among the best four third-placed teams, who get last 16 spots.

    A disastrous night for Ghana started after just four minutes when Serbia-based El Fardou Ben Mohamed fired the first-time qualifiers in front.

    Mogni, who plays for French third-tier club Annecy, added a second just past the hour only for 10-man Ghana to hit back through goals from Richmond Boakye and Alexander Djiku.

    Mogni struck again when he pushed a low cross from Ben Djaloud past goalkeeper Joseph Wollacott to give the islanders a stunning triumph.

    In Yaounde, Gabon led twice through Jim Allevinah and a Nayef Aguerd own-goal while Sofiane Boufal and Achraf Hakimi netted for Morocco.

  • Ghana: AfDB extends $75 million loan to Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund for portfolio expansion

    Ghana: AfDB extends $75 million loan to Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund for portfolio expansion

    The African Development Bank’s support aligns with Ghana’s Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies 2017-2024 and Medium-Term National Development Policy Framework
     
    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, October 27, 2021/ — The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org)’s Board of Directors has officially approved a  $75 million commercial loan to the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).

    The African Development Bank’s loan will enable the Ghanaian state-owned GIIF to efficiently leverage its paid-in equity capital of $325 million to secure additional debt resources to finance several critical Ghanaian infrastructure projects and reduce the country’s estimated multi-billion dollar infrastructure finance deficit.  

     “This loan is an important step to anchor the sustainability of a national infrastructure financing vehicle in Ghana, a model we’d like to promote to bridge the infrastructure financing gap over the continent,” said Amadou Oumarou, African Development Bank Director for Infrastructure & Urban Development.

    Since 2016, the Fund has committed over 88% of its equity investment capital towards several infrastructure projects within the transport, climate resilient energy, ICT and affordable housing sectors, while successfully mobilizing over one billion dollars of private capital from both domestic and international sources.

    In terms of development impact, The African Development Bank’s participation is expected to catalyze private sector-led infrastructure development, expand access to infrastructure services in Ghana, and generate significant employment opportunities.

    The African Development Bank’s support aligns with Ghana’s Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies 2017-2024 and Medium-Term National Development Policy Framework (MTDF 2018-2021), as well as the African Development Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy, and High-5 strategic priorities.

    As of July 2021, The African Development Bank has provided over  $3 billion of financing for various projects in Ghana, of which over  $600 million has been directed towards various road, aviation, and rail transportation projects. 
    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
  • British Journalist shot and Killed by Gunmen in Ghana

    British Journalist shot and Killed by Gunmen in Ghana

    A British journalist and staff of Muslim Television Ahmadiyaa International (MTA) was shot and killed during an armed robbery in Ghana.

    Syed Taalay Ahmed, 31, was reportedly ambushed along with a Ghanaian colleague while driving near the city of Tamale on August 23 at about 19:00 local time.

    After opening fire on the pair, the robbers took their money and some of their possessions before getting into a gun battle with police, who shot two of them dead.

    Four others were arrested, according to a press release signed by Ghanaian police.

    Mr. Taalay Ahmed and Umaru Abdul Hakim, his Ghanaian colleague who was also shot in the attack, where rushed to a nearby clinic before being taken to the Tamale Teaching Hospital.

    Mr. Taalay Ahmed was declared dead a short while after arriving there and his body is due to be repatriated on Wednesday. Mr. Hakim survived the attack.

    It was revealed in the press release that the suspected perpetrators of the attack were allegedly involved in some robberies and murder cases along the highway in which Mr. Taalay Ahmed was targeted.

    The London-based network paid tribute to Mr. Taalay Ahmed following the news of his death, describing him as ‘a bright and creative journalist who worked on a number of documentaries ranging from football to faith.’

    ‘He was a much-loved member of the MTA team and produced a series of faith-inspiring documentaries and programmes,’ a spokesman said.

    ‘We will miss him every day and strive to build upon the great work he did.’

    Mr Taalay Ahmed, who studied journalism at the University of Sunderland, was in Ghana filming a documentary that ‘highlighted the charity works conducted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim community,’ the network said.

  • Nigeria, Ghana put mechanism to end trade dispute

    Nigeria, Ghana put mechanism to end trade dispute

    …inaugurate parliamentary friendship group

    Nigeria and Ghana have put in place a mechanism to end the trade dispute between Nigerian traders and the Ghanaian authorities, the Speakers of the Parliaments of the two countries have said.

    The dispute arose from the $1million business participation fee introduced by the Ghanaian authorities, required of foreigners to pay before they can do business in Ghana.

    Speaking at a press conference after a closed-door diplomatic meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila and the Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana Hon. Alban Sumana Bagbin, said the trade dispute would soon become history.

    “We got assurance from both sides that the issue of trade dispute will be a thing of the past. We’re now putting up a mechanism to make sure that these issues don’t come up again in the future”, Hon. Bagbin said.

    Earlier, Rep. Gbajabiamila said the closed-door meeting they held was a successful one as issues of interest to both countries were discussed.

    “We’ve more or less concluded the roadmap to achieve lasting solutions to the diplomatic issues with our traders.

    “The issue with our traders and the Ghanaian authorities has been addressed today. The Minister of Trade and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs were at the meeting.

    “There is a technical committee set up. They will be going to Ghana next week to dot the ‘Is’ and cross the ‘Ts’”, he said.

    Gbajabiamila also announced that the two parliaments had established and inaugurated a parliamentary friendship group that would hold talks on the relationship between the two countries.

    He spoke more, “We’ve inaugurated the friendship group, and they will start talking on behalf of the two Parliaments.

    “I want to thank you, the Hon. Speaker, for your kind words and your determination to see an end to the issue.

    “The issue of the Nigerian embassy in Ghana, the Ghanaian authorities have accepted to take responsibility, though it has nothing to do with them, but they said they will put it back.

    “We went beyond Nigeria-Ghana relationship. We also talked about CoSAP. Other issues will be addressed by the two friendship groups.”

    Responding, Hon. Bagbin said: “I want to sincerely thank you so much for the invitation. I can only confirm that everything will be put in place to address the issue of trade between our two countries.

    “Let’s ensure that the relationship between Ghana and Nigeria remains cordial and mutual. I thank the Speaker for his commitment and enthusiasm on this matter.”

    Earlier, Hon. Bagbin addressed members of the House at plenary, where he said Ghana and Nigeria had come a long way and that the relationship between the two countries would continue to be cordial and mutual.

    He said despite the commonalities between the two countries, “it is important to mention at this stage, that relations between our two countries have not always been smooth. Consistent with the tongue and teeth metaphor which has it that even though the tongue and teeth play complementary roles in the digestive process, they come into conflict occasionally. Similarly, our relations have had its own challenges every now and then.”

    However, he noted that the two countries had been able to address whatever issues that came up between them in the past and that they should be able to do that currently.

    He gave details, “The issue of Nigerian traders in Ghana; it is on this basis that I commend my brother and colleague, Rt. Hon.Gbajabiamila, and my predecessor, Rt. Hon. Professor Aaron Michael Oquaye, for their noble efforts in pursuing Parliamentary Diplomacy towards finding a lasting solution to the trade impasse between some Ghanaian and Nigerian traders in Ghana.

    “The conclusions you arrived at, which were encapsulated in the joint communique issued after the visit, provided the basis for redefining our relations, in terms of our history of cooperation, to forge a better future for the citizenry of our two nations. These conclusions were reinforced by the communique issued after the recent meeting between our ministers responsible for Trade on the sides of the Extraordinary ECOWAS Summit on the Political Situation in Mali held on 31st May 2021 in Accra.

    “Rt. Hon. Speaker, I am here just to help bring finality to the impasse. I pledge my commitment and that of the Parliament of Ghana, to contribute in every way possible to end the impasse between traders of our two sister countries.

    “In furtherance of that, under my leadership, the Parliament of Ghana has appointed a seven-member committee as Ghana’s delegation to the Joint Committee of Eminent Persons of our Legislatures. They will interact with their Nigerian counterparts towards passing the ‘Ghana-Nigeria Friendship Act.’

    “The Act will set up the proposed ‘Ghana-Nigeria Business Council’, which is intended to provide the legal and institutional framework to sustain the continued friendship and business interests of our people.”

    He also appealed to “review the prohibition list banning the importation of specific goods and commodities into the Nigerian market from other countries, including Ghana. This request is underscored by the resolution as captured in the communique of 31st May 2021 referred to supra.”