According to Professor Adei, although he is impressed with the initial performance of the government, the large numbers of cars in the convoys of state officials were unnecessary and created lots of inconveniences for other road users.

[contextly_sidebar id=”qdmyUY83mePwpYkSoJ0gbq2Nq2euLlRy”]There have been several complaints from drivers in the country about the huge convoys which accompany senior, and sometimes lower-level state officials.

Many people have expressed displeasure with the cost of procuring and maintaining all the vehicles, while others are unhappy about the traffic that is created as a result.

Professor Adei, a courageous critic of public office holders, who spoke at the 20^th-anniversary celebration of Morison and Associates, an international audit firm based in Ghana, said he planned to wage a “one-man crusade” if the situation persists.

“So far, the government is doing well, except that if you go to the right quarters, tell them that the next time I see Bawumia or any of them travelling with 16 four-wheel drives, occupying the two lanes, I’m going to do a one-man crusade. That must be stopped at once,” he said.

He added that he had recently tried to catch up with the Vice President’s convoy to confront them about the size, but was stopped by the policemen who were accompanying the second gentleman.

“I followed them to Cape Coast last week, and I was trying to overtake them to tell him to stop. The police stopped me, but as soon as they saw [who I was], they asked me to give some distance,” he said.

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By: Edwin Kwakofi/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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He argued that the country’s current economic challenges require more experienced persons to manage it.

[contextly_sidebar id=”BqmmggTmfpx9QiYixGO48h9dzCsiOLbE”]Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, Professor Adei said, “I think that there is plenty of room for youth in technical work, but much of the cabinet type of level requires a lot of wisdom. I wouldn’t expect too many young people there. I’m talking about those below 45. Many of them will not be in cabinet position, but they will be in very relevant technical positions. I expect one or two of them but at this stage of Ghana’s development, I don’t expect a lot of them. They should be there as the technical advisers and not the decision makers.”

“We saw these babies with sharp teeth and other things and they nearly ruined our country and destroyed our culture with impunity and disrespect,” he added.

‘Appoint ministers beyond NPP members’

Prof. Adei further called on the President-elect to look beyond members of the NPP in appointing his ministers.

He believes that there are competent persons outside the NPP who could effectively serve in government.

“For certain areas, you must go out. Not many of them, you need to get a top person. For instance, when we started the petroleum ministry, Armah Kofi-Buah and the rest what did he know about petroleum? You go to a Ghanaian who is at the top and knows how to manage things for the sake of Ghana.”

He said professionals in various fields should be appointed to serve in relevant offices in government without consideration of their political affiliation.

‘Akufo-Addo meets NPP NEC over appointments’

President-elect Nana Akufo-Addo is expected to present a list of proposed ministers to serve in his government to the New Patriotic Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) today [Thursday].

The party will also in turn present some names to the President-elect for deliberations.

But ahead of this, some Ghanaians have begun speculating and suggesting names for some ministerial positions.

Member of Parliament-elect for La Dadekotopon, Vincent Odotei Sowah, and former Minister under the erstwhile John Kufour administration Alan Kyeremanteng, are among those tipped as likely ministerial appointees to serve in the new government.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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He achieved the feat following a revision of the Rio qualification standards by the athletics world governing body,the IAAF.

The Alabama University student ran a personal best 1.45.91s on May 2nd, and the qualifying standard has now been revised to 1.46.00 to reflect performance at the Beijing World Championships.

Alex thus qualified by 9/100ths of a second.He last competed for Ghana at the 2015 All African Games in Congo-Brazaville.

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Credit:Ghana Olympic Committee.

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The tournament is serving as the qualifiers for the hockey tournament in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The match against Bostwana was the second for the team in the tournament after beating Namibia 5-0 with goals from Johnny Botsio (2), Michael Baiden, Nsalbini Salya and Elikem Akaba.

Ghana started scoring against Botswana as early as the 2nd minute through Moses Isaac and he went on to score two other times in the match.

Sam Benedict and Nsalbini Salya also scored three times on the day. But the star of the show was Johnny Botsio.

He scored eight goals on the day to give Ghana the huge win. The male team plays against South Africa on Tuesday in their third pool match.

The female team has also been in good form at the tournament after beating Nigeria (2-1), Namibia (1-0) and Zimbabwe (4-0).

They are in action against Tanzania on Tuesday.

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By: Nathan Quao/citifmonline.com/Ghana (With additional information from FIH)

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The 26-year-old Royal Golf Club player recorded 75, 72 and 78 to shrug off stiff opposition in the men’s Scratch A (Main) 54-hole event.

Notwithstanding the feat, Bonsu, winner of the 2013 edition admitted how difficult the course was, and had to resort to playing to the fairways.

[contextly_sidebar id=”WOxivEmDbNmYdLncEfEOrCe8ulhxWBfE”]Speaking at the closing event, Managing Director of Airtel Ghana, Lucy Quist expressed her profound gratitude to His Royal Highness, Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II for honoring the invitation to grace and participate in this year’s championship.

“On behalf of the management and employees of Airtel, I will like to express our appreciation to His Royal Highness Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II for honoring us with his presence and actually participating in the championship. Our gratitude also goes to the President of the Ghana Golf Association and his team, the Captain of the Achimota Golf Club and to all participants for making this year’s competition, a truly exciting experience.”

She continued “Airtel Business, a sub brand of Airtel Ghana and the sponsor of this competition provides custom-made end-to-end business and enterprise solutions with cutting-edge technology that delivers great value propositions for all forms of businesses. Whatever your needs are we have a solution tailor-made just for you. To all participants and winners alike, I say a big congratulations and we hope to see you all next year.”

For his impressive display, the Kumasi-based Service Adviser, who beat second-placed Yao Dogbe by just a stroke, went home with the ultimate silverware.

Daniel Ntim finished in third position on count back after 227 gross score.

Double handicapper (10) G Basonage, 235 dominated the men’s Scratch B event, while Daniel Abodi-Klenn, 247 and Prince Agyiri, 237 followed in that order.

Special Guest, Okyehene underscored the rich values of the game of golf like integrity and self-discipline.

Achimota Golf Club captain, Mr. Frank  Adu Jnr, representing the President of the club, Atta Nyamekye commended the over 200 participating golfers for adhering to the  strict hygienic rules of the Club and advised them to do so on every course in the country.

A 243 gross score over three days handed young Jessica Tei of Achimota Golf Club the ultimate in the women’s Scratch A event, defeating seasoned golfers Felicity O. Gyeabour and C Awuni all of the Royal Club, Kumasi.

Veteran Aku Yabah, 223 nett beat Nana Bema Tackie by three strokes to lift the ladies  handicap Group A event, while Achimota lady captain  Clara Price  won the Group B category with a nett score of 153.

Kumasi-based Vivian Dick and MI Oppong returned 180 and 188 nett scores over two days to finish first and second in the ladies scratch B event.

It was Godwin D, 142, who beat Okyehene, 143 to pick the men’s handicap A prize, with Sam Okyere picking the Group B event.

Prince Agyiri added the men’s longest drive prize to his third prize, with Jessica Tei picking the ladies category.

The Closest to the pin prize went to Daniel Ntim, while Felicity Gyeabour again won the ladies version.

Airtel Ghana, through its sub brand, Airtel Business, sponsored the 83rd Ghana Golf Open, the second year in succession to provide a platform for corporate executives from Ghana and the sub region as well as its cherished customers to connect, relax and have fun whilst playing golf.

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Credit: Airtel Ghana

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In a television interview shot at the Achimota Golf Club ahead of the championship, Mr. Adu said ‘on behalf of the Achimota Golf Club, I would like to commend Airtel [Business] for making this championship possible for two successive years. Corporate Organizations such as Airtel who constantly support the development of sports in this country must be celebrated”.

According to Mr. Adu, Golf is an exciting sports for all ages.

Airtel Ghana has over the years shown its commitment to sports development in the country in line with the company’s belief that every Ghanaian has the power of potential – an innate ability to succeed in every field of endeavor.

Maxwell Dodd, Director of Airtel Business said “As we prepare for arguably the most prestigious event on the Ghana Golf calendar, we want to assure every participant and golf enthusiast of an awesome experience on the course. The championship is an opportunity to meet, network and connect with fellow golfers and potential business partners.  We also want to assure patrons that no matter what their business needs are, Airtel Business has the best in class, end-to-end  business and enterprise solutions with cutting edge technology to drive your business – be it big, medium or small scale’.

Airtel Business is leading the drive in Ghana to provide next generation business communications solutions to enterprises – small, medium and large.

The 83^rd Airtel Ghana Golf Open, the flagship golf championship on the Ghanaian golf calendar comes off at the newly refurbished Achimota Golf Club, from Saturday 19th – Monday 21st September, 2015 under the distinguished patronage of Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin II as the special guest of honor.

This year’s championship is opened to both male and female golfers across the country and the sub region.

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Qatar’s Femi Ogunode was also given the same time, but Gatlin got the nod with France’s Jimmy Vicaut third in 9.99.

Briton Chijindu Ujah finished eighth in Brussels, in a time of 10.19.

American Gatlin, 33, has run personal bests for the 100m and 200m this season but finished runner-up to Usain Bolt in both events in the World Championships.

The Jamaican opted to end his season rather than run in Belgium.
Gatlin was also due to run in the 200m, but pulled out. That event was won by Ogunode in an impressive 19.97.

In one of the races of the night, Dutch 2015 world champion Dafne Schippers beat Olympic champion Allyson Felix to win the 200m in 22.12.

American Felix, who won 400m gold in Beijing this year, clocked 22.12. Briton Jodie Williams was seventh in 23.34.

Williams’ compatriot, Paralympic champion Jonnie Peacock, eased to victory in the T44 100m with a time of 10.99. Germany’s Felix Streng was second in 11.08, while world record holder Richard Browne was disqualified for a false start.

There was more British interest in the 100m hurdles, with Tiffany Porter taking fourth spot in 12.81 behind winner Dawn Harper-Nelson of the USA who clocked 12.63.

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Source: BBC

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Seklorwu, who represented Ghana at the 2014 African Youth Games in Botswana, won the gold medal ahead of Australia’s Thomas Wilson who jumped 7.48m and Northern Ireland’s Benjamin Fisher with 7.38m.

The T. I. Amass Senior High School student served notice of his intent this season when he jumped a personal best 7.62m at the Ghana Athletics Association Open Championships in Kumasi on 23^rd May, 2015. He currently leads the GAA’s national long jump ranking with the best jump of the year.

Elsewhere, 400m runner Salomey Agyei qualified for the girl’s 400m final after clocking 56.22 secs in the 400m semi finals while middle distance runner Hellen Maasotuo came 7^th in the girl’s 1500m final in a time of 5:02.14 min.

The two athletes posted some impressive performances at the Ghana Athletics Association’s Open Championships and Interplast-Sea & Shore National Circuit Championships, and the Ashanti Region Inter School’s competition earlier in the season.

Hellen Maasotuo competed in the 1500m event at the Interplast-Sea & Shore National Circuit Championships and also posted a personal best of 2.16.57 min in the 800m at the GAA Open Championships on 23^rd May, 2015.

Salormey Agyei is currently ranked third on the GAA’s 400m ranking having recorded a personal best 55.27 secs on 8^th August at the National Circuit Final in Tamale.

Meanwhile, Team Ghana is also being represented by swimming sensation Jackson Abeiku Gyekye who is yet to compete.

The team, who are accompanied by two coaches namely Salamatu Musa (athletics) and Kwodwo Abbiw Jackson (swimming), is led by the Deputy Secretary General of the Ghana Olympic Committee, Rev Richmond Quarcoo.

By: Ghana Athletics Association

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This visit is part of the itinerary lined up for the upcoming Millennium Marathon for the International Ambassador and Race Director of the Marathon to pay a courtesy call on Management and staff of Airtel Ghana, the headline sponsor of the maiden international event in the country’s capital.

Marketing Director at Airtel Ghana,Rosy Fynn said that this visit highlights Airtel’s commitment to Sports, health and tourism development in Ghana.“We have shown this commitment through our Airtel Rising Stars programme, a grassroots initiative that unearth, train and offer the platform to untapped young footballers to showcase their talents,” she explained.

According to her, as a socially responsible corporate citizen, Airtel has demonstrated by being the headlines sponsor that, “it is very much drawn to activities that connects with and brings out the best potentials in individuals and communities within which it operates.”

“As the most loved telecommunications brand in Ghana, we are thrilled to be part of this novel marathon inspired by one of Africa’s biggest sporting hero, HaileGebresellasie.” Rosy added.

On his part, the international sports icon commended Airtel’s change making effort saying, “for being the headline sponsor of the first millennium marathon in Ghana Airtel has proven it’s a forward looking company and I’m proud of you. This is why I have come here to express my appreciation on arrival. Your commitment towards sports is a good example for all corporate bodies across the continent to emulate.”

The Accra Millennium marathon scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 5, will see a 5km run for non-professional athletes where Airtel marathoners are poised to “Run The Change in Us” and the 21km run for professional athletes who will be vying for the ultimate trophy.

The 21km will start from the Independence Square through the Labadi beach road along the Atlantic Ocean and back to the starting point via the National theatre. The Marathon would be run by thousands of participants both locally and internationally including Africa’s finest ever runner, Haile Gebresellasie.

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Credit: Airtel Ghana

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Spaniard Nadal, 29, the winner of 14 Grand Slam titles, won the first two sets, but lost the next three as he was beaten 3-6 4-6 6-4 6-3 6-4.

It is the first time that the double US Open winner has lost in a Grand Slam having been two sets up.

World number 32 Fognini, 28, faces Spain’s Feliciano Lopez in round four.

The defeat ended eighth-seeded Nadal’s run of 10 successive years in which he has claimed at least one grand slam singles title.

Earlier this year, he lost in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open to Czech Tomas Berdych and the last eight at the French Open to Serbian world number one Novak Djokovic, before he was eliminated in the second round of Wimbledon by American qualifier Dustin Brown.

It is also the earliest he has been eliminated from the US Open since athird-round exit at the hands of American James Blake in 2005.

“The only thing this means is I played worse than the last 10 years,” said Nadal. “That’s the real thing. By the way, for me it was amazing to win 10 years in a row a Grand Slam.

“You can imagine how difficult it is to make that happen. I have to accept that it was not my year and keep fighting till the end of the season to finish in a positive way.”

Clay court specialist Fognini, who had lost his last seven matches on hard courts coming into this tournament, played magnificently from the third set on against an opponent he had beaten twice this season but lost to in the final of the Hamburg Open in August.

In a gripping final set, the two traded seven service breaks in a row, before Fognini brought the three hour 46-minute tie to an end shortly after 01:00 local time.

“I can’t describe how happy I am,” said Fognini. “It was very tough. To do it against Rafa, two sets down – it was an incredible match.”

Fognini is in to the fourth round at Flushing Meadows for the first time and is the first Italian man to reach this stage at the US Open since Davide Sanguinetti 10 years ago.

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Source: BBC Sports

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