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Uganda signs $400m deal for green hydrogen fertiliser plant; when will Ghana’s plant begin?

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Uganda signs $400m deal for green hydrogen fertiliser plant; when will Ghana’s plant begin?

The Eastern African country has sealed a deal to erect a plant for hydrogen fertilizer for local farmers

The multifaceted project will contribute to fostering low carbon development and promoting sustainable agriculture as it has already been articulated

While Ghana is struggling to cope with modern ways of improving hydrogen fertilizer, Uganda’s Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa on Thursday signed a joint development agreement with Industrial Promotion Services (IPS) and Westgass International for a green hydrogen fertiliser plant.

The plant will be strategically located at Karuma, Kiryandogo District, within Bunyoro sub-region to leverage its proximity with the 600 megawatts Karuma hydropower plant.

According to Ms Nankabirwa, the significance of the project extends far beyond the realms of agriculture.

She said the project aims to reduce the country’s dependence on imported fertilisers, therefore strengthening economic resilience and sovereignty with an estimated investment of about $400 million (Ush1.55 trillion).

The minister further explained that the project seeks to increase the production of nitrogen fertiliser to about 200,000 tonnes annually and would take up to 100 megawatts of electricity from the Karuma power station.

“This aligns with the energy policy that seeks to support industrialisation through electrification,” Ms Nankabirwa said.

She also added that the initiative is expected to create more than 300 direct jobs.

Speaking at the signing event, IPS CEO Galeb Gulam said as a long-term investor, they develop businesses to be vehicles that create economic value by improving people’s quality of life and restoring and protecting nature.

“This hydrogen-based fertiliser project will use Uganda’s abundant renewable energy resources to produce green hydrogen to be used for the manufacture of fertiliser,” Mr Gulam said.

He said they are excited to be part of the catalytical project that reflects commitment to climate action and the overall sustainable development agenda.

He also said the project would contribute to fostering low-carbon development and promoting sustainable agriculture as it has already been articulated.

Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PaceID Uganda) Chairman Odrek Rwabwogo emphasised that the project supports Uganda’s export goals, utilising rich natural resources and innovative technologies.

Mr Rwabwogo said the project aims at propelling the agricultural sector towards achieving the ambitious $6 billion export target.

Aga Khan Development Network has maintained its engagement in Uganda continuing to invest in education, healthcare, economic development, and cultural activities. Upholding its mandate of improving the quality of life of the communities in which it operates.

IPS is the industrial and infrastructure development arm of the Aga Khan Fund for economic development and an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network.

IPS has developed a wide range of businesses spanning multiple sectors such as energy, telecommunications, agro-based industries, pharmaceuticals, printing and packaging, among others.

By: Bernice Ofori Appiah

FIFA World Cup 26™ final to be held in New York New Jersey, Mexico City to host historic opening match as schedule revealed

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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FIFA World Cup 26™ final to be held in New York New Jersey, Mexico City to host historic opening match as schedule revealed
  • FIFA World Cup 26™ final scheduled for Sunday, 19 July 2026 in New York New Jersey, kick-off at iconic Estadio Azteca Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June 2026
  • Toronto (Canada), Mexico City (Mexico), and Los Angeles (USA) to host respective national teams’ FIFA World Cup™ opening matches
  • Innovative match schedule designed to minimise travel for teams and fans alike, ensuring that players’ rest and recovery is prioritised throughout the tournament

FIFA has revealed the match schedule for the FIFA World Cup 26™, with the final to be held in New York New Jersey on Sunday, 19 July 2026 and the opening match featuring the Mexican national team scheduled to be played at the iconic Estadio Azteca Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June 2026.

Like Mexico, the national teams of Canada and the United States will each play their three group-stage matches on home soil. Canada will kick off their campaign in Toronto on Friday, 12 June 2026, while the United States will begin their journey on the same day in Los Angeles.

The schedule for the tournament was revealed live on Sunday and can be reviewed on FIFA.com and FIFA+. The match schedule can also be accessed here.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “The most inclusive and impactful FIFA World Cup ever is no longer a dream but a reality that will take shape in the form of 104 matches in 16 state-of-the-art stadiums across Canada, Mexico and the USA. From the opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca to the spectacular final in New York New Jersey players and fans have been at the core of our extensive planning for this game-changing tournament.”

“I would like to thank our three host countries and 16 Host Cities for the unwavering commitment to staging a FIFA World Cup that will not only set new records but also leave an indelible legacy.”

FIFA Vice-President and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani said: “The FIFA World Cup 26 will be a watershed moment and one that will trigger massive football development in our region and worldwide. While each Host City is unique, they all have something in common – they are passionate about football and cannot wait to welcome the world in June and July 2026.”

The tournament’s innovative match schedule will serve to minimise travel for teams and fans alike, while the number of rest days between fixtures will be maximised. Having been drawn up in consultation with key stakeholders, including national-team coaches and technical directors, the schedule will also increase the prospect of matches being played in the best possible conditions and ensure that fans have shorter travel times when following their teams.

Match pairings and kick-off times will be confirmed following the Final Draw for FIFA World Cup 26, which is expected to take place towards the end of 2025.

Schedule Graphic

FIFA World Cup 26 match schedule – summary:  

  • FIFA World Cup 26 to kick-off at the iconic Estadio Azteca Mexico City on Thursday, 11 June 2026, with the final scheduled for Sunday, 19 July 2026 in New York New Jersey.
  • Toronto, Mexico City, and Los Angeles to host the opening matches of their respective national teams.
  • Canada, Mexico, and the United States guaranteed to play their three group-stage matches on home soil, with Guadalajara, Vancouver, and Seattle also selected to stage host countries’ group-stage matches.
  • Miami to host the bronze final, Dallas and Atlanta to stage the highly anticipated semi-finals, while Dallas will host nine (9) matches – the most of any Host City at the tournament.
  • Innovative match schedule ensures that three days of rest for teams is observed for 103 of the tournament’s 104 matches. Majority of matches to be played in three regionalised zones (east, central and west) to reduce travel for teams and fans.
  • Group stage:
  • First matchday of the tournament to feature two matches, including the tournament curtain-raiser in Mexico City and a match in Guadalajara.
  • Day two to feature two matches involving hosts Canada and the United States respectively.
  • The final four matchdays of the group stage will feature six matches per day. Matches in the same group will be played simultaneously to maintain the integrity of the competition.
  • All other group-stage matchdays will feature four matches per day across four kick-off times.
  • Estadio Azteca Mexico City set to host opening match for the third time, making FIFA World Cup history as the first stadium to do so.
  • Canada will host its first FIFA World Cup, complementing its proud history of hosting top FIFA women’s and youth tournaments, including the successful FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015™.
  • USA to host FIFA World Cup for the second time, following record-setting 1994 edition. USA has also hosted two successful editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup (1999 and 2003).
  • Fans can pre-register for FIFA World Cup 26 tickets at fifa.com/tickets. Pre-registration for information about hospitality packages is available at fifa.com/hospitality.

Revealed: Ghana government budgeted $8.5 million for 2023 Afcon as Ghanaians ‘tear’ chain

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Revealed: Ghana government budgeted $8.5 million for 2023 Afcon as Ghanaians ‘tear’ chain

The Black Stars were expected to spend a staggering $8.5 million in Cote d’Ivoire despite the ministry earlier hiding the budget

Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed that Ghana government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports budgeted a whopping $8.5 million for 2023 Africa Cup of Nations ongoing in Cote d’Ivoire.

Prior to the tournament, the budget for the Black Stars was not revealed amid concerns raised by Ghanaians when reports suggested that supporters were given $400 each in Cote d’Ivoire to cheer the team among.

With the Black Stars exiting the tournament in the group stage, after finishing third behind Cape Verde and Egypt, many were still rooting to know the exact amount budgeted and spent.

“THE SECRET IS OUT; THE WAIT IS OVER — GOVT & GFA AGREED ON A BLACK STARS AFCON BUDGET OF AN ASTONISHING US$8.5MILLION (GHS105MILLION),” Ablakwa wrote on Facebook.

“I promised in my publication last week on the staggering GHS27.9million taxpayers spent on the Black Stars between 2022 and 2023, that I shall subsequently, in the supreme national interest, share further information on financials relating specifically to the AFCON tournament in Côte d’Ivoire — I intend to keep that promise today.

“Government and GFA officials have done everything under the sun to conceal how much they budgeted for the preparation and participation of the Black Stars at the ongoing 2024 AFCON.

“Despite strenuous efforts by Parliament and the ever dynamic and courageous Ghanaian sports journalists, the Youth and Sports Minister and his allies at the FA have blatantly refused to disclose this basic information — information the Ghanaian people have every right to know.

“Under a transparent and accountable governance system, there should be no struggle, hassle, tussle and opacity over the Black Stars AFCON budget.

“It is even more worrying that many days after Ghana’s internationally disgraceful and calamitous exit from the AFCON, and despite several press statements from the Sports Ministry and the FA, they have remained extremely tight-lipped on the Black Stars budget.

One wonders if Ghana’s AFCON Black Stars budget has become a nuclear code.

When an unaccountable government employs elaborate inimical schemes to hide information from the people, it is a patriotic duty to go every length to secure that information and bring it to the people’s attention — and SOA Oversight will not fail in that regard.

From latest unimpeachable, irrefutable and indisputable intercepted documents in my possession — I can boldly confirm that the Ghanaian government and the GFA put together and agreed on a shocking AFCON preparation and participation budget of US$8,506,450.00.

This hefty US$8.5million translates into a colossal GHS105million at current exchange.

Note that the GHS105million is entirely separate from the GHS27.9million spent on the qualifiers.

The figure US$8,506,450.00 is contained in an intercepted letter from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, dated 2nd January, 2024. It is addressed to the Minister of Finance requesting part payment of US$5,071,840.36 from the total Black Stars budget of US$8,506,450.00. The request letter in issue is signed by Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. William Kartey on behalf of the Minister, Hon. Mustapha Ussif.

It would be interesting to know what thought processes went into a scary US$8.5million budget for a bankrupt country which has defaulted on its loans and is desperately seeking an IMF bailout.

It is worth noting that the prize money for the winner of the AFCON is US$7million. What this means is that even if the Black Stars had won the trophy, the public officials who put this budget together were determined to ensure that Ghana made losses in excess of US$1.5million.

I have been wondering how government and FA officials in a country like Zambia can approve a total budget of only US$2.1million for the same AFCON competition and be fine, but Ghana has to live large and ostentatious — a bankrupt country undergoing debt restructuring and unable to construct resettlement homes for victims of VRA’s catastrophic spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong dams.

A painful addition to the scandalous GHS105million budget is that it did not guarantee success on the pitch either.

It must be clearer now as to why the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government and FA officials have put up such a brave fight, albeit undemocratic, just to hide the Black Stars AFCON budget.

Parliament must and will surely probe this astonishing budget when we resume from the 6th of February, 2024.

SOA Oversight shall be back with more explosive intercepted documents at 3pm tomorrow.

For God and Country. Ghana First 🇬🇭,” he concluded.

Former Asante Kotoko CEO Nana Yaw Amponsah appointed as president of FC Petrocub in Moldova

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Former Asante Kotoko CEO Nana Yaw Amponsah appointed as president of FC Petrocub in Moldova

The highly rated football administrator has had another role in one of the biggest clubs in the European country few months after leaving Asante Kotoko

Former Asante Kotoko CEO Nana Yaw Amponsah has joined Moldovan Super Liga side FC Petrocub as the new president after officially signing a partnership deal. He replaces Mikhail Usatîi.

Last week, former Kotoko goalkeeper Razak Abalora moved from Sheriff Tiraspol to Petrocub in a deal believed to have been orchestrated by Nana Yaw Amponsah.

Nana Yaw Amponsah at the training ground of FC Petrocub

Formed in 1994, Petrocub are nicknamed The White-Blacks or The Hincesti Lions and play their home games at Municipal Stadium in Hincesti.

Last season, they were second in an eight-club league and their player Marius Iosipoi became the third highest goalscorer behind Nigerian Rasheed Akanbi and Alexander Dedov who were joint top-scorers.

Petrocub are currently sitting second in the Moldovan league with 28 points, six points behind Sheriff.

Inaki Williams on target as Athletic Bilbao defeat Barcelona

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Inaki Williams on target as Athletic Bilbao defeat Barcelona

The striker showed what Ghanaians were missing as he recovered from the dreadful Afcon campaign to help his club dispatch Barcelona in Copa del Rey

Ghana forward Inaki Williams was on target as Athletic Bilbao defeated Barcelona 4-2 to progress to the semifinals of Copa del Rey at the San Memes on Wednesday night.

Inaki left Cote d’Ivoire this morning with a private jet after Ghana was eliminated from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations ongoing.

He was brought into the game against Barcelona in the 59th minute to replace Adu Ares and then scored to put Bilbao in front in extra time as the game ended 2-2 after 90 minutes.

Inaki’s younger brother Nico Williams also scored the match winner with the last kick of the game as they eliminated Barcelona.

Inaki failed to score for Ghana as the Black Stars exited the Afcon with only two points after losing to Cape Verde and sharing the spoils 2-2 with Egypt and Mozambique respectively.

Ghana FA sack Chris Hughton and dissolve Black Stars technical team

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Ghana FA sack Chris Hughton and dissolve Black Stars technical team

The former Newcastle United boss has been shown the exit following Black Stars’ abysmal performance at the Africa Cup of Nations

Ghana Football Association has officially parted ways with Chris Hughton after the country’s poor showing at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations ongoing in Cote d’Ivoire.

The Black Stars finished third in Group B with only two points after losing to Cape Verde and sharing the spoils 2-2 with Egypt and Mozambique respectively.

The results meant that Ghana failed to pick one of the third best place teams even after missing out in the automatic qualification slots.

This angered Ghanaians including journalists at the tournament who clashed with the players at a point to demand answers.

“Chris Hughton has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect,” a Ghana Football Association (GFA) statement said.

“The executive council has also taken a decision to dissolve the technical team of the Black Stars.”The GFA will in the coming days provide a roadmap on the future direction of the Black Stars,” the statement added.

Hughton was appointed as head coach in February to replace Otto Addo after Ghana failed to make it out of their group during 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and his tenure has been marred with terrible displays of football.

Gambia coach Saintfiet resigns after poor results at Afcon 2023

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Gambia coach Saintfiet resigns after poor results at Afcon 2023

Gambia coach Tom Saintfiet has resigned from his position following the country’s poor performance at 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Gambia lost all their three games in the group stage despite coming close at a point to seal qualification.

In the game against Cameroon, Gambia came from behind to lead 2-1 but an own goal from James Gomez and a late winner Christopher Wooh helped the Indomitable Lions to progress.

Gambia lost their opening day game 3-0 against Senegal before narrowly losing 1-0 to Guinea in the second game of the group.

In total, they scored two goals and conceded seven after three games.

Rumour has it that Ghana coach Chris Hughton is likely to resign after failing to guide the Black Stars qualify from a group that consisted of Cape Verde, Mozambique and Egypt, picking only two points in the process.

Mozambique 2-2 Ghana: Jordan Ayew’s brace not enough as Black Stars head home from Afcon

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Mozambique 2-2 Ghana: Jordan Ayew’s brace not enough as Black Stars head home from Afcon

The Black Stars could not pick their first win at the tournament in four years as they bowed out in a bizzare manner

Ghana failed to defeat Mozambique as they shared the spoils 2-2 in the final game of Group B in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations at the Stade Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan on Monday.

One goal each from Jordan Ayew in either half of the game was all what the Black Stars needed to make a huge statement at the tournament and book their place in the next round of the competition but a late twist of event turned the game on its head.

Chris Hughton made a single change in the squad that shared the spoils 2-2 with Egypt last week. Athletic Bilbao striker Inaki Williams was dropped and Joseph Paintsil took his place in attack.

Paintsil did not need more time to prove that the decision to start him was the right one as he won Ghana a penalty by the 13th minute after he was brought doen by Matola.

Jordan Ayew stepped up and perfectly slotted the ball in as Mozambique goalkeeper was left rooted to his spot. The goal marked Ayew’s 20th goal for Ghana since making his debut in 2010.

Kudus came close to double the scoreline by the 33rd minute but his shot went wide while Antoine Semenyo also saw his effort blocked.

After break, Andre Ayew was brought on to replace Paintsil and that substitution stabilized the Black Stars midfield. 

The Black Stars were awarded another penalty as Jordan Ayew perfectly scored once again.

Late in the game, Mozambique were awarded a penalty after Andre Ayew was adjudged to have handled the ball. Geny Catamo stepped up and scored from the spot.

Reinildo Mandava broke the hearts of Ghanaians as he snatched a late equaliser to make it 2-2 and end Ghana’s road in the competition.

Former Ghana superstars visit Black Stars camp ahead of Mozambique clash on Monday

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Former Ghana superstars visit Black Stars camp ahead of Mozambique clash on Monday

The four former players arrived in camp to offer words of encouragement to the Black Stars as they fine tune to face Mozambique in a make or break encounter on Monday

Four Africa Cup of Nations winners, Rev. Osei Kofi, James Kuuku Dadzie, Kofi Pare and Willie Klutse were at the Black Stars training ground in BengerVille on Saturday to motivate them ahead of their final group B clash with Mozambique on Monday.

The legends are in Cote D’Ivoire to throw their weight behind the team in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations Cote D’Ivoire 2023.

Rev. Osei Kofi is Asante Kotoko and Ghana legend who was a joint top scorer in the 1965 Africa Cup of Nations tournament held in Tunisia, leading Ghana to win the tournament for the second time. He was also the third highest scorer in the 1968 Africa Cup of Nations in Ethiopia.

Kofi Pare competed in the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan and also a member of the 1965 Africa Cup of Nations winning squad.  He holds an enviable record, having scored six goals in a single match, the highest ever recorded in Ghana.

James Kuuku Dadzie is regarded as one of the finest central defenders to come from Ghana. He was key member of the squad that played in both the 1978 and 1980 African Cup of Nations helping Ghana to make history as the first country to win the competition three times and for keeps during the 1978 edition, after scoring Uganda 2–0 in the finals. Kuuku Dadzie is a former coach of the Black Queens, Mysterious Ebusua Dwarfs and Tema Youth SC.

Willie Klutse was in the Ghana squad that won the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations held in Ghana, and scored in the match against Nigeria. He is currently the Technical Director of former Premier League side Inter Allies Football Club.

-Ghana FA

Cape Verde 3-0 Mozambique: Blue Sharks become first country to qualify to Round 16 as Ghana & Egypt fight for second spot

Evans Gyamera-Antwi
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Cape Verde 3-0 Mozambique: Blue Sharks become first country to qualify to Round 16 as Ghana & Egypt fight for second spot

In an interesting twist of events, the former champions are struggling in Group B as Cape Verde gatecrash into the next round

Cape Verde have become the first country to make it to the Round of 16 at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire after picking two wins in a row. 

The Blue Sharks shocked the world last Sunday when they popped four-time champions Ghana 2-1 and then cemented their place at the summit of Group B as they thrashed Mozambique 3-0 on Friday.

Bebe opened the scoring on 32nd minute through a free kick as goalkeeper Ernan failed to deal with it before Ryan Mendes and Kevin Pina added two goals on 51st minute and 69th minute respectively.

Ahead of the last round of matches in Group B, Egypt have moved to second position with two points Ghana and Mozambique follow in order with one point each.

Cape Verde, six points, will take on Egypt while while Ghana who threw away their lead against Egypt on Thursday square it off with Mozambique and a win for any of the countries will secure their place in the next round with Cape Verde.

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