In a surprising turn of events, MultiChoice SuperSport has reversed its decision and will now broadcast all 52 matches of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) live. Just a week ago, SuperSport had sent shockwaves through the continent by announcing it wouldn’t be broadcasting the prestigious tournament scheduled for January 13th to February 11th, 2024, in Ivory Coast.
In a U-turn, MultiChoice, the parent company of SuperSport, secured the broadcasting rights in collaboration with New World TV (NWTV), ensuring that football fanatics across Africa can enjoy every electrifying moment of the tournament.
Rendani Ramovha, SuperSport CEO, expressed delight, stating, “We are delighted to be able to showcase the best of African football live to our viewers.” Nimonka Kolani, Managing Director of NWTV, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of bringing happiness to African fans during the continent’s premier football competition.
DStv and GOtv subscribers across Africa can now cheer for their favorite teams, and Ghanaian fans can also enjoy the action on free-to-air channels such as GTV, GTV Sports Plus, and pay television broadcaster Startimes. The reversal ensures that football enthusiasts will have access to comprehensive coverage of AFCON 2023, adding excitement and anticipation to the upcoming tournament.
As the much-anticipated TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 approaches, football enthusiasts are gearing up for a month-long spectacle of intense competition. Here’s everything you need to know about the 34th edition of Africa’s premier sporting event:
Hosts and Opening Match:
– Host Country: Côte d’Ivoire
– Opening Match: Côte d’Ivoire vs. Guinea-Bissau
– Date and Venue: Saturday, 13 January, Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.
Historic Context:
– Côte d’Ivoire is hosting the tournament for the first time since 1984.
Venue Overview:
– Matches will be held in six stadiums across five host cities: Abidjan, Bouake, Korogho, San Pedro, and Yamoussoukro.
Official Mascot:
– Named “Akwaba,” meaning “Welcome” in the Baoulé language.
– Represented by an elephant, Akwaba’s attire reflects Côte d’Ivoire’s home colors.
Official Match Ball:
– Named “Pokou” in honor of Ivorian football legend Laurent Pokou.
– Pokou achieved historic fame by scoring five goals in the 1970 tournament.
Official Song Celebration:
– The official song, “Akwaba,” features Yemi Alade, Mohamed Ramadan, and Ivorian band Magic System.
– A blend of afrobeat, rap, and zouglou captures the tournament’s musical essence.
Group Structure:
– 24 teams divided into six groups.
– Intriguing match-ups like Egypt vs. Ghana in Group B and Senegal vs. Cameroon in Group C.
Tournament Format:
– Top two teams in each group and the four best-ranked third-placed teams advance to the last 16.
– Followed by quarter-finals, semi-finals, a match for third place, and the grand finale.
Kick-off Times:
– Group stages feature at least two games each day at 14:00, 17:00, and 20:00 (all times GMT).
– Similar timings continue in the knockout stages starting on Saturday, 27 January.
Opening Weekend Highlights:
– Record seven-time champions Egypt vs. Mozambique in Group B.
– Defending champions Senegal kick off against The Gambia in Group C on Monday, 15 January.
Key Fixtures:
– Second Round: Commences on Saturday, 27 January, with intriguing matchups.
– Quarter-Finals: Friday, 2 February, featuring winners from the second round.
– Semi-Finals: Wednesday, 7 February, at Bouake and Alassane Ouattara Stadium.
– Third-Place Play-Off: Saturday, 10 February, at Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium.
– Grand Finale: Sunday, 11 February, at Alassane Ouattara Stadium.
Tournament Favorites:
– Senegal, the current champions, considered favorites despite key player movements.
– Other strong contenders include Morocco, Nigeria, Algeria, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Key Matches:
– Côte d’Ivoire vs. Nigeria: Group A clash on 18 January at Alassane Ouattara Stadium.
– Senegal vs. Cameroon: Group C heavyweight encounter on 20 January at Charles Konan Banny Stadium.
As the countdown to the kickoff continues, the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire 2023, promises a month-long celebration of African football excellence, filled with drama, brilliance, and unforgettable moments. Get ready for a footballing spectacle!
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has reaffirmed its decision to enforce a substantial 60% hike in transport fares, aligning with the introduction of the Emission Levy Bill effective January 2024.
The newly approved Emissions Levy Bill, sanctioned by Parliament, imposes an annual GH¢100 levy on all petrol and diesel vehicle owners starting this year. This legislation aims to incentivize the adoption of eco-friendly energy sources for vehicle fuel, in line with the government’s commitment to climate-conscious actions and carbon reduction initiatives.
In response, the GPRTU has lodged a petition with the Speaker of Parliament, urging a reevaluation of the Emission Levy Bill. Abbas Imoro, the union’s Public Relations Officer, voiced deep concerns over the added financial strain imposed by this levy, citing existing financial challenges within the union.
Imoro highlighted the substantial impact of the levy on drivers, emphasizing, “We are already paying for emissions, 10 pesewas for a liter. So you can imagine 10 pesewas multiplied by 4.5 for a gallon, multiplied by the several gallons you use in a day, times 26 working days in a month. You can imagine how much one driver pays for it.” He further explained the union’s appeal to Parliament to reconsider the levy’s implications.
Expressing the union’s stance, Imoro elucidated, “But we did indicate that if nothing is done or if nothing can be done about it, then, of course, we have other problems as well. We will organize ourselves and come out with an upward adjustment of lorry fares, not less than 60%.”
The GPRTU’s decision to raise transportation charges by sixty percent is a reflection of the union’s reaction to the financial strain that the Emission Levy Bill’s implementation has caused. The issue is still subject to Parliament’s review and any changes made to the law in response to the union’s petition.
In a shocking incident that unfolded on the eve of the New Year, tragedy struck in Abirem near Kenyasi in Kumasi as a 22-year-old mother of one, Madam Lydia Boatema, was fatally shot by an alleged fetish priest. The suspect, identified as Nana Kwarteng, also known as Sampson, claimed to be performing rituals for the gods at the time of the incident.
The horrifying event occurred around 1:30 a.m. on January 1, 2024, as Madam Lydia Boatema was returning from a New Year’s Eve Watchnight Service. She was traveling in a commercial tricycle, commonly known as ‘Pragya,’ when she was struck in the right side of her head by bullets fired from a single-barrelled gun allegedly wielded by Nana Kwarteng.
Tragically, Madam Lydia Boatema succumbed to her injuries, leaving behind a one-and-a-half-year-old daughter who miraculously survived the ordeal. The surviving toddler was promptly rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention. Currently, the child has undergone surgery to remove pellets lodged in her body, according to reliable sources.
Nana Kwarteng, the alleged perpetrator, admitted to the offense in his cautionary statement to the Kenyasi District Police Command following his arrest. He claimed to have been performing rituals for the gods when he fired multiple shots from the single-barrelled gun.
The Kenyasi District Police Command has assured the public that Nana Kwarteng will soon be arraigned to face charges related to the tragic shooting. The community mourns the loss of Madam Lydia Boatema, and the incident serves as a somber reminder of the unforeseen dangers that can accompany what should be a joyous occasion. Investigations into the motive behind the shooting are ongoing, and further details will be disclosed as the case unfolds.
In a recent holding statement, SuperSport Channel has officially declared that it will not be broadcasting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023, scheduled to take place from January 13th to February 11th, 2024. The channel cited the non-secured rights to broadcast the tournament as the primary reason for this decision.
Football enthusiasts need not be disheartened, however, as AFCON 2023 games will still be accessible through partner broadcast stations on Free-to-Air (FTA) channels. This strategic move ensures that fans will not miss out on the thrilling moments and competitive matches expected during the prestigious tournament.
Multichoice Africa, the parent company of SuperSport, reiterates its unwavering commitment to providing unparalleled access to entertainment and football games across the continent. While AFCON 2023 may not be part of their broadcast lineup, football fans can still enjoy a diverse range of football content on DStv and GOtv platforms. These platforms continue to showcase prominent leagues such as the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Zambian Super League, and many more of football’s most prestigious competitions.
In a message addressed to valued customers on social media, SuperSport Channel expressed regret over the inability to broadcast AFCON 2023 while assuring their dedication to offering an exceptional football-viewing experience through their established platforms.
As the countdown to AFCON 2023 begins, fans are encouraged to explore alternative viewing options on partner FTA channels and to stay tuned to DStv and GOtv for an extensive array of football content. The commitment to keeping football enthusiasts entertained remains at the forefront of Multichoice Africa’s mission. The statement concludes with a firm declaration of dedication to delivering quality football programming to fans across the continent.
In preparation for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Cote D’Ivoire 2023, the Ghanaian national football team, the Black Stars, commenced their nine-day training camp in Kumasi on January 2, 2024. The first day of training took place at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex in Abrankese.
The decision to relocate the training from the Baba Yara Sports Stadium to the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex was made after a meticulous inspection by the technical team, led by Chris Hughton. The move was prompted by the unfavorable condition of the pitch at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
A total of 24 players participated in the opening training session, showcasing their skills and dedication. Among them were notable names like Joseph Wollacott, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Alidu Seidu, Denis Odoi, Kingsley Schindler, Gideon Mensah, Abdul Fatawu Hamid, Nicholas Opoku, and Daniel Amartey.
The comprehensive list of players also included Salisu Mohammed, Alexander Djiku, Baba Iddrisu, Elisha Owusu, Abdul Samed Salis, Richmond Lamptey, Majeed Ashimeru, Andre Ayew, Ransford Yeboah Koningsdorffer, Osman Bukari, Joseph Painstil, Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo, and Jonathan Sowah.
In addition to the training regimen, the Black Stars are scheduled to engage in an international friendly against Namibia on Monday, January 8, 2024. This match will serve as a crucial tune-up ahead of the AFCON tournament.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Black Stars gear up for the prestigious tournament in Cote D’Ivoire.
South Africa – The South African Missions in Ghana are extending a reassuring hand to potential travelers, urging Ghanaians to embrace the forthcoming visa-waiver agreement with confidence. Deputy South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Thando Dalmba, emphasized that the country is safe for travel, even though it has witnessed xenophobic incidents in the past.
Dalmba highlighted that the South African police are diligently working to prevent the re-occurrence of such events, assuring that the visa-waiver agreement will soon become a reality. He stressed the importance of taking precautionary measures when traveling to any country and advised potential travelers to do the same when visiting South Africa.
While acknowledging that criminals can take advantage of situations in any country, he encouraged Ghanaians to travel in groups for added safety. He noted that the visa-waiver agreement is part of the African Union’s broader agenda to facilitate travel across the continent, making it easier for Africans to explore different regions.
The waiver agreement is open to all Ghanaians with a valid passport that has at least six months until expiry, along with a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Despite past xenophobic incidents and the recent kidnapping of a Ghanaian pastor, Dalmba’s message is clear: South Africa is safe, and with the right precautions, travelers can experience the beauty of the country worry-free.
In a startling turn of events at the Atsiamedukor Za festival in Dagbamate, Akatsi South District of the Volta Region, a festive celebration transformed into a harrowing incident. Nine individuals, one of them a mere six-month-old infant, found themselves injured due to an unfortunate mishap during the celebration.
The festival, an annual tradition celebrated by the Atsiame clan, part of the larger Avenor traditional area in the district, witnessed a tragic incident during the revelries. The victims, in the aftermath of a shooting mishap, were immediately transported to the Sacred Heart Hospital in Abor for vital medical treatment.
While the precise details of the incident are still emerging, local authorities and law enforcement agencies are diligently probing the circumstances that led to this grievous event.
The identity of the injured individuals remains undisclosed, yet they currently receive medical care and attention from the dedicated medical staff at the Sacred Heart Hospital. The injury sustained by a six-month-old infant has been especially disheartening for the community, underscoring the urgent need for a thorough investigation and swift justice in case of any wrongdoing.
The community and the organizers of the festival are grappling with the shock and distress caused by the sudden outburst of violence during their cherished cultural event. As the investigation proceeds, the community is anxious for answers and committed to preventing the recurrence of such tragic events at their future gatherings.
This regrettable incident underscores the importance of adhering to safety and security measures during public gatherings and festivals. It serves as a reminder that understanding and following these protocols is crucial in preventing similar unfortunate occurrences. The community, in collaboration with the authorities, will closely follow the progress of the investigation and continue to extend support to the injured and their families in this challenging period.
Making money online has become an increasingly popular option for those looking to supplement their income or even replace their 9-to-5 jobs. While there are plenty of ideas floating around about how to get rich quick, many of them are ineffective or even scams. However, there are legitimate ways to make money online, and they have been proven to work for thousands of people. In this blog post, we will explore four of the most viable methods for generating income online: dropshipping, print-on-demand, affiliate marketing, and YouTube.
Dropshipping: A Proven Business Model
Dropshipping is a type of business model where you sell products to customers, but the product is stored, packaged, and shipped to the customer on your behalf by the dealer. It is a legitimate way to make money online, with many successful entrepreneurs making significant profits through this method. By using the dropshipping functionality that Shopify provides, you can access thousands of products to add to your shop. Some dropshipping applications for Shopify even allow you to personalize your product photographs and descriptions, giving your business a unique touch.
Print-on-Demand: Lower Overhead Costs
Print-on-demand is another popular way to generate income online. It is similar to dropshipping in that the business owner does not need to maintain an inventory or send out shipments to clients. One advantage of print-on-demand is that you can design your own personalized items, which can help your business stand out. Many companies that provide print-on-demand services also sell products that can be easily printed, such as t-shirts, mugs, and tote bags. To make the most of your print-on-demand business, you can advertise and market your products for free on social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest.
Affiliate Marketing: A Risk-Free Endeavor
Affiliate marketing is a type of internet marketing where you receive a commission for referring customers to other businesses. You can earn a commission on retail items, software, applications, and other types of digital and physical goods. While the amount of money you earn through affiliate marketing may seem small, you can work as an affiliate for several companies and include several different affiliate links in a single blog article. To be successful with affiliate marketing, it is best to focus on content marketing and create high-quality blog articles that strategically place affiliate links.
YouTube: A Viable Option
Creating your own channel on YouTube can also be a legitimate way to make money online. There are many examples of YouTubers who have made a fortune by creating and sharing content on the platform. To be successful on YouTube, you need to create engaging and unique content that will attract subscribers and advertisers. You can monetize your YouTube channel through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
In conclusion, there are many legitimate ways to make money online. Dropshipping, print-on-demand, affiliate marketing, and YouTube are just a few examples of proven methods for generating income on the internet. While there is no shortcut to success, with hard work and dedication, anyone can achieve financial success through these methods.
Semenyo Shines as Ghana Clinches Victory at Baba Yara Stadium
The Baba Yara Stadium was filled with cheers as Antoine Semenyo scored a last-minute goal to give Ghana a 1-0 win over Angola at the AFCON 2023Q tournament. Bournemouth’s forward was the hero of the day, hitting a rebound after a late free-kick to secure the victory for the Black Stars.
Chris Hughton’s side, who took seven points from three games, now tops Group E, leaving Angola and Central African Republic both tied on four points each. The game had many chances, but it was Semenyo’s goal that stole the show.
Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus had several opportunities to score but missed the mark, while Angola’s goalkeeper, Neblu, saved his team from conceding. The Palancas Negras had to make an early substitution when Show was taken off due to an injury.
Despite dominating possession in the first half, the Black Stars couldn’t find the back of the net. The second half saw them struggle as well, but Semenyo’s heroics saved the day. The team will now prepare for their next fixture against Angola on Monday, March 27th.
Exciting times lie ahead for Ghana as they aim for glory at AFCON 2023Q. Keep cheering on the Black Stars!
Unique observer 24 