The board chairman of Accra Hearts of Oak, Togbe Afede XIV will officially open talks with David Duncan on Monday as they seek to find a replacement for the sacked, C.K Akunnor.

The Black Stars of Ghana have booked a date with Cape Verde in an international friendly match on November 13.

League leaders SC MedeamaÂ’s five-game unbeaten run in the ongoing premier league came to an end on Sunday after going down 1-0 to defending champions Asante Kotoko at the Tarkwa T and A park.

President John Mahama is promising the people of the Upper West Region massive road construction in all corners of the region if he wins the December election.

The NDC parliamentary candidate for Tema West Constituency Hon. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo has rekindled the hopes of his constituents by pledging to ensure a massive developmental growth under the influence of humility when voted into office come December 7 2012.

A campaigner for President John Mahama has expressed gratitude to students of the University of Ghana Legon for their maturity Visit Myjoyonline.com for latest news, breaking news, audio and feature stories in Ghana The Civil Service Council is expressing disappointment in the manner in which the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission is handling the strike declared by Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana, CLOGSAG.

The Humanist Association of Ghana will be hosting its first international conference on “West African Humanism in Action” from November 23rd to 25th November 2012 in Accra.

An Oncologist Consultant at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Verna Vanderpuje has strongly advocated that the state should provide free medical care for children suffering from cancer.

Twenty young entrepreneurs will this week be selected as final participants for this year’s edition of JOYBUSINESS’ entrepreneurial mentorship program –

I have been compelled to issue this statement for three main reasons: The first reason is to dispel the untruth put out by the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Akufo-Addo, at the recently held presidential debate in Tamale

A deputy Director of Communications for the opposition New Patriotic Party, Mr. Samuel Awuku has called on President John Dramani Mahama to come clean on the myriads of allegations of corruption hanging around his neck.

Takoradi, Nov 5, GNA - The people of the Western Region are waiting anxiously for tomorrow's Vice-Presidential Candidates debate slated for Takoradi ahead of this year's parliamentary and presidential elections on December 7, 2012.   The debate, being organised by the Institute of Economic Affair's (IEA), would afford the vice-presidential candidates for the four political parties that have representation in parliament the opportunity to espouse the policies and programmes of their various political parties.   The competing debaters are Paa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur, running-mate to President John Dramani Mahama of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Madam Cherita Sarpong, running-mate to Dr. Michael Abu Sakara of the Convention People's Party (CPP), Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, running-mate to Nana Akuffo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Madam Helen Sanorita Dzotugbe Matrevi, running-mate to Mr. Hassan Ayariga of the People's National Convention (PNC).   The event would offer them the platform to exhibit their knowledge on issues of national development and how to provide the needed support through partnering with their respective presidential candidates.   In addition, it would afford them the opportunity to point out the weaknesses in the policies and programmes of co-contestants and present alternatives to polices and plans.   When the Ghana News Agency visited Akroma Plaza Hotel in Takoradi, the venue for the event on Monday, preparation works were nearing completion.   The national colours – red, gold and green have been used to decorate the entrance of the hotel. The electronic media were also seen setting up their equipment in readiness to telecast live proceedings of the event.   At the hall for the event the lighting system were being put in place while the podium was beautifully draped with the national colours.   A resident of Takoradi Eric Ackon, believed the debate would be a race between the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) running-mate, Paa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur, who is currently the Vice-President, and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) running-mate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.   "I believe that the remaining two running-mates for the other two parties might not pose much threat to the NDC and NPP running-mates because we've not heard much about them since their nomination as vice-presidential candidates for their parties", he said.   Isaac Kingsley Mensah, the Western Regional Secretary of the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP), said he expected the debate to dwell mainly on the economy.   He said although the outcome of the debate might not necessarily change the minds of the electorate as to who to vote for, it would be a platform for the political parties to explain their policies and programmes for the state.   Mrs Esther Awortwe-Abban, a trader, said she would vote for a candidate that would give women empowerment a priority in the debate.   GNA...

Cape Coast, Nov. 5, GNA- Members of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) in Cape Coast have also joined their colleagues in the on-going nation-wide strike to press home their demand for payment of market premium following their migration onto the Single Spine Salary Structure.     A visit by the GNA on Monday at about 1200hrs to some of the civil service departments including the Controller and Accountant-General’s Office, Information Services Department and the Department of Community Development revealed that they were complying with the directive.      At the Departments of Information Services and Community Development the offices locked up with no staff in sight whilst staff of the Controller and Accountant General’s Office were at post but not working.     When the GNA called on the Central Regional Office of CLOGSAG to find out whether its members were paying heed to the directive, it was told the GNA that the Secretary had travelled to Accra for a meeting with the national executives but confirmed over the telephone that the strike action was being observed.       CLOGSAG declared an indefinite industrial action last Wednesday, October 31, to put pressure on Government following failure on the part of the Government and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to address outstanding issues with regard to the payment of market premium to its members.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 5, GNA – Wendy Sherman, United States Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, said Ghana has a proud history of conducting elections in Africa and the World and that Ghana was an example for other African countries to emulate.   She said the US would continue to work with countries that accentuate the intent to continue to work on the three pillars of Bilateral relationship which was economic growth and development, democracy and human rights and regional peace and security.   Under Secretary Sherman made this known at a press briefing in Nairobi, Kenya on Monday which was monitored through a telephone conference by the Ghana News Agency at the US Embassy in Accra.   She said the United States would continue to support countries that were advancing regional security and promoting strong democratic institutions.   Under Secretary Sherman will tour seven African countries which includes South Africa, Rwanda, Uganda, Somalia, Kenya, D.R. Congo   She is the highest ranking U.S. official to visit Somalia in more than twenty years, and her visit underscored the U.S. Government's commitment to Somalia's stabilization efforts.   Under Secretary Sherman urged the African leadership to continue to consolidate gains by helping local governance structures emerge through community dialogue and reconciliation.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 5, GNA – Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah on Monday made public his squad for the international friendly against Cape Verde on Tuesday, November 13 in Lisbon, Portugal.   The Black Stars trainer has handed debut call ups to Inter Milan midfielder Joseph Alfred Duncan and former Asante Kotoko defender, Awal Mohamed, now with South African side Maritzburg United in his 21-man squad.   The relatively unknown Duncan has tasted only four minutes of action for the star-studded Nerazzurri this season whilst centre back Awal has been consistent for the Premier Soccer League (PSL) outfit since joining them.   Nana Akwasi Asare of Dutch side FC Utrecht has been invited for the first time since the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.   Right back Samuel Inkoom makes a return into the team and so is striker Richmond Boakye Yiadom. Both players missed out on the second leg of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Malawi in Lilongwe last month.   Also rejoining the team is France-based Jonathan Mensah, who has recovered from an injury.   There is however no place for first choice goalie Adam Larsen Kwarasey with local shot stoppers, Fatau Dauda (Ashantigold) and Daniel Agyei (Liberty Professionals) being called up.   Another omission is midfielder Rabiu Mohamed who plays for French side Evian Thonon Gaillard who gave a good account of himself in the game in Lilongwe.   According to the Ghana Football Association (GFA), the encounter, a warm-up for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations will take place at the University of Lisbon Sports Stadium.   Cape Verde, nicknamed Blue Sharks will be making their debut appearance at the continental showpiece event.   The Stars are housed in Group B alongside Mali, Niger and DR Congo.   Full squad;   Goalkeepers: Fatau Dauda (AshantiGold, Ghana) and Daniel Adjei (Liberty Professionals, Ghana)   Defenders: Samuel Inkoom (Dnipro, Ukraine), John Paintsil (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel), Kissi Boateng (Berekum Chelsea, Ghana), Nana Kwasi Asare (Utrecht, Holland), Jonathan Mensah (Evian Thonon Gaillard, France), Awal Mohammed (Maritzburg United, South Africa), Jerry Akamenko (Eskisehirspor, Turkey), David Addy (Vitoria Guimaraes, Portugal)   Midfielders: Joseph Duncan (Inter Milan, Italy) Derek Boateng (Dnipro, Ukraine), Solomon Asante (Berekum Chelsea, Ghana), Albert Adomah (Bristol City, England), Mubarak Wakasu (RCD Espanyol, Spain), Edwin Gyimah (SuperSport United, South Africa), Anthony Annan (Osasuna, Spain) and Christian Atsu (Porto, Portugal)   Strikers: Abdul Majeed Warris (Hacken, Sweden), Richmond Boakye Yiadom (Sassuolo, Italy) and Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain, UAE).   GNA...

Ziope (V/R), Nov. 05, GNA - Farmers who won awards at the Agotime-Ziope District Farmers’ Day celebration have received support from the Assembly to build houses.        The farmers received between 15 and 30 bags of cement each, apart from other items and would be monitored and given other technical assistance to put up residential accommodations for themselves and for rent.       Mr Michael Kobla Adzaho, the District Chief Executive, said this at a durbar to mark day at Ziope.         He said the initiative was to increase the housing stock in the district and make it a preferred destination for nurses, teachers and other public servants.       “We will help the farmers to rent part of these houses out to nurses, teachers and other public servants to raise some money,” Mr Adzaho said.      He said it was unfortunate that irrespective of farmers’ huge contributions to nation building, many continued to live under poor conditions and expressed the hope that the initiative would help improve their living standards. Mr Adzaho commended the youth in the district for embracing farming and said this had reduced youth unemployment in the area.      “I am particularly happy about our youth who are now doing serious farming. Some even walk several miles to fetch water to irrigate their crops. It is very inspiring,” he said.       Mr Adzaho assured the people that the government would soon construct a dam at Ziope to meet water needs of farmers across the seasons in the area.      He advised them to form farmer-based groups so they could access loans to increase their yields.      Ten 10 farmers were awarded with Mr. Mathias Dzebu, 37, emerging as the District Best Farmer.        He farmed groundnut, cassava, yam, cocoyam, tomatoes, garden egg, pepper, sweet potato, plantain and palm oil.       Mr Dzebu also has fowls, guinea fowls, sheep and goats.       He received 30 bags of cement, a bicycle, a pair of Wellington boots, four cutlasses and a half piece of cloth.       Mr Dzebu told the GNA that the challenges facing farmers in the District were bad roads and the absence of a dam to irrigate crops.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 5, GNA – The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has organized a two-day capacity–building workshop for aspiring members of Parliament as part of the Centre’s contribution towards promoting policy issues in the 2012 election campaign.   The workshop, which was organised in collaboration with the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO) with support from the Open Society Initiative for West Africa, (OSIWA) ran concurrently in Kumasi and Koforidua.   According to a CDD-Ghana statement to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Monday signed by Ms Theodore Dzeble, Public Affairs Officer of CDD, Ghana, said the workshop was attended by aspiring parliamentary candidates and Members of Parliament from different political parties from selected constituencies across the country.   According to the statement the parliamentary aspirants were taken through interactive sessions on the economy, the role of a Member of Parliament, issues on Gender, the disability law and its compliance, and effective communication skills.   The statement said the Centre would organize debates for parliamentary aspirants in 30 selected constituencies as part of efforts to promote policy issues in the 2012 election campaign and to provide opportunities for the electorate to make informed choices in the December elections.   GNA...

Kwabenakwa (Ash), Nov 5, GNA- Thirty farmers including farmer- based organizations, educational institutions and agriculture extension agents were honoured at this year’s Obuasi Municipal Farmer’s day held at Kwabenakwa near Obuasi.   Mr Micheal Kwasi Anokye, 55, was adjudged the best farmer and for his prize AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi mine would install a corn mill for him.   He also took home a spraying machine, Wellington boots, cutlasses and bars of key soap.   Mr. Lawrence Nana Bondah Obeng, the assembly member for Anyinam who was the first runner, was given a motor bike, Wellington boots, cutlasses, spraying machine and bars of key soap.   The second runner- up prize went to Mr. Emmanuel Sosu,  had a double- decker fridge, standing fan, spraying machine, Wellington boots and bars of key soap.   Addressing the farmers the Municipal Chief Executive, John Alexander Ackon, announced that the government, through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) subsidized over 4000 bags of fertilizer to farmers in the municipality.   GNA...

Accra, Nov. 5, GNA - The Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee on Monday signed an agreement with INTERPOL, the world’s largest international police organization, to create a group of major sporting event security experts to ensure the safety and security of 2022 FIFA World Cup.   A statement from the Organising Committee copied to GNA Sports said that at a ceremony at INTERPOL’s General Assembly in Rome, the Chairman of Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee’s Security Committee, Sheikh Abdulla bin Nasser Al Thani, met with Ronald K. Noble, Secretary General of INTERPOL, to sanction terms of the agreement that will see the security organisation provide a permanent Chairperson and Vice Chairperson to assist the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee in its planning.   It said the INTERPOL group of major event security experts will bring together specialized law enforcement professionals and security experts from all regions of the world to offer assistance and consultation to the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee on security strategy, framework and practices throughout Qatar to help ensure that the safety and security of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.   The former Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the London Metropolitan Police Service, Janet Williams, who led and oversaw policing protective security planning for the 2012 London Olympic Games, will chair the new Group.   Sheikh Al Thani said: “We recognize that hosting the FIFA World Cup, one of the world’s largest international sporting events, will entail a wide variety of challenges. By working with INTERPOL and its network of 190 member countries, the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee will be able to draw on a pool of expertise from around the world on how best to host a successful and safe tournament while adhering to the highest international standards.   “Together we are committed to identifying further areas of cooperation in which INTERPOL’s global tools and international law enforcement networks can further support our national and regional security. The Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee looks forward to close collaboration on other strategic initiatives,” he added.   The Group’s scope of work will also extend to providing advice, guidance and robust training to Qatar's Ministry of Interior in preparing for the security for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, in addition to developing strategic partnerships with international and national partners to help promote security and ensure compliance with major event security standards and best practices.   INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble said that Qatar’s support for the initiative demonstrated its commitment to ensuring the highest standards in event security.   “The Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee has shown great leadership in the area of security for its country, its people and the millions of football fans who will visit the region during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and we are delighted that they share INTERPOL’s vision for a safer world.   “INTERPOL’s group of experts and its General Secretariat will work closely with the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee, the Ministry of the Interior and our National Central Bureau in Doha during the next ten years as part of a fully collaborative approach to prepare and implement the necessary security framework and practices.   “Already the world leader in international police information exchange, the creation of this group of experts will see INTERPOL become the reference point for all security elements linked to hosting a major event, sporting or otherwise,” concluded the INTERPOL Chief.   Qatar will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the first ever in the Middle East.   GNA...

Accra, Nov 4, GNA - Black Stars' Andre Ayew has been short listed among ten players to compete for this year's Confederation of African Football (CAF) Player of the Year award scheduled for Accra next month.           Ayew emerged the only Ghanaian in the shortlist expected to be pruned to three before the 2012 edition of the plum event that celebrate the continents best performer for the year under review.       Other Black Stars players, Emmanuel Agyeman Badu and Kwadwo Asamoah who made the initial 34 could not advance according a communiqué from CAF.        The CAF technical and the media committees select players for the annual event formerly won by the ‘maestro’, Abedi Pele.         This is the second time Ayew has come this far having placed third behind Seydou Keita and Yaya Toure at the last edition also held in Accra last year.         The 10 nominees include Didier Drogba (Cote d’Ivoire), Alexander Song (Cameroon), Demba Ba (Senegal), Gervais Lombe Yao Kouassi (Cote d’Ivoire), John Obi Mikel (Nigeria), Younes Belhanda (Morocco), Christopher Katongo (Zambia) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon).       The list, according to CAF will be passed on to head coaches and technical directors of the affiliated National Associations to cast their votes for the first three.       The top three would be announce in the last week of November before the final announcement of the winner at the event billed for December 20 in Accra.        In other categories, trio, Emmanuel Clottey, Harrison Afful, Solomon Asante  all missed out on the shortlist for the Player of the Year (based in Africa) award.       Other awards to be contested for on the night are National Team of the Year, Women’s Footballer of the Year,  Women’s National Team of the Year, Club of the Year,  Most Promising Talent of the Year, Coach of the Year, Referee of the Year,  Legend Award, Fair Play Award, Platinum Award and Africa Finest XI.   GNA...