Stage 6 has produced an afternoon full of Attacks and endurance amongst the riders.

Fantastic cycling skills and skilful control characterized this particular stage culminating into an unforgettable heat from start to finish.

The speed on the road was "fire" and could be visibly seen on the legs of the riders. The weather was friendly and it gave two riders some respite midway the race.

Moroccan attacker Elkouraji Mohcine demonstrated pure power,pace and precision to protect his yellow Jersey .His team mates would have to be applauded for protecting their idol into maintaining that jersey.

Yet another Moroccan Adil El Arbaoui  provided the beauty on the day by securing second spot  with Russian pride Mamyr Stash placing third to finish, sweeping off the  intermediate sprints jersey.

The Burkinabes were also working hard to defend the *Green Jersey* but the North Africans were simply stubborn,giving the host nation tougher times in this stage.

Today's race covered a distance of 85.77km with 59 riders in attendance recording an average speed of 43.155kmh.

The crowd was simply amazing, supporting all riders by clapping,singing and taking snap shots amidst smiles.

Infact Burkina Faso is undoubtedly a cycling loving nation and I wouldn't be surprised it takes precedence over football.

In the under 23 category, Driss El Alouani from Morocco  took the Young Jersey with the combativity Jersey going to Soumaila llboudo from BurkinaFaso.

Ghana’s Emmanuel Sesi, continued with his sterling performance  getting him the 19th position .He was part of the first bunch that came to the finishing line.

The action continues on Thursday  with another hectic criterium  in 107km inside BOBO DIOULASSO.

Elizabeth Alhassan

Bobo Dioulasso

Mr. Bernard Acquah, Chief Information Officer (CIO) of MTN Ghana has advised parents to always observe what their children are watching, calling or playing with on the phone and educate them on the dangers of Cybersecurity to enable them exhibit good Cyber behaviours.

He highlighted the importance of Cybersecurity, noting that, “Cybersecurity is a fundamental aspect of living in the digital age. At MTN, we are dedicated to empowering our community with knowledge and tools for online safety.”

MTN, the leading telecom company in Ghana on Monday, October 28 organised a meeting at the MTN House at Ridge for the media practitioners to inform and educate them on Cybersecurity and related issues as part of activities to mark the Cybersecurity month,.

The Cybersecurity Awareness Month is under the theme “Living with Security.”

Mr. Bernard Acquah’s very educative and informative encounter was moderated by Mr. Koby Spiky Nkrumah of EIB Digital / CEO ctrl. IT.

The programme attracted journalists from online media, print, television, radio as well as bloggers and others joining by zoom.

A number of issues concerning how people use their mobile phone, computers and social media platforms such as Instagram, Whatsapp, Facebook, X, and Tiktok were discussed.

Mr. Acquah who has many experience in IT advised people to always put off their Wi Fi and blue tooth as well as other devises when not in use.

He cautioned people to guide and guard their identity always to be safe from hackers, giving example of letting out ID Card information and other personal documents.

He also advised users of devices to upgrade very often to block cyber attacks and not answer to every information that comes on the phone.

“You can never win a lottery that you have not stake, so be very careful about information or alerts that say you have won something” he expressed.

He urged people to use AI to learn and not for fraud.

“Don’t let your smart device outsmart you” Mr. Nkrumah warned.

The theme for the programme was Navigating the Digital World Safely: Awareness. Action, Assurance.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Epiphany Warriors came from a goal down to score two late goals to defeat Halifax Queens in their Malta Guinness Women's Premier League match day two encounter at Mexico Park in Tema.

The newly promoted side made it two wins from two games in the ongoing season. It was also the side's first-ever away win in the top flight.

Epiphany Warriors went into the fixture with confidence very high after picking up a matchday one win over Faith Ladies. Conversely, Halifax Queens were searching for their first win of the season.

The home side struck first in the 23rd minute through skipper Seidatu Wahab. The mercurial attacking midfielder gave her side a deserving lead with a beautifully executed finish from close range.

The second half started with the home side continuing with their dominance. The hosts created some decent chances but were denied by the Warriors' goalkeeper, Safiatu Salifu.

As the clock ticked, Epiphany Warriors' coach, Emmanuel Pentem, was forced to bring on lethal strikers Leticia Adjei and Faustina Tiwaa as they aimed to salvage a point from the game.

The gaffer's decision to bring on the two attackers paid off in a couple of minutes. Leticia Adjei will score to level the game in the 84th minute before Tiwaa grabbed the match-winner in the 90th minute to hand Epiphany Warriors a dramatic win.

The win ensured FC Epiphany picked up six points from their first two games since qualifying to the topflight. It was also the club's first-ever away win in their first away game.

Halifax Queens will be in search of their first league win of the season when they travel to Berry Ladies on match day three. Epiphany Warriors will travel to Ladystrikers as they look to continue with the impressive run.

Author -Michael Obeng

Former President of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF) Mr. George Lamptey was an International Technical Officer (ITO) at recent 2024 African Elite Men and Women Boxing Championship in Congo Kinshasa.

According to George Lamptey many African countries are taking part in international competitions and exposing their boxers and officials to new trends, techniques and strategies aside building relationships among the international boxing fraternity.

He noted that the Africa Elite Men and Women Boxing Championships which was held  from Saturday, October 19 at the Stade de Martyrs in Kinshasa, DR Congo till the finals on October 25 and 26 was very successful and a worthy experience.

He advised that the Ghana Boxing Federation must take advantage of such programmes to feed the boxers.

He called for sponsorship for the Ghana amateur boxing teams the Black Bombers. Black Hitters and Black Rockets as the only way out.

He stressed that the GBF must try to be involved in all activities of the African continental body.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The national beach soccer team, the Black Sharks have received a warm welcome from GFA President Kurt Okraku on their return from Beach Soccer AFCON 2024 in Egypt, where they placed 5th. Special recognition went to top scorer Alexander Adjei and goalkeeper Robert Nyadedzor for their performances.

The President praised the team, saying “We are proud of your achievements. Your hard work and determination have not gone unnoticed. This experience will serve as a valuable lesson for us moving forward.”

Chairman of the Ghana Beach Soccer Committee, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah has called for more investment in the team, especially organizing international friendly matches and motivating the players to give off their best.

He thanked the GFA for the support, and appealed to the Ministry of Youth and Sports as well as the media to give the team more encouragement and publicity.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

Since assuming office in March 2017, The Comptroller-General (CGI) Kwame Asuah Takyi (Esq.), has revolutionized the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) Sports Unit, transforming it into a powerhouse of athletic excellence.

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE GIS SPORTS UNIT FUND

A significant milestone under Takyi's leadership was the creation of the GIS Sports Unit Fund. This innovative initiative provides dedicated support for sports-related activities, empowering the unit to achieve unprecedented success.

INTRODUCTION OF BASKETBALL

The GIS Giants, the men's basketball team, was established under Takyi's tenure, expanding the service's sporting disciplines. The team's impressive performance in the Accra Basketball League and the African Basketball Festival demonstrates their potential.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

*Immigration Ladies FC*

The ladies team Secured sponsorship, acquired an apartment for civilians, and excelled in the Greater Accra Division One league.

*Immigration FC*

The Men's team crowned champions in the 2023/24 GARFA Division two leagues and qualified for the middle league play-offs. The team had also qualified to the  ongoing 2024/25 MTN FA round of 64 after a 2-0  away win over Dynamo FC at the Hospital Sports Stadium.

*Volleyball Team*

2017, Immigration Ladies Volleyball were League winners  and champions of champions winners.

In 2018 they played in West Africa Zone B tournament and were second  and in 2019 they won champions of champions trophy.

In just ended 2024 GAVA League, they put up outstanding performance in the  League finishing second behind Ghana Air Force volleyball team and also placed 2nd in the 2024 GAVA Top 8 Championship.

*Arm Wrestling Team*

 Won 12 medals at the 2023 African games.

*Tennis Team*

Won numerous medals.

HISTORY OF THE GIS SPORTS Unit

The Sports Unit of the Ghana Immigration Service begun with selected personnel of the Service and civilians engaging and competing in Sports activities on behalf of the Service at competitions and fun games.

It was not until the year 1998 that the Ghana Immigration Service recruited 10 professional athletes to go through paramilitary training. They were made up of sprinters, long distance runners and a javelin thrower. These athletes won many laurels and medals for the Service.

This moved management to form a Sports Unit to recruit new sports men who will compete in all the sports activities organized by the Ghana Sports Council and SESSA in 1995.

From ten sportsmen, the section can now boast of sportsmen (men/women) who compete in Volleyball, football, table tennis, athletics, Basketball and weightlifting.

CONCLUSION

Comptroller-General Lawyer Kwame Asuah Takyi's visionary leadership has transformed the GIS Sports Unit into a symbol of excellence. His commitment to sports development has inspired a new generation of athletes, fostering teamwork, discipline, and national pride.

Source Richard Achore

As part of activities to mark the Cybersecurity month, MTN, the leading telecom company in Ghana on Monday, October 28 organised a meeting at the MTN House at Ridge for the media practitioners to inform and educate them on Cybersecurity and related issues.

The Cybersecurity Awareness Month is under the theme “Living with Security.”

The speaker was Mr. Bernard Acquah, Chief Information Officer, with Mr. Koby Spiky Nkrumah of EIB Digital / CEO ctrl. IT, the moderator.

The programme attracted journalists in physical attendance and others joining by zoom.

A number of issues concerning how people use their mobile phone, computers and social media platforms were discussed.

Mr. Acquah who has many experience in IT advised people to always put off their wifi and blue tooth as well as other devises when not in use.

He cautioned people to guide and guard their identity always to be safe from hackers, giving example of letting out ID Card information and other personal documents.

He also advised users of devices to upgrade very often to block cyber attacks and not answer to every information that comes on the phone.

“You can never win a lottery that you have not stake, so be very careful about information or alerts that say you have won something” he expressed.

Mr. Acquah tasked parents to always observe what their children are watching or playing with on the phone and educate them on the dangers of Cybersecurity to enable them exhibit good Cyber behaviours.

He highlighted the importance of Cybersecurity, saying, “Cybersecurity is a fundamental aspect of living in the digital age. At MTN, we are dedicated to empowering our community with knowledge and tools for online safety.”

He urged people to use AI to learn and not for fraud.

There was an inscription of an MTN banner that read “don’t let your smart device outsmart you” which Mr. Nkrumah warned people to be always protective, and not even give devices to anyone as it is not safe but dangerous.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

All six representatives from Ghana at the IBA World Youth Boxing Championship were not able to reach the medal zone.

According to source close to the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF), the young boxers did well but when the results are called they are on the losing side.

At an instance, Coach Charles Quartey had to confront the officials to explain to him how and why his boxer lost after putting up a great performance.

The decisions of the referee and judges have caused many boxing experts to advise the GBF to quit the IBA and join World Boxing.

Coach Rashid Williams aka ‘Believer’ is one of the boxing experts in Ghana who thinks the IBA is full of cheats and the best way to go is to join the World Boxing.

He expressed that the IBA has been favouring some countries and boxers which does not ensure fair play and award the best boxers.

Ghana was represented by six Black Rockets, namely Francis Quartey, Desmond Pappoe, Levy Ankrah, Ebenezer Ankrah, Mathias Ashitey and George Dowuona.

Vice President of the GBF, Alhaji Dauda Fuseni said the young boxers were never disgraces as they did very well. He noted that they will keep on training and hope to attract some international competitions to expose them better.

“We are not giving up, we will keep them together and train harder, because they are all champions in their rights” he told Yours Truly.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

BGirl Courtnae Paul from South Africa and Bboy Smith from Benin were declared winners of the female and male categories respectively at the exciting 2024 edition of the Afro Break International Championship that took place in Accra, Ghana over the week end.

20 African countries were represented, including Bgirl Syssy from France who won the World Youth Championship held in China.

The Afrobreak International Africa Final 2024 was a real eye opener for many people to be aware of the sport which was staged for the first time at the Paris Olympic Games.

Before the finals the battle for the top eight was between Bgirl Sandrine, Yallmeetcruxy, Neeja Roberta, Bgirl Courtnae Paul, Bgirl Vibe, Bgirl Trisnaomi, Bgirl Change and B girl Vikz.

The battle for the boys was between Bboy Kidtribe, Bboy Nagi, Bboy Drift, Bboy Smoke, Bboy Youri, Bboy Smith, Harry.Aime, Bboy Ame, Bboyblesso, Bboy Beast, Extramoov, Delkrimoff, Omar Breakboyz, Bboy Secrets, Bboy Billowise and Bboy Babou.

After hot battles in the round of 16, round of eight, quarter finals, semi finals and grand finale, it was Bboy Smith who was given the nod by the judges.

The crowd who watched the show were very happy and hoped for more of the sport at other places in the capital.

Bboy Lyricx aka Nana Tufour Okai, President of the Breaking Federation of Ghana said many people are getting to know about Breaking as a sport and they need more sponsors to take the sport to a higher level. He noted that the schools and colleges have to get involved massively as there are many opportunities.

He thanked KGL Foundation, the Ghana Olympic Committee, the National Sports Authority and the French Embassy in Ghana for their support.

By Sammy Heywood Okine

The qualifiers for the 2024 Afrofit Fitness Competition comes off this Saturday, 2nd November 2024 at the Greystone Gym Dansoman in Accra.

According to Charles Owusu Ansah, President of the Functional Fitness Ghana Federation, those who qualify and are selected will take part in the finals at Aburi Gardens.and could become Mr &Ms Afrofit,

He said there are fantastic prizes to be won and the opportunity to earn a spot to compete in the Functional Sports Tournament National Championship.

He expressed that sports and fitness is life so everybody should get involved.

He said the people of Dansoman should count themselves very lucky to have the Greystone Gym, which has many facilities and equipment to train for fitness and good health.

By Sammy Heywood Okine